Greek Odyssey 2027
May 15 to May 29th
Athens, Santorini, Aegina, Hydra and Spetses
Join me in a 15 night Art Adventure of mythical and magical Greece.
As well as visiting important sites of Greek antiquity we will soak up the sunshine while making beautiful Grecian and mythological influenced art works.
You will be mentored on ways to capture images of your island stays with large scale Expressive Charcoal Drawings, fill your Artists Travel Journal with quick sketches and create beautiful watercolour paintings on high quality papers.
Of course we will be staying in gorgeously designed boutique accommodations that will inspire you and aim to cater to all your desires!
This Greek Odyssey is in celebration of my TWELFTH, a magical dozen, Art Adventure since I began offering them in 2019.
Many plates will be broken!!
No trip to Greece would be complete without visiting the island of Santorini. That most iconic of destinations. So without completely blowing the budget (Santorini is incredibly expensive) I have a 1 night stay planned in a designer cave hotel with balconies looking out to sunset views. It is recommended to fly directly from Athens airport upon arriving in Greece, easier, less fuss and it will allow us to rest from our long Australia to Athens flight while sipping cocktails and taking in the sites of this amazing place. The next day we can investigate the cliffs and fly back to Athens later in the afternoon.
About Athens
One of the most ancient cities in the world, Athens Greece is famous as the birthplace of democracy.
With a history of over 3,000 years, it is the best town for sightseeing.
The city took its name after Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom and daughter of Zeus. She was the protector of the city and in fact, the temple of Parthenon on the Acropolis is dedicated to her.
Ancient, Byzantine and Neoclassical sights make Athens a great town to visit.
The Olympic Games of 2004 improved the image of the town, with good transportation means and the reconstruction of old buildings.
Although the city's center might discourage visitors with its disorganized appearance at first, there are several places of historical beauty to visit, such as Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio. We will be staying in 4 Star BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION in one of these beautiful areas.
Visits to the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and the Roman Agora are planned over the 3 days in Athens.
A very convenient town for walking as all sights are in proximity to each other.
While in Athens we will take a day trip to visit Delphi where we can consult the ORACLE and take in the vistas of this mountainous and ancient environment.
About Aegina
A gorgeous gem just an hour by Ferry away from Athens
We will explore the island’s breathtaking landscapes, picturesque beaches, olive groves, historical sites such as the Temple of Aphaea and Paleochora, as well as the charming paths and neoclassical buildings.
Enjoy the island’s unique light, dear to the poets and writers Seferis and Kazantzakis, the painters Nikolaou and Moralis, or the sculptor Kapralos. Discover its beaches, coves, walking tracks and millenary olive groves, its temples (the temple of Afaia), monasteries (Aghios Nektarios) and old churches (Paliachora), and last but not least, its many delightful taverns!
The Nikolaou Residence enjoys an exceptional location in the popular area of Plakakia.
Just a 10-minute walk from the Town centre and located in the beautiful bay of Kolona, the property was the home and studio of the artist Nikos Nikolaou (1909-1986). He was a figure in the art world of the early 20th century and a friend of the painter Yannis Moralis of whom we find a sculpture facing the entrance of the property.
Enjoy the island’s unique light, dear to the poets and writers Seferis and Kazantzakis, the painters Nikolaou and Moralis, or the sculptor Kapralos.
About Hydra
Hydra is hands down one of the most quaint Greek islands! Located in the Saronic Gulf and pretty close to Athens.
The charming atmosphere of the island has seduced many international jet setters, making it a retreat for famous personalities, like Leonard Cohen, Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis and many more!
Elegant stone mansions, donkeys walking around the narrow alleys, churches, and little shops set a picturesque waterfront scenery that seems straight out of a fairytale!
Given that there are no cars on the island and people usually get around by foot, its roads lack traffic and fumes.
All in all, if you relish elegant destinations, you will fall in love with Hydra !
About Spetses
Only 54 nautical miles from Athens, Spetses is a picturesque, historic island within the Saronic Gulf. With its naval tradition, rich heritage and distinctive culture, it makes a perfect destination all year long. “The island of perfumes”, as it was named by the Venetians or “Pityousa” (which in ancient Greek means “full of pine-trees”), is a beautiful, car-free island with numerous wonderful sandy beaches and lovely secluded bays.
Explore the little alleys and look out for the charming black and white pebble mosaics which decorate house courtyards and focus on maritime themes such as frigates, mermaids, octopuses, billowing sails and anchors. Also look for the island’s more prominent houses (kapetanospita) in the area, especially along the esplanade from the old port to Aghios Nikolaosbeach, which, incidentally, is a good spot for swimming.
Be schooled in the island’s literary past
Wander around the neighbourhood of Kounoupitsas and don’t miss the legendary Anargyrio and Korgialenio School. Take a stroll in its well-tended gardens and admire the beautiful neoclassical buildings on this side of the island. Did you know that among the English teachers that taught here was the award-winning writer John Fowles, creator of The Magus, based partly on his experiences on Spetses?
Exploration, Inspiration and Respiration
… and of course, Drawing, Painting, Writing, Photography & Delicious Greek Food and Wine
May 15 to May 29, 2027
1 Night on Santorini May 15
3 nights in Athens (May 16 to 18)
4 nights on Aegina (May 19 to 22)
3 nights on Hydra (May 23 to 25)
3 nights on Spetses (May 26 to 28)
1 Athens (May 29)
Fly Home (May 30)