Painting Instructor: Vladislav Yeliseyev

• Round Trip From Athens (Piraeus), Greece
• 10 Nights - 5***** cruiseship
• 7 Ports:  Athens, Volos, Istanbul, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini 
• 2 Sea Days
• 1 Overnight in Istanbul
• 9-day Painting Workshop

This tour is designed for everyone - whether you wish to learn from Vlad, paint independently, or simply enjoy the journey as a non-painter. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and artistic inspiration that the Mediterranean has to offer. This journey promises not only a lavish vacation but also an unforgettable artistic odyssey around Aegean Sea!

Join our luxurious painting and cultural tour onboard Celebrity Infinity, starting from the historic city of Athens and exploring the stunning Greek islands and Turkey. This journey offers a perfect blend of painting experience lead by award-winning master watercolorist Vladislav Yeliseyev and deep cultural immersion, with private tours ensuring an intimate and enriching experience.

Your adventure begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Before setting sail, enjoy an optional private tour of this ancient city, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Plaka district. Capture the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of modern Athens in your sketches and paintings.

ABOUT OUR STOPS

Volos, this picturesque town earned its place in history as the birthplace of Achilles and the port from which Jason set out to find the golden fleece. Visitors can explore nearby quiet villages with cobblestone streets and quaint churches. At Meteora, you can view the fortress-like "monasteries of the air," which were built atop rock pillars in order to protect the monks from invaders. Sitting 900 feet above the plains of Thessally, they are a remarkable sight. 

Istanbul, Turkey is one of the world's most interesting cities. Cruise passengers get a striking view of the minaret-pierced skyline as the ship pulls into port. The treasures are plentiful here; visitors marvel at the great architectural triumph of the Blue Mosque, the glorious frescoes and mosaics of the Chora Church and the amazing Grand Bazaar. 

Ephesus (Kusadasi) was the capital of Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire, and now it is one of the world's most impressive and best-restored archaeological sites. Walk the marble-paved streets and see the spectacular ruins of the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, the house where the Virgin Mary spent her last days and the amphitheater where St. Paul once preached. Kusadasi is a Turkish resort known for its extensive marina and miles of beaches, but it is famed for the ancient treasures just minutes away: Miletus and its Greco-Roman theater and Temple of Athena, Didyma and its Temple of Apollo, and the most glorious of all, the marble city of Ephesus. 

Rhodes, this island is celebrated for its natural beauty and delightful climate. Its most outstanding site is the Acropolis of Lindos; take a donkey trek to the site and pass charming whitewashed cottages on the way. The island's capital city is ringed with more than two miles of 15th-century walls. Most excursions include the medieval castle and Turkish market. 

Santorini embodies all that has made the Greek Islands legendary-splendid beaches, unparalleled architecture, dramatic cliffs and quaint villages. The archipelago, perched on the edge of an active volcano's caldera, is one of Greece's Aegean gems. Blue-domed churches cap white-washed streets and white-, red- and black-sand shores are lapped by azure waters. Sunsets paint the bluffs in an array of oranges, pinks and plums-prime camera fodder for that perfect photo. Visitors can stroll cobblestone streets to browse shops and chow down on authentic dolmades and moussaka; tour local vineyards for sips of wine sourced from grapes grown in the rich, volcanic soil; or go on an excursion to the island's highest point, the 1,860-foot Mount Profitis Ilias, for panoramic views and a look at an 18th-century monastery.

Mykonos, famous for its whitewashed villages sprinkled with blue and jade green, windmills, and stunning beaches. Greek mythology contends that Mykonos is the rock that Heracles hurled to defeat the Giants. Revisit the 19th century at Lena's House, an annex of the Folklore Museum, and marvel at the Mediterranean views outside Paraportiani Church. Once used to grind wheat and generate energy, the town's famous windmills now make for great photo ops, particularly when shot from Alefkandra. This district, dubbed "Little Venice" because of its colorful houses perched along the sea, is home to trendy bars and art galleries.

Throughout the cruise, take advantage of onboard and shore-side painting workshops and cultural insights, enhancing your skills and deepening your appreciation of these beautiful and historic destinations. The private tours ensure a personalized and intimate experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and scenery, make new friends and creating lasting memories and stunning artworks.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT 

I. WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP

The workshop will concentrate on reinterpreting the scenery into loose impressionist perception style. Composition, hierarchy of elements, painting techniques, approaches to highlight only important elements will be the focus of this workshop. Students will:

• Discover how to simplify the most complex scenery 
• Learn the tonal values and fundamental connection between colors and values
• Learn to breakdown everything into primitive forms 
• Understand the stages involved in painting process to eliminate guesswork 
• Advance your loose brush techniques
• Practice dry brush, wet on wet, soft gradation and calligraphy
• Learn to increase sense of depth and enhance focal areas

II. URBAN SKETCHING WORKSHOP

In this engaging workshop, Vlad will not only demonstrate but also guide YOU in honing your skills to craft captivating color sketches using waterproof ink pens and watercolors. Our emphasis will be on achieving immediacy in presentation, mastering composition, and, most importantly, channeling focused creativity to produce vibrant and impactful images that captivate the viewer's attention.

Topics will Include:

• Choosing a Subject
• Basic Composition and Focal Point
• Drawing and Shading Techniques
• Ink Application and Transition to Color
• Detailing and Balancing Techniques
• Softening and Creating Atmosphere

RESERVE YOUR SPOT 

• Airfare 
• Travel Insurance
• Optional Excursions
• Spa and other optional services onboard
• Pre-cruise stay and excursion in Athens (option available)
• Extended stay in Athens
• Transfer to/from cruise terminal
• Optional meals and drinks outside of cruiseship
• Cruise daily service gratuities and tips