Mixed Media Art Workshop in Sicily, Italy
Experience Sicily with teaching artist Mary Beth Shaw on our travel journal-based workshop
Dates: April 13-21, 2027
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Start: Palermo, Sicily
End: Catania, Sicily
Visit: Palermo, Monreale, Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli, Sortino
Cost: $4295 double / $4995 single occupancy
All prices in US dollars, land only.
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Sicily, Italy
Experience springtime creativity on an inspiring art workshop in Sicily with mixed‑media artist Mary Beth Shaw. Spend three nights in vibrant Palermo, then settle into the baroque beauty of Ragusa Ibla for five days of art‑making, gentle walks, and Sicilian flavors. With Mary Beth’s guidance, you’ll capture the island’s colors, textures, and rhythms while exploring unforgettable destinations. The journey concludes with a group transfer to Catania Airport, sketchbooks full and spirits renewed.
I love Mary Beth’s teaching style! She invites, informs, and inspires. I loved that she worked right along with us. Mary Beth helped us see the world and respond to it in new ways. It was wonderful how our projects all reflected each person’s individual experience. Show and Share night was amazing.
Mary Beth Shaw Mixed Media Travel Journal Gallery
Overview
Art Workshop in Sicily, Italy
On this 8-night mixed media art workshop in Sicily you will be immersed in equal parts travel and art program.
Art Program
Each day, Mary Beth Shaw leads a mixed‑media art journal session inspired by the places you’ve explored and the moments you’ve shared. Using intuitive prompts, layered techniques, and found elements from your travels, she helps you translate Sicily’s colors, textures, and atmosphere onto the page. Whether you’re sketching impressions from Palermo’s markets or capturing the quiet beauty of Ragusa Ibla, Mary Beth encourages playful experimentation and personal expression. By the end of the journey, you’ll have a richly layered journal that reflects both your creative growth and the spirit of Sicily
Touring
Your Art Walk adventure weaves together Sicily’s culture, landscapes, and flavors. In Palermo, enjoy three memorable nights featuring a festive welcome dinner, a guided market walk with a local chef, and an inspiring visit to Monreale and its magnificent cathedral.
From there, travel south to Ragusa Ibla, stopping en route at the extraordinary Villa Romana del Casale, famed for its ancient mosaics. During your days in Ragusa Ibla, we will also explore the nearby villages of Modica, Scicli, Sortino and Ragusa Superiore. Along the way you’ll sample artisan chocolate and local olive oil, and take a gentle countryside walk that reveals the quiet mystery of the Necropolis of Pentalica.
Throughout the journey, you’ll travel by public bus, private mini‑buses, and vans—immersed in Sicily’s rhythm, one step at a time.
What You’ll Love
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Italy
1. Small group classes
With no more than 14 guests, expect a friendly intimate feel and quality time during art classes
2. Movable Studio
Develop skills and techniques to use whenever you travel. Specifically, learn to pack light and create as you go.
3. Capture Your Experience
Your sketchbook will evolve into a personal travel journal filled with memories to last a lifetime.
4. Planning with Care
We take care of the details. You enjoy your vacation!
Inclusions
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Sicily, Italy
- Mary Beth Shaw mixed media travel journal program
- Daily customized itineraries to explore Palermo and Ragusa Ibla
- Three 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
- Visit a historic flea market in Palermo
- Gelato! Aperitivo!
- Visit the breathtaking Monreale Cathedral
- Admission to the historic Villa Romana del Casale
- Leisurely explore Ragusa, Ragusa Ibla, Sortino, Scicli, and Modica
- Chocolate tasting in Modica
- Visit an olive oil press 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
Example Itinerary
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Sicily, Italy
Actual daily schedules may differ.
Day 1
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.Mixed media art workshop in Sicily
Day 2
In the morning, we will visit Palermo’s historic flea market, a lively maze of antiques, curiosities, and everyday treasures that reveal the city’s eclectic spirit. Browse at your own pace, soak in the atmosphere, and let the colors and textures spark your imagination. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to begin your creative journey with a first art class led by Mary Beth Shaw. Later, a festive welcome feast celebrates the bold flavors of Sicily.
Day 3
To start the day, we’ll visit the nearby hilltop town of Monreale to admire its dazzling cathedral mosaics and peaceful cloisters. There you will have time to take in the serene atmosphere at your own pace. After returning to Palermo, we’ll take a relaxed break for lunch. Later in the afternoon, an art class with Mary Beth will draw on your Palermo experiences, helping you build new layers and reflections in your art journal.
Day 4
After checking out, travel by private mini‑bus to the extraordinary ancient mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale. Next, enjoy a relaxed countryside lunch at a favorite agriturismo. Afterward, journey on to Ragusa Ibla and check in to your hotel. Settle into the baroque surroundings with a relaxed art class on property. Mary Beth will be teaching, offering inspiration and guidance as you capture the textures, colors, and atmosphere of this beautiful hilltop town. mixed media art workshop in Sicily Italy
Day 5
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.
In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Ragusa Ibla and Mary Beth will lead a creative class inspired by Modica. In the evening join us for an outing to the village of Scicli.
Day 6
Today we venture into the Sicilian countryside for a guided walk to the Necropolis of Pantalica, a serene UNESCO‑listed valley carved into limestone cliffs. Your local guide brings the landscape and its ancient history to life as you explore this remarkable site. We then continue to Sortino for an olive oil tasting, sampling some of Sicily’s freshest and most fragrant oils. In the afternoon, return to the hotel for class, translating the day’s impressions into your travel journal.
Day 8
Our final full day together begins with a leisurely stroll through Ragusa Ibla, soaking in its baroque charm one last time. Back at the hotel, enjoy a final art workshop session with Mary Beth, bringing your journal to a beautiful close. Later, gather for a relaxed show‑and‑share aperitivo to celebrate everyone’s creations. The day ends with a festive farewell dinner, a warm toast to new friendships and an unforgettable week in Sicily.
Day 9
Check out of the hotel and board your private mini‑bus for the group transfer to Catania Airport, where you’ll continue onward—home or to further travels. Wishing you safe journeys and fond memories until our next adventure together.
Make Sicily your next artistic escape!
Art Walk Memories
An inspired mixed media art workshop with Mary Beth Shaw.
Mary Beth Shaw’s Art Walk Spain art workshop had a fun and breezy happy hour to celebrate our week together.
Where in the World?
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean, positioned just off the southern tip of Italy. It captivates with its striking contrasts, from Palermo’s vibrant markets, Arab‑Norman architecture, and bold street‑energy to the quiet baroque elegance of the Ragusa region. Together they reveal an island shaped by centuries of diverse cultures, layered histories, and unforgettable flavors. This is Sicily at its most authentic—sun‑soaked, expressive, and endlessly inspiring.
Arrival & Departure Airports
For this Sicily workshop, we recommend arriving in Palermo and departing from Catania. This is an easy open‑jaw flight plan that aligns perfectly with our itinerary.
- Palermo Airport (PMO) — Falcone–Borsellino Airport
About 30 km from Palermo’s center (40–50 minutes).
We recommend arriving no later than mid‑afternoon on Day 1, or even the day before. Early‑arrival nights at our group hotel in Palermo will be available to book. - Catania Airport (CTA) — Vincenzo Bellini Airport
Approximately 6 km from central Catania (15–20 minutes).
Our group transfer arrives at Catania Airport by 10:00 AM on departure day.
Please avoid booking outbound flights before 1:00 PM to allow comfortable check‑in and security time.
Important Notes
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Sicily
Deposits
Your place on a tour is secured once we have received and confirmed your deposit payment. Before the final payment date, a non-refundable deposit of $500 for walking vacations and $750 for art vacation workshops is required. After the final payment date, the entire tour amount must be received to hold a space on a program.
You may cancel for any reason up to 90 days prior to departure and your non-refundable deposit may be forwarded to a future tour. Any balance on your account will be returned. For complete details please see our Terms and Conditions.
Solo travelers and single supplements
For our guests who are traveling solo... for your comfort we offer private rooms. Whenever possible singles will be placed in the same room category as our double or twin rooms.
Twin / Double Rooms
Please be aware twin beds in Europe may have very little or no space between beds. Also, for double beds, instead of a king or queen mattress, double beds are often two adjoining twin mattresses secured together and made with double bedding.
Fitness
Walking is a part of this program. It is both a means of visiting locations and a way to immerse yourself in a place. Our scheduled walks are usually 1-2 hours long at a casual pace. Participants should be able to comfortably walk 2 miles in an hour. We provide a general description of our walks here. It is your responsibility to know your own physical and medical condition with respect to the advisability of participating in a chosen trip. Please be realistic about your physical abilities when booking an active walking vacation. We suggest you prepare by doing at least 1 hour of walking several times per week, and a longer walk at least once per week. Ideally, include walks with elevation change and stairs. (There are always stairs.) If you have compromised knees, hips, back this tour will be challenging and perhaps not appropriate.
As with any exercise program, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to your arrival regarding the suitability of a walking tour.
Some of our guests find trekking poles helpful on steep or uneven terrain. In Europe they are quite common. Before using them on a vacation, please practice at home. We strongly advise you get comfortable using trekking poles on familiar paths first.
For additional information on these topics and more, please see our FAQ page.
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