Mary Whyte (b. 1953) is an American figurative artist known internationally for her watercolors of contemporary people. Her works are in private, corporate, university and public collections nationwide, and have been featured in numerous media outlets including CBS Sunday Morning, PBS and NPR. In 2013, Whyte was one of ten artists worldwide invited to travel to China and exhibit her watercolors at the Nanning Art Museum in Nanning, Guangxi.
The author of seven books including We the People: Portraits of Veterans in America, Whyte’s work has also been featured in many international publications, including periodicals and books in China, Russia, France, Germany, Canada and Taiwan.
She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Portrait Society of America's Gold Medal, the Carolinas Freedom Foundation’s Freedom Award, and the South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts, South Carolina’s highest honor in the arts.
Whyte received the 2020 National DAR Medal of Honor and the 2020 NSDAR Women in the Arts Award. In 2021 Mary Whyte received an honorary doctorate degree from Converse University in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
In 2019 Whyte founded the Patriot Art Foundation as a means to honor and inspire veterans through the arts.
Mary Whyte website: http://marywhyte.com
Patriot Art Foundation website: https://www.patriotartfoundation.org
For more information contact Sharon Crawford.
$4,899 USD per person ($800 USD fully refundable deposit*)
BONUS COMPANION PACKAGE:
Non-artist discount of $200. Piero and his team will be your guide as you explore opportunities to see surrounding historical villages, a visit to the honey and ceramic factory, wine tasting on Etna volcano, ape cars tours and many more or just eat and drink with the locals!
RETURNING PEOPLE SPECIAL DISCOUNT OF $300
discounts are not cumulative
2026 October 18-24,
Book Now to save your spot!
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
Private transfer to and from Catania, CTA airport (*please see time stipulations)
6 night accommodation with breakfast in Aci Trezza at the 4**** Grand Hotel Faraglioni –, all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single), suites or upgrade for your room available at an extra cost.
4 Lunches and 6 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Stunning studio
Visit to Catania + plain air
Visit and guided tour of Taormina
Private boat tour
Tasting of Granita
Models for the studio
Private transportation on all excursions
Exclusive week-long class with Mary, 19-hour workshop guaranteed + plain air
Activities for non-painters as listed in the itinerary and all the transportation
Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero and his team
whats included
2026 itinerary
Day 1, October 18
- Arrival (*CTA Catania is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Sicily as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the hotel.
Grand Hotel Faraglioni – Aci Trezza Experience the perfect blend of comfort, charm, and stunning coastal views at Hotel Faraglioni. Nestled in the picturesque fishing village of Aci Trezza, this seaside retreat offers elegantly appointed rooms, warm Sicilian hospitality, and breathtaking vistas of the iconic Faraglioni rocks.
In Aci Trezza, Verga’s Malavoglia portrays the struggles of a poor fishing family, while Homer’s Odyssey links the nearby Cyclopean Isles to the rocks hurled by Polyphemus at Odysseus.
- Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up.
- Mary and Piero, our host, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then a cosy dinner at our hotel restaurant. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2, October 19
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the hotel followed by our first full studio day painting class with Mary. 9-1pm
- Non-painters head to Acireale. Visit the Miceli Ceramics factory and its exhibition. Enjoy a typical aperitif in Acireale and then transfer to Zafferana Etnea for a visit to the honey factory with tasting.
- Break for lunch at the hotel.
- Afternoon studio time with Mary and models, 3-6pm
- Pizza night! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. We’ll reach the restaurant by taking a nice walk through the centre of Aci Trezza.
Day 3, October 20
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and local pastries at your hotel.
- Morning studio time with Mary, 9-1pm
- Non-painters enjoy a visit to a local winery followed by a unique wine tasting. Afterwards, you can take your adventure to the next level with a breathtaking view of the Etna volcano! This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers a unique perspective that you’ll never forget.
Please note: there is also the opportunity to reach the winery by helicopter. This experience is optional and not included in the standard package, but our agency has a special reserved rate. If you don’t want to miss this unique opportunity, contact us for all the details.
- Painter break for lunch at the hotel.
- Afternoon in Taormina. The whole group will enjoy a guided tour of Taormina, followed by a refreshing granita tasting — a true Sicilian delight.
- End the day in the enchanting town of Taormina with dinner at Giardini di Babilonia, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and timeless charm. Delight in authentic Sicilian cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, paired with regional wines, all in a garden setting that feels magical and intimate. This unforgettable dining experience captures the essence of Sicily—where history, flavor, and atmosphere come together in perfect harmony.
Day 4, October 21
- After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, the whole group goes to Catania Fish Market – Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Sicily’s most famous fish market, where colors, flavors, and local culture come alive.
- Light lunch on your own near the Market. Piero and Alex will be available for suggestions. Enjoy local Sicilian street food, savoring fresh and authentic flavors.
- On this day you will have plenty of time for plein air in this magical city. Non-painters can explore Catania at your own pace.
- Dinner at the Hotel. Relax and enjoy a delightful evening meal, completing a full day of Sicilian experiences.
Day 5, October 22
- Enjoy your local breakfast at the hotel.
- Morning in the Studio, 9-1pm. Artists will enjoy a plein air session with models set against the stunning landscapes near Aci Trezza.
- Non-painters can relax and soak in the serene morning atmosphere.
- Lunch at the Hotel– Buffet service. Refresh with a variety of delicious options before the afternoon adventures.
- Afternoon: Boat Tour. Set sail on a scenic boat tour along the coast, taking in breathtaking views and the sparkling Mediterranean waters.
- Dinner time. End the day with an unforgettable dining experience at a very iconic seaside restaurant, where fresh Sicilian cuisine meets panoramic views of the coastline.
Day 6, October 23
- Morning in the studio 9–1pm– Artists will enjoy working with live models in an inspiring creative environment.
- Non-Painters: Siracusa Ape Car Tour – Explore the charming streets of Siracusa in a fun and unique way aboard classic Ape cars. Followed by a guided Tour of Siracusa (2 hours) – Discover the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture with an expert guide. Lunch on your own.
- Painter break for lunch at the hotel
- Afternoon Free Time 3-6pm – Artists can continue painting in inspiring locations, while others enjoy shopping or exploring at leisure.
- Dinner in Acireale – Cap off the day with a delightful dinner in this beloved local restaurant, featuring fresh, traditional Sicilian cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
Day 7, October 24
We recommend booking an extra night or two at the end or/beginning of your trip to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.
Time Stipulations:
-Arrival day pick-up at CTA Catania airport will be offered between 2:00-3:00 p.m.
- Departure day, hotel check-out at 11:00 am. We will be at the airport around 12 noon. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 2:00 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.