destination art retreats
This retreat is sold out!
Aegina Island, Greece
October 10th - October 15th, 2026
Come experience the magic of the Mediterranean.
All inclusive art retreat.
*Images from the internet
Join me, your host, Erna van Dyk on my Brushes & Beyond a Creative Art Retreat!
My art retreat is a carefully crafted haven for painters and explorers alike. Immerse yourself in guided art sessions, connect with fellow creators and unwind in moments of relaxation. Your creative heart will flourish with every brushstroke.
Ready to dive into a world of art, connection, and self-discovery?
Secure your spot now!
Accommodation and art supplies included.
(Price is per person joining the art retreat.)
(Non-refundable but transferable to someone else)
Price
$2600pp
This 6 day and 5 night retreat is designed to transform your relationship with creativity to one that gives you joy and confidence while making connections with other open-hearted people.
You will arrive on Saturday October 10th, 2026. Check-in is at 3pm.
Aegina, Greece
We will have the whole property all to ourselves.
Breakfast Included
On my Greece Art Retreat, we’ll be embracing the joy of travel sketching on location. We won’t be tucked away indoors all day — instead, we’ll wander through beautiful spots, stop to sketch what inspires us, and let the scenery guide our creativity.
We’ll take gentle walks to different areas, pause to do a little sketching and painting, then rest, enjoy a delicious lunch, and continue creating as we go. It’s a relaxed, adventurous rhythm — art, exploration, and connection all woven together.
And of course… sightseeing is the sweetest added bonus!
Please note:
*The art retreat on the island may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. Transport may include busses, walking and taxis.
What to expect:
Art lesson materials will include but not limited to:
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Watercolor paint
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Gouache paint
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Pen
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Colored pencils
Benefit from individualized attention and a small group environment. Learn a loving approach to creativity that connects us to our joy. Priceless memories and the potential for lifelong friendships.
What is included in the Retreat:
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6 days, 5 nights accommodation on a private property
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Breakfast Included
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Art workshops taught by Erna. We will explore watercolor, gouache, colored pencils and pen/ink techniques inside sketchbooks.
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All art supplies are included, you will receive a crossbody bag full of supplies from me to bring along.
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Access to a beach!
What is not included in the Retreat:
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Airfare to Athens International Airport
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Transportation to Port of Piraeus from airport (Taxi/train/shuttle)
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Ferry from Piraeus to Aegina
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Taxi to Art Retreat location
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Travel Insurance
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Meals
Your 6-Day Art Retreat Tentative Schedule
Your artistic journey begins!
Day 1: Saturday October 10th, 2026
Arrivals (after 3pm), Tour of the property, settle in (rooms & luggage)
Group dinner (included)
Art: Your artistic journey begins! (Depending on the arrival of all participants)
Day 2: Sunday October 11th, 2026
Breakfast Included
Art Session | Art Retreat Location
We’ll begin our retreat with a relaxed and inspiring art session at our retreat location.
Erna will guide you through watercolor and gouache techniques, share demonstrations, and help you prep your art journal pages for the days ahead.
We will walk close by to find lunch or early dinner, along the way, we’ll snap photos, gather inspiration, and take in the beauty around us — perfect references for later paintings.
Back together, we’ll spend the afternoon sketching and painting in our journals, using our morning inspiration and photos to create meaningful travel pages.
As the sun begins to set, we’ll gather once more at the retreat location for peaceful evening creating.
There’s nothing quite like painting with warm golden light, a gentle breeze, and Greece all around you.
Day 3: Monday October 12th, 2026
Breakfast Included
Art Session | Sketching in Aegina Town
Travel Sketching on Location
This morning, we’ll head into the heart of Aegina Town for a true travel sketching adventure.
We’ll meander through the charming streets, wandering past colorful buildings, seaside views, and delightful local craft shops. Along the way, we’ll pause often to take photos, gather inspiration, and do quick sketches and paintings right on location.
This session is all about slowing down, noticing the beauty in everyday moments, and capturing the spirit of Greece in your art journal.
As we explore, we’ll also keep an eye out for the perfect cozy spot to enjoy a relaxed lunch or early dinner together — with sightseeing, sketching, and delicious food all woven into one unforgettable experience.
Art, adventure, and Aegina magic… all in one morning.
We will head back when we feel ready to go and enjoy the beach and sunset.
Day 4: Tuesday October 13th, 2026
Breakfast Included
Art Session | Artistic Adventure to the Temple of Aphaia
Today we’ll take a special journey to one of Aegina’s most breathtaking treasures — the Temple of Aphaia.
Perched high above the island with sweeping views of the sea and surrounding landscapes, this ancient temple is filled with history, beauty, and timeless inspiration.
We’ll spend the day soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, taking photos, sketching architectural details, and capturing the magic of this remarkable location in our art journals. Whether you’re drawn to the columns, the textures of stone, or the panoramic scenery, there will be endless ideas to explore on paper.
This will be a day of creativity, connection, and stepping into the heart of Greece’s past — with art as our guide.
A truly unforgettable sketching experience.
Day 5: Wednesday October 14th, 2026
Breakfast Included
Art Session | Agios Nektarios Monastery and Church
(Optional - let see how we feel)
Today offers a meaningful and peaceful outing to one of the most special spiritual landmarks on Aegina Island — Agios Nektarios Monastery and Church.
This serene location is known for its beautiful architecture, quiet gardens, and calming atmosphere. Whether you come for the history, the peaceful surroundings, or simply the chance to experience something deeply unique to Greece, it’s a lovely addition to our retreat journey.
We’ll have the opportunity to wander through the grounds, take photos, and capture small sketches or details in our journals — from domes and archways to the soft light and peaceful textures of the space.
A gentle day of reflection, inspiration, and optional exploration.
* we have to cover arms and legs and wear dresses / skirts
Day 6: Thursday October 15th, 2026
Final Day – Beachy Goodbye
Checkout is by 11:00 AM
Before we part ways, let’s enjoy one last peaceful moment together with a beachy goodbye — sea breeze, hugs, photos, and maybe a final quick sketch by the water.
Thank you for sharing your creativity and heart on this journey.
Until we paint together again…
What is the cost of the Retreat:
(Price is per person joining the art retreat.)
(Non-refundable but transferable to someone else)
Price
$2600
Accomodation:
There are 8 Apartments and a Villa to choose from.
Maximum is 10 artists, including me. Minimum is 7.
There are 8 Apartments to choose from:
Blue 1 Adult
Purple 1 Adult
Indigo 1 Adult
Aegina 1 Adult
Orange 1 Adult
Yellow 1 Adult
Red 1 Adult - Erna
Green 1 Adult
Beach House Villa 2 Adults, Two bedrooms, shared bathroom (Villa is about 80 yards away)
Included in Apartments & Villa:
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Complimentary WiFi
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Bathroom
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Kitchenette
We will fly into Athens International Airport, get a taxi/train/shuttle to Piraeus Port and then catch a ferry over to the island with another taxi ride to the Art Retreat location.
FAQ's
Do I need to be artistic with lots of experience?
Come as you are. All my classes will be guided with lots of instruction and one-on-one attention.
Do I have to share a room?
No.
Can I share a room with someone who is joining the art retreat?
No, the price will be per person in an apartment (most apartments have only one double/king bed)
Yes, the villa can have two people but in separate bedrooms.
Can I bring someone who will share my room but not join the art retreat?
Yes. They can not join in any art and activities. Contact me at erna@ernavandyk.com
What kind of food will be served?
TBD but definitely yummy Greek food!
What airport do I fly into?
When booking your flight please fly into Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (IATA code: ATH)
What will the weather be like?
Average highs of 70’s and lows of 60’s, still nice swimming weather. It's a warm ocean!
Is there anything special I need to bring?
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Art supplies you have and want to share or use.
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Swim suit
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Walking shoes
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Dress / skirt if we wish to visit Agios Nektarios | monastery & church
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Sunscreen
Do you offer refunds?
There will be no refunds for this Retreat due to the planning and logistics involved.
Is this retreat transferable?
Yes! If for some reason you cannot join the retreat, you may transfer your registration to someone else. You must let me know via email at least 3-weeks before the retreat.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Before the retreat you will be asked to fill out and sign a Terms and Conditions Policy Form. I will email you closer to the time.
In order to join my retreat you will be required to sign this.
I cannot wait to make art with you and to paint all day long!
Join the waitlist for retreat here!