Come create with me in magical Portugal…

Hello creative friends! I’m beyond excited to invite you to join me for a spontaneous and soulful art retreat in the heart of Portugal this September!

Tucked away in the sun-dappled countryside near Tomar, this 7-day/6-night all-inclusive creative getaway will be held at Casa da Avó Genoveva—a lovingly restored 17th-century estate that feels like a hidden haven for artists and dreamers alike.

We’ll gather for watercolor studies in the garden, urban sketching in storybook towns, and studio sessions filled with PanPastels, mixed media collage, and creative journaling—surrounded by olive trees, warm light, and the quiet beauty of rural life.

Come create with us in this golden corner of the world—where art, history, and heartfelt connection await!

✔ Workshop instruction with Ivy Newport

✔ PanPastels and select shared art supplies

✔ 6 nights of accommodations at Casa da Avó Genoveva

✔ All meals, snacks, tea, coffee & wine (except 2 lunches + 1 dinner out)

✔ All excursions, entrance fees & private guides

✔ Round-trip Lisbon airport transfers

✔ Private ground transportation during retreat

✔ Thoughtful travel planning support from our host, Sofia and the Casa da Avó Genoveva team

A Creative Journey Rooted in Beauty & Belonging

This retreat isn’t just about making art—it’s about slowing down, noticing beauty, and reconnecting with your creative spirit. With Ivy’s nurturing guidance and the charm of rural Portugal as your muse, you’ll return home with artwork you’re proud of and memories that live on long after the week is over.

Join me in Portugal and make space for your art, your rest, and yourself…

Tomar - the Templar city

Once home to the Knights Templar, Tomar is a city layered with history and quiet magic. We’ll explore the awe-inspiring 12th-century Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient corridors, intricate stonework, and centuries of story. Afterward, we’ll wander through Tomar’s old town, where cobblestone streets lead to charming shops filled with local crafts, tiles, and treasures—a perfect blend of history and creative discovery.

óbidos - a medieval Village

Óbidos is a postcard-perfect medieval village enclosed by stone walls, filled with winding streets, painted houses, blooming bougainvillea, and azulejo tilework. From castle towers to quiet courtyards, every corner invites your sketchbook to open.

Casal das Freiras - A Taste of Tradition

Just outside Tomar, Casal das Freiras is a family-run vineyard with roots dating back to 1882. Surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills, the estate produces elegant, expressive wines shaped by the region’s sun and soil. During our visit, we’ll tour the cellars, learn about their winemaking process, and enjoy a relaxed tasting paired with local flavors—an authentic glimpse into the heart of Portuguese wine culture.

River walk in Tomar - Beauty in every step

Winding gently alongside the Nabão River, Tomar’s river walk is a peaceful path framed by weeping willows, stone bridges, and soft reflections. It offers a perfect moment of quiet—where you can sketch, stroll, or simply take in the light dancing on the water. This simple yet soul-nourishing walk invites us to slow down, observe, and connect with the natural rhythm of the city. We will connect with nature, enjoy a picnic lunch and sketch and paint along the way.

Workshops With Ivy

Our creative journey in Portugal will be grounded in simplicity, inspiration, and soulful exploration. I’ll guide you in creating a gentle PanPastel portrait—no drawing experience needed, as we’ll use a simple transfer method to focus on color, tone, and expression.

We’ll also spend time sketching in gardens and sunlit towns, building expressive field journal pages inspired by local flora, architecture, and the quiet beauty around us. Expect to explore watercolor studies, storytelling collage inspired by Portuguese myth and magic, and creative prompts that invite you to loosen up, play, and reconnect with your artistic voice.

It’s a week to slow down, observe deeply, and let your creativity unfold naturally—with no pressure, just presence.

Private Travel & EXcursions

Our week will include a thoughtful blend of cultural excursions and quiet countryside beauty—all arranged with care by our trusted local partners. We’ll travel together in a comfortable, private vehicle, winding through golden fields, olive groves, and cobbled village streets.

No maps, no stress—just effortless discovery and the joy of being fully present. Sit back, relax, and take in the soft light, ancient stone walls, and timeless views as Portugal unfolds before us.

Accommodations

As golden light filters through the olive trees and the hum of the countryside settles into evening, our days end in comfort and quiet beauty. Tucked along a winding country lane, Casa da Avó Genoveva welcomes artists, wanderers, and seekers with its timeworn stone walls and sunlit gardens.

This lovingly preserved 17th-century estate offers a cozy blend of history and hospitality — where family artwork, heirloom antiques, old shutters, and the scent of roses remind you to slow down. Sip wine in the garden as the swallows dart overhead, journal beneath the fig trees, or curl up in a quiet corner with your sketchbook.

This is a place to rest, reflect, and feel gently held—a true haven for the creative soul.

Food & Drink

Each day at Casa da Avó Genoveva, you’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and the warm flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

We’ll gather in the gardens or even dine under the stars, sharing leisurely meals paired with local wines and finished with beloved Portuguese desserts, like creamy custards and citrus-kissed cakes.

A true taste of place—simple, soulful, and meant to be savored.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Travel costs / Airfare

• Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable

• Additional nights lodging

• 2 lunches out and 1 dinner out