Thursday, October 15 through Monday, October 19, 2026
Erin Lee Gafill & Tom Birmingham
5 days – 4 nights in Orvieto
- Experience the cafe lifestyle, visit unique sketch locations in a beautiful Italian Hill Town.
- Each day includes studio instruction, and time to sketch in curated locations inside the walled city
- All skill levels welcome and supported
- All meals included
- 4-star lodging in the heart of Orvieto
- all lodging city taxes and fees.
- Start to finish support and service!
City Sketching
Sketching in line and watercolor in one of Italy’s most beautiful small cities
Each day we’ll have instruction in sketch and drawing techniques in line and color, then we’ll visit select locations where you can take out your sketchbook and put your lessons to work.
There is no better way to see Italy than with a sketchbook in one hand and a pen in another. Not only will you have a chance to develop your skills and techniques, but you’ll see Orvieto in an intimate way, only possible when you take the time to truly look, to truly see, and to record your impressions.
In Ovieto, there is plenty to do, plenty to see, and we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy it.
Program Itinerary
This sketch tour begins and ends in Orvieto. Orvieto is easy to get to as there is nonstop train service to Rome or Florence, from there you have access to Italy’s high-speed rail service or international airports.
Each day in Orvieto after breakfast, we’ll come together for some studio time. We’ll experience a variety of sketch techniques and approaches. After lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon on the streets, in the parks, and in the piazzas of Orvieto where we’ll find plenty of inspiration to practice city sketching. Each evening we’ll get together for dinner at a select local restaurant or trattoria.
Thursday, October 15
Meet in Orvieto.
Thursday will include an introduction to the city, and our program. We’ll have time to explore the city before we get together in the evening for dinner.
We’ll be staying in a 4-star hotel in the heart of town.
Orvieto Days
Each day we’ll meet at a painting studio for a morning lesson in line and color before venturing out to practice our skills in parks, at the old wall, in piazzas and in cafe’s.
Breakfasts will be offered at our hotel. Dinner at a select local spot, and we’ll have a picnic lunch together on location.
Monday, October 19
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll spend a final morning sketching together, and enjoy lunch, before we part company.
Lodging & Locations
Orvieto is a small city founded almost 2000 years ago. The historic center is located atop a mesa at the top of high cliffs. Our lodging will be in the heart of the walled city center.
About Erin & Tom
We’ve been teaching art, writing, and creativity for over thirty years. We’ve brought groups to Spannocchia for over twenty years. Each year we teach at Rancho la Puerta in Tecate, BC, Mexico, and at Esalen Institute in Big Sur.
Erin was born and raised in Big Sur, California. After 35 years living and working in Big Sur, we have recently relocated to Hamden, Connecticut.
Registration
What’s Included
- Four nights lodging in Orvieto
- All meals with dinner on October 15th through lunch on October 19th
- Award-winning daily instruction
- Safe and Supportive learning environment
What’s Not Included
- Airfare to and from Italy
- Ground transportation to Orvieto
- Supplies and equipment
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Personal and Incidental expenses
Registration Fee
Registration Fee – $2200 (Single Supplement – $500)
Deposit –
Your space is reserved with a $500 nonrefundable deposit. The balance is due before July 1, 2026
Please download and fill out this registration form (a separate form for each participant)