Sketchbook Art Workshop in Liguria, Italy with Taria Dawson
Join artist Taria Dawson for 7 days on a sketchbook art workshop based in Rapallo, Italy.
Book This Tour
Overview
Join us for a six-night sketchbook journey along the Italian Riviera with teaching artist Taria Dawson — an arrival night in Milan, then five nights based in the harbor town of Rapallo. Each day brings a new destination by foot, train, and ferry: the pastel villages of Cinque Terre, the coastal path from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino, the hillside walk down to Camogli. Taria sketches alongside the group the whole way.
No art degree required here, just a willingness to show up with a sketchbook. Taria still gets the blank-page nerves herself, and she teaches with that same honesty, loosening up rather than chasing a perfect result. Evenings bring a wine tasting, a farewell lunch overlooking Portofino, or simply time to finish a page. By the end of the week, your sketchbook holds the whole Ligurian coast in ink and color.
The Creative Experience
This is a sketchbook program, worked entirely on-site with pen and watercolor, wherever the day’s travels lead. Sessions run about 90 minutes to 2.5 hours, warming up with loosening-up exercises before turning that day’s scene into a spread. The goal isn’t a flawless sketchbook. It’s a real one: messy, personal, and full of life.
This Vacation Includes
- Art Workshop Program: Daily art class with Taria Dawson
- Blue Walk Tour Program: Guided daily walks
- Hotel Accommodations: 1 night at our 4 star hotel in Milan
- Hotel Accomodations: 5 nights at our 4 star hotel in Rapallo
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Welcome Lunch
- Farewell Dinner
- Transfers per itinerary: Daily transfers during the tour
- Aperitivo
- Food and wine tasting
- Gelato!
- Taxes and fees: Hotel taxes and fees included
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Porterage of luggage
- Tips and gratuities
- Meals not mentioned
- Airport transfer
- Travel insurance
- Art Supplies
About YourArtist-Teacher
Taria Dawson
Taria decided she wanted to draw in her mid-twenties, with zero art background. She practiced from books before discovering that travel sketching was a thing. Then she put it to the test on a solo backpacking trip through Central America. She sketched one thing a day until her sketchbook became the best travel companion she’d ever had (and one that never complained). She now runs Urban Sketchers Johannesburg, teaches online, and leads workshops around the world, alongside her YouTube channel, Taria’s Sketchy Adventures.
“Because I don’t have any formal art training, I can talk to students in a relatable way,” she says. “I like students to feel like they’re with a good friend.”
Day by DayYour Itinerary
Programs are subject to change. Actual daily schedule may differ.
Day 1 · Arrival in Milan
Arrive at the hotel in Milan for a welcome meeting and overview of the week, followed by a vintage streetcar ride to Piazza Duomo. Taria teaches a warm-up class during aperitivo.
Day 2 · Onward to Rapallo
A train ride to Rapallo, followed by an orientation walk of the harbor town. Taria leads a sketchbook class on the sunny promenade, and the evening brings a welcome meal in the historic center.
Day 3 · Cinque Terre by Train and Trail
A morning sketching at Rapallo’s colorful farmer’s market, then an afternoon exploring the Cinque Terre by train and on foot. A vineyard walk above Manarola leads into the village itself, then on to Vernazza, the region’s postcard-perfect harbor town, for a gelato stop and a choice: relax by the harbor, take a short overlook hike, or continue the full trail to Monterosso al Mare. The evening ends in Monterosso, with dinner on your own before the train back to Rapallo.
Day 4 · Portofino's Pastel Harbor
In the morning, enjoy a walk along the coastline from Santa Margherita Ligure. Stroll past colorful villas and hidden coves to Portofino, its harbor lined with pastel buildings and impressive yachts. Free time to wander, browse, or simply sit with a coffee before the scenic ferry ride back to Rapallo, at your own pace.
Day 5 · San Rocco to Camogli
A bus ride up to the hilltop hamlet of San Rocco, followed by a scenic walk down an ancient stone path to the seaside town of Camogli, about forty-five minutes with sea views along the way. Lunch is on your own amid Camogli’s colorful waterfront, followed by an afternoon sketchbook class. The evening brings a lively food and wine tasting at Guido’s family grocery.
Day 6 · Farewell Above Portofino
Free time in Rapallo to start the day, followed by a gentle funivia ride up to Montallegro. A short walk through the oaks leads to a farewell lunch beneath the oaks, with a view of the Portofino Peninsula, and one last class with Taria before returning to Rapallo at your leisure.
Day 7 · Departure
No group activities are planned. Depart at your leisure; the hotel will hold bags for later departures.
A Note on Pace
View MapWhere in the World?
The trip begins in Milan and ends in Rapallo. Malpensa Airport (MXP) generally offers the best connections for both arrival and departure.
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Traveled, Created, Loved It
“Spain was our second walking vacation with The Blue Walk, and it was delightful. Suzy and Jeannette are very organized, knowledgeable and friendly. They guided us for an overview of old Barcelona, and then onto Callela de Pallafrugel, the most beautiful fishing village. We walked along the coast and through farming areas to two medieval towns. Suzy and Jeannette are excellent tour guides, and we will join the Blue Walk again soon.”
Jackie and Mark Curley“They are INCREDIBLE!!! I’ve loved everything we’ve done together! An art journal workshop and a private tour with friends I met on the Art Walk & everything has been better and more fun than I ever dreamed! 5 Stars is only a beginning of how great they are!”
Sue Cogins“What a great way to get exercise and see the most incredible coast of the French Riviera with guides that cater to every personality and whim! My husband and I will definitely be on another walking tour in the near future. Thank you for an amazing experience!”
Chris & Julie Sochin“I love traveling with The Blue Walk. Our time is so special, and I’ve made wonderful friends. And your art teachers are the best! Thank you for the care you put into every aspect of our time. I can’t wait until my next trip.”
Norina Morris