# Luminous Watercolor Explorations Retreat with Artist Karen Rice in Portugal

Join artist Karen Rice for a week of watercolor painting on a traditional Portuguese estate, set among the orchards and open countryside of the Ribatejo.

Explore the limitless world of watercolor, guided by the expertise and tailored feedback of your instructor. Explore various painting techniques, gain more confidence in your creative choices, and bond with a supportive community of fellow artists. Benefit from Karen's invaluable guidance throughout the process, from the first brushstroke to the final painting.

Bring the surrounding landscape into your work through two art trips: a full day in Óbidos, one of Portugal's most enchanting medieval towns, and a half-day at Almourol Castle on the Tagus River, framed by wild olives and agave. The week also includes a wine tasting at the venue and a regional liqueur tasting on the riverbank, paired with local cheese, bread, and 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 from local ingredients, unwind by the pool, and enjoy the company of fellow like-minded artists.

## Details

- **Dates:** September 11 - 18, 2027
- **Location:** Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal
- **Starting Price:** $4,950
- **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 Karen Rice
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, and paper towels
5. Reference flowers will be provided for the workshop component
6. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by the private chef
7. Mainly vegan and vegetarian dishes, with all diets catered for, including regular, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
8. Water, coffee, tea, and afternoon snacks available throughout the day
9. Delicious wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day
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. Wine tasting experience at the venue
15. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities
16. Round-trip transfers from/to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) at prearranged times
17. All local tourist taxes and fees
18. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
19. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
20. Access to a private Facebook group with Karen Rice 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 Karen Rice 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

### Luminous Watercolor Explorations Retreat
Join artist Karen Rice for a life-changing watercolor retreat set in the beautiful Ribatejo region of Portugal. During this weeklong experience, you will learn from your favorite artist through daily classes and extensive demos, receive tailored feedback, and explore the beauty of Portugal through exciting art trips. The retreat welcomes artists of all experience levels.

Discover the wonderful world of watercolors under Karen's expert guidance and create loose, expressive artwork. You'll cover a wide variety of techniques and experiment, discovering your style and unique strengths during your daily classes. Most importantly, you'll bond with a supportive community of fellow artists. By the end of the art retreat, you'll have created a beautiful collection of watercolor paintings that portray Portugal's stunning landscapes.

Beyond the studio, two day trips 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, 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 Karen include:**

- Watercolor basics: wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, damp into wet, damp into damp
- Uniform washes
- Lifting-off method
- Plastic card technique
- Spattering technique
- Embracing the happy accident
- How to make your paintings look more 3D by using color, tonal values, texture, mark-making, and size
- Capturing great reference photos and transposing them into paintings
- Exploring abstracts, florals, and landscapes
- Discovering your style
- ...and many more.

Your home for the week is a traditional 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 Karen Rice and 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 classes at the venue & wine tasting
Start the day with a nourishing breakfast, then meet your group over coffee to go over the day’s plan together with Karen and your fellow artists.

Begin your watercolor exploration by getting familiar with your art materials. Karen will introduce you to a couple of basic techniques, such as wet-on-dry, wet into wet, or damp into damp. Follow along with her demonstrations and practice these essential techniques. After warming up, move on to playing with washes and different effects, like spattering, spritzing, tilting, using plastic cards or salt, and more. Towards the end of the class, practice these techniques with some simple landscape watercolor studies.

After a relaxed lunch, return to the studio for your afternoon class. Karen will demonstrate a loose step-by-step landscape for you to paint, encouraging you to use the techniques practiced in the morning's session. She will be available throughout the class for tailored feedback and support if needed.

In the late afternoon, explore Portugal's famous wines with a wine tasting event right at the venue. The day ends with a delicious chef-made dinner.

### Day 3: Art trip to Óbidos
After a nourishing breakfast, get ready for a day of adventure and exploration. A short drive along the rolling Ribatejo countryside brings you to Óbidos, one of Portugal's finest medieval towns, and for a botanical artist, an extraordinary place to spend a day.

During the morning, you'll visit Óbidos Castle and its grounds, a striking 12th-century landmark with sweeping views over the town and surrounding landscape. Explore the castle grounds with your sketchbook in hand, capturing on the pages whatever catches your eye.

After a lunch on your own at one of the town's charming cafés, spend the afternoon exploring Óbidos' historic center. This is where the botanical richness of the place really comes into its own: narrow stone streets lined with classic Mediterranean flora, vibrant cascades of magenta and orange bougainvillea, climbing ivy, and terracotta pots of geraniums set against whitewashed walls. Take a leisurely walk to the nearby beach, practicing the techniques you have learned so far as you sketch the mesmerizing waves and stop wherever inspiration strikes, whether that's a tranquil spot on the beach or a café overlooking the coastline.

Return to the venue in the evening in time to freshen up before another delightful three-course dinner and talk about your impressions from the trip with your fellow artists.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Kick off a peaceful morning with a delicious breakfast and a steaming cup of coffee.

During the morning class, Karen will guide you through the planning and painting of a landscape, focusing on the following elements: size, detail, tone, color, and contrast. Using the surrounding Portuguese landscape as a source of inspiration, she'll encourage you to experiment with a variety of techniques, such as tilting the paper to experiment with washes and using spattering, salt, and plastic card techniques to enhance depth, details, and texture in your watercolor paintings.

Enjoy a peaceful lunch, then dive right into the afternoon session. In this class, you will have the opportunity to practice and refine your watercolor skills and develop your paintings, benefiting from Karen's demonstrations and one-to-one feedback. You will start to gain confidence in watercolor by practicing techniques and washes. You will also learn the importance of tonal values and color mixing to create atmosphere and depth in your paintings.

In the late afternoon, find a spot to relax (whether that's the pool, the gardens, or a quiet corner of the studio) before gathering again for a delightful three-course dinner in the evening.

### Day 5: Art trip to Almourol Castle
Following a filling breakfast, pack your art supplies and get ready for another inspiring art trip.

A 30-minute drive brings you to one of Portugal's most dramatic settings: 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.

As you explore the castle, take some time to sketch what inspires you, capturing textures and patterns, or take reference photos for later. The trip ends with a delightful tasting event of regional liqueur, paired with local cheese, bread, and traditional sausages, before making your way back to the venue for lunch.

Return to the venue for a refreshing lunch, then continue the day with another afternoon class. Learn how to transform your photos and sketches from the morning's trip into beautiful watercolor paintings. Karen will show you how to choose the perfect layout for your piece and plan a sketch using the photos you took during the trip. Play with the techniques you've learned so far and let your creativity flow.

Later, gather once more for a hearty three-course dinner and a glass of Portuguese wine. Reflect on the insights of the day and enjoy the company of your fellow artists beneath the evening sky.

### Day 6: Art classes at the venue
Fuel up with a satisfying breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather in the studio for another insightful art session.

This morning you will be exploring color mixing and layered washes while shaping compositions that balance harmony with expression. Karen will show you the importance of line and color in your paintings. She will demonstrate a structured process that will help you develop your work with confidence using sketches, reference photos, and your imagination.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch, then resume your work in the studio. Continue working on a previous piece or start something new inspired by the trips and landscapes you've encountered throughout the week, pacing your work to the rhythm of the day. Karen will encourage you to continue practicing the basics, such as water control, brush techniques, and color theory, to build on your knowledge and confidence. She will also offer one-on-one support if needed and answer any questions you may have.

The late afternoon is yours to enjoy: extra studio time, a walk through the orchards and gardens, or simply sitting by the pool with a refreshing beverage. Gather with Karen and your fellow artists for another delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of local wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Join your fellow artists for a refreshing breakfast, then get ready for the last workshops of the retreat.

During the morning class, you will focus on your personal artistic growth. This session is an ideal time to address any lingering questions and gain valuable advice on how to continue your watercolor journey when you return home. Karen will offer guidance on enhancing your paintings, helping you bring them to completion with confidence.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a relaxed meal, then get ready for a special event: a celebratory mini-exhibition, showcasing the work you've created throughout the week. While participation is optional, it's a wonderful opportunity to display your achievements, exchange constructive feedback, and celebrate the progress made during the retreat in a supportive environment.

In the evening, gather for one last shared dinner and a glass of wine. Sit together, celebrate the connections built throughout the retreat, and toast to your creative adventure.

### Day 8: Departure
After sharing a final breakfast with Karen and 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

- [Karen Rice](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/karen-rice) — Watercolor artist and 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 Karen Rice 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.

### 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
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 Karen Rice, 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) as well as the Almourol Castle (30 minutes away).

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

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on September 11, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on September 18, 2027, by 10:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

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

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

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

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

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

- **Arrival Transfer: September 11, 2027—3:00 PM** (departure from Lisbon Airport (LIS), arriving at the retreat venue around 4:00 PM)
- **Departure Transfer: September 18, 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 Karen Rice:**

- "This retreat was the most amazing art experience I have ever had. I have followed Karen’s tutorial online and was so excited to actually do the workshop with her."

- "Everything about this retreat was perfect. Karen’s teaching is amazing. I have followed her tutorials since Covid began and loved having face-to-face time with her. We all want Karen to do another retreat next year."

- "Well planned and executed. Everyone helped/supported/encouraged everyone else."

- "From the arrival to departure my needs were met and my learning was vast. I have to mention the fun had by me and the relationships we made. I would go to this retreat again in a heartbeat! Karen made our time there worth every moment. The painting and support was beyond expectations!"

- "Perfect. Great food, fab hosts, great learning opportunities in an ideal location. Instructions by Karen were super as usual."

- "Karen is an excellent instructor and incredibly personable. And the venue exceeded my expectations. From the quietude and beauty of the property to the wonderful meals, everything was wonderful. The hosts have my highest recommendation -- and Karen as a teacher! (And my thanks to \*you\*, Ana (Uptrek), for so seamlessly facilitating all the details. I felt very comfortable going into the trip because of all the prep beforehand.)"

- "The venue and staff were wonderful. The 2 excursions added to the experience and of course, Karen is a wonderful & fun teacher! Kudos for organizing!"

- "I loved the experience of an entire week of painting with Karen Rice. I learned so much - not only about painting, but of myself as an artist. Karen was very easy to talk to and she filled the week with instruction that focused on techniques as well as how to paint from our own photos. I also loved painting and sharing with other artists. I'm looking forward to the next retreat!"

- "Karen is a wonderful teacher and made the experience better than I had anticipated. The side trips were well arranged and the tour guide was outstanding. It was a memorable trip and I could not have been more satisfied with all of Uptrek's arrangements."

**Reviews of 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 with artist Karen Rice is open to all levels of experience.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Karen Rice in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between September 11 - 18, 2027.

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

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on September 11, 2027, and check-out is after breakfast on September 18, 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/luminous-watercolor-explorations-retreat-artist-karen-rice-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 September?**

The weather in Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal, in September, is generally pleasant and sunny. You can expect average highs of 24°C (75°F) during the day that drop to around 16°C (61°F) at night. The climate of the Ribatejo area is generally mild, without excesses, with plenty of sunshine, and very little rain throughout the year.

**What should I pack?**

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

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

Laundry facilities are not available at the retreat venue.

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

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Karen Rice 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 flowers for reference material 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 workshops 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/luminous-watercolor-explorations-retreat-artist-karen-rice-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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