Zin Lim
"In my journey as a graduate student at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, delving into charcoal drawing was a pivotal moment amidst my studies in 3D animation. This foundational class offered a stark contrast to the digital-focused curriculum of my major, bringing an unparalleled sense of joy and liberation that only the tactile experience of drawing on paper could provide. My affinity for charcoal drawing deepened with each stroke”.
Charcoal drawing, with its inherent unpredictability and the acceptance of accidental effects, became a captivating process for me. It demands a harmonious dance with spontaneity, where each mark contributes to the artwork's essence. This medium, teetering between drawing and painting, taps into an emotional and primal aspect of creation, fueled by the rudimentary nature of its wood-burned material. This profound connection to charcoal not only enriched my artistic vocabulary but also instilled a deeper appreciation for the emotive power of simple materials. Embark on an expressive journey that promises not just to enhance your skills but to redefine your relationship with art. Zin Lim's workshop is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of expressive charcoal drawing, where each mark on the paper is a reflection of your inner self. Reserve your spot now and start on a path to discovering your unique artistic voice.
$3,999 per person ($800 fully refundable deposit*)
September 22-28, 2025
Book Now to save your spot!
Terms and Conditions, including our refund policy, are located on the Book Your Tour page.
Dates and pricing
Private transportation to and from Bologna BLQ airport to Urbania (please check our time stipulation on day 7)
6 night accommodation with breakfast at the charming B&B www.ilparcoducale.it all bedrooms ensuite (NO supplement for single)
5 Lunches and 6 Dinners with full beverage service, including wine
Welcome Aperitivo
Stunning studio https://www.italianatours.com/location
Visit at last charcoal artisans in Italy, opportunity to make your own cahrcoal stick for your drawing
Private creative paper workshop in Fabriano with master Sandro Tiberi
Private trip to Urbino
Entrance Raphaelʼs childhood home
Private transportation on all excursions
Entrance to the “Church of the Dead”
Exclusive week with Zin Lim, 15 hour workshop guaranteed + plein air sessions
Activities for non painters as listed in the itinerary
Week-long private guide and international sommelier Piero
what’s included
Itinerary
Day 1
-Arrival (*Bologna BLQ is the recommended airport). In our commitment to making your traveling experience to Le Marche as easy and convenient as possible, your host, Piero Pagliardini, will meet you at the airport (*see time stipulations) and escort you to the Hotel.
-Take time to settle in, unpack and explore before we all meet up. The hotel is within walking distance of shops, markets, restaurants, and village life unspoiled by time.
-Zin, and our host and native Marchigiano, Piero Pagliardini, will welcome you over drinks and give an overview of the week to come. Then pizza time! Enjoy the best pizza in town in an authentic Italian pizzeria. End the night with a stroll, a nightcap, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2
- Wake up to the smell of pastries and espresso. Enjoy a local breakfast at the B&B followed by our visit to last and famous charcoal makers in Italy. We will visit the famous coal makers in the small village of Parchiule along the Auro river.
Meet the last charcoal artisans carrying out this traditional practice amongst breathtaking scenery. You will have the opportunity to take home your own, high-quality charcoal stick.
- Break for lunch in an off-the-beaten path restaurant and then return to the studio.
- Afternoon class with Zin reflecting on the discoveries of the morning and much more: 4-7pm
Non-artists in the afternoon explore village life and nearby towns. Visit to Brancaleoni Castle in Piobbico. With Piero you will never get bored.
-Dinner at the square! Meet the locals, live like a local.
Day 3
-Breakfast at the hotel then we will go to a Creative paper workshop in Fabriano. We will leave for the city where the art of paper making has been alive for centuries! Fabriano is the most important paper production center of Europe. We will learn direct from the master Sandro Tiberi!
- Light lunch in Fabriano and return to finish our paper workshop. Opportunity to visit Fabriano and or do sketching or plein air drawing in Fabriano’s square on your own or with the group.
Then, late afternoon we will travel back to Urbania to relax and have free time.
- Dinner time at Doddo’s restaurant!
Day 4
- breakfast at the hotel
- Morning excursion to Urbino, Raphael’s childhood home, where we kick off our adventure! In a loose yet structured manner, we'll wander the main squares and winding medieval pathways. You will be immersed in local color, texture, and flavors (while eating everything in sight) as well as examining architectural motifs, contemporary art, and design, all the while collecting ideas that will inspire your drawing.
- Light lunch on site then return to our studio
-Afternoon class with Zin 4-7pm
-Non-artists in the afternoon we will explore village life of Urbania our location. Including a visit to the famous “Church of the Dead” and other historical sites. Learn about Urbania’s traditions, spanning over centuries, including its rich ceramic art culture.
- Dinner at the “Braveria” restaurant. By this point, you will know why!
Day 5
- Enjoy a local breakfast of cappuccino and pastries at your hotel.
- Morning full studio day with Zin 9-12 am
Non-artists free morning. Ask Piero for suggestions.
-break for lunch follow by class time with Zin 2-5pm
Non artists afternoon TRUFFLE HUNT with a professional, local guide. Our seasoned truffle hunter, along with his dog, will lead us on a walk through the forest in search of truffles. Mud boots will be provided. If hiking isn’t your thing, spend the afternoon shopping, relaxing in a café and exploring local treasures in the village.
- Another delicious dinner at the truffle farm ON THE VINEYARD!
Day 6
- Breakfast at the B&B
- Final class with Zin 9:00 – 12:00am
- Break for lunch.
Non artists grab your passport! Visit to San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set atop Mount Titan, 2480ft above sea level is said to be the world’s oldest surviving republic.
- Free afternoon. Working on your project for the final touch, relax and enjoy village life, shopping or just seat down for a gelato!
- Time to pack at the hotel.
- Meet that evening for a farewell dinner where we will raise a glass (or two, or three!) to our week in Le Marche. Cin-cin! Cheers! And a warm salute until next year!
Day 7- Sunday
-We recommend booking a night or two in Bologna at the end/beginning of your trip to explore this beautiful city and to make your departure/arrival flights more convenient. Please contact us for recommendations.
Time Stipulations
-Pick-ups at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered between 12:00-3:00 p.m.
-Depart the B&B at 10:00 AM. Departures at BLQ Bologna airport and Bologna Centrale Train Station will be offered from 1:00 pm onward. In order to arrive for your flight with ample time, we recommend scheduling departing flights after 3:00 p.m.
- Pick-up and Departures from other locations, or at times outside these parameters can be arranged at an additional fee.