Sicily Photography Holiday

Charge those batteries, make sure your memory cards are empty and dust off your camera lenses as we begin our photography adventure to Italy with a flight from Dublin to Palermo airport. When we arrive let’s meet our local expert guide and travel to our hotel in the seaside town of Marsala and our base for the next 3 nights. (Transfer time approx. 2 hrs/125km)

In the middle of the morning let’s explore more of Italy’s toe, and head towards the ancient city of Segesta, built, according to legend, by escapees from Troy. Here, you'll have the chance to explore a remarkably well-preserved Doric temple, constructed approximately 2500 years ago, and a stunning amphitheatre. (Transfer time approximately 55 mins/50km)

Next let's explore the photogenic medieval town of Erice. (Transfer time approximately 45 mins/45km) Perched high on a hill, and accessible by cable car, Erice will offer us breathtaking vistas over Trapani, the coast, and the Mediterranean from a fairytale castle carved into rock. All photography genres will be captured throughout our visit to Erice, from street photography to landscape and black and white, to getting the very most out of the stunning vistas. At each location throughout the day, and the entire adventure, the Dublin Photography School tutors will be on hand to discuss the best approaches to every image.

In the late afternoon let’s head to Stagnone for a sunset photo shoot at the Salt Pans. The tranquil, reflective pools of the salt pans are a photographer's dream.  We will receive tuition and hands-on demonstrations to enhance our photography and start seeing the world around us in a different light with the use of various photographic filters, as-well as capturing the iconic windmills. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture amazing shots during this golden hour under the expert eye of the Dublin Photography School tutors. We will be rewarded for our hard work with an apertivo and snacks in a local bar before returning to Marsala.

Let’s uncover more of Sicily by embarking on a cruise to explore Sicily's western gems, the enchanting islands of Favignana and Levanzo. Much of today will be spent on the water, photographing coves and sandy beaches and soaking up the beautiful coastal landscape. The Dublin Photography School tutors will be offering tips, tricks and demonstrations so we can make the most out of our camera’s settings. Photography tuition for landscape, abstract, macro, water and nature photography will be provided throughout the day, as well as so much more.

Our first stop on our cruise is the captivating island of Favignana, aptly known as the "Butterfly Island" for its two wings that unfurl gracefully across the sea. We’ll stop at its port and have  some free time to explore its quaint old fishing town, once a thriving tuna fishing hub.  Seasoned fishermen will pass the time of day with you, in a true leisurely fashion, and their stories will give you even more of a sense of Favignana in a bygone era.

We’ll depart Favignana in the mid-morning and continue our day’s photography as we travel to our next port of call, Levanzo. En route let’s enjoy lunch on board and travel past some of Favignana’s the most beautiful and evocative coves such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra.

Levanzo is a serene island untouched by the bustle of modern life. With a population of about 220 people, there are no roadways and the only way to get around it is on foot or by bicycle. In this natural oasis we will be learning the principles of composition and how to shoot creatively. We will leave Levanzo along the wonderful coves of the island and we will get to explore and photograph on the water from a different angle.

Today let's leave Marsala behind as we continue our photography adventure and explore the beautiful coastal village of Scopello. (Transfer time: approximately 90 mins/80km). Here, we'll frame the village's beauty, centred around a traditional baglio (farmstead). Let’s capture the glimmering waters, dramatic cliffs, and the warm atmosphere of this quaint village. Our Dublin Photography School tutors are on hand to show you how to capture the best shots and demonstrate how to get the most out of the equipment that we have.

We will then travel onwards to Corleone, famously known as the backdrop for the iconic Godfather film trilogy. (Transfer time: approximately 90 mins/ 90km) As a true Sicilian town, Corleone serves as the ideal canvas to practise the skills we have learnt on our photography adventure. We will have time to review some photography basics, before moving on to sharpen our documentary/street photography skills. Our Dublin Photography School tutors will be on hand to ensure we get the most out of our photographs. Let’s stroll through the meandering and beautiful streets in Corleone with our cameras, and capture the hustle and bustle of daily life, while shooting from the hip.

Finally, we will reach Palermo, Sicily's historical, cultural, architectural, and culinary treasure trove. (Transfer time: approximately 75 mins/ 60km) This vibrant city is brimming with magnificent churches, palaces, and other architectural gems, not to mention a range of charming bars and restaurants where we can savour authentic Italian cuisine.

You will have the remainder of the evening to explore this historic city at your own pace. Why not take some time to join the traditional local passeggiata (evening stroll) and go bar hopping on Via Chiavettieri or Via Spinuzza or seek out some of Palmero’s rare architectural gems, sure to leave you in awe. If you need any recommendations for your evening activities, don't hesitate to consult your local guide.

Early this morning it will be time to say 'Arrivederci'  to Italy as we depart Palermo airport for our return flight home, equipped with all the tips & tricks we have learned from our Dublin Photography School tutors.