Join us for a flavorful and art-filled journey through Sicily exclusively for Karen's subscriber lists!

During the week we will weave together culture, cuisine, and creativity at every step. Spend your first two nights in Palermo, exploring its historic streets, lively markets, and rich layers of history. From there, we settle into five inspiring nights in Ragusa, a hilltop Baroque gem that offers the perfect backdrop for slowing down and sinking into the rhythms of Sicilian life. Lastly, we conclude with a convenient group transfer to the Catania airport for an easy departure.

Throughout the week, you’ll enjoy generous tastings of regional food and wine, meet locals, and experience the island’s landscapes and architecture up close. Along the way, artist Karen Stamper will guide you in creative collage travel journaling—capturing textures, colors, and impressions that turn your Sicilian adventure into a personal work of art.

Ready to explore Sicily and journal with Karen? Spaces are limited.

• Karen Stamper collage travel journal program 

• Two nights at our 4-star, centrally located hotel in Palermo’s historic center

• Five nights at our 4-star property centrally located in Ragusa Ibla’s historic center

• Buffet breakfast daily

• Welcome lunch and farewell dinner

• Private market and food tour in Palermo

• Gelato!

• Visit the breathtaking Monreale Cathedral

• Admission to the historic Villa Romana del Casale

• Leisurely explore Ragusa, Ragusa Ibla, and Modica

• Chocolate tasting in Modica

• Visit an olive oil press with tasting

• Visit a cheesemaker with tasting 

• Walk through the Sicilian countryside with a local guide

• Departure transfer from Ragusa to Catania airport

• All transfers per the itinerary

• Daily customized itineraries

• Your English speaking hosts

• Fully hosted and escorted

• All hotel taxes and service fees

This afternoon, we’ll gather at our hotel in the historic center for a relaxed introduction and orientation meeting to ease into the week ahead. From there, we’ll head out on a short neighborhood walk to get acquainted with the surrounding streets, landmarks, and local rhythms. For those still feeling energized after travel, we’ll end the day with an optional, convivial aperitivo—a chance to unwind together and toast the start of our Sicilian adventure.

In the morning, you’ll dive into one of Palermo’s historic markets with a local guide and chef. Taste your way through the city’s vibrant food culture as you explore its lively stalls and stories. After a midday break—and a chance to pick up your sketchbook—we’ll head to the hilltop town of Monreale. There, you’ll visit its breathtaking cathedral before settling in for an art session with Karen, inspired by golden mosaics and sweeping views.

This morning, a private minibus will take us into the Sicilian countryside for a visit to the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale. Surrounded by its famous mosaics, Karen will lead a creative class inspired by the villa’s vibrant colors and ancient stories. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a delicious group lunch at one of our favorite agriturismos, savoring regional dishes in a relaxed, rustic setting.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Ragusa, where we’ll settle into our hotel and get comfortable for a five‑night stay in this beautiful Baroque town.

Today we stay close to home, giving you time to enjoy the charm and gentle pace of Ragusa Ibla. We’ll begin with a leisurely guided stroll through the neighborhood’s winding lanes and sunlit piazzas, taking in its Baroque details and everyday rhythms. The rest of the day offers plenty of space to relax, explore at your own pace, and settle into your art practice. Karen will be teaching, offering inspiration and guidance as you capture the textures, colors, and atmosphere of this beautiful hilltop town.

Today we travel to Modica, a Baroque town known for its dramatic hillsides, elegant architecture, and centuries‑old chocolate tradition. We’ll explore its charming streets before enjoying a tasting of Modica’s famous chocolate—made using techniques that date back to the Spanish and Aztec worlds.

Afterward, Karen will lead a creative class inspired by the town’s textures, colors, and layered history. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Ragusa Ibla, carrying a little extra sweetness—and plenty of artistic inspiration—with us.

Today we venture into the Sicilian countryside for a beautiful guided walk to the Necropolis of Pantalica, a remarkable archaeological site set among quiet valleys and limestone cliffs. Your local guide will bring the landscape and its ancient history to life as we explore this peaceful, UNESCO‑listed area.

From there, we continue to the nearby town of Sortino for a visit to an olive oil press in full production. You’ll see how Sicily’s celebrated olive oil is made and enjoy a tasting of the season’s freshest, most fragrant oils.

In the afternoon, we return to the hotel for class with Karen, giving you time to translate the day’s textures, colors, and impressions into your artwork.

Today we stay close to home, beginning with a leisurely stroll from our hotel up to Ragusa Superiore. As we wander through cobbled stairways and take in the sweeping panoramas, Karen will lead a class inspired by the textures, viewpoints, and layered architecture that define this beautiful hilltop town.

The afternoon offers time to relax, explore, or continue working in your journals at your own pace. In the evening, we’ll come together for a festive farewell dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. There, you'll share your travel journals, enjoying local, seasonal specialties and celebrating the week we’ve shared in Sicily.

This morning, we’ll depart as a group for the Catania Airport. There, we’ll share our final arrivederci and heartfelt goodbyes—until our next adventure together.