Welcome to our exciting painting tour across two countries!

June 14 - 22, 2025

The unique aspect of this tour is the opportunity to explore two incredible countries in a single trip, witnessing the diversity of landscapes, architecture, and culture as you hop between the Netherlands and Belgium. 

You'll be guided by our knowledgeable instructor, Vlad, along with wonderful local guides. Are you ready to embark on a journey that combines art, history, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable camaraderie? Look no further! Vlad's Painting and Cultural Tour in the Netherlands and Belgium promises to be the highlight of your summer.

We invite you to check out the itinerary for this trip to explore the exciting activities and destinations we have planned. 

We hope you will join us on a journey where art, culture, and luxury converge, and let us take care of all the details so you can focus on creating and experiencing the beauty of the world.

Tour Highlights
Your Painting Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev (Vlad)


  • Group transfer from Amsterdam airport
  • 4-Star Lodging: 8 nights (3 nights in Leiden, 4 nights in Bruges and one night in Amsterdam)
  • All rooms have private bathroom
  • Some Rooms in Bruges Hotel include Canal view
  • All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Some alcohol (welcome beer and wine)
  • Daily painting - 7-day Painting Workshop
  • One-on-one instructions
  • Private transportation between the cities
  • Exploring Leiden, Bruges and Ghent
  • Guided Tours including Boat Tour (weather permitted)
  • Gastronomic exploration
  • Small private group setting
  • Group transfer back to Amsterdam airport
LEIDEN, Holland

After Amsterdam, Leiden is considered as the second most important city in the Netherlands with regards to waterways and canals. Boasting an impressive 57 bridges within its inner city itself, this city is truly extraordinary, and a visit here is a must. Some Dutch even affectionately refer to Leiden as the 'little Amsterdam'.

Leiden is most famous for having one of the best-preserved historic centers in the Netherlands. The Dutch city also happens to be the birthplace of iconic painter Rembrandt and is where the 'star' on the Heineken logo originally came from but that's not all... 

The University of Leiden is famous for its numerous groundbreaking discoveries and thirteen Nobel Prize winners.

What is Leiden and Mayflower story? Today, Leiden remains as welcoming and charming as it was when the Pilgrims moved there. Steeped in history, the city boasts many historic sites, monument, alms-houses - and of course windmills! 

BRUGES, Belgium

Bruges, with its picturesque streets, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine, stands as our primary destination in Belgium and it's not without good reason. Swans swim its canals; medieval buildings shadow its cobblestones; willow trees weep over its lake; rich chocolates peer from behind its windows; pints of Belgian blondes sit on its cafe tables; and carillon chimes fill its air with music: This is Bruges. This enchanting city is a living testament to both beauty and history. Wandering through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

Bruges is known for its connection to art, with the city serving as an inspirational backdrop for renowned painters, including Jan van Eyck. The city's artistry extends beyond the canvas to its delicious cuisine, with Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beers being famous delights. So, as we venture through Bruges, we'll not only be surrounded by its breathtaking aesthetics but also be immersed in a living story of a city that has gracefully preserved its rich heritage. It's a destination where beauty and history entwine, offering an experience that is nothing short of enchanting.

 

What's not included?
  • Airfare to and from Amsterdam
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional Activities
  • Some meals and drinks 
  • Service gratuities and tips
PAINTING WORKSHOP
Two in One: Painting and Urban Sketching
  • Lectures and demonstrations
  • Plein Air Painting and sketching at the locations
  • Painting indoors if needed
  • All medium and all levels are welcome
  • Individualized approach 
  • Small group (up to 12 students)
  • Non-painters and independent painters receive discount. 
Workshop Description

I. WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP

The workshop will concentrate on reinterpreting the scenery into loose impressionist perception style. Composition, hierarchy of elements, painting techniques, approaches to highlight only important elements will be the focus of this workshop. 

Students will:

  • Discover how to simplify the most complex scenery 
  • Learn the tonal values and fundamental connection between colors and values
  • Learn to breakdown everything into primitive forms 
  • Understand the stages involved in painting process to eliminate guesswork 
  • Advance your loose brush techniques
  • Practice dry brush, wet on wet, soft gradation and calligraphy
  • Learn to increase sense of depth and enhance focal areas

II. URBAN SKETCHING WORKSHOP

In this engaging workshop, Vlad will not only demonstrate but also guide YOU in honing your skills to craft captivating color sketches using waterproof ink pens and watercolors. Our emphasis will be on achieving immediacy in presentation, mastering composition, and, most importantly, channeling focused creativity to produce vibrant and impactful images that captivate the viewer's attention.

Topics will Include:

  • Choosing a Subject
  • Basic Composition and Focal Point
  • Drawing and Shading Techniques
  • Ink Application and Transition to Color
  • Detailing and Balancing Techniques
  • Softening and Creating Atmosphere


If you are interested, begin by filling out the registration form, and we will promptly get back to you with all the details.