MSC Lirica Cruise 2027

19th - 26th June 2027

Ready to trade your usual sketching spot for a new city every day? Set sail with us on a one-of-a-kind Urban Sketching Cruise through the Mediterranean—led by world-renowned artist and instructor Ian Fennelly, aboard the MSC Lirica.

Over 8 incredible days (19th–26th June 2027), we’ll sketch colourful harbours, sunlit coastlines, historic architecture, and lively street scenes in Spain, France, Italy, and Malta — all while cruising in comfort and style.

The Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday, June 19th
Venice – Marghera, Italy
Our sketching journey begins in Venice. After boarding, take time to settle in, explore the ship, and join us for a relaxed welcome as we ease into a week of creativity, travel, and shared experience.

Day 2 – Sunday, June 20th
Kotor, Montenegro
Set within a dramatic bay surrounded by mountains, Kotor offers a beautiful mix of winding streets, historic architecture, and waterfront views. It is a perfect place to explore depth, structure, and atmosphere in your sketches.

Day 3 – Monday, June 21st
At Sea
A quieter day to settle into the rhythm of the journey. Enjoy sketching on deck, taking in the sea air, and reflecting on what you have seen so far, with time to relax and recharge.

Day 4 – Tuesday, June 22nd
Mykonos, Greece
Bright white buildings, bold shadows, and winding streets make Mykonos a striking place to sketch. The strong light and simple forms offer a great opportunity to focus on shape, contrast, and composition.

Day 5 – Wednesday, June 23rd
Mykonos & Syros, Greece
We begin the day with more time in Mykonos before continuing to Syros, where pastel tones, elegant architecture, and quieter streets create a different pace and feel. It is a lovely contrast that encourages observation and thoughtful composition.

Day 6 – Thursday, June 24th
At Sea
Another chance to pause and enjoy the journey. Use this time to develop your sketches, experiment, or simply relax and take in the surroundings with fellow sketchers.

Day 7 – Friday, June 25th
Ancona (Urbino), Italy
Today brings us back to Italy, with the option to explore Ancona or travel to nearby Urbino. Expect beautiful hilltop views, layered rooftops, and a strong sense of history woven into the landscape.

Day 8 – Saturday, June 26th
Return to Venice – Marghera, Italy
We return to Venice with sketchbooks full of ideas, new techniques, and shared memories from a rewarding and inspiring week.

Your Instructor

Your personal instructor for the week is Ian Fennelly. Throughout this special Sketching Retreat, Ian will guide you to each new location and teach you his methods, while helping, inspiring, and encouraging you to stretch your skills and develop your own unique style of sketching. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, everyone is welcome. This is a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with one of the world’s most revered urban sketchers and sought after teachers.

Why Should You Join Us?

Watch the short video trailer below to find out from past participants what makes a sketching retreat with Urban Sketch Course so special:

Overview
Trip Outline
Trip Includes
Ship
FAQ

MSC Lirica Cruise with Ian Fennelly

We’re thrilled to present this unique opportunity to join Ian Fennelly and the Urban Sketch team for a week’s Sketching, along the Mediterranean coastline aboard the MSC Lirica.

Overview

DURATION: 8 days, 7 nights
LOCATION: Port in Venice (Marghera)
SPACES: 15 (+ Companions)
DATES: 19th – 26th June 2027
LEVEL: Beginner’s to Advanced

Our adventure begins on June 19th as we set sail from Venice (Marghera) aboard the MSC Lirica, 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 destination and fresh inspiration. We travel down the Adriatic to Ancona, with the chance to explore the character and atmosphere of nearby Urbino, before continuing to the dramatic coastal setting of Kotor in Montenegro. As the journey unfolds, we head into the Aegean, where the whitewashed streets and sunlit views of Syros and Mykonos offer wonderful sketching opportunities full of shape, contrast, and Mediterranean charm.

Along the way, there will also be time to enjoy life on board, whether that means sketching on deck, taking in the sea views, chatting with fellow guests, or simply relaxing between ports. The journey is designed to balance creativity, exploration, and enjoyment, with inspiring locations and plenty of space to slow down and take it all in.

We then make our way back towards Venice (Marghera), returning on June 26th, with fuller sketchbooks, fresh ideas, and shared memories from a truly special week.

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

Includes:

The MSC Lirica Cruise includes:

Interior cabin (7 nights) upgrades are available
Full Board Dining
Gratuities
Onboard activities
Onboard entertainment
Welcome reception (19th June)
All workshops & demonstrations with Ian Fennelly

Excludes:

The MSC Lirica Cruise 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

Click the next tab to find out more about the MSC Lirica cruise ship »

For our 7-night Mediterranean adventure, we’ll be staying aboard the MSC Lirica, 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 Lirica is an elegant and intimate cruise ship, perfectly suited for a Mediterranean journey. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, she provides a relaxed and creative environment for 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 Lirica ensures you travel in style and comfort throughout the entire experience.

Find out more about the MSC Lirica »

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.

Click all the tabs above for all the details of what's included in this MSC Lirica Cruise

Feedback From Past Sketching Retreats

Each year we run retreats with 15 participants joined us from all over the world. Below are just some of the comments that have been posted online:

The whole team are so professional and attentive ensuring that everyone on our course in Chester was confident and able to produce amazing work whatever their previous experience. Learning the techniques that Ian uses in his sketching of such complex subjects is broken down into logical steps with plenty of demonstration, help and encouragement along the way. By the end of a fun week individual progress is guarenteed!

MarionSketching Student

Sevilla Workshop with Ian – First on Location Sketch at Patio de Banderas I will be honest… walking into this workshop, I felt nervous. Stepping out of the comfort of photo references and into a lively square with shifting sunlight, people passing by, and a blank page waiting for me felt daunting. What made the biggest difference was having other sketchers right there beside me. Their presence, encouragement, and the simple comfort of knowing we were all facing the same challenges made the whole process feel lighter and more enjoyable. It truly helps to share the moment with people who understand the wobble and the wonder of drawing outdoors. So grateful for Ian, for the group, and for the beautiful Patio de Banderas. Here

AsmitaSketching Student

For those of you who see Ian on the screen, you know how good he is. But when you come to a workshop, you see what an amazing teacher he is. I worked for 39 years in education and I have to say, this is one of the best teachers I have ever met. For a beginner, I’ve come through the precipice. And I think I can take that step to become an artist.

PaulSketching Student

If you have an in-person workshop with Ian and you have some problems, you can say ‘Ian, please help me’ and he comes directly to you and shows you. That’s something you just can’t do on an online workshop — you have to unmute and ask him to come to you with a pencil.

JoergSketching Student

I’m not used to sketching outside alone and that’s why I book courses with Ian in person — I feel very safe in the group. We met lovely people, and it’s like family.

AnjaSketching Student

Booking Information

Places are limited to just 15 participants. Our previous retreats sold out very quickly. Secure your place using the payment options below and join us on this Urban Sketching adventure of a lifetime around the Mediterranean. This is a chance to learn new skills, meet new people, make wonderful art, and create special memories that last forever.