Art Retreat | Painting in Portugal
Painting Color-Forward Florals and Patterns with Bekah Worley
+ Photographing your Artwork and Artistic Process with TC Worley
Lisbon + Alentejo, Portugal | May 28 to June 4, 2027
Join us in Portugal for an immersive, multi-day painting retreat led by artist Bekah Worley and internationally-published photographer TC Worley. Beginning in the vibrant streets of Lisbon before retreating to the natural beauty of the Alentejo countryside, this experience brings together contemporary art, traditional Portuguese design, and the inspiring landscapes of the Atlantic coast. Through a series of hands-on workshops, we’ll explore Bekah’s signature, color-forward approach to painting florals and patterns, while learning to see the world around us through a more creative lens.
We’ll begin in Lisbon, immersing ourselves in the city’s thriving contemporary art scene with a local guide who is deeply connected to its creative community. We’ll visit independent galleries and artist studios, meet emerging artists working across a variety of mediums, and discover what makes Lisbon such an exciting destination for contemporary art. We’ll also explore one of Portugal’s most recognizable artistic traditions—its colorful decorative tiles. From historic patterns to contemporary interpretations, we’ll look closely at the colors, shapes, and geometry that make Portuguese azulejos so distinctive, gathering inspiration for our own paintings along the way.
Then, we’ll head south to the peaceful Alentejo countryside, where we’ll settle into a beautiful boutique retreat surrounded by nature. We’ll spend several days immersed in painting and photography workshops with Bekah and TC, drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape, the lush gardens, and the colors and textures of our rural surroundings. Throughout our time together, Bekah will guide us through her creative process, from developing bold and unexpected color palettes to simplifying complex florals and patterns into their most essential shapes and forms. We’ll explore composition, negative painting, and the thoughtful layering of color and pattern before bringing these techniques together in a series of original paintings.
Whether experimenting with color combinations, working from our own reference photographs, or learning how to approach a blank canvas, you’ll have plenty of time to develop your ideas with Bekah’s individual guidance. Alongside the painting workshops, TC will share practical photography techniques for working with natural light, composing compelling images, documenting your creative process, and capturing your finished artwork.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
May 28 to June 4, 2027
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room - $5,495 USD
Private Room - $6,495 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
NOVEMBER 18, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
PAINTING RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Multi-day workshop with Bekah and TC where you’ll learn:
How to mix colors and effective ways to build striking, yet cohesive color palettes
How to simplify flora, fauna, and patterns to their simplest forms to create eye-catching compositions.
How to use the negative painting technique to create form, line, and depth in your paintings.
How to photograph your artistic process, supplies, and finished artwork.
Tips and techniques for taking reference photos to inspire you work.
Full-day art tour of contemporary art scene in Lisbon to gather inspiration and learn about some of today’s emerging artists.
Half-day tour tour of the iconic ‘azulejos’ that dominate Lisbon’s architecture.
Guided nature hike along the Atlantic coastline of the Alentejo.
Accommodations at artist-inspired boutique hotels.
Chef-prepared meals.
Transportation during included meals and activities.
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip.
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions.
Travel and Learn with
Bekah Worley + T.C. Worley
Bekah Worley is a Minneapolis-based artist whose color-forward paintings explore botanical themes, folk art patterns, and an underlying belief in joy. She works mainly in acrylic, loves incorporating found objects into her art, and painting on unique surfaces, such as ornate, vintage frames. She often experiments with color and can be found in her studio surrounded by take-out containers of custom mixed colors. She is represented by the Liz Lidgett Gallery, sells her work online and at local events, while also keeping art accessible and offering prints and stickers. She has collaborated with organizations and artists, such as Docomomo, Stoic Cider, Biota Goods, A Mano, and Korppi Coffee. Learn more about Bekah at bekahworley.com or follow her on Instagram @bekahworleyco.
T.C. Worley is an internationally-published photographer and award-winning filmmaker, based in Minneapolis, MN. His photo work is typically people-focused and ranges from lifestyle and portraiture to products in action. His film work spans genres from documentaries to branded TV commercials. He works with clients, such as Polaris, Timberland, Target, and Outside Magazine, who want to present an authentic, human connection to their audience. Learn more about TC at tcworley.com.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the needs of the group.
Day 1
Friday, May 28, 2027
Welcome to Lisbon!
Make your way to our hotel in the Príncipe Real neighborhood of Lisbon.
Please plan to arrive at the hotel by 3pm so you have time to get checked in and settled before we meet as a group for an introductory session with Bekah and TC, followed by a casual welcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Lisbon.
If you can, we encourage you to arrive early, as the neighborhood is filled with incredible boutiques and restaurants (before you arrive, we’ll share our Lisbon Favorite Things guide!).
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Saturday, May 29, 2027
Today is a special treat—a full day, guided tour of the Lisbon contemporary art scene.
Our local guide, who is an active part of this thriving artist community, will take us to galleries, artist studios, and artist residences.
We’ll talk about what makes the artistic community in Lisbon so vibrant while visiting a variety of emerging artists who specialize in different mediums from ceramics, to textiles, to painting.
Later this afternoon you’ll have some time to explore Lisbon and have dinner on your own or with other members of the group.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Sunday, May 30, 2027
This morning we’ll gather ideas that will serve as inspiration for our paintings. With a local guide, we’ll spend time learning about the iconic ‘azueleos’ that decorate buildings in Lisbon. We’ll talk about the history of tiles and why they became so prominent in Portuguese art and architecture, while exploring the wide variety of colors and patterns in both traditional and contemporary tiles. Along the way, Bekah will share what inspires her as an artist and TC and give practical tips for how to capture great reference photos.
Later this afternoon, we’ll leave behind the bustle of Lisbon and transition to the peacefulness of the Alentejo countryside, which will be our home away from home for the remainder of our time together. We’ll check into our rural retreat—a boutique hotel surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery and bursting with color thanks to owner Alfredo Moreira da Silva’s abstract paintings and his impeccable eye for architecture and interior design.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Monday, May 31, 2027
Today we’ll have a full-day workshop with Bekah. We’ll start with an overview of Bekah’s work, learn how she uniquely uses color and pattern to create striking compositions, and understand the tools and techniques she uses in her work, including how she uses negative painting to drive her unique sense of color and form.
Then, we’ll move into a hands-on workshop with Bekah where we’ll focus on one of her artistic superpowers–color. Bekah will spend time talking about how she approaches color in her work, including the colors she always has in her studio, her unique approach to mixing a wide variety of colors at once, and how she uses the array of mixed colors to build bold color palettes. Since the best way to learn is by doing, you’ll have plenty of time to do just that. You’ll each have access to a wide variety of paint colors and containers so you can experiment with mixing your own colors and experimenting with your own color palettes. Along the way, Bekah will provide input about color combinations you may not have considered and help you make adjustments to colors when you get stuck.
Later this afternoon, TC will walk you through the core principles and techniques for taking eye-catching photos using the natural light, lush surroundings, and colorful details of our rural retreat. Together, we’ll look at the property and talk about how to “use what you have” to identify good places to set up, based on context, light, and shadows. Then, we’ll look at how to compose shots using the rule of thirds, line, shape, and color.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Tuesday, June 1, 2027
Today, Bekah will take you through the process of simplifying flowers and patterns. Using reference photos from our photo walks, we’ll learn to visually dissect the components of complex flowers and patterns, translate them into basic forms and shapes, then arrange them into eye-catching compositions.
We’ll work through a number of examples together, then you’ll have time on your own, with Bekah’s expert guidance, to practice the various techniques on paper.
In addition, we’ll take some time to enjoy our incredible surroundings. With a local guide, we’ll enjoy a gentle nature hike on cliffs and through the dunes to secluded beaches at the Atlantic coastline where we’ll spend time learning about the local flora and fauna. Along the way, TC will share tips and techniques for taking sweeping landscape photos as well as closeups of plants and flowers.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Wednesday, June 2, 2027
Today, we’ll take the techniques we’ve learned over the past couple of days and put them all together. Bekah will start off by talking through how she approaches a blank canvas, including how she thinks about composition and color when she’s starting a new painting.
Through a series of demos, she’ll show you how she uses reference photos, chooses colors, thinks about where to incorporate patterns, then how she uses negative painting to create her background and tie the entire piece together.
Then, you’ll have plenty of time to put these techniques into practice and get started on your own paintings, with guidance and support from Bekah along the way.
Throughout the day, TC will work with you individually to help create progress shots of your work.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Thursday, June 3, 2027
Today is our final workshop with Bekah and TC. We’ll pick up where we left off with our paintings. Bekah will share tips about how to know when a painting is “done” and demo her unique approach to finishing the edges of paintings with patterns and decorative touches to create a cohesive, three dimensional painting.
Later this afternoon, we’ll gather our paintings together for a mini gallery showing to look at our collective works, share key takeaways, and show each other some love for the hard work we’ve put in over the past few days. TC will talk about ways to stage and organize paintings and help us take photos of our work together. Then, he’ll talk through techniques for photographing your finished work and help everyone leave with high-quality photos of their finished paintings.
Once we’re done, we’ll show you how to pack up your paintings so you can safely take them home with you.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Friday, June 4, 2027
After breakfast at the hotel, we will pack our bags and say our farewells. Together, we’ll make our way back to Lisbon.
We’ll have one drop off at the Lisbon Airport and a second drop off in Central Lisbon.
Please plan your flights or onward travel after 3pm local time to give yourself plenty of time.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey to Lisbon and the Alentejo region of Portugal!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
In Lisbon, we’ll be staying an urban boutique hotel in the Príncipe Real neighborhood, which is filled with incredible boutiques and yummy restaurants.
In the Alentejo, we’ll be staying at a rural boutique hotel, surrounded by stunning scenery and close to the spectacular Atlantic coastline. The hotel bursts with color, thanks the vivid paintings by owner and abstract painter Alfredo Moreira da Silva, combined with red, pink and orange doors, chairs, sofas, cushions, and handmade quilts.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON NOVEMBER 18, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED ROOM*
with ensuite bathroom
$5,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
2 nights in a Lisbon boutique hotel in a shared room with en suite bathroom, shared with one other guest. Each guest has their own twin bed.
5 nights in a rural boutique hotel in the Alentejo in a shared twin room with en suite bathroom, shared with one other guest. Each guest has their own twin bed.
*Shared Rooms are availble for two guests already traveling together. The toilet and shower are behind obscured glass and the sink is open to the main room, as shown in the photo below.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due December 17, 2026: $3,000
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
with ensuite bathroom
$6,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
2 nights in a Lisbon boutique hotel in a private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
5 nights in a rural boutique hotel in the Alentejo in a private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due December 17, 2026: $4,000
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Portugal has a rich culinary culture. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we cannot guarantee to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, or dairy-free options and some severe allergies.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
In Lisbon, you can expect some walking, which may include hills and cobblestones. In the Alentejo, each day you’ll need to walk 5-10 minutes between the main house for your meals, as well as other locations on the property for workshops. You may also be on your feet during workshops for an hour or two at a time. We suggest wearing comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as you’ll walk on a variety of surfaces (sidewalk, gravel) and have a few small changes of elevation.
Supplies
Supplies for your workshop will be provided (some of which you may want to take home after the trip). In addition to the supplies we provide, you may want to bring a few things of your own. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send more information about what supplies we’ll provide and what option supplies you may want to consider bringing with you.
You’ll need to take your finished home with you. We’ll provide packing materials to make sure you can take them home safely.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Lisbon, Portugal. Humberto Delgado Airport, also known simply as Lisbon Airport, is an international airport located 7 km northeast from the city centre of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The airport is the main international gateway to Portugal with many direct flights from all over North America + Europe.
On Departure Day, we’ll have two drop offs in the early afternoon, first at the Lisbon Airport, then at a pre-determined location in Central Lisbon. We suggest booking flights or onward travel no earlier than 3pm Lisbon time.
Weather
Late May and Early June is a nice time of year to visit Portugal, it’s spring and the flowers are in bloom. Days are usually warm with balmy evenings. Daytimes temperatures usually range from 75°F to 85°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay, and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers, and a bathing suit, if you want to enjoy the pools in the Alentejo.
Included in this Trip
Multi-day workshop with Bekah and TC
Full-day art tour of contemporary art scene in Lisbon
Half-day tour tour of the iconic ‘azulejos’ in Lisbon
Guided nature hike through the rural countryside and white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Coastline
Guided tour of the art scene in Lisbon, featuring artist studios, artist residences, and galleries
Guided hike through the countryside and coastal landscape of the Alentejo region
2 nights accommodation at an urban boutique hotel in Lisbon
5 nights accommodation at a rural boutique hotel in Alentejo
Transport during included meals and activities
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners, featuring local ingredients and regional dishes
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self- isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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