- Portugal

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'The Alentejo Experience', an exciting Painting Holiday,  has been scheduled for 7 days in September 2007.  This Painting Holiday is aimed at beginners.  Even if you've never painted before I guarantee you will produce 3 beautiful oil paintings before you return home.  My simple step by step tuition and demonstration of the wet on wet techique is easy to follow.  I supervise you through each simple stage of your painting.  This is your chance to mix creation with relaxation.  We alternate painting days with excursion days, or simply relax in the beautiful Alfanges surroundings.

Prices & what’s included:

The prices are per room and are based on 2 people painting.  

A maid service is included. 

Breakfast will be served in the dining room at the main house daily. 

Fresh towels will be provided on a daily basis. 

Bedding will be changed mid week. 

The price includes 3 painting days where all equipment and materials are provided for you. 

Light buffet style lunches will be provided on the painting days. 

Dinner/BBQ with one bottle of wine per 2 people will also be provided on the painting days. 

A driver/jeep will take you on a trip to historic Evora on a non-painting day.  

A driver/jeep will take you to a nearby pottery manufacturer on a non-painting day. 

3 lunches (and transport) will be provided to restaurants in nearby villages. 

All occupants have access to the Kitchen, the Dining Room, the Lounge and the Pool. 

There are many seating areas, both inside and outside for privacy. 

Bicycles are available and are free to occupants. 

The price also includes the shipment of your paintings, once dry, to your home. 

What’s not included:

Your flights

Your transfer to Alfanges.

There is easy access from Lisbon train station to Vila Nova da Baronia train station, a journey of 90 minutes.  You will be collected from Vila Nova da Baronia train station and taken to Alfanges. 

The Verde Suite:

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Sleeps 2 people.

This superior room is located in the main house.  It comprises of a bright en-suite bathroom with roll top bath, walk in shower, sink and toilet.  Towels are changed daily. Doors (with wooden shutters) lead from the bathroom to a private walled terrace with stunning views of pool and gardens.  The terrace has comfortable table and chairs and sun loungers.  The bedroom has a superior (2 metres wide) Kingsize Bed, air conditioning, TV (Portugese channels),  and plenty of storage space.  Doors (with wooden shutters) lead from the bedroom to the private terrace also.  An ideal place to catch some sun, sketch some scenery or enjoy a book.

Price:  1527 Euros per room for 7 days  (Approx  £1041 per room or £520 per person)

The Bordeaux Suite:

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Sleeps up to 3 people

The Bordeaux Suite is located in the main house and can accommodate up to 3 people.  It comprises of a spacious reception room with settee for relaxation.  One door from the Bordeaux reception leads to a single furnished bedroom with excellent views of the surrounding landscape.  A further door leads to a double room.  The double room has a Kingsize Bed and air conditioning.  There is plenty of storage space.  From the double room is an en-suite bathroom comprising of walk in shower, sink and toilet.  Towels are changed daily.  Access from the single bedroom to the bathroom is via the double bedroom.  A guest toilet is just down the stairs.

Price 1527 Euros per room for 7 days  (Approx £1041 per room or £347 per person)

The Barn Suite:

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Sleeps up to 3 people

The Barn suite is located in a separate building to the main house and can accommodate up to 3 people.  A stairway leads to the suite which is self contained.  An equipped open kitchen contains microwave, electric hob, kettle, toaster and fridge.  A Dining area with large table and chairs looks out to the unspoilt landscape.  A single bed/settee is located in this open area.  An archway leads to the double bedroom, (this can easily be changed to 2 single beds if required).  The spacious bathroom contains an enclosed sunken bath with shower, sink and toilet.  Towels are changed daily.

Price 1527 Euros per room for 7 days  (Approx £1041 per room or £347 per person)

The Cabin: 

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Sleeps 2 people

This private cabin is located separate from the main house.  It is adjacent to the pool, just a short walk through the pretty gardens.  It can accommodate up to 2 people.  The bedroom comprises 2 single beds with storage, fan, tea making facilities and fridge.  A window overlooks the olive groves.  There is a separate black mosaic walk in shower and separate toilet with ample storage.  Towels are changed daily. 

Price 1018 Euros per room for 7 days  (Approx £694 per room or £347 per person)

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The Pool:

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Located off the gardens of Alfanges, the well equipped pool area is a haven to relax.  The unusual black mosaic pool is edged with slate tiles and contains soft salt water.  The pool measures 8 metres wide by 15 metres long.  It is 60 cm deep at the shollow end and 2.20 metres deep at the deep end.  The whole pool area, 400 square metres in total, is decked with tropical wood. 

The deck overlooks the unspoilt landscape showing mature olive trees, Iberian oaks and cork oaks, most of which are well over 200 years old.  The pool features shaded seating areas for dining or simply having a drink.  There is a bar/kitchenette equipped with an industrial ice machine, fridge, hot plate, sound system and microwave. 

There are teak deck chairs, hammocks, sun loungers and plenty of umbrellas.  Pool towels are provided.  Bring along some of your favourite CD's and enjoy them by the pool.

The Alentejo Experience is the brain-child of Val Rosa.  Val is a British lady who has been living in Portugal for almost 25 years.  Val speaks fluent Portugese and is a huge source of valuable information on the Alentejo area and it's history.  Val is an artist in her own right and has always dreamed of hosting painting holidays in the beautiful Alentejo area of Portugal.