# Botanical Watercolor Retreat with Artist Lara Call Gastinger in Scotland Learn the art of botanical field sketching and watercolor painting on a retreat with botanical artist Lara Call Gastinger in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Surrounded by wild gardens and heather-covered hills, you will learn how to observe and accurately draw plants in the field, then translate those studies into refined botanical art pieces in watercolor back in the studio. Whether you have been painting for years or are opening a fresh sketchbook for the very first time, you will leave with finished works and the confidence to see and capture the natural world on the page. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience. Your haven for the retreat is a peaceful countryside estate, complete with a spacious studio, chef-prepared meals, and evenings filled with Scottish culture, from gin tastings to traditional Gaelic dance. Enjoy art trips to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and Buchlyvie Village, sketching or taking reference photos along the way. ## Details - **Dates:** June 18 - 25, 2027 - **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK - **Starting Price:** $4,500 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 15 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Lara Call Gastinger 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, plein-air artist stools, easels, and easel/table lamps 3. 7 nights of accommodation at a Scottish countryside estate 4. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, outdoor hot tubs, terraces, and gardens 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 mid-morning power juices, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 7. Special welcome and farewell dinner 8. Water, coffee, herbal tea, and snacks available throughout the day 9. Delicious wine served during dinner service every day 10. An in-house gin-tasting experience 11. Half-day art trip to Loch Lomond, with opportunities for sketching and painting on-location 12. Full-day art trip to Stirling, with opportunities for sketching and painting on-location 13. Entrance ticket and guided visit to Stirling Castle during your trip to Stirling 14. Visit to the Wallace Monument during your trip to Stirling 15. Trip to Buchlyvie village and the surrounding countryside, at your leisure 16. Campfire with Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing and music after the farewell dinner 17. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities (except for the trip to Buchlyvie village) 18. Round-trip transfers at pre-arranged times from/to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) 19. Dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 20. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 21. All local tourist taxes and fees 22. Access to a private Facebook group with Lara Call Gastinger and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - One lunch during the full-day trip to Stirling - Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Lara Call Gastinger will be provided five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Botanical Watercolor Retreat Settle into a week of botanical painting and creative discovery on a retreat with artist Lara Call Gastinger at a peaceful countryside estate in Buchlyvie, Scotland. Throughout the retreat, Lara will guide you through the full journey of a botanical artist, from observing and identifying plants in the wild to creating refined, finished pieces in watercolor. Enjoy daily demonstrations and hands-on sessions with personalized guidance, as you develop the skills to accurately draw plants and work confidently with watercolor, building compositions that bring your field observations to life on the page. This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as Lara's work and style of teaching. Your mornings will bring focused instruction in the studio or painting on location, from pen sketching and plant identification to monochromatic watercolor studies and full-palette color mixing. Afternoons will shift into deeper studio work, where you will create compositions from your field observations and develop them into finished botanical pieces under Lara's guidance. Beyond the studio, paint your way through the Scottish countryside on two art trips and a village walk. Head out to Loch Lomond, nestled within the Trossachs National Park, where glassy waters reflect distant peaks and native heather lines the shore. Paint and sketch on location under Lara's guidance, gathering botanical reference material to develop in the studio. Set out on a full-day trip to the historic town of Stirling, where you will visit Stirling Castle perched high above the landscape, then continue to the striking Wallace Monument for sweeping views over the countryside. Later in the week, take a self-guided walk to the nearby village of Buchlyvie, just a 15-minute stroll from the estate, to explore at your own pace. **Topics covered during your classes with Lara include:** - Learning how to observe and accurately draw plants - Creating detailed botanical art pieces in watercolor - Learning watercolor techniques - Finding inspiration in your surroundings - Translating field studies into realized botanical pieces - …and many more! Your home for the week is a beautiful farm estate nestled in the peaceful Scottish countryside and surrounded by rustic scenery and tranquil gardens. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped art studio, and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the landscape. Throughout the week, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow artists over a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, a special gin-tasting experience featuring local varieties, and a memorable campfire night with Scottish music and dancing beneath the open sky. Embark on a week of creativity, nature, and connections, and leave with memories to last a lifetime! ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) for a 3:00 PM pickup and enjoy a scenic drive to your destination, a stunning countryside estate, where you’ll arrive around 4:00 PM. Once there, settle into your comfortable room, take a moment to unwind, and meet your instructor for the week, artist Lara Call Gastinger. Join your fellow artists for a relaxed orientation tour of the property, exploring the charming accommodations, the spacious studio, and the expansive gardens. The evening kicks off with a delightful welcome dinner prepared by the estate’s in-house chef, paired with a glass of wine. Enjoy lively conversations with your art group as you discuss the inspiring plans for the retreat. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then join Lara and the venue hosts for a morning check-in before heading into your first creative session of the retreat. In the morning workshop, Lara will introduce basic sketching skills and plant identification. You will work in pen, learning to capture the structure and detail of natural forms through careful, accurate line work. Lara will guide you through seeing plants the way a botanical artist does, paying close attention to proportions and textures that make each specimen unique. After a nourishing lunch prepared by your private chef, return to the studio for your first session with watercolor. Lara will introduce monochromatic watercolor painting, walking you through refined brush techniques and detailed watercolor methods that will form the foundation of your botanical practice. Working in a single color will sharpen your eye for tone and value, preparing you for the full palette later in the week. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the hot tub or chatting with your fellow artists, then gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, sharing first impressions and discoveries from a full day in the studio. ### Day 3: Art trip to Loch Lomond Sit down to a nourishing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then join Lara for a morning check-in before gathering your sketchbook and supplies for an art trip to Loch Lomond. After a scenic drive through rolling hills and forests, you will arrive at the shores of the loch, nestled within the Trossachs National Park. Paint and sketch on location under Lara's guidance, paying attention to the plant life along the shore and gathering reference material for the afternoon session. Return to the venue for a refreshing lunch, then head into an afternoon studio session. Find a plant from the morning that caught your eye and create a composition from it, translating your field observations into a more developed piece under Lara's guidance. Unwind with a soak in the hot tub or a stroll through the gardens, then gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, sharing stories from a day spent painting on the shores of one of Scotland's most iconic lochs. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Start your day with a delicious breakfast and a morning check-in with Lara and the venue hosts, then prepare for a day focused on color in the studio. Lara will introduce a full palette of watercolor, guiding you through color mixing and showing you how to build a range of natural, botanical tones. You will experiment with blending and layering, discovering how to match the greens and earth tones you have observed in the Scottish landscape and your field studies. Following lunch, return to your composition from Day 3 and add watercolor. With the color mixing skills from the morning fresh in your hands, you will bring your botanical piece to life, working under Lara's guidance to build depth and richness through careful layering. Take some time to relax in the gardens or hot tub before gathering for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, with the easy company of your fellow artists as you swap notes on a day spent deep in color. ### Day 5: Art trip to Stirling After a wholesome breakfast and a quick morning check-in, gather your sketchbook and supplies for a full-day trip to the historic town of Stirling, where centuries of history shape the atmosphere and the Highlands soften into rolling Lowland hills. The morning will take you to Stirling Castle, perched high above the landscape and surrounded by gardens. Wander through its courtyards and take in the views, capturing photographs of the garden paths and patterned stonework as rich reference material for your botanical work. Pause with your sketchbook to capture a quick study if something catches your eye. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of Stirling's restaurants or cafés, then continue to the striking Wallace Monument, which rises from Abbey Craig with sweeping views over the countryside. Paint and sketch on location under Lara's guidance, paying attention to the plant life and natural forms around you as the afternoon unfolds. Return to the estate as the light softens across the fields, then gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, sharing stories and sketches from a day spent in one of Scotland's most historic towns. ### Day 6: Walk to Buchlyvie & surrounding countryside Settle in with a filling breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then join Lara for a morning check-in before heading out on a self-guided walk to the nearby village of Buchlyvie, just a fifteen-minute stroll from the estate. Wander at your own pace through open fields with wide views of the hills around you. Once in the village, explore the local shops and lanes, or follow one of the paths that lead back toward the meadows. If something catches your eye, pause to sketch or capture a quick reference photo of the plant life and natural textures around you. Return to the venue for lunch, then head into an afternoon studio session. Pick up your composition from Day 3 and keep refining it, or create an entirely new piece under Lara's guidance. Take this opportunity to push further into the skills you have been building throughout the week! As the evening approaches, join your fellow artists for an in-house gin-tasting experience featuring local Scottish varieties, then gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine, with the warmth of your fellow artists well into their creative rhythm. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Savor a warm breakfast and a morning cup of coffee, then join Lara for a final check-in before heading into your last day of painting. Keep working on your composition in the morning, refining details and bringing your botanical pieces to their finished state under Lara's guidance. This is your chance to fine-tune the elements that matter most to you, whether that means adjusting color and deepening tone, or sharpening the fine details that make your botanical work sing. Following lunch, continue working on your pieces through the early afternoon. In the final hour, gather with your fellow artists for a celebratory mini-exhibition and closing circle, displaying your work and reflecting on the creative journey you have shared over the course of the retreat. As evening falls, gather for a special farewell dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with wine. After dinner, head outside for a campfire with Scottish Ceilidh dancing and music, a festive send-off under the Scottish sky. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Lara and your fellow artists, and get ready for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM. As you make your way back home, take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories. ## Instructors - [Lara Call Gastinger](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/lara-call-gastinger) — Botanical artist and illustrator ## Accommodation ### Scottish Farm estate The art retreat with Lara Call Gastinger will be held at a serene countryside estate located in the peaceful village of Buchlyvie, amidst the wild beauty of Scotland. This exquisitely restored farmhouse perfectly blends traditional Scottish architecture with modern elegance. The boutique-style venue, featuring tasteful amenities and décor, offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands and the surrounding countryside. The estate comprises six distinct accommodations, each with its own unique charm. The Farmhouse, serving as the main villa, contains four beautiful rooms and an elegant dining area where all meals will be served. The other units include The Lodge, offering four bedrooms with selected wallpaper and spacious common areas; The Stables, a two-bedroom unit with views of the Trossachs; The Coach House, a beautifully restored three-bedroom home; The Cottage, a cozy 200-year-old suite with a single bedroom; and The Barn, which houses the dedicated art studio. Rooms can be booked as shared or single, with options for ensuite, adjacent, or shared bathrooms. Interiors are tastefully decorated with bespoke furnishings, exquisite designer fabrics, and 100% Egyptian cotton linens and towels. Each accommodation unit boasts spacious and inviting common areas, featuring amenities such as the fireplaces in the Farmhouse, as well as fully equipped kitchens for a homely feel. The five electrically heated outdoor hot tubs, shared between guests in the same accommodation unit, provide the perfect spot to relax after a full day. Art classes will be held in the well-lit and spacious art studio located in The Barn, featuring vaulted ceilings, or on the expansive grounds of the estate. Please note that moving around the venue, including between accommodation spaces, the dining area, and the art studio, requires a short walk, and some rooms are only accessible by stairs. Therefore, the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility. ### Shared standard room You will share this room with one other same-gender retreat participant. Located in the Coach House on the second floor, the shared standard room is accessible via a spiral stairway. It includes two comfortable double beds. Its adjacent bathroom (equipped with a tub) is accessible by descending a few steps. Guests will benefit from shared access to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace of the Coach House, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room. ### Single room - shared bathroom You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. These single-occupancy rooms share a bathroom with another single-occupancy room nearby; two participants will share a spacious bathroom on site. Equipped with comfortable king-size beds, the rooms feature large windows with beautiful views over the surrounding gardens. The rooms are located in The Farmhouse on the second floor. Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terrace, and the hot tub of the Farmhouse, the main villa where all meals will be hosted. ### Single room - external bathroom Two single rooms with private, external bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Lodge and The Stables. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Each room features a comfortable king-size bed, a private shower bathroom, and bespoke décor. Access to the private external bathroom of the room located in the Lodge requires climbing 6 steps. Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings. ### Single room - adjacent bathroom Two single superior rooms with private, adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Farmhouse (main villa) and the Coach House. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Slightly larger than the single standard rooms with external bathrooms, they feature comfortable king-size beds, private shower bathrooms, and bespoke décor. Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings. ### Single standard ensuite room Three standard single ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable king-size bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located in the Stables on the first floor, in the Coach House on the second floor, and in the Lodge on the first floor. The rooms benefit from shared access to the common spaces of their respective buildings: the lounge, the fully equipped kitchen, a terrace, and an outdoor hot tub facing the surrounding countryside, treating you to breathtaking views. ### Single superior ensuite room One single superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. The room is located in the Lodge, on the first floor. The bright and airy room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable king-size bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The single superior room is slightly larger than the single standard room, and it also features a private balcony. You'll also benefit from access to the shared spaces of the Lodge: the lounge, the fully equipped kitchen, and the terrace with an outdoor hot tub. ### Deluxe ensuite room One single deluxe ensuite room in The Farmhouse is available for single occupancy. This master bedroom is located on the first floor and features a spacious ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, bespoke furnishings, and décor, as well as its own stately fireplace. The comfortable king-size bed ensures a restful sleep. You'll benefit from access to the shared spaces of The Farmhouse - an outdoor hot tub on the terrace, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room. ### Deluxe private villa One deluxe private villa (The Cottage) is available for single occupancy. This beautifully renovated, 200-year-old building offers the ultimate cocoon of peace and tranquility. It features stunning design and tasteful amenities through its incredible cathedral ceiling in the main room, exposed beams, the ensuite bathroom, and the free-standing hot tub in the bedroom. The bedroom of The Cottage comes with a comfortable king-size bed. The Cottage also has its own fully-equipped kitchen, private terrace, and private outdoor hot tub. ## Food During your art retreat, indulge in meals prepared by a private chef, using the freshest ingredients. The thoughtfully curated menu combines traditional Scottish dishes with international flavors, complemented by daily beverages and snacks. Start each day with a choice of egg dishes or a continental breakfast, featuring buttery pastries, fresh fruit, toast, yogurt, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For lunch, enjoy a single course with options like a goat cheese tart served with rocket salad, a hearty chicken Caesar salad with crusty bread, or homemade soup accompanied by homemade focaccia. In the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, with selections such as Scottish trout with seasonal veggies, miso aubergine served with bowls of steaming jasmine rice or harissa spiced meatballs with flatbreads scooping. Conclude on a sweet note with desserts like lemon pots with homemade shortbread, warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, Scottish rhubarb crumble with fresh custard, or a selection of homemade sorbets. Throughout the retreat, enjoy fresh power juices during morning art classes and wine served with dinner. Coffee, tea, herbal teas, and mineral water will be readily available all day. Treat yourself to a mid-afternoon snack or grab some fruit from the snack bar for a quick pick-me-up. Experience authentic Scottish hospitality with three-course welcome and farewell dinners, an in-house gin tasting, and a night of traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing in the barn. All meals are included except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Stirling. The exact menu served will depend on the availability of the regional ingredients. For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below. ## Getting There Nestled near the charming village of Buchlyvie and close to Stirling in central Scotland, your retreat venue offers a serene setting amid breathtaking natural beauty. Situated at the edge of the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, it provides distant views of the Trossachs, an area rich with lochs, glens, and mountains that are home to diverse wildlife. The local culture is steeped in Scottish heritage, from the evocative sound of bagpipes in the valleys to ancient castles that narrate Scotland's storied past. You'll have plenty of natural inspiration to draw from for your art, particularly the sweeping Scottish landscape. Edinburgh, the vibrant cultural hub, is just an hour's drive away. During your retreat, you'll have the opportunity to visit Loch Lomond, a vast stretch of crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains an hour away, and Stirling, a historic town known for its Gaelic roots and the impressive Stirling Castle, located just 30 minutes away. **Please arrive at** **Edinburgh Airport (EDI).** We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Scotland a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. **How to get from Edinburgh Airport to the retreat venue:** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Edinburgh, we recommend you fly to Dublin or London and then fly to Edinburgh (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 1 hour. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 18, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on June 25, 2027, by 10:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Arrival Transfer:** **June 18, 2027 - 3:00 PM** (leaving from Edinburgh Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **June 25, 2027 - 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Edinburgh Airport around 11:00 AM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** \- Spend extra days in Edinburgh before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Edinburgh Airport. \- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Rachel's Farm, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, Scotland, FK8 3NR, United Kingdom, 150 GBP - approximately US$195 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary). ## Reviews **Reviews of previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "The location of the retreat was beautiful. The accommodations were lovely. Our room was spacious, the bedding was comfortable, and the linens and bath supplies were appreciated. The art studio was spacious and well lit. My dietary needs were met, which I really appreciated. The variety of recipes offered was all delicious." - "Very organized and things ran very smoothly. The food was superb and every request was met with immediate provision." - "This is my second Uptrek retreat and hopefully not my last. The venue was outstanding. The hosts were so kind, friendly and really went out of their way to accommodate our needs. Our chef Carly was the best and I’m hoping she writes a cookbook someday. I loved my adventure in Scotland." - "Great retreat! Awesome venue, good food, fantastic side trips, wonderful studio space..!" - "The venue was a respite from our busy worlds and provided luxurious comfort and fabulous food for the week." - "I had THE most luxurious and private quarters at the venue! It was worth every extra cost to sleep and rest there. The food so was very well prepared. I felt like we had a trained chef and dietitian feeding us." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the retreat available to all levels?** This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as Lara Call Gastinger's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Lara Call Gastinger in Buchlyvie, Scotland, the UK, takes place between June 18 - 25, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 18, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, June 25, 2027, after breakfast. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Please arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Scotland a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Edinburgh, we recommend you fly to Dublin or London and then fly to Edinburgh (round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour. For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/botanical-watercolor-retreat-artist-lara-call-gastinger-scotland#location). **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a raincoat, a coat for chilly weather, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. **Can I do laundry while on the retreat?** Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay. **What supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Lara Call Gastinger will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, plein-air artist stools, easels, and easel/table lamps are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.** **What’s the weather like in Buchlyvie in June?** The weather in June in Buchlyvie is usually mild and pleasant, and rainy on occasion. You can expect average highs of 18°C / 64°F during the day that drop to around 11°C / 52°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly. **How many people are to be expected at the retreat?** Maximum 15 participants. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, and other visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. For more information on the ETA, including eligibility and application steps, please visit the official UK government website: [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta) Please contact us for further guidance. **Are there any age restrictions?** The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18. **What language is used during the retreat and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **Can a non-participating guest join me?** We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Most accommodation spaces and main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the trips. **What happens if I need to cancel?** Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy) **Do I need travel insurance?** Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation. For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip. We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. **Do I have to pay a deposit?** No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. **Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?** UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. **Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/botanical-watercolor-retreat-artist-lara-call-gastinger-scotland#book)** — no deposit required. See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/botanical-watercolor-retreat-artist-lara-call-gastinger-scotland **Last updated:** 2026-06-10