Is this art retreat available to all levels?

The art retreat with Esté MacLeod is open to all levels of experience, but you might find you will benefit most from this retreat if you have taken one of her art classes before.

When is the art retreat available?

The art retreat with artist Esté MacLeod in Ribatejo, Portugal, takes place between July 14 - 21, 2025.

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

Check-in at the retreat venue begins at 4:00 PM on July 14, 2025, and check-out is after breakfast on July 21, 2025.

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 July?

The weather in Casével, Ribatejo, Portugal, in July, is generally sunny and mild. You can expect average highs of 26°C (78.8°F) during the day that drop to around 16°C (60.8°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 artist Esté MacLeod will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins.

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

There is a maximum number of 15 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.

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.

What happens if I need to cancel?

All bookings are nonrefundable. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.

Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might entail cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.

We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.