Your watercolor painting retreat in Cascais, Portugal begins with a warm welcome and breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast. After arriving at Lisbon Airport, meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a smooth, private transfer to your elegant 4-star art retreat hotel in Cascais—a beachfront hotel in the bay of Cascais with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning sea views.

Once settled into your stylish and serene room with seaview, take time to relax after your journey or explore the property’s inviting features: a tranquil outdoor pool, a cozy rooftop bar, and sunlit terraces perfect for plein air sketching, journaling, or simply unwinding with a glass of Portuguese vinho verde.

At 7:00 PM, join your professional art instructor, friendly tour guides, and fellow creative travelers for a welcome orientation meeting. You’ll receive your personalized itinerary, showcasing a week of plein air painting workshops, cultural excursions, and visits to inspiring local landmarks. Each scenic painting location—from quiet harbors to historic gardens—has been handpicked to spark your creativity and deepen your connection with Portugal’s coastal charm.

End your arrival day with a three-course welcome dinner prepared by a local chef, featuring the best of Portuguese cuisine and regional wines. This is the perfect introduction to your art retreat in Cascais—a unique experience where creativity, culture, and community come together by the sea.

Wake up to the soothing sounds of the Atlantic and enjoy a peaceful morning at Hotel Baía de Cascais, your seafront haven in the heart of town. This morning is yours to relax and recharge—take a dip in the rooftop pool, sip coffee with ocean views, or sketch from the comfort of the hotel’s sun terrace.

After a leisurely start, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant or right at the hotel’s waterfront dining room, offering fresh Portuguese flavors and stunning views of Cascais Bay.

In the afternoon, it's time for your first plein air painting workshop. Led by your experienced art instructor, you’ll set up your easel in one of Cascais’ most picturesque corners—think cobbled alleys, vibrant azulejos, charming fishing boats, and colorful architecture bathed in golden light. This hands-on session invites you to connect with the town’s coastal beauty through brushstrokes and color.

During the art session, the non-painting partners will take a walking tour to discover the history and culture of Cascais with their local guide.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this inspiring afternoon marks the beginning of your creative journey on the painting holiday in Portugal you’ve been dreaming of.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, watching the sun rise from your bedroom window. After breakfast, board a comfortable private coach for a scenic drive to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage town nestled in the forested hills just inland from the coast.

Upon arrival, set up for your plein air painting workshop in the historic center of Sintra. With its fairytale atmosphere, colorful facades, and intricate tilework, this romantic village offers endless inspiration. Under the guidance of your art instructor, capture the charm of its winding streets, decorative palaces, and lush gardens—perfect subjects for watercolor or sketching. During that time, the non-painting group will be exploring the beautiful  Pena Palace with its vividly painted terraces led by their tour guide. 

After the workshop, enjoy a break to have lunch at one of Sintra’s charming cafés.

In the afternoon, regroup for a guided visit to the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, one of Sintra’s most iconic estates. Wander through mysterious tunnels, spiral wells, and ornate architecture steeped in symbolism, myth, and Portuguese heritage. It’s a must-see cultural highlight of your art retreat in Portugal.

Return to Cascais by private coach in the early evening, where you’ll have free time to relax and reflect on the day’s creative and cultural experiences.

After a nourishing breakfast at Hotel Baía de Cascais, set off on a scenic drive south toward the charming village of Azeitão, nestled in the foothills of the Arrábida Mountains. This tranquil region is known for its historic wine estates, traditional craftsmanship, and lush gardens.

Your first stop is the elegant Casa Museu José Maria da Fonseca, one of Portugal’s oldest wine producers. Here, you'll settle into the estate’s majestic private gardens for a truly special plein air painting workshop. Surrounded by ancient trees, rose-covered trellises, and tiled fountains, this serene setting invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the moment with your sketchbook or canvas.

The non-painting group will be exploring the house & museum and learn about the winery's history.

After the workshop, enjoy a wine tasting and a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Alentejo flavors paired with regional wines. 

As the sun begins to set, head back to Lisbon for a peaceful scenic drive back to your hotel.

Today is your chance to slow down and soak in the relaxed rhythm of life in Cascais. After breakfast at Hotel Baía, enjoy a rest day designed just for you, with plenty of opportunities to wander, sketch, and experience the town’s timeless charm at your leisure.

Spend the morning strolling along the cobbled streets of the old town, where pastel-colored buildings, boutique galleries, and traditional Portuguese cafés line the way. Stop for a pastel de nata and a fresh espresso at a sidewalk café, or browse local artisan shops for handmade jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs.

If you're looking for creative inspiration, bring your sketchbook to the Santa Marta Lighthouse or the Cascais Marina, where boats sway gently in the harbor and the Atlantic sparkles in the background. For those craving calm and reflection, the Parque Marechal Carmona offers shaded benches, peacocks, and quiet pathways perfect for journaling or watercolor studies.

Whether you choose to explore, create, or simply relax, today is yours to enjoy the best of this charming Portuguese seaside town on your own terms.

Today, you’ll venture into the heart of Lisbon, where old-world charm meets artistic inspiration at every turn. After breakfast, depart Cascais for a day filled with color, culture, and captivating views.

Begin your artistic morning at the iconic Portas do Sol Café, perched high above the city in Largo do Carmo. With sweeping views of Lisbon’s red-tiled rooftops and the Tagus River below, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed sketching session over coffee. Capture the charm of Alfama’s winding streets, wrought-iron balconies, and glimmering water as traditional trams roll by.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with a view, soaking in the sights and sounds of Lisbon while savoring regional dishes.

In the afternoon, hop into a comfortable tuk tuk for a private guided tour of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest and most soulful district. Your guide will take you through narrow alleys and hidden squares, sharing stories of fado music, Moorish heritage, and local life along the way. With plenty of photo stops and inspiration around every corner, it’s a fun and accessible way to experience the heart of the city.

Your final full day in Portugal begins with a leisurely breakfast at your seaside retreat, followed by a short stroll to one of Cascais’ most iconic landmarks—the elegant Casa Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães. Set within lush gardens overlooking the shimmering Atlantic, this historic mansion is a perfect setting for your plein air painting workshop.

With its romantic architecture, ornate towers, and ocean views framed by palm trees, the museum’s grounds offer endless inspiration. Under the guidance of your art instructor, capture the light, textures, and charm of this unique coastal landmark in your sketchbook or watercolors.

After the workshop, enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Cascais town center—the perfect time for souvenir shopping or free exploration. Wander through boutique shops and artisan studios, browse for locally made ceramics, cork products, and watercolor prints, or simply enjoy a coffee at a sunlit café while watching the world go by.

In the evening, gather with your fellow artists for a farewell dinner overlooking the ocean. Share laughter, memories, and creative reflections as your Portuguese art retreat comes to a gentle close.