# The Watercolor Feast Retreat with Artist Erin Gleeson in Greece

Join artist Erin Gleeson for an immersive watercolor retreat on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Surrounded by breathtaking seascapes and sun-lit coastline views, explore the intersection of painting and food as you create a vibrant collection of watercolor pieces inspired by seasonal produce, local markets, shared meals, and simple vegetarian cooking demos with Erin and the venue’s chef.

The retreat welcomes artists of all levels, with daily classes led by Erin, offering demonstrations, guidance, and playful exercises. Learn to capture the color, texture, and shape of fresh ingredients, botanicals, and still-life arrangements, and translate your cooking experiences into illustrated recipe cards. Create your own “Watercolor Cookbook Journal” filled with recipes and sketches, documenting your culinary and artistic discoveries throughout the retreat.

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, visit an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890 for an olive oil tasting experience, and explore the island's capital, Zante Town, bringing the colors and textures of each trip into your Watercolor Cookbook Journal.

Each evening, sit down to a delightful all-vegetarian 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:** July 8 - 15, 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, demonstrations, and simple cooking sessions with artist Erin Gleeson
2. Shala art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, glass jars, paper towels, easels, artist stools, and professional studio lights
3. Seasonal flowers and fruit as reference material for still-life painting
4. 7 nights of accommodation at an elegant seaside villa
5. Exclusive use of the venue's living quarters and common areas, a Shala art studio, pool, jacuzzi, wooden gazebo, spa area, and beautiful terraces
6. All-vegetarian meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef
7. All diets catered for, including regular, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
8. Water, coffee, tea, juices, and snacks available throughout the day
9. Special welcome and farewell dinner
10. Delicious local wine during dinner service every day
11. Spacious sea-facing Shala art studio
12. Half-day art trip to Zante Town, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location
13. Half-day boat trip to the Shipwreck Beach (Navagio Beach), with a boat ride included
14. Half-day art trip to an award-winning olive oil farm (est.1890), home to olive trees over 1500 years old, with an olive oil tasting experience and opportunities for painting and sketching on location
15. Greek dance show and band for the farewell dinner
16. Private transportation and guide or chaperone for all planned trips and activities
17. Round-trip transfers from/to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) at prearranged times
18. All local tourist taxes and fees
19. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat
20. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
21. Access to a private Facebook group with Erin Gleeson 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 Erin Gleeson 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 Watercolor Feast Retreat
Experience an immersive watercolor art retreat with artist Erin Gleeson on the island of Zakynthos, Greece, surrounded by sun-drenched coastlines, endless skies, and the sound of Ionian Sea waves. Embark on a slow, sensory, creative retreat where the seasonal produce, gardens, and simple regional dishes of Greece will inspire your watercolor painting.

Spend your time taking art classes with Erin, in which you will learn how watercolor painting and culinary inspiration can be intertwined. Learn how to paint fresh produce, ingredients, botanicals, and florals. Get inspiration from exciting trips, such as a boat ride to the iconic Shipwreck Beach, also known as Navagio Beach, with its dramatic white limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. Visit an award-winning olive oil farm established in 1890, home to olive trees over 1,500 years old, for an olive oil tasting and time to translate the flavors and aromas of local olive oil into watercolor sketches. Lastly, explore the island's capital, Zante Town, soaking in the architecture, patterns, coastline, and the colors of a town the Venetians lovingly named "The Flower of the East."

The retreat is open to all levels of experience, but is geared toward beginners. Painting classes will start with the basics. All the meals that you will share with Erin and your art group, as well as the simple cooking demos and food prep activities, will be vegetarian, like Erin's cookbooks.

Take part in a captivating experience that combines both cooking and painting, learning how to prepare simple regional food recipes and how to create illustrated recipe cards that capture the colors, textures, and essence of each dish. At the end of the retreat, you will go home with a “Watercolor Cookbook Journal” filled with your travel and culinary experiences.

**Some of the topics covered during your classes with Erin include:**

- Developing confidence in watercolor techniques (botanical, still-life, loose expressive, and food illustration)
- Learning to capture the color, shape, and texture of fresh ingredients
- Observing and sketching from life: markets, gardens, and nature
- Enjoying light cooking activities (simple cooking demos) to create still-life subjects
- Completing 15–20 finished pieces documenting the retreat experience
- Going home with a Watercolor Cookbook Journal filled with recipes and sketches
- …and many more!

The venue, a Greek villa perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the sea, will be your creative home for the retreat. The sea-facing Shala art studio 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 all-vegetarian 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
Arrive at Zakynthos Airport for your 3:30 PM transfer to a breathtaking seafront venue overlooking the Mediterranean.

Settle into your elegant room and take a moment to unwind before joining a guided tour of the venue grounds. Discover the inviting pool, the shala art studio, and the inviting common areas. Meet your lovely instructor for the retreat, Erin Gleeson, 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 Erin 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, followed by a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts. Step into the bright Shala studio for your first painting session of the retreat.

The class will start with Erin introducing the retreat's overview, structure, and the materials that you will be working with. She will also go over how you will create and add to your very own “Watercolor Cookbook Journal," recording in both written and visual form the flavors, recipes, and ideas from throughout the week. You can use this journal to record the exciting trips you will take together with Erin and the group.

Dive into the world of creation and start with some watercolor basics and loose botanical strokes, exploring how the brushstrokes move and spread on your paper.

After a nourishing lunch on one of the venue's sun-lit terraces, return to the studio for another afternoon session. Under Erin’s gentle guidance, learn how to paint produce and flowers, weaving together watercolor painting with culinary inspiration. Take part in a simple recipe prep activity together with Erin and the group, in which you will prepare a simple and light vegetarian starter or side dish (a salad, for example), learning to combine ingredients and flavors in a fun and playful way.

The late afternoon 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 good conversation. Sit down to a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine, sharing impressions from the day.

### Day 3: Boat trip to Navagio Beach
Fuel up with a wholesome breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, then prepare for the first adventure of the retreat: 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, smells, textures, and dramatic shapes 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 art workshop. This class will be focused on learning how to make layers of watercolor and create depth in your artworks as you paint an ingredient of your choice (a piece of fruit or vegetable, for example). Under Erin’s thoughtful guidance, arrange a still life scene together with your fellow artists, using the ingredients that everyone has picked. Translate the scene you have just created onto your own canvas, blending food and art into an immersive creative experience.

As the class comes to an end, wind down by the pool or in the gardens in the late afternoon. As dinner approaches, take part in an antipasto and cocktail hour, in which Erin will prepare a simple yet delicious vegetarian appetizer inspired by her cookbook series, “The Forest Feast,” to enjoy before dinner. Afterwards, indulge in a flavorful three-course meal prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 4: Art trip to an olive oil farm with olive oil tasting
Kick off the day with a delicious breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Gather your sketchbook and art supplies and prepare for another half-day trip to one of the island's most storied olive oil farms.

Established in 1890 and home to olive trees over 1,500 years old, this award-winning olive oil estate will surprise you. Wander among ancient groves, taking in the earthy colors and textures around you, making quick sketches or gathering reference photos that will fuel your work. You will finish the morning with an olive oil tasting experience, connecting you to the local landscape through its flavors. Take in the aromas and local produce, making quick sketches and notes in your cookbook journal.

Return to the venue for a filling lunch, then head into the studio for another afternoon class. Learn how to create an illustrated recipe card that reflects the olive oil tasting from the morning. Paint the ingredients from the different types of olive oil, followed by adding hand-lettering to the layout. The scope of this exercise is to blend the experience of food tasting with that of watercolor painting, leaving you with a practice that you can also do at home, whenever you try a new dish or experiment in the kitchen.

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 wholesome three-course meal prepared by the private chef and paired with a glass of aromatic wine.

### 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 head out 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 Watercolor Cookbook Journal. Take reference photos, absorb the colors of the Zakynthian coastline, or simply enjoy the morning.

Return to the venue for a leisurely lunch, then continue the afternoon with another art class. During this workshop, take part in a simple recipe prep activity with Erin and the group, learning how to transform local produce into a wholesome and delicious vegetarian starter or side dish. Pay attention to how ingredients mix, flavors combine, and make quick sketches and notes in your cookbook journal during this process.

As the class comes to an end, take some time to recharge before sitting down to a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and paired with local wine, swapping stories and impressions from a morning spent in Zante Town and an afternoon spent cooking.

### Day 6: Art classes at the venue
Savor a nourishing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a quick morning check-in with the venue hosts. Join Erin and your fellow artists in the Shala studio for a full day of creativity and inspiration.

During the morning workshop, delve into a composition and styling session centered around florals. Explore how shape, texture, and color interact as you arrange fresh blooms into still-life scenes. Work closely with Erin and your fellow creatives as you learn together how to craft floral compositions that feel balanced and expressive. Create a watercolor painting inspired by the still life composition you have just made, capturing the interplay of light, petals, and shadow as they unfold in pigment and water.

Refuel with a refreshing lunch on one of the sun-lit terraces, then head back into the studio. Take some time, if needed, to refine and complete the watercolor still life studies from earlier, and then begin your final piece of the retreat, inspired by your favorite moment of the week. Reflect on all the experiences you have had so far and bring to life the one that has impacted you the most. Erin will be walking around offering guidance, tips, and feedback, helping you shape your final artwork.

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 accompanied by a glass of fragrant wine. Soak in the lovely atmosphere filled with laughter and lively conversation.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Enjoy a satisfying breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee, settling into your final full day at the retreat.

Spend the morning working on the final piece you started the previous day, refining last details and touch-ups. Erin will be walking around, ready to offer you guidance or feedback if needed. After you are satisfied with your final piece, move onto one more activity, in which, under Erin’s thoughtful guidance, you will paint some watercolor elements and place cards for the farewell dinner that you will be indulging in tonight.

Take a break for lunch and enjoy a delicious meal, then join Erin and your fellow artists for the last workshop of the retreat. Building on what you have learned throughout the week, Erin will do a quick demo on how you can print your watercolor artworks on fabric and other textiles, as she does in her own work, offering you resources on how to do this practice at home after the retreat ends. After this insightful demo, gather around with everyone and take part in an informal show-and-tell of your favorite works from throughout the week. Showcase what you created and share with the group what you learned throughout this artistic journey.

Take some time to rest and unwind in the late afternoon. As evening falls, gather for a delightful 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 and toast to the beautiful memories you have made together with Erin and your fellow artists, and the art you have created!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast with Erin and your fellow artists, then get ready for your transfer to Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 10:30 AM.

## Instructors

- [Erin Gleeson](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/erin-gleeson) — Artist, illustrator, author, photographer ("The Forest Feast" Cookbook Series)

## Accommodation

### Stunning Greek Estate
Your creative haven for the art retreat with artist Erin Gleeson 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.

Your retreat includes **all-vegetarian meals,** as well as access to a snack bar with water, tea, juices, coffee, and homemade snacks. The exact menu will vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

## Getting There

Located in the quiet beachside village of Planos, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, your retreat venue stands proud atop a rocky hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The amazing views from this sunny haven provide a small taste of what Zakynthos has to offer: crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and the tranquil Greek village below. The capital of the island (Zante) and Zakynthos International Airport are only 30 minutes away by car, and the mysterious Navagio Beach with its history of shipwrecks and smugglers is one hour away.

**Please arrive at** **Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH).**

We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Greece a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone.

**How to get from Zakynthos International Airport to the retreat venue:**

Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly domestically to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on July 8, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on July 15, 2027, by 10:00 AM.

**Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Arrival Transfer:**

**July 8, 2027 - 3:30 PM** (leaving from Zakynthos International Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)

**Departure Transfer:**

**July 15, 2027 - 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Zakynthos International Airport around 10:30 AM)

**If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:**

\- Spend extra days in Zakynthos before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Zakynthos International Airport.

\- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: 63 Thesi Bouka, Gaidaros Tragaki, Tragaki 291 00, Greece, 40 euros - approximately US$45 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary).

## Reviews

**Reviews 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 is open to all levels of experience, but is geared toward beginners. Painting classes will start with the basics.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Erin Gleeson in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between July 8 - 15, 2027.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on July 8, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, July 15, 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, this is an all-vegetarian retreat. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Please arrive at Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Greece a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Zakynthos, we recommend you fly to Athens and fly locally to Zakynthos (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 30 minutes.

For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/the-watercolor-feast-retreat-artist-erin-gleeson-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 Erin Gleeson 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 for still-life painting (seasonal flowers and fruit) 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 July?**

The weather in July in Zakynthos is usually sunny and pleasant. You can expect average highs of 29°C / 84°F during the day that drop to around 19°C / 66°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-watercolor-feast-retreat-artist-erin-gleeson-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/the-watercolor-feast-retreat-artist-erin-gleeson-greece
**Last updated:** 2026-09-07