A Sicilian Italian Art Retreat - Tour Introduction

TOUR CONCEPT 

This retreat is designed for artists and painting enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of Sicily, Southern Italy. Our mission is to provide a unique artistic experience where participants can draw inspiration from some of the region’s most authentic and captivating locations. For this retreat, we chose the Val di Noto for its baroque towns, fascinating history, and authenticity. The area offers landscapes that change dramatically, and a peaceful, slower vibe that perfectly matches and stimulates creativity.

Instead of a hurried itinerary, this retreat promotes a slower, more immersive experience, allowing ample time for painting sessions in stunning settings. You’ll have the opportunity to paint in picturesque spots, whether it’s a tranquil village square or a serene coastal view.

In addition to painting, the retreat will feature cooking classes, vineyard visits, and exclusive access to carefully picked, authentic experiences. Get creative and learn new painting skills while exploring hidden gems that embody Sicily’s rich traditions and artisanal craftsmanship.

WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?

This retreat is ideal for:

• Artists and painting lovers seek to capture the beauty of Italy in their work.

• Travelers in search of an authentic and creative experience in one of Italy’s most charming regions.

• Anyone looking for a peaceful and inspiring environment to nurture their passion for art.

WHO IS THIS RETREAT NOT FOR?

This retreat may not be suitable for:

• Children.

• Travelers who prefer fast-paced itineraries.

• Those seeking traditional tourist spots instead of hidden, authentic locations.

• Individuals who may have difficulty walking through village streets and countryside areas.

STYLE & LEVEL

• Accommodation: A stunning, traditional, beautifully restored Sicilian farmhouse.

• Transportation: High-quality private transport (Minibus throughout the retreat).

• Experiences: Focus on art, culture, and personal connections.

GROUP SIZE

Up to 16 guests + 2 Retreat Leaders 

USEFUL INFORMATION BEFORE BOOKING

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION*

Please remember that when booking flights, you must consider that your arrival day will be the following day, since flights from the US to Italy are always overnight. Therefore, to reach Italy on September 21st, you must fly out of the US on September 20th.

We recommend flying into and out of the Catania International Airport from the US.

Starting last year, Delta began offering direct flights from New York JFK to Catania. The fastest and easiest way to reach Catania is therefore by a direct flight from New York.

Other flight itineraries will likely include a layover at one of Italy's main airports before boarding a domestic flight to Catania. If you are considering spending a few days in Italy before the retreat, we recommend flying into Italy's main international airports (Milan or Rome). From there, you can take a local flight to Catania with one of the many regional airlines, such as ITA Airways or Aeroitalia.

*Please note that the departure will not be confirmed until we register at least eight sign-ups. Therefore, we don't recommend booking flights before the retreat is confirmed. We will let you know by email as soon as we have eight or more participants.

On departure day, please note that we guarantee one transfer back to Bari 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.

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Please put down your deposit today to secure your spot

• Spots are limited to 16

• Please don't book your flights until the tour is confirmed. We will send you a notice as soon as we have received a minimum number of deposits (8)

• Our Sicilian Painting Retreat allows you to pick between a spot in a double room or in a twin room. If traveling by yourself, you will be randomly paired with someone of the same sex and will not be required to pay any extra

• Our Sicilian Painting Retreat allows up to 3 travelers to upgrade to a Double Room for single use throughout the retreat. The extra cost to upgrade to a Single Room is 900 Euros. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

We require a first, non-refundable deposit of 650€ to confirm the traveler’s participation in the tour. The deposit is transferable.

We require a first payment 120 days before departure, and a final payment approximately one month before departure. In case of tour cancellation, the following policies apply:

From the day of booking up to 120 days before departure, I for Italia, retain the non-refundable deposit.

• Between 120 and 60 days before departure: 30% of the tour price.

• Between 59 and 30 days before departure: 75% of the tour price.

• From 29 days before departure to the date of departure, or failing to arrive at the point of departure of the tour: 100% of the tour price.

For any questions or information, please email us at stefano@iforitalia.com. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE

At I for Italia, your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. For this reason, we require all travelers to carry travel insurance that meets the following minimum coverage:

• Emergency Accident & Sickness Medical Coverage: At least 50,000 USD for emergency medical expenses

• Emergency evacuation & repatriation: At least 100,000 USD

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment: At least 25,000 USD

• Travel dates covered: From your departure from home until your return

We strongly recommend that your policy also include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption

• Baggage loss or delay

• Travel delay

• Personal liability

I for Italia has a partnership with Red Point. We recommend their Harbor travel and medical insurance policy, as it would provide you with peace of mind in case anything were to happen to you while visiting Italy. Please click here to obtain a quote from Red Point Harbor.

While we have a partnership with Red Point, you're not required to purchase travel insurance through them. Please do your research and buy a policy that satisfies you. We accept travel insurance from any provider, provided we have the policy number, the company’s 24-hour emergency contact number, and confirmation of the minimum coverage specified above. Proof of coverage must be provided before your trip begins. If travelers do not have travel insurance, they may be prevented from joining the trip.

In 2020, Silvia Belviso and Dru Blair established the Blair Center for the Arts, bringing their extensive artistic expertise to the Charleston community. Silvia, an internationally renowned Italian painter, moved from Southern Italy to Charleston in January 2020. Her work, inspired by ocean scenes and ranging from realism to impressionism, is displayed in prestigious local galleries like Dale Gallery and Sandpiper Gallery. Dru, initially pursuing a career in medicine, discovered his passion for art during his senior year at Furman University. After earning a master’s degree in Fine Art and working as a commercial illustrator, he founded the Blair School of Realism in 1997. Dru has traveled the world as a guest instructor, sharing his knowledge of photorealistic painting techniques. Together, Silvia and Dru offer a wide range of art classes at Blair Center for the Arts, nurturing creativity and skills in students of all ages and levels.

- Experience the authentic heart of Sicily, with its stunning rural landscapes, world-renowned baroque villages, coastal landscapes, and Greek ruins.

- Stay in a historic, restored farmhouse in the region, offering a perfect blend of comfort, authenticity, and tradition.

- Immerse yourself in local culture with a range of unique and memorable experiences.

Italy, with 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is famed for its history, art, landscapes, and cuisine. Beyond the familiar lies authentic Italy—welcome to Sicilia, welcome to Val di Noto!

Join us for an 8-day journey through this radiant corner of southeastern Sicily, where golden baroque towns rise from sun-drenched hills and the scent of citrus fills the air. Explore Sicilian Baroque gems such as Modica, Ragusa, and Noto. Explore the ancient city of Siracusa and visit a local winery.

Discover the essence of Sicily, an island with the most fascinating cultural contamination.

Andiamo!

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.