# Explorations in Watercolor Retreat with Artist Kelly Ventura in Portugal

Spend a week painting alongside artist Kelly Ventura in the quiet countryside of Portugal's Ribatejo region. The week will help you find freedom on the page, whether you're new to watercolor or looking to loosen up a more careful style. You'll come to know a watercolor style that's expressive, colorful, and full of movement.

Each day in the studio will build on the last, from color mixing and brushwork to the small details of petals and leaves that give a botanical painting its character. Kelly will keep her classes hands-on, mixing demonstration with individual feedback so you can work at your own pace. Away from the studio, you'll spend a day wandering the flower-draped streets of the medieval town of Óbidos and an afternoon among the cacti and river reeds of Almourol Castle, gathering inspiration to bring back to the page.

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 15 other like-minded artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 8 - 15, 2027
- **Location:** Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 16 guests
- **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 Kelly Ventura
2. 7 nights of accommodation at a Portuguese Quinta
3. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the 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 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. Full-day art trip to Óbidos, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
10. Entrance ticket to Óbidos Castle and a visit to a nearby beach
11. Half-day art trip to Almourol Castle and the river beach, with opportunities for sketching and painting 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 Kelly Ventura 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 Kelly Ventura 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

### Explorations in Watercolor Retreat
Join a transformative watercolor retreat with artist Kelly Ventura in the sun-soaked Ribatejo region of Portugal. Over the course of the week, work closely with your favorite artist in daily watercolor workshops, receive individualized feedback, and grow your painting skills. This retreat will also feature two enriching art trips, where you'll explore Portugal's rich landscapes and immerse yourself in its natural botanical treasures. Open to artists of all levels, this retreat will be perfect for those looking to become more experimental in their watercolor painting, get over creative blocks, and paint beautiful floral subjects.

Under Kelly's attentive guidance, you'll explore a looser painting style, developing your own mark-making language and painting botanical snapshots inspired by the orchards, gardens, and wild greenery surrounding you. Your backdrop will be the Ribatejo, a region of quiet farmland and open countryside along the Tagus River. Kelly's dedicated one-on-one guidance will help you fine-tune your skills and foster confidence in your artistic journey, down to the smallest petal and leaf. By the end of the retreat, you'll have created multiple mini-paintings as well as larger pieces documenting the region's floral abundance.

Beyond the studio, two day trips will take you into the 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 (complete with a visit to a nearby beach), and a half-day at Almourol Castle, rising dramatically from an islet in the Tagus River, surrounded by wild olive trees, sculptural cacti, and river reeds.

**The topics covered during your classes with Kelly Ventura include:**

- Confidence in color mixing
- Creating from natural elements
- Becoming looser and more experimental in your style
- Mark-making exercises with various brushes
- Exercises focused on unique petals and leaves
- Getting over the fear of the blank page
- Creating a mini-botanical series
- Feeling comfortable creating on a larger scale
- ...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.

### 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 Kelly Ventura 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 Kelly in the spacious art studio.

Spend the first session of the retreat getting familiar with your materials. Kelly will walk you through the fundamentals of watercolor: color mixing, palette setup, and brush handling. You'll test a range of brushes and the marks each one can make, from fine detail work to broad, gestural strokes, and get a feel for which paper types and colors you like working with best.

After a relaxed lunch, return to the studio for your afternoon session. Moving from theory into practice, Kelly will demonstrate a series of loosening-up exercises designed to get your creative flow going. Play with color layering, wet-into-wet and dry-brush techniques, color lifting, and controlling transparency. Using flowers and greenery in the venue gardens as your reference, you'll begin a set of small botanical studies, paying close attention to how each brush shapes the character of a petal or a leaf. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Kelly for help.

As the class comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time to rest and unwind before dinner. Gather with Kelly 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
After breakfast, gather your materials and get ready for a full day of exploration. A short drive through the Ribatejo countryside brings you to Óbidos, one of Portugal's best-preserved medieval towns.

In the morning, you'll visit Óbidos Castle and its surrounding grounds. The castle is a brilliantly preserved 12th-century fortress, widely recognized as one of Portugal's Seven Wonders. Kelly will lead a sketching and painting session on location, sharing tips on working quickly from observation and gathering reference photos to bring back to the studio.

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, you'll visit 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.

Return to the Quinta in the evening in time to freshen up before dinner, where you can share the day's finds with your fellow artists.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Following a nourishing breakfast, gather with Kelly and your fellow artists for a brief morning check-in. Share creative questions and set your objectives for the day.

Settle into the studio with Kelly and turn your attention to building more complex compositions. You'll spend the first part of the morning creating multiple types of washes for your backgrounds. While they dry, Kelly will show you how to block out the main shapes of your painting using masking fluid, then guide you through arranging your subject, whether it's a single bloom or a fuller floral scene, to find a strong focal point.

After a relaxed lunch, continue developing your pieces into the afternoon. This session is dedicated to close, careful study of petals and leaves: their edges, their overlaps, the small variations that make each one distinct. Kelly will demonstrate her approach to building layers and creating contrast, removing the masking fluid and painting back into it, and you'll practice translating what you observe into a set of unique petal and leaf studies. Work at your own pace, and ask Kelly for one-on-one feedback whenever you'd like.

Take some time to recharge in the late afternoon, then join Kelly 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.

### 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 landscape here is 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.

Spend some time at the river beach nearby, and round off the excursion with a tasting of regional liqueur, paired with local cheese, bread, and traditional sausages.

Return to the venue for lunch, then head back to the studio for the afternoon. Using your sketches and reference photos from the castle, you'll work on translating the textures around you, from cacti to bark to weathered stone, into loose, confident mark-making on paper. This is a chance to experiment with different brushes and see how varying pressure and stroke can capture the character of a natural surface.

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 regrouping in the studio.

The morning is dedicated to building a mini-botanical series: working from a small selection of subjects around the Quinta (flowers, fruit, or foliage from the orchards and gardens) to create a cohesive set of paintings that share a visual thread. Kelly will guide you through keeping consistency across a series while still allowing each piece its own character.

After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon turns to scale. Having built confidence through your smaller studies, you'll now work on a single larger piece, bringing together your color mixing, mark-making, and botanical observation skills into a more ambitious composition. Kelly will offer guidance on adapting your technique for a bigger surface and building up a piece with patience and structure.

The late afternoon is yours to enjoy: extra studio time, a walk through the orchards, or simply relaxing by the pool. Dinner in the evening brings the group together once more.

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

This last session is freely structured, giving you the chance to polish your paintings and add any finishing touches. Kelly will offer one-on-one guidance and share pointers shaped by the week together. The class ends with an open Q&A: ask any lingering questions, seek advice about where to take your practice next, and think about how to carry these lessons home.

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 Kelly 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 Kelly 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 Kelly 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

- [Kelly Ventura](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kelly-ventura) — Fine artist, designer, teacher

## 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 Kelly Ventura 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 two 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
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
Four single 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 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 Kelly Ventura, 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 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) 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 May 8, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 15, 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 8, 2027—3:00 PM** (departure from Lisbon Airport (LIS), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)
- **Departure Transfer: May 15, 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 Kelly Ventura:**

- "Kelly Ventura and her sister Jen were excellent teachers and hosts. They were friendly and informative in their teaching. I loved the fact that Kelly was very open and shared many details about her approach to creating watercolor art pieces. She spent quite a lot of time teaching and demonstrating on mixing paints, brush techniques, how to compose a design on the page and how to add textures. Kelly also taught us about using Masking Fluid which was a new technique for me."

- "I cannot imagine a better experience - the retreat was fantastic! Kelly Ventura is an amazing instructor, a natural teacher, and her sister Jen is an excellent facilitator and guide, and they are both such lovely people. Alex's (UpTrek) communication in the lead up to the retreat was superb and I am definitely planning for future UpTrek events. Will continue to highly recommend to friends and family as well. Thank you for such a tremendous experience!"

- "Kelly was a phenomenal instructor, adjusting lessons to accommodate and include everyone despite vastly different skill levels. I’ve been to many art retreat with many instructors and she gave a master class in inclusion and encouragement as well as challenging everyone at the level they were at."

**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, but you will most benefit from this retreat is you have some previous familiarity with Kelly Ventura's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Kelly Ventura in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between May 8 - 15, 2027.

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

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on May 8, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on May 15, 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/explorations-in-watercolor-retreat-artist-kelly-ventura-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 May?**

The weather in Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal, in May, is generally pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 24°C (75°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 supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Kelly Ventura 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 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 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/explorations-in-watercolor-retreat-artist-kelly-ventura-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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