Greece
Wellness in Crete & Santorini
September 26 - October 3, 2024
Hosted by Merry Beth Freienmuth and Marcia Appel
Your journey starts in Crete, the largest island in Greece and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean. There, we will enjoy a botanical walk exploring the forests and fields of Enagron through a majestic network of botanical paths with wild vegetation, flowers, fruits, and aromatic plants of the farm. We will discuss how this native landscape is linked with myth, worship, and healing from ancient times until today. We will drink traditional herbal tea, experience a cooking lesson, enjoy healthy local cuisine in community with our group, and have plenty of time for leisure and rest.
A visit to the 3,500-year-old Minoan palace of Knossos will reveal a sprawling maze of royal chambers, grand staircases, storerooms, and workshops. This evocative Bronze Age site is believed to be Europe’s oldest city.
And we will tour Heraklion’s center where there are several museums and sites with historical interest.
If you love the ocean, you’ll enjoy a half-day catamaran cruise and take in the beautiful coastline and majestic blue waters with snacks, drinks, and the option to snorkel. There will be ample time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the small fishing village of Bali.
After a ferry ride to Santorini, one of the most iconic islands of the Mediterranean, we will visit the Venetsanos Winery for a wine-tasting tour and learn about the process of volcanic wine production.
Other activities include an afternoon of hiking, starting at the rim of the famous caldera to picturesque Oia, passing white stone houses and stunning views along the way with the opportunity to linger on the artsy streets of this village and take in the most stunning sunset views on the island.
During a free day in Santorini, you can enjoy leisure at the luxurious accommodations with a pool, gym, and spa, explore the towns of Fira, Imerovigli, or Oia, or take one of many optional tours available.
Throughout our dream trip we will practice meditation, yoga, mindfulness, qi gong, and meals together in community to connect, share, and celebrate the beauty of Greece, of life, and of traveling together.
Wellness in Crete & Santorini, Greece
Highlights
Visit Heraklion & Knossos
Hiking from Imerovigli to Oia
Catamaran cruise including snorkeling equipment, fruits, and drinks
The beautiful beaches and coastline of Crete and a visit to a small fishing village
Botanical walk that links the majestic landscape and vegetation to myth and healing from ancient times until today
We enjoy a wine-tasting tour and panoramic views at Venetsanos Winery
In our hands-on cooking lesson we learn about local ingredients and recipes as we sample delicious, healthy cuisine
Daily yoga and meditation sessions with Marcia and Merry Beth
A $500 deposit saves your spot on this dream trip
Your 8-day retreat includes
Accommodations: enjoy luxurious accommodations at Enagron Ecotourism Village in Crete and Cresanto Luxury Suites in Santorini
Meals: seven breakfasts, two light meze lunches, and four dinners are included
Ground Transportation: one round-trip airport transfer and transportation for all tours
Expert guides: experienced English-speaking guides on all excursions and tours
Classes: Yoga and meditation practices offered daily
Misc fees: including tour entrance fees, road tolls, ferry rides, and tips for porters, guides, and drivers
Cost Summary
A $500 deposit holds your space.
$2949 - double occupancy room with garden view and private plunge pool
$3174 - double occupancy room with sea view and private hot tub
$3799 - single occupancy room with garden view and private plunge pool, limited availability, by request only
$4249 - single occupancy room with sea view and private hot tub, limited availability, by request only
Accommodation options are for Cresanto Luxury Suites, Santorini. If single occupancy is desired, register right away - availability is very limited.
Enagron Ecotourism Village, Crete
Would you like to join us?
Have a question? Email us
Not Included in your retreat fee:
International airfare
International flights should arrive at Heraklion International Airport and depart from Santorini International Airport – recommendations for flights will be given so that travelers can arrive to take advantage of transfer
International airport taxes, airport porter, and extra baggage
Hotel early check-in and late check-out
Drinks and personal expenses
Extra sightseeing and optional activities
Travel insurance not included but will be offered
Join us for this dream retreat. A $500 deposit saves your spot.
Refunds and Cancellations
Deposit: A $500 non-refundable deposit is due with your reservation. Deposit is due at minimum 180 days prior to departure. Should deposit not be made prior to 180 days prior to departure, trip pricing and availability is subject to change.
Final Payment: Final balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Revision Fees: A handling fee of $25 per transaction will be assessed for any change or revision made to a reservation. A change of departure date within 6 months of departure will be treated as a cancellation, and cancellation charges will apply.
Cancellation Charges: Cancellations of confirmed bookings and transfers to new travel dates both result in penalties and fees assessed by travel suppliers. If you need to transfer or cancel for any reason prior to tour departure, the following cancellation fees will be assessed on your tour:
More than 120 days prior to departure: non-refundable deposit will be retained
120 – 90 days prior to departure: 30% of tour price
89 – 60 days prior to departure: 50% of tour price
59 - 30 days prior to departure: 75% of tour price
100% penalty of land or cruise price if cancellation made less than 30 days prior to arrival