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 and photograph a remarkably well-preserved Doric temple, constructed approximately 2500 years ago. (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 after the sunset shoot, then return 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. 

Marsala is a town steeped in history and charm, offering an array of photography opportunities at every turn. Before we leave Marsala we'll take a guided walking tour which begins at Porta Garibaldi, an iconic city gate that serves as a grand entryway to the old town. The soft morning light illuminates the warm sandstone buildings, creating a picturesque scene. As we meander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll find countless details to capture, from intricate Baroque carvings on historic facades to wrought-iron balconies bursting with vibrant flowers.

The bustling Piazza della Repubblica is a highlight, surrounded by architectural marvels like Chiesa Madre. Capture candid shots of locals sipping espresso at outdoor cafés or the vibrant stalls selling fresh produce and traditional Sicilian wares. Don't forget to look for hidden corners, where shafts of sunlight create dramatic contrasts against the weathered walls. Marsala is alive with colour, texture, and history, offering photographers endless inspiration while shooting from the hip.

As we make our way to Castellammare del Golfo, the scenic coastal drive prepares us for the breath-taking panoramic viewpoint that awaits. Once we arrive, you’ll be greeted with an unforgettable vista of the town’s harbour, nestled between steep cliffs and the expansive blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. 

The interplay of natural elements—the rugged coastline, shimmering water, and gentle haze in the distance—creates a composition that feels timeless. The harbour below is a flurry of activity, with colourful fishing boats and historic buildings reflecting the town’s maritime heritage. This is the perfect place to play with different focal lengths, from wide shots that capture the grandeur of the entire scene to zoomed-in frames highlighting the intricate details of the bustling harbour life.

Before we arrive on our next destination at Poggioreale, we will stop along the way in a local bakery / cafe to stretch your legs and have some Cannoli, a local delight. Poggioreale is a ghost town frozen in time since it was abandoned following a devastating earthquake in 1968. Located in the hauntingly beautiful Belice Valley, Poggioreale offers a striking contrast to the vibrant life of the previous stops. Here, nature and decay intertwine, creating a surreal and melancholic landscape that begs to be photographed.

The skeletal remains of houses, churches, and public buildings tell the story of a community that once thrived. Crumbling walls, overgrown courtyards, and ivy creeping over doorways create a poignant and dramatic setting. The muted tones of the weathered stone and the green of encroaching vegetation combine to create a colour palette that feels almost otherworldly.

As you wander through the deserted streets, every corner offers a new perspective: an arched window framing the sky, a doorway leading to nowhere, or a staircase disappearing into rubble. This is a place where you can experiment with black-and-white photography to emphasize texture and mood or embrace moody edits to highlight the sense of abandonment and resilience.

As the day winds down, we travel to Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital, where we’ll spend the night. 

You’ll be drawn to iconic landmarks like the ornate Quattro Canti intersection, the grand Palermo Cathedral, and the elegant Teatro Massimo, each offering its unique character and charm. The Vucciria Market, even in the evening, pulses with life, providing a stark contrast to the stillness of Poggioreale. Candid shots of street vendors, colourful produce displays, and locals enjoying their aperitivi capture the essence of Sicilian life.

As night falls, Palermo transforms. The city’s landmarks light up, offering the chance to experiment with night photography. The soft glow of streetlamps, the reflections on cobblestone streets, and the buzz of evening activity create an entirely different mood, perfect for long exposures and low-light compositions.

Staying in Palermo allows us to rest and reflect on your photographic adventures before returning home to share stories with friends and family. 

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.