Paint Portugal in Spring
2018, 10th – 26th April 2018
With Pamela Fairburn Art in conjunction with Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre P/L
We invite you to join this small-group tour of the Medieval Villages of Portugal. Our 2018 Art Tour is designed for those looking to paint, draw, photograph and to just enjoy this historic and beautiful country. On this Tour you will enjoy Painting Workshops under the guidance of Pamela Fairburn. You can also sharpen your skills in Travel Photography in workshops presented by keen photographer Ross Fairburn. Spring time in Portugal is a painter’s palette – dazzling wild flowers carpet the hillsides and the almond blossom brightens the landscape.
We start our 16-night tour in vibrant Lisbon overlooking the Rio Tejo. This is a city of light, colour, flavours, ancient cultures and Portuguese tarts! Our Lisbon hotel is in the bustling centre, with everything within an easy walk. Enjoy your first painting workshop in the beautiful gardens adjacent to a private gallery which showcases both international and Portuguese works.
You will be wowed by the colourful & whimsical Pena Palace at Sintra.
After leaving Lisbon we will head north to explore the less-visited corners of Central Portugal and the Alentejo region. This countryside is given over to huge cork tree plantations, wheat fields and vineyards. The Alentejo offers unexpected gems, from superbly sited castles, to Roman ruins and ancient monasteries, to scenic white washed medieval villages with their terracotta roofs.
Our next hotel is in the medieval town of Tomar on the Nabao River, overlooked by a 800 year old Knights Templar Castle. Here you will have time to settle into town life whilst we enjoy castle visits and painting workshops in the botanical gardens, in the old town and at the historic bridge.
Continuing our exploration of the Alentejo region, we next coach to the marble town of Vila Vicosa. Our historic hotel is an 16th century former convent and is situated in the town centre adjacent to the magnificent marble Ducal Palace. Painting workshops will be held in the royal hunting park, at an 1182 Convent decorated with hand painted cobalt blue and white tiles, and at the Vila Vicosa castle. Here is the perfect place to indulge your preference for painting or for gentle walks within the town, with an abundance of everything marble.
Our final destination is the Roman town of Evora, one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval towns, now with a UNESCO listing. In the city’s historic centre stands the ancient Roman Temple of Diana; nearby is the Chapel of Bones – a macabre structure within the gothic Church of Sao Francisco. Our hotel is also located in the historic centre and was originally a 15th century convent. Our stay in Evora will allow you to stroll the ancient streets and alleyways and indulge in a little retail therapy.
After 2 weeks of inspiring painting workshops and excursions our tour ends with a celebratory Farewell Dinner and an exhibition of our creations.
Itinerary Outline
| Lisbon | 4 Nights | City tour, visit to Sintra, gallery visit & painting workshop |
| Tomar | 5 Nights | Historic Knights Templar town, visit to Castle & Convent, painting workshops |
| Vila Vicosa | 4 Nights | Ducal town, visit to castle, painting at Covent & in royal park |
| Evora | 3 Nights | Medieval town, painting workshops, shopping |
Tour ends at Lisbon airport. Please don’t book your return flight from Lisbon before 2pm.
Prices - in € Euros
(final price in $AU is set by the Exchange Rate applicable when the final balance is due)
Per Person, Twin Share: from € 3,030 Per Person, Single: from € 4,240
(Guidance, as at 6/5/2017: AU$4,810pp approx twin share, AU$6,730 approx single share)
Inclusions
- 16-night’s accommodation as specified, on a single or twin share basis.
- Meals: breakfast daily, 3 lunches or lunch boxes, 12 dinners including the welcome & farewell dinners.
- Coach transport.
- Art tuition: workshops, demonstrations & critiques.
- Sightseeing entries & gratuities.
Not included
- Travel Insurance (MANDATORY).
- Airfares
- Other meals not noted.
- Any drinks.
- Art materials & equipment.
- Items of a personal nature.
To secure your Booking for this popular Tour please contact:
| Pamela Fairburn Art | pamela@pamelafairburnart.com.au | or tel. 0408 801 104 |
| Adrienne Witteman | adrienne@trendsettertravel.com.au | or tel. 9428 5900 |
