Painting Holiday Italy
Painting Holiday Italy specialises in exclusive art retreats around Italy with a truly personal touch.
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Our gift vouchers are applicable to any dates & locations in 2026
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Travel To Transform: Walking Around Cinque Terre In Italy With A Paintbrush
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Travel & Leisure Asia
A painting retreat in Cinque Terre – a UNESCO-listed gem on the Italian Riviera – is the best way to savour the taste of La Dolce Vita at your own pace. Here’s why.
01. Exploring Cinque Terre
02. Plan your art holiday
reviews from our guests
Reviews
Reviews
Cinque Terre Oktober 2025
John ist ein wunderbarer Lehrer und hat uns an die besten Orte geführt, um zu Malen und die Atmosphäre zu genießen. Das Hotel Villa Adriana war ein perfekter und ruhiger Ausgangspunkt. Wer sich in Aquarellmalerei weiterentwickeln möchte, dem lege ich eine Reise mit Painting Holiday Italy ans Herz.
John ist ein wunderbarer Lehrer und hat uns an die besten Orte geführt, um zu Malen und die Atmosphäre zu genießen. Das Hotel Villa Adriana war ein perfekter und ruhiger Ausgangspunkt. Wer sich in Aquarellmalerei weiterentwickeln möchte, dem lege ich eine Reise mit Painting Holiday Italy ans Herz.
This has been the most amazing experience and one which I will live long in my memory. Not only was John an inspirational teacher, but he created a special tour of Florence adding stories, history and anecdotes to create a genuinely fabulous time. We visited many beautiful restaurants and the food was delicious. The gelatto was incredible too! I have learnt so much about water colour painting with John's teaching, feedback and guidance; I will definitely act on his advice. It was lovely to meet brilliant people on the course, we got on so well-just what I needed!
Thank you for to all for making my Florence water colour holiday, life affirming and unique.
Thank you for to all for making my Florence water colour holiday, life affirming and unique.
I found the course to be an absolute delight. I wish I were still there. The tutor, John, has expert knowledge of the best places to paint in Florence, the history and the good eating places. In all we painted 9 pictures, in a big range of locations. John has a very easy going nature, and encouraged a lively atmosphere among the participants. John encouraged a loose style of painting, but always found praise in the efforts of the participants, despite maybe having different styles from him. He offered advice in a nice way. I would highly recommend this experience.
I had the most wonderful, truly life-changing experience attending the 5-day watercolor retreat in Florence in September 2025. Just when I thought Italy couldnt be more magical, this retreat proved me wrong. From start to finish, everything was beautifully organized — the stay, hospitality, food, wine, and evening walks all made this experience unforgettable.
The teaching itself was exceptional. John is patient, sincere, and deeply encouraging. I came away not only with new techniques and a much better understanding of watercolor as a medium, but also with the confidence to begin exploring my own style. He has a way of supporting every participant at their level, always with kindness and positivity.
This retreat was the perfect balance of learning, inspiration, and relaxation, and I met some amazing people from all over the world during this experience. Highly highly recommend!
The teaching itself was exceptional. John is patient, sincere, and deeply encouraging. I came away not only with new techniques and a much better understanding of watercolor as a medium, but also with the confidence to begin exploring my own style. He has a way of supporting every participant at their level, always with kindness and positivity.
This retreat was the perfect balance of learning, inspiration, and relaxation, and I met some amazing people from all over the world during this experience. Highly highly recommend!
This was the most incredible experience and I would highly recommend this to anyone. Painting en plein air in Florence with John, wining and dining at wonderful local Italian restaurants, finding the best gelato, aperitivo and painting reviews in the evening.. just excellent. John is a wonderful teacher and artist and I’ve learnt so much from these 5 days! This watercolour course exceeded all my expectations! Major hats off to John and Jana for organising.
Painting Holiday in Italy with John Skelcher was a fabulous experience. John is an excellent teacher. I like how he instructs us, but doesn’t hold our hands. And his critiques (2 stars& a wish) are very helpful. Plus, John is a personable & considerate person. 😊
There were so many beautiful sights & locations for painting. And the views from the villa where we stayed on the Bay of Naples were mind blowing. Lots of opportunities for photos for future paintings.👩🎨. I highly recommend an art retreat with John!
There were so many beautiful sights & locations for painting. And the views from the villa where we stayed on the Bay of Naples were mind blowing. Lots of opportunities for photos for future paintings.👩🎨. I highly recommend an art retreat with John!
