Planning is underway for our 3-day Writing Intensive Workshop in Athens this November, and I can't wait to meet you there!
By now, I've heard from several folks who'd love to join us but feel like arranging such a short-notice trip to Greece is too daunting.
I get it: wherever you're flying from, it can feel like there are too many moving parts to figure out.
So if you're considering joining us, this quick guide can take the guesswork out of the logistics:
1. Where we stay: Koukaki
I'm basing this workshop primarily in Koukaki, one of Athens’ most walkable and exciting neighborhoods filled with world-class specialty coffee roasters, cozy tavernas, bookstores, and exciting listening bars where DJs spin rare vinyls in the afternoons. 😎
Koukaki is situated right at the foot of Philopappos Hill, where we'll walk, stretch, and write surrounded by cypress trees and stunning views of the city. Plus, it's within walking distance to Plaka and other spots we'll visit that I won't reveal just yet ;)
💰 An average 4-night stay in this area in early November is ~$250 total.
Other areas you could stay in for less: Kipseli and Neos Kosmos (easy walking distance or via the metro) or Pagrati (a 10-min taxi ride away).
Because early November is Greece’s quieter shoulder season, accommodations in Athens can be booked at much lower nightly rates compared to summer.
2. Getting there
- From Europe / the U.K.: Athens International (ATH) is a quick 2- to 4-hour direct flight from almost every major European hub, making it a great option for a long weekend trip.
- From the U.S. / International: Early November sits in the sweet spot right before the high-priced holiday rush. Transatlantic flights drop into lower fares, making a week-long trip to Greece more possible. For example, a Chicago-to-Athens round trip is ~$500 at the moment, nearly half the cost of October prices.
- Serviced by low-cost carriers: A number of low-cost airlines fly into ATH, including Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, SkyExpress, and Aegean Airlines. From the U.S., you could book the cheapest direct flight on a major carrier to any European city, then get a low-cost ride to Greece.
3. The cost of being there
Meals, drinks, and experiences run at much lower prices in Athens than in other European capitals. It's possible to have a great meal at ~$20 or less. Grocery shopping (which I always do when I travel because I think it's fun 😊) lowers the meal budget even further. And don't forget: our final night soirée and meal is included.
PLUS: Athens in early November is wonderful!
No more summer heat and massive crowds. The weather will be crisp, sunny, and quiet, cool enough for light sweaters, yet warm enough to bask in the daylight. It will be exactly the scene we'll need to unplug from our routines and immerse ourselves in the craft of writing.
How we'll spend our time
Every morning will start with a great cup of coffee and a writing warm-up.
Over three days, we’ll gather around the table (or rather, numerous tables) to learn the anatomy of travel features, master personal essays, and practice writing consistently.
We'll run writing exercises through Koukaki and other neighborhoods and meet interesting, passionate Athenians.
We'll also jump on an exclusive live Zoom masterclass with a travel editor who works with major U.S. travel publications.
She'll give you direct insight into what editors are assigning right now.
Plus: it's an opportunity to network with her ;)
Whether you’re joining for a quick weekend from Europe or taking a week from the U.S. or other non-European areas to write and explore, this workshop is structured to be high-value, deeply collaborative, and restorative for you.
➡️ Tuition & securing your seat: Tuition is set at an inaugural rate of $1,200, and you can lock in your spot today with a $400 deposit.
(I'll run this workshop again next year, but at a higher rate.)
Registration closes on Wednesday, October 7, so we can finalize everything.
👉 Click here to pay your $400 deposit and grab your seat in Athens
This workshop is open to all levels: from writers just dipping their toes into the craft to seasoned practitioners looking to reignite their creative imagination.
If you have any questions about flights, neighborhood recommendations, or how this workshop can help with your writing goals, just hit reply to this email.
I can’t wait to see you in Greece!
xx Yulia
You can use it however you'd like: to review your portfolio, get feedback on your work, receive advice on a particular project, or even compare notes on our creative endeavors. This private one-hour call will be scheduled at a time of your choosing.
➡️ The code to get this perk is inside your paid-member newsletter.
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