MSC Armonia Cruise 2027

Our adventure begins on June 6th, as we set sail from Venice (Marghera) aboard the MSC Armonia, our floating home for the week. That evening, you will meet Ian Fennelly and members of the Urban Sketch team for a warm welcome, drinks, and a relaxed introduction to the journey ahead.

From there, each day brings a new port and fresh inspiration, with guided sketching opportunities in some of the Adriatic and Ionian region’s most characterful and visually rich destinations. You will have the chance to explore the coastal energy of Split in Croatia, the historic beauty of Dubrovnik, the dramatic setting of Kotor in Montenegro, the charm of Brindisi with nearby Lecce in southern Italy, and the sunlit streets and waterfront views of Corfu in Greece.

As we travel between ports, there will also be time to enjoy life on board, whether that means sketching on deck, relaxing with fellow guests, taking in the sea air, or reflecting on all you have seen and captured so far. The journey is designed to offer a wonderful balance of creativity, exploration, and enjoyment throughout the week.

We then return to Venice (Marghera) on June 13th, bringing home fuller sketchbooks, fresh inspiration, and special memories shared with a like-minded group of sketchers.

Check the Day-by-Day Itinerary section below for the full schedule.

Includes:

• Interior cabin (7 nights) upgrades are available
• Full Board Dining
• Gratuities
• Onboard activities
• Onboard entertainment
• Welcome reception (6th June)
• All workshops & demonstrations with Ian Fennelly

Excludes:

• Flights to/from the destination
• Airport transfer to/from the port
• Painting supplies
• Luggage handling
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Items not explicitly specified in the above inclusion list

For our 7-night Mediterranean adventure, we’ll be staying aboard the MSC Armonia, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and inspiring sea views. Your floating hotel will transport us from one stunning sketching destination to the next—no packing and unpacking required!

The MSC Armonia is a classic and elegant cruise ship, perfectly suited for a Mediterranean journey. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, she provides a relaxed environment for creative exploration at sea.

Cabin amenities include:

• Daily housekeeping and turndown service
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Air conditioning and personal climate control
• Satellite TV and in-room safe
• Hairdryer and mini bar
• 24-hour reception and room service
• Onboard Wi-Fi available
• Access to ship amenities, including pools, lounges, and fitness areas

Enjoy Full Board Dining with generous buffet breakfasts as well as access to multiple onboard restaurants and bars. Whether you’re sketching in port or unwinding at sea, the MSC Armonia ensures you travel in style and comfort throughout the entire experience.

Find out more about the MSC Armonia »

How to get there?

Your journey begins in Venice, but there is one important detail to be aware of before you travel.

Although the ship departs from Venice – Marghera, all embarkation procedures take place first at Venice Cruise Terminal in Venice Marittima Station (Venice Passenger Terminal).

This is where you will complete check-in, luggage drop-off, meet and greet, and health and safety procedures. Once this is done, you will be transferred to Venice – Marghera, where you will board the ship after a short document check.

Please do not travel directly to Venice – Marghera, as access is only granted after completing embarkation at the cruise terminal.

Venice Cruise Terminal address:
Venice Marittima Station (Venice Passenger Terminal)
Marittima Fabbricato 248
30135 Venezia
Italy

Via Airplane – Venice Marco Polo Airport is located on the mainland, around 13 kilometres from the cruise terminal. The simplest option is to arrange an MSC transfer service in advance.

Alternatively, a taxi will take around 20 minutes in normal traffic. You can also take the number 5 bus, which takes approximately 25 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma. From there, the cruise terminal is a short walk, with the closest stop being Libertà Santa Chiara, around 500 metres away.

Via Train – If you are arriving by rail, your destination is Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, which is around one kilometre from the cruise port.

From the station, you can walk in approximately 20 minutes, or take the People Mover tram from Piazzale Roma to Stazione Marittima, which is directly next to the terminal. Another option is to arrive at Venezia-Mestre and take a taxi to the port.

Via Car – If you are driving, parking is available directly in front of the cruise terminal at Stazione Marittima, operated by Parcheggio VTP.

Follow signs towards Venice via the SR11 highway, then cross the Ponte della Libertà bridge. At the end of the bridge, take the first right towards the port and follow signs to the cruise terminal parking.

Parking address:
VENEZIA TERMINAL PASSEGGERI S.p.A.
Marittima Fabbricato 248
30135 Venezia
Italy

Good to know: Cruise ships now dock at Venice – Marghera without passing through the historic city centre. However, all guests still begin their journey at Venice Cruise Terminal before being transferred to the ship.

I’m a beginner, is this trip for me?

Absolutely. This experience is designed to support you, whether you are just starting out or returning to sketching after some time away.

Ian will guide you step by step, from a blank page through to a finished piece, showing you exactly how he approaches each stage along the way. You will never be left wondering what to do next.

What do I need to bring with me?

We recommend bringing an A3 sketchbook, your watercolour paints and brushes, a small pot for water, brush pens and fine liners, a lightweight chair or stool, drinking water, sunscreen, and a raincoat.

Most importantly, bring a relaxed mindset and a willingness to enjoy the process.

For a full materials list, take a look here.

Will we be drawing and painting on location?

Yes. This is true urban sketching, working directly from life in each location we visit.

Ian will guide you through every stage while you are on location, from first marks on the page through to adding colour and detail. There will also be time and space back on board to continue, refine, or revisit your sketches at your own pace.

What’s the difference between this Sketching Retreat and just doing an online course?

Our online courses are a wonderful way to learn, but being on location brings a completely different level of understanding.

You are not just following along, you are observing, responding, and making decisions in real time, guided by Ian as you work. That shift changes how you see and how you draw.

Having Ian there to support you personally each day allows you to overcome sticking points quickly and build confidence much faster than working alone.

Alongside that, you will be sharing the experience with a group of like-minded people, which adds a sense of encouragement, enjoyment, and connection that is hard to recreate elsewhere.

Anything else I should consider?

We strongly recommend arranging comprehensive travel and medical insurance before your trip. This should cover cancellations as well as any medical care you may need while abroad.

Fennelly Art Ltd and V-Learn Ltd t/a Urban Sketch Course cannot be held responsible for any accident, loss, or injury during the trip.

Will I have to share a room?

No. If you are travelling on your own, you will have your own private room on board.

You would only share a room if you choose to travel with a companion, such as a partner or friend.

Can I extend my stay or upgrade my room?

Yes, you are very welcome to do so. Please contact us at [email protected] and we will guide you through the available options.

Can I bring a partner or friend?

Yes. Non-sketching companions are very welcome, provided they are sharing a room with a sketcher. There is plenty for them to enjoy throughout the journey.

What is your cancellation policy?

The trip is non-refundable once booked and paid for. In the unlikely event that the trip is cancelled, you will receive a full refund.

If you are unable to attend, we will do our best to resell your place. A refund will only be issued if the place is successfully resold, minus an administration fee.

Please read our full workshop terms and conditions here.

Who do I contact with any questions about the trip?

You can contact our support team at any time on [email protected]. We are always happy to help.