Sketching Spain

A small-group art journaling adventure through some of Spain's most visually rich landscapes with urban sketcher, Taria Dawson. Eight days of architecture, coastline, and guided exploration for anyone drawn to capturing the world in their own hand.

Spain

BARCELONA → TARRAGONA → MONTSERRAT → COSTA BRAVA

Host: taria Dawson

From €4,965.00

15 people

Catalunya rewards the curious eye. Over eight days, the group moves through Barcelona's Modernist streets, the Roman ruins of Tarragona, the dramatic peaks of Montserrat, and the whitewashed coastal villages of the Costa Brava - sketchbook always open. Architecture, landscape, and light do most of the talking. The pace is unhurried, the settings are well-chosen, and there's always a good lunch involved.

Timings and experiences are subject to change and weather conditions.

HOLD MY SPOT

Day 0

Mar 21, 2027

Optional arrival experience - Barcelona

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Dinner (optional food & wine tour)

Sketching Workshop

No

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona (optional)

Overview:

For those arriving early, ease into the journey with an optional evening food and wine experience that introduces Barcelona through its vibrant culinary scene, rich history, and local traditions.

Highlights:

  • Optional guided food and wine walking tour

  • Discover Barcelona's historic neighborhoods

  • Sample traditional Catalan cuisine and regional wines

  • Learn about the city's history, culture, and gastronomy

Day 0

Mar 21, 2027

Optional arrival experience - Barcelona

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Dinner (optional food & wine tour)

Sketching Workshop

No

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona (optional)

Overview:

For those arriving early, ease into the journey with an optional evening food and wine experience that introduces Barcelona through its vibrant culinary scene, rich history, and local traditions.

Highlights:

  • Optional guided food and wine walking tour

  • Discover Barcelona's historic neighborhoods

  • Sample traditional Catalan cuisine and regional wines

  • Learn about the city's history, culture, and gastronomy

Day 1

Mar 22, 2027

Welcome to Gaudí's city

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Dinner

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona

Overview:

Begin your artistic journey with a relaxed sketching workshop designed to sharpen observation and build confidence before the week ahead. The evening celebrates Barcelona's creative heritage with a private visit to one of Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, followed by a welcome dinner.

Highlights:

  • Welcome sketching workshop at the hotel

  • Sketch architectural details and surrounding gardens

  • Private guided tour of Casa Vicens

  • Welcome dinner with the group

Day 1

Mar 22, 2027

Welcome to Gaudí's city

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Dinner

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona

Overview:

Begin your artistic journey with a relaxed sketching workshop designed to sharpen observation and build confidence before the week ahead. The evening celebrates Barcelona's creative heritage with a private visit to one of Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, followed by a welcome dinner.

Highlights:

  • Welcome sketching workshop at the hotel

  • Sketch architectural details and surrounding gardens

  • Private guided tour of Casa Vicens

  • Welcome dinner with the group

Day 2

Mar 23, 2027

Barcelona's modernist icons

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona

Overview:

Explore Barcelona's extraordinary Modernist architecture through the eyes of an artist. Guided visits provide historical context before an immersive sketching workshop allows you to interpret these iconic landmarks in your own style.

Highlights:

  • Visit the famous Block of Discord

  • Guided tour of Hospital de Sant Pau

  • Sketching workshop led by Taria

  • Independent sketching time in the gardens and courtyards

  • Lunch in Barcelona

  • Evening at leisure

Day 2

Mar 23, 2027

Barcelona's modernist icons

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona

Overview:

Explore Barcelona's extraordinary Modernist architecture through the eyes of an artist. Guided visits provide historical context before an immersive sketching workshop allows you to interpret these iconic landmarks in your own style.

Highlights:

  • Visit the famous Block of Discord

  • Guided tour of Hospital de Sant Pau

  • Sketching workshop led by Taria

  • Independent sketching time in the gardens and courtyards

  • Lunch in Barcelona

  • Evening at leisure

Day 3

Mar 24, 2027

Tarragona: Sketching through history

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona

Overview:

Travel to Tarragona, where Roman monuments, medieval streets, and sweeping Mediterranean views create an inspiring outdoor studio. A guided exploration is followed by a dedicated sketching session overlooking the city's spectacular Roman amphitheatre.

Highlights:

  • Guided walking tour of historic Tarragona

  • Visit Roman walls, Gothic Quarter, Cathedral and Amphitheatre

  • Sketching workshop overlooking the Mediterranean

  • Traditional Catalan lunch

  • Free time before returning to Barcelona

  • Evening at leisure

Day 3

Mar 24, 2027

Tarragona: Sketching through history

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Catalonia Boulevard, Barcelona

Overview:

Travel to Tarragona, where Roman monuments, medieval streets, and sweeping Mediterranean views create an inspiring outdoor studio. A guided exploration is followed by a dedicated sketching session overlooking the city's spectacular Roman amphitheatre.

Highlights:

  • Guided walking tour of historic Tarragona

  • Visit Roman walls, Gothic Quarter, Cathedral and Amphitheatre

  • Sketching workshop overlooking the Mediterranean

  • Traditional Catalan lunch

  • Free time before returning to Barcelona

  • Evening at leisure

Day 4

Mar 25, 2027

Montserrat & Catalan wine country

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Sant Roc Hotel, Calella de Palafrugell

Overview:

Capture the dramatic landscapes of Montserrat during a guided sketching workshop before exploring the famous monastery. Continue into Catalonia's wine country for a leisurely vineyard lunch and wine tasting, with further opportunities to sketch the surrounding scenery.

Highlights:

  • Sketching workshop at Montserrat

  • Guided visit of the Benedictine Monastery

  • Free time to explore artisan markets

  • Winery lunch and guided wine tasting

  • Sketch the vineyards and countryside

  • Transfer to the Costa Brava

Day 4

Mar 25, 2027

Montserrat & Catalan wine country

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Sant Roc Hotel, Calella de Palafrugell

Overview:

Capture the dramatic landscapes of Montserrat during a guided sketching workshop before exploring the famous monastery. Continue into Catalonia's wine country for a leisurely vineyard lunch and wine tasting, with further opportunities to sketch the surrounding scenery.

Highlights:

  • Sketching workshop at Montserrat

  • Guided visit of the Benedictine Monastery

  • Free time to explore artisan markets

  • Winery lunch and guided wine tasting

  • Sketch the vineyards and countryside

  • Transfer to the Costa Brava

Day 5

Mar 26, 2027

Dalí's world & Cadaqués

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Sant Roc Hotel, Calella de Palafrugell

Overview:

Discover the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at his former home before sketching along the beautiful Mediterranean shoreline. The afternoon is spent exploring the picturesque fishing village of Cadaqués at your own pace.

Highlights:

  • Guided visit to Dalí's House in Portlligat

  • Beachfront sketching workshop

  • Lunch in Cadaqués

  • Free time to explore the village

  • Return to the Costa Brava

  • Evening at leisure

Day 5

Mar 26, 2027

Dalí's world & Cadaqués

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch

Sketching Workshop

Yes

Accommodation

Sant Roc Hotel, Calella de Palafrugell

Overview:

Discover the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at his former home before sketching along the beautiful Mediterranean shoreline. The afternoon is spent exploring the picturesque fishing village of Cadaqués at your own pace.

Highlights:

  • Guided visit to Dalí's House in Portlligat

  • Beachfront sketching workshop

  • Lunch in Cadaqués

  • Free time to explore the village

  • Return to the Costa Brava

  • Evening at leisure

Day 6

Mar 27, 2027

Sketching the Costa Brava by sea

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch (on boat), Farewell Dinner

Sketching Workshop

Optional

Accommodation

Sant Roc Hotel, Calella de Palafrugell

Overview:

Experience the Costa Brava from a unique perspective aboard a private boat. Sketch dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters before enjoying an exceptional gourmet lunch prepared on board using fresh local ingredients. End the journey with a memorable farewell dinner.

Highlights:

  • Private boat excursion along the Costa Brava

  • Sketching workshop on board

  • Gourmet lunch with local chef demonstration

  • Regional wine pairings

  • Time to relax and enjoy the coastline

  • Farewell dinner with the group

Day 6

Mar 27, 2027

Sketching the Costa Brava by sea

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast, Lunch (on boat), Farewell Dinner

Sketching Workshop

Optional

Accommodation

Sant Roc Hotel, Calella de Palafrugell

Overview:

Experience the Costa Brava from a unique perspective aboard a private boat. Sketch dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters before enjoying an exceptional gourmet lunch prepared on board using fresh local ingredients. End the journey with a memorable farewell dinner.

Highlights:

  • Private boat excursion along the Costa Brava

  • Sketching workshop on board

  • Gourmet lunch with local chef demonstration

  • Regional wine pairings

  • Time to relax and enjoy the coastline

  • Farewell dinner with the group

Day 7

Mar 28, 2027

Departure

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast

Sketching Workshop

No

Accomodation

No

Overview:

Following breakfast, transfer back to Barcelona with a sketchbook filled with memories of Catalunya's remarkable landscapes, architecture, and artistic heritage.

Highlights:

  • Breakfast

  • Private transfer to Barcelona

  • Departure home with your completed sketchbook and lasting memories

Day 7

Mar 28, 2027

Departure

Daily snapshot:

Meals included

Breakfast

Sketching Workshop

No

Accomodation

No

Overview:

Following breakfast, transfer back to Barcelona with a sketchbook filled with memories of Catalunya's remarkable landscapes, architecture, and artistic heritage.

Highlights:

  • Breakfast

  • Private transfer to Barcelona

  • Departure home with your completed sketchbook and lasting memories

Meet Taria Dawson

An artist who makes sketching feel joyful, personal, and alive.

British sketchbook artist and author Taria Dawson has spent years exploring the world through ink, watercolor, and handmade craft. Her warm teaching style makes sketching feel approachable for beginners and experienced artists alike. Her ebook Sketchy Adventures Around the World captures her belief that a sketchbook is more than a record - it's a way of noticing. On this journey, Taria leads the group through Catalunya's architecture, landscapes, and coastal light, sharing techniques and prompts that help each scene come alive on the page.

HOLD MY SPOT

Where you'll stay

Spaces chosen for comfort, atmosphere, and access to great sketching.

CATALONIA BOULEVARD, BARCELONA

3 nights • A well-located 4-star hotel in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district, steps from Passeig de Gràcia and the great Modernist buildings that anchor the week's first days. On-site dining, comfortable rooms, and an easy base from which to explore the city.

SANT ROC HOTEL, CALELLA DE PALAFRUGELL

3 nights • Set on a hill overlooking the bay at Calella de Palafrugell on the Costa Brava, Sant Roc has a terrace, garden, restaurant, and direct access to the Mediterranean. The village center is a short walk, and the hotel's position above the water makes it a natural place to sketch at any hour of the day.

Pricing

PRICE PER PERSON (based on single occupancy): €5,610.00
PRICE PER PERSON (based on double occupancy): €4,965.00

EARLY BIRD PRICE DISCOUNT of €100 until Sept 1st 2026.

This trip requires a minimum of 7 participants to run.

How booking works:

Hold My Spot - €100 (refundable within 30 days of payment)
Reserve your place while you confirm your plans.

Deposit - 50% of total trip cost
Due by 4 September 2026 (6 months prior to departure)

Balance - Remaining amount (total minus Hold My Spot fee and deposit)
Due by 4 January 2027 (2 months prior to departure)

HOLD MY SPOT

Practical questions, answered clearly.

What to expect

What makes Sketching Spain different from a typical group tour?

Do I need any artistic experience to join this small group trip?

What is the group dynamic like?

How physically demanding is the trip?

Can dietary restrictions or allergies be accommodated?

Are double rooms only for two travelers, or can solo guests share?

What makes Sketching Spain different from a typical group tour?

Do I need any artistic experience to join this small group trip?

What is the group dynamic like?

How physically demanding is the trip?

Can dietary restrictions or allergies be accommodated?

Are double rooms only for two travelers, or can solo guests share?

What’s included in the trip?

Will there be free time during the trip?

What should I pack for the sketching workshops?

Why is Adler Marlow well-suited to hosting small group trips in Spain?

How do we accommodate mobility, dietary, or health needs for multiple generations?

What is the weather like in Spain during March?

What’s included in the trip?

Will there be free time during the trip?

What should I pack for the sketching workshops?

Why is Adler Marlow well-suited to hosting small group trips in Spain?

How do we accommodate mobility, dietary, or health needs for multiple generations?

What is the weather like in Spain during March?

I’m ready to say yes.

Share a vision, a wish, or a feeling and we’ll help shape it into a journey.

Join the trip