16 independent reviews for Walking and painting vacation in Crete
Reviews for Walking and painting vacation in Crete
Cyd Rosen-Herrmann review 11 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was a wonderful time in all that I was able to do. I did get sick so I missed out on a few things, however, since I was staying on in that area the people who run the tour, Camille and Iakovos invited me to join them with the next group. I was above and behind. they were wonderful and I genuinely miss them. What I did do was quite lovely and you do meet the nicest people as well.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are going to do watercolor, because you really can use any media you like. Camille does supply materials. But I do recommend bringing your own watercolor paper, especially if you are a serious watercolorist.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate dinner at a local taverna that was privately owned. We walked or took local transportation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I was nervous about it at first, because I generally am not a joiner of these types of activities but I never felt judged. Everyone there was there to just have a good time, and I felt very comfortable. Again, all the people were just great. It wasn't fancy and first class accommodations which I wasn't looking for or even like. The apartments we stayed in were just great though; two verandas and window and doors everywhere, so there were breezed from every direction and lovely views. I went swimming in the pool almost daily, before and after I got sick. It was a really nice and well kept pool. Breakfasts were also very nice.Kate Mason review 5 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking along the coast path and then swimming in the sea was a highlight though I loved all the guided walks2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a walking pole and sturdy walking shoes3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes as we are out locally every day and used local buses4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent -I really enjoyed both the painting and walking -Camille and Iakovos were great company and very knowledgeable and helpful -I hope to return ….Sue Neve review 5 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
For me just walking along the rural part of the beach on my own on a hot morning. The sun sea and wind was perfect and meeting a herd of goats who had been released from their night time enclosure grazing nearby. The goat herd went for a swim with his wife watching from the beach. Not a bad life. On a more practical note, from the start, the pick up at the airport to the end of the vacation it all went well. Camille and Lakovos went out of their way to provide everything we needed. It was the first time we’ve been on a small group vacation and we will definitely do it again even though I knew from the start I may not be able to join in all the walks due to my health. I did do some though and enjoyed the historical places pointed out on the way. I’m a complete novice at painting but others were like me and Camille was very encouraging.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you get stressed (as we do now!) hiring cars, finding places and deciding what to do on vacation, this type of break was a welcome departure. Be prepared for heat though as was hotter than normal for this time of year. Being near the sea, the pool and the fact it is a quiet area meant this was not a problem although for me a little hot for long walks.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes . We were encouraged to use the buses and the whole community (restaurants, taxi drivers etc) were involved. It was good the air con is charged separately too as it was easy to cope with the heat if you do what the locals do and shut blinds etc during the day. We never needed ours.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Loved the apartment as although not luxury and more of a kitchenette than a kitchen, it was clean and had everything we needed. The cleaner came every day and the breakfast delivered in the mornings was delicious. Great mosquito blinds too.Amy Welch review 4 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walks, majestic scenery with the sea almost always in sight, and then the chance to just paint with no interruptions. Our hosts and the fellow travelers were such fun. Swimming in the warm crystal clear sea.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring watercolor or gouache paints, sunscreen, a fold up canvas shopping bag to stick in your day pack for purchases at the winery or in the villages.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed and ate and drank at family owned establishments4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely wonderful! This is my second time doing this trip and I would hesitate to return.Lydie Gardner review 22 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lovely walk along the coast followed by a swim at a deserted beach2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring good shoes and insect repellent.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I stayed in a family run apartment and ate in a family run taverna. We also ate local cheese and drank copious quantities of local wine4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A well balanced vacation in a beautiful area. Camille and Jakovos were excellent hosts making sure we were getting the most from our vacationSusan House review 25 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Each day feeling immersed in the local community with warm, genuinely caring guides.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Embrace the opportunity to learn about the past and present lives of the people living in such an extraordinary landscape.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I felt privileged to walk gently through landscapes, experiencing traditional production of local artisans, historical and environmental landmarks and meeting warm and friendly people. Our focus was appreciation for maintaining the quality of the environment, and respect for traditional life.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Such a rich and rewarding experience led by extremely knowledgeable, kind and caring guides.Aurora Plomer review 30 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The location of the hotel by the beach was superb. Coming down for breakfast in the morning to the stunning view of the bay from the restaurant was a real treat. The hotel was very well managed. Staff were always smiling and willing to help. The olive groves and bays with deep blue water were beautiful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I liked the concept of a vacation where the morning is spent walking/hiking beautiful scenery, afternoon break and evening painting in a studio under the guidance of a resident artist, as described in the detailed schedule. In fact, the description turned out to be misleading because we had no access to a studio and were given no guidance. The artist took us to an outdoors spot and supplied boards, water, acrylics and brushes but then left us to our own devices whilst she sat and did her own painting. Because there was no studio, we couldn't continue working on our paintings outside the short, time-limited sessions even for those who took their own materials. I would not have booked this vacation if I had known.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were taken to cafes and tavernas which appeared to be run by local people. No specific attention was drawn to environmental impact or contribution to conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This vacation promised much more than it delivered. It could have been truly memorable if the delivery had matched the description.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for taking the time to send you feedback. We are so glad you enjoyed the hotel and the beauty of the surroundings.
We are truly sorry that other aspects of the vacation did not meet your expectations, especially as for most customers it usually surpasses them. Because of logistical reasons (explained personally at the time) due to the usual accommodation not having opened so early in the season, customers were not able to access the studio in our house. We have changed the wording on our website to lower expectations about this and are sorry about the misunderstanding. However, we would like to point out that nowhere on our website does it say that there would be all day access to the studio. This does not mean that clients cannot continue painting outside the programmed hours. The traveler will know that we supplied materials to participants so they could do this. One participant in the group was doing this regularly. The hotel is very amenable to people painting there and gave us access to rooms where we could conduct painting workshops and had no problem with clients painting there at other times.
As far as art tuition is concerned, this is not mentioned on our website because we do not give formal tuition or direction. The workshops are a time of opportunity to explore painting, usually in front of the subject (en plain air), weather permitting, and to exchange ideas both with the lead artist and with other participants so there are lots of learning opportunities. The artist remembers guiding the traveler on her second picture, encouraging her to continue by toning down the green rushes to the right of her seascape. When all participants are concentrating on developing their own work, it is not the time to interrupt them, and the lead artist may lead by example, sketching herself. She is always ready to be interrupted, and frequently asks participants if they need any help. There is also discussion at the end of the session.
3.Vacation benefits to local people?
As the traveler acknowledges, the cafes and tavernas visited on the vacation are all run by local people who are dependent on this for their living and who are welcoming and friendly in true Cretan manner, catering to individual needs where necessary (as do also the hosts of Active Crete). Conversation is informal and mostly customer led so we do not lecture our visitors on environmental matters. If the opportunity arises to point out local or organic produce used or other environmentally positive aspects, such as no longer using plastic cups etc, or using solar power for hot water, we usually do.
Tony Upton review 23 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walk to the gorge.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a walking pole if you use one.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Zoya Duba review 17 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiking, walking through the small villages, the varied landscape.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to all.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Amy Welch review 13 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything. I completed 12 paintings/drawings most while being outside with my travel companions. I painted in olive groves, on the seacoast, in front of ancient churches, and on one of my two terraces. Each walk/ hike was filled with beautiful scenery cultural historical ahorticultural and geologic information. Our hosts were wonderful and like family. The family that owned our apartments also treated us so well. The pool was great. breakfasts huge and delicious, and the local foods and wines delicious and inexpensive. Our little village was so charming and safe . I could go on and on. Oh my gosh I had such a great week.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Practice taking long walks and bring just sandals you can wear in the sea and athletic shoes for the walks/hike. They are good about accommodating however people of different physical abilities. I brought my own watercolors and others brought gouache but we were particular about our art supplies. I did use their acrylics. There is no pressure and beginner artists would do fine.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we took public busses, ate and drank local products, went to local museums.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the best trips of my life and I hope to repeat it next year.Jane Greening review 25 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Loved all of it - lovely location that was so beautiful, great company, good walking, fun painting - a good introduction to Crete!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book it!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Of course - used the local taverna overlooking the sea most nights - delicious food and very friendly.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very warm and friendly organisers who made you very welcome.Anne Wheeler review 23 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The hosts, Camille and Iakovos, their local knowledge, the varied walks and locations for painting, and the company of the small group of fellow participants.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Travel light, take a sun hat and beach shoes for swimming in the sea and be prepared for a stress free vacation in a lovely quiet corner of Crete.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in accommodation and ate in restaurants belonging to friendly local people and we got around on foot or on local buses.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I had wonderful time.Graham Nicolls review 23 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hard to pick out one aspect alone but probably the walks up in the hills.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be afraid to attempt any of the walks and don't worry if you are not an experienced painter.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All the activities were effectively carbon neutral and trod lightly on the earth. None of my group had cars and travelled locally by bus. Small local tavernas and producers benefitted from our custom.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall a very lovely experience led by a great couple whose approach was flexible to suit differing abilities. I intend to return.Corinne Tucker review 18 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The fabulous walks in the hidden parts of Crete, led by charming and informative hosts2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The season doesn’t really start until the 15th May when more places would be open and the weather might be a bit warmer3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate in local restaurants. We took buses or walked everywhere4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great success. Beautiful and varied walks and encouraging painting sessions.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks indeed for your positive and considered review. We would like to point out out that the later start to the season was only this year because of Covid restrictions only recently
relaxed. Usually tavernas and cafes are open from the end of April.
Anonymous review 22 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Really friendly and interactive group. Camille and her partner Jacob were warm, gentle and welcoming, it set the tone for the group. Jacob knows the area very well and was an excellent guide. Lovely part of Crete. Enjoyed painting in locations.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Practical Support for painting but limited teaching. Walks maybe would be better starting early so not so hot rather than 9-9.30am.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Recycling at accommodation. Used local buses to get around further afield. Supported small out of the way hotel in Nopigia4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us your feedback. In answer to your comments, we do not advertise the painting workshops with tuition, although Camille often gives this in response to requests for help. The aim of the workshops is for guests to enjoy painting 'en plein air' or in the studio with like-minded vacation makers, whatever their experience.
As for starting the walks earlier, we can change the start time in response to people's needs but most do not want to start earlier than 09.00
Aya Hastwell review 12 Oct 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I visited Crete in September and was warmly welcomed by Camille & Iakovos. Due to COVID, I've got a bespoke vacation as a result! :) Every day we discussed and planned our next day programme and it was as per my wishes and interest. We did walks to various locations and every place we went was different with beautiful views and surroundings. My interest as an artist was to reflect on all the new images and colors, and I have a lot of photographs I took during the walks and plan to do a series of Crete paintings. After the walks and rest, Camille and I went to sketching sessions outside and I enjoyed them as well, and we had wonderful talks about art and life. Thanks to Camille I tried egg tempera technique first time and I loved the experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Get your sketchbooks and walking boots ready and you will never forget the experience!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The experience is unique as you will visit places that you will not see otherwise - real rural Crete with small villages, ancient churches, olive groves and herds of goats. It is "all inclusive" but in a very organic and natural way.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Camile and Iakovos are amazing hosts, warm, friendly, attentive and supportive, and I would highly recommend their tours.Holiday Reviews
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