Portugal Sketching Retreat
Sep 27 – Oct 5, 2025
A 9-Day Transformative Retreat
Learn from Alán Ramiro as you dive deep into the art of urban and architectural sketching while you travel through five stunning locations over nine days. You’ll unlock the keys to sketching mastery firsthand in one of Europe’s most inspiring destinations.
Day 01: Welcome to Portugal
• Sep 27th
Arrive in Lisbon and settle into your accommodation, where a special welcome gift awaits. In the evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner—your chance to meet fellow participants, connect, and set the tone for the week ahead.
(Included: Dinner)
Lisbon Accomodation
• Sep 27 – 30
Our first hotel offers sweeping views over Lisbon, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay. Welcome to Mama Shelter — a stylish, well-loved spot cherished by both travelers and locals. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll head out on foot to explore the town and kick off our first workshop of the morning. With three nights here, you’ll have plenty of time to settle in and get comfortable!
Day 02: Lisbon & Sunset Cruise
• Sep 28th
We’ll start the morning with a guided tour of Lisbon taking you to my favorite spots and landing in a cozy plaza of Alfama. From here, I’ll lead our first sketching workshop. Later, we’ll take a scenic Tuk Tuk ride to Belém, where you’ll catch a vibe of Lisbon’s unique blend of old and new. In the evening, we’ll board a sunset cruise along the Tagus River, enjoying drinks, finger foods, and a relaxed Q&A session.
Day 03: Lisbon Sketching & Exploration
• Sep 29th
Begin the day with a live sketching demonstration from local Lisbon artists. Then we will eat lunch together in a locals-only feeling tasca. Followed by the second seethelines sketching workshop. Later the afternoon is yours to explore, relax, or sketch at your own pace.
Day 04: Sintra & Óbidos
• Sep 30th
We’ll leave Lisbon behind and head to Sintra, where we’ll sketch the stunning architecture of Quinta da Regaleira, a palace straight out of a fairy tale. After lunch, we continue to the medieval town of Óbidos, where we’ll settle into our countryside accommodation and enjoy an included group dinner.
(Included: Dinner)
Óbidos Accomodation
• Sep 30 – Oct 2
Next, we arrive at Rio do Prado, a retreat-like escape designed for relaxation. Chosen for its peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind from the city’s energy, reflect on everything we’ve explored, and serve as a convenient base for visiting Óbidos and Tomar. If you’re into yoga, you’re welcome to join a session—after all the sketching and walking, a good stretch will feel amazing!
Day 05: Óbidos & Coastal Escape
• Oct 1st
Spend the morning sketching the charming streets of Óbidos through its medieval walls and colorful details. In the afternoon, unwind at the accommodation’s natural pool, arrange a massage, or venture to the coast for a refreshing swim. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 06: Tomar & Arrival in Porto
• Oct 2nd
Today, we travel to the historic town of Tomar, where a guided visit to the Convent of Christ & Templar Castle will give us rich subject matter for our sketches. After a workshop in Tomar, we continue our journey to Porto, arriving in time for a relaxed evening in this gorgeous riverside city.
Porto Accomodation
• Oct 2 – 5
For our last three nights, we’ll stay at chic&basic Gravity, a stylish and modern base in the heart of the city. Each morning, we’ll fuel up with a delicious included breakfast before heading out on foot for our final workshops.
With its bold design and relaxed atmosphere, the hotel is the perfect place to reflect on our journey and enjoy these last moments together.
Day 07: Porto’s Urban Charm
• Oct 3rd
We’ll start with a guided tour to gain insight into Porto’s history and architecture. Then, I’ll lead a sketching workshop downtown. The afternoon is yours—explore, sketch by the river, or simply take in the city’s creative energy.
Day 08: Final Sketching & Farewell Dinner
• Oct 4th
Our last full day begins with a final sketching workshop, bringing all the learnings together in this longer session. The afternoon is open for a slow, relaxing pace—sketch at a café, visit the beach, or enjoy a sunset drink with fellow artists. In the evening, we’ll gather for a Farewell Dinner, where we’ll share our favorite sketches and celebrate an unforgettable week.
(Included: Dinner)
Day 09: Checkout day
• Oct 5th
After 8 days exploring Portugal, participants will check out of the hotel and say their goodbyes. There are no scheduled workshops on this day, allowing you to depart at your own pace or take in a last sketching session in Porto before heading home.
We’ll provide recommendations for nearby cafes if you’d like to gather for a final coffee and share your favorite moments from the retreat.
Meet Your Instructor
Reviews from Alán's Travel Workshops
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 Portugal?
Join the WaitlistPortugal Sketching Retreat Overview
Registration Opens In...
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Whats Included:
✔ 8 Nights in 3 & 4-star Hotels. Twin Shared & Single accommodations available.
✔ Daily breakfast + 3 included dinners
✔ Sunset cruise with drinks & bites
✔ All workshops and demos
✔ Airport transfers (at set times)
✔ Private transport between locations
✔ Entry to Monuments
✔ Local guides in Lisbon, Tomar & Porto
❌ Not Included: Flights, travel insurance, additional meals & gratuities.
Experience Portugal through a transformative 9-day travel sketching adventure.
Why Join the Waitlist?
👥 Limited to 12 spots – Secure your place before it sells out! 10 spots remaining after pre-sale.
⏳Registration Opens: April 4
Essential Trip Details:
📅 Dates: Sep 27 – Oct 5, 2025
⏳ Duration: 9 days of creativity, exploration, and skill-building.
💰 Price: Starting at €2,695 Twin Share; €3,595 Single
Retreat Highlights:
📍 Location: On-location sketching in 5 locations
🎨 What You’ll Learn: Master urban and architectural sketching through expert-led workshops, live demos from surprise guests, and group exercises.
🤝 Small Group Setting: An intimate experience designed for personalized feedback and deeper learning.
Previous Workshop Images
Images 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, 4, and 8, guided tours and entry fees to all planned activities and sites.
What is not included in the trip cost?
Flights to and from Portugal, travel insurance, meals not specified in the itinerary and personal expenses.
What skill level is required for the sketching workshops?
The workshops are designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced artists. Althought if you are a complete beginner you will be required too take a series of online workshops to be prepared. 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!
How do I get to Lisbon?
Portugal is well-connected by air and road from Spain making it easily accessible from most parts of the world.
By Air: Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, (LIS)
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?
To book your spot you can register beginning February 7th.A deposit is required to secure your place, with the balance due 90 days before the event.
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable.
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.
Can I extend my stay in Portugal?
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 or assist with additional accommodations 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 9 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.
