Activity Holidays in Italy

Whether you’re in need of a fresh dose of inspiration, been toying with the idea of trying a new medium or maybe you are just looking to escape the daily grind and try something new, a painting holiday is a wonderful way to do exactly that. 

Our painting holidays in Italy are about so much more than sprawling countryside, charming villages and delicious local cuisine, even if you do have them in abundance. Once you’ve been out to capture the local scenery ‘en plein air’, or enjoyed the cool surroundings of the artist’s studio, there’s always a crisp glass of wine and a great company waiting for you. It’s a great way to indulge in your passion while truly experiencing a destination.

Most Popular experiences

View all
  • Watercolour Painting in Florence

    5 Nights Italy

    Treat yourself to this fantastic opportunity to paint watercolours in the beautiful renaissance city of Florence - the p..

    Price from

    £1773 pp
    Take me there
  • Yoga & Watercolour Painting Holiday

    4 nights Italy

    Combine relaxing yoga with painting lessons on this unique 4 night yoga and watercolour painting holiday in Italy; stay ..

    Price from

    £850 pp
    Take me there
  • Painting Holiday in Emilia Romagna

    7 nights Italy

    Come and join this unique 7 night painting holiday in the foothills of Italy near Bologna in the region of Emilia Romagn..

    Price from

    £1500 pp
    Take me there
  • Best Places to Visit

    Tuscany

    With rolling hills & iconic cities, the only issue you'll have is deciding where to start in this id

    Discover

    Tuscany

     image

    Puglia

    The sunny, whitewashed heel of the boot, is home to an abundance of amazing beaches and hidden gems.

    Discover

    Puglia

     image

    Rome

    Rome needs no introduction. Charismatic, charming and captivating, from its history to vibrant stree

    Discover

    Rome

     image

    Verona

    Made famous by Romeo & Juliet, Verona itself is an open-air museum with many hidden paths.

    Discover

    Verona

     image

    Sorrento

    Nestled in the historic Bay of Naples, it’s the perfect base for exploring the picturesque Amalfi

    Discover

    Sorrento

     image

    Naples

    Naples is all about the raw & the spontaneous, it bubbles with volcanic drama and infectious energy.

    Discover

    Naples

     image

    Umbria

    A lush green paradise, landlocked Umbria is a magical region of truly authentic Italy.

    Discover

    Umbria

     image

    Lake Garda

    Enjoy its glistening waters, from quaint harbor towns in the south, to dramatic mountains in the nor

    Discover

    Lake Garda

     image

    Sicily

    One of Europe's most seductive destinations, Sicily sits at the heart of the Mediterranean and deliv

    Discover

    Sicily

     image

    Venice

    A truly unique, magical city, born out of a marble palace on a lagoon, and developing into a stunnin

    Discover

    Venice

     image

    Trentino

    Discover

    Trentino

     image

    Our Destinations In Italy

    Artistic adventures in Italy

    By choosing an activity holiday in Italy, you’re getting a chance to see the things that most tourists don’t. A painting holiday with a local artist is about finding hidden gems, these off the beaten track locations, listening to your host talk passionately about their home and the areas that inspire them the most.

    You can relax and soak up the scenery, let go of worrying about directions or places to stay, and simply drink in the experience of exploration.

    Where to experience painting holidays in Italy

    With an abundance of art galleries and some of the most iconic artworks in the world, Florence is a must for any aspiring artist. Draw ideas for your work from the unique buildings and churches or just sit back and people-watch with a glass of local wine in this lively city.

    Alternatively, if the bustling nature of the city is all a bit too much for you, head to the rolling hills of Emilia Romagna, Tuscany’s lesser known but oh-so-beautiful neighbour. Or why not combine painting and yoga on a relaxing break well off the beaten track in Lazio.

    Wherever you head for your painting holiday in Italy, one thing is guaranteed, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

    Who are our Italian painting holiday guests?

    Experienced artists, those who have never held a paintbrush, creative souls looking for like-minded individuals, and those who are simply in search of new creative inspiration; absolutely anyone and everyone is welcome on our painting holidays in Italy.

    Our artists are experts in their fields. Some will have their own preferred style and specialise in one medium, the others have let their creativity wander and share their knowledge across mixed media. All groups are small and intimate meaning the experience will be totally tailored to you and your needs, so that you can simply relax and be inspired.

    All you need to bring is your passion, a willingness to discover new things and a love for art. Sound like you? Come and join them.

    Why choose Not In The Guidebooks?

    We’re passionate about helping people find the most amazing experiences on their travels, through meeting local people, exploring new places, and discovering alternative activities that make holidays special. We do this by carefully selecting partners in countries around the world who are experts in their local area, sourcing interesting people who can guide you through immersive experiences.

    We’ve got local partners and artists all across Italy, from the spectacular architecture and galleries of Florence, to the rolling hills and charming villages of Emilia Romagna. Choosing a Not In The Guidebooks holiday in Italy means you don’t have to choose between a beach holiday or an activity-filled break, you can get the best of both worlds with a unique trip.

    Related activities and destinations

    Join our community

    Get off the beaten track and support local communities that you visit.

    Sign up for inspiriation for your itinerary, new experiences and special offers.