Teacher: Patti Euler
Where: Portugal
When: May 1st-May 10th, 2025
Cost: $2400.00
Overview
We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our upcoming May 2025, Art Escapade, set against the stunning backdrop of the golden coast of Porches in the enchanting Algarve region of Portugal.
Picture this: a sun-drenched paradise where golden sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, kissed by the gentle waves of the Mediterranean. With its delightful climate, mouthwatering cuisine, (can you say, ("pastel de Nata?") and stunning architecture, this region is not just a feast for the eyes but a banquet for the soul! The Portuguese, known for their warmth and hospitality, welcome you with open arms, making you feel right at home—even if you don’t speak the language! As Portugal rises in popularity among US tourists, this Art Escapade promises an unforgettable blend of creativity and exploration.
Participants will enjoy a luxurious stay at the exquisite Pestana Viking Beach Resort, conveniently located just a leisurely stroll from the pristine beach. Our classroom will be located in the spacious condo of Elizabeth and Neels Du Toit, just a short walk next to the hotel. This retreat promises to be an extraordinary journey, blending artistic exploration with the serene beauty of nature, inviting you to immerse yourself in creativity and inspiration.
So, gear up for an extraordinary adventure that will immerse you in the rich tapestry of beauty, history, and culture that Portugal has to offer. Don’t let this chance slip by—your next great adventure awaits in this enchanting land!
The Project
Our art project was designed exclusively for this event. A special wooden shadow box /niche with cubbyholes to encase our iconic treasures. Portugal is known for its Cork, Galo, Sardines/fish, Lavender, Pottery, Port wine, and beautiful Tiles. A shopping spree/scavenger hunt will help you find the perfect items. We will also be creating a small journal to fit inside the box. We will use paint, ink, texture paste, stencils, cork and paper with several techniques to design and embellish our artwork.
Sample and supply list will be available January 6th, 2025. There will be plenty of time to gather any of your favorite items to bring.
Your kit will be mailed to you on April 1, 2025. You will be responsible for bringing your kit with you to Portugal.
Itinerary - May 1 - May 10, 2025
May 1st, Thursday - Travel Day for students. Destination, Faro
airport (most flights depart late in the afternoon with arrival
the next day)
May 2nd, Friday - Arrive in Faro, taxi or Uber to hotel.
Evening get together at classroom location for light snacks and
meet and greet.
May 3rd, Saturday - Loulé Market 9:00 – 2:00 Shop and Lunch
Visit this beautiful town in Algarve interior and join the local
population in the hustle and bustle of weekend shopping.
Experience the traditional fresh produce market, the "gipsy"
market or wander around the historical narrow streets.
3:00 – 5:00 Project orientation
Welcome dinner at Bellmondo
May 4th, Sunday - Art all day 9:30 – 12:30
12:30 – 2:30 Lunch, Siesta (Pizza in classroom)
Art 2:30 – 5:30. Dinner at Palmeiras
May 5th, Monday - Art in the morning. 9:00 – 12:30
12:30 – 4:00 Lunch and shopping at Porches Pottery in the
afternoon. Dinner on your own. Optional art in the evening
May 6th, Tuesday - 9:30 – 3:00 Shopping in Old Towne Albufeira
Lunch by the sea, Ice cream at Donatella’s 3:00 Reis Pottery shopping.
Dinner on your own. Art in the evening
May 7th, Wednesday - Silves Castle and wine tasting
Free time in Silves to visit the ancient cathedral and the Arab
Castle Followed by a visit to the wine estate for a guided tour
and a wine tasting. Dinner on your own. Art in the evening
May8th, Thursday - Wrap up art project
Visit Alcantarilha and the bone Chapel and local Cafe for coffee
and Pastel De Nata. Art in the afternoon.
Dinner on your own.
May 9th, Friday - Seville Spain all day excursion. (12 hours)
Visit the historic city of Seville and be dazzled by the greatness
of its monuments. Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the
world, the Royal Alcazar palaces or shop the district of
SantaCruz.
May 10th, Saturday - Travel home.
Cost $2400
Included: -8 Days and 8 Nights at Pestana Hotel and Spa single occupancy
(Let me know if you would like to share a room.)
-All class materials needed for project.
-4 art excursions and transportation necessary for excursions included in price.
-Dinner at Bellmondo
-Dinner at Palmerias
-Pizza Party
-Lunches and snacks during class time.
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Transportation cost to and from the airport is the participants responsibility. Uber and Taxis are very easy to use. We will be happy to assist you with this information.
Airfare is not included in this price; costs can range from about $600 to $1200 depending on when and how soon you book.
Deposit of $150 will hold your spot balance due February 1, 2025
Click here to register
Hotel and Travel
Hotel Accommodations: Pestana Viking Resort (011) 351 210 193 029
4 Star cliff-top hotel in Porches-armãçãu de Pera, in the Algarve, 2 minutes on foot to the beach. Hotel has an indoor and outdoor pool.
AirLine: TAP Air Portugal. www.flytap.com There are other airlines that fly to Portugal so check out your options. Airport is Faro (FAO)
Refund policy - Retreats are intimate experience and capped at 8 students. Please fully commit to attending and participating in our retreats when you book.
Retreats are non-refundable once a commitment is made. We do understand unavoidable emergencies can happen. Once a retreat fills, there will be a waitlist and if you’re unable to attend we will invite the next student on the waitlist to join us. As long as the new student registers and pay in full to take your open spot, you will receive full refund minus $150 non-refundable deposit. This is not guaranteed. The only guaranteed way of getting a full refund in case of emergency is to purchase “cancel for any reason” travel insurance.
There are different levels of travel insurance and policies have changed since the pandemic. Please do your due diligence research to find the best travel insurance policy for your unique situation and needs. Obrigado!