# Joyous Watercolor Adventures Retreat with Artist Emily Olson in Greece

Join artist Emily Olson for a harmonious and joyful art retreat on the sun-kissed island of Zakynthos, "The Flower of the East." Focus on still life, portraiture, landscape, and sketchbook studies while drawing inspiration from the textures, light, and colors of the region. Move through the topics as a lead-up to portraiture. By the end of the retreat, you will have created a focused collection that reflects both the environment and your evolving creative direction.Throughout the retreat, you will draw inspiration directly from life across Zakynthos. A half day in Zante Town places you among arcades, harbor views, and sunlit facades as you sketch and paint on location, studying light moving across architecture and water. You will board a boat for a half-day visit to Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, painting above bright turquoise water and steep white cliffs shaped by the sea.At an award-winning olive oil farm, spend time working from groves and long agricultural lines that invite strong compositional choices. Another half day takes place at a Zakynthos horse farm, where you can translate movement into confident marks.Stay at a charming Greek villa, soak in the sun at the nearby beach, enjoy authentic Greek cuisine bursting with flavor, and make unforgettable memories with a like-minded group of artists. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors and Emily’s work and style of teaching.

## Details

- **Dates:** April 29 - May 6, 2027
- **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

What's includedArt classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Emily OlsonArt studio equipped with: tables, chairs, portable field easels, sketching clipboards, plein-air artist stools, water containers, paper towels, professional studio lights, and a printer-scanner7 nights of accommodation at an elegant seaside villaExclusive use of the venue's living quarters and common areas, a Shala art studio, pool, jacuzzi, wooden gazebo, SPA area, and beautiful terracesAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chefAll diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free and lactose-freeWater, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the daySpecial welcome and farewell dinnerDelicious local wine during dinner service every daySpacious sea-facing Shala art studioHalf-day art trip to Zante Town, with opportunities for sketching and painting on-locationHalf-day boat trip to the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), with a boat ride included 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 experienceHalf-day art trip to a Zakynthos horse farmGreek dance show and band for the farewell dinnerPrivate transportation for all planned activitiesRound-trip transfers from/to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) at prearranged timesFully-staffed venue, experienced UpTrek host available throughout the dayAll local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with Emily Olson and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceArt materials - a list of art materials recommended by artist Emily Olson will be provided five months before the retreatTips for staff - tipping is customary in GreeceOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Joyous Watercolor Adventures Retreat
Experience a transformative art retreat with artist Emily Olson on the sunny island of Zakynthos. Work across still life, landscape, portraiture, and sketchbook studies as a natural progression, starting with simple objects and environments and building toward painting someone with presence and soul. With Emily’s guidance, you will explore foundational watercolor techniques, including palette setup, water control, brush handling, and composition. Begin with still life studies to understand shape, light, and color. Then move into landscapes drawn from the surrounding gardens and scenery, focusing on structure, texture, and atmosphere.Paint your way across Zakynthos, letting each place dictate a different visual language and pace of looking. In Zante Town, a trip unfolds among arcades, balconies, harbor masts, and worn pastel walls shaped by Venetian and Byzantine history. Bells, footsteps, and moving shadows keep the page alive. Then, a boat ride carries you to Navagio Beach. From high above the electric blue cove, create large shapes while wind and glare simplify the scene in bold contrast. The stranded hull becomes an anchor for composition as cliffs curve around it.At an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890, work among trees older than most buildings you have known, some over 1500 years old. The olive oil tasting that follows deepens your sense of place, linking flavor, scent, and memory to what you painted. At a Zakynthos horse farm, movement replaces stillness. Try your hand at quick studies of the horses and ponies, merging landscape and anatomy into a single painted moment.By the end of the retreat, you will have created a focused collection that reflects both the environment and your evolving creative direction.The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors and Emily Olson's work and style of teaching. The topics covered during your lessons will include:Basic water control, controlling your watercolor when working uprightPainting in a sketchbook, on locationPainting from life, whether that's a still life setup, a model, or the landscapes of ZakynthosFocusing on valuesNarrowing down complex pieces to simple shapesCreating strong compositionsDefeating artist's block and finding inspirationSketching and painting on the goColor mixing and working with a cohesive palette...and many more!The venue, a stunning Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative haven. The villa offers exclusive access to a sea-facing studio, welcoming common areas, and a refreshing infinity pool, providing plenty of space to work in and relax. Savor authentic Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and bond with an intimate group of fellow artists over a glass of local wine.Please note: the retreat venue is located on terraced grounds, with access to the studio, common areas, and accommodations requiring the use of stairways. Getting to the nearby beach also requires descending a steep stairway of approximately 50 meters (164 feet), and there will be plenty of walking during the trips. Therefore, this retreat is not suitable for individuals with low or 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 instructor for the retreat, Emily Olson, 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 Emily and the group and make plans for the week ahead.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Start your morning with a delightful breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Join a brief check-in with Emily and the venue hosts, then get ready for the first class of the retreat.Begin the morning session by focusing on the essentials of watercolor painting. Emily will walk you through tools, palettes, and foundational techniques. Learn how to control water and pigment, practice different types of washes, and explore how colors mix and interact on paper. Clear demonstrations and hands-on exercises will build your confidence and help you settle into a relaxed, productive rhythm.In the afternoon, bring your sketchbook and step outside. The peaceful surroundings at the venue offer plenty of inspiration, with the sea as your backdrop. Fill your pages with studies of still life, natural forms, or scenes from around the estate. Emily will guide you through composition choices, brushwork, and layering techniques, offering feedback to help sharpen your eye and develop your voice on paper.As the day comes to an end, enjoy some leisure time before dinner. Take a quick dip in the pool, wander the estate grounds, or socialize with your fellow creatives on one of the sea-facing terraces. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of fragrant, local wine.

### Day 3: Boat trip to Navagio Beach
Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, prepare for the first trip of the retreat, and welcome the spirit of adventure as you head towards the sea. Spend the morning exploring the Zakynthian coast aboard a boat taxi. Depart from Porto Vromi and ride across crystalline waters, passing silent caves and jagged cliffs that echo with ancient stillness. Let the rhythm of the boat, the salt in the air, and the colors of the sea awaken your senses. You'll soon arrive at Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, where the bones of an old shipwreck rest in the sand, rusted and storied. Take reference photos or make quick sketches from your boat as you hear more about the vessel's past as a (rumored) smuggling ship for the Italian mafia back in the 1980s.After returning by boat to Porto Vromi, enjoy a nourishing lunch at the venue and some time to rest and reset before returning to the studio.In the afternoon, join Emily for a watercolor session built around translating your observations into finished work. Start by selecting one or two elements from the morning and develop thumbnail sketches to experiment with layout. Create value studies to understand light and structure, then begin layering watercolor to build shape and form. Emily will guide you in capturing the essence of what inspired you earlier, helping you refine your choices and move with intention from sketch to composition.As the class ends, take some time to recharge after a day filled with exploration and creativity. Relax by the pool, bathe in the sun, or go for a short walk on the nearby beach. Gather with Emily and the group for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by a glass of wine.

### Day 4: Art trip to a Zakynthos horse farm
Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast, letting the peaceful rhythm of the morning ground you. Morning light will set the pace for a lively painting session at the farm. Step into the traditional horse farm and paint the movement of Zakynthian horses and ponies raised on site. Work fast to catch shifting weight and turning heads, then build those gestures into stronger studies. Use fences, halters, buckets, stable doors, and trampled grass as ready-made structures for composition, and rearrange them across the page as the scene changes. Settle into the shaded saloon where tables and chairs will give you a steady base while the farm continues around you. Emily will offer individual feedback and guidance.Pause midday for a light lunch, then return to the charming shala art studio for another painting session. Emily will guide you as you refine your brushwork, develop your color choices, and adjust your compositions directly on the page. Begin new work with a fresh setup. Select objects that interest you and consider how their scale, texture, and lighting affect the overall feel. Experiment with smaller-scale studies and simplify your arrangements. Pay close attention to subtle shifts in value and color, using these short studies to sharpen your observation and refine your technique.Spend the rest of the evening as you wish. Wander the venue grounds, take a swim in the pool, catch the sunset on the nearby beach, or take a moment to reflect on your experience on the retreat so far. Enjoy a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, complemented by aromatic wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to an olive oil farm with olive oil tasting
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast and a hot cup of coffee before heading into a day full of creativity and connection. Indulge in an on-location drawing session at a renowned olive oil farm that has been running since 1890. Old olive trees, some of which are more than 150 years old, dot the property. No matter what you observe during the Silver Medal Global Elite Olive Oils tasting—the enormous trunks, the girls in traditional attire, the farmer leading the way through the groves, the animals frolicking about, or even other tourists—feel free to sketch it! Photograph what inspires you for any future work, and enjoy the relaxing moments alongside your fellow artists.Pause for a simple lunch and take a moment to reflect on the direction your work is heading. Continue developing your work, using references gathered earlier in the week or drawing directly from the venue’s surroundings. Focus on refining value studies, experimenting with color, and exploring the textures and shapes that define your chosen scene. Emily will be nearby throughout the afternoon to check in, offer guidance, and sit down one-on-one to discuss your process and progress.Unwind with some spare time in the afternoon, then gather for a freshly made dinner, enjoying the lovely company of Emily and your fellow artists.

### Day 6: Art trip to Zante Town
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, then jump into your next adventure: a trip to the town of Zante, the lively capital of Zakynthos. Wander the streets lined with Venetian arches, sunlit balconies, and shifting shadows. Collect inspiration in the form of quick sketches or reference photos for your later studies. Capture the tranquil turquoise sea, the colorful traditional Greek houses, and the sun-drenched beaches. Scribble, gather color inspiration, or simply shop for a souvenir as you explore Zante. Return to the venue for a filling lunch, then continue your work in the studio or garden during the afternoon session. Use sketches and photos from the morning to develop landscape compositions and value studies. Begin distilling the scenes into monochromatic watercolor paintings that focus on structure and clarity. Emily will guide you in refining your ideas, experimenting with layering, and pulling depth from simple forms. Focus on atmosphere, shape, and line to carry the visual feeling of Zante into your work.The evening will offer some time to rest, swim, or simply just be. As the day ends, gather with Emily and the group for a nourishing dinner and a pleasant atmosphere, paired with a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast and a comforting morning coffee before attending another art workshop with Emily and the group. The focus today is portraiture. Join Emily in the shala studio to work from a model, practicing how to build structure and proportion while capturing presence and emotion through watercolor. Learn how to mix skin tones that stay clear and vibrant and how to layer paint with subtlety and control. Emily will demonstrate key techniques and offer individual feedback as you refine your approach and deepen your confidence with the human form.After a relaxed lunch, continue exploring portraiture through a subject of your choice. Paint someone in the group, work from a family photo, or return to a portrait you started earlier. Choose what feels most meaningful and stay open to discovery. Emily will be available for one-on-one feedback and questions throughout the afternoon. Later, gather for a mini-exhibition. Share what you've created, speak about the process behind your pieces, and celebrate the work of the group. Emily will offer closing reflections and individual insights on your development.As the evening approaches, enjoy some spare time to reset before dinner. Come together one more time for a generous farewell dinner, accompanied by a Greek dance show and band. Soak in the pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by delicious food, Greek music, and lively conversations. Raise a glass to the art you have brought to life, the friendships you have forged, and the unforgettable memories you have made!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Emily and your art group, and exchange any last contact details before getting 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

- [Emily Olson](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/emily-olson) — Watercolor artist and teacher

## Accommodation

### Stunning Greek Estate
Your elegant venue for the art retreat with artist Emily Olson 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 (female only)
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.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.

## 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 April 29, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on May 6, 2027, by 10:00 AM.Arrival Transfer:April 29, 2027 - 3:30 PM (leaving from Zakynthos International Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:May 6, 2027 - 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Zakynthos International Airport around 10:30 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.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 from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Emily Olson:"Emily was very efficient with her presentations. Her knowledge of watercolor art and her ability to demonstrate painting techniques allowed participants to increase their watercolor art skills. Emily responded to questions to help us complete our art projects. The opportunity to paint at the instructional area, poolside, and by the Atlantic Ocean was inspiring. ""Emily is just as generous with her time, caring, sweet, and talented as she appears in her videos! She didn’t disappoint!""Learning from Emily in person was incredible, and way beyond what I expected.""Emily is as warm and friendly as she appears in her YouTube art videos. It was wonderful getting to know her. Although all of the attendees were at different experience levels, Emily did a great job helping us where we were and encouraging us to explore new ways of painting."Guest reviews from past 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, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with watercolors and Emily Olson's work and style of teaching. When is the retreat available?The retreat with artist Emily Olson in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between April 29 - May 6, 2027.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on April 29, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, May 6, 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 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.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 for free during your stay.What supplies do I need for the workshops?A detailed list of materials recommended by artist Emily Olson will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, portable field easels, sketching clipboards, plein-air artist stools, water containers, paper towels, professional studio lights, and a printer-scanner are included and will be available at the retreat venue. Students will bring their own art supplies based on the instructor’s list of recommended materials.What’s the weather like in Zakynthos in late April?The weather in late April in Zakynthos is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 22°C / 72°F during the day that drop to around 13°C / 55°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 art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic 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 art 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. Please review our 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.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 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 artists or by UpTrek?If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the artist'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/joyous-watercolor-adventures-retreat-artist-emily-olson-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).

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