Policies & FAQ's
Payment Terms & Conditions
How do I make payments? On the checkout page, you are required to submit a good email and a phone number that we can reach you by. If you choose to not pay in full upfront, we can accommodate payment plans (up to 3 payments). We will send you these invoices via email.
If you have not completed your payment or contacted us with a legitimate reason for payment tardiness within 5 days of an invoice being sent, your spot could be taken by someone else on the waiting list. Final payments for the trip must be completed by April 20th.
Is airfare included? No, you will need to purchase your own plane ticket that arrives and departs within the time frames that we provide for pickup/dropoff. We will be responsible for all your transportation, including to and from airports. You will need to fly into the Rhodes Airport, first trip (arrive May 21st, fly home June 4th) and second trip (arrive June 7th, fly home June 21st). You must arrive in Rhodes after 3:00pm (Greece time) for pickup, airport is a very close comfortable drive. Then we will all enjoy a nice dinner together (around 7pm) prepared at the hotel.
When booking your flight times to go home, you will have three options for being dropped off at the airport: 6:00am, 10:00am, and 1:00pm
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you book your flights accordingly. If you know someone coming on the trip, we recommend that you arrange to travel together.
What do I do if I unexpectedly have to cancel the trip? Can I get a refund? We treat each case fairly, please send us an email explaining your situation. It can be transferable towards another trip in the future or another person that either you know or someone that is on our waiting list can go to your place. We do not do refunds if you simply change your mind.
You cannot receive a refund one and a half month’s prior to your trip, this is because most of our expenses are paid upfront.
**If you can’t travel due to Covid related restrictions or we have to cancel trip, we will refund all money minus 6%.
Our Retreat Policies
Be Considerate. While on a retreat with the Milan’s, you will be working with others as a team and will be seen by others as representatives of Milan Art Institute. Please always be considerate of how your actions or contribution affects your team.
Be Respectful. Treat all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth. Make a personal commitment to be non-judgmental about cultural differences, living conditions and the lifestyle of each person you encounter. Avoid profane and abusive language and disruptive behavior that is dangerous to yourself and others. Always have proper identification on you. All items of clothing must be suitable for the cultural environment and should not contain offensive or objectionable material. If you use tobacco, please be respectful of those around you and smoking on the bus/van will NOT be tolerated.
Be Collaborative. When you are unsure, ask for help. Nobody knows everything and nobody is expected to be perfect. Asking questions avoids many problems down the road, so questions are encouraged. Try to be helpful so that everyone is on the same page.
Be Available. Each of the Milan Art Retreats are carefully planned out in accordance with the activities for the day and the number of people on the trip; therefore, it is important for the entire team that you are on time and available for team activities. You always have the option to stay back or venture out on your own, but in this case, you will be solely responsible for your own food and travel provisions. We will not reimburse you for any activities or meals missed.
Be Safe. We are traveling into a foreign country and it is imperative that you always pay attention to the instructions of the team leaders. While unsafe conditions are not anticipated, be sure to always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to safeguard your personal items. Do not go off on your own. It is important that Milan Art Trip team members always know where each participant is at. There will be plenty of time for relaxing, shopping, and enjoying the country. Finally, do not use, possess, or be under the influence of illegal drugs at any time during the trip. Use of alcohol is not prohibited, but do not be under the influence of alcohol during the trip (no drunkenness).
Be Positive. This is the trip of a lifetime! But inevitably there will be moments in which you might feel uncomfortable due to the exploration of a foreign land, sometimes one may experience “culture shock” and this is normal. We ask that you be conscious of your attitude because it will affect the others on the trip. It's essential to communicate your discomforts to a team leader rather than a fellow travel so that we can help you and try to mitigate your frustrations. Our goal is to help you have the best experience possible and communication is essential.
What You Should Bring
What should I bring? Whatever you need that can be packed in a medium sized suitcase with wheels. Include clothing, personal items, prescriptions, small purse inside a larger purse or backpack, credit card, some cash, camera and PASSPORT. Pack LIGHT. You'll want to go shopping!
What should I wear? Casual resort type clothing. Greeks DO NOT change clothes every day. It is acceptable to mix and match clothing and wear them several days. There are no laundry facilities available, so washing items in the sink can get tiresome and drying times are different due to the humidity.
What clothing should I pack? capris, shorts, swimwear, sleepwear, sandals, a dress or skirt, comfortable walking shoes, a light sweater or jacket. Layer clothing. Hat, scarves and belts are good accessories to bring. Leave expensive jewelry at home.
What else should I pack? Pack your own toiletries in small bottles. Remember your sunscreen, lip balm, medications and vitamins, diarrhea medicine, and pain reliever. Also, hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes are useful. Sleep aid or sleeping pills. Antibiotic (prescribed by your doctor, in case of illness.)
What size suitcase should I bring? A Medium sized suitcase, NOT a big suitcase. MUST be less than 50 pounds. Pack LIGHT, you will need space for souvenirs, clothes, oil, wine, etc. LESS is BEST!
Will someone help me with my luggage? NO, what you pack, you must be able to carry - through airports, up and down paths and sometimes stairs.
How much money should I take? Whatever you will need for snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Greece is on the Euro. The exchange rate varies, but currently it is $1 ~ 80 cents in Euros. We will give you more information on the exchange rate as the departure date approaches.
Will I be able to buy snacks, water, etc.? Yes, there are usually markets nearby.
Culture / Other Questions
What’s the food like? Greek food is very wholesome and fresh. There is usually a protein, many vegetables and starches available. ALL meals are Family Style. Milan Art Retreats orders the food prior to our arrival, we sit down and are served family style - with platters of food passed around. Meals typically take about 2 hours, with much visiting, sharing, talking and enjoying the food and drinks!
What if I get sick? There are clinics available in even the smallest towns. The doctors and nurses speak Greek and a smattering of English. Our guides will assist you, but the cost of care is paid up front and you must bill your own insurance when you get home.
What if I get jet lag? Everyone experiences “jet lag” to a certain extent. We recommend that you take a sleep aid or sleeping pills on the long plane ride and for the first couple of nights while your internal clock adjusts to the new time zone.
What if I want a beer or a glass of wine? That is acceptable. Greeks enjoy a glass of wine or beer at most meals. Drinking is usually contained to one or two glasses and only with a meal. Europeans tend to have a more casual attitude toward alcohol and far less abuse. This tour is NOT a “party” tour and we will not have excessive drinking and drunkenness, for liability reasons and for the consideration and enjoyment of other travelers.
Will there be free time? Yes, there will be free time every day, where you can go out on your own, or stay back and relax.
Can I bring someone with me who isn't an artist? What if I'm not an artist but I want to go a retreat with you? Of course! Anyone from anywhere is able to join us. Whether you're a beginner, hobby artist, or experienced all of our art lessons will be beneficial and inspiring. If you or your spouse/friend isn't an artist, thats ok too! You can skip any of the art classes (although we encourage you to have fun and be a part of them anyways!)
What will the art workshops be like on this trip? Art will be integrated into all aspects of the trip. You will create many pieces of artwork throughout this magical experience. Everyone will paint in acrylics with their acrylic travel kit. We will teach mixed media techniques, drawing, collage, and photography for future projects. There will be many chances for sharing artwork and constructive critiques. The art journaling that you do on this trip will be contribute to your future masterpieces!
Do I have to bring my own supplies? No, we will provide all the supplies you will need; however, a favorite set of pens, brushes or pencils is encouraged. You can bring anything else you want! This is YOUR trip.