Slow Travel in Greece

Solo Travel Art Retreat: Learn Byzantine Icon Painting in Greece

6 days. 8 artists. A week of creation in a historic mountain village

Solo Travel Art Retreat: Learn Byzantine Icon Painting in Greece

Join other solo travelers for an immersive 6-Day Art & Cultural Retreat in the Rhodope Mountains where you’ll learn centuries-old icon painting techniques from a local master, share meals at village tavernas, and discover that traveling alone doesn’t mean experiencing Greece alone.

Arrive solo. Connect deeply. Create something that lasts.

Icon-painting Retreat Highlights

Learn from Savva Ververidi, expert in Greek Orthodox iconography

The daily icon painting workshops include exceptional Byzantine icon painting techniques, with influences from the Macedonian and Cretan icon-painting movements.

5-Day Art & Cultural Immersion in the Rhodope Mountains

5 Days / 6 Nights – All-Inclusive Daily icon painting workshops (6 hours) • Accommodation • All meals • Nature activities • Transport from Xanthi • Airport pickup on request • Learn from the locals - Traditional Bread Baking in a Wood-Fired Oven!

5 full days of hands-on icon painting instruction

Whether you're experienced, a beginner, or simply interested in learning Byzantine icon painting, this retreat is for you! Create at your own pace and take your unique work home with you.

All materials included – brushes, pigments, wooden panels

All materials included, but if you have a set of favorite pens and brushes, feel free to bring them! We equip you with everything necessary to explore the art of icon painting stress-free.

Karyofyto lost in the mountains
ΑΓΙΟΙ ΓΙΑ ΑΝΕΒΑΣΜΑ
Savvas and icon painting Karyofyto
Icon painting on stone art retreat in Greece

Village walking tour & visit churches with Savvas's icon painting & Leivaditis waterfall

The village walking tours are a must—we'll explore both Ano and Kato Karyofyto, visiting the two churches that Savvas, your local instructor, has decorated with icon paintings, living examples of the Byzantine art tradition. In Kato Karyofyto, we'll also see the stunning stone bridge above the river, with possible outdoor sketching and a picnic depending on weather. We walk at a gentle pace, with transportation options available for anyone with mobility concerns. Our exploration include the highlight of the biggest waterfall in the Balkans, Leivaditis, where we enjoy a waterfall walk and a picnic in this stunning location.

Dates Available in 2026:
25 – 30 August 2026
21 – 26 September 2026
19 – 24 October 2026
Secure Your Creative Journey
Early Bird Rate: €680 Book 2+ months in advance and save €40
Standard Rate: €720 Regular pricing for all bookings

6-Day Art & Cultural Immersion in the Rhodope Mountains

Limited spots available! Maximum 8 Participants

MEET YOUR TEACHER

Your local instructor

Savvas Ververidis

A Master Iconographer Rooted in Tradition
When you join our icon painting retreat, you’ll be learning from Savvas Ververidis, a master iconographer whose life has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the sacred art of Byzantine iconography.
Born in Thessaloniki in 1979, Savvas grew up in the mountain village of Karyofyto, Xanthi, where the beauty of nature and the richness of tradition shaped his artistic vision from an early age. After spending part of his childhood in Belgium—an experience that opened his eyes to diverse cultural perspectives—he returned to Greece, where his true calling awaited.
Byzantine icon painting retreat in Greece

Savvas’s journey into iconography began in the most authentic way possible: learning from his father, a renowned master iconographer. This intimate transmission of knowledge, from father to son, connected him directly to generations of Byzantine artists. 

But Savvas didn’t stop there. He pursued formal training at the prestigious “Panagia Achiropoiitos” iconography school in Thessaloniki, mastering both the Macedonian and Cretan Schools of Byzantine painting—two distinct traditions that enrich his teaching with depth and versatility.

His education in Theology deepened his understanding of the spiritual dimension of iconography, while later studies in Special Education revealed his natural gift for teaching and his commitment to making this sacred art accessible to everyone.

Icon Painting Retreat in Greece

Learning from a Master

At twenty-eight, Savvas established his own iconography studio, and for nearly two decades, he has been creating sacred art for churches throughout Greece. His complete decoration of two churches in his beloved Karyofyto—the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos and the Chapel of Saint George—stands as testament to his mastery. These aren’t museum pieces; they’re living spaces of worship where his art continues to inspire prayer and contemplation.

What makes Savvas an exceptional teacher is his unique combination of:
✅ Direct lineage from master iconographers – learned through traditional apprenticeship under his father, then refined his skills at the “Panagia Achiropoiitos” iconography school

✅ Teaches both major styles – Macedonian and Cretan Schools, giving you a complete understanding of Byzantine iconography
✅ Active practitioner and teacher – runs his own studio for 20 years, teaching the same techniques he uses in his ongoing church commissions
✅ Natural educator with proven teaching skills – studied Special Education, knows how to make complex skills accessible
✅ Gets the spiritual dimension – studied Theology, understands iconography as an essential part of the Byzantine tradition and Greek Orthodox religion
✅ Genuinely passionate – loves sharing this tradition and helping students connect with it, regardless of their experience level
All materials for the icon painting retreats are included: brushes, wood panels, iconography pigments, varnishes, mixions, and all other necessary materials and equipment.
Icon painting on stone art retreat in Greece
The daily icon painting workshops include exceptional Byzantine icon painting techniques, with influences from the Macedonian and Cretan icon-painting movements.

your host

I’m Effie Papadopoulou, founder of Slow Travel Greece, and I’ll be your host throughout this retreat. While Savvas guides you through iconography, I’m here to take care of everything else—answering questions, coordinating logistics, and making sure you feel at home in Ano Karyofyto. I’m your contact point for whatever you need, so you can focus 
completely on your creative journey.

Image female founder slow travel Greece
After discovering Ano Karyofyto last winter, I knew I had to bring other solo-traveling artists here to experience what I did: the quiet power of learning an ancient craft in a place where tradition still matters, where your money supports real families, and where you're welcomed not as a tourist but as a mindful traveler who values authentic connection and gives back through thoughtful exploration of the real Greece.
Effie papadopoulou
Founder Slow Travel Greece

Explore the real Greece

Discover Rural Greece and Thrace: A Retreat in the Rhodope Mountains

Taste authentic rural Greek hospitality and village life in one of Greece’s most unseen regions—Thrace. Experience the quiet, simple life in a Greek mountain village untouched by mass tourism. Breathe in crisp mountain air, greet locals with a warm “kalimera,” and sip your morning coffee gazing at blue skies and peaks surrounded by lush natural beauty. During the guided walks included in the retreat, you’ll explore Ano Karyofyto and Kato Karyofyto, the enchanting river that connects the settlements and flowing from Leivaditis waterfall, the stunning stone bridge, and the small chapel of Saint George and the Church of the Dormition church—beautifully painted by Savvas himself. On pleasant days, we’ll enjoy our meals outdoors and practice sketching exercises in nature, making the experience even more special.

Your Creative Home: The Cultural Center of Ano Karyofyto mountain village

The Byzantine iconography retreat takes place in a stunning mountain village at 560m altitude, nestled on the forest paths leading to Leivaditis—the largest waterfall in the Balkans.

This is Ano Karyofyto, a peaceful historic village with fewer than 100 permanent residents that has everything you need: welcoming people, deep traditions, cozy taverns, a mini market for essentials, and stunning nature all around.

Your Retreat Space - One Location, Complete Peace. No rushing between venues, no distractions—just you, your art, the mountains, and a supportive community of fellow learners.

Everything happens in one beautiful location: the recently renovated Cultural Center, housed in a historic primary school at the village entrance. This special building brings together everything you need:
Ground floor sleeping quarters – comfortable bunk-style accommodation (cool, quiet, perfect for mountain rest) hosting our private group of up to 8 participants
Upper level dining area – where breakfast and lunch are served, with outdoor seating when weather permits
Workshop space – equipped with a kitchen and fireplace for cozy working sessions
Outdoor BBQ area – for relaxed evening gatherings
Folk Museum – housed within the same building, offering a glimpse into local heritage

Flexibility for Your Comfort

While accommodation and meals are included in the retreat price, we understand everyone has different needs:
Prefer privacy? Several guesthouses in the village offer private rooms you can book independently
Dietary restrictions or preferences? You’re welcome to prepare your own meals at specific times using ingredients you bring. We recommend shopping in Xanthi before your pickup to Ano Karyofyto—you’ll find well-stocked supermarkets with plenty of choices
Nearby Services: Pharmacy and health center: 13 km away, easily accessible.
We’re here to help with any questions and make joining easy for you!

Enjoy the village life in rural Greece

Taste Village Life, Breathe Oxygen, and Create

At Ano Karyofyto, in Thrace, Northeastern Greece

Getting Here

Xanthi is amphitheatrically built on the foothills of the Rhodopi mountain chain in Western Thrace, northeastern Greece, and serves as your entry point to the retreat. It’s easily accessible from two international airports:

From Thessaloniki to Xanthi: 200 km (2 hours 15 minutes drive). You can check the route here.

From Kavala: 54 km (45 minutes drive). You can check the route here.

From Xanthi, we’ll pick you up for the scenic 39 km drive (45 minutes) to Ano Karyofyto. You can check the route here!

Join us & learn from a master who lives and breathes this sacred art. Let Savvas guide you on a transformative journey into the heart of Byzantine iconography, where ancient tradition meets personal discovery.

How to Reach Xanthi

Sustainable travel by bus: Regular local services connect both airports to Xanthi with affordable fares. Check schedules from Thessaloniki here and from Kavala here. We’re happy to help you book your tickets!

Drive yourself: Rent a car for complete freedom to explore the region.
Private transfer: We can arrange direct pickup from either airport upon request.

What’s Included: Your transfer from Xanthi to Karyofyto is part of the retreat package. We recommend arriving one day before the retreat begins, though we’re flexible if your flight connections require a later arrival.

Contact us

Receive the detailed brochure, ask any questions, and reserve your place at our icon painting retreat in Thrace.
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