Portugal Sketching Retreat
Sep 12 – Sep 20, 2026
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 12th
Arrive in Lisbon and settle into your accommodation, where a special welcome gift awaits. In the evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner to meet fellow participants, connect, and set the tone for the week ahead.
(Included: Dinner)
Lisbon Accomodation
• Sep 12 – 15
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 13th
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 14th
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.
Lisbon Highlights from the 2025 Portugal Sketching Retreat
A wild watercolor start, sunset boat cruise, a lesson in perspective, and a night demo with the Pedros, Lisbon sets the rhythm for the retreat.
Photography ©Scott Sporleder
Day 04: Sintra & Tomar
• Sep 15th
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 Tomar, where we’ll settle into our countryside accommodation and enjoy an included group dinner.
(Included: Dinner)
Day 05: Knights Templar
• Sep 16th
Spend the morning sketching in the medieval walls of the Convent of Christ & Templar Castle followed by a guided tour giving us rich subject matter for our sketches. 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.
Sintra & Tomar Highlights from the 2025 Portugal Retreat
Along the way to Porto, we step into the medieval times of castle towns having workshops and time to explore. The transition from quiet towns to the bustle of the north creates a sweet harmony through the trip.
Photography ©Scott Sporleder
Day 06: Aveiro & Arrival in Porto
• Sept 17th
Today, we travel to the historic town of Aveiro, known as the Venice canals of Portgual. After a workshop in Aveiro, we continue our journey to Porto, arriving in time for a relaxed evening in this gorgeous riverside city.
Porto Accomodation
• Sep 17-20
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
• Sept 18th
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 to explore, sketch by the river, or simply take in the city’s creative energy.
Day 08: Final Sketching & Farewell Dinner
• Sept 19th
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 to 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)
Porto Highlights from the 2025 Portugal Retreat
Steep streets, tiled façades, and the golden light of the river, our final workshops in Porto combine everything we practice, revealing the method behind the madness.
Photography ©Scott Sporleder
Day 09: Checkout day
• Sept 20th
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, Alán Ramiro
Reviews from SeeTheLines Travel Workshops
Real Experiences from Past Trips
Watch TestimonialsI Can See the Lines Now!
“Before joining SeeTheLines Portugal Sketching Retreat, I was a beginner painter who had never painted a landscape. With Alán’s guidance and the group’s support, I gained confidence to share my work and learned how to paint freer watercolor washes and truly understand two-point perspective.
Now I can’t not see the lines, perspective is everywhere! The retreat was so well organized, with inspiring locations and a creative community that made learning joyful and transformative.”
I Got the Travel Sketching Bug
I just finished an art retreat in Portugal with SeeTheLines, and it was wonderful. Having a shared love for sketching and travel instantly connected all of us, we bonded right away and learned so much together.
Before this retreat, I had only done a bit of pencil and pen drawing, no watercolor at all, so it was exciting to dive right in from day one. Sharing a room with someone new turned out great too, we helped each other, swapped stories, and laughed a lot.
Alán’s teaching made everything feel approachable, especially learning when not to draw every line. I left with new skills, new friends, and the travel sketching bug for sure. I’m already thinking about my next SeeTheLines retreat!
Rediscovering My Creativity in Portugal
After following Alán’s work on Instagram for nearly two years, I finally joined his SeeTheLines art retreat in Portugal, traveling from Lisbon to Porto. The experience reignited my love for painting and gave me the confidence to sketch outdoors again.
I loved the mix of places we visited, especially Óbidos, where I truly started seeing the lines. The group’s energy, creativity, and friendships made it unforgettable. Now, through the Sketching Life online community, I’m continuing the journey and keeping my creative momentum alive.
Portugal Sketching Retreat Overview
September 12 – 20, 2026
€ 2,995 EUR – Twin Room (shared)
Share a comfortable twin room with a same-gender fellow sketcher.
€ 3,695 EUR – Private Room (En-suite)
Enjoy your own private room with an en-suite bathroom.
Prices for bank transfer, Wise, or Zelle are no-fee, while credit card and PayPal add a 3–5% processing fee.
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.
Essential Trip Details:
📅 Dates: September 12 – 20, 2026
⏳Duration: 8 nights, 9 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:
Twin Room (shared): €2,995 EUR
Private Room (En-suite): €3,695 EUR
To reserve your spot, a 25% deposit will be requested by invoice after you register. This allows us to secure your accommodation.
The remaining balance is split into two payments.
A Look Back at Previous Retreats
Scenes from Spain, Paris, Mexico, Morocco, and Portugal
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. 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!
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)
Which Airports do I fly into and out of?
The trip starts in Lisbon – Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
and ends in Porto – Aeroporto do Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO)
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 25% deposit is required to secure your place. This ensures hotel accomodations are secured. Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The remaining balance will be divided into two payments:
• 50% of the remaining balance due 210 days before the retreat start date (February 14, 2026)
• Final 50% due 120 days before the retreat start date (May 15, 2026)
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 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. Note that the trip ends in Porto, so you can easily continue onto Galicia!
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 ten years of experience in the field, he blends his creative and technical expertise across art, design, and visual storytelling.
Based in Lisbon, Alán leads Sketching Life Workshops—weekly online LIVE classes that have inspired thousands of students to see the world through watercolor and ink. Beyond the digital realm, he hosts transformative sketching retreats in breathtaking destinations, with Portugal and Morocco standing out as signature experiences that spark creativity and personal growth.
From Rome to Porto, Barcelona to Andalusia, Prague to Japan, and now Portugal, Alán’s workshops invite students to slow down, observe deeply, and rediscover the joy of creating on location. Through his teaching and travels, he continues to build a global community that embraces art as a bridge for connection, mindfulness, and transformation.
Our Local Tour Lead
Meet Luke Sketchwalker
PROFESSIONAL GUIDE
Luke is a professional guide leading tours throughout Spain and Italy, now based in Porto. With his deep knowledge of culture and travel, he brings contagious energy and humor to every group—earning him the nickname Luke Sketchwalker. During our retreats, he manages expectations, logistics, group dynamics, and the overall flow, ensuring everything runs smoothly so participants can relax and enjoy the experience. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him sketching, playing pickleball, or mountain biking through the hills around Porto. Organized, efficient, and full of heart, Luke has been my friend for many years, and having him on the team makes every trip that much more special.
The Dynamic Duo
Where artistic guidance meets thoughtful coordination.
Alán and Luke combine artistic guidance with thoughtful coordination to create a seamless retreat experience. Alán leads the creative sessions in sketching and watercolor, while Luke manages the flow of the journey behind the scenes. Their shared passion, humor, and attention to detail make every trip both inspiring and effortlessly enjoyable.
