Athena wants YOU to write your story with us in Athens, Greece!
In April 2023, Wine Country Writers’ Community (aka Faye Arcand and Jim Jackson), will venture over to Athens, Greece for a Writers’ Retreat. Here is your opportunity to join them.
The retreat will be limited to 15 adult participants on a first come, first served basis. The first (refundable) deposit of $1000 is due by November 30, 2022 to Banks Travel–an agent there will take the information and payment.
Call 250-492-0726 to do this. You can pay by cheque, cash, or credit. (Cheques are to be payable to KBanks Travel).
Fill out this registration form to get started.
If you have questions you can email Helene@bankstravel.com
We want all to know that this is a group travel experience but as individual as you desire. You can relax and write all day, or venture out to your hearts content… the choice is always yours.
If one of the tours is moving too fast or isn’t your cup of tea –not a problem. You’re the boss of you and decide your limits. Do know that some of the streets are cobblestones and proper footwear and care should be taken.
If demand warrants, WCWCommunity will consider opening up to 20. There will be no further participants after 20.
What is a Writers’ Retreat?
It’s a combination of what you want to make it and a fresh setting in which to do it. Think about:
- inspiration in a different location
- a break from the ordinary
- traveling as a group but as individuals
- being in an area of ancient ruins
- new to you people
- renewed energy
- different food
- exciting culture
- no interruptions to your renewed inspriation
- go stand in the shadow of history
- some focused learning
- expanding your writing community
The retreat is scheduled for April 16-23, 2023
Overview
Sunday, April 16th
Arrival transfer to the hotel in Athens
One Week in Athens at DIVANI ACROPOLIS PALACE HOTEL – Acropolis view rooms
Monday, April 17th
Morning seminar
Time 9-noon (this time could change): This will be a class led by Jim Jackson in the designated business space.
Coffee/tea and light lunch served after.
The rest of the day is yours to do with what you want. Write, walk, listen in, think…
Tuesday, April 18th
Half-day city tour (panoramic + Acropolis Museum + Acropolis)
lunch Included –Mineral Water included. No alcohol included.
Free time in Plaka
Overnight in Athens
Wednesday, April 19th
Morning seminar (9.00-12.00) – This will be a class led by Jonas Saul in the designated business space.
Coffee/tea and light lunch served after.
Rest of the day is free time.
Thursday, April 20th Half Day Walking Food tour (till about 2.00pm).
The group will be divided in two teams of 10 people in order to be able to taste the Greek products in the chosen traditional places which are: one of the oldest coffee shop of Athens (traditional Greek coffee with loukoumi), a “pandopoleio” (local cheeses, cold cuts, breadsticks, ouzo, tsipouro, etc…), the oldest tavern in Monastiraki’s district (pita souvlaki with fries and Greek salad), then pastry shop for the dessert .
This tour gives you the ability to engage all your senses–bring a notebook.
Then free time.
Friday, April 21st: Morning seminar (9.00-12.00am) – This will be a class led by Faye Arcand in the designated business space.
Coffee/tea and light lunch served after.
Free time.
Saturday, April 22nd: All day free time.
Family Style Greek Dinner. Readings from Anyone who wants to share.
Back to the hotel to pack and sleep.
Sunday, April 23rd: According to departure time, transfer to Athens airport.
Price of $4299 CAD Includes:
The bus transport services (transfers and half day city tour of Athens, shuttles between hotel and airport)
Welcome Meet and Greet Reception
Hotel accommodation DIVANI ACROPOLIS PALACE HOTEL
Daily American Style Breakfast
Family Style Dinner.
Coffee/Light Lunch on Monday, Wednesday, Friday after class.
Lunch included in tour on Tuesday
Food Tour Thursday includes lunch
Tips for Drivers/Guides
Tours as described above with English speaking professional licensed guides
Price Does Not Include:
Airfare or any type of travel/transport not specified above
Medical
Cancellation Insurance
Meals/snacks not specifically mentioned are the responsibility of the guest
If you choose not to participate in any or all, of the planned activities that’s fine, but no reimbursements or adjustments will be made.
Anything not on the itinerary.
If you would like more information or would like to sign up for the WCWCommunity Writers’ Retreat, please contact: wcwfestival@gmail.com
A licensed professional travel agent will be able to book all flights and collect all deposits and payments. Cancellation and medical insurance are not negotiable.
No fees for Cheque or cash.
This is a writing retreat to experience new foods, people, cultures, and places. Sorry but this is for adults only.
Price is in Canadian Dollars.
There must be a minimum of 15 committed and paid in order to get this trip at this low cost.
Wine Country Writers' Festival 