New creative vacation classes offer glimpse at the soul of Portugal
(TRAVPR.COM) USA - January 5th, 2017 - Portugal has become the hottest destination of 2017, but for many visitors this ancient country is a bit of an enigma. Now a new vacation offering from Sozo Arts is helping to unlock the essence of Portugal using the arts to better understand this alluring land.
Sozo Arts founders Kit & Samantha Jennings offer a new program to travelers who seek hands-on interactive travel experiences. This couple started bringing groups to Portugal in 2013, following their adventurous decision to 'Brexit' the UK in favor of the light and warm hospitality of the Iberian Peninsula.
In 2017 they offer their popular Painting and Wine course which combines a visit to a Portuguese vineyard with classes to build your confidence in drawing and painting. For those wanting to get more from their camera, there is the Photography holiday in two locations, Lisbon and the Silver Coast. And new this year is Painting & Pottery - based in the city of Caldas da Rainha, a center for ceramics and fine arts. Samantha describes the new ceramics package this way. “Under the experienced eye of ceramics professional, Marta, guests will be able to make and glaze their own piece of pottery in the style of Portugal´s famous Bordallo Pinheiro. In addition the holiday offers a painting workshop to design an azulejo (tile). With 5 galleries and museums close at hand and local potters to gaze at, visitors won´t be short of inspiration.”
According to Kit, “Over the last few years we´ve built up strong connections with the local community. We now have a set of fantastic local tutors, a range of great locations to visit and friends in authentic local Portuguese restaurants. The Portuguese pride themselves (quite rightly) on their wonderfully home cooked food, generously served up with heaps of loving care.”
So what makes a Sozo Arts experience in Portugal unique?
· Portugal is a unique and relatively undiscovered country. It has a wealth of experiences to offer: culturally, historically and visually. It has a mild climate, akin to California along its long coastline, and enjoys the most sunshine hours of a European country. Not to mention the delicious range of food and wines…
· Experienced hosts and art tutors Kit and Samantha add sparkle because they love what they do. All Sozo Arts tutors are professional, experienced and make guests feel at home.
· Value for money - Portugal offers more for the dollar than most other European countries offering art holidays.
· A perfect balance of creative and relaxing time to unwind and enjoy the experience.
“Sozo” derives from the Greek word meaning wholeness and health. A great way to attain these benefits is to nurture one´s creative side: learning skills and valuing the results and having fun. Studies show that by developing their creative side, people cope better with uncertainty - they can adapt their thinking to allow for the flow of the unknown. Useful skills in this day and age!
Sozo Arts has inspired visitors from all over the world. Brian and Briana from Chicago took a year´s sabbatical from work to travel, and summed up their Sozo Arts experience this way: “In our minds, it’s these two that set this place apart from all the other places we’ve stayed during our travels. They LOVE what they do, and they are brilliant at it.
As well as the obvious outlet for self-expression, creativity has long been associated with therapeutic qualities. Maggie from Scotland was very nervous about painting since failing a school arts exam, but soon found her confidence growing on a Sozo Arts Painting and Wine holiday on the Silver Coast.
Sozo Arts provides inspiring creative vacations to Portugal, Lisbon and The Silver Coast (central region). All holidays include a combination of accommodation, onsite workshops, most daily meals and cultural excursions. A quality and value-driven experience with excellent tuition and super warm hosting. The cost for a typical holiday package starts at 750 euros (pp) for a week. www.sozoarts.org
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