Fall 2019
Off again, camera in hand, through the delicate autumn light.
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November 13th to 18th
Winter is on its way! Before it arrives, come enjoy the warmth of Sicily exploring it's Arab influenced coast.
Join me on my new Sicilian journey to the West! The itinerary is different and exciting! I want to share some of my amazing and unusual discoveries as well as guide you in photographing during the off season and changing autumn skies.
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There will be Arab-style kasbahs, wildly Baroque churches, overgrown gardens and magnificent staircases hidden away behind palace doors... We'll go to hilltop villages, walk through spectacular ruins, taste the Western culinary traditions wonderful wines and much much more...
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A rough program*:
Day 1 Meet up and intro to Palermo welcome dinner overnight Palermo
Day 2 Morning drive across the island to the remarkable temples of Selinunte, stopping overnight in a wine and oil-producing village.
Day 3 Slow drive up the coast, taking in several interesting towns and villages. Overnight Trapani
Day 4 More northwestern villages. Lunch in countryside
Day 5 Palermo Flea market + museums
Day 6 morning walk and return
*Please note that the program is subject to slight variation and that some activities are dependent on the weather.
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The return to Palermo will be just in time to catch the marvelous
Sunday flea market – in the shadow of Piazza Marina’s ancient ficus trees.
Palermo itself is a stunning city full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Picturesquely poised between the sea and the surrounding mountains, the city boasts a unique architecture, its Byzantine, Norman and Arabic twists reflecting centuries of multiculturalism. This is one of the best preserved historic centers in Europe. There's something for everyone to discover here. And we'll be back in time to catch the lively Sunday flea market in the shadow of Piazza Marina’s ancient ficus trees.
This journey will inspire many different emotions. It's a chance to experience untouched beauty without the crowds and to get to places you wouldn’t normally see.
Cameras and phones are welcome. We can work on your photographic vision or just wander and see what turns up.
November’s vivid skies will be an inspiration and create a spectacular backdrop.
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After living there almost 15 years, Italy is my second home. I will be organizing/translating and accompanying you on this very special island. I designed this tour to enable you to experience the island for yourself, more as an independent traveller than as a tourist. We will be a small group and the pace will be leisurely. Cameras/phones are welcome and as a professional photographer, I will be available to talk photography anytime. For those that wish, we can also work on developing your eye or on a personal project. Monica Fritz
Fees and Conditions
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5 nights 6 days
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Please write for details and send a deposit to hold a place (see our terms and conditions) before booking. The balance of the payment is due two weeks before the departure date.
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This includes: airport pickup, uniquely designed itineraries, all lunches, (excluding alcoholic drinks), private transport to and from the south, entrance fees to ruins and churches, and photography guidance by a working professional.
Not including: travel to and from Palermo, accommodation, travel insurance, meals outside of lunches.
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Important: We will start and end in Palermo. I suggest you buy travel insurance in case there are any hold ups caused by weather or otherwise.
A note on accommodation:
Everyone has different feelings about the type of place they would like to stay so I prefer leaving it to you. However, it would be nice to all be relatively nearby so there aren’t delays in starting up the day. I can send suggestions for pensions/airbnb’s on request even though Palermo is relatively small and easy to get about on foot.
Please write for details and book flights asap! info@alternativecitytours.com
Some recent reviews:
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Simon Roth– England May 25, 2018
Just returned from a fabulous week in Palermo. As a location it doesn’t get better with old buildings, friendly people and relatively inexpensive. The season was perfect; some sun, some cloud and not too hot. The workshop was run by Anthony and Monica. They had very different approaches to photography which really enriched the teaching. Both are seasoned photographers so you got valuable advice, feedback and encouragement. The photo walks were well prepared but sufficiently flexible for you to explore your own approach. Highly recommended.
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Pam Lewis- John Simmons Nov.6th 2018
We’d taken some great day tours of Istanbul with Monica, so when we heard she was doing a trip to Sicily we signed right up. She’s the perfect mix for a trip leader: charming, funny and relaxed while being super-well organized, conscientious and a very careful planner. We’d take another trip with her in a heartbeat.
Pam Lewis and John Simmons, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
Elaine Graham Canada Nov. 9th 2018
Life is an art, and there are some of us who have mastered the art of life. As I think our time in Sicily and on the island of Stromboli during one of Monica Fritz's recent photo walks, I reflect on her artistry in bringing the experience alive for our group. We were there to photograph and explore with our pixels . . . . she was there to 'see' ahead of us, to provide, and to guide. And how well she did it, from finding wonderful places to stay – well off the beaten track – to leading us to sumptuous meals at regular intervals. A true kindred spirit, there to guide us on our photographic quest.
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Sangita Garg India May 2019
“Take in the sky” she said. “don't just centre on the mountain. See how the colours change?”.....
When you get to learn from one of the best there is......
Thank you Monica Fritz for amazing experiences every single time!!!!!!