Travel Journal Art Workshop in Spain
Join artist Julie Snidle for a weeklong vacation visiting lively Barcelona and Costa Brava's coastlines and backroads Book Now
Live it up in Barcelona. Relax on the Costa Brava.
Dates: September 8-14, 2025
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Start: Barcelona, Spain
End: Barcelona, Spain
Visit: Barcelona, Palamós, Pals, Peratallada, Calella de Palafrugell
Cost: from $3445 based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: from $595
All prices in US dollars, land only. Solo traveler roomshares available.
Travel Journal Art Workshop in Spain
Join Julie Snidle’s travel journal art workshop in Spain for an enchanting journey of travel and artistic expression. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Barcelona’s bustling city streets and uncover the hidden wonders of Costa Brava. Laugh, explore, and forge lasting friendships with fellow travelers as you embark on this intimate, small-group vacation. Discover the art of capturing your adventures in a personal travel journal, guided by Julie’s expertise and inspiring art classes. Experience the perfect harmony between creativity and exploration as you delve into the beauty of both destinations, creating lifelong memories along the way.
I took a five-day art workshop with Julie earlier this year, in oil and cold wax. I learned a LOT, and it was a delightful experience. Julie was super well organized and delivered the content in a way that was easily digestible but adequately challenging. Everybody in the class made visible progress in their skills with the materials, and we all learned from each other as well as Julie. Julie is a five star teacher!
What to Expect
Travel Journal Workshop in Spain
Art Program
Join us for a perfect blend of inspiring travel and art journal classes. Discover the vibrant city of Barcelona. Be a part of the travel adventure on Julie Snidle’s art workshop in Spain. Working both in the field and at an informal “studio” space at our hotel, each art class will be inspired by and include content from the locations we visit.
Before the trip:
• Choose a front and back cover for your journal.
• Cut and fold watercolor pages to size.
• Julie will send you easy to follow instructions beforehand.
• Bring all with you to Spain.
Barcelona:
• Together, learn to stitch your pages into your cover.
• It’s easy. Julie will show you how.
This is Julie’s favorite type of handmade journal; it’s easy to assemble, it travels well, and it holds up over time.
Costa Brava:
There will be a new adventure every day. Our walks will inspire you to take photos, pick up dropped flower petals, collect postcards, maps, brochures. Patterns, colors, textures (and flavors!) abound. Collect your favorites.
Julie will guide you with prompts, suggestions, ideas. She will answer questions about color, composition, and teach you how to use materials in new ways. You will spend time working in your journal each day, locations will vary.
In this workshop you will:
- Develop your observation skills
- Improve your watercolor painting skills
- Become familiar with new materials
- Explore creative ways to use found materials
- Learn to trust your instincts
- Create a unique art and travel journal filled with memories
Touring
Barcelona
First, you’ll arrive in beautiful Barcelona, Spain. Julie’s art workshop begins with two nights exploring food, culture, and the historic center of Barcelona. Our urban strolls will introduce you to lesser known destinations off the usual tourist map.
Together, we will travel by metro to the district of El Poblenou. Caught in the flux between aging workmens’ housing and grandiose re-gentrification projects, El Poblenou is Barcelona epitomized. There you can treasure hunt at the Encants Vells Flea Market – one of the oldest flea markets in Europe. Another day we will tour the impressive Sant Pau. A former hospital, it has been beautifully restored and is now a spectacular Art Nouveau site.
There will also be opportunities to visit La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s architectural masterpiece, or experience the passion of traditional flamenco so close you will feel the heat. In the heart of historic Barcelona, from our hotel you can easily explore the unique neighborhoods and nearby attractions such as the La Rambla or any of Gaudi’s Art Nouveau buildings.
Costa Brava
Next, it’s off to the coast. The Costa Brava extends northeast from Barcelona to the French border. It is known for its charming fishing villages and dramatic coastlines with stunning beaches, bays, and inlets. Here we spend four nights at Calella de Palafrugell. Still a small fishing village, it hosts an array of family run restaurants, cafes, and interesting galleries. Each day, private transfers to our half-day walks will explore pristine coastlines and nearby towns. Our program will end the morning of the last day with a return to Barcelona.
What You’ll Love
Watercolor Journal Workshop in Spain
1. Small group classes
With no more than 14 guests, expect a friendly intimate feel and quality time during art classes
2. Movable Studio
Develop skills and techniques to use whenever you travel. Specifically, learn to pack light and create as you go.
3. Capture Your Experience
Your sketchbook will evolve into a personal travel journal filled with memories to last a lifetime.
4. Planning with Care
We take care of the details. You enjoy your vacation!
Inclusions
Travel Journal Art Workshop in Spain
- The assistance of your Art Walk tour directors throughout the week
- Daily watercolor journal art classes with Julie Snidle
- All transfers per the itinerary
- Full buffet breakfast daily
- All hotel taxes and service fees
Barcelona:
- Two nights at our select, centrally located, 4-star hotel
- Orientation meeting and walk
- Welcome dinner
- Admission to the Art Nouveau site Hospital de Sant Pau
- Walk through El Poblenou District
- Visit the Encants Vells Flea Market
- Option to experience a traditional flamenco show in an intimate taverna
Costa Brava:
- Private group transfer from Barcelona hotel to Calella de Palafrugell
- Four nights at our waterfront, family-owned hotel
- Orientation walk
- Guided daily walking itineraries unique to The Blue Walk. (Walks are optional)
- Calella de Palafrugell to Llafranc. (5K)
- Cap Roig to Palamos (8K)
- Pals to Peretallada (6.5K)
- Farewell dinner
- Private group transfer from Calella de Palafrugell to Barcelona Airport arriving by 10:00am.
- All hotel taxes and service fees
Example Itinerary…
Travel Journal Art Workshop in Spain
Actual daily schedules may differ.
Day 1
Start our art workshop at our centrally located hotel in historic Barcelona, Spain. It’s in a quiet location and situated just blocks from La Rambla. After a meet-and-greet and program overview, we will set out for an orientation walk to get to know the neighborhood. Then finish the evening with an abundant welcome dinner at our favorite tapas restaurant. Mixed media art workshop in Spain
Day 2
Begin the day with a visit to Sant Pau and an onsite art class with Julie. A former hospital, Sant Pau has been beautifully restored and is now a foremost Art Nouveau site. Next, a short stroll will bring our art workshop in Spain to the imposing La Sagrada Familia cathedral. In the evening there is an option to see a traditional flamenco show in an intimate cantina.
Day 3
After breakfast our small group of artists will visit the Encants Vells Flea Market. After a little retail therapy, enjoy lunch at a family-run farm-to-table restaurant. In the afternoon we will transfer to the Costa Brava. After checking into our waterfront hotel, Julie will teach art class on the sea-view terrace. Then, an orientation walk will introduce you to Calella de Palafrugell.
Day 4
Today your art workshop in Spain will be inspired by medieval towns and rolling countryside. Start in Pals, with its winding stone alleyways and many artisan shops it’s the perfect place for our art workshop class. From there walk country lanes to the town of Peretallada. This is a beautiful walk through olive groves, oak forests, vineyards, and rolling fields. hop in Spain
Day 5
Today is all about coastal views and trails. Join us for a walk through pine forests and along sandy beaches. We will pass fishing villages and Roman ruins before reaching our destination of Palamós. There, Julie will teach class, and we will enjoy lunch at a family-run, Catalonian restaurant before meeting our return transfer.
Day 6
After a leisurely breakfast, Julie will teach her final class. The afternoon is free to enjoy beautiful Spain. For those who would like to join us, we will walk the coastal path to the nearby village of Llafranc. The colors of sunset will lead us home on our return. Later, as we watch the moon rise over the sea, we will celebrate our art workshop in Spain with a farewell dinner.
Day 7
Finally it is time to say adiós to your art workshop friends. After breakfast a private transfer will deliver our group to the Barcelona International Airport by 10am. There we will bid farewell until the next time.
Leisurely Walks, Inspired Art Classes, and Copious Creativity
Where in the World?
Barcelona, known for its art, architecture, and cuisine, is located at the Mediterranean sea in the very north of the Spanish coast. It is certainly the most cosmopolitan and economically most active city in Spain. The Costa Brava is located to the north of Barcelona, and stretches for more than 200 km from Blanes to Portbou. It is renowned for the diverse landscape of its beaches and coves, the quality of its waters, its excellent cuisine and centuries-old cultural legacy. We are excited to introduce this region through our Spain walking vacation.
Airport
There is one international airport in Barcelona, El Prat (BCN), located about eight miles southwest of the city center. It has two terminals: Terminal 1 is the arrival point for international flights, as well as the Spanish carrier Vueling; Terminal 2 serves mainly low-cost European carriers, such as Ryanair and easyJet.
If you’re flying from the US, even if you’ve passed through customs in another European airport, you’ll likely be landing in Terminal 1.
There are a variety of transportation options from Barcelona’s airport to the city center including private driver, taxi, bus, train, and metro. No matter which you choose, you can get from the airport to the center in about a half hour.
Important Notes
Mixed Media Art Workshop in Spain
Deposits
Your place on a tour is secured once we have received and confirmed your deposit payment. Before the final payment date, a non-refundable deposit of $500 for walking vacations and $750 for art vacation workshops is required. After the final payment date, the entire tour amount must be received to hold a space on a program.
You may cancel for any reason up to 90 days prior to departure and your non-refundable deposit may be forwarded to a future tour. Any balance on your account will be returned. For complete details please see our Terms and Conditions.
Solo travelers and single supplements
For our guests who are traveling solo... We offer a single supplement for an additional fee if you wish to guarantee a private room.
If you do not request a private room, you will share a twin room with another trip participant of the same sex (Roomshare). When you sign up, if no Roomshare is available, a 50% single supplement will be included on your invoice and is due at final payment. However, if a roommate is found before your trip departs, you will be matched and the single supplement will be removed or refunded.
A single supplement guarantees a private room. Whenever possible singles will be placed in the same room type as our double or twin rooms.
Twin / Double Rooms
Please be aware twin beds in Europe may have very little or no space between beds. Also, for double beds, instead of a king or queen mattress, double beds are often two adjoining twin mattresses secured together and made with double bedding.
Fitness
Walking is a part of this program. It is both a means of visiting locations and a way to immerse yourself in a place. Our scheduled walks are usually 1-2 hours long at a casual pace. We provide a general description of our walks here. It is your responsibility to know your own physical and medical condition with respect to the advisability of participating in a chosen trip. We suggest you prepare by doing at least 1 hour of walking several times per week, and a longer walk at least once per week. Ideally, include walks with elevation change and stairs. (There are always stairs.)
As with any exercise program, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to your arrival regarding the suitability of a walking tour.
Some of our guests find trekking poles helpful on steep or uneven terrain. In Europe they are quite common. Before using them on a vacation, please practice at home. We strongly advise you get comfortable using trekking poles on familiar paths first.
For additional information on these topics and more, please see our FAQ page.
Choose Your Walking or Art Vacation
Walking Tours
Are you looking for a leisurely European walking vacation or a travel journal-based art vacation? To learn more, select your destination country or program type below. We will take you there!
To learn more about The Blue Walk difference please read our About The Blue Walk page.
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