Cost
The cost for the 7 night holiday, inclusive of everything listed under "Included in Holiday", varies according to whether you prefer a single room or are planning to share a double. Accommodation is in the Hotel Poem
$3890 USD for Double Shared Room
per person, based on double occupancy
$4278 USD for a Room of Your Own
based on single occupancy of a room with double bed and ensuite bathroom
10% Discount for Early Bird registration
by Dec. 31, 2026
(When booking use discount code: EARLYBIRD)
Extra 10% Discount for Non-Painting Participants
(When booking use discount code: PARTNER)*
* Only one discount can be applied per booking
Sketchbook Drawing in Istanbul
October 20 - 27, 2027
with Suhita Shirodkar
Click below for recent reviews:
I’m super excited to be heading back to magical Istanbul, a city I loved as soon as I set eyes on it. Straddling two continents, with the river Bosphorus running through it, Istanbul’s rich combination of history, vibrant street life, incredible architecture, and exciting cuisine makes it a dream location to explore with a sketchbook in hand.
Our workshop will include lessons in urban sketching using pen and ink, watercolor and mixed media. There will be focussed sessions on people sketching and using watercolor and mixed media effectively. I will teach you how to create sketches that reflect your experience of place, and do it in a realistic timeframe, so you can sketch on your travels, even when you travel with non-sketchers! The workshop will include personal guidance and reviews each day and a variety of subjects from street vendors to ancient architecture.
We will work on location in bazaars, gardens, and all around the city and you should be fit enough to walk at least a half hour unassisted, and carry a compact sketching kit and portable stool to all locations.
Not recommended for people with limited mobility.
"The best part about the trip was... every part. When we weren't painting the gorgeous landscapes and/or beautiful architecture, we were either exploring the grounds of the chateau, eating delicious food or relaxing and chatting with the other participants and support staff. Definitely the most enjoyable solo-vacation I've ever taken. I look forward to participating in another trip with Plein Air Holidays, hopefully in a new country altogether!"
Karl K.
San Francisco
California
Sketches by Suhita Shirodkar
Click to enlarge
Sample Workshop Schedule
Subject to change depending on weather, desires of group, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Wednesday, October 20:
Arrival in Istanbul, check-in at Hotel Poem, unpack, relax
Welcome market mezze buffet 7pm.
- Thursday through Tuesday:
Breakfast 8:00-9:00 am
Meet in hotel at 9:15 am for instructor's intro to discuss the day's sketching opportunities and approaches
Sketching at various sites:
1. Topkapi Palace First Court
2. The garden between Hajia Sofia and blue mosque
3. Bridge over Bosphorus in late afternoon/ evening with fishermen
4. Market place & "evil eyes" stall
5. Galata Tower
6. Turkish coffee making
7. Cats — cat food stalls at market
8. People — demo & instruction first in hotel courtyard then going out to a busy area to capture people in movement
-- Afternoons free --
Daily Review:
Get together at hotel to share our work from 6-7pm
- Saturday Oct. 23:
Cooking class (with sketchbooks in hand!) and dinner
- Tuesday Oct. 26:
Farewell Meyhane (traditional tavern) dinner, 8 pm
- Wednesday Oct. 27:
Breakfast, departure
Included in Holiday
-
Accommodations with en-suite bathrooms at Hotel Poem located in the center of Sultanahmet, just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, with a 9.5 Exceptional rating on Booking.com
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All breakfasts, plus 3 dinners, and Cooking Class
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Tour Guide for intro to Sultanahmet walking tour
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Teaching 4 hours daily
Not Included
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Transportation to and from Istanbul
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Art supplies
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Other meals not indicated under INCLUDED
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Travel and Medical insurance (REQUIRED)
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Dining in Istanbul: There are plenty of well priced cafe and restaurants within easy walking distance!
Payment and cancelation
A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is to accompany the workshop reservation.
Balance is due July 1, 2027.
Instructor Suhita Shirodkar
Drawing as visual narrative is at the core of my personal practice. Traveling is an opportunity to look at a world with fresh eyes, and travel sketching slows me down, makes me look more carefully and remember more deeply. In my teaching I combine the more abstract ideas of storytelling with practical skills in drawing and painting in watercolor and mixed media, and developing skills and strategies that let you capture sketchbook stories on the go.
Instagram : www.instagram.com/suhitasketch
Blog: SketchAway.wordpress.com
Newsletter: SketchAway.substack.com
Holiday Director Kate Kilbourne
Since 2000, Kate Kilbourne lived part of the year in San Francisco, California, and part of the year in her house in Trôo, France... until 2017 when her partner Robert bought a flat in Cádiz, Spain. Now Kate and Robert spend the spring and fall all over Europe, running Plein Air Holidays in France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and in Croatia where they lived for nine months during the Covid pandemic. Kate is fluent in French and is learning Spanish as fast as she can!
"This week was well organised with extremely friendly support staff around all the time.
We spent time in the most beautiful settings in France.
Since we booked we experienced good communication and it is a very well priced experience.
Thank you very much."
Linza & Jan B.
Johannesburg
South Africa
"I really don't see how it could be better! You and Tom helped me so much that I was surprised to be able to participate in most everything, except for a couple of naps. The very personal visits to your friends were extra special.
I will definitely recommend this workshop to anyone I see. I have already told my friends that it was so much more than just a fine workshop. In addition, it was a cultural and warm social experience, with gourmet dining, wine and cheese tasting, fitness training, and a final exposition!"
Louise D.
San Luis Obispo
California