# Serene Landscapes Watercolor Retreat with Artist Kolbie Blume in Greece Join artist Kolbie Blume for an inspiring watercolor art retreat on the breathtaking island of Zakynthos, Greece. Embrace self-compassion throughout your artistic process and discover joy in every step of your growth. With the support of your fellow artists and Kolbie’s clear, encouraging guidance, you will strengthen your creative mindset while exploring watercolor basics, mark-making, and plein-air sketching. Inspiration will flow from the surrounding views, gardens, orchards, and the serene beauty of the Ionian Sea. The retreat welcomes all levels of experience. Your venue for the retreat will be a Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, with a spacious sea-facing art studio, an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, a wooden gazebo, and terraced gardens overlooking the coastline. Beyond the studio, board a boat to the iconic Shipwreck Beach and take in the dramatic white limestone cliffs and explore the island's capital, Zante Town, bringing the colors and textures of each trip back to the studio as fuel for your next creation. Each evening, sit down to a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the 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. ## Details - **Dates:** September 30 - October 7, 2027 - **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece - **Starting Price:** $4,650 - **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 Kolbie Blume 2. Shala art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, water cups, paper towels, and folding chairs 3. 7 nights of accommodation at an elegant seaside villa 4. Exclusive use of the venue's living quarters and common areas, a Shala art studio, pool, jacuzzi, wooden gazebo, spa area, and beautiful terraces 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 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. Water, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the day 8. Special welcome and farewell dinner 9. Delicious local wine during dinner service every day 10. Spacious sea-facing Shala art studio 11. Half-day art trip to Zante Town, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 12. Half-day boat trip to the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), with a boat ride included 13. Greek dance show and band for the farewell dinner 14. Private transportation and guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities 15. Round-trip transfers from/to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) at prearranged times 16. All local tourist taxes and fees 17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 19. Access to a private Facebook group with kolbie Blume 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 Kolbie Blume 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 ### Serene Landscapes Watercolor Retreat Join artist Kolbie Blume for an immersive watercolor art retreat on the sun-drenched island of Zakynthos, Greece, that will inspire and nurture your inner artist. Slow your pace, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the company of others who love to create. With Kolbie’s gentle guidance, you will paint with freedom, set aside limiting beliefs, and grow in self-compassion. Small steps will turn into discoveries, and each brushstroke will bring more joy to your journey. Through live demonstrations and personal support, you will gain courage to face challenges and loosen the grip of perfectionism. This retreat is open to all levels of experience. Beyond the studio, you will explore the island of Zakynthos on half-day trips that feed directly into your work. Board a boat to the iconic Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), taking in the dramatic white limestone cliffs and turquoise water while gathering colors, textures, light, and reference photos that will inspire your next creations. Later in the week, explore the island's capital, Zante Town, soaking in the architecture, the patterns, the seaside light, and the colors of a town the Venetians lovingly named "The Flower of the East." Sketch if you feel called to do so, paint if the mood takes you, or simply take in the beauty of Zakynthos. **Some of the topics covered during your classes with Kolbie include:** - Learning foundational watercolor and landscape techniques - Strengthening your plein-air painting skills - Building courage through a creative mindset - Creating a sustainable creative practice - ...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 art studio will be equipped with tables, chairs, easels, and professional studio lights, with plenty of space to spread out and paint. Between sessions, cool off in the infinity pool, soak in the jacuzzi, unwind in the wooden gazebo, or head back to the studio for extra painting time. Sit down each evening to delightful three-course dinners prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine. Please note that the retreat venue sits 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), and the trips will involve moderate walking. This retreat may not be ideal for those with limited mobility. ### Day 1: Arrival Catch your 3:30 PM transfer from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) or Solomos Square to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the sea. 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, Kolbie Blume, 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 Kolbie and the group, and chat about the adventures ahead. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather in the studio for your first painting session of the retreat. The morning unfolds with an open group conversation where Kolbie introduces the flow of the course and invites you to set intentions. You might choose to name a goal or simply stay open to whatever the week brings. A few playful warm-ups will help loosen your hand and shift your mindset into creative mode. Kolbie will then introduce watercolor landscapes through a hands-on overview of supplies and techniques. With encouragement to stay curious, you’ll begin your painting journey grounded in attention and presence. After a nourishing lunch, return to your sketchbook and paints for an afternoon of exploration. Learn about glazing, brushwork, and composition, being encouraged to become more familiar with your materials. Practice water control using wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and dry brush techniques. Look at color through a new lens and learn to break down the Zakynthian landscape into approachable shapes. Kolbie will encourage you to approach your work with curiosity and playfulness. The early evening will be yours to spend however you like. Keep working in the studio, take a dip in the infinity pool, wander down to Bouka Beach, or simply lounge in the gardens with a good conversation. Sit down to a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine, sharing first impressions from a full day of creation. ### Day 3: Boat trip to Navagio Beach Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then gather your camera for a half-day boat trip to one of the island's most dramatic landscapes. You will sail into Navagio Beach, known locally as Smugglers Cove, enclosed by sheer white limestone cliffs and accessible only by sea. At the heart of the cove, you will find the rusting hull of the MV Panagiotis, a cargo ship that ran aground under circumstances that have never been fully resolved. You will take it all in from the boat, gathering reference photos of the colors, the textures, the light, and the dramatic forms around you. The boat will cruise at a relaxed pace, and if the weather permits, you may go for a swim in the turquoise water. Head back to the venue for a filling lunch, then settle into the studio for a relaxed afternoon of painting. Kolbie will guide you through mark-making and composition exercises that draw from what you experienced during the morning's boat trip. Experiment with color and texture using watercolor and ink, and explore how movement and stillness can live together on the page. Wind down by the pool or in the gardens in the afternoon. Join Kolbie and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner accompanied by local wine, and fill the evening with reference photos and stories from a morning at sea. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Kick off the day with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, sharing conversation and inspiration before starting the morning’s art session. With Kolbie’s guidance, spend the day linking your painting practice with mindfulness and open-ended exploration. Use the sketches and references gathered during the trip to Navagio Beach to begin shaping new work. Kolbie will help you sort through your ideas, offering ways to pull threads together and explore what stands out. Try new approaches to layering, texture, and mood as you build pieces that reflect both your surroundings and your personal style. Take a break for lunch and enjoy a filling meal, then head into the studio for an afternoon focused on watercolor landscapes. Kolbie will walk you through techniques for contrast and layering, with close attention to how color value shapes depth. Build up your compositions by developing simple painting strategies for trees, hills, and distant forms. Play with visual rhythm and balance while paying close attention to how small choices shift the energy of the page. Take a dip in the pool or a stroll through the terraced gardens in the late afternoon, then settle in around the dinner table for a tasteful three-course meal prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of local wine. Soak in the lovely atmosphere of the evening, filled with laughter and lively conversation. ### Day 5: Art trip to Zante Town Settle in with a warm breakfast, then gather your camera and art supplies for a half-day trip to Zante Town, the island's capital. Explore the town at your own pace with a local guide on hand to point you toward the most striking views. Zante Town will greet you with the sea on one side and green hills behind it, and you will find no shortage of visual inspiration to gather for your work back in the studio. Take reference photos, absorb the colors of the architecture and the coastline, or simply enjoy the morning. Return to the venue and enjoy a leisurely lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art class. The focus of this session will be on color. Pull out your references from the morning's trip and begin mixing colors to match what you’ve seen. Kolbie will guide you through mindful painting techniques that help you slow down, tune in, and explore how color choices can shape the feeling of your work. Follow the threads that interest you most and use the colors you've mixed to create beautiful watercolor pieces. Unwind by the pool or in the terraced gardens before sitting down to a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine, swapping discoveries from a morning in the island's capital. ### Day 6: Art classes at the venue Savor a nourishing breakfast, then head into the studio for another day full of creativity and experimentation. Look through the reference material you have gathered from the trips so far and choose the inspiration for your next piece. Kolbie will guide you through intuitive painting exercises that encourage mark-making, layering, and expressive brushwork. Try new shapes, loosen your grip, and let the landscape filter into your work in unexpected ways. Kolbie will help you stay connected to your instincts, shift through creative blocks, and strengthen your ability to teach yourself through observation. Refuel with a refreshing lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art session. Keep working on your piece from the morning, experimenting with layers, colors, brushwork, and mark-making. Capture the beauty of the Zakynthian landscape on your canvas, using the techniques you have learned so far. Kolbie will be there to guide you and offer extra support if needed. Take a dip in the pool or soak in the jacuzzi as the sun goes down, then gather around the table for a wholesome three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef. Pour a glass of local wine and trade stories from a day spent creating. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a satisfying breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, settling into your final full day at the retreat. Spend the morning bringing together the pieces of your week. With Kolbie’s support, begin shaping a small collection of work that captures your personal experience in Greece. Look through your sketches, reference photos, and paintings, and choose the ideas that still feel alive. Plan a series of three pieces that speak to each other. Paint with clarity and instinct, allowing room for emotion and imperfection. Kolbie will be there to guide you through the moments where things feel uncertain, helping you stay connected to your voice and momentum. After a delicious lunch, gather with the group for a celebratory mini-exhibition. Lay out your paintings, share what you’ve made, and enjoy seeing how each person’s work reflects the same landscape in a different way. The atmosphere is full of warmth and pride, with quiet encouragement and surprise at how much has taken shape. Take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. As evening falls, gather for a three-course farewell dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine, with a live Greek dance show and band to close out the retreat. Raise a glass to discovering a freer, braver way to paint and to the lasting memories and friendships you have made! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy one last breakfast with Kolbie and your fellow artists, then get ready for your transfer. The private departure shuttle departs at 9:15 AM, drops off guests with evening flights in Zante Town, and arrives at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) at around 10:30 AM. ## Instructors - [Kolbie Blume](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/kolbie-blume) — Watercolor artist and writer ## Accommodation ### Stunning Greek Estate Your creative haven for the art retreat with artist Kolbie Blume 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. ### 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 (private pool) 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 transfers at prearranged times 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 20 to 30 minutes. For the arrival, in order to best accommodate all travel plans, we offer two transfer options that you can choose from. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on September 30, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on October 7, 2027, right in time for your 9:15 AM departure transfer. **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:** **September 30, 2027** **\- 3:30 PM.** We offer two complimentary pick-up shuttle options (arriving at the venue a little after 4:00 PM). **Please let us know which one you prefer:** - **Option 1:** Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) – Meet the driver just outside the main exit doors of the Arrivals Hall. - **Option 2:** [Solomos Square](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yKPaV3mRqWWq19No6) – Meet at the "Road Train Stop" (ideal if you are arriving very early or staying in Zante Town the night before). If you experience any travel delays, please notify us in the WhatsApp group or contact your UpTrek host. **Departure Transfer:** **October 7, 2027 - 9:15 AM.** The shuttle leaves the retreat venue at 9:15 AM, includes a drop-off stop in Zante Town for guests with evening flights, and arrives at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) 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 from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Kolbie Blume:** - "Kolbie is a wonder teacher and so kind." - "Not only is Kolbie an amazing teacher, but such a beautiful soul. So encouraging, and full of supportive messages and mindset reminders. She went above and beyond in the supplies she provided for us and half of what we got would have been more then enough. It just made it feel really special." - "Kolbie cultivated a warm and friendly atmosphere. We had a week where friendships were made and accessing creativity was inspiring and fun." - "Kolbie Blume’s teaching was outstanding!" - "My experience of Kolbie is kind, inclusive, generous, and committed. I have learned a lot that I will gradually tap into, and I will attend another retreat with her." - "Kolbie was incredible and I learned so much. I couldn't believe how much we learned over the week." - "Kolbie's teaching was life changing. Completely opened my mind to the possibilities of my creativity." **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 with artist Kolbie Blume is open to all levels of experience. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Kolbie Blume in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between September 30 - October 7, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on September 30, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, October 7, 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 arriving in Greece a day early to adjust to the new time zone, but please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Complimentary scheduled transfers are included: a 3:30 PM arrival pick-up from either Zakynthos International Airport or Solomos Square, and a 9:15 AM departure shuttle that stops in Zante Town before continuing to the airport. If connecting flights to Zakynthos are limited, we recommend flying to Athens and taking a 1-hour domestic flight (round trips starting around US$150). The transfer journey to the venue takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/serene-landscapes-watercolor-retreat-artist-kolbie-blume-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 Kolbie Blume will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, water cups, paper towels, and folding chairs 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 late September?** The weather in late September in Zakynthos is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 25°C / 77°F during the day that drop to around 15°C / 59°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/serene-landscapes-watercolor-retreat-artist-kolbie-blume-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/serene-landscapes-watercolor-retreat-artist-kolbie-blume-greece **Last updated:** 2026-10-02