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About this trip
Welcome to the Mediterranean!
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mediterranean, where the breathtaking coasts of Spain, France, and Italy await. This 11-day, 10-night all-inclusive retreat invites you to experience the unparalleled charm, culture, and natural beauty of the Spanish, French, and Italian Rivieras.
What to Expect:
This retreat is designed for those who love a balance of adventure and relaxation. While there are ample opportunities to unwind, the itinerary leans toward an active style, with frequent travel and changing accommodations to make the most of your time in this spectacular region. From guided tours to immersive cultural experiences, the retreat features a variety of scheduled activities—but rest assured, participation is always optional. After all, it’s your vacation, and how you enjoy it is entirely up to you.
Let Us Help You Plan:
Need assistance booking your flights? Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, is happy to help arrange your travel. Feel free to reach out to her directly at amy@walkerwellnessretreats.com.
Trip Style:
Active—ideal for those who love to explore, discover, and stay on the move while embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Get ready for an enriching adventure across three extraordinary countries!
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.
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)
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.
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 don't forget to leave room in your luggage for souvenirs and gifts!
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.
- Always use the local currency, the 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 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 & 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 contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.
What’s included
- All Accommodations11 days/ 10 nights in highly rated accommodations
- MealsAll meals and drinks during the retreat
- Pick Up & Drop OffAirport or local hotel pick up and drop off
- TransportationSupport and transportation throughout the retreat
- Local GuideLocal guide for excursions per itinerary
- GratuityGratuity/ tipping for guides, drivers and meals
- Flights during retreatFlights required during the retreat
- Excursions and EntrancesExcursions and entrance fees as listed on the itinerary
- Retreat GiftRetreat gift
What’s not included
- Arrival AirfareInternational airfare ( arrival to Barcelona, Spain and departure from Naples, Italy)
- Optional ExcursionsOptional excursions
- GratuityGratuity of a personal nature i.e housekeeping, bellmen, spa services, etc.
- InsuranceTravel insurance/medical insurance (Required)
- AlcoholAlcoholic drinks unless stated on the itinerary
- Additional ItemsSouvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased throughout the retreat
Available Packages
Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for two people.
Helpful hints:
If you have two people who would like to share a room, select two Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, choose one Double Occupancy package. If you are traveling alone and would like your own room, choose one Single Occupancy package below.
Solo occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for one person.
Helpful hints: If you are traveling alone but want to share a room with another traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package above. If you are booking for two people who would like to share a room, choose 2 Double Occupancy packages above.
Priced based on solo occupancy. One person, private room with private bathroom. Day 8-11 included plus transfer and accommodations before Sardinia Sailing Retreat. September 8th-September 13th, 2024.
Itinerary
Welcome to Spain!
Upon arrival at the airport, Walker Wellness Retreats will arrange for your private transfer to your hotel, ensuring a seamless start to your journey.
As most flights from the United States require departure a day prior to the retreat, you will arrive in Spain on the morning of the retreat, ready to begin your adventure. Once you check in and settle into your accommodations, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax, explore the surroundings, or simply unwind after your journey.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcoming dinner, where you can meet your fellow travelers and start your retreat with delicious food and warm conversation.
7:00 PM - Dinner and orientation at the hotel restaurant: ASPIC
Overnight stay at Grand Hyatt Barcelona