A low-angle photograph of the ancient Parthenon in Athens. The image highlights the massive, fluted columns and the weathered stone of the structure against a dramatic blue and cloudy sky.

Plein Air in Athens & Hydra Greece
October 1-13, 2026

Deposit:

Price range: $1,400.00 through $2,800.00

Join us October 1-13, 2026, for an unforgettable plein air watercolor workshop in Athens and Hydra, Greece. You’ll paint breathtaking landscapes, from the grandeur of ancient Athens and its historic wonders to the serene coastal beauty and quaint villages of Hydra. Our journey is thoughtfully designed with two exceptional 4-star hotels as your base, ensuring a seamless and inspiring experience. Explore a culture rich in art, history, and beauty as you capture the magnificent essence of Greece with your brush.

Scroll down for more details or download the brochure pdf here
Please click here to view our Cancellation Policy.

Deposit: $2300 deposit for single painters or $2,800 ($1,400 Each) for shared painters or painter and companion

October 1-13, 2026

Scroll below or click here for additional information

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Description

 

An aerial view of a picturesque coastal town built on a hillside, with a bustling harbor filled with boats and white and terracotta-roofed buildings.

ATHENS & HYDRA
GREECE
Watercolor Plein Air Workshop
October 1-13, 2026

We are delighted to announce our Plein Air Watercolor Workshop in the stunning and historic landscapes of Athens and Hydra, Greece, from October 1st to October 13th, 2026.

This extraordinary journey offers an unparalleled setting for plein air artists, blending the grandeur of ancient civilization with the timeless beauty of the Aegean Sea. Our workshop is a deep dive into an inspiring artistic experience, capturing the diverse essence of Greece’s magnificent splendor.

What’s Included?

12 Nights of Luxurious Accommodation:
6 nights at the 4-star Elia Ermou Hotel in Athens
6 nights at the 4-star Hydroussa Hotel in Hydra

Premium Transportation:
Comfortable coach transfers
Two scenic ferry rides with assigned seating
Boat transfer to a secluded beach for a morning of painting

Exquisite Dining:
All breakfasts included
Elegant Welcome Reception & Dinner in Athens
Two delightful dinners in Hydra

Exclusive Experiences & Instruction:
Private Guided Tour to The Acropolis
Captivating Hydra walking tour
Dedicated painting on diverse locations with staff assistance
6 days of unparalleled Plein Air Workshop instruction by Eric Wiegardt
Generous free time to explore and create!

An evening view from a modern rooftop terrace, showing a lit outdoor seating area overlooking the city of Athens. The ancient Acropolis and Parthenon are prominently illuminated on a hill in the background against a twilight sky. A lively harbor scene showing two horses with saddles standing on a cobblestone waterfront. In the background, a town climbs a steep hillside around the port, which is filled with docked boats and a large yacht.

 

LODGING IN ATHENS & HYDRA

Your workshop experience is enhanced by two exceptional accommodations, each offering a distinct and inspiring base for your creative journey. Our stay begins at the 4-star Elia Ermou Hotel in Athens, where its sophisticated, central location provides seamless access to the city’s ancient wonders and a stunning rooftop vantage point with views of the Acropolis. On the island of Hydra, the 4-star Hydroussa Hotel offers a serene retreat, perfectly situated for you to immerse yourself in the island’s unique charm, capturing its picturesque harbor and historic architecture. Together, these hotels provide the ideal blend of urban exploration and island tranquility, allowing you to fully focus on your artistic immersion.

When making travel arrangements, you will want to arrive on October 1st there will be a group dinner at 6pm and the workshop instruction begins on October 2nd. The last day of instruction will be on October 12th, so make your arrangements to depart Athens on October 13th or stay at a hotel near the airport to depart at a later date.

A photograph of a modern hotel room, showcasing a bright and clean aesthetic. The room features a large bed with a dark grey throw, a marble-patterned accent wall, and a large window with sheer and heavy curtains, suggesting a comfortable and well-lit space. A photograph of a room at the Hydroussa Hotel, blending modern comforts with rustic charm. The room features a bed with a neutral duvet, a striking exposed stone wall, and a smooth, neutral-toned wall with a flat-screen TV. The small window and wooden floor complete the serene aesthetic.

Available Room Packages: Prices are Per Person

Painter Single Room: $8990
Painter Shared Room: $6635
Companion Non-Painter Room: $5975

*PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

 

FAQs About The Workshop

What´s the closest airport?

Athens International Airport (ATH).

How do we get to the hotel upon arrival?

Arrange for a taxi to bring you from the hotel to the airport; many options are available. A taxi will also be needed to drive from the hotel to the airport on October 13th for your departure.

What should I bring?

You will need to bring your own brushes, pencils, paper, palette, paints, portable easel and stool. For the complete list, click here.

Also, watch the Plein Air packing video on YouTube. It is quite entertaining. We filmed this in Venice and we think the church bells got stuck on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK1zNvRkeNc

Is there a lot of walking?

We will be doing some walking. You will be carrying your own equipment. Please pack only what you can carry.

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover the cost of your trip and workshop.
European Travel Authorization will be needed for this trip (ETIAS), ensure you review prior to placing your deposit.

 

What to Expect & Additional Questions

 

How do I sign up for the class?

You can pay a deposit directly on our website or call the gallery for assistance.  Once you register for this class & pay the deposit amount, please go back to the main ‘Workshops’ page and complete the registration form for this trip.

There are two options:

  • You can click ‘online registration’ in which you can fill out the form right there on your computer and submit it directly to us.
  • You can click on the ‘printable registration form’ in which you have the following options:
    1. Complete the online registration form on your computer, or
    2. You can download the printable registration form & hand write the info, then you mail the form to:

Wiegardt Studio Gallery
PO BOX 1114
Ocean Park, WA 98640

We will need the completed form in order to send you an invoice for the balance owing on the trip.

 

What materials do I need?

Once you register for this class, please click on this link to view a materials list so you can ensure you have everything you need before the class begins.

Plein Air Materials List

Where can I get the materials I need?

All materials recommended by Eric can be purchased at the gallery or on our website.  If you need a specific item not listed on the website (for example, a large sheet of arches rough watercolor paper), please email gallery@ericwiegardt.com to make those arrangements; we will accommodate your requests to the best of our ability.

When should I plan to Arrive?

October 1st. Welcome reception will be on October 2nd with group dinner at 6pm.

How do I get from the Airport to the Hotel?

You can take a Taxi or Uber from Athens International Airport (ATH) to the Elia Ermou Hotel.

What is scheduled for the day after arrival?

Painting!

When does the workshop instruction actually begin?

Instruction begins October 2nd.

Are there days on the trip when there are not planned activities?

TBD

What day does instruction end?

Instruction ends October 12th.

When should I book a return flight?

Return flight October 13th.

What is the full workshop schedule?

TBD

How do I get from the hotel back to airport?

Either by Taxi or Uber to Athens International Airport (ATH) from the Elia Ermou Hotel.

What food is included?

All breakfasts, and three group dinners.

Does the hotel have a restaurant or are there any within walking distance?

The hotel has a stunning rooftop restaurant and there are many nearby options in the heart of Athens!

Any special items I should bring?

TBD

Deposit, Cancellations & Refunds

A $2,300 (Single Painter) or $2,800 ($1,400 each Shared Painter or Companion) ($100 non-refundable fee) deposit with the Registration and Responsibility Clause form guarantees your spot. Deposits must be received by December 31, 2025. Each person attending is required to fill out both documents, either online or sign and return them with their deposit by mail. Full payment of balance is due by April 1, 2026. Please pay your balance by check; credit card payments will require an additional 4% to cover the processing fee.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

For cancellations prior to December 31, 2025 all money will be refunded minus the $100 non-refundable administration fee.

*The administration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable*

No cancellations will be refunded after December 31, 2025.

No refund will be given to an applicant who does not participate or complete the workshop or field activities.

Please review the cancellation policy for each travel workshop carefully.  We must adhere to the refund deadline dates outlined in the brochure; there will be no exceptions.

Eric Wiegardt reserves the right to cancel for any reason. All payments will be reimbursed to the participants immediately upon cancellation.

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Additional information

Deposit

Painter (Single) $2300 Deposit, Shared Painter or Companion $1400 Deposit, Shared Painters or Painter & Companion $2800 Deposit

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