01
Arrival Day
Check into Hotel : Meet and greet 4pm at Hotel - light refreshments
1st Group Dinner (8pm)
Students arrive from various locations and check into accommodation after 4pm.
02
Orientation & Old Town Sketch Walk
Morning
Introduction and orientation. Walking into town and exploring sites.
Afternoon
Light introductory sketching in Old Town Square (free Sketch time)
Evening
Art History Talk #1: “Prague in the Gothic & Baroque Imagination” John Luna
Týn Church, Baroque sculpture, Charles IV’s artistic legacy
03
Charles Bridge + Mala Strana
Morning
Charles Bridge observational sketching : Instructor Alexandra Chertif
Lunch
Everyone does their own thing for lunch and then we meet up afterwards for the afternoon Art History Talk.
Afternoon
Mucha Museum Visit
Art History Talk #2: “Symbolism, Expressionism & the Birth of the Modern Artist” John Luna
Focus on Czech artists (Muchá, Kupka) and early European Expressioniam
04
Museum Day National Gallery and DOX
Morning
Guided museum visits
Afternoon
Optional short sketching exercise based on museum works
Evening
Art History Talk #3: “Modern Central European Art: Identity, Politics & Form”
Covers Cubism, Czech modernism, and 20th-century shifts
05
Riverside + Letná Park
Morning
Vltava riverside sketching : Instructor Alexandra Chertif
Lunch break
Afternoon
Art History Talk #4: “Landscape Traditions from Renaissance to Romanticism” John Luna
Optional journal exercises: personalizing your sketchbook with storytelling, observation and reflection
Evening:
2nd Group Dinner 8pm
06
Prague Castle
Morning
Walk to Castle, visit exhibit (s)
Afternoon at ESAC
Collage activity organized by John Luna
Art History Talk #5 (on-site):
Theme to be confirmed - John LunaEvening
Free time
07
Sketching Session & Sharing
Morning
Final sketching and illustration : Instructor Alexandra Chertif
Afternoon
Short Art History Talk #6: “Where Do We Go From Here? Post-Retreat Practice & Further Study” John Luna
finalizing sketches/illustrations - last touches: Instructor Alexandra Chertif
Group sharing, feedback, and closing reflections -
Evening :
3rd Group Dinner and farewells
08
Departure – Students leave Cube Hotel by 11am
Where We’ll Stay
Hotel CUBE enjoys a privileged location in the heart of Prague, surrounded by the city’s most significant cultural and architectural landmarks. The National Theatre, Žofín Palace, the Dancing House, and the Mánes Exhibition Hall are all within immediate proximity. Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, Národní třída, and the Vltava riverbanks are all easily reached on foot.
An integral part of the guest experience is the culinary offering located within the hotel building. The Michelin Bib Gourmand–awarded restaurant ALMA presents contemporary Czech cuisine rooted in seasonality and regional provenance. For guests who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and a sense of place, dining at ALMA is a natural extension of the stay.