Watercolor from Milan to Venice with Kristin Van Leuven

Dates

Apr 26 – May 1, 2025

Group Size

10–23 Travelers

Duration

6 days, 5 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey exploring and painting from the stylish streets of Milan to the romantic waterways of Venice. On the way, you’ll discover the rich tapestry of history, art, and culture that has made this region a jewel of Europe for centuries. From seeing global icons like the Duomo to enjoying a postcard-worthy gondola ride through the canals, the charm of Northern Italy will be on full display. Enjoy watercolor workshops and opportunities to paint as you travel called “plein air painting”. An incredibly unique experience to travel and paint through Italy with your host giving you guidance and inspiration. Throughout, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to savor exquisite cuisine, explore charming towns, and relax in the picturesque countryside. For cosmopolitans, artists and romantics alike, Northern Italy has it all!
$3,590USD
$3,699USD
Apr 26 – May 1, 2025
6 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

Kristin Van Leuven
Kristin Van Leuven

Hello lovely people! I'm a watercolor artist who is inspired by nature and I'm excited to travel with you! I live in Arizona with my husband and 4 beautiful children and I enjoy gardening, raising chickens, singing, musicals, reading books, crocheting and of course watercolor! Let's paint together at beautiful locations and landscapes around the world!

View Full Profile

Trip Activities

  • Milan Cycling Tour

  • Italian Cooking Class

  • Lake Como Experience

  • Franciacorta Winery Visit and Tasting

  • Guided Walking Tour of Venice

  • Gondola Ride on the Canals

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 4-star hotels (limited single rooms available)

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

Not Included

  • Flights (except as noted)

  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas and travel insurance

  • Airport transfers

  • Tips and gratuity

What's included by Your Host

Painting Workshop

Workshop
For this workshop we will get a chance to sit down and talk about watercolor, plein air tips and tricks and get to know our materials before starting our adventure. Kristin will give you prompts and things to look for to paint in your sketchbook throughout your trip through Italy. Ask questions and get your first marks down in your sketchbook before we start our day in Milan!

Plein Air in Milan

Informal Gathering
As we travel to see cathedrals, art galleries and historic towns, we will take time to pause and paint plein air. This is optional and goes at your own pace, but we will make sure there is time for you to capture it all in your sketchbook.

Plein Air Workshop at Lake Como

Informal Gathering
When getting to the town of Bellagio, we'll find a spot to gather and have a plein air demonstration. We'll go over how to capture buildings and water and how to maintain your color values in a loose style so you can capture the beauty of what you're seeing in front of you.

Plein Air in Bellagio

Informal Gathering
As we travel on the ferry at lake Como, or after we return to Milan, feel free to spend time alone or together plein air painting. Kristin will be available for tips, advice and informal gatherings for anyone wanting more time to paint.

Plein Air in Franciacorta and Venice

Informal Gathering
Today we tour a winery and vineyard in Franciacorta and also take a gondola ride in Venice. We will be pausing for time to paint and explore for whoever is wanting more time to paint.

Plein Air Workshop in Venice

Informal Gathering
Today we will take a walking tour of Venice and we will find a spot to sit and have a demonstration of the floating city. Learning how to use expressive strokes and leave white space to capture a moment without filling an entire page.

Final Workshop

Informal Gathering
Before we head to our farewell dinner, we will paint together one last time. A special project to help you remember your incredible trip.

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30pm to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into MXP.

dinner

Get to know your group and toast to the adventure ahead! Your welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Dinner tonight will be a set menu of traditional Italian cuisine and include an appetizer, main entree, and dessert. Alcoholic drinks not included. Final restaurant to be determined.

Hotel Mercure Milano Centro (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/3

Overnight in Milan.

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Day 2

Info

Buongiorno! After breakfast, it’s time for a full day of exploration, starting with a bicycle tour highlighting historic sites, modern architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods. In the afternoon you’ll have free time to dine, shop, or explore on your own. Then, in the early evening, you’ll be transferred to a cooking class where you’ll learn some of the tips and tricks that make Italian food so legendary. Milan is plastic-free. Remember, you can refill your water bottle at one of the many water fountains around the city. Please be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses as needed.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Painting Workshop

2 Hours

For this workshop we will get a chance to sit down and talk about watercolor, plein air tips and tricks and get to know our materials before starting our adventure. Kristin will give you prompts and things to look for to paint in your sketchbook throughout your trip through Italy. Ask questions and get your first marks down in your sketchbook before we start our day in Milan!

Plein Air in Milan

As we travel to see cathedrals, art galleries and historic towns, we will take time to pause and paint plein air. This is optional and goes at your own pace, but we will make sure there is time for you to capture it all in your sketchbook.

Milan Cycling Tour

2 Hours

You’ll walk 10-15 minutes from the hotel to the cycling tour’s starting point. As you pedal through the streets of Milan, you’ll see the Duomo Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the chic Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, and the Opera House La Scala before entering the Brera district, known for its Italian art. Finally, you’ll finish with a stop at the Sforza Castle after cycling for approximately 2 hours (4 miles) on normal road surfaces, with the exception of some cobblestone streets. Physical activity level: Moderate

Italian Cooking Class

2 Hours

Milan is famous not only for its fashion and culture, but also its incredible cuisine. This evening you’ll learn some of its secrets as you make pasta by hand, to be accompanied by a freshly prepared sauce. The final menu will vary but the delicious Italian flavors and cooking fun will remain exactly as they have for centuries! After dinner, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

dinner

After the cooking class, you will enjoy the dinner you prepared, accompanied by some good Italian wine.

Hotel Mercure Milano Centro (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/3

Overnight in Milan.

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Day 3

Info

Transfer in a private vehicle to Lake Como–renowned for its natural beauty, lakeside living, and luxurious villas–and explore the area by boat. For lunch, you’ll have time on your own to explore the town of Bellagio before transferring back to Milan. Please be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and to pack a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Transfer to Bellagio

2 Hours

Take a private transfer to Bellagio, one of the most renowned and charming towns on Lake Como. Located at the intersection of the lake's three branches, Bellagio is often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como" due to its natural beauty, historic significance, and picturesque setting. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed.

Lake Como Experience

5 Hours

After reaching the charming town of Bellagio, you’ll have 2 hours to explore on your own with sightseeing and restaurant recommendations from your Guide. After lunch, the group will then reconvene at the public dock and board the shared ferry. Your included ferry ticket is valid for 1 day and allows you to hop on and off at different lakeside villages such as Varenna, Cadenabbia, and Tremezzo. From the ferry, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and the colorful dwellings nestled in Lake Como’s lush hillsides. Afterwards, you’ll return to Bellagio and be privately transferred back to Milan where you’ll have the rest of the day free. Please be prepared to walk through narrow cobblestone alleys, and up and down stairs.

Plein Air Workshop at Lake Como

When getting to the town of Bellagio, we'll find a spot to gather and have a plein air demonstration. We'll go over how to capture buildings and water and how to maintain your color values in a loose style so you can capture the beauty of what you're seeing in front of you.

Plein Air in Bellagio

As we travel on the ferry at lake Como, or after we return to Milan, feel free to spend time alone or together plein air painting. Kristin will be available for tips, advice and informal gatherings for anyone wanting more time to paint.

Transfer to Milan

2 Hours

Take a private transfer to Milan. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed.

Hotel Mercure Milano Centro (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/3

Overnight in Milan.

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Day 4

Info

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before taking a private transfer to Venice, with a stop in the Franciacorta wine region for a tour, tasting, and light lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Venice, you’ll be transported to your hotel in the Venetian way, which is to say on a water taxi! Please be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and to pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses as needed.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Transfer from Milan to Franciacorta Winery

1 Hour 30 Mins

Take a private transfer to a winery in the Franciacorta region for a tour and a tasting with lunch. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed.

Franciacorta Winery Visit and Tasting

2 Hours 30 Mins

Franciacorta is a wine-producing region in Lombardy, Italy, known for its high-quality sparkling wines. So much so that it’s often compared to Champagne, in France. While you’re at the vineyard you’ll be able to taste 3 different wines and enjoy a light lunch of local regional products such as breads, meats, and cheeses.

Plein Air in Franciacorta and Venice

Today we tour a winery and vineyard in Franciacorta and also take a gondola ride in Venice. We will be pausing for time to paint and explore for whoever is wanting more time to paint.

Transfer from Franciacorta Winery to Venice

2 Hours

After lunch, take a private transfer to Venice (~1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Venice, you will transfer to your hotel on a private canal water taxi (~30 mins). The boat will either drop you to the closest dock to the hotel and you will walk the remaining short distance or you will be dropped off at the hotel's private dock. To be determined once the hotel has been confirmed.

Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Venice.

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Day 5

Info

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a guided walk in the morning to become familiar with “The Floating City,” which is built on a series of islands connected by canals and bridges. Then in the afternoon, climb aboard a gondola to enjoy a relaxing ride through Venice’s waterways. Finally, you’ll have some free time before gathering again for a final dinner with the group. Please be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses as needed.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Guided Walking Tour of Venice

2 Hours

Starting from your hotel, your Guide will take you on a sightseeing tour including the Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, and the Bridge of Sighs. You’ll be walking around for approximately 2 hours so please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, and pack a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses as needed. The tour will end at the Piazza San Marco, where your gondola ride will begin.

Gondola Ride on the Canals

30 Mins

From Piazza San Marco, board your private gondola and experience Venice from the sea. There is nothing more quintessentially Venetian than a gondola ride on the canal, relax and enjoy the experience! Some of the highlights of this tour include seeing the tower bell of Piazza San Marco and Palazzo Ducale from a different vantage point. Once you return to Piazza San Marco you will have the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Plein Air Workshop in Venice

Today we will take a walking tour of Venice and we will find a spot to sit and have a demonstration of the floating city. Learning how to use expressive strokes and leave white space to capture a moment without filling an entire page.

Final Workshop

Before we head to our farewell dinner, we will paint together one last time. A special project to help you remember your incredible trip.

dinner

Conclude your Italian journey with a heartwarming farewell dinner. Share laughter and memories with newfound friends at a local restaurant. Savor the best of Italian cuisine, toast to your adventures, and bid farewell to La Serenissima. Dinner tonight is a set menu of traditional Venetian cuisine and includes an appetizer, main entree, and dessert. Alcoholic drinks are not included. Final restaurant to be determined.

Eurostars Residenza Cannaregio (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Venice.

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 6

Info

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of VCE.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Show DetailsHide Details

Physical Activity Level:Exploration

These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

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Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

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