Retreats and Tours
Welcome to Retreats & Tours with me, Chloe.
These are bespoke, thoughtfully designed trips that bring together wellness, culture, architecture and food. Each one has its own character and theme, but at the heart of them all is the chance to pause, reset and experience something new
Take a scroll and see what’s in the diary…
Sicilian Dreams: Ortigia Odyssey
Retreat & Tour | Ortigia Island, Siracusa, Sicily
18 – 25 April 2026
Why Ortigia?
The Pearl of Sicily
I was fortunate enough to call Ortigia Island home for seven years, it holds a special place in my heart as it's where my my 2 children were born, my businesses where launched and lasting friendships were made. Even though I no longer live there, it is a place one can never forget, more than a place, it's a feeling. And it truly is the perfect setting for our spring retreat. Ortigia is the historic heart of Siracusa — rich in Greek and Baroque history, framed by dazzling coastlines and filled with atmospheric piazzas.
From seaside aperitivo to lantern-lit alleyways, there isn’t a corner of this island I don’t know. I’ll be guiding you to the hidden gems most tourists miss. The whole island feels as if you’ve stepped onto the set of an old Italian film — from grand piazzas to tucked-away cafés, every turn reveals something special.
For this retreat I’ve teamed up with Dana Saylor, an experienced retreat leader, artist and historian. Dana will lead our creative sessions, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and insight from her past Italian retreats.
Ortigia Gallery
Wellness & Wonder Combined
Step into the heritage and old-world beauty of Ortigia. Enjoy the history and architecture of this UNESCO world heritage site, get a feel for Sicilian life, take time to reconnect, recharge and reset through creativity sessions, optional morning yoga and beautiful coastal walks.
Friends, couples, siblings and solo travellers — all are warmly welcome.
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Take time to reconnect with yourself – or share the experience with a partner
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Discover beauty and delight as you explore Sicily’s charms
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Step away from the everyday and welcome fresh inspiration
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Savour delicious Sicilian dishes and fine regional wines
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Create lasting memories with new friends along the way
What’s Included
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Seven nights’ accommodation in a historic hotel, nestled down a traditional cobbled alleyway, just a stones throw from the sea
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Breakfasts at the hotel
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Four curated lunches and four dinners at a nearby trattoria
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Travel planning assistance
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Several yoga and creativity sessions
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Guided visits to historic sites within Ortigia with me showing you the hidden gems of this beautiful island
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Supportive whatsapp group
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Access to the coast
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Welcome ritual and farewell ceremony
Your hosts
Chloe Batrick, Co host
Bio: I'm a lifelong traveler, former resident of Ortigia Island for seven years, small business owner, and World Schooling mum of two.
Fifteen years ago, I set off on a six-month solo backpacking adventure… and I never took the flight home. Since then, I’ve lived and worked across the globe, first as an English teacher before launching my own online language school. In Ortigia, I also ran a thriving holiday home business, and today I juggle a Sicilian real estate agency with World Schooling consultations, helping families find freedom by blending travel and education, because one project is never enough for this momtrepreneur!
Travel isn’t just my passion — it’s who I am. I love hosting retreats, guiding others, planning itineraries, and ensuring you have an incredible experience.
I can’t wait to share Ortigia with you — along with the hidden gems only a local knows.
Dana Saylor, Co host
Bio: I'm an artist, historian, preservation advocate and event planner. In 2016, an art/history residency outside of Florence changed my trajectory and led me toward collaborations I couldn't have imagined. Now, I've organized five wellness and creativity retreats and my passion for all things Italian has only grown. My cousins in Lazio south of Rome have helped me stay connected to my heritage, and I am so excited to share this beautiful place with you.
Rooms, FAQs and Cancellation Policy
We want you to feel confident about signing up for this retreat, and get all your questions answered! If you need more details, message or call Chloe at (whatsapp) +39 327 397 6705 or Dana at +1 (315) 525-7474.
Registration & Occupancy Types (pay only $500 deposit at booking)
EARLYBIRD PRICES TILL NOVEMBER 2nd!
SAVE HUNDREDS AND SECURE YOUR SPOT.
Triple occupancy room, private bath - $2,495 USD per person
Three people per room: two single beds and one queen bed in an apartment with sea view. One such room available. For three people total.
Double occupancy room/apartment, private bath - $2,595 USD per person
Two separate single beds in one apartment, or one queen bed in a room, with private ensuite bath. For two people total.
Single room, private bath - $3,295 USD per person
One person per room, with private ensuite bath.
We will do our best to honor your registration choice, and balance the accommodation to ensure everyone's comfort. We will take into account accessibility and physical challenges when making room assignments.
If we cannot fulfill the occupancy type that you selected due to enrollment pairings and/or minimums, we will notify you at least 90 days prior to the retreat. You will be required to either cancel your registration, at which time our Cancellation Policy will apply, or upgrade your registration to another occupancy type (for example, from shared occupancy to a single occupancy).
If you elect to upgrade your registration, you will be charged an Upgrade Fee. The Upgrade Fee is 50% of the difference between your original registration rate and the upgraded registration rate. If, after you have paid the Upgrade Fee, we determine that we are able to honor your original occupancy request, we will refund you the Upgrade Fee. Single accommodations include a private room.
Shared accommodations are up to four people per room. If you request a shared room but do not specify a roommate, we will place you with a same-gender registrant(s). Friends and couples may room together upon request. It is our policy not to put a third person in a room with couples.
Payments
To keep all payments in one place, Dana will be processing your booking. You can reach out to me directly at chloekeepstravelling@gmail.com, send me a WhatsApp message at +39 327 397 6705, or head over to Dana’s page at danasaylor.com/sicily to complete your booking.
Flights
Flight prices vary throughout the year, but generally the earlier you book, the better the deal.
I personally recommend using Skyscanner to compare flights and the Hopper app to track price changes.The closest airport to Ortigia Island is Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). Once a group is confirmed, I’ll be sharing transfer suggestions and options in a private WhatsApp group so your arrival is seamless and stress-free.
Travel Insurance
I always travel with travel insurance, because accidents or unexpected events can happen to all of us. I use Safety Wing for me and my family. This link will save you 20 USD on your policy.
Cancellation
The following Cancellation Policy allows us, the retreat leaders, to comply with our contracts with vendors and in-country travel partners and covers the time and resources spent in preparing for and arranging this retreat. Initial $450 deposit and the $50 payment processing fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.50% of payments are refundable up to 90 days before the retreat, excluding the initial $450 deposit and the $50 payment processing fee.89 days prior to the retreat, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable. Full tuition is refunded if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment. The $50 payment processing fee is not refundable.
We, the retreat leaders, are not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates. If you wish to cancel your spot on the retreat, you must submit your cancellation by email to dana@danasaylor.com
So there you have it — all the facts. Now it’s time to swap screens for sunshine, pack your bags, and get ready to sip an Aperol Spritz with Dana and myself in Ortigia this April!
To receive a copy of the itinerary, simply click ‘Contact’ and add the word Itinerary in the message box — we’ll send it straight over to you.
What's next?
If you love Sicily as much as I do and want more than just a vacation, take a look at my other business: Sicily Property Solutions www.sicilypropertysolutions.com
October 2026 Sicily Property Solutions Discovery Tour
In October 2026, we’ll be hosting the Sicily Property Discovery Tour — a unique opportunity for anyone interested in the possibility of purchasing property on this magical island.
The Discovery Tour combines my knowledge of Sicilian Real Estate as owner of Sicily Property Solutions and my travel experience to ensure you get the best of both worlds.
I owned an investment property here for seven years, which I successfully ran as an Airbnb. That experience sparked my passion for the Sicilian property market (and gave me firsthand lessons in navigating the local bureaucracy!).
This tour combines a vacation full of Sicilian flair and flavor with unparalleled access to industry experts. You’ll meet notaries, lawyers, translators, and real estate agents who can guide you through the laws and processes for foreigners buying in Sicily. You’ll also have the chance to connect with expats who have already made the move.
Based across two stunning locations — Ortigia and Cefalù — the trip will include cultural and historical visits, expert talks, and property viewings.
The full details of the Discovery Tour will be released in October, but if you’d like to be the first to know, simply register your interest and join the mailing list.
This is a rare opportunity to not only experience Sicily, but also gain valuable insight into making your dream of owning a home here a reality.