[These 2017 prices are for guideline information only]:
Cost for tuition and board: 1250 Euros
Shared room: 1050 Euros per student
To bring a non-participating friend/partner: 650 Euros

WHO CAN COME?
Short-story writers, creative non-fiction writers, playwrights and poets are welcome to hone their skills or use the week as a retreat.

LEVEL
The workshops will be open to anyone with a serious desire to write, from beginners to published writers. All sessions will be conducted in a friendly, constructive atmosphere which will help you develop, plan and expand your work.

LOCATION
In the heart of the historic town, Villa Maria is a 19th-century townhouse with marble bathrooms, antiques and newly restored interiors. The serene, inspirational surroundings offer time for writing, relaxation and recreation.

ACCOMMODATION
There are 2 single rooms, 2 double rooms suitable for one student or a couple, 2 studios suitable for one student or a couple, 1 large double room suitable for 2 students sharing, and 1 split-level studio suitable for 2 students sharing. Most bedrooms have en suite bathrooms. Additional nearby accommodation may be provided, depending on student numbers.

ROOM CHOICE
Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Pricing is standard across all accommodation, so it’s luck of the draw if you get a sea view or en-suite. If you share accommodation with another student, you each pay a little less. 

TEACHING
You'll be in the capable hands of two published writers who love teaching and do it well. There's more info about Elise on this website. To find out what students say about Anne, click here.

FOOD
Healthy eating for all tastes, with vegetarian options, freshly prepared by our excellent chef and host, Elisa Mavropoulou. Please provide us with information on any special dietary requirements when booking.

SLIDE-SHOW
We've made a short slide-show to give you a feel for your stay at Villa Maria and Hermopoulis. View it here!

RECREATION
Afternoons are free. You can write, book a tutorial, read, swim, relax, take a siesta or an inspiring walk through the old town.

ACCESSIBILITY
Hermopoulis is built on a steep hill facing the harbour. The walk from the ferry includes approximately 100 steps up to Villa Maria. Porters will carry your luggage up on arrival, and down on departure. Because access to the house is via pedestrian streets with steps, this retreat is not suitable with people with walking disabilities.

DO YOU NEED A VISA?
If you are a passport holder from a country outside the EU, you will need to check if a visa is necessary to enter Greece. Students are responsible for obtaining any visas, or other travel documents, necessary to enter the country. You are advised to travel with a passport which has a minimum of 6 months left before its expiry.

HOW TO GET THERE BY AIR
There are direct flights from Athens to Syros with Sky Express.

HOW TO GET THERE BY SEA FROM ATHENS OR MYKONOS
Click here to see ferry timetables for all islands. You can sail from Mykonos to Syros, or from Piraeus port to Syros. There are also ferries that sail from Rafina (not far from Athens airport) via Tinos island.

TRANSPORT FROM ATHENS AIRPORT TO PIRAEUS
• Bus: The X96 bus goes direct from Athens airport to Piraeus every 20-30 minutes. The journey takes about 1 hour and costs 6 Euros. 
• Taxi: A taxi from the airport to Piraeus costs around 50 Euros and takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. If several students are arriving around the same time in Athens, a taxi can be shared. Nearer the time, we will put students arriving on the same flight in touch with each other.

ARRIVAL TIME
Officially, it's 17.00 on Saturday. There will be no formal tuition on the Saturday evening when you arrive; it's a time to socialise and break the ice—with food and drink—before the first workshop starts on the Sunday.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (AT A GLANCE)—more detailed info to come
• 7 nights' accommodation
• 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners with table wine
• course fee for workshops, tutorials and open mic nights