# The Creative Exhale - An Abstract Painting Retreat with Artist Betty Franks in Greece

Join artist Betty Franks on a women-only abstract and intuitive painting retreat set on a sun-drenched Greek island where charming villages, dramatic coastlines, and golden light spill across every scene worth capturing. Under Betty's warm, encouraging teaching, you'll build your painting practice from your very first marks, working with color, texture, and layering, loosening into free, expressive abstract painting, and carrying your own artistic voice onto every canvas.

The retreat is open to all levels of experience, though you will benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics.

Over the course of this inspiring retreat, you will enjoy daily classes and demonstrations from Betty, with personalized feedback in a warm and supportive atmosphere that gives your creativity the space it needs to flourish.

Complement your creative sessions with art trips to some of Zakynthos' most iconic locations. Glide across crystalline waters on a scenic boat ride to Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach), and explore the lively streets of Zante Town, the island's capital.

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.

## Details

- **Dates:** October 7 - 14, 2027
- **Location:** Planos, Zakynthos, Greece
- **Starting Price:** $4,200
- **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 Betty Franks
2. Shala art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, water cups, paper towels, easels, and plein-air 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 dinners
9. Delicious local wine served 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 Betty Franks 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 Betty Franks 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

### The Creative Exhale Retreat
Learn the art of abstract and intuitive painting on a retreat with artist Betty Franks on the island of Zakynthos, where charming streets, dramatic coastlines, and golden island light will inspire your canvas from morning to evening. Betty is excited to share her passion for color, texture, and mark-making and to help you discover the joy of painting freely, from quiet garden corners to the bustling streets of Zakynthos' capital.

From your very first marks to a finished, expressive piece, she will guide you through the fundamentals of mark-making, color harmony, and composition, and how to build layers, texture, and depth in your work, with personalized feedback and hands-on encouragement at every step. By the end of the retreat, you will paint with a freedom and confidence that feels entirely your own!

Betty teaches with a firm belief that painting should feel like play, not pressure. She will meet you wherever you are in your painting practice and help you fall in love with color and intuitive creation. Through daily sessions, you will build your confidence from the ground up. Betty will walk you through mark-making, color harmony, and simple composition guidelines, and from there you will branch into layering, working in multiples, and your own personal creative style.

The Greek landscape will become part of your paintings, from the colors of the coastline to the shapes of sunlit villas, feeding your compositions and your imagination as you work. Beyond the studio, take a boat ride along the crystalline coastline to Navagio Beach, with its dramatic cliffs and legendary shipwreck, and explore the lively streets of Zante Town with its sun-drenched Venetian balconies and colorful architecture.

The women-only tretreat is open to all levels of experience, though you will benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics.

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

- Learning techniques for preparing your surface to achieve the best results with paint
- Learning four creative ways to loosen up before you begin your artwork
- How to build a diverse library of mark-making shapes for your pieces
- Developing strategies to avoid muddy colors and promote harmony in your paintings
- Learning methods for layering to enhance visual interest and depth
- Learning new abstract and intuitive painting techniques
- Experimenting with three straightforward guidelines to master composition
- How to use values to create a striking impact
- How to know when your artwork is complete
- Finding your artistic voice and a deeply renewed creative spark
- …and many more!

Your home for the week is a stunning Greek villa perched on terraced grounds with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea. You'll have exclusive access to a bright, sea-facing Shala art studio, welcoming common areas, and a refreshing infinity pool, providing plenty of space to create, relax, and connect with fellow artists. Outside of class, savor authentic Greek cuisine prepared by the venue's private chef and enjoy leisurely strolls through the villa's gardens and surrounding paths.

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
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, Betty Franks, as well as your fellow artists.

As the evening winds down, Betty will do some quick introductions, preparing you for the artistic journey that's ahead. Take part in some short and fun get-to-know-each-other exercises before dinner to ease into the retreat's creative energy. Savor a delightful three-course welcome dinner in a warm and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a glass of wine with Betty and the group, and chat about the adventures ahead, setting intentions for the week and getting to know each other.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with Betty and the venue hosts, then gather in the studio for your first painting session of the retreat.

Dive right into the morning workshop with some mark-making to loosen up and get your creative energy going. Under Betty's thoughtful guidance, you will learn how to color harmonize like a pro and create a library of marks. Play with colors, textures, and brushstrokes, creating unique marks that will fuel you with inspiration and joy.

After a nourishing lunch, return to the studio for an afternoon art session. Continue the mark-making work from the morning, creating small pieces of art on paper. Then, move on to creating beautiful collage papers in preparation for tomorrow's composition exercise.

As the class comes to an end, enjoy some spare time to recharge before dinner. Sit down to a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine, sharing first impressions from a day full of mark-making and inspiration.

### Day 3: Boat trip to Navagio Beach
Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then get your camera and prepare for a half-day boat trip to one of the island's most dramatic landscapes.

You will sail to 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 shapes, 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 dive into an afternoon session in the Shala art studio. This class will focus on understanding values and composition exercises. Using the collage papers that you prepared the previous day, Betty will teach you the basics of composition, showing you three straightforward guidelines that will help you master composition. You will also experiment with value, learning how to enhance visual interest and depth.

As the evening falls in, wind down by the pool or in the gardens before dinner. Join Betty and your fellow artists for a delightful three-course dinner accompanied by local wine, filling the evening with laughter and stories from a morning at sea.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Savor a nourishing breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts. Join Betty and your fellow artists in the studio for another day full of creativity and inspiration.

Spend the morning creating a concertina art journal. Betty will guide you through building a folded, accordion-style journal and filling its pages with expressive acrylic mark-making, using color, layering, and textures to capture a loose, intuitive visual diary of the retreat.

Refuel with a refreshing lunch, then head into another afternoon workshop. During this class, you will work in multiples, dividing a large piece of paper in four and working on several pieces at once, creating four different paintings into one. Betty will be there to offer guidance and support if needed.

Take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. Gather with Betty and the group 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 5: Art trip to Zante Town
Settle in with a warm breakfast and a cup of coffee, then gather your sketchbook and art supplies and prepare 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 and charming spots. 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. Sketch if you wish to, take reference photos, or simply enjoy the morning, walking around and exploring the town of Zante.

Return to the venue and enjoy a leisurely lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art class. In this session, you will start working on a larger piece, putting into practice all the techniques you have learned so far. The rest of the class is for you to work on your piece, enjoying some independent painting time. Betty will be there to offer feedback or extra support if needed.

As the class ends, take some time to relax in the late afternoon. Sit down to a tasteful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine, swapping discoveries from a morning in the island's capital town.

### Day 6: Art classes at the venue
Kick off the day with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with Betty and the venue hosts.

The whole day of today will be about continuing to work on your larger piece and enjoying independent painting time. Betty will be on hand throughout the studio to offer guidance, answer questions, and help you push through any creative blocks, but the pace is entirely yours.

Return to the venue for a filling lunch, then head into the studio for another afternoon class. Continue developing your larger piece at your own pace, with Betty available throughout for guidance, encouragement, and fresh perspective whenever you need it.

Enjoy some spare time to reset before dinner. Gather with Betty and your fellow artists for a nourishing three-course meal prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of local wine. Soak in the lovely atmosphere filled with laughter, lively conversation, and impressions from today's trip.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a satisfying breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with Betty and the venue hosts, settling into your final full day at the retreat.

Spend the morning putting the finishing touches on your work, adding those last details that bring a piece together. Knowing when a painting is complete is just as important as creating it in the first place, and with Betty's gentle guidance, you'll learn to recognize that moment and bring your pieces to their final stage.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a delicious meal, then gather with Betty and the group for a celebratory mini-exhibition: a chance to lay out your work from the week, take it all in, and celebrate how far you've come. Betty will share her final notes, giving you warm encouragements and feedback on how to take your practice beyond this retreat. This will be a moment to reflect, share, and feel proud of what you've made.

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 Betty 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

- [Betty Franks](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/betty-franks) — Abstract artist

## Accommodation

### Stunning Greek Estate
Your creative haven for the art retreat with artist Betty Franks is a seaside estate overlooking the shores of Zakynthos and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Just a 10-minute walk away, the calm Bouka Beach beckons, accessible via a stairway that winds down the hillside.

This boutique venue offers a stately six-bedroom villa alongside a six-bedroom stone tower. All rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, shared or single, exclusively booked for you and your art group.

Every room is a cocoon of comfort, equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a handy fridge, all complemented by chic boho décor. Large glass doors frame captivating views, whether of the venue terraces, the gleaming infinity pool, or the boundless sea. Please note that there are no window screens in the rooms.

During your leisure time, you can revel in the stunning infinity pool or unwind in the soothing embrace of a jacuzzi. Adding to the charm is a wooden gazebo, perfectly positioned for basking in the Grecian sun.

Your art classes will take place in the Shala art studio, dramatically poised with the sea as its backdrop. While it is walled on three sides, the studio's face opens generously to the sea, with chairs and tables available for you and your art group. Other workshop spaces include the spacious terraces right next to the infinity pool.

Please note that the venue is not suitable for participants with limited mobility as it is positioned over terraced grounds. To traverse its spaces, you would need to go across some small stairways, and all rooms are accessed via stairs. The steps to the beach are steep and descend about 50 m (164 feet); the beach is a 10-minute walk away from the venue.

### Shared standard ensuite room
One standard ensuite room is available for shared occupancy.

You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. Tucked away in the stone towers, this twin ensuite room on the first floor marries traditional Zakynthian charm with boho flair. Spanning a spacious 25m², the room is accessible by descending a stairway from the main terrace.

The room features two twin beds and a modern ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, shared between the two guests staying together in this room. The room also benefits from access to a shared patio in the towers, treating you to breathtaking Mediterranean sunrise views.

### Shared superior ensuite room
One superior ensuite room is available for shared occupancy.

You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with one other same-gender participant. The shared superior ensuite room is located in the main villa. Covering a generous 35m² on the first floor, it's known as the villa's quietest room, featuring two comfortable twin beds and an ensuite shower bathroom.

### 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 October 7, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on October 14, 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:**

**October 7, 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 14, 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 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?**

This retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with acrylics.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Betty Franks in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between October 7 - 14, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on October 7, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, October 14, 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/the-creative-exhale-abstract-painting-retreat-artist-betty-franks-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 Betty Franks will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, water cups, paper towels, easels, and plein-air 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 October?**

The weather in October in Zakynthos is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 26°C / 79°F during the day that drop to around 14°C / 57°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/the-creative-exhale-abstract-painting-retreat-artist-betty-franks-greece#book)** — no deposit required.

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**Last updated:** 2026-10-12