# The Little Things Watercolor Journal Retreat with Artist Amy Maricle in Portugal

Travel helps open your eyes. Imagine drawing dangling trumpet flowers, round seed pods, and the botanical pattern from the vase in your room. This retreat is about focusing on the beauty in the details. Fill your art journals with wonder and joy, capturing a piece of your experience and inspiration, pulling from both the natural world as well as patterns in pottery and textiles. Join artist Amy Maricle for a week of watercolor journaling on a traditional Portuguese estate, set among the orchards and quiet countryside of Ribatejo.

You will practice capturing and weaving together beautiful details from botanicals, pottery, textiles, and more. Your journal pages will capture the color combinations, patterns, and details you find most fascinating. You will learn to draw in a way that embraces imperfection and detail, as well as boiling subjects down into simple shapes that are easier to draw.

This retreat suits artists of all levels who want to slow down, look more closely, and rediscover the joy of making art. Under Amy's gentle guidance, you will learn color mixing, washes, and basic watercolor techniques that will help add color and life to your pieces, creating beautiful journal spreads that pop. You will weave unique journal pages that record the beautiful details of your days, tuning into the beauty that surrounds you.

Beyond the studio, two exciting art trips await to be captured onto your sketchbook pages: a full day in Óbidos, one of Portugal's most enchanting medieval walled towns, and a half-day at Almourol Castle on the Tagus River, framed by wild olives and river reeds. The week also includes a wine tasting experience at the venue and a regional liqueur tasting on the riverbank of Tagus, paired with local cheese, bread, and traditional sausages.

Your creative haven is a 150-year-old traditional Quinta, with a dedicated art studio, swimming pool, and tranquil gardens. Savor chef-prepared meals made from local ingredients, unwind by the pool, and enjoy the company of 16 other like-minded artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 1 - 8, 2027
- **Location:** Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal
- **Starting Price:** $4,750
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 17 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 Amy Maricle
2. 7 nights of accommodation at a Portuguese Quinta
3. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, 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 reference flowers for the workshop component
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. Wine tasting experience at the venue
10. Full-day art trip to Óbidos, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
11. Entrance ticket to Óbidos Castle and a visit to a nearby beach
12. Half-day art trip to Almourol Castle and the river beach, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
13. Liqueur tasting experience with cheese, bread, and traditional sausages during the Almourol trip
14. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities
15. Round-trip transfers from/to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at prearranged times
16. All local tourist taxes and fees
17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
19. Access to a private Facebook group with Amy Maricle and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Art materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Amy Maricle 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

### The Little Things Watercolor Journal Retreat
Join artist Amy Maricle on a transformative watercolor journaling retreat set in the tranquil Portuguese countryside. This retreat will focus on paying attention to the beautiful details, a mindfulness exercise that will help you find beauty all around you and weave it together with local patterns and botanicals into unique journal pages.

This is a technique for tuning into the beauty around you, not only on this retreat but also beyond it, opening your eyes to the beautiful details that surround you every day. Under Amy's gentle guidance, you will learn color mixing, washes, and basic watercolor techniques that will help add color and life to your journal pages and make them pop. Working in a style that embraces imperfection, you will practice noticing and capturing beautiful details, from botanicals and textiles to interesting color combinations and anything in your surroundings that captures your notice.

This retreat suits artists of all levels who want to slow down, look more closely, and rediscover the joy of making art. You will create unique journal pages that record the beautiful details of your days, weaving the graphic pattern of the red rug beneath your feet with the triangular purple leaves of the plant in your room or the graphic tile pattern with the seed pods outside your door.

Beyond the studio, two day trips await to be captured onto your journal pages: 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.

**The topics covered during your classes with Amy Maricle include:**

- Noticing and capturing small details, from delicate botanicals to unexpected color combinations
- Drawing in a style that welcomes imperfection and celebrates detail
- Boiling busy subjects down into simple shapes that are easier to draw
- Mixing your own colors and building washes that bring your journal pages to life
- Practicing watercolor foundations, including color mixing, washes, bleeds, and more
- Calming the inner critic, helping to focus on the joy of creating
- Composing pages that feel
- Approaching art with a mindset of mindfulness and calm
- Using reflective writing to deepen your art practice
- Rediscovering the playful spirit within your creative process
- ...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 two bespoke experiences: a wine tasting event at the venue, and a liqueur tasting event (paired with cheese, traditional sausages, and fresh bread) on the banks of the Tagus River.

### 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 Amy Maricle and gather with your fellow artists for a welcoming orientation tour.

Explore the beautiful accommodations, the spacious art 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
Wake up to a hearty breakfast, have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts, then join Amy in the spacious art studio.

Under Amy's guidance, you will spend the morning practicing how to soften your inner critic and how to approach art with mindfulness and care. Your art journey begins with watercolor basics, learning to mix your own colors to reflect the beauty around you and explore techniques such as wet-on-wet blooms, washes, soft bleeds, and the loose marks that make the medium so forgiving.

After a leisurely lunch, continue the day with another unhurried afternoon class, learning to see with fresh eyes. Amy will introduce you to a way of drawing that welcomes imperfection, walking you through patient contour studies of a natural object so your hand learns to follow your eye instead of chasing a perfect line. This drawing style is meant to help you embrace the beautiful details that surround you and learn how to break things down into simple shapes that are easier to draw.

As the class comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time to rest and unwind before dinner. Gather with Amy and 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
Sit down to a delicious breakfast on your last full day of the retreat, easing into the gentle rhythm of the day.

After a nourishing breakfast, set off for a day of adventure and exploration with a short drive through the rolling Ribatejo countryside to Óbidos, one of Portugal’s finest medieval towns.

Spend the morning visiting the striking 12th-century Óbidos Castle and its grounds, where sweeping views over the town await. Amy will guide you through noticing the small, beautiful details of your surroundings, helping you find beauty all around you and weave local patterns into your sketchbook pages in unexpected ways.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch on your own at one of the town's charming cafés before spending the afternoon exploring Óbidos' historic center, where narrow stone streets are adorned with vibrant cascades of bougainvillea, climbing ivy, and terracotta pots against whitewashed walls. From there, a short drive brings you to a nearby beach where wide-open skies, rolling Atlantic waves, and the ever-changing textures of sand and shore create a breathtaking seascape. Keep your sketchbook and camera close, continuing to notice and record quick impressions of the beautiful details around you.

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 aromatic wine in the lovely company of Amy and your fellow artists.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Following a nourishing breakfast, gather with Amy and your fellow artists for a brief morning check-in, creating a mindful and open space to set intentions, share creative questions, and reconnect with your artistic rhythm.

Under Amy's gentle guidance, you will learn to connect with the natural world through mindful drawing techniques, studying the subtle shifts and shapes of your subjects. Each brushstroke becomes a chance to pause, breathe, and enjoy the simple meeting of ink and paper.

After a relaxed lunch, continue the day with another afternoon class dedicated to exploring patterns in watercolor, taking inspiration from pottery and textiles of the region. Amy will encourage you to release the pressure of perfectionism and focus on the process itself, building confidence in your skills and filling your sketchbook with the beautiful details that surround you every day.

Take some time to recharge in the late afternoon, then join Amy and your fellow artists for a hearty three-course dinner paired with a glass of local wine. Share reflections of the day and soak in the lively atmosphere of stories and laughter.

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

Rising from a small rocky islet in the middle of the Tagus River, the castle is surrounded by wild olive trees, sculptural cacti, agave plants, and river reeds. The surrounding views here are truly striking, the kind of place where the plants themselves feel like subjects worth stopping for. This 12th-century landmark is rich in myths and the romantic spirit of the Templar Knights. Wander through the castle grounds, taking in the dramatic towers, shifting light, and reflections on the water.

Wander down to the river beach where the shallows run clear and bright, gathering the local patterns of your surroundings on your sketchbook pages. The trip ends with a delightful tasting experience of regional liqueur, paired with local cheese, bread, and traditional sausages, before making your way back to the venue for lunch.

Back at the venue, enjoy a leisurely lunch, then continue the afternoon in the studio working on your trip-inspired sketches. Focus on the details that captured your attention and turn them into finished sketchbook pages, practicing the techniques from previous days. Play with colors, textures, and patterns, recording your trip in beautiful journal spreads.

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
Fuel up with a warm breakfast, then gather for a quick morning check-in before settling into the creative energy of the day.

The morning will focus on color palettes and combinations. Amy will show you how to mix the colors of your surroundings, building a palette from the greens, ochres, dusty pinks, and warm stone of the countryside, then layering glazes and washes for real depth on the page.

After a simple and delicious lunch, continue the day with a lesson on how to blend together the patterns and botanicals you have been drawing into lively, inspired pages full of life. You will look at color combinations, composition, and freedom of expression. With Amy’s prompts for self-kindness, the inner critic softens, and experimentation becomes expansive and free.

The late afternoon is yours to enjoy however you like. Gather with Amy and your fellow artists for a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of aromatic wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Sit down to a delicious breakfast on your last full day of the retreat, easing into the gentle rhythm of the day.

Step into the spacious studio and join Amy for a relaxing and mindful morning session that weaves everything together. A silent wander through the gardens leads into reflective writing to deepen your art practice, with short journaling bursts that capture sensations, insights, and intentions. Focus on the small details that impacted you throughout the retreat, finding the beauty that is all around you.

From there, layer watercolor and drawings, fully developing finished pages. Create a luminous spread that celebrates a week of seeing, feeling, and making. There will be time to complete and refine your journals, adding final layers, textures, and details that bring together all the mindful techniques explored during the retreat. Immerse yourself in each element, moving with care and curiosity, allowing the journey to come together through color, shape, and story on the page.

After a filling lunch, Amy will offer a little surprise for students.

As the day comes to an end, take some time to recharge before dinner. Gather with Amy 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 Amy 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

- [Amy Maricle](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/amy-maricle) — Mindfulness Artist

## 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 Amy Maricle 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
You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender participant. The three shared superior rooms are located in two 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.

### Single room with shared bathroom
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 single 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
Three single superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a tub or shower, a comfortable double bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located within one of 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 single 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 Amy Maricle, 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.

You'll also enjoy a wine tasting event at the venue. 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 retreat takes place in the serene Ribatejo region of Portugal, next to the quiet 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 art trips, visiting the historic town of Óbidos (one hour away from the venue) 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 May 1, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 8, 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: May 1, 2027—3:00 PM** (departure from Lisbon Airport (LIS), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)
- **Departure Transfer: May 8, 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 with artist Amy Maricle:**

- "I learned so much from Amy’s methods and enjoyed our conversation and discussions around techniques and methodologies. Learned many new techniques. The group coalesced into a cohesive and supportive group. What a wonderful retreat."

- "Amy was amazing as well Sharon her assistant. I learned so much and beyond that I feel that Amy really care about you and your learning process. Everything was amazing and magical"

- "Amy and her teaching was marvelous and inspirational. Participants all meshed really well. Wonderful experience."

- "Amy was a wonderful teacher. Her content was good. She was very attentive and responsive to the groups needs. She created a cohesive community for the week. I couldn’t recommend her enough 5\*\*\*\*\*\*\*"

- "Loved everything about it. Amy was everything that I hoped for and more!"

**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 Amy Maricle in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between May 1 - 8, 2027.

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

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on May 1, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 8, 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/the-little-things-watercolor-journal-retreat-artist-amy-maricle-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 early May?**

The weather in Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal, in early May, is generally pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 23°C (73°F) during the day that drop to around 10°C (50°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 Amy Maricle 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 reference flowers are included and 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 17 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 retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative 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/the-little-things-watercolor-journal-retreat-artist-amy-maricle-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).

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