# Finding Your Voice - Expressive Oil Painting Retreat with Artist Kim Smith in Portugal

Join artist Kim Smith for an oil painting retreat in the countryside of Portugal's Ribatejo region, built around finding your own creative voice and learning to trust it. Whether you're new to oils or have painted in them for years, Kim's approach treats the medium as a tool for building confidence as much as skill. This retreat is for anyone who wants to paint with more freedom and less fear of getting it wrong.

Each day in the studio builds on the last, honing one skill at a time, from color and mark-making to the finer points of light and edges. You'll get plenty of one-on-one time with Kim as you paint, alongside her demonstrations. Away from the studio, you'll spend a full day in the medieval town of Óbidos and its castle grounds, with a stop at a nearby beach, and a half day at Almourol Castle, taking in the wild olive trees, cacti and river reeds along the Tagus.

Your creative haven is a 150-year-old traditional Quinta, with a dedicated studio, swimming pool, and tranquil gardens. Savor chef-prepared meals made from local ingredients, unwind by the pool, and enjoy the company of 15 other like-minded artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 25 - October 2, 2027
- **Location:** Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 16 students
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

**What's included**

1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Kim Smith
2. 7 nights of accommodation at a Portuguese Quinta
3. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the dedicated art studio, pool, orchards, gardens, and stables
4. Spacious and bright indoor art studio (1300 sq. ft./120 sq. m.) equipped with: tables, chairs, professional studio lights, projector, printer-scanner, Bluetooth speaker, field easels, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, paper towels, and Liquin
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by the private chef
6. Mainly vegan and vegetarian dishes, with all diets catered for, including regular, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Water, coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks available throughout the day
8. Delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day
9. Full-day trip to Óbidos, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
10. Entrance ticket to Óbidos Castle and a visit to a nearby beach
11. Half-day trip to Almourol Castle and the river beach, with opportunities for painting and sketching on location
12. Liqueur tasting experience with cheese, bread, and traditional sausages during the Almourol trip
13. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities
14. Round-trip transfers from/to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at prearranged times
15. All local tourist taxes and fees
16. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
17. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
18. Access to a private Facebook group with artist Kim Smith and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Art materials — a list of materials recommended by artist Kim Smith will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Óbidos
- Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Portugal
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Finding Your Voice - Expressive Oil Painting Retreat
Join an expressive oil painting retreat with artist Kim Smith in the Ribatejo region of Portugal. Discover your creative voice, and the confidence to trust it.

Over the week, you'll work directly with Kim in daily studio sessions, going through one skill at a time from her signature layered method. Learn to master values, simplifying your subject, loose brushwork, working with edges, and capturing light. Two art trips break up the studio time, giving you a change of scenery and fresh material to paint from. Open to all levels, this retreat suits anyone who wants to get past the fear of the blank canvas and learn to push through the messy middle of a painting instead of giving up on it.

Kim treats oil as a confidence-building medium as much as a technical one. Mastering something that looks difficult is what lets your voice come through. Each day builds one technical skill, then gives you time to put it into practice at your own pace. By the end of the week you'll have a body of studies and finished pieces that trace your progress from your very first brushstroke to the final detail.

Beyond your classes at the venue, two day trips take you into the gorgeous landscape of central Portugal: a full day in the medieval walled town of Óbidos, with its castle, cobbled streets, and walls draped in bougainvillea and climbing vines, and a half-day at Almourol Castle, rising dramatically from an islet in the Tagus River, surrounded by wild olives, sculptural cacti, and river reeds.

**Topics covered during the retreat include:**

- Kim's signature transparent-to-opaque painting method
- Understanding and working with values
- Simplifying your subject and your process
- Brushwork and brush control
- Working with edges
- Capturing light
- Building creative confidence
- Getting comfortable with the "messy middle" of a painting
- ...and many more!

Your home for the week is a traditional Portuguese Quinta, a 150-year-old countryside estate set in the quiet village of Casével, with lush gardens, a swimming pool, orchards, stables, and a beautifully converted art studio. Delight in chef-prepared meals every day, crafted with fresh local ingredients and paired with a glass of wine. Discover the flavors of the region with a bespoke experience: a liqueur tasting event (paired with cheese, traditional sausages, and fresh bread) on the banks of the Tagus River during the trip to Almourol.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the venue around 4:00 PM after a transfer from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at 3:00 PM. Settle into your cozy room and take some time to unwind. Once you're refreshed, meet artist Kim Smith and gather with the rest of your group for a welcoming orientation tour.

Explore the beautiful accommodations, the spacious studio within the barn, the inviting pool, and the surrounding gardens. To kick off the retreat, enjoy a delightful dinner prepared by the in-house chef and share a toast with local wine as you discuss the week ahead with your fellow artists.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Start your day with a tasty breakfast, then join Kim for a quick coffee check-in. You'll find out more about the plans for the day.

You'll spend your first class going over Kim's painting method: what she works in, what draws her to oil, and how she wants this week to go for you. She'll walk you through her favorite techniques, laying transparent color down first and building opaque paint over the top, then hand you a brush and let you try it. There's no pressure to get it right yet. Focus on getting a feel for how the brush moves, how the paint responds under your hand, and how colors shift as one layer meets the next.

Take a break to refuel during lunch, then return to the studio for an afternoon class. Continue your exercises from the morning, pushing past the first hesitant strokes and building on what you started earlier. Kim will move between easels, offering guidance where you want it and room where you don't, and by dinner you'll already have a handful of studies carrying the loose, expressive mark-making her own work is known for.

Enjoy some leisure time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. Gather with your fellow artists for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of fragrant Portuguese wine.

### Day 3: Art trip to Óbidos
After a nourishing breakfast, set off to Óbidos, one of Portugal’s finest medieval towns. You'll reach your destination after a short drive through the rolling Ribatejo countryside.

Whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets and pops of bougainvillea make Óbidos one of Portugal's best-preserved historic towns. Take it all in before heading up to Óbidos Castle, a fortress dating to the 12th century and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. You'll explore the castle and its grounds. This is your chance to bring out your watercolors for some on-location sketching, gathering reference material and quick studies you can carry back to the studio for later paintings.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch on your own at one of the town's charming cafés before spending the afternoon strolling through Óbidos' historic center. From there, a short drive takes you to a nearby beach where wide-open skies and Atlantic waves make for a different kind of reference material than the town's stone and ivy. Take a dip if the weather's good, or simply settle in with your sketchbook and take in the coastline before heading back to the venue.

In the evening, return to the venue and take some time to relax before dinner. Enjoy a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and share your impressions of the day over a glass of wine in the lovely company of your fellow artists.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
After enjoying a hearty breakfast and a relaxed morning check-in with Kim and fellow artists, start the day with another class in the studio.

Kim will open the class with values, the skill she considers the toughest to grasp and the one that matters most. Working in light and dark rather than color, you'll learn to judge a subject by its tone first, so that when you do add color later, the painting already reads correctly from across the room. Kim will move around the room checking in as you go, helping you see past what a shape "is" to what it actually looks like in front of you.

After a nourishing lunch, jump back into the afternoon class. You'll tackle a new topic: simplifying your subject, or pulling a painting back to what it actually needs to say, while letting go of the urge to render every minute detail. She'll push you to embrace the mess in the middle of a piece rather than stall out at the first sign it's not working, and to give yourself permission to paint something imperfect, but authentic. This theme will be a running thread throughout the retreat.

Take some time to recharge in the late afternoon, then enjoy a delicious three-course dinner paired with a glass of local wine. Share reflections of the day and soak in the lively atmosphere.

### Day 5: Art trip to Almourol Castle
Savor a filling breakfast, then set off for another adventure: a half-day trip to Almourol Castle.

This 12th-century Templar stronghold stands proudly atop a tiny island in the middle of the Tagus River. Wild olive trees, cacti, agave and river reeds crowd the banks around it, giving you plenty to look at before you've even reached the towers. You'll have time to walk the castle grounds and take in the battlements and the light on the water. Use this opportunity to sketch or take reference photos as you go. From there it's on to the river beach for a stop, then a tasting of local liqueur, cheese, bread and traditional sausages before heading back to the venue.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch once you return, then prepare for the afternoon class, centered around brushwork. Kim will show you how to hold the brush and how to control it, since it's often the thing beginners have issues mastering. Rather than focus on any particular subject, you'll spend the time experimenting: varying pressure, changing your grip, seeing how a loaded brush behaves differently from a dry one.

As the evening draws in, take some time to relax before dinner. Indulge in a chef-prepared three-course dinner, accompanied by a glass of fragrant Portuguese wine.

### Day 6: Art classes at the venue
Start the following day with a hearty breakfast. Follow it up with the usual check-in over coffee, where you and your fellow artists will review the day’s plans.

You'll stay in the studio all day today, working on edges. Notice how sharply or softly one shape meets another, and what that does to a painting's sense of depth and focus. Kim will guide you through spotting the difference between a hard edge and a lost one, and how deliberately controlling that transition can pull the eye exactly where you want it to go.

After a leisurely lunch, return to the studio for an afternoon session. You'll keep working with the same subject from the morning, refining how you handle the transitions between shapes and testing what happens when you soften an edge versus letting it stay crisp. Kim will check in with you one on one, giving you a nudge to keep developing your piece into something more elaborate.

Later in the evening, join your group for a relaxed three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of local wine. Unwind together with your fellow artists and share impressions of the day.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
You'll start the day with breakfast before heading into the studio for your final full day of painting.

The morning is spent on capturing light. Explore how it falls across a surface, where it turns warm or cool, and how a few well-placed highlights can do more work than a dozen careful details. Kim will show you how to simplify what you're seeing into a handful of clear light and shadow shapes, and how that clarity is often what separates a painting that feels finished from one that doesn't.

After lunch, finish any remaining details in your work, then prepare for a special event: a celebratory mini-exhibition. Participation is optional, but it's a wonderful opportunity to share your favorite pieces, exchange thoughts with Kim and your fellow artists, and recognize how far you've come over the week.

As the day comes to an end, take some time to recharge before dinner. Gather with Kim and the group for one last delicious farewell dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Raise a glass of wine and toast to the beautiful memories and creative discoveries you have made throughout the week.

### Day 8: Departure
After sharing a final breakfast with Kim and your fellow artists, exchange any last contact details and prepare for your transfer to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). Check-out is scheduled for 10:00 AM, with an expected arrival at the airport around 11:00 AM.

## Instructors

- [Kim Smith](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kim-smith) — Contemporary fine art painter and art educator

## Accommodation

### Portuguese Quinta
Your retreat venue is a gorgeous Quinta, a 150-year-old countryside estate. The family-owned farm offers a tranquil and holistic retreat experience, with everything from organic food to stunning natural beauty well accounted for. The expansive grounds feature a lush meditation garden, a refreshing pool bordered by pine trees, a pond, a spacious art studio, orchards, vegetable gardens, and an outdoor arena.

The accommodation spaces are spread across four units, whose interiors combine traditional design with modern elegance. Ranging from restored farmhouses with wooden beams to reconstructed barns with a regal feel or cozy garden villas, each space exudes charm and personality. The main villa where meals will be served features welcoming common spaces, such as a bright lounge, a cafe, and a dining room with a large fireplace.

The rooms can be shared or single, with ensuite or shared bathrooms. The meticulous attention to detail makes each room a cocoon of comfort, offering gorgeous views over the pool, gardens, or scenic countryside stretching beyond.

Your classes with Kim Smith will take place in the well-lit, spacious art studio located in a reconverted barn. The expansive gardens of the estate provide endless inspiration for your botanical studies. Surrounded by the nearby countryside, peaceful gardens, and small woodland, you'll have endless subjects to choose from.

### Shared standard ensuite room
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. Found on the second floor of the main villa, the shared standard ensuite room comes with two comfortable single beds, bespoke design, and quality fabrics and bedding. The room benefits from access to an ensuite bathroom with a tub and overhead shower, shared between the two occupants of the room.

All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

### Shared superior ensuite room - private veranda
Two superior rooms are available for shared occupancy. You will share each room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior rooms are located in one of the garden villas.

The rooms include comfortable twin beds, premium linen and towels, and coffee and tea facilities. Each room has an ensuite bathroom with a shower or tub and access to a private veranda with outdoor seating. The rooms have views of the blooming courtyard or the shimmering pool.

### Shared bathroom - single room
Four single rooms with shared bathrooms are available for this retreat. You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. Equipped with comfortable double beds, these four single rooms feature beautiful views over the surrounding gardens. Two rooms are located in the main villa on the second floor, while the other two are located in one of the garden villas on the first floor. The rooms in the garden villa also feature private verandas. The spacious bathrooms shared between each two rooms feature a tub or a shower.

### Single standard ensuite room
One room with an ensuite shower bathroom is available for single occupancy. The room is located in the main villa on the second floor, featuring a comfortable double bed and cozy décor. All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

### Single superior ensuite room - private veranda
Four superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable double bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located within the garden villas, on the 1st floor. Each room also benefits from access to a private veranda, with views towards the gardens or the countryside beyond.

### Single deluxe ensuite room
One deluxe ensuite room in main villa is available for single occupancy. This master bedroom is located on the second floor, and features a spacious ensuite bathroom (with tub and shower), bespoke décor reminiscent of the vast blue ocean, and wide windows overlooking the gardens. The large double bed ensures a restful sleep, and the air conditioning will guarantee you remain comfortable even on the hottest of days.

All guests benefit from access to the common lounge in the main villa, the outdoor terrace, the adjacent veranda leading to the pool, and the Quinta's cafe.

## Food

During your art retreat with Kim Smith, you'll delight in delicious meals prepared by the private chef. The dishes are mainly vegan or vegetarian, crafted with fresh ingredients, grown organically at the farm or sourced locally.

Start your morning with a nutritious breakfast buffet, featuring yogurt, muesli, seeds and nuts, fresh fruit, croissants, eggs, sweet jams, and a selection of juices, coffee, and tea. Lunches include a starter (like a variety of soups or salads) and a main course. Dinners are a three-course feast (starter, main course, and dessert).

Your selection of drinks includes delicious wine served with dinner, coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day. If you need a quick bite, refuel with a mid-afternoon snack.

During your trip to Almourol, discover the flavors of the region with a traditional liqueur tasting experience, paired with fresh bread, cheese, and sausages.

All meals are included, except one lunch during the full-day trip to Óbidos. The exact menu will depend on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

## Getting There

The art retreat takes place in the serene Ribatejo region of Portugal, next to the peaceful village of Casével. The surroundings reflect the traditional Portuguese countryside, with its swaying fields, sprawling vineyards, and cork oak forests typical of the Tagus Valley. Lisbon, the country's capital, is one hour away by car and will also serve as your pick-up/drop-off point for the transfers. During your retreat, you'll embark on several trips, visiting the historic town of Óbidos (one hour away from the venue) and a nearby beach, as well as the Almourol Castle (30 minutes away).

The region is rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage. The valley's vivid, ever-changing palettes of greens and browns, as well as the Tagus River itself, make for stunning scenes. Ribatejo's culture was influenced by many civilizations across the ages (the Celts, Romans, and Moors, for example), and it was favored by many Portuguese nobles throughout the medieval era. As such, the region features incredibly well-preserved medieval castles and towns.

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on September 25, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on October 2, 2027, by 10:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS).**

We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Portugal a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.

**Please hold off on booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.**

**How to get from Lisbon Airport (LIS) to the retreat venue:**

Private airport transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (LIS) at prearranged times are included. The transfer to the retreat venue typically takes about one hour.

- **Arrival Transfer: September 25, 2027—3:00 PM** (departure from Lisbon Airport (LIS), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)
- **Departure Transfer: October 2, 2027—10:00 AM** (departure from the retreat venue, arriving at Lisbon Airport (LIS) around 11:00 AM)

**If the pre-set transfer times do not align with your travel plans, please consider the following alternatives:**

- Extend your stay in Lisbon before and/or after the retreat and utilize the prearranged shuttles to/from Lisbon Airport (LIS).
- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Quinta Carvalhas, Rua José Ferreira Fazenda, 2000-466 Casével, Portugal) at an additional cost of approximately 205 EUR / 220 USD each way. Please note that taxi fares may vary and are subject to change.

## Reviews

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "Oh, how do I even begin...The Quinta could not be more perfect for our artsy retreat! The staff was absolutely amazing and made me feel special and valued. I feel energized, motivated and walked away with new friendships and memories I will cherish forever. Thank you!!"

- "The retreat was lovely. The food was absolutely wonderful and all of the staff treated me kindly. Every time I turned around they were asking if any of us needed help. The other ladies that joined the retreat were absolutely wonderful and I look forward to keeping in contact with my new friends."

- "So beautiful and serene. Truly a respite from the world’s cares."

- "This was a life-changing experience! The venue, setting, cleanliness, and service were outstanding—superb, five stars. Our host, Gerhard, anticipated our every need and made us feel pampered like queens."

- "The retreat was truly an amazing experience. The location was magical and Gerhard and Dani did an exceptional job taking care of everything and everyone with smiles on their faces each and every day. Our chef made vegetarian meals that were delightful and creative. UpTrek took all of the planning and details to the next level. I didn't have to think and could just enjoy each moment!"

- "Beautifully manicured property with attentive staff and excellent cuisine. The art studio is spacious and light filled with lovely views."

- "Danielle and Gerhard were amazing hosts at the Quinta. We were very spoiled by them. The flow of the whole retreat was perfect. It didn’t feel like we were cramming in things - we truly had a chance to relax and do what we came to do - paint."

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is this retreat available to all levels?**

The retreat welcomes all levels of experience.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Kim Smith in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between September 25 - October 2, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on September 25, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on October 2, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Is Wi-Fi available?**

Yes. Wi-Fi is available in all areas at no additional cost.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?**

Yes. However, please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. The venue mainly serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Please plan to arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). We advise allowing extra time for long-distance international travel. Arriving in Portugal a day before the retreat starts helps mitigate potential issues due to flight delays, allows for rest post-travel, and facilitates adjustment to the new time zone. Private airport transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (LIS) at pre-arranged times are included.

Refer to the [Location](https://uptrek.com/retreat/finding-your-voice-expressive-oil-painting-retreat-artist-kim-smith-portugal#location) tab for further details. Please refrain from booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you are charged for your participation.

**What’s the weather like in Ribatejo, Portugal, in late September?**

The weather in Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal, in late September, is generally pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 23°C (73°F) during the day that drop to around 16°C (61°F) at night. The climate of the Ribatejo area is generally mild, without excesses, with plenty of sunshine, and very little rain throughout the year.

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, a sun hat and sunglasses, insect repellent, soothing cream for insect bites, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

**Can I do laundry while on the retreat?**

Laundry facilities are not available at the retreat venue.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Kim Smith will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables with protective covers, chairs, professional studio lights, projector, printer-scanner, Bluetooth speaker, field easels, plein-air chairs, plein-air tables, glass jars, paper towels, and Liquin will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

**How many people are to be expected on the retreat?**

There is a maximum number of 16 participants.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states can enter Portugal for tourism without a visa. If this policy changes, we will inform you promptly. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

**Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?**

Please take out euros in cash from an ATM at the airport in Lisbon. You will need cash for small purchases in town and for tipping the staff (tipping is customary in Portugal). The retreat venue accepts payments with both cash and card.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently.

**Can a non-participating guest join me?**

We do not accommodate non-participants at our art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

**Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited to host people with limited mobility, as the trips involve plenty of walking on uneven, cobbled streets.

**What language is used during the workshop and other activities?**

The retreat is available in English.

**What happens if I need to cancel?**

Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy)

**Do I need travel insurance?**

Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.

For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip)

Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide **the reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.

We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.

**Do I have to pay a deposit?**

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

**Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?**

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed and your payment method is charged, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

**Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?**

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/finding-your-voice-expressive-oil-painting-retreat-artist-kim-smith-portugal#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

---

**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/finding-your-voice-expressive-oil-painting-retreat-artist-kim-smith-portugal
**Last updated:** 2026-10-01