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About this trip
Join Walker Wellness Retreats and Nectar Yoga on a luxury adventure to the Greek islands! On this 8-day/7-night yoga retreat, we will visit Athens, Santorini, and Crete. From the time we pick you up at the airport, everything will be taken care of from start to finish. You will stay at 5-star hotels, enjoy private excursions, and eat dinner at incredible restaurants.
Pack your yoga mat, and we will find you the ideal space for your yoga practice with Nectar Yoga! What better place to enjoy yoga than in beautiful Greece?
On this retreat, all transportation, breakfast, dinner, activities, and excursions listed on the itinerary are included. These excursions will be for our group only.
Retreat Style: This retreat offers a good mixture of activities, excursions, and downtime. However, it would be classified as active due to the number of stairs and transportation required, as it is an island-hopping trip. We are staying at three different hotels throughout the retreat: two nights in Athens, two nights in Santorini, and three nights on the island of Crete. The hotel rooms in Athens and Santorini are five stars, and the accommodations in Crete are three stars, although it is a highly-rated hotel. Please be prepared for small hotel rooms in Europe.
Please note that everything is entirely 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 of the welcome dinner and ends after breakfast on the last day. Please make sure to bring your yoga mat if you plan on practicing yoga.
Travel insurance is required and must be purchased within 15 days of making your initial deposit. We recommend World Nomad and Allianz as good options.
You will be responsible for your flights into and out of Athens. Flights from CHQ (Crete) back to Athens cost around $70 one way.
* Please be mindful to pack light and bring only one suitcase.
Meet Your Host
Amy Walker, MSW, LCSW, CCM, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats. Amy started Walker Wellness Retreats in 2016 due to her love for travel and helping others experience the world. 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 Walker Wellness Retreats.
Amy has been to Greece 5 times, having led three successful retreats to Greece. In addition to Amy as your host, you will have local guides for your excursions and activities.
To meet more of the Walker Wellness Retreats team, visit the About Us page on our website.
Packing List
Packing List for Travel to Europe
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)
- Yoga mat
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. If you run out of outfits, plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally.
This retreat is a little more active as we will be moving from place to place. We cover a lot of land, but we hope to provide you with a nice mixture of relaxation and excursions. Please plan on packing light and being comfortable walking and climbing stairs.
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 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. If possible, leave valuable items at home or store them in a secure location such as a hotel safe. And remember to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!
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. Also, avoid taking money out of EuroNet ATMs, as they charge a lot of 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 if they do, you won't get a good conversion.
- If a merchant asks if you want to process your card in USD or Euro, always use the local currency, the 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 up. You don't 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:
- Please be aware of your surroundings and avoid showing large amounts of cash in public.
- 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.
- You can use ATMs located in secure, well-lit areas and avoid those with suspicious-looking devices attached to them.
- Check your credit card and bank statements regularly for any 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.
- Please let your bank and credit card company know about 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.
- You can use trusted ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis when taking a taxi.
- Official transportation services should be used at airports and train stations.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).
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 Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking.
Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.
Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.
The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at [email protected] to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.
What’s included
- Accommodations8 days/7 nights in well rated accommodations
- Airport TransfersPick up from Athens airport, drop off at Crete airport
- Ferry TransfersFerries between each location
- MealsBreakfast & dinners ( gratuity included)
- DrinksWater, beer, wine, soft drinks included at dinners
- TransportationAll transportation during the retreat
- Acropolis TourAcropolis tour in Athens
- Sunset Dinner CruiseSunset dinner cruise in Santorini
- Fira- Oia HikeYou will walk the famous 6 mile Fira to Oia hike, ending in Oia with a wonderful dinner
- Hiking in CreteAll day guided hiking excursion in the famous Samaria Gorge
- Chania Old TownOld Town Chania private walking tour
- YogaYoga sessions per itinerary
What’s not included
- AirfareArrival in to Athens and out of Crete. You will be responsible for your flight in to Athens and out of Crete. Flights from CHQ ( Crete ) back to Athens cost around $70 one way.
- LunchLunches each day
- GratuityGratuities for guides, boat crew, hotel staff, spa services, etc
- Additional ItemsSouvenirs, drinks, snacks, additional excursions, or other personal items
- Additional AlcoholAny additional alcoholic beverages (unless listed on itinerary)
- InsuranceTravel insurance and medical insurance (required 15 days after initial deposit)
- Travel FeesAny travel-related fees (visas, passports, baggage, etc.)
- Yoga MatPlease bring your own yoga mat
- Optional ToursOptional tours and activities I.e museums
Available Packages
Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.
Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package below.
Solo occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 1 person.
Helpful hints: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and want your own room, select 1 Single Occupancy package.
Available options
September 12th-14th Petite Suite at A77 Suites $775
Itinerary
On arrival at the Athens airport, you will be transferred to your hotel by private transportation with Crispy Local. Please go ahead and exit when you gather your luggage and look for the NECTAR YOGA sign. Heads up: this airport can be bustling and chaotic, but please find Amy holding the sign.
If you arrive early in the day, you may enjoy a walk around Plaka or Monastiraki. There are tons of fun shops, restaurants, and bars in the area. The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Plaka, or you can take an Uber or taxi. There is also the hop-on, hop-off bus right out front of the hotel, which is a great way to get oriented to the beautiful city of Athens!
The retreat officially starts at the group dinner and orientation this evening.
6:30 PM: We will meet in the hotel lobby for a meet-and-greet and then walk as a group to the restaurant for our welcome dinner. The walk is about 10 minutes.
7:00 PM: Dinner as a group at Ταβέρνα Το Φαγοπότι
Hotel/Lodging:
( 5 star hotel )