Galicia Sketching Retreat
April 26 – May 3, 2026
An 8-Day Travel Sketching Adventure
Learn from Alán Ramiro as you dive deep into the art of urban and architectural sketching while you travel through eight stunning locations over eight days. You’ll unlock the keys to sketching mastery firsthand in one of Europe’s most secretly magical locations.
Day 01: Welcome to Galicia
• April 26th
Arrive at Ourense or Santiago de Compostela where we’ll meet you for pickup and transfer to our hotel in the Ribeira Sacra region. Settle in, enjoy a free afternoon, and join us for a welcome dinner with the Pinceladas de España team and Alán Ramiro to kick off our creative journey.
(Included: Dinner)
Hotel HQ for the week
Áurea Palacio de Sober (4★ Superior)
• April 26 – May 3
We’ll be based at Áurea Palacio de Sober, a restored palace hotel surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside near Monforte de Lemos. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Ribeira Sacra region, with comfortable rooms, quiet courtyards, and panoramic views after each day’s sketching.
Photos provided by Booking
Day 02: Monforte de Lemos
• April 27th
Our first full day of sketching begins in the historic town of Monforte de Lemos. Stroll through its old streets and join your first workshop session with Alán. The day ends with relaxed sketching time and local tapas.
Day 03: Ourense: Thermal City & Roman Bridges
•April 28th
Travel to Ourense, famous for its Roman bridges and thermal baths. We’ll explore the old quarter with a guided tour before our second sketching workshop in the heart of the city. Soak in the rhythm of Galician life and its warm stone architecture.
Day 04: Castro Caldelas & the Ribeira Sacra Vineyards
• April 29th
Visit the castle of Castro Caldelas for the morning workshop, then continue to a Ribeira Sacra winery for lunch and a tasting. Afternoon sketching from a scenic overlook before returning to the hotel.
(Included: Lunch)
Day 05: Lugo: Roman Walls & Hidden Corners
• April 30th
We head to Lugo, where ancient Roman walls circle the city. Enjoy a guided tour and our fourth sketching workshop focused on composition and urban perspective. Capture the balance between history and modern life that makes Lugo so unique.
Day 06: Monastery of San Esteban de Ribas de Sil
• May 1st
One of Galicia’s most breathtaking spots awaits, the Monastery of San Esteban overlooking the Sil River canyon. We’ll hold our fifth workshop here, surrounded by misty forests and monastery courtyards. Afterward, visit another Ribeira Sacra winery for lunch and sketch the views from the Cabo do Mundo lookout.
(Included: Dinner)
Day 07: Chantada & the Romanesque Route
• May 2nd
Our final full day brings us to Chantada, a charming town at the heart of Ribeira Sacra. We’ll sketch its cobbled streets, then explore the Romanesque churches of Santa María de Pesqueiras and Santo Estevo de Ribas de Miño. In the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner and certificate presentation.
Day 08: Departure Day
• May 3rd
After breakfast, transfers will be arranged to Ourense or Santiago de Compostela, depending on travel schedules. Farewell for now, and until our next sketching journey together in Spain, Portugal, Morocco or beyond!
Meet Your Instructor
Reviews from Alán's Spain Trips
Real Experiences from Past Trips
Watch TestimonialsFrom Instagram to Morocco – Let’s Do This!
“I’m 29, and I wanted to learn a new skill, it had been so long since I’d done anything like this. I took art classes and even went to art academy about eight years ago, but I stopped early. I felt the need to reconnect with it, so when I found you on Instagram, I thought, ‘Yes, let’s book this and go!’ It wasn’t just the sketching that felt new, the trip was to a country I’d never been to before. Everything, the surroundings, the culture, the people – felt like an exciting, fresh experience.”
Five star review online, five thousand in my heart!
Sketching around Morocco with Alán and the crew was beyond amazing, the trip effortlessly exceeded every expectation I had and then some. Not only were the workshops clear, thoughtful, and informative but without fail they were also full of laughter, encouragement, and validation. Alán is a wonderful instructor and a truly fantastic travel companion and I am so thankful for the experiences I had with our little caravan. I felt seen, safe, and so well cared for throughout every second of the trip and I cannot WAIT for the next opportunity to sketch alongside Alán and a passionate group of strangers once again!
Let’s go sketch!
Haven’t sketched in over 10 years and started again during the group trip to Morocco. I tend to box myself in and want to get every detail and make things perfect. However, that took the fun out of everything and kept me from sketching. Alan’s step by step teaching style, patience, and clear direction gave the group amo to tackle different scenes. It was an absolute blast learning watercolor and sketching techniques that loosened me up and gave me the freedom to be creative and let the drawings come to life. Not only was this trip a blast sketching wise, but the support and friendships that were formed in the group will last a lifetime. If you’re hesitant to join a group trip, are afraid of letting the watercolor flow, or if perfectionism is keeping you from creating – stop what you’re doing right now and go sign up for one of Alan’s sketching workshops or group trips! What are you waiting for?! You won’t regret it. I’m looking forward to the next trip I can join. Yallah, yallah!!
Ready to Sketch Galicia?
Register NowGalicia Sketching Retreat Overview
April 26 – May 03, 2026
€ 2,795 EUR – Twin room (shared)
Share a comfortable twin room with a same-gender fellow sketcher.
€ 3,195 EUR – Private Room (En-suite)
Enjoy your own private room with an en-suite bathroom.
€ 3,595 EUR – Private Room (All-Inclusive)
Enjoy your own private room with an en-suite bathroom plus all lunch and dinners included.
Prices for bank transfer, Wise, or Zelle are no-fee, while credit card and PayPal add a 3–5% processing fee.
Whats Included:
✔ All workshops and demonstrations
✔ 7 Nights in charming rural 3 & 4-star hotels (twin shared or single suites available)
✔ Daily breakfast + 2 included dinners
✔ 6 workshops in Galicia’s inspiring villages
✔ 2 winery tastings and one included lunch
✔ Private transport the entire trip
✔ Tours in Ourense, Lugo, Castro Caldelas
✔ All entrance fees to sites and monasteries
✔ Airport or train station transfers (Santiago de Compostela / Ourense, at set times)
✔ Travel insurance and final course certificate
❌ Not Included: Flights & additional meals & gratuities.
Essential Trip Details:
📅 Dates: April 26–May 3, 2026
⏳Duration: 7 nights, 8 days of creativity, exploration, and skill-building.
The total price for this experience with everything included: accommodation, food where noted, driver, tour guides, cultural activities, workshops:
Shared Accomodation: €2,795 EUR
Private Accomodation: €3,195 EUR
Single All Inclusive: €3,595 EUR
To reserve your spot, a 25% deposit will be requested by invoice after you register.
Optional payment plans are available by request.
A Look Back at Previous Retreats
Scenes from Spain, Paris, Mexico, and Morocco
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the trip cost?
The trip cost includes all workshops, lectures, activities, online classes, meals as specified (dinners on Day 1 and 7, winery tours, one lunch, guided tours and entry fees to all planned activities and sites.
What is not included in the trip cost?
Flights or Train to and from Galicia, meals not specified in the itinerary and personal expenses.
How do I get to Ourense, Galicia, in Spain?
Galicia is well-connected by air and road from Spain making it easily accessible from most parts of the world.
For EU travelers:
– Fly to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport, (SCQ)
For International travelers:
– Fly to Madrid (MAD), then take the high-speed Renfe train to Ourense-Empalme.
By Train: Ourense-Empalme Station
What skill level is required for the sketching workshops?
The workshops are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. If you are a complete beginner you will be provided with online workshops to warm up and prepare. Alán provides guidance tailored to your experience and helps you grow your sketching skills throughout the trip.
What’s the focus of the workshops?
We’ll cover everything from perspective techniques to crafting unique scenes by combining perspectives from different areas. Expect to experiment with wet-on-wet watercolors, tackle challenges like starting a sketch with just 5 lines, and dive straight into ink and watercolor. There’s even a collaboration workshop. It’s a mix of techniques to push your creativity and grow!
What materials should I bring for the workshops?
It is recommended to bring your preferred sketchbook, pencils, pens, erasers, and any other materials you like to work with. A portable watercolor set and a small stool or cushion for sketching outdoors can also be useful. A detailed material list will be provided. PLUS we will have sponsors to provide you with some goodies too!
What is the group size for the trip?
Minimum 8, maximum 12 participants.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the workshops and tours, with lightweight clothing suitable for warm weather. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for outdoor activities.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes, travel insurance is required for all participants. This ensures you are covered for any unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
How do I book my spot on the trip?
A deposit of 25% is required to secure your place, with the balance due 90 days before the event.
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable.
In special cases for Visa’s not being processed, the participant can have their refund in full.
If you cancel before 120 days prior to departure, any payments made (excluding the deposit) will be refunded.
If you cancel within 120 days of departure, no refunds will be issued unless your spot is filled, in which case a partial refund may be considered.
In the unlikely event that the retreat is canceled by the organizer, a full refund (including the deposit) will be issued.
No refunds will be given for late arrivals, early departures, or missed activities during the retreat.
In emergency cases you cannot attend, your payment minus the hotel reservations and tour fees can be transferred to a different trip at a later time.
Can I extend my stay in Spain?
Yes, you are welcome to extend your stay before or after the trip on your time. Please let us know your plans, and we can coordinate people together and recommendations for things to do.
Who can I contact for more information?
If you have any further questions, please contact us via email at alan@seethelines.com.
We’re here to help and look forward to welcoming you on this incredible 8 day experience!
Your Host and Workshop Instructor
Alán Ramiro Manning | @seethelines
Alán is on a passionate mission to create, connect, and inspire through sketching and teaching on-location around the world. A graduate of Architecture in Los Angeles, California, with 10 years of experience in the field, Alán blends his creative and technical expertise in the arts, design, and video storytelling.
Through his Sketching Life Workshops, Alán has inspired over 500 students this year alone with his weekly online LIVE classes, teaching the art of urban sketching with clarity and passion. Beyond the digital realm, he leads transformative sketching retreats in stunning destinations, with Morocco standing out as a key location for immersive experiences that spark creativity and personal growth.
From Rome to Porto, Barcelona to Andalusia, and now Prague, Alán’s workshops bring students face-to-face with the beauty of the world while fostering a movement to live in the moment, create fearlessly, and take bold action on their dreams. Boots on the ground, he’s building a global community that embraces art as a tool for connection and transformation.
Hello, we are the New York City chapter of the international group called Urban Sketchers. We had the pleasure of collaborating with Alán Ramiro Manning in November 2022 and presented our members with the opportunity to take his workshop “See the Lines-Shape and Sharpen the World Around You.”
Alán was very enthusiastic about these workshops and willing to collaborate with us. We met a few weeks before to talk about his ideas for the workshop, review his portfolio, pick a location, scout out sketching spots and discuss how to facilitate his workshop for our membership. I know he also went back multiple times on his own to the location to sketch and scout out the venue.
Alán gave two sessions, three hours each; both sessions sold out and were given in an indoor space in downtown Manhattan. The response from attendees was enthusiastic, and we look forward to working with Alán again on his next visit to New York.