Watercolor Journaling in Portugal
Instructor: Leslie Fehling
Oct 1-8, 2027
At a Glance
8-13 Participants
2 tour leaders at all times
Sign up before 01/31/27 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
Picture being by the beach, painting the coastal light as it reflects off the Atlantic, the clean lines of cliffs and beaches, and the character of its historic streets and seaside architecture. Capture the whitewashed buildings with blue doors and the traditional azulejos that define Portugal’s architectural style.
Enjoy time with fellow artists while sharing fresh seafood, local wines, and relaxed evenings by the water.
With hands-on instruction, stunning scenery, and a supportive, joyful atmosphere, you’ll leave with not just new skills but cherished memories and a heart full of creative energy.
Workshop Overview
Join me for an unforgettable painting holiday in Portugal, a region famous for its stunning scenery and clear light.
In this week-long workshop, all of the logistics will be taken care of by my good friends at French Escapade. All we have to do is relax and enjoy long autumn days spent sketching in this stunningly beautiful part of Portugal. We’ll have plenty of time to capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the pages of our watercolor journals as we explore all the coast and charming villages of this part of Portugal.
My teaching will focus on illustrated watercolor journaling. You’ll learn how to add style and interest to your sketchbook pages through the use of unique page layouts and borders, and we’ll cover several fun new lettering styles. In addition, I’ll offer daily demonstrations of techniques for painting the subject matter you’ll encounter each day. And you’ll be painting right along with me, since we learn more by doing than by simply observing. The workshop is suitable for all levels, but some experience with drawing and watercolor would be helpful.
Each student will receive a full-color handbook (in PDF format) containing all of the information we cover in the workshop. It’s filled with great ideas for jazzing up your journal pages, and also has a huge section of step-by-step illustrated instructions for how to paint everything from beaches and boats to sun-washed buildings and colorful market finds. The handout ensures that you can relax during the workshop, knowing that even if you can’t absorb it all during the week, you’ll have complete information that you can refer to for years to come.
My friendly, enthusiastic teaching style, thorough instructions, and encouraging one-on-one support guarantee that you’ll learn and grow as an artist during our time together. We’ll be immersing ourselves in the history, culture, and beauty of Portugal and I’m happily anticipating all the sketch-worthy scenes that await us (along with the amazing food, wine, and shopping!).
Join me in discovering the wonders of Portugal together and creating memorable journals of the delights and surprises that await us.
Artist Leslie Fehling
She has taught sketchbook journaling and watercolor workshops in the US and abroad since 2014. Her unique approach to illustrated watercolor journaling and her enthusiastic teaching style have made her a sought-after instructor, and her workshops have empowered students of all skill levels to think more creatively and paint with greater confidence. She says, “I love seeing the joy and satisfaction my students experience when they begin to express themselves artistically and connect with the world on a deeper level through sketching. My greatest reward is when someone tells me, ‘You’ve made me look at the world differently.”
Since 2010, her website has been a rich resource for painting tutorials, creative journaling ideas, and inspiring artwork. She is an ambassador for a major art supply retailer and has designed products for them under the “Everyday Artist” label.
French Escapade is the best at what they do!
French Escapade does a wonderful job with their painting tours. I have been working with them for many years, and I have to say they are the best at what they do. If you are traveling as a single, you will find plenty of companionship and new friends on our painting trips, and you’ll feel well taken care of every step of the way.
Samples of Leslie Fehling’s Art
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Upon your arrival at our hotel, take time to settle into your sea view room, enjoy the swimming pool or get a drink at the hotel terrace overlooking the sea.
In the evening, you will enjoy a welcome reception, a discovery walk on this beautiful coastal village followed by a gourmet dinner.
Day 2-3: Painting by the Coast
Once a small fishing village, Cascais is now a well-known coastal town along Portugal’s Atlantic coast. It features a mix of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and a compact historic center with traditional houses and a working marina.
Our different painting sessions will include wide coastal views, boats in the harbor, residential streets, lush gardens or historic mansions.
Market Day
The best way to discover the local life is to visit a market. The market offers a bustling local atmosphere with fruits, vegetables, cheeses and flowers.
We have found the perfect spot in the market where you can capture all these colors in your sketch book.
Day 4: From Palace to Miniature Village
This morning the painting session will take place in a Jardim in Mafra, a quiet and green setting, away from busy streets.
The garden offers a range of simple and appealing subjects, including fountains, tree-lined paths, statues and views of the magnifient Palace.
You can choose between more open views or smaller, intimate corners, making it easy to find a comfortable spot to work.
Day 5: Charming Whitewashed Fishing Village
This hidden gem is a charming coastal village known for its narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses with blue trim, and dramatic cliffs overlooking small beaches. The setting combines traditional character with a relaxed seaside atmosphere, a perfect setting for our painting session.
You will be able to enjoy some of their gastronomic specialties such as its fresh seafood—especially gambas (shrimp)—as well as local pastries.
After our lunch together in a typical restaurant, enjoy some leisure time exploring the historic center, its shops or take time to paint the coastal scenery.
Day 6: National Palace of Sintra
Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its 19th-century Romanticist architecture, 13th-century Moorish castle, and stunning forested hills. We will start the morning with a painting session in front of the grandiose and magnificent National Palace of Sintra.
Enjoy lunch at one of Sintra’s charming cafés.
In the afternoon, regroup for a guided visit to the Palace where you can admire the largest European collection of Spanish-Moorish tiles in situ.
Day 7: Studio Painting and Farewell Dinner
On your last day, you will have the opportunity to spend your morning in the studio to work on your unfinished paintings to get ready for the afternoon show.
You’ll have time to pack your suitcase before our “Show and Share” session, where we can all admire and celebrate the paintings created throughout the week. It’s a special opportunity to reflect on your artistic journey and share the joy of your work with others.
We will end with fabulous food for our farewell dinner!
Day 8: Departure
After our last breakfast together, we’ll drive you to Lisbon airport around 10 am.
Safe travels!
Accommodations
Beautiful 4-star Beachfront Hotel
Each room has an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, a safe, a desk, flat screen TV and wifi.
For dinner, discover the authentic taste of Portugal and the finest international dishes at the seaside restaurant.
Reviews
French Escapade trips are the best in the business!
It’s hard to put into words how wonderful and awe inspiring the whole experience was. The way Valerie and Marie are somehow always present, always prepared, and always entertaining, is amazing! I think they must have been cloned, because no two people can be omnipresent for every need or question we had. My favorite quote of Marie’s – “keeping track of you all is like trying to put an octopus in a box” ;-)) I plan to do my final sketchbook page with that quote and image. The lodging, location and excursions were perfection for me. Mont Blanc gave us a show for the entire week, and then, to be on top, was a bucket list experience, for sure. The people (and dogs) of the hotel made us feel like family, and worked extremely hard, for long hours, so that we could feel like royalty – the chef – the food – the wine – the grounds -the ambiance – tres magnifique!
So, I could go on and on…but hopefully you got the message – French Escapade trips are the best in the business!!
I am so grateful and lucky to be able travel with you. Until next time… !!
The trip to the Alps was terrific!
The trip to the Alps was terrific! Natalia, our guide, was an energetic marvel and fantastic about keeping all of us straight, accounted for and on schedule. She is very good at what she does and she never gets flustered, ruffled or grumpy!! You have a wonderful tour guide in her. So, another French Escapade is in the books and all I can say is well done again! You and Val picked a perfect location, hotel and guide!
It did not disappoint and I will keep an eye on your 2024 offerings!
I cannot keep talking about how much I loved the trip!
Just got back from the Alps trip. I wanted to let you know the trip was perfect and well organized. Natalia, our tour leader, was fun and took good care of us. The hotel was awesome!!!!! And the views!!!!! I cannot keep talking about how much I loved the trip. Thank you so much for your organizational skills. Love French Escapade!
FAQs
When and where are the pick up and drop off?
The pickup will be at 2pm at the Lisbon airport. We will pick up the group and drive in a coach to our hotel located in Cascais, about 30 min away.
The drop off will be back at the same place around 10am. Book a flight anytime after 12pm
When should I arrive?
What should I bring?
Once the trip has a guaranteed departure, we will send you a trip information package listing what to bring, how to book your flight and our recommended travel insurance.
Can you accommodate vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions?
Food allergies and vegetarian diets are catered for if announced in advance. However contact us before registering if you have a very restricted diet or serious allergies.
Will I get a supply list?
Is there a laundry facility at the hotel or in the village?
Do I need to bring some euros before arriving?
Please take out euros cash from an ATM at the airport. You will need cash for small purchases during the day trips and or tipping the tour leaders and the staff (tipping is customary). There will also be some ATM machines in some of the villages we visit.
Can I opt out of certain activities?
Is the retreat available to guests with low and limited mobility?
Unfortunately, the trip is not well suited for people with low and limited mobility. Although there is an elevator at the hotel, the daily excursions involve walking on uneven, cobbled streets.
I have never traveled outside the US. Do I need to speak the language?
Not at all. It is actually the perfect situation to travel with us. Our guides are bilingual and will be with you at all times, from your arrival at the airport until the drop off on the last day.
Will I fit on the tour if I am traveling solo and don't know anyone?
Yes, we usually get many solo travelers on our tours. For the meals, the group eats together for most lunches and dinners. In addition, our 2 tour leaders are always with the group and will be happy to also go for dinner with participants on the days the meals are not included.
How much painting do we do every day?
A typical day is: painting from 9am till 12:30pm, lunch and free time till 2pm and more painting, maybe in a different location from 2 to 4pm. If some, painters get tired after lunch, they can visit the village or take a nap while the others are painting.
There will be some afternoons without painting because we have a visit or free time. However, you can always opt-out from the activity and paint. It is your vacation so you do what pleases you!
Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?
Will I get my deposit back if I need to cancel?
Unfortunately the deposit is not refundable, no matter when you cancel. Therefore, we recommend that you insure your deposit right after registering for the trip. You do not need to insure the full trip at that time, just the deposit. Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice but this is the one we recommend (they only insure US customers): Travel Insurance Services* Tel. 1-800-937-1387.
Note that participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. Please review our cancellation policy.
Can you give me the reference of someone who has been on the tour before?
Absolutely. We would be happy to give you contact information of past participants who have agreed to be contacted.
Pricing and Booking
Pricing Details
Superior Rooms with Sea View
Single Superior: US $4,990
Shared Superior: US $4,390
All rooms include a private ensuite bathroom.
Non-painters are welcome at the same price.
How to Book
Payments
- A $600 nonrefundable deposit is due at booking ($300 transferable to a future workshop; see cancellation policy below).
We offer three payment methods through our secure system:
– By credit card (2.9% convenience fee applies)
– By ACH/ bank transfer (no fees)
– By wire transfer (flat fee) - After submitting your registration, you will receive a confirmation of your registration by email. Do not make any travel plans until you receive an email letting you know that we have reached the minimum of participants required for the trip.
- An additional payment of US$1,000 is due 6 months prior to departure and the remaining balance is due 4 months prior to departure.
We also provide flexible payment plans allowing you to make smaller payments more often if you wish. - Buy your travel insurance: See below to see the details and deadline for purchasing a travel insurance.
Insurance Required
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or wish to be able to cancel your trip at any time for any reason, you need to get the insurance within 21 days of your registration with us.
- For standard health coverage, you may sign-up at any time.
Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice. Our preferred insurance companies are:
- For US citizens: Travel Insurance Services. Tel. 1-800-937-1387. This company has covered many of our clients and provides good customer service. They offer 3 tiers of coverage.
- For non-US residents: United Health Care Global
Price includes
- Lisbon airport pick-up at 2pm and drop-off at 10am
- A welcome reception
- All 7 nights at the hotel
- All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners including wine
- All art classes
- All entrances to sites
- Transportation in a comfortable van with A/C
- Access to the pool
- 2 tour leaders throughout
Price excludes
- Flight to Lisbon-Portugal
- 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Painting supplies
- Required Travel Insurance
- Tour leader(s) tipping
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| more than 180 days before departure | $300 is forfeited and $300 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 121-180 days before departure | $1,000 is forfeited and $600 is transferrable to a future trip within 2 years |
| 61-120 days before departure | 50% of total cost forfeited |
| 31-60 days before departure | 75% of total cost forfeited |
| 0-30 days before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited |
| If French Escapade cancels | you get a full refund |
Sign up before 01/31/27 and save $150!
Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout.