Sorrento and Amalfi Watercolour Retreat

Sorrento, Italy

PH
Painting Holiday Italy
  • Email address verified
7 reviews
Sep 15 - 20, 2025
Group size: 1 - 25
Sorrento and Amalfi Watercolour Retreat
Sorrento, Italy

Painting Holiday Italy
  • Email address verified
7 reviews

€2,350
Deposit: €600
Sep 15 - 20, 2025
Group size: 1 - 25

About this trip

We are excited to announce this Brand New Watercolour Retreat on Italy’s magnificent Amalfi Coast. Enjoy some La Dolce Vita and soak up the atmosphere whilst sketching and exploring the colourful little towns dotted along the Amalfi Coast. Capture the ‘scorcio’ (focal points) that can be found throughout the little lanes and view points across the Bay of Naples before indulging in the typical flavours of the Amalfi with the fine cuisine accompanying this painting retreat.Join us on our visits to the picturesque towns along the Amalfi coast, such as Positano and Praiano. There, we will take time to sketch, journal and gather ideas for painting projects, as well as stopping for visits to the bottegas for tasting the world-famous authentic local Limoncello, admire the traditional local maiolica (ceramics) and treat ourselves to little breaks for delicious ice-creams or aperitivi, fully indulging in the spirit of Italian Life.


Have we got your attention yet? If not, why not check out this video about the elegance Villa Crawford and the sheer beauty and elegance that awaits you on this unique watercolour retreat.

About the course

Join us on our visits to the picturesque towns along the Amalfi coast, such as Positano and Praiano. There, we will take time to sketch, journal and gather ideas for painting projects, as well as stopping for visits to the bottegas for tasting the world-famous authentic local Limoncello, admire the traditional local maiolica (ceramics) and treat ourselves to little breaks for delicious ice-creams or aperitivi, fully indulging in the spirit of Italian Life.


Around every corner, you will find views waiting to be captured, from coastal views, beaches with their colourful umbrellas, lemon groves, quaint lanes and classic Italian architecture….. You may want to stop for some sketching and journalling along our morning excursions, gather ideas for future projects with your camera, or sit and enjoy the moment surrounded by the immense beauty of the location. Afternoons, we will be dedicated to releasing your creative forces watercolour painting in the shady courtyard of our elegant location. Your tutor will demonstrate techniques, which you will be able to put to practice during guided painting time.

The evening a là carte menu is the perfect opportunity for sampling the delicious local flavours enjoying fine Italian cuisine in the company of like-minded people. After dinner, your tutor will introduce you to painting techniques and practices that will provide the focus for our artistic exploration the following day.


What can you expect to learn from this course?


Our structured approach to tuition, allows every painter, from beginner to experienced to take their work to a new level during the duration of this course, so that you will be leaving with the satisfaction of having produced some fantastic artwork and lots of future projects to work on.

The tuition is centred around:

  • principles of watercolouring
  • colour theory
  • 5 value maping
  • edge quality
  • placement
  • perspective
  • proportion

The evening a là carte menu is the perfect opportunity for sampling the delicious cal flavours enjoying fine Italian cuisine in the company of like-minded people. After dinner, your tutor will introduce you to painting techniques and practices that will provide the focus for our artistic exploration the following day.

Accommodations

We are delighted to be hosting this exclusive retreat at a luxury historic villa which is the former home to Princess Elizabeth and Margaret’s childhood governess. Herself, author of works like ‘The little Princesses’, Marion Crawford found inspiration and serenity for her writings in this elegant location with it’s classical Italian garden. It is a truly tranquil heaven of unrivalled architectural and natural beauty, overlooking the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Our ‘garden rooms’ offer a touch of luxurious comfort and exclusivity to the bespoke traveller wanting to unwind and re-charge before releasing all that creative energy in-between our painting sessions.

Mobility

The Amalfi Region is a coastal region famous for its towns dotted across the steep coast line. The towns and coastal walks can be explored on foot and therefore require a good level of mobility to access the piazzas, viewpoints, beach and painting locations. You need to be able to move around freely and carry a moderate amount of water-colour equipment.

Nearest airports

  • Napoli
  • Rome

By train:

  • from Rome
  • Napoli

Transfers: Taxi services can be arranged from Sorrento Train station (5min distance) Napoli and Rome airport. Please contact with us if you wish to arrange pick up at either of these locations.

What to pack

Comfortable casual clothing and sensible shoes for walking, sandals, for the summer and comfortable shoes for when we are out and about all day. It rains even in Italy, and at times heavily. A rain coat, umbrella, layered clothing, a hat and long sleeves for sun-protection are recommended. Adequate clothing for painting, clothes may get stained. Aprons will be provided.


Spring/Autumn: Days are usually mild and sunny but it can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. We recommend layers and a raincoat as well as a jumper.


For Groups: If you are wishing to book a tour with your painting group, we are happy to arrange a specific course of your choice for you. Group discounts apply. Simply contact us with your requirements.

What are the requirements?

No prior drawing or painting experience is required. The course instruction is in English, and no Italian skills are required, though a few words may make your holiday experience more authentic when exploring on your own accord.

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    5 nights with breakfast and evening meals (lunch not included)
  • Tuition and program
    Mornings and Afternoons study with critique of your work in the evening
  • Materials
    Winsor and Newton watercolour paints, Kolinsky sable brushes, drawing equipment, including watercolour sketchbook
  • guided excursions/tours

Available Packages

Twin/double en-suite
Deposit: €600

per person (non-refundable deposit)

€2,350
Deposit: €600
Single room en-suite
Deposit: €600

per person (non-refundable deposit)

€2,500
Deposit: €600
Non-painting partner
Deposit: €600

non-painting companion sharing twin or double with participating party

€2,200
Deposit: €600
€2,350
Deposit: €600


Itinerary

Monday, September 15
Day 1 - Arrival & Course Orientation

14:00 onwards check in at Villa Crawford


18:00 group orientation and course outline and material distribution


20:00 Welcome Dinner

Your Organizer


PH
Painting Holiday Italy
7 reviews
Curated Art Retreats and Painting Holidays throughout Italy.

Reviews

John is a great tutor,whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced artist,His lessons are always interesting and informative,highly recommended
By Jean J for Goldster Drawing Group on Apr 05, 2025
Really enjoying John’s vast knowledge and teaching methods.
By Beryl C for Goldster Drawing Group on Apr 04, 2025
Fantastic coaching from John who is a patient, positive teacher,I have learnt and improved so much.
By Diane M for Goldster Painting & Drawing Group on Apr 02, 2025
Fabulous class, great tutor
By Judi S for Goldster Painting & Drawing Group on Apr 02, 2025
John Skelcher is an excellent tutor. Extremely patient and encouraging.
By Lynda C for Goldster Painting & Drawing Group on Mar 15, 2025
Show More Reviews