Welcome to Sketchbook Tours!

 Our Italian Sketchbook Watercolor Retreat is still on for 2022!!

We are hopeful COVID-19 will abate and we can safely return to the beautiful Locanda del Gallo in Umbria for 7 nights June 4-11. We are almost full! Space is limited. Click on the pages above to find trip details and registration forms. Please feel free to contact us with any questions! We look forward to meeting you in Italy in 2022
 Michael & Victoria Copeland

Sketchbook Tours in Italy! Painting & Playing Since 2003!

Loconda del Gallo ~ A Slice of Heaven

Chef Jimmy!

Under the guidance of artist's Michael and Victoria you will create a visual journal of your travels to the hilltop towns of Umbria, Italy. Our program is designed to access and encourage your inner artist to sketch and play with watercolors while on the go, recording your personal experiences of this beautiful country, its fabulous food and endearing people.

Healthy, Natural and Beautiful!

All Levels of Artistic Ability are Welcome.

We Encourage Beginners!!!

Instructor Michael Copeland

A visit to the Famous Deruta Ceramic Studio

Half-day excursions combine the fun of travel and art. Sketch as you go! We conduct two half-day trips to local hilltop towns, i.e., Assisi, St. Francis Basilica, Deruta ceramic studio, Gubbio market, Perugia, and local festivals and seasonal happenings.

The Rooftops of Gubbio

The Beautiful Hilltop Town of Spello

Locanda del Gallo, your accommodation for our Italian Art Retreat is the ideal place to recharge your batteries. Enjoy the glorious sunsets and stunning views from this completely restored 12th century villa perched high above the Tiberina Valley. The Locanda del Gallo offers healthy delicious meals; cold pressed olive oil, aromatic herbs; local vegetables and home baked breads and cakes. Special dietary needs are always accommodated.

Instructor Victoria Copeland and Students Enjoying a fresh and delicious Lunch at the Locanda del Gallo

During your free time you can grab a taxi to visit the local villages, hike the wooded grounds, or refresh in the incredible infinity pool. You can also enjoy the villa's just completed and beautiful Moorish-style spa and Turkish bath. This lovely "resting" area is stunning. For your convenience and comfort, the villa provides fluffy white robes and towels. Luxuriate in the steam room, then rinse in a cool mint-scented shower, bundle up and rest in the ample and beautifully appointed lounge area. After sipping hot mint tea, head back to the steam room for another go 'round'. We find this incredibly relaxing after traveling and teaching. Many of our students also enjoy a relaxing massage by their on-call masseuse organized in the spa area with the convenience of a shower and changing rooms nearby.
All of this AND the beautiful villa, Jacuzzi, pool, the outstanding meals and the helpful, friendly and generous staff make the Locanda del Gallo feel like heaven on earth.

Infinity Pool

Divine Turkish Steam Bath and Resting Area

Join us on our next Sketchbook tour to the Locanda del Gallo and the lovely villages of Umbria. For more information stay tuned to this website for retreat announcements. For further information, about our watercolor sketchbook retreats please contact me, Victoria Copeland, at sketchbook.tours@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Entrance ~ Locanda del Gallo, S. Christina, Umbria, Italy
Picture Yourself Here!!