FIELD TRIPS
· Wild Horses
· Mafra Tapada Nature Reserve
· Seascapes along the Ericeira Coastline
· Lisbon Sights and Galleries
· Sintra Palaces and Gardens
· Valleys and Vineyards (Wine Tasting)
vision. vistas. viewpoints.
Who needs instagram?
Draw memories because you can.
While you’re taking a break in our region, take a little of your time to free your artistic soul and create something more than a memory captured in the moment.
Treat yourself to a relaxed and enjoyable artistic adventure while exploring Lisbon’s magnificent countryside, breathtaking beaches, charming towns steeped in history and delicious gastronomic delights. With individual tuition for both budding and accomplished artists, we celebrate the beautiful region of the Ericeira Coast in the only way we know how - by capturing it on paper. So why not take some time out from the usual beach, surf and sight seeing type of activities and join us for one of our drawing field trips whilst relishing in a wonderful afternoon out in nature, feasting your senses and being inspired.
TAPADA WILL INSPIRE YOU TO CREATE NATURALLY
Following the building of the Mafra National Palace in 1755, during the reign of king João V, the Tapada Nacional de Mafra was created as a natural park for the Portuguese Royal family. Covering over 8 square kilometres, the park holds many different species of deer, wild boar, foxes, birds of prey and many other animals coexisting in an unusually rich and diversified natural habitat.
Once a favourite of the Portuguese monarchy for hunting and other leisure pursuits, the Tapada has since become a heritage site open to the public in order to aid its preservation and continuity. Its natural beauty ensures it as an excellent location for people who wish to get away from it all. The Tapada is also open for walking, mountain biking, horse riding, archery and crossbow shooting activities.
There are several trails that run through the Tapada, including a 9K walk that takes you through the beautiful hills and vistas starting at the main gate near Gradil. The trails weave their way through the reserve and it’s possible to see herds of deer, which are not often seen elsewhere in Portugal. It’s a great place for artists and lovely place to spend the day or an afternoon.
ERICEIRA IS THE ART OF WATERCOLOUR
Ericeira was a popular summer retreat for many of Lisbon’s families in the 1940s and 1950s. Today, Ericeira is a perfect fusion of Portuguese heritage with an ultra-cool ambience, where traditional fishermen’s cottages nestle amongst trendy lounge bars and cafés.
Ericeira has a charming fishing village situated at its centre and tourists flock to the town in the summer months, drawn by the beautiful beaches and deliciously fresh seafood.
Ericeira also has a keen musical culture. The local philharmonic, Filarmónica Cultural Ericeira, founded in 1849, is an integral part of the town’s musical heritage and can often be heard at regional festivals throughout the year.
Aside from its incredible beauty and charming appeal, Ericeira is regarded by some as being Europe’s Surf Mecca, due to its 40 beaches and the exceptional coastline conditions that are perfect for surf. It is also home to Ericeira’s World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and the second in the world.
Every summer, the powerful waves and reliable surf transforms a peaceful Ericeira into a surfers paradise; boasting both a chilled daytime scene and a lively night-life, along with excellent gastronomy and top-rated tourist attractions.
LISBON’S COLOURFUL SPIRIT IS THE BEAT OF URBAN ART
Lisbon is the second-oldest capital in Europe after Athens, home to some of the world’s greatest explorers, including Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator. Following the age of discovery, Lisbon soon became the first major city of the world, with an empire stretching across all five continents, from South America and Africa to India and the far eastern shores of Asia.
Lisbon is currently one of Europe’s most soulful, captivating and picturesque capitals, built on the hilly banks of the river Tejo, with it’s scenic vistas of red roof tops and church towers.
Known as the city of oceans, Lisbon is the only European capital where the sun sets over the ocean.
The city boasts one of the world’s oldest natural harbours which has attracted many different nationalities for centuries. This is reflected in its architecture and cultural influences ranging from the Phoneticians, Celts and Romans to the Visigoths and Moors.
Arriving in Lisbon for the first time is like stepping into a charming vintage film set, with pretty yellow trams and old world neighbourhoods. The atmosphere is lively but relaxed and friendly.
The people of Lisbon work to live and pride themselves on an insatiable appetite for long dinners, coffee breaks and night-life.
Amongst the attractions of Lisbon, you can find everything from world heritage monuments and museums full of artefacts and ancient treasures to international design centres and contemporary art galleries.
Lisbon is also one of the safest cities in Europe. Tourists are always automatic targets in all big cities and visitors should be aware of pickpockets, but serious crime is practically unheard of in the city centre.
SINTRA WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO LOOK AGAIN
Sintra is located about 30 kilometres west of Lisbon. As an early settlement, it dates back as far as the neolithic period, with archaeological remains and carvings to be found around every corner. But it was the moors that saw the real potential of Sintra and built the first castle on what they called Moon Mountain as a stronghold looking out to sea.
Since the recapture of the castle in the 11th century, Sintra has developed a reputation as a place of magic and romantic mysticism.
This reputation has attracted many spiritual pilgrims, artists and poets over the years, including no less than the notorious English poet Lord Byron, who would often holiday in Sintra during the summer.
During more recent times, Sintra became a royal sanctuary and a summer escape for the rich merchants and dignitaries of Lisbon. Throughout the 18th and 19th century, the aristocracy filled its forested terrain with pastel coloured villas and palaces. The Manueline style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tile work.
An ornate Gothic palace, boasting an extensive history and ornately painted ceilings, the palace is a very popular place for tourists. The hilltop 19th century Pena National Palace is known for its whimsical design and sweeping views.
Even today, Sintra is still a delightful place to visit. You can spend several days just walking through its gardens, along winding paths hidden amongst the pine covered hills and discover extravagant palaces, opulent mansions and the ruins of the ancient castle.
lovely place to spend the day or an afternoon.
VALLEYS AND VINEYARDS WILL DRAW OUT SIMPLE PLEASURES
Viticulture has existed in Portugal for thousands of years. The Tartessians are believed to have cultivated the first vineyards in the Tagus region around 2000 BC. Around the 10th century BC, the Phoneticians introduced new grape varieties and wine making techniques from the Middle East and Carthage. By the 7th century BC, Greek settlers had further enhanced the techniques of wine production throughout the region. Finally, the Romans arrived in Portugal and there was little else to do other than expand the production and export the wine across its empire.
The west Atlantic wine region offers a wealth of rural architecture, gastronomy, history and local traditions. To discover some of the region’s most emblematic wineries and farms in this part of Portugal, we suggest you take a tour with us to some of the best vineyards.
Start with a visit to Quinta da Almiara. The farm is surrounded by 160 hectares of vineyard, and is located just south of Torres Vedras. It’s a very old wine region, with a temperate climate set in gentle hills, the vines are strongly influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic ocean.
Next, make your way to Adega Mãe, a landmark of contemporary architecture in the area. Designed by architect Pedro Mateus, the setting allows you to paint and draw one of the most beautiful landscapes of the region, while you taste some of its most popular fine wines.
Leaving behind the modernity and sophistication of the previous vineyards, finish your tour with a fantastic wine tasting at Quinta da Santana. Once belonging to King Dom Luís and considered one of the oldest farms in the region, the vineyard has a strong wine tradition that is centuries old.