Our painting holidays
On our painting holidays, learn not just how to capture the essence of a place, but respect it, too. Painters don’t always have to be hiding behind a canvas – whether you’re en plein air in France, or on a Greek beach, these are opportunities to meet, not just like-minded fellow artists in your group, but also fellow creatives in the communities in which you stay. Our holidays are often run by partners who are invested in their local area year-round – whether they offer their own space for events for the local village or buy local produce from their neighbours. So, travel slower, look deeper, spend longer – and go and chase that perfect light, sketchbook in hand.
Our top Painting holidays
Watercolour painting holiday in France
From
£1395 to £1695
7 days
ex flights
Watercolour / Pastel with expert tutors
Small group2026: 20 Apr, 28 Apr, 16 May, 26 May, 28 Jul, 2 Sep, 2 Oct
Painting holiday in Montenegro
From
£950 to £1295
7 days
ex flights
Montenegro painting holiday with an experienced art teacher
Small group2026: 6 Sep, 13 Sep
Walking and painting holiday in Crete
From
€1120 to €1150
8 days
ex flights
Walking and Painting in unspoilt picturesque areas of Crete
Small group2026: 10 May, 15 Sep, 29 Sep
Art holiday in France, acrylic & oils
From
£1395 to £1695
7 days
ex flights
Acrylic / Oil tutors in the studio and en plein air
Small group2026: 7 May, 14 Jun, 23 Jun, 1 Jul, 9 Jul, 17 Jul, 26 Jul, 11 Sep, 27 Sep
Cyprus painting holiday
From
€950
7 days
ex flights
Full board art holiday based in Cyprus mountain village
Small group2026: 1 Feb, 1 Mar, 7 Mar, 21 Mar, 1 Apr, 4 Apr, 15 Apr, 18 Apr, 29 Apr, 13 May, 27 May, 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 8 Jul, 19 Aug, 2 Sep, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 9 Dec
Painting Holiday in Crete
From
€1120 to €1160
8 days
ex flights
Painting and sketching outdoors by the Cretan Sea
Small group2026: 10 May, 6 Jun, 8 Sep
Scotland painting holiday, around the blooming heather
From
£1150 to £1200
12 days
ex flights
Exploring the incredibly varied landscapes of the far north
Small group2026: 1 Jun, 2027: 30 May
Art floral painting holiday with Catherine Bobkoski
From
US $4199
7 days
ex flights
Discover Italy’s beauty through floral painting retreat.
Small group2026: 1 Jun
Watercolour painting holiday in Italy with Lorraine Simonds
From
US $4199
7 days
ex flights
Elevate your watercolour practice to new heights
Small group2026: 14 Jun
Contact Us
Call us for a chat about our holidays. We are happy to discuss your holiday and help in any way we can. No bots, queues or awful hold music.
01273 823 700
Call us until 6pm
Calling from outside the UK
Pick your destination
Our painting holidays go all the way around the world. In between painting jungle scenes in Sri Lanka, you might find inspiration from local craft cooperatives and art galleries. In Morocco, take inspiration from the landscapes around your Berber-owned desert accommodation. In Europe, you won’t just be inspired by the Impressionists, but by the living traditions that you see in the towns you visit. Wherever you are, these holidays are immersed in local life – helping inform your art.
From oils to watercolours
Are you a watercolourist seeking new sights for your sketchbook, an oil aficionado, or are you interested in learning more about alla prima? Our holidays come with art teachers who are accomplished exhibiting artists in their own right – and they also have a passion for travel. They’ll be able to provide tuition suitable for your medium. And we’re always thinking about the impact – whether that’s providing environmentally-friendly paints and thinners, or encouraging our travellers to learn about local artistic traditions, from Greek icon painting to Byzantium mosaics.
Arts & crafts
The greatest souvenirs are ones you’ve made yourself. If you’re more of a craftsperson than a painter then you could try one of our workshops, which put budding calligraphers through their paces, and might inspire you to make myriad mosaics. Set up with local partners who are passionate about their craft, you can learn something new or perfect your skills with the best of the best.
A great place to paint
The setting is everything. Whether it’s a terrace with a commanding view of sunset, a garden or rewilded space, or a quiet nearby town with a vivid market, our holidays use locally owned accommodation where possible, and especially places that have their own stories to tell – like a French chateau, or a lovingly-restored traditional stone home in Montenegro. If you’re painting in a beautiful place, you’ll feel that connection closely – and our holidays can help.
Our Painting holidays reviews
4.8
108Painting holidays reviews
Emily Hays28 Nov 2025
5 stars! I recommend this experience to anyone looking for a community-oriented adventure and a chance to really practice and learn art techniques in a supportive environment.read more
Jane Darcy03 Nov 2025
A wonderful opportunity to paint in a variety of places in Morocco that I'd have never got to see on my ownread more
Anita Rattan03 Nov 2025
Excellent...Mary has really explored all venues for this holiday and is an excellent water colour tutor. I have gained so much knowledge and techniques in water colour painting and been able to experience the real country with good advice and notes from Maryread more
Katrina Woods03 Nov 2025
I enjoyed this trip immensely. The group was a good size. There was ample opportunity to explore the environment - and sketch it! The trip was well organised and Mary was a wonderful guide.read more
