Day 1

Arrive at our hotel in Milan near Centrale Station. Prior to setting out, a welcome meeting gives an overview of the week. Then, we take the metro to visit the famous Piazza Duomo.

Day 2

To begin with we travel to Rapallo by train. Then, an orientation walk ends with a panoramic funivia ride. Later, enjoy an art class and our welcome meal looking over Portofino.

Day 4

Walk the spectacular coastline between colorful Santa Margherita Ligure and famous Portofino. When you are ready, return to Rapallo by a scenic ferry ride. Later, we’ll gather for a food and wine tasting of local specialties.

Day 5

Transfer to Lake Como near the border of Switzerland. Start with an orientation walk while you get your bearings. Afterwards stretch your legs with a walk to Villa Monastero. Then sketch while sitting beside the pristine lakeshore.

Day 7

Start the day with a beautiful walk along Lake Como’s ancient Roman road. In a small village by the lake we’ll gather for a final class. Later enjoy our farewell meal at an intimate lakeside trattoria. 

Day 8

Finally it is time to say goodbye. There are no group activities planned on this day. You may depart at any time. The hotel will hold your bags if your depature is after checkout.

What’s Included

Travel Sketchbook Workshop in Italy

• Assistance of your host / guide throughout the program
• Koosje Koene’s  Daily Art Program
• 1 night at 4-star hotel near Milano Centrale
• 3 nights at our 4-star hotel in Rapallo’s waterfront
• 3 nights at select boutique hotel on Lake Como
• All hotel taxes and service fees
• Daily full buffet breakfast
• All transport per the itinerary (start Milan Hotel and end at Lake Como Hotel)
• Metro trip to Piazza Duomo and gelato 
• Transfer from Milan to Rapallo
• Rapallo orientation walk
• Round trip funivia to the hills above Rapallo
• Welcome lunch or dinner (depending upon arrival time to Rapallo) 
• Guided walk along coast to Portofino
• Ferry return to Rapallo from Portofino
• Cinque Terre train and park admission to visit the villages
• Optional self-guided hikes between Cinque Terre’s famous seaside towns
• Transfer from Rapallo to Lake Como
• Orientation walk to get to know your neighborhood
• Informal wine and cheese tasting
• Mid-lake ferry passes on Lake Como to visit neighboring villages per itinerary
• Guided walk to Villa Balbianello or the Lake Como Greenway
• Optional cooking class
• Programs are subject to change. 

Where in the World?

Italy has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine while remaining utterly true to its traditions. Our travel sketchbook workshop will tour Italy’s northern regions. To begin with our small group meets in Milan, the center of global fashion and design. Then we explore the sunny Italian Riviera in Liguria. Finally, our vacation ends in the serene foothills of the Alps and stunning Lake Como.

Airport Information

Three international airports serve Milan: Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo. Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest. It usually has the best connections for North American cities. Also, MXP is well connected to Milano Centrale Station by both train and airport busses.

Linate Airport (LIN) is the closest airport to the city. It is located just 7km away from Milano Centrale. From LIN an airport bus can bring you directly to the station.

Bergamo Airport (BGY) is a great choice for anyone traveling on low cost, regional airlines. Specifically, Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air offer regular flights to and from Bergamo. Bergamo is also served by shuttles and public transport to Milan’s center. 

For departure, Malpensa is located closer to Lake Como than Linate. From Como, Malpensa enjoys more frequent and better connections than Bergamo.

Generally speaking, you will find it most convenient and cost effective to fly in and out of Malpensa Airport.