Sept 22 to Sept 30, 2024
Best Seller
Join us on an all-inclusive adventure on the Greek islands! We will be visiting Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini on this 9-day/8-night all-inclusive retreat. From the time we pick you up at the airport, everything will be taken care of from start to finish. You will be staying at 5-star hotels. All transportation, meals, and activities are included on this luxury Greek island retreat and will be exclusive for our group only.
Retreat Style: This retreat offers a good mixture between activities, excursions and downtime. This retreat would be classified on the active side though due to the amount of stairs and transportation required with it being an island hopping trip. We are staying at 3 different hotels throughout the duration of the retreat.
Please note that everything is completely optional. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather and unforeseen factors that may arise. Please also note that the retreat officially starts on the first day at the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day. The retreat itinerary is subject to change depending on weather and availability.
Ferries between each location.
All transportation during the retreat.
Gratuities for tour guides, restaurant staff, and drivers.
Economy air tickets from Santorini to Athens.
Athen's city tour with an English-speaking guide (private).
Private Catamaran in Mykonos.
Cooking class in Mykonos.
Sunset dinner cruise in Santorini.
Hike with dinner and wine in Santorini.
Retreat gift: trucker hat.
Drinks with meals ( wine, beer, water, soda).
Airfare to and from Athens, Greece.
Souvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items.
Gratuities of a personal nature (hotel staff, spa services, etc.).
Any additional alcoholic beverages (unless listed on itinerary).
Travel insurance and medical insurance (required).
Any travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.).
On arrival at the Athens airport, you will be transferred to your hotel by private transportation. Please exit the airport when you gather your luggage.
Food
All meals during the retreat (breakfast, lunch, & dinner).
Accommodation
9 days/8 nights in 5 star accommodations.
Important Documentation:
Travel insurance details (including emergency contact information)
Passport
Copy of passport (both in physical and digital form)
COVID-19 vaccination records
Trip itinerary (including accommodation and transportation details)
Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other essential travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.
Money:
Debit card (with a four-digit PIN)
Credit card
Petty cash (in euros, ~100)
Cross-body bag or travel purse (to avoid theft when out walking around)
Helpful Tip: You can withdraw euros from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.
Clothing:
Comfortable walking shoes (closed toe preferred)
Slip-on shoes (such as sandals or flip-flops)
Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella
Scarf (for covering shoulders when entering religious sites or dressing up an outfit)
Warm sweater or jacket (depending on the season)
Swimwear (if traveling in the summer or visiting a beach destination)
Hat and sunglasses
Undergarments and socks
Casual clothing (shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, etc.)
Athletic wear (yoga pants, sports bras, etc.)
Laundry bag
Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. Plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally if you run out of outfits.
Toiletries:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Shampoo and conditioner (travel-sized)
Body wash or soap (travel-sized)
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Personal medications (in their original containers)
Pain reliever (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
Anti-diarrhea medicine (such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
Motion sickness medicine (if prone to motion sickness)
Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher)
Insect repellent
First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
Towel (microfiber or quick-dry)
Hand sanitizer
Earplugs
Electronics:
Smartphone and/or camera
Charger and adapter (for European outlets)
Portable charger (if planning to use devices extensively throughout the day)
Headphones
Waterproof phone case
Power strip (if traveling with multiple devices)
VPN software (if needed for internet security and accessing geo-restricted content)
Additional Personal Items:
Refillable water bottle
Day pack or backpack (for carrying essentials during the day)
Beach bag or tote (if visiting a beach destination)
Dry bag (for storing wet clothes or electronics)
Beach blanket (if visiting a beach destination)
Book or e-reader
Journal or notepad
Always keep an eye on your belongings and be mindful of pickpockets and scams. Leave valuable items at home if possible or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!
"We really enjoyed the trip! Met some very nice people who were on the trip with us. The Greek islands are a must-see!! Brian and Amy planned a wonderful trip and were very accommodating throughout. We would book again with them!"
- Anne B
"Amazing trip to Greece! We showed up with our luggage and they took care of the rest. We'd definitely travel with Amy and Brian again. Highly recommend them."
- Kim S
Amy Walker
Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. When Amy is not leading international retreats, she works as an online mental health therapist. Amy is passionate about helping individuals and couples work through barriers and find new ways to communicate, connect, and thrive. In addition, Amy loves international travel, wine tasting, whale watching, and the outdoors. Amy works alongside her husband, Brian Walker, to run the wellness retreats.
Welcome to Athens!
On arrival at the Athens airport, you will be transferred to your hotel by private transportation. The retreat officially starts at the group dinner and orientation.
If you arrive early in the day, you may enjoy a walk in the center. Then, stroll into the picturesque alleys of the Plaka area, and enjoy some “Ouzo” along with heavenly taste “mezedes” with the view of the Acropolis rising above the city.
6:30 PM: Meet in the hotel lobby for a meet and greet.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Mystilli. 5 minute walk from the hotel.
Athens - A Walk through Ancient History
Breakfast at your hotel at your leisure. The morning is yours to explore as you wish!
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant if you are around or free to be on your own.
3:00 PM: Departure time for our excursion to the Acropolis.
The best way to see Athens is a private walking tour. You can feel the vibes, explore every sense, meet the locals, and taste street food!
This evening we will walk to Acropolis Hill, where you’ll enjoy Parthenon, the Erectheion & the surrounding monuments.
Then descend to the Acropolis Museum to have a view of fascinating exhibitions. Continue by crossing Andrianou Street, the most distinctive street of the Plaka neighborhood, the imposing Roman Agora, the vivid life of Monastiraki Square, and the surrounding streets.
7:00 PM: Dinner as a group at a local restaurant.
Mykonos
Breakfast at your leisure.
5:40 AM: Today, we will be transferred to the port for our cruise to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos to enjoy the perfect beach and fantastic nightlife! White and Blue mix in this beautiful Cycladic architecture and narrow alleys of Mykonos town.
We'll enjoy some free time to get settled until our cooking class in the afternoon.
12:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel.
3:30 PM: Meet at reception for transfer for our local Greek cooking class.
We will learn about the Mykonian culture and Greece through its delicious food, and the best way to do this is by taking the Mykonian spiti hands-on cooking class. Then, we will be picked up with the Mykonian Spiti's vehicles from the specific location and transferred to Mykonian Spiti, where you will be welcomed with the traditional "loukoumi" accompanied by Teta's liqueur.
Right after, we will visit the vegetable garden to learn how to cultivate seasonal vegetables used in the kitchen of Mykonian Spiti for food preparation. Then, in the corner of the park, we will find Myconian traditional food like rusk with local cheese named" kopanisti," tomato, olives," louza" (traditional Myconian smoked pork), local sausage accompanied with handmade wine, and Cretan raki.
Before serving dinner or lunch, we will start the cooking lessons, which will last for 45 minutes with the responsibility of Teta. First, we will learn to make spinach pie, stuffed tomatoes and peppers, and the famous tzatziki. Then, depending on the number of participants, the guests will take turns helping the hostess prepare the meal. Immediately after, dinner or lunch will be served consisting of all the dishes of the lesson (spinach pie, stuffed tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, seasonal salad, feta cheese, and kopanisti, and the main dish, orzo with beef).
To do the session well, seasonal fruit and a handmade dessert will be served, which will be washed down by unlimited drinks like the traditional "Raki," handcrafted wines, and other fruit juices. Then before we leave, there will be a photo session with guests and staff, guestbook dedications, and a small gift bag for two participants loaded with traditional flavors and drinks. Once done, our escort will wait to transfer us back to the hotel or drop you off at any location you request.
Private Catamaran Cruise ( 5 hours)
Breakfast at your leisure.
9:30 AM: Meet at reception. Our cruise boat leaves Mykonos’ old port and arrives approx. 45min. later at Rhenia island. We anchor by a deserted beach where we’ll have time to swim in the crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the fine sandy beach, or stroll around the place. Full lunch served aboard: Mediterranean style, freshly cooked on-board, right in front of you! Open bar (sodas, water, beer, white wine).
At around 2:30 PM, we sail to Delos Island to admire the archeological site (the entrance fee is paid extra). If you don’t want to see Delos, your captain will also allow you to visit another beach near Delos and continue swimming while the rest of the group explores Apollo’s birthplace. At around 4:30 PM, we’ll start the trip back to Mykonos and the Old Port after a day full of fun and unique memories!
Have fun, enjoy the sun, and drink cocktails on board or the coast.
Recommendation: 180 Sunset Bar for drinks with a view.
8:00 PM: Group dinner at the hotel.
Mykonos Town
Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure. The morning is your to spend how you wish.
1:00 PM: Lunch at the restaurant at the hotel if you are around or you are free to do your own thing.
2:00 PM: Depart the hotel for an excursion to explore Mykonos Town. The Town of Mykonos, called Chora by the locals, is a traditional Cycladic village built around a bay. It has whitewashed cubic houses with wooden doors, windows, and balconies painted in bright colors, narrow streets forming a labyrinth, beautiful churches, lovely chapels, and purple bougainvilleas contrasting with the bright white of the buildings' walls.
Cars are not allowed in the heart of Mykonos Town for most of the day, which makes the walk among the labyrinth streets particularly pleasing. The best way to see the Town is to explore it on foot.
Mykonos Town has numerous cafes, chic boutiques, souvenir shops, and fine jewelry shops lie in the beautiful capital. You will have free time here to explore as you wish. A sight worth visiting in the Town is the church complex of Panagia Paraportiani, which is a listed national cultural monument and is a superb representation of Cycladic architecture.
Those beautiful churches are located on the hill of the old Venetian castle (Kastro), now in ruins.
The famous whitewashed windmills, the trademark of the island, are standing on a hill overlooking the city. From there, one can enjoy a magnificent view of Little Venice, one of the most beautiful parts of the capital.
Little Venice is located on a peak of land, like a small peninsula. This peak of land consists of two-story Venetian houses of bright colors, built very close one to another, with colored wooden porches and balconies that seem to fall into the sea. The scenery forms an enchanting and unique image that charms everyone with its incredible beauty and magical atmosphere.
Another trademark of Mykonos is Petros the pelican, usually found hanging around the old port. He is quite a charmer and loves to pose for photographs. Be sure to look for him!
The capital also has an archaeological museum between the port and the Town. It exhibits various sculptures, pottery, and figurines originating from the islands of Delos and Rhenia. In addition, a nautical museum and a folklore museum housing a collection of icons, furniture, and folk musical instruments are also housed in the Town of Mykonos.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant in Little Venice.
Breathtaking Cliffs
Breakfast at your leisure at the hotel.
9:00 AM: Meet at reception for our ferry to Santorini. Boat departure is 9:50 AM. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel in Santorini.
Relax at this scenic volcanic island with its breathtaking views and white-washed houses draped along the high cliffs of Santorini's breathtaking "Caldera." You'll have some free time to walk through Oia, Fira, and Imerovigli villages. Sample at local stores a variety of local cheeses and Santorini's famous tomato paste and "Fava."
1:00 PM: Lunch will be held at the hotel if you want to join, or you are free to have lunch on your own on this day since you will have the day free to do as you wish.
7:30 PM: Sunset dinner at a local restaurant.
Fira- Oia Hike
Breakfast at your leisure, followed by free time to explore independently. Today the day is yours to explore Santorini at your leisure. To avoid the heat and the crowds, we'll meet in the evening for a scenic 2 mile walk, dinner and wine tasting.
1:00 PM: Lunch will be held at the hotel if you want to join, or you are free to have lunch on your own this day since you will have the morning free to do as you wish.
3:30 PM: Meet in front of the hotel for our sunset walk. Walking from Fira to Oia is one of Santorini’s top experiences. Hike along the rim of a caldera, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira, and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the islands.
If you go the entire distance, you will walk just over 10 km (about 6 miles). The walking path is a mix of paved, pedestrian streets and dirt hiking trails. It’s a hilly walk with little shade so please back plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Along the way, you also have the option to make a detour out to Skaros Rock. This is an outcropping of rock located near Imerovigli. If you add this on to the walk, it will add another 45 to 60 minutes to the hike.
With hiking Fira to Oia, you will get to see the amazing views of Oia in front of you (rather than having to turn around to see them), and you can end in Oia. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the village, watch Oia’s legendary sunset, and then return to your hotel.
Distance: 10 km (6 miles) one-way
Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
* Please note that if you would like to not do this hike, you can arrange for the hotel taxi to take you to the restaurant to meet the group. Feel free to charge the ride to your room and we will cover the cost.
8:00 PM: Dinner at Karma Restaurant
10:45 PM: We will return to the hotel.
Sunset Catamaran Dinner Cruise
Breakfast at the hotel at your leisure. The morning is yours to spend as you wish.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a nearby restaurant if you would like to join or on your own if you are out and about.
2:00 PM: Depart the hotel for our sunset catamaran cruise excursion. A sunset catamaran cruise is definitely one of the must-have experiences in Santorini. It is the perfect way to explore all the hidden gems of the island. This will be a 6 hour tour.
We will have the chance to see the spectacular volcanic cliffs before visiting Therasia island for a first dive in the crystal clear waters and heading to the famous Volcano of Santorini for another swim with the stunning wild view of the volcanic scenery a few meters away.
After, we will set sail for Akrotiri village, where we will admire its adorable Venetian lighthouse and an interesting rock formation on the caldera, called the Indian Rock.
The next stops are at Mesa Pigadia Beach, White Beach or Red Beach, depending on the weather conditions and the wind. Here, besides the tremendous landscapes, you can relax by the water or swim your worries away in addition to taking beautiful photos and use the snorkeling gear to discover underwater thrills. Most of all, you will indulge in a delicious meal in spectacular surroundings.
After dinner, we will follow the caldera coastline, where you can take splendid photographs of the admirable old port of Fira, the hidden church of Seven Holy Youths and the bay of Armeni.
Before the end of the cruise, get ready for the highlight of the tour – the captivating sunset of Santorini at the best spot, under the village of Oia– a mesmerizing spectacle to relish on board.
Departure day
Today we take a short flight from Santorini to Athens for your departure flight home. Please choose a flight that departs after 10:00 AM from Athens. Please note that your retreat officially ends after breakfast this day.
We want to thank you for choosing Walker Wellness Retreats for your journey to the Greek Islands!
Cancellation Policy
In the event of trip cancellation before the 90-day or 30-day payment deadline, the deposited amount is non-refundable. However, any payments made before these final payment deadlines are fully refundable minus the non-refundable deposit. Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.
In the unlikely event Activ Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking. Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms with separate deposit and cancellation policies. Please refer to their specific cancellation policies if booking through a third-party partner.
Payment Policy
All Activ Retreats retreat require a deposit at the time of booking.
European Travel Tips
Money:
Take out Euros from an ATM. Conversion rates are about equal to the dollar.
Be mindful that some ATMs charge a crazy conversion rate, like 11-15%. Do not use these ATMs. Avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs as they charge many conversion fees.
Use the XE currency conversion app to show you the conversion rate when you buy something.
Don't pay in USD. They probably won't take it, and you won't get a good conversion if they do.
Always use the local currency, Euro, if a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro.
Cash is widely used, especially for small things like drinks. Keep small bills and coins for the bathroom.
If you leave a tip anywhere, round it up—no need to tip out the standard 20%.
Make sure you use up all your coins before leaving Europe, as you cannot exchange them back.
Financial Safety:
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying large amounts of cash publicly.
Split up your cash, cards, and important documents into different places (e.g., some in a wallet, some in a money belt, and some in your luggage).
Keep your wallet or purse close to your body, and never leave it unattended.
Use ATMs in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges or transactions.
Use credit cards for larger purchases as they offer better protection than debit cards.
Use a travel credit card that offers benefits such as no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance.
Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans to prevent them from flagging your purchases as suspicious and freezing your account.
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi to avoid identity theft and fraud. Use a virtual private network (VPN) and avoid accessing sensitive information (e.g., bank accounts) on public Wi-Fi networks.
Personal Safety:
Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
Avoid carrying valuables or expensive jewelry.
Use a money belt or cross-body purse to keep essential items secure.
Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unlit areas.
Keep your wallet in a front pocket or money belt.
Use a cross-body purse with a secure zipper or buckle.
Be wary of strangers who approach.
Stay alert in crowded places, such as train stations and tourist attractions.
Register with the embassy or consulate in case of emergency.
Always keep emergency contact information with you.
Learn basic phrases in the local language, including how to ask for help.
Transportation:
Make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
Use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.
Payment confirmation
When you book a reservation for a product through the website https://www.arabiantours.travel, Skyland collects your payment information and processes your payment as described below under “payment processing” on behalf https://www.arabiantours.travel. The amount will be listed as Skyland on the credit or debit card statement. The company accepts the following credit cards: MasterCard and VISA. There is no charge or service fee for processing credit or debit card payments.
Refund policy
There is no cancellation fee if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure.
If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
If you cancel before 24 hours of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
The refund will be complete within 30 days from the transaction date.
The refund policy may differ depending on the nature of the booking as per the nature of the tour.
No refunds are available once a tour or service has commenced or in respect of any package, accommodation, meals, or any other services utilized.
Refunds will be done only through the original mode of payment.
For no refund policy, if you have purchased some specific time coupon tickets, event or attraction, or accommodation that has no refund and replacement, it will be non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy
Canceling a booking with https://www.arabiantours.travel can result in cancellation fees applied by https://www.arabiantours.travel, as outlined below. Additional fees may be levied by the individual supplier or tour operator. You will be notified via email or telephone of the total cancellation fees when canceling any booking.
If you have purchased an event, attraction, or coupon ticket, it will be non-refundable in all circumstances.
In some cases, the hotel or accommodation is also non-refundable but depends on the booking policy, which can be mentioned on the voucher.