Capturing the Golden light of Malta
with Tricia
2027
Saturday May 29th to Saturday June 5th
8 days/7 nights
Maltese limestone seems to drink in the colours of the sunset.
The architecture radiates it back with an inner glow.
Imagine sitting, bathed in that light as the pace of life slows, with our sketchbooks in hand, and fading pink skies above us.
Golden evenings in Malta are something you will never forget.
Slow down and see the world through a creative sketching eye with Tricia, in this Mediterranean paradise.
No sketching experience required.
Just a desire to learn something new and take time each day to look at the world differently while we create.
This trip is ideal for people who enjoy independent travel, want to learn to sketch and like to share experiences & conversations
with a small group of like-minded people over dinner in the evenings.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
The honey-gold architecture of the historic city walls & buildings, medieval streets, open-air market plazas and outdoor restaurants
Guided tour of St John’s Cathedral (built between 1573-1578) and see two of Caravaggio’s masterpieces
Tour of the lavishly decorated, 50 room, Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th Century palace that remains a private residence for the Marquis de Piro
Spend 3 days on the island of Gozo, to experience a less touristy version of Malta
Explore the XVI Century Citadel in Victoria, built by the Knights of St John
Privately guided day trip around Gozo to experience the dramatic landscape of limestone cliffs, coastal rock formations and Cobalt Blue seas.
Welcome Dinner in Valletta and a Farewell Dinner in Victoria
Taste the rich mix of Mediterranean flavors in food found in Malta, from the cuisine influences of Sicily, North Africa, Arabic and British traditions.
ITINERARY
Day 1; Arrival and Welcome Dinner
Settle into your boutique accommodations in Valletta. Meet your instructor Tricia Sullivan and other travel companions for this trip, at a Welcome Dinner a short walk from our accommodation.
Day 2 - 4; We will sketch each morning in Valletta, sometimes after a guided tour, or by stopping to admire a typical street scene.
Each afternoon you have free time to explore the streets of Valletta, visit a museum, shop or simply rest.
One evening we will be part of a private tour to see Caravaggio’s masterpieces up close in the stunning St John’s Cathedral.
Day 5; In the morning, take a 25-minute ferry to Malta’s tranquil sister island, Gozo and settle into our boutique guesthouse accommodation.
For dinner tonight we might take a 10-minute taxi ride to Xlendi, a waterfront village with fresh seafood available as the sun sets over the bay.
Day 6; The early risers in our group may choose to experience the morning bustle of the open-air fish & produce market.
The rest of the morning will be spent exploring the Citadel with its historic stories including the occupation of Napoleon in the 18th Century.
Day 7; Today we will have a guided tour in a minivan to explore the island further -finding quiet villages with shops stocked by local artisans, colorful fishing boats & dramatic coastal views.
Tonight we will celebrate the end of a wonderful trip with a Farewell Dinner,
as we watch the front façade of St Georges Basilica be lit up at night fall .
Day 8; We say our final farewells after breakfast before departure back to the airport in Valletta.
(If you wish, Tricia can advise on how to book a private taxi from Victoria, Gozo directly to Malta International Airport,
including the ferry crossing back to the mainland)
WHATS INCLUDED:
Accommodation:
Stay four nights in 4 Star accommodation (breakfast is included) in the heart of Valletta just a few minutes’ walk from restaurants, places of interest and the harbour
Stay three nights in 3 Star, recently renovated, boutique accommodation in Victoria, (breakfast included) with a view of the Citadel from the rooftop dining area.
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Sketching
Daily guided sketching instruction with Tricia and personalized feedback. Approximately 2-3 hours per day.
Daily guiding with Tricia, to all our sketch locations.
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Extra Inclusions
Welcome dinner in Valletta
Tour of the palace Casa Rocca Piccola
Evening Caravaggio Experience in St John’s Cathedral
Private minivan day trip in Gozo
Farewell dinner in Victoria
Possible Extra Best of Malta Food Walking tour in Valletta at extra cost (92 Euro per person)
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Transport
One day private tour in Gozo, one way ferry from Valletta to Gozo
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Dining
Daily breakfasts, 2 group dinners
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Group Size
Places are intentionally limited so that the experience remains personal, relaxed and very much in our quick loose style of sketching.
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Free time
There is also plenty of free time each day to rest, explore or shop.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Flights to and from Malta
• Taxi’s to & from your accommodation on arrival & departure for this tour
• Meals not mentioned above
• Personal spending
• Travel Insurance (Very important)
• Return ferry ticket from Gozo to the main island of Malta.
• This can be included in a private taxi booking from Victoria to the airport. Contact Tricia Sullivan if you require advice on this.
• Please book departing flights from midafternoon at the earliest to allow at least 2.5 hours’ travel time from Victoria to the airport + another 2 hours for airport check-in and security checks, on the day of departure. Ferries run once every hour, and the ferry ride is approximately 45-60 minutes. Possibly consider departure flights on June 6th to avoid stress.
COSTS
Early Bird Discount;
Private, ensuite room - 2760 Euros per person
Twin share room - 2290 Euros per person
(please note, you will need to nominate who you wish to share the twin room with)
Non-sketching partner - 2040 Euros per person
in a twin share (double) room
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Early Bird Discount is valid until 1st January 2027.
Any bookings after midnight on 31 December 2026 will have a price increase of 150 Euros per person
WHO IS TRICIA’S TOUR FOR
• Anybody who loves travel – solo travel can be lonely at times.
• Tricia’s small group tours offer the ideal balance of independence with the opportunity to experience the world with some like-minded people & perhaps a glass of wine & company over dinner.
• No sketching experience required. Just a desire to learn something new and take time each day to slow down,
let go of perfection and look at the world differently.
• We use ink & watercolour to create fast, loose travel sketches for your memories.
• Experienced sketchers are also welcome to create art in their own style, without any guidance from Tricia
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HEALTH & FITNESS
• Many of Vallettas streets are inaccessible to cars, so expect daily walks on uneven ground, up or down staircases or hills and cobble stone streets.
• That’s the charm of this country. To enjoy this trip to the full, please make sure that you are fit enough to walk this city comfortably.
• If you have mobility issues this may not be the ideal trip for you.
• Please make very sure you read the Terms & Conditions in our booking form.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
*Sketch Kit - Available to order online if you’re in Australia, or get similar in UK, USA and France.
Do take a look at it and try to get as close as possible.
I’ve designed this custom sketch kit to be minimal and fit into your shoulder bag, ready at any moment.
It contains everything you need. Don't be tempted to bring more.
* Bring a folding stool if you like, a hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, money for incidentals, such as drinks and meals not included.
* Do get travel insurance - very important.
* Come with a big happy smile and willingness to learn.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SKETCHING WITH YOU IN MAY 2027
Click the little icons below to see loads of my sketches on Pinterest and Instagram