Urban Sketch Cruise

Our adventure begins on Saturday, May 2nd, as we set sail from Barcelona, Spain aboard our floating home for the week. That evening, you’ll 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 workshops in some of the Mediterranean’s most visually stunning cities. You’ll spend time capturing elegant courtyards in Palma de Mallorca, colourful street life in Marseille, Renaissance rooftops and Tuscan textures in Florence and Pisa, rustic charm in Cagliari, and the layered architecture of Palermo and Valletta.

On Friday, May 8th, we’ll enjoy a peaceful day at sea—a chance to unwind, sketch on deck, get one-on-one feedback, and reflect on your journey so far. Then we return to Barcelona on Sunday, May 10th, where we’ll wrap up our week of creativity with a full sketchbook, a deeper understanding of your style, and new friends from around the world.

While the days will be full of art, there’s also plenty of time for leisure, exploration, and fun—whether that’s sightseeing, relaxing on board, or enjoying the cruise ship’s many amenities.

Click the next tab to view where we’ll be sketching each day »

Includes:

The Urban Sketch Cruise includes:

• Interior cabin(7 nights) upgrades are available
• Full board available in buffet and main restaurant
• Gym, pools and relaxation
• West End-style theatre shows
• Welcome reception (2nd May)
• All workshops & demonstrations with Ian Fennelly (Sun – Fri)

Excludes:

The Urban Sketch Cruise excludes:

• Flights to/from the destination
• Airport transfer to/from the hotel
• Painting supplies
• Tips and gratuities
• 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 cruise ship we’ll be staying on »

For our 7-night Mediterranean adventure, we’ll be staying aboard the MSC cruise ship, 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!

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 a generous daily buffet breakfast as well as access to multiple onboard restaurants, cafés, and bars. Whether you’re sketching in port or unwinding at sea, the MSC cruise ship ensures you travel in style and comfort throughout the entire experience.

How to get there?

How to get there?

Via Airplane – Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is the main international airport serving the city and is located around 30 minutes from the cruise port by taxi or shuttle. If you’re flying in from Heathrow, several direct flights to Barcelona are available daily, with an average flight time of around 2 hours. From Stansted and Luton, direct low-cost airline options are also available, typically taking 2 to 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Barcelona, you can take a taxi, Aerobus, or private transfer to the cruise terminal.

Via Train – Travelling to Barcelona by train from elsewhere in Europe can be a scenic and comfortable alternative to flying. The high-speed AVE trains connect Barcelona with major cities such as Madrid, Paris, and Marseille. If you’re arriving from the UK, take the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord, transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon, and then take a high-speed TGV to Barcelona Sants station. From Sants, the port is a short taxi ride away.

Via Car – If you’re driving to Barcelona, secure parking is available near the cruise terminal. The port is well connected by major motorways (AP-7 and C-32). For those coming from within Spain or southern France, driving offers flexibility, but make sure to pre-book long-term parking near the port to ensure convenience and peace of mind.

I’m a beginner, is this trip for me?

Yes. Ian will assume no prior experience and will take you carefully through each of the steps in his process as he is doing it – from blank pages to the shapes and colors he uses, through to finished artwork.

What do I need to bring with me?

We recommend that you bring with you an A3 Sketchbook, your watercolour paints and brushes, a small pot for water, brush pens and fine liners, a small chair to sit on, drinking water, sunscreen, and a raincoat and your best sketching attitude!

For a full materials list, take a look here.

Will we be drawing and painting on location?

Yes. This is authentic urban sketching and Ian will be taking you through all of the steps while we’re there on-location; from blank page to sketching everything out, to applying the paint and fine liner detail work, there and then. There will also be lots of opportunities and a special area back on board to finish and refine your work should you wish to.

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

Firstly, while our online courses are a wonderful way to learn urban sketching, truthfully, nothing can replicate the experience, knowledge, and sheer pleasure you will gain from sketching live on location with Ian Fennelly.

Secondly, there is a vast difference between watching and learning from Ian through online tutorials, and actually being there on location, learning and sketching alongside him.

You see, urban sketching is not only about the lines you put on your paper, but about developing and refining the skill of thinking, working, and responding to your environment in real time. And that can’t be developed through sketching from photos. But this is where Ian excels and it’s this level of detail and expertise that you are getting through being there on-location with Ian Fennelly.

Finally, Ian is not only one of the most respected urban sketchers in the world, but he’s also a trained and highly experienced teacher who will be there each day to personally help you to improve on those areas you might be struggling with. The value of having him there to personally guide and coach you are far beyond what you can gain through any online course.

And of course, along with this, you are getting a highly enjoyable week’s experience with a group of fellow sketching enthusiasts! Not only will you make wonderful art together, but you’ll make some special friendships too.

Anything else I should consider?

We strongly recommend that you have a good travel and medical insurance policy in place to cover you in the event you must cancel your trip and any emergency medical services you might need while travelling in a foreign country. Fennelly Art Ltd and V-Learn Ltd t/a Urban Sketch Course cannot be held responsible for any accident/loss or injury incurred during the course of the trip.

Will I have to share a room?

No. Each participant will have their own private room on board the ship. You will only share a room if you choose to bring a travel companion with you, such as a friend, partner, etc.

Can I extend my stay or upgrade my room?

Yes. If you wish to make any adjustments or upgrades to your room, please contact us at: [email protected]

Can I bring a partner or friend?

Yes. Non-sketching companions are welcome if they are sharing with a sketcher as there is plenty to see and explore on this trip.

What is your cancellation policy?

The cost of the trip is non-refundable once booked and paid for. In the unlikely event this trip is cancelled you will be issued with a 100% refund. If you are unable to join the event after booking, we will attempt to resell your place on your behalf. A refund will only be issued if we manage to successfully resell your place, minus a cancellation admin fee. Please read our full workshop terms and conditions here.

Who do I contact with any questions about the trip?

Contact our support team at any time on support@urbansketchcourse.com. We will be delighted to help you.