Watercolor Sketchbook Workshop in Greece
Art classes and island-hopping with Ohn Mar Win - Spend 12 nights visiting Santorini, Naxos, Amorgos, and Athens
Sketchbook Journaling, Slow Travel, and Serious Fun
Dates: May 11 – 23, 2027 SOLD OUT (waiting list available)
Duration: 12 Nights
Location: Greece: Santorini, Naxos, Amorgos, Santorini
Cost: from $4745 based on double occupancy
Maximum Class Size: 14
All prices in US dollars. Land only. Program subject to change.
Watercolor Sketchbook Workshop
Overview
Watercolor Sketchbook Workshop in Greece
Art Workshop Program
Experience a 12-night sketchbook travel journal vacation that is equal parts an art program and a discovery of Greece. Teaching artist Ohn Mar Win will lead a daily, on-site classes inspired by the places we visit. Using drawing and watercolor, your sketchbook journals will capture tastes, places, and moments experienced along the way. Following Ohn Mar’s encouragement to play and explore, each page will be rich with vivid memories of your travels. Classes are held on site and in welcoming spaces—hotel terraces or shaded common areas—where sea breezes and island light become part of the process. Daily classes are 2-3 hours with additional, informal periods throughout the week. By the end of the trip, you’ll have a richly layered journal capturing your journey through Greece in color, texture, and story.
Travel and Touring
Imagine visiting the beautiful Greek Islands with an insider-guide leading the way. A small group of artist friends will be your company.
Your island-hopping adventure begins in Santorini, where whitewashed villages cling to volcanic cliffs above one of the most dramatic seascapes on earth. From there, we make our way to Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades and one of its most quietly beautiful. Savor wide sandy beaches, a charming harbor town, and a green, unhurried countryside that most visitors never discover. We end our island days on Amorgos, a soul-stirring gem that time has treated kindly. Rugged, authentic, and deeply Greek, Amorgos rewards those willing to seek it out. The program closes with a final chapter in Athens, where ancient history and a thriving café culture remind you that Greece has always known how to live beautifully.
Each morning we leave the crowds behind and set off for a new, unique destination. There Ohn Mar will lead a class. Along the way we will incorporate a walk or sometimes have an option for a more challenging hike. The remainder of your day is free to spend on your own or with fellow students.
See yourself sketching on a shady terrace only steps from the Aegean. You’ll have space to contemplate one of the hundreds of little churches that dot the islands, or blend into the background as you sketch the everyday activities and people around you. There are so many beautiful opportunities to see, sketch, and experience on our Art Walk Greece!
What You’ll Love
Sketchbook Travel Journal Vacation in Greece
1. Planning with care
We take care of the details. You enjoy your vacation!
2. On-site sketching
Develop skills and techniques to use whenever you travel. Specifically, learn to pack light and create as you go.
3. Small group classes
With a maximum class size of 14, you can expect quality time during art classes. Additionally, we travel to small, local places large tour groups can’t.
4. Slow Travel
Not only will you have time to relax and unwind from your everyday life; you will experience Greece as few do. Far from the crowds, and led by local knowledge. Off-the-beaten-path encounters await!
Itinerary
Watercolor Sketchbook Workshop with Ohn Mar Win
Program subject to change. Actual daily schedule may differ.
Day 1
Gather at our hotel on Santorini for a meet and greet. After we will set out for an orientation walk of the neighborhood. We will get a first look at the island’s famous caldera view and settle in for a sketch and sip as the sun sets. Sketchbook Travel Journal Vacation
Day 2
Start the day with a scenic walk along the caldera. Then a private tour of the ancient ruins of Akrotiri reveal the sophisticated culture that existed before it’s volcanic destruction. Afterwards, enjoy a welcome lunch and leisurely art class at a seaside taverna.
Day 3
Our morning walk is filled with spectacular views as we meander the narrow paths of Oia village. There, we will have a sketch and coffee from one of Greece’s most famous locations. The day ends with an optional private sunset cruise, a guest favorite and highlight of the trip.
Day 4
A morning ferry brings us to the island of Naxos. After checking in to our hotel, Ohn Mar will teach a relaxing class by the sea. In the evening we will explore Naxos’ historic old town.
Watercolor Sketchbook Travel Journal Vacation
Day 5
At the verdant green center of the island, the village of Halki is charming all on it’s own. Our walk through the surrounding countryside wanders through ancient olive groves and sleepy villages.
Day 6
An easy morning stroll along the sea offers a chance to relax and get your feet in the sand. Today is a leisurely day with time to work in your sketchbook and explore at your own pace.
Day 7
A morning ferry carries our small group to the little-known island of Amorgos. Here we will be greeted warmly at our beachside hotel. After settling in Ohn Mar will teach a session on the beachside terrace. After, an orientation walk helps you get your bearings.
Day 8
The village of Tholaria offers beautiful views to Aegiali Bay. We will walk through the terraced farmland to a small chapel perched above the sea. Afterwards, return to the hotel for a relaxing day by the sea, or join us for a hike to a neighboring village.
Day 9
In the village of Langada we will visit a herbal distillery that produces essential oils made only from plants found on the island. Afterward, the walk back to our resort follows the ancient path that once was the island’s main thoroughfare.
Day 10
We climb the steps to a 12th century monastery built into a cliff high above the sea. The views are literally breathtaking! Afterward we will explore the winding alleys, colorful doorways, and traditional cafes in the island capital of Chora.
Day 11
A day to relax and fully enjoy this magical place. Ohn Mar will lead class on the terrace and in the village, capturing the final vignettes of island life. At your own pace, take a kayak into the bay, experience a traditional cooking class, or recline by the sea. The day ends with a farewell feast and celebration of our time spent together.
Day 12
A morning departure ferries us to Athens. During the cruise you’ll have a final class and time to put finishing touches in your sketchbook. After arrival, an evening walk takes us to the foot of the Acropolis where you may opt for the private guided tour. A casual dinner in the Plaka draws the final stroke of our journey.
Day 13
No group activities are planned for this day. After a bountiful breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to Greece and new artist friends until the next watercolor sketchbook adventure.
Watercolor Sketchbook Workshop in Greece
Make memories to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
Sketchbook Travel Journal Vacation in Greece
Art Walk Greece:
- Friendly and fun, fourteen student maximum (non-student companions are welcome for a special rate)
- Watercolor Sketchbook Workshop program by Ohn Mar Win
- Itineraries exclusive to The Blue Walk
- Carefully selected hotels
- All ferries between the islands
- Transfers to and from all ferries
- Hearty buffet breakfasts daily
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Two lunches
- Optional guided morning walks
- Fully escorted and hosted throughout
- All hotel taxes and service fees included
- Suitable for most fitness levels – daily guided walks are included, but optional. Guests should be able to comfortably walk at a leisurely pace for at least an hour over mixed terrain including stairs.
- Program begins and ends at our hotels. Onward travel not included
Sketchbook Travel Journal Vacation
Santorini (3 nights)
- Three nights at our favorite centrally located hotel in Santorini
- Outdoor pool with pool bar
- Orientation and daily walks to discover the island’s hidden gems and spectacular views
- Visit and guided tour of Akrotiri historic site
- Welcome lunch at family run taverna
- Optional hike between Firostefani and Imirovigli on caldera’s edge
- Optional caldera and sunset catamaran cruise
Naxos (3 nights):
- Orientation walk of Naxos town and historic center
- Visit to Apollo’s Gate
- Visit the village of Halki and walk through the countryside
- Hotel is right by a beautiful white sand beach
Amorgos (5 nights):
- 5 nights at our family owned beach front hotel
- Incredibly uncrowded, relaxing island
- Full program of beautiful island touring including transportation
- Visit an essential oil distillery where all herbs are harvested on the island
- Group lunch at a traditional taverna
- Morning guided walks along scenic trails
- Optional hiking on Amorgos’ extensive network of marked hiking trails
- Visit to the cliff-side monastery
- Farewell dinner
- Arrival and departure transfers
Athens (1 night):
- One night at our wonderful 4-star hotel near Syntagma Square, in the heart of the city
- Guided walk by the Acropolis
- Optional private tour of the Acropolis with local archeologist guide
Where in the World?
Your Art Walk sketchbook travel journal vacation begins in Santorini, Greece. We then spend most of our time island hopping through the Cyclades. The Cyclades is a group of Greek islands southeast of the mainland in the Aegean Sea. It is a perfect place for a walking vacation. The islands are known for their beaches, ancient sites, rugged landscapes and traditional blue-and-white stucco towns overlooking the sea. We will end in the bustling city of Athens. Rich with history and culture it is a perfect place to delve deeper into this beautiful country.
Airport Information
Our program begins on Santorini, served by Santorini Airport (JTR), about 20–30 minutes from our hotel. We end in Athens, served by Athens International Airport (ATH).
We recommend booking an open-jaw itinerary — flying into Santorini (JTR) and out of Athens (ATH). This is the most seamless routing for our program and avoids retracing your steps at the end of the trip.
If you prefer to book round-trip flights into Athens, you’ll need a connecting flight from Athens to Santorini at the start. In that case, allow at least two hours between your Athens arrival and your onward departure to Santorini.
Important Notes
Sketchbook Travel Journal Vacation in Greece
Deposits
Your place on a tour is secured once we have received and confirmed your deposit payment. Before the final payment date, a non-refundable deposit of $500 for walking vacations and $750 for art vacation workshops is required. After the final payment date, the entire tour amount must be received to hold a space on a program.
You may cancel for any reason up to 90 days prior to departure and your non-refundable deposit may be forwarded to a future tour. Any balance on your account will be returned. For complete details please see our Terms and Conditions.
Solo travelers and single supplements
For our guests who are traveling solo... for your comfort we offer private rooms. Whenever possible singles will be placed in the same room category as our double or twin rooms.
Twin / Double Rooms
Please be aware twin beds in Europe may have very little or no space between beds. Also, for double beds, instead of a king or queen mattress, double beds are often two adjoining twin mattresses secured together and made with double bedding.
Fitness
Walking is a part of this program. It is both a means of visiting locations and a way to immerse yourself in a place. Our scheduled walks are usually 1-2 hours long at a casual pace. Participants should be able to comfortably walk 2 miles in an hour. We provide a general description of our walks here. It is your responsibility to know your own physical and medical condition with respect to the advisability of participating in a chosen trip. Please be realistic about your physical abilities when booking an active walking vacation. We suggest you prepare by doing at least 1 hour of walking several times per week, and a longer walk at least once per week. Ideally, include walks with elevation change and stairs. (There are always stairs.) If you have compromised knees, hips, back this tour will be challenging and perhaps not appropriate.
As with any exercise program, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to your arrival regarding the suitability of a walking tour.
Some of our guests find trekking poles helpful on steep or uneven terrain. In Europe they are quite common. Before using them on a vacation, please practice at home. We strongly advise you get comfortable using trekking poles on familiar paths first.
For additional information on these topics and more, please see our FAQ page.
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