Is the retreat available to all levels?

The art retreat with artist Caroline Simas is open to all experience levels.

When is the retreat available?

The retreat with artist Caroline Simas in Planos, Zakynthos, Greece takes place between May 16 - 23, 2026.

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

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on May 16, 2026. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, May 23, 2026, after breakfast.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Yes.

I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?

Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

How do I get to the retreat venue?

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

What should I pack?

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a cardigan for chilly evenings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

Can I do laundry while on the retreat?

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.

What art supplies do I need for the workshops?

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Caroline Simas will be provided after booking, five months before the retreat begins. Small canvases, local maps and magazines, and fresh flowers for the workshop component are included.

What’s the weather like in Zakynthos in May?

The weather in May in Zakynthos is usually sunny and warm. You can expect average highs of 24°C / 75°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 art retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the artistic and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?

Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Accommodation spaces and most of the main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the art trips.

Do I have to pay a deposit?

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the artists or by UpTrek?

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the artists' 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.

What happens if I need to cancel?

All bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Once payment is made, it is considered final. In the event of cancellation, regardless of the reason, no refunds will be granted.

Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. This insurance should cover any potential losses incurred due to cancellation or no-show, including but not limited to medical emergencies, travel disruptions, or personal circumstances. We are not affiliated with any travel insurance providers. It is your responsibility to secure appropriate insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation and interruption protection. We highly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance provider to understand the coverage and claim process.

We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.