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From £877 pp
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Riverside Painting Holiday

Highlights

  • Stunning accommodation with meals and airport transfers included
  • Daily art tuition and walks to explore & experience the countryside
  • Outdoor terraces & infinity pool overlooking the river to relax and inspire
From £877 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Discover an alternative side to the gorgeous Algarve region on this unique 6 night creative art holiday; set in a stunning riverside villa with amazing views and cosy elegance inside, the combination of painting & walking will ensure you make the most of its natural surroundings.

2023 Dates

3- 9 June - FULLY BOOKED
16 - 22 September - One Shared Bathroom Remaining (10% OFF)
Please enquire for 2024 dates.

This 6 night / 7 day painting holiday has been designed to develop your painting and drawing skills through the use of a variety of media while using the rest of your time to explore the local area though guided walks or simply relax in the outdoor infinity pool.

Listed in Simon Heptinstall’s 10 Best Art Escapes in 2019 for the Daily Mail, this riverside villa is the perfect base for a creative holiday as its extraordinary position on the river bend means you are immersed in stunning Portuguese countryside providing endless inspiration for your art.

Those new to painting to those with more experience will all benefit from the excellent art instruction as the tutor draws on her years of experience in observation and the understanding of contrasts. Once you start getting the hang of these, the basic principles transfer to any medium used, which is why your host makes sure there are plenty of graphite pencils, chalk pastels, charcoal, watercolour and acrylic paints,and various drawing and painting inks for you to try your hand at.

Your art tutor, Tracy-Jane, hails from Shropshire and is full of enthusiasm and passion, which is reflected in her vibrant and colourful artwork. She is a member of the Algarve Society of Artists and a Professional Member of the S.A.A and now resides in the Algarve. Tracy-Jane has a BA Hons in Fine Art as Social Practice from Wolverhampton University and then went on to achieve teaching qualifications in further education to teach adult beginners and intermediates at the Telford College of Art Technology. She tutored private groups alongside running art workshops and organised art day trips in the UK. Now that she is based in Algarve, her experience and knowledge of the area and what it has to offer makes her the perfect painting instructor for all ages and levels.

In the afternoons, you are invited to join your host Cheryl on guided walks along one of the many trails in the local area. There is an abundance of local wildlife so if you have a camera, be sure to bring it along – you never know what you may capture that you can recreate when back in the studio.

Nestled in a nature reserve in the hills of Silves, the river house is also a great place for those who are also looking to relax and enjoy their holiday. There are large decks and terraces for outdoor dining, an infinity pool, and spectacular views of the countryside and river dam for you to enjoy.

Arrival

Settle into the river house and your room before enjoying a group welcome dinner.

Accommodation

Stay in an exceptional villa, lovingly known as ‘the river house’. Surrounded by countryside on a river-bend with an infinity pool to relax in and soak up the atmosphere. The villa boasts spectacular sunsets, sunrises and walking trails all around, and the town of Silves is just a 15 minute drive away.

The villa features 5 spacious and fully air-conditioned double bedrooms; 2 with ensuite bathrooms and a large communal bathroom. The comfortable rooms are stylishly decorated, maintaining many traditional features such as wooden beams. The upstairs rooms are flooded with natural light thanks to the skylights, and the downstairs rooms have double doors leading out onto the garden.

All rooms can have single beds upon request and feature WiFi, duvets, linens, towels, hairdryers (in bathrooms), walk-in showers with handlebars, anti-allergy fibre pillows, mosquito net doors, heating, and A/C. Some also have a TV.

The villa also boasts light and airy social spaces; a high-ceiling lounge and kitchen with a center island and a cherry wood dining table. The lovely outdoor terrace is perfect for alfresco dining by the water.

Natural Inspiration

Enjoy a relaxed introduction morning at the property getting to know each other and a chance to discuss your interests. Learn how to use different shapes, textures and form from the nature using various drawing techniques and materials including graphite, charcoal and pen. These tips and tricks will be ideal for those new to painting or a good refresher for the more experienced.

Enjoy an afternoon walk along the Via Algarviana to the church perched on the hill with gorgeous panoramic views.

Accommodation

When colour comes running

This will be a creative day exploring different colour and how it makes us feel, with the opportunity to try out different art materials like watercolour, acrylics, chalk pastel, wax resistance and much more. Create powerful abstract art using inspiration from different sources with vibrant colours and bold imagery.

In the afternoon, there will be massages for those who have booked. In the late afternoon, join Cheryl for a walk along the river to capture the sun setting behind the hills.

Accommodation

A river with a view

This will be a day of two halves as you use the stunning location of the river as inspiration for creating some landscape art. First, you will work together and discuss how to select your view, then compose a painting or drawing while on location. After lunch, continue with the landscapes back at the river house where you can tune the fine details with guidance from your tutor to create your own impressive work of art. Having a camera today will be helpful as the most difficult part of the day will be which view to choose!

The choice of medium is totally up to you but it may be a chance to try something new and see where the inspiration leads you.

Accommodation

Ink and mixed media

Learn all about using ink in various ways to create interesting work, followed by a morning of play and experimentation to discover how versatile this medium can be. Look at the possibilities when other mediums are used, from the application of ink from a pen for sketching, to brush work and the introduction of bleach and other unusual things.

Late afternoon head to the historical town, Silves on an optional trip at an additional cost. This is the one day dinner isn’t provided; you can have your own choice out on the town. Visit one of the best preserved Moorish castles in the area, the magnificent gothic cathedral and an archaeological museum, or sample the traditional Algarvian confectionary at the beautifully decorated tearoom, da Rosa, with Portuguese tiles. Seafood lovers can enjoy Rui’s seafood meals or enjoy your meal with accompanying live music at Café Inglês. Both restaurants are a stones throw from the castle. It’s recommended you wear trainers when exploring the cobbled streets.

The additional cost is the cost of a taxi (€90 round trip for a group of up to 8 people) and evening meal is not included). Please note: this trip is optional but the kitchen at the house will be closed on this evening, however, if a guest prefers not to go, soup and sandwiches will be provided.

Accommodation

Suggestive animals

A tips and tricks session on all things animal to help you master simple shapes into various species followed by the techniques needed to make fur and feather come alive. From the smallest mouse, to the biggest elephant, anything goes!

In the afternoon, there will be massages for those who have booked.

Accommodation

Departure

Enjoy your breakfast by the river before heading home.

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation in a private room with en-suite bathroom. Discounts are available for rooms with a shared bathroom
  • Daily art tuition from day 2-6 and all art materials
  • Welcome drinks
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (not included: alcoholic and cool drinks (honesty bar provided), along with an optional dinner on day 5 in Silves)
  • Airport transfers to and from Faro Airport (at a specified time)
  • Afternoon guided nature walks
  • Mid-week room clean and towel change
Your local host

Cheryl

Having always returned to the Algarve region in Portugal for many years, Cheryl and her husband decided that this was where they wanted to set up home. With over 300 sunny days per year, fabulous beaches, good food and award-winning wine, combined with the friendly approach and relaxed style of the Portuguese, it’s not hard to imagine why.

Cheryl is the organiser and cook for their painting and walking holidays. She is passionate about the Algarve; exploring, experiencing new creative hobbies, good food, joyful living, well-being and mindful connection, especially with regard to a healthy work-life balance. Cheryl is a huge fan of cooking natural vegetarian foods using locally sourced produce and is the resident chef for her ho... Read All

Having always returned to the Algarve region in Portugal for many years, Cheryl and her husband decided that this was where they wanted to set up home. With over 300 sunny days per year, fabulous beaches, good food and award-winning wine, combined with the friendly approach and relaxed style of the Portuguese, it’s not hard to imagine why.

Cheryl is the organiser and cook for their painting and walking holidays. She is passionate about the Algarve; exploring, experiencing new creative hobbies, good food, joyful living, well-being and mindful connection, especially with regard to a healthy work-life balance. Cheryl is a huge fan of cooking natural vegetarian foods using locally sourced produce and is the resident chef for her holidays. She loves to share her love of healthy, delicious, simple cooking with friends, and enjoys exploring raw, vegan and vegetarian recipes. Her knowledge of the locally grown produce enables her to source the best and prepare deliciously creative fresh food for you daily.

For her painting holidays, Cheryl will be looking after you on your holiday and is joined by guest artist, Tracy-Jane.

For her walking holidays, Cheryl will also be leading afternoon walks, as she has been exploring the area for years and loves sharing her local favourite spots and knowledge. Be sure to keep an eye out for owls, foxes, herons, Algarve tigers and stags with amazing antlers, all of which can be spotted in the area.

Cheryl is working towards being recognised as a responsible travel destination. She has partnered with Vita Nativa, an association whose aim is to develop conservation and environmental sustainability projects, one project being the Local Accommodation for Birds, that aims to encourage nesting sites for birds in the Algarve region, and to promote the important role birds have in the biological control of the pests the farmers have to endure, without having to resort to the use of poisonous products.

Cheryl image

Location

Stay in an exceptional villa tucked into the bend of a river in Portugal’s Algarve countryside, just 15 minutes from the town of Silves. Lovingly known as ‘the river house’, it will leave you feeling relaxed, inspired and very much at home. With terraces overlooking surrounding countryside, limitless walking trails and a starry night sky, there isn’t a more idyllic place to perfect your artistic skills.

Getting there

Please note that prices for the holidays do not include flights. We recommend using www.skyscanner.net to check flights.

Nearest airport:
Faro – 35 minutes away by car

Pre-booked transfers:

There is a complimentary transfer service from and to Faro airport offered by your hosts. On arrival day the  airport pick-up will be at 3pm for the group, if you wish to take this transfer please choose flights with this pick up time in mind.

Departure to Faro airport on your last day will be after breakfast at 9:30 am. Please ensure your flight departure time is not before 12:30 if you wish to take this transfer.

If you choose flights which will not work with these times we can arrange alternative airport transfers for an extra charge. 

What our travellers are saying...

Just spent a wonderful week on this art retreat. A truly remarkable venue with great food and top hosts. Rooms were beautiful as was the setting, and the art workshops were a great way to spend the day. Thoroughly recommend and look forward to my next stay!

Jo Ryder

Just spent an amazing week at the River House on their residential course. Very well organised and run with a great art teacher who was patient and encouraging. Excellent accommodation and wonderful food provided by Cheryl and her husband Graham. Great company and beautiful location. Can’t praise the week highly enough and hope to return again next year.

Ann Peak

River views, fresh meals, local culture, and art lessons from a friendly skilled professional made for the perfect holiday retreat. The River House is a gem in the Algarve countryside. I spent a week relaxing to the peaceful sound of birds and goat bells, enjoying walks through the surrounding landscape, and lounging poolside after lively morning art sessions. Our host, Cheryl, and teacher, Tracy, were very knowledgeable and lovely to work with.

A Rose

It was a lovely 5 days of painting and drawing with a fantastic teacher and a beautiful environment. The River House is a special hidden place in the Algarve! I was glad I was able to join the retreat as an Alagarve resident. I definitely recommend it!

M Gieling

This was an amazing holiday! The tuition was excellent - I learnt so much from Tracy and my confidence has increased. I am inspired to try painting more. The riverside house is a lovely villa set in beautiful surroundings. The owner Cheryl was very welcoming and an amazing cook! Perfect week.

R Ali

This was a very different holiday for me and I loved it. A great relaxing location with fantastic views. Cheryl made us welcome and cooked some amazing vegetarian food from local fresh produce. Tracy our art teacher was extremely knowledgeable in a variety of techniques, gave you confidence and always made you feel at ease. A lovely break from normal life.

S Pye

FAQs

Is dinner out on the town optional on day 5?

On day 5, the taxi and evening meal is optional. The taxi is about 90€ (for 8 people) and dinner is not included. If the guest doesn’t want to join, the kitchen will be open for soup and sandwiches.

Who is it suitable for?

- Suitable for all painting levels from beginners to advanced
- Minimum age 18 with no upper age limit
- This is a mixed media painting holiday

Do I need art supplies?

- Art equipment is supplied so don’t worry if you’re just starting out but if you have favourite brushes, paints or materials, please feel free to bring them
- This holiday has the following art supplies on hand: graphite pencils, chalk pastels, charcoal, watercolour and acrylic paints
- A3 paper is the maximum paper size; should you like to work with large canvases, these can be purchased for you at an extra expense

I'm travelling solo - can I join?

- Solo travellers are more than encouraged to join as you will meet others with similar interests in the group
- You will have your own private room for no extra cost

What time is check-in?

Check in is after 2pm and check out is after breakfast on day 7

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