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Montenegro Villages Painting Holiday 2026
May 8-12, 2026
(Early Bird discount until Dec 9, 2025)
You are invited to an exciting painting holiday in spectacular Montenegro featuring 5 art classes taught by renowned UK artist, Hazel Soan. Charming Budva will be our home base and from there we will explore five of the loveliest villages in Montenegro. Together our small group of 10-15 participants will discover the food, architecture, culture and art of this country. This vacation package is equal parts cultural experience and art workshop. We are looking forward to making art in good company. Average temperatures for that week in May are highs of 22°C (72°F) night time lows of 12°C (54°F)--perfect for a lovely painting holiday!
Meet Hazel Soan
Hazel trained at the Camberwell College of Arts and the Leicester College of Art. She has exhibited worldwide and is remembered well as an Art expert on Channel 4’s popular daytime television programme Watercolour Challenge and for her two series’ of Splash of Colour, made by Anglia TV. Hazel is a bestselling author of numerous highly regarded art tutorial books. Hazel resides in London. Check out Hazel Soan on Wikipedia.
Embracing Montenegro's Samo Polako
Situated on the Adriatic Sea between Boznia and Herzegovina and Albania, Montenegro is a mountainous country with glorious beaches and charming ancient cities. Montenegrin is the official language along with Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian and Croatian but, of course, everyone in the service industries speaks English. Our goal is to create a samo polako painting holiday. What is samo polako? It is a combination of “take it easy” and “just slow down.” This ubiquitous phrase is visible and deep within Montenegrin culture. They have historically valued people and relationship over frenetic activity. Combined with this call to slow down is an expectation to put away worries and live in the here and now. That's our goal--let's relax, have fun and breathe in all the beauty that surrounds us.
When to Arrive?
Wednesday May 6, 2026
Welcome to Montenegro! Your arrival date is your decision but we suggest you arrive by at least Wednesday May 6 so that you have time to settle in and possibly to adjust to a new time zone or the vagaries of travel which, as we know, could include a missed or delayed flight. Better to be relaxed at the start of your vacation workshop. **
Warm Up Sketch + Welcome Reception
Thursday May 7, 2026
Workshop participants who arrive early are invited to meet in the hotel lobby at 3:00 for a warm up sketch (optional). Hazel will not be teaching. This is just your chance to dust off your painting gear and do a little warm up painting before the first art class. Think of it as a dry run for the next day.
All workshop participants and nonPainter Companions are invited to a welcome reception at 6pm. Below is our proposed itinerary.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ORDER OF EVENTS AND SUBJECTS PROPOSED IN THIS ITINERARY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Day 1--Workshop #1 in Budva Old Town
Friday May 8, 2026
Today we will take a short walk from our hotel to Budva old town where Hazel will teach Workshop #1 and we will visit a local museum. Here we will learn that Budva is one of the oldest settlements along the Adriatic coast, with a history spanning approximately 2,500 years! We will discover the ancient Roman artifacts and learn that Budva was once a Greek trading post!
Day 2--Workshop #2 in Herceg Novi
Saturday May 9, 2026
Today we will travel by private coach to explore charming Herceg Novi and it is here amongst the cobblestone streets, charming squares, ancient churches, and quaint markets that Hazel will teach Workshop #2.
Herceg Novi has a rich history, having changed hands from Turks to Spaniards, Venetians, Russians, Serbs, and was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its diverse history has left a lasting impact on the town's architecture, culture, and overall charm. We will explore the church of St Michael Archangel and Forte Mare (Sea Fortress) with its stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Day 3--Workshop #3 in Perast
Sunday May 10, 2026
Today we will travel by private coach to visit the Risan Mosaics that date back to the 2nd century AD during the Roman Empire and are considered some of the best-preserved examples in the region.
And we will visit gorgeous Perast nestled between the mountains on the Bay of Kotor. This town is characterized by its Venetian architecture, with over 20 baroque palazzi and 18 churches. We will take a little ferry ride (5-10 minutes) just off shore to visit the picturesque island sanctuary, Our Lady of the Rocks. Here we will get the best view of Perast and nearby St. George Monastery. In the Perast and Risan region surrounded by all this beauty, Hazel will teach Workshop #3.
Day 4--Workshop #4 in Kotor
Monday May 11, 2026
Today we will travel by private coach to see the walled village of Kotor with its labyrinthine cobbled streets and small, lively courtyards filled with Venetian architecture and medieval vibes. Its numerous historic churches are a mix of Byzantine and Roman architectural design elements. Here Hazel will teach Workshop #4.
After lunch we will take the cable car up to the top of the mountain for the best possible views of this spectacular area.
Day 5--Workshop #5 in Sveti Stefan
Tuesday May 12, 2026
Today we will travel to the little village of Sveti Stefan (Saint Stephen) to take in the view of Sveti Stefan Island. Fortified walls around this island were originally built in the 15th century as a defensive measure against the Turks. It became a protectorate of the Republic of Venice in 1423 and retained considerable autonomy, paying no tribute to Venice in return for ceasing piracy against Venetian ships. Today the entire island is a luxury resort and only resort guests can visit there. With this gorgeous island as a backdrop, we will visit the little village on shore and from here Hazel will teach Workshop #5.
In the evening we will meet one last time to celebrate an amazing week at our Farewell dinner (included).
Departure
Wednesday May 13, 2026
It's time to say goodbye but you will never forget the friends you made or the skills you learned during this great week! Or you might consider extending your stay so that you can explore on your own some of the nearby towns that we missed! You're here now--why not enjoy a long, relaxing holiday?
Recommended Workshop Supply List
Click HERE.
FAQs
Q: What will my spouse/travelling buddy do while I'm in my art class?
A: Your art class is your time and your spouse/buddy can take this time to explore each village on their own. They will see parts of the village, museums and cafes that you will not have time to see because you will be in your art class. At lunch you can share what you learned in your class and your spouse can tell you about what they discovered during their adventures.
Click HERE for more FAQs.
For more information about this vacation package contact Brenda Murray at Studio56Boutique@gmail.com.
Tour Includes
- A welcome reception
- All art classes
- Ground transportation to the villages and to the museums and sites mentioned
- A farewell dinner
Tour Excludes
- Flights to/from the area
- Hotel
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Meals (except those listed above)
- Painting supplies
- City taxes payable by guest at check out
- Tips and gratuities
- Porterage/luggage handling
- Travel insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Items not explicitly specified in the inclusion list
Ticket Prices in USD
Save money by taking advantage of the Early Bird discount!
| $2099 | Full Ticket Price (if deposit made after Dec 9, 2025 deadline) |
| - $200 | Early Bird discount ($200 off if deposit made before Dec 9, 2025 deadline) |
| $1899 | Early Bird ticket price |
VIP Members get an additional $100 off their ticket price!
| $2099 | Full Ticket Price (if deposit made after Dec 9, 2025) |
| - $200 | Early Bird discount ($200 off if deposit made before Dec 9, 2025 deadline) |
| $1899 | Early Bird ticket price |
| - $100 | VIP member $100 discount |
| $1799 | VIP Ticket price |
Ticket price for NonPainter Companions (such as a partner or travelling buddy) is $1499.
NonSketcher Companion tickets include the same attractions and meals as the Workshop Participants with the exception of the art classes.
How to Register for this Workshop
To reserve your spot in this workshop, a $500USD nonrefundable deposit is required for Workshop Participants and a $300USD nonrefundable deposit is required for nonSketcher Companions 150 days prior to the start of the workshop, that is, Dec 9, 2025. The remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the start of the workshop, that is, January 8, 2026.
To make a deposit, please scroll to the bottom and click BOOK NOW.
PLEASE READ OUR REFUND POLICY.
Bring a Friend and Get a $50 Rebate
Here's how it works. You and your sketching buddy register for a vacation workshop with your deposits. Then alert us with an email. You will each be refunded $50 after the start of the workshop. This rebate can only be applied to 2 Workshop participant tickets if the workshop has sold out with 15 participants and cannot be used in combination with any other discounts.
Greenlighting a workshop
Workshops are greenlighted when the minimum number of tickets (10) has been sold. All ticket holders will be notified by email when this happens. Please do not book non-refundable flights or accommodation until we have given the go-ahead for the workshop.
Accommodations
Hotel accommodation is not included in this package but a group rate has been arranged. The Tour Manager and the Workshop Instructor will be staying in a 4-star hotel in Budva that is just a short walk to old town Budva. It has a sundeck terrace with swimming pool, and bar, an ethno gym, direct access to a shopping center and a view of the sea (4 minute walk). This hotel is 21km from Tivat Airport. Bus and taxi services to the airport are available.
Room Rates
Rooms rates depend on the type of room selected from 91€ to 240€ /night including buffet breakfast for double bed room for single use. The city tax 1,50€ per person/per day, is not included in the room rate.
How to Make a Hotel Reservation
Before you make a hotel reservation, click the blue BOOK NOW button below to make your deposit that will ensure that you have a spot in this workshop.
After you have secured your spot in this workshop, you will be sent information about the hotel with instructions for how to book a room. Please do not make nonrefundable flight or hotel reservations before the workshop has been greenlighted.
Participants can stay in this hotel or book into another nearby hotel or Airbnb if they prefer.
Travel + Medical Insurance
Last minute cancellations in this workshop for any reason are nonrefundable therefore protect your investment in this vacation by purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Click HERE for a list of US trip cancellation insurance providers. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip using that credit card. Be sure to get medical insurance as well.
Travel Tips
Please check HERE for Studio 56 Travel Tips.
Pedestrian Friendly?
This workshop includes 4 excursions to villages in Montenegro. Our hope is that our private coach will be able to drop us off close to where we want to paint. Nevertheless, the streets and sidewalks are cobbled and participants must be fully mobile and able to walk for up to 30 minutes. If you are not fully mobile and able to walk up to 30 minutes, we recommend you consider a different Studio 56 workshop that is less physically demanding.
Your Tour Manager
Participants will be accompanied by Studio 56 owner, Brenda Murray. Brenda is a Canadian artist and arts advocate, the founder of Urban Sketchers Waterloo Region and a former Urban Sketchers Board member. A seasoned traveler, Brenda has traveled to Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, England, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Liechenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Singapore, South Korea (resident for 4 years), Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA (35 states). Brenda will be on hand to assist the instructor and to ensure that everything runs smoothly. She has completed the St. John's Ambulance Emergency First Aid - CPR C - AED training. Learn more about Brenda HERE.
For More Information
Email Studio56Boutique@gmail.com or call Brenda Murray at 519-572-1757.
Book Now
To guarantee your spot in this exciting vacation workshop, participants must pay a deposit by clicking the BOOK NOW button below.
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