Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Discover the joy of sketching in Rome’s Villa Borghese with a private lesson from Guido, including multiple stops, expert guidance, and all art supplies provided.

The “Sketching in Rome Villa Borghese Private lesson with Guido” offers a unique way to experience Rome’s lush landscape and artistic heritage. Priced at $57.82 per person, this 2.5-hour activity takes place within the scenic grounds of Villa Borghese, one of the city’s most beloved parks. Led by Guido, a knowledgeable guide and skilled artist, this tour combines outdoor sightseeing with hands-on drawing, making it ideal for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
This activity is designed for those who want more than just sightseeing — it invites participants to engage creatively, capturing Rome’s beauty with sketching, watercoloring, and coloring tools provided on-site. The tour departs from Piazza Scipione Borghese, specifically at the Venus fountain, making it easy to join. With positive reviews praising Guido’s patience and expertise, this experience stands out as the only dedicated sketching activity in Rome, offering both relaxation and artistic learning.

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Rome

The tour begins in Piazza Scipione Borghese, right at the famous Venus fountain, which sets a picturesque scene for the activity. This central meeting point makes it straightforward to access via public transportation or walking from nearby attractions. Once gathered, participants receive a complete set of drawing materials, including pens, markers, brushes, watercolor paints, and high-quality drawing paper.
Starting here ensures you’re ready to explore Villa Borghese’s most stunning spots from the very beginning. The tour maintains a relaxed pace, allowing enough time for each sketching stop while enjoying the natural beauty of the park.
The first main stop is the Aviary of the secret gardens, a hidden gem within Villa Borghese. Here, participants begin their artistic journey by choosing interesting subjects among the lush greenery and bird enclosures. This stop offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for focusing on details and practicing drawing techniques.
The lush setting provides a variety of natural and architectural subjects, from leafy trees to ornate garden features. It’s a gentle introduction to outdoor sketching, and Guido’s guidance helps sharpen observation skills early on.

Next, the tour moves to La Meridiana, a historic sundial, before arriving at the Sea Horse Fountain. This fountain features four majestic sea horses and is a highlight for capturing motion and intricate details. Participants are encouraged to sketch and color this stunning sculpture, using fineliners, colored pencils, or watercolors.
The stop at the fountain is a great opportunity to practice drawing fountains and sculptures, with Guido offering tips on capturing water movement and the textures of stone. This blend of artistic challenge and scenic beauty makes for memorable sketching moments.

The Piazza di Siena is renowned for its equestrian events and classical architecture. It offers a variety of subjects: the famous fountain of the three puppets, the Raphael’s house, the clock house, and the towering pine trees.
Participants can choose to focus on architectural details or enjoy the natural greenery. Guido suggests drawing with the freedom of not looking at the paper during some exercises, which helps develop hand-eye coordination. The piazza’s lively atmosphere provides plenty of inspiration for quick studies or more detailed sketches.
While in Rome, here are other experiences we've covered

The Temple of Diana, surrounded by stone seats, becomes a comfortable spot for drawing on-site. Here, the wide-open space and classical architecture make for an ideal scene to practice proportion and perspective.
Moving on, the Garden of the Lake offers charming subjects like the Temple of Aesculapius, located centrally on the lake, and La Fonte Gaia, an Art Nouveau fountain featuring satyrs. These serene settings allow for peaceful sketching, watercoloring, or shading, with helpful guidance to hone artistic skills.

Throughout the activity, participants utilize a variety of tools, including fountain pens, fineliners, pencils, markers, watercolor paints, and brushes. Guido encourages experimenting with different techniques, such as sketching, coloring, and watercoloring, to bring subjects to life.
All necessary supplies are included, so there is no need to bring your own materials. The focus remains on enjoying the process and capturing the park’s beauty while learning new skills in a relaxed environment.

This private activity is designed to be accessible for most participants, with the pace adjusted to suit the group’s comfort level. The stops are at scenic, comfortable locations with stone seats or grassy areas ideal for sitting and drawing. The tour is about 2 hours 30 minutes, allowing enough time for multiple sketching sessions without feeling rushed.
Since most of the tour takes place outdoors in Villa Borghese’s open spaces, it’s suitable for those with moderate mobility. The activity is also friendly for those with service animals.
Guido’s reputation as a calm, patient, and knowledgeable guide shines through in the reviews. He offers clear instructions and helpful tips, supporting participants of all skill levels. His familiarity with Villa Borghese enriches the experience, with insights into the park’s history and architecture enhancing each stop.
Guests consistently express appreciation for Guido’s friendly demeanor, making for a relaxing and inspiring environment. His teaching style emphasizes enjoyment and skill development, making this a rewarding activity for both beginners and more experienced artists.
Booking is straightforward, with the activity typically reserved 31 days in advance. The tour operates with a mobile ticket, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start. This flexibility makes it easy to plan or adjust your schedule if needed.
The activity ends back at the initial meeting point, making logistics simple. Please note that bottled water is not included, so it’s advisable to bring your own if desired.
The “Sketching in Rome Villa Borghese Private lesson with Guido” combines outdoor exploration, artistic practice, and expert guidance into one engaging experience. It provides a wonderful opportunity to see Rome through an artist’s eyes, capturing its beauty on paper with all materials supplied.
This experience is especially suited for those eager to learn or improve their drawing skills while enjoying the natural splendor of Villa Borghese. The personalized approach, multiple scenic stops, and supportive instruction make it stand out from typical sightseeing tours.
While it’s not a tour focused on historical details, it offers a refreshing, creative perspective on Rome’s landscape and architecture. For art lovers and curious travelers alike, it offers a memorable, relaxing, and educational outing in one of Rome’s most scenic parks.
“Guido is a great teacher and so patient. We went to three spots and used different techniques. I learned some valuable lessons today!”
Is this tour suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, the guide offers helpful instructions suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike.
What is included in the price?
All necessary drawing tools, pens, markers, watercolor paints, brushes, and drawing paper are included.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Venus fountain in Piazza Scipione Borghese.
How long does the activity last?
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
Are there any physical requirements or mobility considerations?
The activity is conducted mainly outdoors on flat surfaces, suitable for most participants with moderate mobility.
Is food or drink provided?
No, bottled water is not included, so it’s recommended to bring your own.
What makes this tour different from other activities in Rome?
It is the only dedicated sketching activity in Rome, combining outdoor art practice with scenic stops, guided by an expert artist.
Is this activity private or group-based?
It is a private tour, so only your group will participate.
How do I prepare for this experience?
Just bring your enthusiasm for art and enjoy the natural beauty of Villa Borghese while learning new sketching techniques.