Paint in Italy with Mary Spears-
Join Hawaii artist, Mary Spears, on journeys through two breathtaking regions of Italy: Puglia and Sicily. On our first trip we’ll return to Puglia. Nestled in the heel of the boot, Puglia is known for its stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and ancient towns brimming with history and culture. On our second trip, we will explore Sicily’s varied beaches, hilltop villages, and excellent wines. Both trips include daily painting instruction with Mary, unique experiences organized by our on-site luxury travel staff and, of course, lots of incredible Italian cuisine.
Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a beginner, these trips are perfect for anyone looking to tap into their creative side. Non-painting companions are also welcome to join. Our daily painting courses will ensure you return home with a collection of beautiful paintings, a watercolor travel journal, and memories to last a lifetime. Don’t miss this chance to explore the stunning regions of Puglia and Sicily and discover your inner artist. Fewer than eight spots are still available on each trip. A brief overview of our days at the villas and costs for each trip are available below. Sign up now and let the adventure begin!
“There’s no better place to experience the joy and playfulness of painting than Italy!”
Painting in Puglia, Italy with Mary Spears
SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 5, 2024
$9,500 PER PAINTER, $8,000 NON-PAINTER COMPANIONS
LIMITED SPACE FOR 14 PAINTERS - 8 SPACES LEFT
Includes: All lodging at luxury Masseria Salamina villa, daily instruction with Mary Spears, painting supplies (easel, watercolors, brushes, and watercolor paper), Italian cooking class, wine tasting, olive oil tasting, ground transportation throughout, private airport transfers, breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, Italian guide on-site throughout, entrance fees to sites. Note: Non-Painter Roommates receive $1,500.00 discount which appears on final invoice.
Does not include: Alcohol and soda (outside of included wine tastings), optional travel insurance (AWL Travel can refer to partners, prices vary between $50-$350 per person depending on age and coverage), international airfare, passport fees if new passport needed (no additional visa is needed for Italy), tips
Payments $1,000.00 per passenger deposit at the time of registration holds your space on the trip. All remaining money is due July 1, 2024.
Puglia Itinerary
SEPTEMBER 29 » ARRIVE IN BARI
Upon your afternoon or evening arrival into Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS) airport, be met with a private car transfer and check-in to the Masseria Salamina villa. For those who arrive early enough in the day, we’ll have a welcome dinner at the villa and time to rest from the long flight.
SEPTEMBER 30 » PAINTING AT THE VILLA
We’ll begin the day with breakfast at the villa, followed by a plein air painting session in the gardens surrounding the villa. At lunch, we’ll experience an olive oil, foccocia, and wine tasting with the De Miccolis Angelini family who help produce and certify the highest quality olive oils in Italy. In the afternoon, we’ll resume painting in the gardens with time to rest from the jetlag if needed. Just before dinner, we’ll meet the head chef at the Masseria, who will offer a cooking class on how to make the best Orriechette pasta before eating dinner. Overnight Masseria Salamina.
OCTOBER 1 » LANDSCAPE & ALBEROBELLO
This morning after breakfast we’ll depart for the countryside to tour and paint the gorgeous landscapes of Puglia. After painting and lunch, we’ll visit the famously steep-capped Trulli homes of UNESCO World Heritage Site Alberobello (pictured above). We’ll have a chance to explore Alberobello for dinner and shopping before eating a private dinner at the famous Evo Restaurant. Overnight Masseria Salamina.
OCTOBER 2 » CATCHING UP AT THE VILLA
Today we’ll spend time at the villa to catch up on painting from the past few days. We’ll enjoy painting instruction at the Masseria Salamina in the morning and afternoon with lunch on the property. At lunch, we’ll experience a cheese-making demonstration, along with a wine and cheese tasting. Dinner and overnight at Masseria Salamina
OCTOBER 3 » POLIGNANO A MARE
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the breathtaking town of Polignano a Mare to paint and explore. Perched on a cliff above the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, the old town combines charming, white-washed streets with beautiful churches all overlooking dramatic cliffs down to the seaside. We’ll spend the day in town with seaside painting instruction interspersed with time to explore the town, lunch, and dinner. Overnight at the Masseria Salamina.
OCTOBER 4 » BARI VECCHIA
After breakfast we’ll depart to paint and experience Bari Vecchia. The medieval walled section of Puglia’s capital city is home to a maze of cobbled streets full of cafes, homes, and famous foccacia bakeries. We’ll spend the morning painting in the old town with aperitifs and wine before having a typical Bari lunch nearby. After lunch we’ll have time to shop in Bari Vecchia before our final farewell dinner together. Overnight Masseria Salamina.
OCTOBER 5 » DEPART FOR USA
Private airport transfers will take you to the Bari or Brindisi airport for your return home.
Painting in Sicily, Italy with Mary Spears
OCTOBER 10-OCTOBER 16, 2024
$9,500 PER PAINTER, $8,000 NON-PAINTER COMPANIONS
LIMITED SPACE FOR 14 PAINTERS - 8 SPACES LEFT
Includes: All lodging at luxury Terre di Romanella villa, daily instruction with Mary Spears, painting supplies (easel, watercolors, brushes, and watercolor paper), Arancino cooking class, wine tasting, local cuisine tasting, ground transportation throughout, private airport transfers, breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day, Italian guide on-site throughout, entrance fees to sites. Note: Non-Painter Roommates receive $1,500.00 discount which appears on final invoice.
Does not include: Alcohol and soda (outside of included wine tastings), optional travel insurance (AWL Travel can refer to partners, prices vary between $50-$350 per person depending on age and coverage), international airfare, passport fees if new passport needed (no additional visa is needed for Italy), tips
Payments $1,000.00 per passenger deposit at the time of registration holds your space on the trip. All remaining money is due July 1, 2024.
Sicily Itinerary
OCTOBER 10 » ARRIVE IN CATANIA
Upon your afternoon or evening arrival into Catania (CTA) or Comiso (CIY) airport, be met with a private car transfer and check-in to the picturesque Terre di Romanello villa. For those who arrive early enough in the day, we’ll have a welcome dinner at the villa and time to rest from the long flight.
OCTOBER 11 » PAINTING AT THE VILLA
After breakfast at the villa, we’ll begin the day with a plein air painting session on the terrace overlooking the countryside. At lunch, we’ll indulge in Sicilian cuisine and taste locally sourced Bronte pistachios, Trapani sea salt, Ribera oranges, and Sicilian wines. We’ll be joined by Elsa Giacomucci, who owns the villa, for a true Sicilian welcome. In the afternoon, we’ll resume painting in the gardens with time to rest from the jetlag if needed. Just before dinner, we’ll dive into Sicily’s culinary heritage with an Arancino cooking class before eating dinner. Overnight Terre di Romanello.
OCTOBER 12 » ISLE OF ORTIGIA
This morning, we’ll embark on a scenic drive up the coast to paint the enchanting Island of Ortigia, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its arts and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll then enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant and spend the afternoon shopping and exploring the winding streets and historic landmarks of Ortigia. An optional guided walking tour will take you inside a traditional Opera dei Pupi, where they make and perform Sicilian Puppet Theater. In the late afternoon, we’ll drive back to Terre di Romanello to rest before dinner nearby the villa. Overnight Terre di Romanello.
OCTOBER 13 » VILLAGE OF NOTO
After breakfast, we’ll depart the villa and take a morning walk through the countryside to paint the nearby Sicilian town of Noto. Don’t worry, we’ll drive if you into town if you prefer! As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Noto is known for showcasing the ‘real Sicily’ without the crowds. We’ll spend the day painting, eating lunch at a typical Noto eatery, and finally return toTerre di Romanello for on a sunset walk, Sicilian Pizza dinner, and Modica Chocolate tasting. Overnight Terre di Romanello.
OCTOBER 14 » SUNSET WINE PAINTING
After breakfast, Mary will show you how to finish your masterpieces at Terre di Romanello. After lunch in the late afternoon, we’ll depart to paint the vineyards and hills by sunset at Planeta Winery. As the light fades, we’ll enjoy dinner with local wine pairings at Planeta Winery’s acclaimed restaurant. Overnight at Terre di Romanello.
.OCTOBER 15 » SEASIDE FAREWELL
After breakfast we’ll depart to a nearby seaside town to paint Sicily’s stunning coastline. In the afternoon and eveing, we’ll explore the fishing village of Marzamemi. We’ll find our way to the famed Cortile Arabo restaurant for a farewell dinner. Nestled into the rocks against the sea Cortile Arabo is known for creative Sicilian fish, pasta dishes, cocktails, and its stunning views. Overnight Terre di Romanello.
October 16 » DEPART FOR USA