# Transformative Sketchbook Retreat with Artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker in Portugal

Join artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis (August Wren) and Gayle Kabaker for a transformative sketchbook retreat set in the radiant Portuguese countryside. Explore your authentic creative voice and deepen or begin a sketchbook practice that helps you capture both adventures and everyday life. Learn to see beauty in the world, embrace your unique style, and experience the joy of creating without judgment. You will benefit from daily classes with your favorite artists, hands-on demonstrations, and tailored feedback. Artists of all experience levels are welcome.This weeklong retreat is more than a painting workshop. It is a fully immersive experience in art, nature, and self-care. Yogi goddess Chloe Ward will lead daily morning yoga, evening meditation, and calming Yin yoga sessions. Nourishing vegetarian and vegan meals will be prepared by a private chef. This retreat is designed to spark inspiration and leave you feeling refreshed in body, mind, and spirit.In addition to time at the venue, a guided creative visit will take you to the medieval town of Óbidos, where cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and a centuries-old castle provide visual inspiration for your sketchbook.Settle into a charming Portuguese countryside estate (Quinta), enjoy delicious vegan and vegetarian meals prepared by a private chef, and take in beautiful views of lush gardens, orchards, and rolling hills in the soulful Ribatejo region. Connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and create a sketchbook that celebrates your creative journey and the captivating sights of Portugal.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 28 - June 4, 2026
- **Location:** Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal
- **Starting Price:** $5,250
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis7 nights of accommodation at a Portuguese QuintaExclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, pool, orchards, gardensSpacious and bright indoor art studio (1300 sq. ft./120 sq. m.)Vegan and vegetarian meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chefWater, coffee, and tea available throughout the dayAfternoon snacksDelicious wine served with dinner every dayGuided and self-guided yoga sessions each morningA free-flowing, interactive experience, ‘Tuning into Energy with Horses’, with the Quinta’s own herd in the property’s fieldsFull-day trip to Óbidos (with entrance to Óbidos Castle), visit to the Peniche beachesPrivate transportation for all planned activitiesRound-trip transfers from/to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at prearranged timesAll local tourist taxes and feesFully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host throughout the weekAccess to a private Facebook group with Jennifer Orkin Lewis, Gayle Kabaker, and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt materials - a list of art materials recommended by artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker will be provided five months before the retreatOne lunch during the full-day tripOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Transformative Sketchbook Retreat
Discover the true beauty of everyday life through the power of sketchbooking in this inspiring retreat led by artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker. Taking place in the tranquil Ribatejo region of Portugal, this retreat blends artistic exploration with soul-nourishing self-care. Through Gayle and Jennifer's insightful classes, you’ll learn the secrets of acrylic gouache and let your creativity loose in a safe, supportive environment. Whether you're new to sketchbooking or already experienced, this retreat offers the perfect chance to grow and learn without judgment, gaining more confidence in your artistic choices. You'll explore the beauty (and relief) of staying more in the process instead of worrying about producing 'amazing’ paintings.By the end of the retreat, you'll have created a sketchbook that tells the story of your experiences in Portugal and gained a deeper understanding of sketching on location, taking reference photos, and much more. Jennifer and Gayle's engaging teaching style will help your best creative self blossom. Gayle and Jennifer will perform daily demonstrations, teach a wide variety of techniques, give you tailored feedback, and, most importantly, heartily encourage your self-expression. Join a community of 17 other creative souls and expand your artistic horizons. Topics covered in your classes include:Introduction to acrylic gouacheHow to lay out a sketchbook page – various methods and ideasColor exploration – learn how to mix colors and find color palettes that feel inspiringHow to let creativity wander and not pick at detailsCreating expressive artwork from reference photosDepicting amazing landscapes or painting the subtle details of everyday lifeLessons based on specific desires from the group, such as painting faces and figures, painting water, and flowers...and so much more! The venue, a peaceful and picturesque Portuguese Quinta, will serve as your creative haven. The property includes spacious gardens, a serene pool, a light-filled art studio, lush orchards, and comfortable accommodations, offering plenty of space to work and relax. A creative outing to Óbidos provides cultural inspiration and opportunities to fill your sketchbook with meaningful memories. You'll also take part in ‘Tuning into Energy with Horses,’ a free-flowing, interactive experience with the Quinta’s own herd, held in the fields of the estate. Connect more deeply with presence, energy, and the natural world through a creative lens. Outside of your art sessions, unwind by the pool, enjoy flavorful cuisine prepared by a private chef, and share creative conversations with fellow artists over a glass of local wine.

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at the venue around 4:00 PM after a transfer from Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) around 3:00 PM. Settle into your cozy room and take some time to unwind. Once you're refreshed, gather with your art group 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 crafted 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 at the venue
Start the day with a calming yoga session led by Chloe, then enjoy a nourishing breakfast to ease into your creative rhythm. Meet your group over coffee to go over the day’s plan with Gayle and Jennifer.In the morning class, get to know the medium of acrylic gouache and warm up with simple exercises that will open up your sketchbook practice. Gayle and Jennifer will guide you through foundational techniques and introduce ways to draw inspiration from the Quinta’s surrounding gardens, orchards, and architecture. Fill your first pages with expressive sketches that respond to your environment.Pause for a relaxed, plant-based lunch served on-site. Gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy fresh food made with local ingredients. After lunch, unwind at your own pace. Walk through the garden paths, sit by the pool, or connect with fellow artists in one of the Quinta’s peaceful common spaces.In the afternoon, return to the studio and continue building your sketchbook. Follow along as Gayle and Jennifer demonstrate new approaches to layout, layering, and creative interpretation. Learn to capture anything depending on your own interests. Practice turning reference images into loose, expressive studies using intuitive mark-making and bold color choices. From 5 PM, enjoy Happy Hour wine and snacks while you further express your experiences through your art.Close the day with a shared dinner and a glass of wine.

### Day 3: Trip to Óbidos
Begin with a morning yoga session led by Chloe, followed by a nourishing breakfast. Then set off for a full-day creative journey to the town of Óbidos and the nearby Atlantic coast.Travel through scenic countryside as the road winds past vineyards, orchards, and sweeping views of the Silver Coast. Arrive in Óbidos, a beautifully preserved medieval village with winding stone alleys, climbing flowers, and whitewashed buildings. Explore the old castle walls, photograph colorful tiles, sketch architectural details, or simply wander and absorb the rhythm of the place.Break for lunch at a small café of your choice or find a quiet spot to relax and reflect. Let the atmosphere of the town move through you as you draw, paint, or write in your sketchbook, responding freely to the textures, colors, and energy around you.Later in the afternoon, continue on to the coast near Peniche. Explore the sandy beaches, recharge in the sun, listen to the ocean, and take in the expansive views. The sea breeze and natural textures will offer new inspiration as you keep sketching, painting, or writing, however you feel called to create in the moment. If the weather is favorable, why not take a dip in the sea?As evening arrives, return to the Quinta for a shared dinner and a glass of wine. Close the day with connection and reflection, letting the creative energy settle into your sketchbook and your spirit.

### Day 4: Art at the venue
Kick off a peaceful morning with a grounding yoga session led by Chloe, followed by a nourishing breakfast served on the terrace.Settle into the light-filled studio and return to your sketchbook. Draw from recent moments, surroundings, and anything that continues to inspire. Paint and draw freely, tuning in to your environment and letting feeling and curiosity guide the page. Gayle and Jennifer will be there with guidance, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback as needed.Enjoy a peaceful, plant-based lunch shared in community, offering time to relax and refuel. Take space for rest or reflection. Walk the garden paths, sit by the pool, or add quiet notes to your sketchbook. Let this time support integration and creativity in its quieter form.In the afternoon, continue working at your own pace. Follow what draws your attention, whether it’s nature, objects, interiors, or memory. Paint, sketch, or collage as you feel inspired. Gayle and Jennifer will move through the space, offering individual support and checking in on your process. This time invites expression without pressure, allowing the rhythm of the day to shape the direction of your work. Relax with a glass of wine and delicious bites from 5 PM onwards, letting your art express the day’s journey.The evening closes with a shared meal and a glass of wine. Gather outdoors or in the dining room to reflect, connect, and enjoy the ease that comes from a full day of art, presence, and connection.

### Day 5: Art at the venue + Tuning into Energy with Horses
Ease into the day with a quiet morning yoga session led by Chloe, grounding your breath and body before stepping into creative flow. After breakfast, prepare to meet Gayle and Jennifer for the day’s first gathering in the field.Join a small group of no more than ten and walk together into the open pastures to meet the resident herd. Take part in a guided session connecting through presence, energy, and breath. Let the horses mirror your rhythm and offer new insight into your creative process. Touch, observe, and move with awareness as you tune into the calm power of these gentle beings. Let the sounds of nature and the open space help you drop deeper into your body and your surroundings.Gather for a nourishing lunch prepared by the chef and shared on the terrace. Let this time offer a reset and a space to connect with others and, take time to rest. Walk the paths, sit by the pool, or continue sketching in a quiet corner.In the afternoon, return to your creative practice. Follow what calls you, be it shapes from memory, impressions from the field, or the stillness that lingers. Paint and draw in your sketchbook without aiming for perfection. Jennifer and Gayle will move through the space, offering support and encouragement as needed. Enjoy a creative wind-down from 5 PM, complete with wine, snacks, and time to deepen your artistic reflections.Later, gather once more for dinner and a glass of wine. Reflect on the insights of the day and enjoy the company of your fellow artists beneath the evening sky.

### Day 6: Art at the venue
Wake into the rhythm of the sixth day with a morning yoga session led by Chloe, followed by a nourishing breakfast.Spend the morning moving through the grounds with your sketchbook in hand. Let your surroundings guide your focus: colors, textures, small details, shifting light. Paint and draw what you’re drawn to, allowing the energy of the place to shape your choices. Gayle and Jennifer will be close by, offering ideas and encouragement as you deepen your process.Enjoy a relaxed lunch outdoors, a quiet pause to give yourself time to rest. Sit quietly in a shaded corner, reflect by the pool, or return to your sketchbook in silence. Let the space hold whatever arises.In the afternoon, keep following your instinct. Work on unfinished pages, explore something entirely new, or rework a moment that’s stayed with you. Stay with the flow of sketchbooking and painting in acrylic gouache, letting feeling lead the way. Jennifer and Gayle will support you as needed, answering questions and offering gentle guidance to help you stay connected to your creative momentum. Starting at 5 PM, sip on wine and enjoy snacks as you capture the day’s memories in your artwork.Close out the evening with a shared meal and a glass of wine. The atmosphere will be warm and unhurried, perfect for soaking in the joy of a day spent deep in color, connection, and creative freedom.

### Day 7: Art at the venue
Ease into the final morning with yoga led by Chloe, followed by a grounding breakfast served at the Quinta. Join Gayle and Jennifer in the studio for a full day of creative flow.Let the atmosphere guide you as you return to unfinished work or begin something completely new. Draw, paint, and sketch freely in your acrylic gouache sketchbook, following what feels most alive. Revisit moments from earlier in the week or respond to something freshly observed. Gayle and Jennifer will offer support and feedback as you move through your creative rhythm.After lunch, enjoy some spare time to rest before diving into a relaxed closing session. Use the time to reflect through your artwork, reconnect with what surprised or moved you, and gather your visual notes from the week into a final spread or piece.Work at your own pace and allow your process to unfold naturally. As the light fades, take a moment to step back and witness what has been created. Share your favorite pages or images with the group, if you wish. Gayle and Jennifer will hold space for closing reflections and creative encouragement moving forward. At 5 PM, indulge in wine and nibbles while translating your experiences into vibrant sketches and colors.In the evening, gather for one last shared dinner and a glass of wine. Sit together, celebrate the connections built throughout the retreat, and hold close the color, movement, and inspiration carried across the days spent in community.

### Day 8: Departure
After sharing a final breakfast with your group and exchanging contact details, 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

- [Jennifer Orkin Lewis](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/jennifer-orkin-lewis) — Artist, Illustrator, Author, Teacher
- [Gayle Kabaker](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/gayle-kabaker) — Illustrator, Writer, Visual storyteller

## 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 designs combine traditional design with modern elegance. Ranging from restored farmhouses with wooden beams, 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 Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker may take place in the well-lit, spacious art studio located in a reconverted barn, while the expansive estate grounds provide a picturesque backdrop for plein-air sessions. Surrounded by the nearby countryside, a paradisiac garden, and small woodland, there's no better place to get inspired by the beauty of nature.

### Shared standard ensuite room (female only)
This room is designed for two same-gender participants, with high-quality single beds, generous space, and a private ensuite bathroom (shared only between the two of you). It’s ideal if you're coming solo but open to meeting someone like-minded. The bathroom is equipped with a shower, hairdryer, and a full set of towels, including pool towels and luxurious bed linen. In the room, you'll also find coffee and tea facilities. Heating and fan cooling are available seasonally, and Wi-Fi is provided throughout the villa, including in your room.You’ll also have access to the villa’s common areas: the pool, outdoor terraces, lounge spaces, and the on-site café.

### Shared superior ensuite room - private veranda (female only)
You’ll share this room with one same-gender participant. Located on the first floor of a converted stone barn in the garden villas, each shared superior room includes two comfortable twin beds, premium bed linen, and luxurious bath and pool towels. The room features a private ensuite bathroom, shared only between the two of you, with a shower plus toiletries and a hairdryer. You’ll also have coffee and tea facilities, a reusable water bottle, and Wi-Fi access.Each room opens to a private outdoor veranda with seating, offering views of either the blooming courtyard or the shimmering pool. If you’re coming solo, sharing a room can be a great way to meet someone who’s here for the same reasons you are.

### Shared bathroom - single room (female only)
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 the 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
Two single superior ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms feature 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 on the first floor. The rooms also benefit 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 Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker, you'll delight in delicious vegan and vegetarian meals prepared by the private chef. The fresh ingredients are either 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 (such as black bean burgers, lasagna, pasta with sundried tomatoes, and ratatouille with sweet potato and rice). End your evenings in style with a three-course feast, starting with a creamy vegetable soup or a fresh salad, followed by a main course like dahl curry with rice, falafel with goat cheese and figs, butternut steak with egg and spinach sauce, and many more. Top it off with a sweet treat, including chocolate mousse, tapioca pudding with mango, lemon and walnut cake, apple crumble, prune half-moon cookies, or fresh fruit. Your selection of drinks includes delicious wine served with dinner or coffee, tea, and water available throughout the day. If you need a quick bite, refuel with a mid-afternoon snack. During your trips, enjoy the flavors of the region with several tasting experiences, including local wine, traditional liqueur, cheese, and sausages. All meals are included, except one lunch, during the full-day trip to Óbidos. 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 an unforgettable art trip, visiting the historical town of Óbidos (one hour away from the venue) and a beach in nearby Peniche.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.Please arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). We strongly advise allowing ample time for international travel and recommend arriving in Portugal at least one day before the retreat begins to account for any potential flight delays, acclimate to the time zone, and rest after your journey.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. Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on May 28, 2026, and check-out is after breakfast on June 4, 2026, by 10:00 AM.Arrival Transfer: May 28, 2026—3:00 PM (departure from Lisbon Airport (LIS), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer: June 4, 2026—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 of the previous UpTrek retreats with Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker:"Gayle and Jennifer gave wonderful demonstrations - suitable for all levels of artists. Their rapport and laughter emanated throughout. I came home with some new friends and definitive art skills to apply to my painting practice. Bravo to that!""Jennifer & Gayle are inspiring teachers!""Jennifer and Gayle are wonderful teachers. They are down-to-earth and so much fun! Great for all levels.""I will recommend Jen and Gayle as art instructors to others! It was a magical week.""The workshop was a wonderful art-making experience and both instructors were knowledgeable, approachable and a pleasure to be with. The lessons and demos were varied and gave me ample opportunity to learn a new medium and way to look at subjects. I would definitely be interested in doing another sketchbook workshop with Gayle and Jennifer. Not only did I learn, but had an awful lot of fun doing so!"

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is this art retreat available to all levels?The art retreat with artists Jennifer Orkin Lewis and Gayle Kabaker is open to all experience levels.When is the art retreat available? The art retreat with artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between May 28 - June 4, 2026.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on May 28, 2026, and check-out is after breakfast on June 4, 2026.Is Wi-Fi available?WiFi is available in all areas at no additional cost.I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this art retreat?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 exclusively 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 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 late May, is generally sunny and warm. You can expect average highs of 27°C (81°F) during the day that drop to around 12°C (54°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 art supplies do I need for the workshop?A detailed list of art materials recommended by artists Gayle Kabaker and Jennifer Orkin Lewis will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat.How many people are to be expected on the art retreat?There is a maximum number of 18 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?The retreat venue accepts payments with both cash and card. You will need cash for small purchases in town and for tipping the staff (tipping is customary in Portugal). You can take out euros in cash from an ATM at the airport, in Lisbon (the closest town to the retreat venue).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 art 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 art workshop and other activities?The art 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. Please review our 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.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 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, 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 artist or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the artist'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/transformative-sketchbook-retreat-artists-jennifer-orkin-lewis-gayle-kabaker-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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