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)

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Hotel HQ for the week

Áurea Palacio de Sober (4★ Superior)

• April 26 – May 1

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.

 

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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)

 

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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.

Hotel HQ for the weekend

Monastery of Santo Estevo de Ribas de Sil (4★ Hotel)

• May 01 – May 03

A restored Benedictine monastery set above the Sil River in the heart of Ribeira Sacra. Quiet, architectural, and surrounded by forest and canyon views. We’ll be based here for the final two nights, Friday through Sunday, with time to slow down, reflect, and close the week together.

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 Vigo, 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

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Debbie Sease
10 April 2025
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Alan’s recent sketching workshop in Andalusia was a magical experience. The three cities we visited offered fabulous sketching opportunities and challenges, with ornate cathedrals, castles, gardens and vibrant street scenes. The eclectic group of sketchers were mutually supportive and inspiring. Alan’s teaching was practical and very helpful. But most importantly, his joy for sketching was inspiring and infectious. I am so glad to have had this experience.
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Ananya Gupta
3 April 2025
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I recently did a week-long sketching trip in Spain hosted by Alan, and it was hands-down the best gift I could have given myself. We explored Córdoba, Sevilla, and Jerez de la Frontera—each place rich in history and inspiration. I learned so much, not just about the art, but also about the culture and the incredible people I met along the way—people I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise and truly hope to stay in touch with. Despite some unpredictable weather, Alan always found a way for us to make the most of each day. Whether it was finding a dry spot to sketch or chasing a quick burst of sunshine, we made it work—and those spontaneous moments added to the charm of the experience. The workshops were fantastic. I gained new skills in sketching and watercolor, and more importantly, a shift in perspective. I learned to let go of perfection, to be less precious with my work, and to enjoy the process more freely. It was empowering and deeply fulfilling. I can’t recommend this trip enough. If you’re considering it—do it.
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Maria Dolores Bernabe
31 March 2025
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I joined the Aires del Sur painting workshop held in Spain this March 2025. It was a great opportunity to meet sketching enthusiast from different countries [US, France, Italy, Germany, the Philippines and Spain] and from diverse backgrounds. I am very new to urban sketching and I often get intimidated especially when confronted with a very complex vista. Alan Ramiro helped me “see the lines’ as a way of starting sketching and painting. He is very friendly and approachable, and readily responds to questions from the participants, which is important for urban sketching newbies like me. The workshop was designed to combine art, culture and culinary adventures so we all bonded over sketching sessions in beautiful architectural and historical sites in Sevilla, Cordoba and Jerez de Frontera, while enjoying the region’s marvelous cuisine. Jorge Lloret of Pinceladas de Espana and his father were very accommodating, and were very generous with art supply freebies.
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Sue Versipellis
22 March 2025
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I’ve been following Alán for a long time on Instagram and was happy to be part of his workshop in Andalusia. I never did a group trip before but it was such a good experience. We’ve learned basic skills like 7 minute sketches, sketching with grid to find the right placement and make sure to have space for everything you want to show in your painting, going deeper in perspective, to paint with shadows and how important it is, to not over-work our paintings. I took a lot of good advices with me and will practice it in my daily life. Thank you so much for the experience! Also to be a part of such a supportive, kind group of strangers who have become friends over the week, for the empirical knowledge that you can have a great unique adventure to paint outside while it is raining and to see a lot of beautiful places on top. What a pleasure!
Google
Arianna Robustelli
19 March 2025
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I joined the Aires del Sur trip last March, and it was an incredible experience! After nine years as a freelance concept artist, I had begun to feel that drawing had become little more than solitary screen time and endless Zoom calls. This workshop reminded me of the joy of sketching outdoors, surrounded by an amazing group of people from all over the world. The rainy weather added a touch of adventure to the trip, but we also enjoyed beautiful sunny days, and every location was absolutely stunning. We sketched the charming streets, castles, and cathedrals of Andalusia, painting our own memories of the trip. Alan guided us through his process step by step, sharing useful tips and teaching a fast, practical approach to perspective and composition, making them accessible to artists of all levels. Meanwhile, Jorge from Pinceladas de España made sure the entire experience was comfortable and fun, giving us a true taste of Spanish culture, cuisine, and history (and sherry! 🍷) It was an inspiring and unforgettable trip, and I’d love to join another in the future!
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Clare Portillo
29 September 2024
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Sketching with Alan Ramiro It has been incredible to observe Alan’s process and hear about his journey. He has a unique style and a calming energy. I have already learnt tons both on trips to Barcelona and Andalucía and on-line and will continue to do so. I fully recommend working with him!
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LYNN ANTROBUS
26 September 2024
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“To Boldly Go !” The main message that I took away with me from Alan’s course was to be bolder : in dimensions , in brush and pen strokes, and in paint with vast swathes of purple washed shadows across the paper . No more miniatures with itsy pencils marks and wishy-washy colours .( Goodbye , Edwardian Gentlewoman!) And , gently , Alan guided us all along this path, so that whether we’re Landscape , Portrait or even potential artists , we have a new confidence in ourselves , and an enthusiasm to put new techniques into practice. Thank you Alan , a difficult task , especially with some of us being so set in our ways , but you achieved it 👏🏼👏🏼
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Waqar Moghul
25 September 2024
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Aires Del Sur Trip Such an amazing experience that truly exceeded expectations!! Alan Ramiro did a great job intertwining his workshops into the scenery of southern Spain and was able to give me the push I needed to try new methods! As someone who never sketched and rarely painted, Alan’s workshops made the idea of urban sketching so much more accessible! I was also privileged to have spent the week traveling with such a great group of people and am grateful for such an unforgettable experience organized by Jorge from Pinceladas de España. I already can’t wait for my next adventure with See the Lines!
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Yasmin Valiallah
23 September 2024
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This journey not only allowed me to rediscover and appreciate the freedom that art can bring, but it also equipped me with the tools to enhance my artistic growth. I now feel inspired and motivated to actively engage in urban sketching. Alán Ramiro, the artist, is not only incredibly talented but also warm-hearted, and his course truly demonstrates his mastery. This course is truly distinctive in the art world, and it has also been a delightful experience filled with laughter beyond the workshops. Thank you for providing such a valuable and enriching learning opportunity! Jorge from Pinceladas de España ensured the trip was seamless with his excellent organization and entertaining dad jokes. I look forward to joining See The Lines and Pinceladas de España’s future adventures!
Google
Rosario Luna
10 May 2024
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I had recently completed a sketching course with Alán in the South of Spain (with Pinceladas de España), it was a great experience. We learned so much from Alán's expertise. His is a great sketcher as well as a great teacher. Highly recommend taking a course with him.
Google
Mercedes Lorenzo
10 May 2024
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A great experience drawing and traveling to different places in the south of Spain with Alán Ramiro y Pinceladas de España. Alán is an excellent and didactic teacher. I highly recommend his classes plenty of different techniques and exercises to improve your sketches.
Google
Tomas Lloret Boldu
9 May 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Viaje fantástico con Alán Ramiro junto con Pinceladas de España, donde aprendimos a encuadrar, dibujar de varias maneras y técnicas. Una experiencia magnífica con un gran maestro.!!!
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Míriam Sánchez Martín
8 May 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Alán Ramiro no solo es un buen sketcher, es un gran profesor, que trasmite su pasión por el dibujo. Hemos pasado unos días estupendos dibujando y viajando.

Real Experiences from Past Trips

Watch Testimonials

From 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.”

Kika Boomgaard

Photographer & Art Director| @Kiekje_biekje

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!

Gabriella Betance

Artist | @gabriellamarissefineart

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!!

Brian Diaz

Architect | @brianddiaz

Ready to Sketch Galicia?

Register Now

Galicia Sketching Retreat Overview

April 26 – May 03, 2026

2,495 EUR –  Twin room (shared)

Share a comfortable twin room with a same-gender fellow sketcher.

2,995 EUR – Private Room (En-suite)

Enjoy your own private room with an en-suite bathroom.

3,395 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.

Galicia Sketching Retreat Registration
April 26 - May 3, 2026
Checkboxes
Accommodation Package
Payment Method (25% Deposit)
You’ll receive an email with your invoice and payment instructions.

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 Vigo Airport, (VGO)
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 6, 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.

What's it like collaborating?

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.

Frida Christofides

NYC Urban Sketchers

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