Subscribe Now! Get features like
Why art holidays may be the next big travel trend
If you’re looking to explore a new place while tapping into your creative side, art holidays can offer a perfect balance of travel and artistic discovery
Travel looks different for everyone. Some crave cultural city breaks, others chase adventure through trekking or river rafting, while a few simply want a restful escape in vibrant cities. Now you know all of this, but have you ever heard of an art holiday?
The term went viral after content creator Vagmita Singh shared a reel on Instagram that got over 5.7 million views. While at an Italian pizzeria, she met a couple who were on an “art holiday” and told her their trip was guided by an artist who took them on a tour of hidden castles, local art, regional cuisine, and off-limits sites.
While exclusive access to castles is one luxurious version, the world of art holidays is much broader and more accessible. And data proves this. According to Mordor Intelligence, a Telangana-based market research company, in 2025, art tourism reached USD 46.96 billion and is expected to grow to USD 54.89 billion by 2030 globally. This rise is fuelled by a growing appetite for immersive cultural experiences, said the report.
What exactly is an art holiday?
Creative exploration, not professional artistry, is the focus of an art holiday. Prices vary widely, starting from ₹50,000 and can go up to several lakhs. Shruti Shetty, founder of Kala, organises these holidays and describes them as “a relaxing trip to a beautiful place where you spend a few hours daily discovering your inner artist.” Activities can range from morning doodling and mandala-making to hikes ending with live painting, along with food walks, heritage trails, and market visits to explore local culture. For their next trip to Bir in Himachal Pradesh, participants will be introduced to the Kangra style of art or Pahari miniature painting, inspired by the Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana, and Radha-Krishna tales.“You do not just paint the view. You experience the region’s craft story too,” Shruti tells us.
For some, it’s an immersive apprenticeship. Geetika Agrawal, founder of VAWAA (Vacation With An Artist), says guests spend 4 to 7 days learning one-on-one with master artists worldwide, such as calligraphy with a Japanese grandmaster or clay moulding with Zapotec pottery masters in Mexico.
“These mini apprenticeships allow participants to learn new skills while being fully immersed in the artist’s way of life, their community, and culture. It’s unique because it provides access to anyone curious, professionals or non-professionals, to study directly from a master artist,” she explains.
At the luxury end, Radhika Khanijo, founder of Welgrow, calls art holidays “a journey of meaningful creativity.” Her trips let guests learn local art from renowned artists. “It is about learning with intention, mastering local artistic styles, and understanding the stories behind them,” she says. Trips include luxury stays, guided art sessions, quality materials, cultural walks, food tastings, artisan studio visits, and local meals. Experiences include a sculpting lesson with Florence Corbi in Lyon (France) or printmaking from Maestro Roberto in Venice (Italy).
It’s not your art workshop!
Unlike an art retreat or workshop, art holidays are designed to move at a calm, unhurried pace, letting you create on your own terms with no strict schedules. It’s about relaxing and expressing yourself through art, not just mastering skills or ticking off sights.
Set in locations like beaches, villages, or mountains, these trips spark creativity beyond the usual studios or classrooms. Each day blends painting, exploration, and soaking up local life, rather than sitting through lessons or rushed sightseeing.
You learn directly from artists or local experts naturally, with plenty of time to ask questions, experiment, and find your own style.
Alongside art, you’ll enjoy local cuisine, visit markets, and discover regional crafts, making it a rich cultural experience.
