# Capturing the Essence of Greece Art Retreat with Artist Amber Davenport in Greece

Join artist Amber Davenport for a joyful and inspiring art retreat on the sun-drenched island of Zakynthos. Focus on travel illustration, on-location sketching, and developing your personal artistic style while drawing inspiration from the colors, textures, and essence of Greece. Work through playful warm-up exercises and on-location drawing sessions, building steadily toward a polished travel illustration that is unmistakably your own. By the end of the retreat, you will leave with a sketchbook full of illustrations from your travels and a finished main piece that carries the visual feeling of Greece, as well as your own personal style.

Throughout the week, draw inspiration directly from the heart of Zakynthos. A boat ride brings you to Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, where jagged cliffs, electric blue water, and the rusting hull of a stranded shipwreck offer bold shapes and dramatic contrasts to work from. A half day in Zante Town places you among Venetian arcades, sunlit balconies, and pastel harbor walls as you sketch on location, studying light, shadow, and the layered history of the island's capital.

At an olive oil farm established in 1890, work among ancient trees whose gnarled trunks and sweeping groves invite patient observation and strong compositional choices. Then, at a traditional Zakynthian horse farm, stillness gives way to motion as you capture the shifting weight and energy of horses and ponies in quick, confident studies.

Stay at a stunning clifftop Greek villa with sweeping sea views, an infinity pool, and a spacious Shala art studio facing the sea. Savor authentic Greek cuisine prepared by a private chef, and share this beautiful experience with a group of 15 other fellow artists. The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you'll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with any of the mediums, as well as with Amber's work and style of teaching.

## Details

- **Dates:** May 13 - 20, 2027
- **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece
- **Starting Price:** $4,550
- **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 Amber Davenport
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, easels, artist stools, professional studio lights, and reference materials
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. 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
14. Half-day art trip to a Zakynthos horse farm, with 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 artist Amber Davenport 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 Amber Davenport 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

### Capturing the Essence of Greece Art Retreat
Experience an immersive art retreat with artist Amber Davenport on the sun-drenched island of Zakynthos. Across a week of playful exercises, technical demos, and on-location sketching, you will learn how to capture the soul of Greece in detailed travel illustrations that reflect your own artistic style, as well as the essence of a place. Under Amber's gentle guidance, you will develop your eye for the world around you, learning to distill bustling streets, ancient olive groves, crashing coastlines, and living animals into expressive, personal illustrations that feel unmistakably your own.

The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you'll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with any of the mediums, as well as with Amber's work and style of teaching. You will begin with playful, pressure-free exercises and build toward a polished travel composition. You will be encouraged to work in whatever medium you feel most comfortable in, as well as have the space to experiment with different mediums if you wish to. Throughout the whole week, Amber will be available for 1-on-1 sessions, offering you personalized feedback and discussing the development of your artistic style. No matter where you are at in your creative journey, Amber will be there to help and guide you.

Beyond the studio, you will embark on four different trips designed to ignite your creativity and fill your sketchbook pages with inspiration. In Zante Town, the island's capital, a half-day 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 (also known as Shipwreck 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 leave with a sketchbook full of illustrations from your travels and a main piece that reflects the essence of Greece as well as your own creative voice.

**The topics covered during your classes with Amber include:**

- Learning techniques on how to compose a travel illustration
- Fine tuning your own personal artistic style
- Creating pieces that reflect your style and capture the essence of a place
- Practicing your on-location drawing skills
- Learning techniques on color theory, color mixing, composition, and creating textures
- Creating a finished collection of travel illustrations
- Experimenting with different mediums
- …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, Amber Davenport, 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 Amber 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 Amber and the venue hosts, then get ready for the first class of the retreat.

Kick off the morning session with a series of fun, lighthearted warm-up exercises designed to ignite your creativity and playfulness. Do some blind drawings (drawing an object without taking your eye off the subject), some timed rough sketches, and some continuous line drawings (drawing without removing the pencil from the paper until it is finished). These playful drawing exercises are meant to help you loosen up and immerse you in a creative headspace, kickstarting your artistic journey on the retreat.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a nourishing meal, then continue the day with another art class. In the afternoon, continue to work on your drawings from the morning and refine them into more detailed illustrations. Then, bring your sketchbook and step outside. The peaceful surroundings at the venue offer plenty of inspiration, with the sea as your backdrop. Have a walk around the venue and get a feel for the place, gathering inspiration and making quick sketches as you explore your surroundings.

As the day comes to an end, take some time to rest and recharge before dinner. Join Amber and the group for a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of fragrant, local wine. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and get to know your fellow artists, bonding over shared meals and a glass of wine.

### Day 3: Boat trip to Navagio Beach
Begin the day with a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then prepare for the first adventure of the retreat: a trip to the breathtaking Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach.

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 relaxed lunch at the venue.

In the afternoon, step back into the spacious Shala art studio and look through the reference photos and sketches collected from the morning's adventure. Use the inspiration from the morning and continue to work in your sketchbook, creating more detailed travel illustrations that capture the essence of Navagio Beach. Try to find common themes and elements in your work that you enjoy, developing a sense of your unique artistic style. As the class comes to an end, Amber will be available for 1-on-1 sessions, ready to give you personalized feedback and discuss your personal style and how to start building a piece that reflects your artistic voice as well as the essence of Greece.

Take some time to recharge in the late afternoon. Then, gather with Amber and the group for a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef, accompanied by a glass of aromatic wine.

### Day 4: Art trip to an olive oil farm with olive oil tasting
Kick off your day with a filling breakfast and a hot cup of coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with Amber and the venue hosts. Then, head into a day full of creativity and exploration.

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. Explore the property and get inspired by the enormous trunks, the women in traditional attire, the farmer leading the way through the groves, the animals frolicking about, or even other tourists. Photograph what inspires you or make quick sketches on the spot that you can use back in the studio. Alongside your sightseeing, take part in a delightful olive oil tasting, immersing yourself in the authentic flavors of Greece.

As your trip to the olive oil farm comes to an end, return to the venue for a simple lunch. Then, continue the day back in the studio.

Look back through your reference photos, sketches, and the work you have done so far, observing common elements and themes that you enjoy. Continue working with the references from the morning, developing them into more refined illustrations and integrating your own personal style and artistic touch. After class, enjoy some 1-on-1 time with Amber, during which you will have the opportunity to receive personalized feedback and discuss the direction your work is going and how to build a piece that reflects your creative vision.

Unwind with some spare time in the late afternoon, then gather for a chef-prepared three-course dinner, enjoying the lovely company of Amber and your fellow artists, accompanied by a glass of local wine.

### Day 5: 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 to use later in the studio. 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 day with another afternoon session. Use sketches and photos from the morning to develop more detailed travel illustrations, practicing the skills and techniques you have learned so far. Play with lines and visual elements, integrating your own personal style and carrying the visual feeling of Zante into your work. As the class comes to an end, Amber will be available for 1-on-1 sessions, ready to offer you personalized feedback and discuss your artistic journey so far.

The late afternoon will offer some time to rest and unwind before dinner. Gather with Amber and your fellow artists for a nourishing chef-prepared dinner and a pleasant atmosphere, paired with a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 6: Art trip to a Zakynthos horse farm
Ease into the day with a relaxed breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a brief check-in with Amber and the venue hosts. Then, pack your art supplies and your sketchbook and set out for one last adventure: a trip to a Zakynthian horse farm.

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 salon where tables and chairs will give you a steady base while the farm continues around you.

Pause midday for a light lunch, then return to the venue and step into the charming Shala art studio for another painting session. Gather your sketches and reference photos from throughout the retreat and look for common themes and elements in your work that you enjoy. Flip through your sketchbook and look at all the travel mementos you have collected so far. As you draw inspiration from your travels across the week, Amber will guide you in starting to create a main composition that you can take home with you after the retreat ends: a travel illustration that captures the essence of Greece. As the class comes to an end, enjoy some 1-on-1 time with Amber, receiving personalized feedback and discussing how to build a bigger piece that reflects your personal style and the feel of a place.

Spend the rest of the evening as you wish, taking some time to relax before dinner. Enjoy a flavorful three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, complemented by aromatic wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast and a comforting morning coffee before attending another art workshop with Amber and the group.

The focus of this morning's class is finishing the main composition piece you started the previous day. Continue working on your travel illustration, incorporating elements of your personal artistic style that you have discovered throughout the week. Work on layering, creating textures, and playing with color, applying the techniques that you have learned so far.

After a leisurely lunch, refine any final details and touch-ups as your work transforms into a finalized travel illustration that captures the essence of Greece. Then, gather for a celebratory mini-exhibition. Share your creations, discuss your process and what you have learned, and celebrate the work of the group. Amber 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 Amber 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

- [Amber Davenport](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/amber-davenport) — Illustrator and small business owner

## Accommodation

### Stunning Greek Estate
Your elegant venue for the art retreat with artist Amber Davenport 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 with Amber 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. This room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

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. This room and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

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. Each penthouse and its ensuite bathroom will be shared between two same-gender participants.

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.

The exact menu may 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 May 13, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on May 20, 2027, by 10:00 AM.

**Arrival Transfer:**

**May 13, 2027 - 3:30 PM** (leaving from Zakynthos International Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)

**Departure Transfer:**

**May 20, 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 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 any of the mediums, as well as with Amber Davenport's work and style of teaching.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Amber Davenport in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between May 13 - 20, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 13, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, May 20, 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/capturing-the-essence-of-greece-art-retreat-artist-amber-davenport-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 for free during your stay.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Amber Davenport will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, easels, artist stools, professional studio lights, and reference materials 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 May?**

The weather in May in Zakynthos is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°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 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/capturing-the-essence-of-greece-art-retreat-artist-amber-davenport-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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**Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/capturing-the-essence-of-greece-art-retreat-artist-amber-davenport-greece
**Last updated:** 2026-06-10