Workshops

PROGRAMS

Why in Crete? The island lies between the three continents, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and there is a very strong spirit. It has already been inhabited ever since the Neolithic times, and flourishes in its art and culture through the ages. Minoan, Mycenae, (Dadalos: the first hollow bronze statue with the correct proportions), the Roman period, the Byzantium, and later the Cretan Renaissance, all found their inspiration in Crete and left their marks.

Week with workshop sculpting and sketching: At various locations we will sketch and sculpt images in beeswax or clay, to continue in wood or soft limestone. One of those places is between the ancient olive trees and the mythical stories, (Zeus was brought up in Crete by a goat), which makes it a unique experience. We will also sketch postures and expressions in the presence of a model.

Week walking with photography workshop: Put on your walking shoes and discover Crete on foot. Beautiful scenes with a lot of variation of landscape. Attention will be paid to the way of looking, the composition, the technique of sharpness / depth and color temperature. Photographing in the context of walks, village visits and the authentic life between mountains and sea.

Spring with Muses of Crete!
WALKING AND SCULPTING ON CRETE.

Duration: 8 days.
Dates:on request.
Price: 1200 euros (flight not included).

April is the month by excellence to enjoy the spring colours, the wild flowers, the amazing light in the gorges and the turquoise blue of the Libyan Sea. A particular inspiring environment for sketching and sculpting.

We organize a weekly program in South West Crete with an experienced guide and an artist. A sculpture workshop with Judith van Lunsen in combination with enchanting walks on the island of contrasts with the guide Tanit Lopez.

Program per day:

Day 1: Arrival in Chania, one of the most beautiful former Venetian ports of the Mediterranean. Free time for visit and dinner together. An overnight stay in Chania.

Day 2: The White Mountains: Departure with transport to the village of Anopoli, which lays high in the mountains, in the shepherd’s region of Sfakia. Lunch in Anopoli and a visit to the baker who continues the centuries-old tradition of making special biscuits and specialties. Walk through the beautiful old village. Transport to Agios Yiannis.

Day 3: Agios Giannis: Walk to the Balcony to follow a workshop with a magical view and with a delicious shepherd picnic. In the afternoon, you may continue with your own creation or choose for a short evening walk.
Level: 1 shoe.
Duration: 2 hours.
Height difference: 150m.

Day 4: Aradena gorge: Visit of Aradena village and a hike through the gorge to the beautiful Marmara bay. We descend to the sea enjoying a beautiful landscape. Sketch session on a nice spot in the gorge. Boat to Chora Sfakion. Where we stay for three nights.
Level: 2 shoes.
Duration: 3 hours.
Height difference: 600m. Downhill.

Day 5: Imbros gorge: Hike through the Imbros gorge, a historic canyon with an ancient path and of great botanical interest. We will discover the native plants with the guide, herbs and flowers and hold a sketch session.
Level: 1 shoe.
Duration: 3 hours.
Height difference: 550m.

Day 6: Long the South coast: We will go by boat to Loutro and make a beautiful coastal hike to the magical beach “Sweet Water” where we will have a sculpture workshop. And then walk back to the port town of Chora Sfakion by an amazing path.
Level: 1 shoe.
Duration: 1.5 hours.
Height difference: 250m.

Day 7: Askifou plateau: We drive through the mountains to the beautiful plateau of Askifou where we have lunch and then drive on to Chania. Free time, dinner and stay in the beautiful Venetian Chania.

Day 8: Departure: Free day. Transfer to the airport.

* The walks are suitable for everyone, but everyone is responsible for their health and participates at their own risk.

The local weather conditions in Crete in spring and autumn may result in a day being adjusted. We will then ensure the best a alternative.

Practical information:
Spring with Muses of Crete!

WALKING AND SCULPTING ON CRETE.

Including:

  • 7 nights accommodation in a double room with breakfast in cozy small guesthouses. (individual

    room is possible with an extra charge).

  • 6 times lunch and 7 times dinner (day of arrival dinner only, day of departure breakfast only.
  • All excursions with guide, walks and workshops.
  • Transfers to and from the airport of Chania, Crete (Daskalogiannis).
  • Transports of the program by public or private bus, boat, taxi.
  • Transportation of your luggage from hotel to hotel.

    Not included:
    • You book the flight yourself. This can be done, for example, with Aegean Airlines to Crete with transfer via Athens. (Good connection). Or from Amsterdam to Athens with Transavia and with an internal Aegean Airlines flight to Crete.
    • You are expected to take out travel insurance and cancellation insurance yourself.
    • Drinks.

    General information:
    • Nature of activity: The workshops are suitable for all, no prior knowledge required. The walks are of a maximum of three hours and in mountain area. One has to take into account the terrain, there are many stones on the paths and therefore good walking shoes are recommended. A good condition is required.

  • Accomodations: We stay in local pension and family hotels. Rooms with private bathroom.
  • Meals: We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner every day with local products and specialties.
  • Luggage: For your comfort, luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel. Make sure that you

    carry no more than one normal size suitcase. A backpack of at least 25 liters is required to take your hiking equipment and your material for the workshops.

    Minimum participation:
    To make the trip possible, there must be a minimum participation of four people. You can register with the contact-form. You will be kept informed of the number of participants. As soon as there are enough participants, the trip is insured and you can book your flight. The earlier you sign up, the cheaper your flight will be!