2nd Annual – Plein-air Painting Retreat
Alentejo Region in Portugal
with Jan-Willem & Nancy Boer of the Shenandoah Art Destination

8-day painting retreat
September 20 – 27, 2025
Open to all mediums
8-day painting retreat
September 21 – 28, 2024
Open to all mediums
All Inclusive – 7 nights lodging, 7 breakfasts/6 lunches/7 dinners
(airport pick-up & delivery and transportation during the week also included)
Cost | |
Price per artist | $3140 |
Non-artist accompanying | $2940 |
Price per artist | $3140 |
Non-artist accompanying | $2940 |
Prices per person in US dollars ($) Price includes all lodging, food and airport pick-up & delivery.
Extra costs: Airfare and artist supplies.
NOTE: Artists are responsible for bringing all their own supplies; easels, chair – whatever you require. Keep in mind being plein-air sites, walking will be required and artist will be responsible for carrying their own materials/supplies. Prior to the trip, you will be sent a list of necessary supplies to bring with you.
Workshop Size: Minimum of 6 artists – maximum 12 (maximum 2 accompanying non-participating spouse/partner).
Upon registration, a non-refundable deposit of $350 required (however, if minimum # of participants is not met, then deposit will be returned); balance due June 15, 2025. Once full payment has been received, there will be no refunds for cancellation.
Accommodations: www.verdemar.net (Rooms will be assigned upon arrival.)
Painting Opportunities:
Alentejo is home to many interesting cultural hotspots – ancient Roman ruins, a medieval town, castles, quaint fishing harbors, etc. In the north are the pastures of the marshlands; in the vast interior, unending flatness and fields of wheat waving in the wind; at the coast, hilly and rugged, with small sheltered coves between the cliffs, beautiful beaches waiting to be discovered. With its breathtaking scenery, pleasant climate, rich and diverse cultural life, it’s easy to see why this is a great place to paint plein-air.
Here we find Verdemar, our home for the week; a quaint countryside retreat, only a short drive from the Atlantic beaches. Hidden away among stands of old cork oaks, a quiet place in the countryside with our own personal chef for wonderful “fresh-garden” healthy meals; with day trips to our painting sites.
We will paint our beautiful surroundings. We will set up our easels and paint the rugged coast. Day trips may include the harbor town of Vila Nova de Milfontes and Sines, and inland towns (ie.fortresses, cathedrals) Evora, Serpa, Porto Covo, Cercal and more.
How to get there:
The nearest easy airport is Lisbon; there are flights from several US cities to Portugal by TAP airlines. Once in Lisbon there are options to get to Verdemar. Pick-up and delivery to Lisbon airport is included in price. Once we know the arrival times of all the guests you will be given a pick-up time, We highly recommend that you fly a day earlier and stay overnight near the Lisbon airport.
Other options are to fly to Seville (4 hours by car) or to Madrid (5 hours by car). You would be responsible to rent your own transportation.
Additional travel information (regarding weather, money, dress and other pertinent issues) will be sent to you prior to your departure date.

Reservation:
A non-refundable deposit of $350 is required to hold your spot; balance is due June 15, 2025. You can make your reservation using the “Reservation” tab.
Travel Insurance: We strongly advise you to take out your own travel and personal insurance.
*Any issues with payment, please contact us.
nancy@shenandoahartdestination.com
612-221-1140
“Loved loved traveling to Portugal with art destination. Made new friends, ate great food and painted beautiful places without having to do any of the arrangements or driving!”
“What a fabulous trip, we were based in one place and what a place, expert Portuguese chefs and kind hosts. We traveled to such a wide spectrum of painting sites including The incredible Évora, and as always Jan was able to accommodate all painting styles and approaches with humor and insight!”