Portugal Algarve Craft + Culture Tour
LOCATION: Algarve Region of Portugal
DATES: May 4-9, 2026
GUESTS: 10 women + 1 host
PRICING: $3,295 per person, shared room
$995 deposit due with registration to secure a spot
Registration closes December 5 or when available spots are filled.
Please inquire about single supplement/private room availability.
The Amazing Algarve
Join us on this special journey to the beautiful Algarve region of Southern Portugal.
We can’t wait to share a glimpse of real, old world Portugal with you!
Join us for a special 5-night, 6-day journey to the beautiful Algarve Region of Southern Portugal. Stay in a boutique hotel at a family-run farm nestled in a lush valley. Experience the wonder of the non-touristy side of Portugal - folk artisans, birdwatching, salt pans, rustic beaches, rainbows, picnics, wildflowers, local cuisine, and historic architecture.
Artisans, Architecture, Culinary Arts, and
This bespoke 6-day tour is designed alongside local friends to introduce you to what makes Portugal so amazing and unique.
This is one of the first tours in the Algarve that is offering an artisan-focused, old world experience of this region. Our local partners, Proactivetur, are at the forefront of promoting sustainable tourism, which we have found to be one of the most meaningful ways to engage with travel in another culture. You will be investing your time and resources in supporting local makers and preserving both their livelihoods and heritage.
You will be invited to open your heart to the beauty found in the culture and crafts of Portugal through a variety of first-hand experiences with our local guides and partners.
You will meet some of the last artisans and makers from this region who will share their craft and culture with you. Our visits help to sustain and support the few remaining traditional artisans.
We will be staying at a boutique hotel on a century-old quinta (farm in Portuguese), beautifully renovated in 2021, all set in a valley.
Experience the wonder of the non-touristy side of Portugal - folk artisans, birdwatching, salt pans, rustic beaches, rainbows, picnics, wildflowers, local cuisine, and historic architecture.
The tour will include experiences such as farm-to-table meals, hands-on workshops like weaving, botanical printing, and ceramics, a traditional culinary class, nature hikes, beach walks, and many special visits to villages and towns to connect with the local people who carry the history and culture of this beautiful part of the world.
Note: This tour is a great add-on to exploring other parts of Portugal. Your tour will begin at the quinta, giving you the option to arrive early or stay after. If needed, we can help arrange airport or train station transfers for an extra fee paid directly to the driver.
What’s included
Accommodations: Enjoy 5 nights of accommodations at a boutique hotel on a century-old quinta (farm in Portuguese), beautifully renovated in 2021. The rooms are appointed with locally made decor. You can enjoy the pool, farm, and outdoor seating areas throughout your stay.
Transportation: Local transportation and airport transfers.
Meals: The farm is certified organic and will prepare local farm-to-table meals for us daily. Wine and cocktails will be available at dinners. We will also have some meals in special locations during some of our daily adventures.
Experiences:
Hands-on workshops with local artisans like weaving, botanical printing, and ceramics.
A traditional culinary class with two amazing sisters at their family farm.
Tours and visits to historic towns and villages, visit artisans, and shop locally.
Scenic hike in the surrounding hills, including a picnic organized by a local NGO.
Visit to a traditional sea salt production.
Afternoon boat ride, beach relaxing, and birding at Culatra Island.
Free time to enjoy the nature and tranquility of the farm.
A detailed itinerary and specific accommodations are provided to registered travelers only.
What’s not included?
Airfare, travel insurance, airport transfers outside of group plans, tips, extra food, alcohol, and personal purchases.
Details
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Age requirement: All travelers must be women, 18 years or older.
Application registration deadline: December 5, 2025
If we have any questions about your registration, we will be in touch within 2 business days.
Pricing per person:
$3,295 USD - shared occupancy)
Please email us about single supplement/private room availability and extra fee.
A portion of your fee goes toward the ARTIST & NOMAD Artisan Fund.
Due with registration: $995 USD (non-refundable).
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Deposit: $995 USD due with registration confirmation to confirm your spot.
2nd payment due January 5, 2026: $1,150 USD (+ if applicable, single supplement room fee).
3rd Payment due February 5, 2026: $1,150 USD.
Payment Terms: Our tours and retreats are intentionally small, and cancellations have a significant impact on our team and our local partners. For this reason, all payments are required, non-refundable, and non-transferable, except for the few situations noted in our Terms.
ARTIST & NOMAD Full Terms: Please review our Full Terms before registering.
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Travel Packet: 3-4 weeks after your registration, you’ll receive a detailed packet to help you prepare for your journey. This will include everything needed to prepare for your journey, including a detailed itinerary, travel arrival/departure guidelines, packing list, travel insurance information, cultural insights, and other travel tips.
Flights: The tour packet we provide will have detailed information you need to book your flights and travel insurance. You are responsible for booking both on time and following the arrival and departure details we provide.
Please don’t purchase flights until ARTIST & NOMAD sends you the detailed itinerary and arrival/departure guidelines.
Travel Insurance: This is required to protect you in case of a medical emergency or unexpected change of plans. We recommend a plan that includes medical care, accidents, cancellations, etc and your ARTIST & NOMAD tour fees.
Select a plan level, from a company of your choosing, which brings you the most peace of mind. For the most complete protection—such as “Cancel For Any Reason” or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions—be sure to purchase within 21 days of your ARTIST & NOMAD deposit.
Passport & Visa: Please ensure your passport it is current and secure any visa needed, depending on your nationality. European and US citizens do not currently need a visa to travel to Portugal.
Connect Online: ARTIST & NOMAD will host a group video call via Google Meet, usually 2-3 months before the tour. This invites our travelers a chance to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the upcoming adventure in Portugal. You will receive an email with a detailed link when it is scheduled.
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Activity Level: This tour requires a mild level of activity, including walks around the farm. There is also a boat ride scheduled.
Vaccinations: Please check the CDC website for updated health notices and vaccine recommendations, and visit your doctor or a travel nurse to discuss what is best for you.
You are responsible for ensuring you have the vaccinations or vaccination exemptions required for travel and entry into your destination.
Currently, there are no vaccinations required to enter Portugal.
Health Policy: We kindly ask you to enjoy alcohol mindfully and in moderation. Please note that smoking and drug use are not permitted.
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Please read ARTIST & NOMAD’s Full Terms and Travel Philosophy before you register. Agreement to these terms is required to travel with ARTIST & NOMAD.
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Questions? Please email us, and we’d be happy to connect and answer any questions.
Meet Your Host
Hosting your journey to the Algarve Region of Portugal will be Kirsten Dickerson, our founder and director. Kirsten has traveled extensively (over 40 countries), building meaningful long-term relationships with artisans, designers, and local guides. She currently lives with her husband, Brandon in London, but they previously spent 3 years in Portugal. This tour is curated in partnership with the people and places she loves in the Algarve who hold the history and culture of this beautiful region of the world.
Sample Itinerary
The complete itinerary and accommodations are shared with registered travelers only. Travel- especially with a group-can require flexibility. To help create the best experience for everyone, ARTIST & NOMAD may adjust the itinerary as needed before or during the trip.
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Welcome cocktails and a lovely farm walk
Fresh farm-to-table dinner at the Quinta
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Breakfast
Morning walk to an Artisan's home for a botanical print workshop.
Walk the property to learn about natural dyes and prints, and pick local flowers to use for your printing textile workshop.
Lunch
Afternoon return to the Quinta
Free time to explore the farm or relax.
Dinner at the farm.
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Breakfast
Journey to Monchique to visit a father-daughter home pottery studio, which will showcase their talents and approaches to ceramics. Hands-on demonstration of pottery using local botanicals.
Lunch and afternoon walkabout in charming Monchique.
Stop in the historic town of Silves at a special traditional sweet shop.
Afternoon is free to relax at the farm.
Dinner at the farm
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Breakfast at the farm.
Journey to Alta-Mora village for a special time with local cane artisans.
Enjoy a local scenic hike in the surrounding hills including a picnic organized by a local NGO.
Afternoon visit to the traditional sea salt production followed by a wonderful evening that includes a cooking class and dinner.
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Breakfast at the farm.
Journey to Loulé. Visit to go to a weaving workshop.
Lunch at the ocean (seafood).
Afternoon boat ride and beach relaxing and birding at Culatra Island.
Final dinner at the farm
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Breakfast at the farm.
Relaxing morning until check out and departure before lunchtime
