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Join Us for a Mediterranean Watercolor Workshop Cruise: Italy and the Croatian Coast (from Venice to Rome) in May 2026!


  • Al Kline Watercolors Austin, Tx 78732 USA (map)

Join me May 13-21, 2026, for 8 unforgettable days cruising from Venice to Rome aboard the Wind Surf. Before we set sail together, enjoy an optional, 2-day pre-cruise plein air workshop in Venice on May 11-12, painting its famous canals and harbors.


On May 13, we will disembark from Venice, Italy to set sail along the coast of Croatia for a wonderful Mediterranean cruise on the Wind Surf–the flagship of the Wind Star Cruise Line. Paint By Destination will host a Welcome Reception for our group of artists during our first evening together onboard the Wind Surf! We will discuss our painting and excursion schedule of the week and answer any questions you may have. All excursions will be in the mornings, after breakfast, and then we will have our painting workshops in the afternoon either onboard in a private space or at port.    


On May 14, 15, and 16, we will visit Croatian coastal cities of Rovinj, Split, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the walled city of Dubrovnik! Included in this watercolor workshop cruise is six unique excursions, such as visiting the “History of Art” in Split, touring the Episcopal complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, and visiting the old city walls of Dubrovnik, where I painted the Old City in 2021!    

On May 17, we will embark for Kotor, Montenegro where we will visit the picturesque Kotor Bay & Baroque Village of Perast. We will also visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas and other monuments including the Parish Church, the 12th century Sveti Djordje Church, and the Sveti Nikola Church, built between the 15th and 17th centuries.    


We will also get a local experience, by getting to taste some of Montenegro’s traditional sweets, made from an original recipe used during the Baroque period. Then, we will have free time before boarding a private motor boat to Gospa od Skrpjela, a Baroque-style church situated on one of two islets in the bay of Kotor, across from Perast.      

On May 18, we have a full-day at sea as we make our way to Italy. On this day we will have workshops on board, relax as we cruise the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, and enjoy entertainment provided by Windstar Cruises.    

On May 19, we arrive in Giardini Naxos, Sicily!  We will then tour the beautiful city of Taormina. Built in the 3rd century B.C., the city was later almost completely renovated by the Romans. It is perched on a terrace overlooking the sea, with a medieval character that will delight you. You will stop near the center of Taormina, where we’ll have time on your own to enjoy the town and paint the picturesque architecture.    

On May 20, we stop in Sorrento, Italy where we will take an excursion farther into Italy to the ancient ruins of Pompeii. This remarkable UNESCO Site is perfectly preserved since the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. We will learn about the excavation techniques and what the residents were doing at the time of the eruption, and we’ll gain insight into the lives of the ancient Romans as we discover baths, theaters, temples, markets and the huge forum with the Arch of Nero. In the afternoon, back on board, you will have free time to enjoy your last full day onboard the Wind Surf, gather your belongings, or paint together one last time.    

On May 21, we say farewell and disembark at our last stop in the ancient and historic city of Rome, Italy.  Here we will disembark from our journey and say goodbye until next time!  

Pricing & Inclusions:

From $5,524.60 per painter (double occupancy), $4,886 per non-painter, $7,833 for a single painter. This price includes:  

  • 6 hand-selected group excursions

  • 8 nights luxury accommodation aboard flagship vessel, the Wind Surf  

  • All onboard meals & WiFi  

  • Dedicated group coordinator  

  • Watercolor workshops for painters  

Excludes: Alcohol, gratuities, international flights, transfers, and pre-cruise workshop.  

Pre-Register Now – Limited Availability!  

Secure early access before this workshop is announced on the Paint By Destination website and newsletter! A 15% deposit is required (which is refundable until 120 days before departure, minus a $50 processing fee).  

To book, please click below: