Flores de Verão, Tomar

A floral painting retreat inspired by the magic of Summer days in Portugal.
By Victoria Johnson

At Casa da Avó Genoveva- Tomar (Portugal)

12 to 18 Sept 2026

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Welcome to Flores de Verão Retreat

Welcome to an inspiring and heart-led art retreat taking place in the beautiful Portuguese countryside, from 12th to 18th September 2026.

Join Victoria Johnson for five full days and six immersive workshop sessions, where you’ll draw inspiration from the cultural and historical richness of the Ribatejo region and weave its visual beauty into your own creative voice to craft meaningful, one-of-a-kind floral pieces.

This entire experience is nestled in the peaceful landscapes just outside Tomar, the city of the Templars. This 6-night all-inclusive experience unfolds at Casa da Avó Genoveva—a charming 19th Century estate lovingly renewed that offers a serene scenery for artists and anyone seeking a creative pause.

What to expect from the retreat

This immersive creative experience includes six hands-on workshop sessions in our spacious, light-filled studio.

During your week with Victoria, you will:

  • Learn how to build a personal visual library from architecture, textiles, ceramics and nature around Tomar and Ribatejo.

  • Explore floral painting and drawing techniques that encourage curiosity and playful exploration.

  • Experiment with layers, colour and texture to develop intuitive floral compositions.

  • Record your inspiration in a charming and practical way, so you can return to it later as a reference for new artworks.

Throughout the week, Victoria will be fully hands-on and delighted to help with a wide range of questions, including:

  • Painting and drawing techniques

  • How to photograph and edit your artwork and visual inspiration

  • The logistics of running an art business

  • Any other creative questions you might have

Victoria loves to chat—especially when it helps you move towards your creative goals.

Experiences & excursions

Alongside your time in the studio, you’ll enjoy carefully chosen cultural visits that connect you with the soul of this region:

Castle of the Templars & Convent of Christ (UNESCO)
With Sandra as our guide, we’ll visit the Castle of the Templars and Convent of Christ in Tomar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the history of the Knights Templar, their role in the birth of Portugal in the 12th century, and their connection to the maritime discoveries of the 15th century.

Tomar – charming alleys & local shops
With hosts Maria and Sofia, we’ll walk through the charming town of Tomar, wander cobblestone streets and visit favourite small shops filled with antiques, linen and embroidery, cork crafts, porcelain, ceramics, china and many other beautiful objects.

Casal das Freiras – family-owned winery
We’ll visit Casal das Freiras, a family-owned winery dating back to 1882 and surrounded by olive and cork trees. Under a vine-covered pergola, we’ll taste expressive wines paired with regional products and meet Rita, who will share her experience leading a business traditionally run by men.

Quinta da Bizelga – a hidden treasure
We’ll enjoy an exclusive visit to Quinta da Bizelga, the historical property of the Counts of Nova Goa. Guided by Helena, you’ll walk through rooms filled with ancient furniture and art and hear stories and curiosities about her family’s ancestral home.

 
Your home for the week: Casa da Avó Genoveva

Our home for the week is Casa da Avó Genoveva, a beautifully restored country manor from the 19th century, located in the Ribatejo region, just 10 km from the historic town of Tomar. This family-owned estate has remained in the same family since 1837 and combines classic Portuguese design with modern comforts.

The property offers charming rooms, each individually furnished to reflect the character of rural Portugal. Guests can:

  • Wander through spacious gardens

  • Enjoy a seasonal outdoor swimming pool

  • Relax in inviting shared spaces

Meals and dinners at the house will be served in the garden or on the patio paved with Portuguese cobblestones, using the family’s old porcelain, crystalware, and embroidered linens—an atmosphere that naturally feeds your creativity.

Our spacious art studio, filled with natural light and opening directly onto the gardens, provides an ideal environment for both peaceful retreat and creative exploration.

Victoria Johnson Bio

Victoria Johnson is an English artist based in Italy. Her career began in the United States, where she opened a New York–London design studio and collaborated with leading womenswear designers.

After many years in the US, Victoria moved her creative business to Rome. Her artwork has appeared on a variety of beautiful products for well-known clients, including Anthropologie, Gap, Hallmark, Papyrus, and Windham Fabrics.

Victoria distils thirty years of experience into powerful online art and design courses that motivate and inspire thousands of artists to create authentic, original artwork that’s true to their taste and style.

At her art retreats, Victoria encourages guests to understand what makes them unique, value what they gravitate towards, and lean into it.

Victoria will show you how to stay curious and open to new experiences while remaining true to yourself. You’ll gather inspiration from the cultural and aesthetic riches of stunning locations, combine that with an exciting array of media and techniques, and create intuitive works of art, vibrant with colour and texture

 
Retreat Information:

  • Dates: Saturday, 12 September – Friday, 18 September 2026

  • Duration: 6 nights / 5 days

  • Location: Casa da Avó Genoveva, near Tomar, Portugal

  • Minimum participants: 6

  • Maximum participants: 13

  • Participant level: All levels welcome

  • Languages: English & Italian

What’s included:

  • 6 nights accommodation at Casa da Avó Genoveva

  • 6 continental breakfasts with regional products

  • All meals & wines, tea/coffee and snacks (excluding one lunch out)

  • Welcome aperitivo + farewell aperitivo

  • Consideration of food restrictions:
    We will do our best to find alternatives available in our region to respect the food restrictions of our guests, but the meals we serve are traditional Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Guided visit to the Castle and Convent of Christ

  • Walk & shopping in the charming town of Tomar

  • Exclusive visit to the historical property of the Counts of Nova Goa

  • Exclusive visit to a local family-owned winery managed by a woman

  • 6 workshops with Victoria Johnson (total of 16 hours)

  • Full access to the art studio

  • A mini-exhibition at the end of the retreat

  • Transfers between Lisbon Airport and Casa da Avó Genoveva in a shared van or car

  • Pick-up time will be determined by the arrival/departure times of most of the group. You may have to wait for another guest at the airport.

  • All local transfers for activities and excursion

What’s not included:

  • Workshop materials (supply list coming soon)

  • 1 lunch out

  • Extra transfer fee if your flight is delayed and you miss the group pick-up at Lisbon airport

  • Any expenses not mentioned in the program

  • Travel and health insurance (strongly recommended) 

Price and Payment Terms

All rooms include private bathroom, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

  • Single room:
    $3,750 USD (per person)

  • Shared room (2 guests):
    $3,250 USD (per person)

To confirm your reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $400 USD is required.
The remaining balance is due by 15 July 2026.

Ready to join us?

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

 

If you are interested in joining Flores de Verão with Victoria Johnson, please fill in the form above.
The hosts at Casa da Avó Genoveva will contact you with further details.

Questions or special requests?

If you would like more information about the retreat, feel free to contact us:

We’re happy to help with travel questions, room options, or any other detail you’d like to clarify before booking.