Retreat & Workshop Guide
For more detailed information and available Dates, click the INFORMATION & DATES Buttons in each section.
Venice Watercolour Adventures
Paint the Magic of Venice!
Set across 118 lagoon islands, Venice has inspired masters for centuries — from Antonio Vivaldi to Titian and Tintoretto. With its quintessential canals, Gothic palaces, and Byzantine treasures, this timeless city is a living masterpiece
The fascinating labyrinth of canals is not only steeped in rich mercantile history but is home to exquisite and unique architecture that completes the magical atmosphere that fills the air. Wherever you look, is a view and scorcio waiting to be captured in a painting.
Join us for 5 unforgettable days of watercolour painting, history, and hidden beauty — based near Madonna dell'Orto, where art and atmosphere meet.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 5 nights accommodation, breakfast, aperitivi, dinner included
- lunch time free for personal exploration of Venice
Breathtaking scenery & quiet painting spots
Boat trips to Murano & Burano
Visit to the museum & key landmarks
Rialto Market & traghetto crossings
Artist tour & sightseeing
Cicchetti, wine… and the best gelato in Venice
- all materials provided
Max: 10 participants
IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR ME?
- Suitable for complete beginners to experienced watercolourists
- Average mobility level required you must be able to walk unaided and paint sitting or standing
- Ideal for solo travellers, couples, family and friends travelling together
FROM € 2.150
- Pay in your own currency
- choice of payment methods available in your geo-location.
- Installment option at no extra charge
Cinque Terre Watercolour Adventures
The dreamy pastel facades of the colourful houses in the five coastal villages that make Liguria's 'Cinque Terre' and the incredible backdrop of the glittering turquoise sea have drawn artists over many decades.
From coastal hiking trails to boat views offshore, inspiration is everywhere. You’ll return home not only with a collection of vibrant watercolour paintings and sketches to treasure, but a camera full of future masterpieces in the making.
HIGHLIGHTS
5 nights accommodation, breakfast, dinner and aperitivi included
Magnificent viewpoints for all artistic levels of ability and style
Easy travel between villages by train and boat
Scenic hikes for painters and non-painters alike
Beaches perfect for an afternoon swim
Charming villa setting with gardens – Accommodation 5 nights/6 days with breakfast, aperitivi and dinner
Dedicated studio for demonstrations and review sessions
Peaceful boutique villa retreat away from the crowds
Boutique shops and excellent coffee
- Breakfast & Dinner included
- All materials provided
- max 10 participants
IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR ME?
- Suitable for complete beginners to experienced watercolourists
- Average mobility. you must be able to walk unaided and paint sitting or standing
- Ideal for solo travellers, couples, family and friends travelling together
FROM € 2.350
- Pay in your own currency
- choice of payment methods available in your geo-location.
- Installment option at no extra charge
Florence Watercolour Adventure
Paint in the Heart of the Renaissance!
Welcome to Florence — the cradle of the Renaissance and UNESCO’s World Capital of Art. Here, the atmosphere is filled with the history of the powerful Medici. Florence is where art shaped history.
Wander through ancient lanes to the magnificent Duomo, or the Palazzo Vecchio, and you might feel as though Michelangelo is just around the corner.
Home to nearly 30% of the world’s most important artworks, Florence is a living masterpiece — grand piazzas, world-famous museums, golden Tuscan light, and timeless cityscapes at every turn. A charming historic former monastery just two minutes from the Duomo is our base for this watercolour adventure — peaceful, central, and steeped in a Florentine atmosphere.
If you love art, city breaks, and authentic Italian culture, this is your chance to capture the spirit and beauty of the Renaissance’s “Grand Dame” in watercolour.
HIGHLIGHTS
5 nights accommodation, breakfast, aperitivi, dinner included
Daily watercolour demonstrations & guided practice
expert guided walking, sketching & painting tours
Paint in iconic piazzas, gardens & panoramic viewpoints
Aperitivi & a curated gelato experience
Classic Tuscan cuisine (vegetarian/vegan options available)
Charming historic monastery accommodation 5 nights/6 days, breakfast, aperitivi and dinner included. Lunchtime free for personal exploration
Courtyard garden studio access
Walkable city centre location
Free time to explore, sketch, shop & soak up the atmosphere
- All art materials included
- max 10 pax
IS THIS RETREAT FOR ME?
- Perfect for art lovers, culture seekers, and anyone ready to immerse themselves in the beauty, flavour, and creative energy of Florence.
- average level of mobility, with the ability to walk unaided, required
- ideal for solo travellers, couples, friends and family member
FROM € 2.150
- Pay in your own currency
- choice of payment methods available in your geo-location.
- Installment option at no extra charge
The Retreat, Le Marche Full Immersion & Special Interest Courses and Workshops in all Media and Styles
Escape to The Artist’s Retreat in the heart of Italy’s enchanting Le Marche countryside.
A creative haven for both aspiring beginners and seasoned artists, this is your invitation to fully immerse yourself in your art — surrounded by rolling hills, golden light, and the timeless beauty of rural Italy.
Stay in a charming traditional Italian country house nestled in tranquil, breathtaking scenery. Each day, enjoy delicious, nourishing Mediterranean meals lovingly prepared by your private retreat chef — so you can focus entirely on creating.
Choose Your Creative Journey
Full-immersion and specialist courses include:
- Plein-air & studio practice
- Realism
- Impressionism
- Abstract
- Writing
- Sketchbooking,
- and much, much more...
HIGHLIGHTS
- Special Interest Courses
- relaxed Countryhouse Setting
- large, fully equipped art studifield & studio easels
- all day open studio
- Cooking Classes, Paint & Sip in Vineyard, Excursions to historic towns & villages
- All inclusive retreats – accommodation, all meals, transport during retreat, all materials, tuition & demonstrations, excursions
relaxed Country House setting
DOES THIS RETREAT SUIT ME?
suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends seeking a unique artistic, cultural and wellness expert in an authentic part of Italy away from busy tourist hot-spots.
complete beginners to advanced
average mobility require
FROM € 2.300
- Pay in your own currency
- choice of payment methods available in your geo-location.
- Installment option at no extra charge
MEDIA
Work in oils, acrylics, watercolour, pencil, pastels and more — with space, time, and inspiration to truly develop your practice.
TUITION & COURSES
Courses & Retreats by our Own Resident Tutor and Guest Tutors from around The World.
Let the Italian landscape awaken your creativity and reconnect you with your artistic spirit.
BEYOND THE STUDIO
Enrich your experience with curated cultural activities:
- Authentic Italian Cooking Classes
- Wine tastings at local wineries & culinary experiences
- Sightseeing to historic Roman and medieval towns and villages, and sea-side towns and beaches
- Visit Grand Renaissance Piazzas and Architecture and more
- and much much more
- Experience authentic Italian Culture & Cuisine away from tourist hot spots
Create. Explore Italy off the Beaten Path at gentle pace and indulge in the flavours of authentic Italy
Riviera delle Palme
La Dolce Vita on Italy’s Adriatic Coast
Escape to the Riviera delle Palme for a one-of-a-kind art retreat where creativity meets relaxation. This is your perfect blend of sun-soaked watercolour adventures and rejuvenating holiday vibes.
Start your mornings with beach strolls, Tai Chi, or Qi Gong, then dive into guided watercolour sessions — in the studio or outdoors, capturing sparkling seascapes, charming harbours, and golden morning light.
Afternoons are yours to savour: enjoy seaside lunches, wander palm-lined promenades, explore elegant Liberty-style architecture, or take a dip in the sea or pool. Your beach chair awaits for total relaxation.
Evenings sparkle with aperitivo and art celebrations — reviewing your day’s creations and setting goals for tomorrow’s painterly adventures.
Create. Relax. Celebrate. Indulge
HIGHLIGHTS
- Daily Watercolour demonstrations and practice
plein-air painting of historic towns, rolling hill-sides and seascapes - Spa visit & massage
- Vineyard paint & sip
- Sight-seeing and painting excursions
- Mediterranean Cooking Class to boost creativity
- 2 Qui Gong/Tai Chi or similar sessions of gentle exercise on beach for boosting creative and physical energy
- Pre-dinner drinks & review of daily art work
- Daily Breakfast & sea-side dinner
- Pool & Beach Front Deckchair included
- Non-painting partners welcome
- Max: 8 guests
DOES THIS RETREAT SUIT ME?
- Suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends seeking a unique artistic, cultural and wellness expert in an authentic part of Italy away from busy tourist hot-spots.
- Complete beginners to advanced watercolorists
- Average mobility require
FROM € 2.150
- Pay in your own currency
- choice of payment methods available in your geo-location.
- Installment option at no extra charge
Sorrento & Amalfi
Got lemons? Paint the Amalfi Coast and sip Limoncello!
Overlooking the breathtaking Bay of Naples as you enjoy breakfast or a sunset dinner… and yes, that’s just the beginning.
This vibrant watercolour adventure takes you to the colourful towns dotted along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in the heart of the Campania region. Capture the charm of winding lanes, picturesque ‘scorcios’ (hidden focal points), and stunning viewpoints across the sparkling bay.
Immerse yourself in Italy’s famous “Lemon Garden,” breathe in the Mediterranean atmosphere, and savor the authentic flavors of the Campania region — a feast for both your eyes and your palate.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 5 Nights Accommodation, daily breakfast, aperitivi, dinner on Panoramic Terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples
- Daily watercolour demonstrations at Villa Crawford
- Daily painting excursions to stunning locations around the Amalfi Coast (by minibus)
- experience the cuisine and atmosphere of the Campagna Region
- Daily Breakfast and Dinner with over the Bay
- visit gardens & lemon groves, majolica workshops (painted ceramics) and more
- lunch time free for personal exploration of Amalfi towns
- optional to visit the Grotta dell Smeraldo
- all materials included
- minibus transport on excursions.
- Max 8 pax
DOES THIS RETREAT SUIT ME
- ideal for solo travellers, couples & friends
- complete beginners to experienced art practitioners
- a good level of mobility and the availability to walk unaided is required.
FROM € 2.150
- Pay in your own currency
- choice of payment methods available in your geo-location.
- Installment option at no extra charge
LOCATION MAP
- VENICE
- CINQUE TERRE
- FLORENCE WATERCOLOUR
- LE MARCHE, THE RETREAT
- 5. RIVIERA DELLE PALME
- SORRENTO & AMALFI
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.
Thank you for to all for making my Florence water colour holiday, life affirming and unique.
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!
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!