Upon arrival at Catania International Airport, you will be met and transferred by private minibus to the heart of the Sicilian countryside.

Your home for the next few days is Stacci Rural Resort, an enchanting haven right in the heart of the Val di Noto, created from a lovingly restored historic farmhouse.

Each space within the ancient masseria has been given new life, now offering a warm and authentic retreat where the timeless charm of Sicilian tradition lingers in the air.

In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at the masseria, where you will savor seasonal dishes inspired by the region’s rich culinary heritage and prepared according to the estate’s own farm-to-table philosophy.

After breakfast at the masseria, enjoy a morning dedicated to creativity and tranquility: from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, take part in your first Sicilian painting workshop set in the serene embrace of the Val di Noto countryside.

Surrounded by the vibrant colors and gentle landscapes of the region, you’ll find inspiration in every brushstroke! A light lunch follows at the masseria, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the flavors of the land.

In the early afternoon, transfer to Noto, a jewel of Sicilian Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With an expert local guide, you’ll explore the town’s extraordinary historic center.

Dinner awaits in a charming traditional taverna in the heart of Noto. Return to the masseria for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast at the masseria, set out for Siracusa, a city with ancient Greek roots, located by the sea and steeped in history and irresistible Mediterranean charm.

From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, take part in an en plein air painting session—with the possibility of painting within an archaeological site*. This is a rare opportunity to translate the soul of Siracusa onto canvas, inspired by its timeless beauty. Enjoy a light lunch in a traditional osteria in the historic center, savoring the authentic flavors of Sicilian cuisine. 

In the early afternoon, discover Siracusa through a guided tour, exploring the treasures of Ortigia Island. At 5:30 PM, embark on an exclusive two-hour sunset boat tour—a serene and magical experience enhanced by a plentiful aperitivo on board, as the sun casts golden light across the Ionian Sea.

Return to the masseria in the evening for overnight accommodation.

Buona notte!

*to be confirmed

After breakfast at the masseria, the morning is devoted to nurturing your creativity: from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, enjoy a painting workshop set amidst the tranquility and inspiration of the Sicilian countryside. A fresh, seasonal light lunch will be served at the masseria.

In the early afternoon, transfer to Ragusa Ibla, a captivating Baroque hilltop town. Accompanied by your expert guide, spend 2–3 hours wandering its charming cobblestone lanes, elegant piazzas, and exquisite architectural gems. Highlights include the Basilica of San Giorgio, a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, and Palazzo Cosentini, renowned for its intricately sculpted balconies adorned with mythical figures. A special visit awaits at the historic Cinabro Carrettieri workshop, active since 1860, where artisans continue the vibrant tradition of hand-painting the island’s iconic Sicilian carts (carretti siciliani).

Conclude the day with dinner in a traditional restaurant before returning to the masseria for overnight accommodation.

After breakfast at the masseria, the morning is dedicated to a painting workshop from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. A light lunch will be served at the masseria. 

In the early afternoon, depart for a prestigious local Winery, located near Noto in the heart of the Nero d’Avola wine region. Your experience begins at 3:30 PM with a stroll through the sun-drenched vineyards and a visit to the winery housed within a traditional Sicilian baglio. The tour concludes with a tasting of four select wines, each paired with typical products from the estate and region, complemented by their own extra virgin olive oil.

Around 5:00 PM, continue to the charming fishing village of Marzamemi. Enjoy free time to wander through its quaint streets, browse artisan shops, and admire the historic tonnara (tuna processing house).

Dinner will be served in a traditional seaside restaurant. Return to the masseria in the evening for overnight accommodation.

Start the day with an inspiring painting session led by Dru and Silvia at the Masseria, followed by a light and refreshing lunch.

In the early afternoon, depart for Modica, a UNESCO World Heritage Baroque gem nestled between two valleys. Known for its graceful architecture and world-famous chocolate, Modica enchants with its atmospheric lanes, ornate churches, and stately palaces. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center. 

At 5:00 PM, visit Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, Modica’s oldest chocolate shop, in operation since 1880. Here you’ll uncover the secrets of their traditional “bean-to-bar” method, a craft rooted in ancient Mesoamerican techniques. The visit concludes with a tasting of Modica’s celebrated artisanal IGP chocolate—an authentic symbol of the city.

Dinner will be served in a traditional osteria in the heart of Modica. 

Start the day with a creative painting session at the Masseria, followed by a light and refreshing lunch.

In the afternoon, transfer to a local, charming countryside farm for a hands-on Sicilian cooking class with the delightful Nonna Ninetta. Your Sicilian Nonna will guide you through the preparation of three traditional Sicilian street food specialties. Guests are invited to take part in every step, from shaping the dough to adding the finishing touches, before each dish is cooked on the spot.

Nonna Ninetta will share her recipes and stories in Sicilian and Italian, while a team member will provide step-by-step explanations in English. The tour concludes with a final dinner featuring the dishes you’ve prepared! 

Raise a glass to new friendships and the success of this unforgettable Blair Center for the Arts Painting Retreat before returning to the Masseria for your last night in Sicilia!

After breakfast at the masseria, check out and enjoy a private transfer to Catania International Airport for your onward journey, taking with you the memories, colors, and flavors of an unforgettable Sicilian experience.

If time allows, you should consider spending one or two nights in Catania or in surrounding destinations, enjoying its history, authentic lifestyle, and memorable views over the Etna.

You just started to unpack this magical island: between Palermo, Cefalù, the Eolian Islands, Agrigento, and the many iconic gems of Sicily, there is so much more to explore! Let us know if you’re extending your stay in the land of Trinacria—I for Italia will gladly assist with your travel plans.

Arrivederci in Sicilia!

On departure day, please note that we guarantee one transfer back to Catania for the whole group. The departure time follows breakfast, generally between 9 and 10 AM. If you need to get to Bari earlier than that, we can arrange a private transfer for you at an extra cost.