# Brushstrokes of Joy Art Retreat with Artist Kristy Rice in Greece Capture the world in color on a retreat with watercolor artist Kristy Rice on the sun-drenched Greek island of Zakynthos. This is your open invitation to explore the magic of watercolor in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere where "mistakes" are simply happy accidents waiting to be explored. Through a no-stress curriculum that builds confidence session by session, you will dive into watercolor foundations, sketchbook composition, architecture and landscape hacks for painting on location, and hand lettering that brings your travel journal to life! Venture out on half-day art trips to the historic streets of Zante Town and an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890, home to olive trees over 1500 years old, for sketching on location and an olive oil tasting experience, and board a boat to the iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach). Settle into a welcoming Greek villa filled with nourishing, chef-prepared meals and sweeping views of the sparkling sea. Connect with a wonderful circle of women, sharing insights, laughter, and a deep love of creativity as you build a little collection of art that tells the story of your very own Greek adventure. Sit down each evening to a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, from the welcome dinner on your first night to a farewell celebration with a Greek dance show and live music on your last. Open to all levels, this retreat welcomes complete beginners, casual dabblers, returning painters, and anyone who loves making things! ## Details - **Dates:** June 10 - 17, 2027 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,700 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 16 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 Kristy Rice 2. A set of art supplies provided by Kristy Rice 3. Shala art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, easels, artist stools, and professional studio lights 4. 7 nights of accommodation at an elegant seaside villa 5. Exclusive use of the venue's living quarters and common areas, a Shala art studio, pool, jacuzzi, wooden gazebo, spa area, and beautiful terraces 6. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 7. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 8. Water, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the day 9. Special welcome and farewell dinner 10. Delicious local wine during dinner service every day 11. Spacious sea-facing Shala art studio 12. Half-day art trip to Zante Town, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 13. Half-day boat trip to the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), with a boat ride included 14. Half-day art trip to an award-winning olive oil farm (est.1890), home to olive trees over 1500 years old, with an olive oil tasting experience and opportunities for painting and sketching on location 15. Greek dance show and band for the farewell dinner 16. Private transportation and guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities 17. Round-trip transfers from/to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) at prearranged times 18. All local tourist taxes and fees 19. A 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. Access to a private Facebook group with Kristy Rice and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - Art materials — a list of art materials recommended by artist Kristy Rice will be provided five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff — tipping is customary in Greece - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Brushstrokes of Joy Art Retreat Come paint something beautiful on this watercolor retreat with artist Kristy Rice on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Kristy's curriculum is designed to make watercolor fun and completely stress-free, whether you are picking up a brush for the very first time or returning to sharpen your field techniques. Through daily morning and afternoon sessions built around five creative modules, you will move from the very basics of watercolor through sketchbook composition, on-location architecture sketching, expressive landscape painting, and hand lettering techniques that turn a simple sketchbook into a travel journal worth keeping. Every technique is demonstrated step by step and practiced alongside Kristy, so there is no falling behind. The goal is exploration, not perfection! Your days will split between studio sessions at the villa and trips into the Greek landscape to sketch on location. Kristy will guide you through new techniques in the mornings, and afternoons will be all about putting paint to paper, developing field sketches and studies into finished compositions under her guidance. Between sessions, cool off in the pool, soak in the jacuzzi, explore the terraced gardens, or head back to the studio for extra painting time. Beyond the studio, explore the island of Zakynthos on half-day trips that fuel your sketchbook. Head to the historic streets of Zante Town for urban sketching and painting on location, and visit an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890, home to olive trees over 1500 years old, for an olive oil tasting experience and time to sketch the ancient trees around you. Board a boat to the iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), taking in the dramatic coastline with its steep cliffs and turquoise water. **Topics covered in your classes include:** - Getting comfortable with your materials, from brushes and paper weights to pigment properties - Understanding wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques to choose your effect - Building a travel palette that does more with less through color mixing - Working with washes, blooms, layering, and glazing to create depth and luminosity - Composing dynamic sketchbook pages using the rule of thirds, negative space, framing, and vignette techniques - Sketching architecture on location using simplified one-point perspective and fast observation shorthand - Painting landscapes with a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective and color temperature shifts - Capturing loose trees, foliage, water, and reflections with gestural, expressive brushwork - Adding brush lettering, hand lettering, captions, and painted title treatments to your sketchbook - ...and many more! The venue, a Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative home for the retreat. The sea-facing Shala art studio comes equipped with tables, chairs, easels, and professional studio lights, with plenty of space to spread out and paint. Sit down each evening to three-course dinners prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, and enjoy water, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the day. Please note: The retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. The beach can be reached by descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet). Additionally, the trips involve moderate walking, so this retreat may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. ### Day 1: Arrival Arrive at Zakynthos Airport for your 3:30 PM transfer to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the Mediterranean. Settle into your elegant room and take a moment to unwind before joining a guided tour of the venue grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the shala art studio, and the inviting common areas. Meet your lovely instructor for the retreat, Kristy Rice, as well as your fellow artists. As the evening winds down, savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in a warm and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of wine with Kristin and the group, making plans for the week ahead. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather with your fellow artists before heading into your first creative session of the retreat. Kristy will kick things off with introductions and a look at what's ahead, then dive straight into watercolor foundations. You will get comfortable with your materials and explore the difference between wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry while building a travel palette that does more with less. Kristy demonstrates every technique step by step and gives you a hands-on exercise to practice alongside her, so there is no falling behind. After a nourishing lunch prepared by your private chef, return to the studio for an afternoon of painting. Explore washes, blooms, layering, and glazing as you build depth and luminosity on the page, learning to work with the water instead of against it and welcoming every happy accident along the way. Wind down by the pool or in the jacuzzi, then gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, swapping first brushstrokes and happy accidents from a full day of painting above the sea. ### Day 3: Art trip to Zante Town Over a wholesome breakfast and a morning cup of coffee, gather your sketchbook and supplies for a half-day art trip to Zante Town. Explore the historic streets of this lively Greek town with your sketchbook in hand, sketching storefronts, doorways, rooflines, and cobblestone alleys on location. Kristy will share her architecture hacks for making buildings feel solid with just enough geometry, plus tips for sketching fast in public without sacrificing character. Return to the venue for lunch prepared by your private chef, then head into the studio to develop your field sketches into richer compositions. Kristy will walk you through her "door-window-roofline" shorthand, a quick observation method that works for any structure, and help you translate your morning drawings into watercolor. Sit down to a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine as the sun dips below the horizon, sharing sketchbook pages from a morning spent drawing through the streets of Zante. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Dig into a delicious breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then check in with your fellow artists and get ready for a day of new creative territory. The morning will focus on sketchbook composition. Kristy will show you how to turn even a quick field sketch into something visually compelling, covering the rule of thirds (and when to break it), negative space as a design tool, framing your view, and mixing vignettes with close-ups and wide views for pages that feel varied and alive. After a filling lunch prepared by your private chef, shift into landscape painting. Kristy will walk you through her landscape hacks, from creating depth by breaking a scene into clear zones to loose techniques for trees, foliage, water reflections, and cloud studies that capture the shimmer and movement of the Greek coastline. Take a dip in the pool or wander the terraced gardens before gathering for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, trading notes on a day that stretched from composition to Greek coastlines. ### Day 5: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Start your morning with a refreshing breakfast, setting the tone for a day full of creativity and discoveries at Navagio Beach. Gather your art supplies and ease into the rhythm of the day, ready to take in the stunning coastal scenery. From Porto Vromi, step aboard and glide across calm, crystal-clear waters, passing hidden caves and towering rock formations along the way. The journey itself is an inspiration. Take reference photos, sketch quick impressions, or simply soak in the beauty around you. If the weather allows, take a swim in the cool, inviting sea. Your destination is the legendary Navagio Beach, home to the famed Panagiotis shipwreck, a rusting relic steeped in mystery, rumored to have ties to smuggling operations in the 1980s. After time spent exploring, sail back to Porto Vromi, where a shuttle will take you back to the venue for a well-earned lunch. Head back to the venue for lunch prepared by your private chef, then settle into the studio for an afternoon of painting. With Kristy's guidance, you will translate the morning's coastline into watercolor landscapes, exploring her shortcuts for water, reflections, atmospheric perspective, and cloud studies that add drama and mood to your pages. Soak up the last of the afternoon sun by the pool before gathering for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, sharing reference photos and stories from a morning on the water. ### Day 6: Art trip to an olive oil farm with olive oil tasting Settle in with a warm breakfast and a morning cup of coffee, then gather your sketchbook and supplies for a half-day art trip to an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890, home to olive trees over 1500 years old. Wander among the ancient trees with your sketchbook in hand, sketching gnarled trunks and botanical forms while gathering reference photos. You will also enjoy an olive oil tasting experience, connecting you to the local landscape through its flavors. Return to the venue for lunch prepared by your private chef, then head into the studio for an afternoon dedicated to Kristy's lettering and text hacks. Words and watercolor are natural companions, and Kristy will introduce brush lettering, casual hand lettering, captions, and painted title treatments that bring your sketchbook pages together. Experiment with flourishes and botanical borders to frame and finish your spreads, giving your travel journal a polished, personal look. Unwind by the pool or on the terraced gardens, then gather for a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine, sharing sketches of ancient olive trees and freshly lettered pages as the Greek sunset spills across the sea. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Savor a nourishing breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, ready to make every last brushstroke count. Dive into a morning of pulling your sketchbook together, refining your favorite pieces and finishing anything still in progress. Kristy will show you how to plan two-page spreads for a cohesive journal look and share ideas for keeping your painting practice alive at home, from building a routine to finding inspiration in your everyday surroundings. Flip through what you have created and enjoy the satisfaction of a sketchbook that tells the story of your Greek adventure. After lunch prepared by your private chef, gather with Kristy for one-on-one feedback on your work, followed by a celebratory show-and-tell where you and your fellow artists display your finished sketchbooks side by side. Walk through each other's pages and take in the range of perspectives that grew from the same island, celebrating every breakthrough along the way! As evening falls, dress up and gather for a farewell dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with local wine. After dinner, head outside for a Greek dance show with live music to close out the retreat under the Greek sky. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy one last breakfast with Kristy and your fellow artists, then get ready for your transfer to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - [Kristy Rice](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kristy-rice) — Artist, author, designer, entrepreneur ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate Your elegant venue for the art retreat with artist Kristy Rice is a seaside estate overlooking the shores of Zakynthos and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Just a 10-minute walk away, the calm Bouka Beach beckons, accessible via a stairway that winds down the hillside. This boutique venue offers a stately six-bedroom villa alongside a six-bedroom stone tower. All rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, shared or single, exclusively booked for you and your art group. Every room is a cocoon of comfort, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a handy fridge, all complemented by chic boho décor. Large glass doors frame captivating views, whether of the venue terraces, the gleaming infinity pool, or the boundless sea. Please note that there are no window screens in the rooms. During your leisure time, you can revel in the stunning infinity pool or unwind in the soothing embrace of a jacuzzi. Adding to the charm is a wooden gazebo, perfectly positioned for basking in the Grecian sun. Your art classes will take place in the Shala art studio, dramatically poised with the sea as its backdrop. While it is walled on three sides, the studio's face opens generously to the sea, with chairs and tables available for you and your art group. Other workshop spaces include the spacious terraces right next to the infinity pool. Please note that the venue is not suitable for participants with limited mobility as it is positioned over terraced grounds. To traverse its spaces, you would need to go across some small stairways, and all rooms are accessed via stairs. The steps to the beach are steep and descend about 50 m (164 feet); the beach is a 10-minute walk away from the venue. ### Shared standard ensuite room One standard ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. Tucked away in the stone towers, this twin ensuite room on the first floor marries traditional Zakynthian charm with boho flair. Spanning a spacious 25m², the room is accessible by descending a stairway from the main terrace. The room features two twin beds and a modern ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, shared between the two guests staying together in this room. The room also benefits from access to a shared patio in the towers, treating you to breathtaking Mediterranean sunrise views. ### Shared superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy. You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. The shared superior ensuite room is located in the main villa. Covering a generous 35m² on the first floor, it's known as the villa's quietest room, featuring two comfortable twin beds and an ensuite shower bathroom. Stepping out, a private patio presents serene vistas of the venue's terrace and garden. ### Shared penthouse Two penthouses are available for shared occupancy. You will share one penthouse and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender retreat participant. Perched atop the main villa on the second floor, the shared penthouses boast twin beds and an ensuite shower bathroom, ensuring comfort and privacy. Private balconies extend from each penthouse, offering panoramic vistas of the sea and terraces. ### Single standard ensuite room Four standard ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. The single ensuite rooms are located on the second and third floors of the towers and contain double beds. Sitting at a cozy 16m², the rooms are accessible via stairs. They feature private ensuite bathrooms within the room with a shower enclosure. Each room benefits from access to a small private terrace, treating you to breathtaking Mediterranean sunrise views. ### Single superior ensuite room One superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. This room located on the first floor, in the stone towers, marries traditional Zakynthian charm with boho flair. Spanning a spacious 25m², the room is accessible by descending a stairway from the main terrace. The room features a private ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The room also benefits from access to a shared patio in the towers, treating you to breathtaking Mediterranean sunrise views. The space exudes warmth and character, adorned with thoughtfully chosen wooden furniture and wicker decorations that perfectly complement its bohemian style. ### Single ensuite room - shared villa Two ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. These single ensuite rooms are located in a shared, separate villa with a private pool. Found outside of the main villa, they offer privacy and tranquility. The shared villa features two single bedrooms (located on the second floor of the villa, stairway access), occupied by one participant each. Both single rooms are equipped with a comfortable double bed and an ensuite bathroom, complete with a spacious walk-in shower. The shared living spaces on the first floor— a well-equipped kitchen and a cozy living room—offer areas to connect, converse, or simply unwind. Conveniently, the single ensuite rooms in the villa are the nearest accommodations to the art workshop space. Outside, a private terrace presents spectacular views of the pool, the art studio, and the picturesque bay beyond. But the pièce de résistance is the exclusive private pool, inviting guests to take a refreshing dip under the Greek sunshine. ### Single deluxe suite One deluxe suite is available for single occupancy. Located on the first floor of the main villa, this spacious suite stretches across a generous 40m², making it the venue's crown jewel. Its center point is the grand double bed, promising restful slumbers and comfort. The deluxe suite features an elegant ensuite bathroom, equipped with a modern shower. Yet, it's the breathtaking views that truly captivate; double glass doors beckon you outwards, revealing a mesmerizing tableau of the pristine pool, the inviting terrace, and the azure sea endlessly stretching beyond. ## Food Experience the wealth of Ionian cuisine with tantalizing dishes prepared by a private chef. The venue earned its foodie destination moniker thanks to its family recipes passed down through generations and fresh ingredients sourced from local markets or grown on-site. Of course, your chef's passion for the traditions of Zakynthos is the driving force behind every feast. Start your mornings with a nutritious breakfast spread consisting of freshly baked pastries and bread, yogurt, organic honey, jams, butter, cereal, and local fruit. Coffee, tea, milk, and fresh juices will be served with breakfast. For lunch, refuel with a light salad, or opt for the traditional baked feta, various platters (with aubergine, tzatziki, and chickpea dips, saganaki, and grilled halloumi, all served with Pitta bread), pasta, and seafood courses. Dinner is an elaborate three-course affair, starting with an appetizer such as Zante Bruschettas, followed by herbal oven lamb, rabbit stew with cheese, agalas stuffed chicken, moussaka with aubergines, stuffed tomatoes with herbs, ragout and pasta, grilled octopus, sea bream, or prawns. Top it off with a sweet treat and pair it with a crisp white. You'll enjoy plentiful, aromatic wine during dinner service. Dinner on the last evening of the retreat will be an extraordinary event, as you'll complement your delicious meals with a traditional Greek dance and music show. All meals are included. Between meals, you will have access to a snack bar with water, tea, juices, coffee, and homemade snacks. The exact menu will vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. ## Getting There Located in the quiet beachside village of Planos, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, your retreat venue stands proud atop a rocky hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The amazing views from this sunny haven provide a small taste of what Zakynthos has to offer: crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and the tranquil Greek village below. The capital of the island (Zante) and Zakynthos International Airport are only 30 minutes away by car, and the mysterious Navagio Beach with its history of shipwrecks and smugglers is one hour away. **Please arrive at** **Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).** 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 Greece 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. **How to get from Zakynthos International Airport to the retreat venue:** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly domestically to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 10, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on June 17, 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 10, 2027 - 3:30 PM** (leaving from Zakynthos International Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **June 17, 2027 - 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Zakynthos International Airport around 10:30 AM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** \- Spend extra days in Zakynthos before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Zakynthos International Airport. \- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: 63 Thesi Bouka, Gaidaros Tragaki, Tragaki 291 00, Greece, 40 euros - approximately US$45 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary). ## Reviews **Reviews of previous UpTrek retreats with artist Kristy Rice:** - "I loved every minute of it! I thoroughly enjoyed Kristy's watercolor teachings in the studio and also the excursions we did. Even as a total beginner I felt really looked after and learned so much. All in all, it was fabulous and gave me much joy!" - "Kristy is an incredible instructor. She is generous with her information and skill. She has a lovely way of recognizing an issue and gently teaching you how to overcome it and create a very satisfying piece of art. She’s funny and kind and very honest and open. I learned so much from her. I tried things I NEVER would have done and really enjoyed them. I was able to come away with a plan for my future painting. I came with a desire to learn a particular skill and came away with a really good way to achieve that goal." - "Kristy is a wonderful person and a great teacher. The combination of the location and teacher attracted a group of like-minded participants, which created a nice and safe environment from the very start of the event." **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:** - "Well it was lovely in all aspects! David’s gourmet food was a dining extravaganza! The quaint villa & the nearby town were enormously refreshing. The love & care put into the service was above reproach! I would highly suggest this venue to anyone interested in seeing Greece!" - "The hosts really made my trip special by their loving and kind hearts! They made me feel like family as well as all their staff! The estate was breathtaking and I hope to visit again soon! It was magical and I truly appreciate everything done for us while there, their openness and especially the hugs! I miss them and the warm generosity and kindness. It's true that I felt more at ease, comfortable and hugged being a stranger welcomed there, than I actually do coming back home...!!! That is saying a lot about the character and hearts of Karen and David! It reflected in everything and everyone whom works there. That is why it works so well, as David says, that's Living, doing what you love! Thank you to all for the fond memories ;)" - "The venue is beautiful. Waking up to see the sunrise was a perfect way to start the day. Food was authentic and delicious. We had some hot days in the studio, but apparently, this was a heat wave, but otherwise, it worked well. Staff was genuinely sweet and accommodating, and hard working. It was interesting to experience the Greek way of life. Our hosts cared about every detail. I enjoyed it so much that I will return next year and bring my daughter. Uptrek, thank you for finding this gem!" - "Beautiful location! There was a lovely mix of art classes at the retreat, and excursions to paint or take reference photos! Our hosts were warm, kind, and very talented in cooking and treating guest! Thank you for an experience of a lifetime!" ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the retreat available to all levels?** The retreat welcomes all levels of experience. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Kristy Rice in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between June 10 - 17, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 10, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, June 17, 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?** Yes. However, 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 Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Greece 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 Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly locally to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/brushstrokes-of-joy-art-retreat-artist-kristy-rice-greece#location). **What should I pack?** Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and 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 during your stay for an additional fee payable on-site. **What supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art supplies recommended by artist Kristy Rice will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, easels, artist stools, and professional studio lights 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 Zakynthos in June?** The weather in June in Zakynthos is usually sunny and warm. You can expect average highs of 28°C / 82°F during the day that drop to around 17°C / 63°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 16 participants. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and/or Schengen member states may enter Greece for tourist purposes without a visa. 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. Accommodation spaces and most of the 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/brushstrokes-of-joy-art-retreat-artist-kristy-rice-greece#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/brushstrokes-of-joy-art-retreat-artist-kristy-rice-greece **Last updated:** 2026-06-25