Sicily & Calabria – washed by the Mediterranean, formed by volcanoes and shaped by millennia of human culture – form a landscape full of archaic beauty and brilliant contrasts.
Between the smoking Mount Etna and the windswept cliffs of Calabria, a scenery unfolds that seems made for photographic discoveries: deserted villages cling to steep slopes, olive groves flow like green carpets through the valleys, and Mediterranean light bathes the landscape in a timeless silence.
Experience the unadulterated, wild south of Italy with us – honest, raw, and full of character. Street markets smelling of espresso and fresh bread, fishing boats sailing out to sea in the golden evening light, and faces that tell stories.
Join us on this extraordinary journey through two regions brimming with visual poetry. From the soft light of dawn to sunset, you’ll capture the essence of Southern Italy in breathtaking images.
Whether alone or with a partner, discover the powerful beauty of the South with us. Authentic. Sensual. Unforgettable.
Individual arrival in Italy. Upon arrival at Palermo Airport, you will be personally welcomed. Once the group is complete, we drive directly to our hotel in Palermo. After a short introduction and a briefing on landscape and street photography, we start right away with a photographic highlight: the coastal town of Cefalù. Between the dramatic backdrop of Rocca di Cefalù and the Tyrrhenian Sea, we photograph narrow alleys, crumbling stone walls, and small fishing boats in the play of light and shadow. At sunset, we turn our lenses toward the impressive Norman cathedral glowing in the evening light. We end the day at the promenade with local specialties such as fresh pasta alla Norma, grilled fish, or a refreshing granita before returning to the hotel.
Today we focus on Palermo, the vibrant heart of Sicily and one of the most fascinating melting pots in the Mediterranean. Founded in the 8th century BC by the Phoenicians, the city has experienced Arab, Norman, Spanish, and Italian rule, each leaving their mark. We begin at the markets of Ballarò and Vucciria, full of vibrant life, colors, smells, and street scenes. We continue through narrow alleys lined with centuries-old stone walls, ornate portals, and Arab-Norman domes. We capture contrasts between splendor and patina, magnificence and everyday life. The cathedral of Palermo is a monumental highlight. In the afternoon, we explore courtyards, faded stucco facades, and artistic corners. As the sun sets, we photograph from one of the city’s rooftops – domes, towers, and rooftops glowing in golden light.
Today we travel across Sicily to the east coast. After about 3.5 hours, we arrive in Taormina, dramatically perched above the Ionian Sea. We explore its narrow streets, sun-bleached buildings, iron balconies, and quiet courtyards. Views open up over the sea and Mount Etna. After lunch with a panoramic view, we head to the day’s highlight: the ancient Greek theater. With over 2,000 years of history, it offers wide-angle and detail shots in a timeless setting. During the golden hour, pastel façades glow, and we capture postcard views as well as intimate moments. As night falls, we end the day with a delicious dinner.
Early morning, we drive to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Our first stop is in fertile wine-growing landscapes with the volcano ever-present in the background. We then ascend to a barren, moonlike world of lava fields, cooled craters, and volcanic sand. We hike selected routes, photographing sulfur vapors, rock formations, and the vast views. At sunset, the scenery glows with gold, rust, and violet tones. In the blue hour, our images reflect the raw power and majesty of this ancient force.
We leave Sicily and cross the Strait of Messina by ferry to Calabria. Arriving on the mainland, we reach Scilla, a fishing village clinging to cliffs above the sea. In Chianalea, the old quarter, narrow streets wind past houses whose foundations are in the water. Fishermen repair nets, boats bob between houses, and laundry flutters above mossy shutters. In the afternoon, we capture pastel facades and daily life reflections. At sunset, we climb to the Ruffo fortress for sweeping views as golden light floods the coast. We end the day with dinner overlooking the sea.
Before sunrise, we set off for the Calanchi di Palizzi, a stunning erosion landscape of sharp ridges and gullies shaped over millennia. As the first light hits the clay hills, they glow in ochre, ivory, and silver-gray. After breakfast, we head to Reggio Calabria and photograph along the palm-lined Lungomare Falcomatà, with views across the strait to Mount Etna. Then we continue to Pentedattilo, an abandoned village named after its rock formation resembling five fingers. We explore its haunting ruins in the golden evening light, capturing weathered doors, broken tiles, and a powerful atmosphere of decay and history.
We rise early for a morning shoot with views of Mount Etna from the Calabrian coast. Then we drive to Tropea, a medieval town perched on cliffs above the turquoise sea. We wander through narrow lanes, past churches and quaint shops. The pilgrimage church Santa Maria dell’Isola sits picturesquely on a rock with views of the open sea. As the sun sets, the cliffs and town glow in orange, pink, and gold. We capture atmospheric shots and reflect on our journey over a final dinner.
We return to Palermo, making the most of our drive to capture final impressions of hills, villages, and coasts. As we review the unforgettable moments of the trip – from lively Palermo markets and volcanic landscapes to romantic sunsets – we carry home a collection of images that tell the story of Southern Italy’s beauty and soul.
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