During your stay at the Pink Buddha Art Studio, I am sure you will want to dedicate some of your time to exploring the unique, historic and beautiful country that is Portugal. A country where the people are by nature hospitable, caring and kind, where you will be welcomed and feel safe and at home – and may want to return many times. It has a very special atmosphere that is almost impossible to define!
- You can decide which, if any, trips you might like to go on. You may prefer to just paint at the studio, which is fine!
- I will happily drive and be your tour guide. Included in every programme, I offer one set of return train tickets to Porto, as a gesture of goodwill, and these trips are extra to this.
- If you have your own car rental, of course you are free to go on your own trips out, extra to studio days!
- I also offer a Portuguese Cookery Experience , if this is available. Please see the end of the page for details
Please note that outings on the programme for all inclusive experiences are included in the total cost – please see the appropriate page. If however, you would like to stay on before or after the workshop, I am happy to take you on more travel adventures at the prices below.
Escorted trips and outings
- Quotes are for one to three people- if two or more are sharing, I will alter the prices accordingly, sharing the total between the number of people.
- Entry charges and charges for wine tasting, gourmet tasting trips, museums, historical buildings etc., where applicable, are not included in the charge. I can give you an idea of these nearer the time, but they are usually very reasonable in Portugal.
- Trips do not count as a studio days as they are charged separately.
- Payments can be made at the time of studio booking, but if you want to go on a trip once you are here, that is no problem, but will be extra to the number of studio days booked. All payments at least one day before the trip – thanks.
A. A Day in Porto
I include as a gift for everyone who comes to the PINK BUDDHA, a return train ticket from Penafiel Station to the centre of Porto. The São Bento Railway Station alone , covered in tiles, is worth the visit. You are then free to wander at will through the fascinating streets and alleyways, shop, or visit the many distinct areas. If you would prefer to go by car, then the cost is 60$ each way (per trip not per number of people) which includes gas, motorway tolls and parking. There are tuk tuk rides, Ubers etc for those with mobility issues, and this can all be organised beforehand.
B. Day trip by car/s to visit the Unesco World Heritage area of port wine growing and production up the River Douro.
This comprises, with small alterations according to the weather and season, a scenic trip over the Marão Serra, a brief stop at Régua with a visit to the elegant Museum of the Douro (especially in cool weather), and a lunch stop (lunch not included) If the weather is clear, we will go to the panoramic Chapel of Sao Leonardo, which is just superb, and enjoy either a simple picnic, or a traditional lunch at the nearby restaurant. A short distance past Regua, we will stop at the organic port wine estate ‘Quinta do Tedo’ , or a nearby vineyard, for a tour of the Port production facilities, the lovely cellars with oak barrels and finally a tasting session! Proceed along the south bank of the Douro, past the wine terraces to the little town of Pinhão, to see the famous tiled railway station. Then, if time permits, another scenic ride to a little village in the hills stopping at a gorgeous little gift shop selling local arts and crafts (they take cash only), before heading back to Lousada. Three people maximum.
Cost: $160 to include fuel and road tolls
Two people sharing: $80 per person
Three people sharing: $55 per person
C. Full day trip to Aveiro by car, about an hour south of Lousada. The city of Aveiro, known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’ is a city of canals, fishing, beautiful buildings and much more. A boat trip along the canals is possible as an optional extra. There is a huge inland ‘Ria’ or lake where you can see salt pans and fishermen. Nearby by the sea there is a village of unique fishermen’s cottages.
NB: This trip will only be possible May to September
Cost: $140 to include fuel, road tolls and parking charges (not including boat trips)
Two people sharing: $70 per person
(Maximum Two people)
D. Full Day Trip to Ponte de Lima and Bom Jesus, Braga
First we will make our way to Bom Jesus, a wonderful church overlooking the city of Braga with majestic steps leading down the hillside with an amazing scenic view. Then on to Ponte de Lima, a fascinating, beautifully preserved town with a Roman bridge and a historic centre to stroll around. Nearby are some wonderful gardens, perfect for sketching, photography and just to enjoy. You can cross the bridge in the footsteps of many pilgrims, as it forms part of the Portuguese branch of the Caminho de Santiago,
Cost: $150 to include fuel, road tolls and parking
Two people sharing: $75 per person
Three people sharing: $50 per person
NB: Trips to Lisbon and Sintra further south, and to Santiago de Compostela in Spain are not feasible as one day trips, as they are quite gruelling drives, and would not allow enough time to enjoy the sightseeing. I recommend that, if you wish to visit any of these, that you make arrangements to go there either before or after your time at the Pink Buddha.
It is possible to organise a long day visit to the famous sanctuary at Fátima and/or Nazaré by the sea or Óbidos, a wonderful walled small town, perfectly preserved). This is best decided during your stay.
Half Days
A. Afternoon trip to the Quinta de Aveleda, a lovely green wine (‘vinho verde’, the local wine) producing estate near Lousada. This will include a guided tour of the gorgeous gardens, endless possibilities for sketching or photos, a look at the production plant and a tasting session in a lovely old house overlooking the vineyards. Finally an essential visit to the shop selling wines and their own cheeses and much more. Price: $60 to cover fuel and other expenses. Entry to the Quinta not included.
Two people sharing: $30 per person
Three people sharing: $20 per person
B. Half day visit to the local city of Guimaraes, a very historic town with a wonderful old town centre, an amazing castle and much more to see and do. More possibilities for sketching and journalling, too. This was the seat and beginning of the country and kings of Portugal. Lunch not included but there is a wide choice of eateries.
Price: $90 to include fuel and motorway tolls and parking
Two people sharing: $45 per person
Three people sharing: $30 per person
There is, of-course, much more…you will probably want to revisit Porto as it is an amazing, unique city. I thoroughly recommend a trip on the blue on/off buses which includes a visit to the port wine lodges in Gaia as well as a boat ride on the Douro!
Portuguese Cookery Demonstration
Depending on availability, my friend/assistant Isabel and her gorgeous mum enjoy nothing more than to come to the house and give a demonstration of a typical Portuguese meal, which you can help in choosing. So much fun is to be had in this delightful exchange of cultures, as well as just the cookery. Of-course, we all sit down to eat together and have great conversation, too.
It may be possible to include at no extra charge a short demonstration of Portuguese jewellery making with cork, including a chance to buy – they make excellent gifts.
Cost $25 per person plus cost of food as explained below
(The total cost for the food will be divided equally between everyone attending the evening as participants)