Welcome Greek Goddesses!
Greece Retreat Itinerary & Details
Dear Greek Goddesses
I am so excited to go on this adventure with you. Here is a breakdown of our retreat as well as room assignments & arrangements. I have also included all optional excursions and outings ideas-see below. I plan to do most outings so anyone is welcome to join me. I also plan on going to Athens for the day. The estimated cost for that trip is below—it is a Mythological Tour.
I just need to know who is going ASAP, so I can book ahead for that tour.
Payments for this tour can be paid to me after I get the final headcount.
Below is a list of things to do and places to visit while on the island. After morning yoga practice you will have plenty of free time to fill your day with sightseeing on the island. These are only suggestions and the costs associated for travel and entry are not included, therefore you will need to budget your out of pocket spending money accordingly. You are of course welcome to spend your days relaxing around the house at the pool and the beach below us. Please note: no one is ever obligated to attend excursions or outings, this is your retreat. Just carve out your mornings & some evenings for yoga & meditation. I am also taking everyone to Mona Island before we leave which is included on this retreat. That day we can pack a lunch or bring spending money for lunch out (your choice). There will also be a sign-up sheet upon arrival to receive your Akashic Reiki/Chakra Balancing Session from me (30-45min) included in this trip.
Thanks again ladies for joining me an this exotic, mystical retreat.
Any questions, let me know.
Peace, Light & Love,
Desiree ♥️
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Here’s what you need/suggestions for our DIVINE Journey:
*Summer/Fall Attire/Yoga Clothes
*Money (The Euro)
*Hat for the sun
*Sunblock
*Bathing Suit & Extra Towel
*Sneakers/Walking shoes
*Mobile Phone-contact your carriers to ensure service, etc.
*Pack light. I am also suggesting a carryon luggage for easy, smooth travel on the ferry & in the taxi, as well as avoiding issues with flight connections.
‼️I will also need everyone’s flight info & passport information including a picture of your passport. Please email or text this info along with your diet restrictions & allergies—please send this info ASAP.‼️
Room assignments:
•LEEANN BRANDT-SINGLE/PRIVATE ROOM (ENSUITE BATHROOM)
•JOY O’BRIEN & JEANNE HULSE-DOUBLE ROOM
•SUE WOOD & KIM RAGONE-DOUBLE ROOM
•”DEE” DEIDRE AVERY & JOANN FURIA-DOUBLE ROOM
*NOTE: There are 4 bathrooms onsite. One is a private for the single room guest. Therefore let’s be mindful of showering schedules, etc. I trust that as Yoginis & Adults we can figure it all out.
✅HELPFUL TIPS:
•Tipping is always appreciated at restaurants, tours, etc.
•Be conscious of your surroundings. You are in a foreign country. Greece was voted one of the safest places in the world to travel to. However please be aware of your surroundings & belongings.
•Embrace the Greece Energy! Greece’s energy is NOTHING like New York’s energy. The locals on the island are very laid back and move much slower. So schedules are not important to them, therefore let’s remember that you are on vacation & to vibe up with a slower, calmer way of being. The more flexible we are in our minds, the more space there is to enjoy our time in Greece.
Three meals will be served daily & here is tentative meal schedule:
*NOTE: ALL onsite meals are included with a private chef/cook*
*Pre-yoga snack & coffee: 6:45am-8am
*Breakfast: 9am
*Lunch: 1pm
*Dinner: 6pm
Itinerary/Schedule:
10/8.....️⚓️Arrival Day-
Transport from airport to ferry & Aegina Island
•Tues, Oct 8th:
Day One~The Goddess Lands
(Intention Setting/Grounding)
Settle In/Explore/Eat/Drink/Relax & Gather
*After dinner- Gather for a very light Grounded-EARTH, Gaia Yoga Practice & Akashic Meditation
•Wed, Oct 9th:
Day Two~
8am Hera-Queen of The Gods
The Divine Feminine Yoga Practice
(Strength & Grace)
•Thurs, Oct 10th
Day Three~
8am Aphrodite “Self-Love” Yoga Practice (Heart & Soul)
•Fri, Oct 11th
Day Four~
8am Aphaia Goddess Yoga Practice (Growth/Expansion)
•Sat, Oct 12th
Day Five~
8am Athena Yoga Practice
(Life-The Art of Living)
•Sun, Oct 13th
Day Six~
8am Enyo Yoga Practice
(Destruction/Transformation)
•Mon, Oct 14th
Day 7~
8am Return to Gaia’s Wisdom
-Earth Mother Practice-
*After dinner light & grounded yoga practice, goddess archetype meditation
& closing circle.
Tues, Oct 15th (Last day-Departure)
Day 8~
6am Silent Meditation (optional)
Eat, close...depart
*Jeanne 7am ferry departure—remaining guests 10am ferry departure*
*PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE GREEK VIBE &/OR WEATHER, ETC. OUR DAY TRIP TO MONA ISLAND DAY IS TBA.
**Information on The Athens Tour:
**The cost for the Athens tour is roughly as follows:
Tour- $70
Ferry- $32
Taxi to Athens- $50 (per car)
Taxi to Ferry- $20 (per car)
Food- $?
See link for more info:
**Please let me know ASAP if you plan on doing the Athens Tour.
*
REGARDING TRANSPORTATION TO & FROM ACTIVITIES. Perdika is about a 15-20 min walk where there are beaches, cafes, bars, etc. THE BEACH BELOW US IS ABOUT A 5 MIN WALK. A BUS IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR ACTIVITIES, VERY CHEAP & ACCESSIBLE. TAXIS ARE ALSO FAIRLY CHEAP. OR RENT A SCOOTER FOR THE DAY OR WEEK!! ONLY $170 FOR THE WEEK!
Please scroll down for popular activities on Aegina Island.
THINGS TO DO & SEE ON AEGINA ISLAND:
•The Temple of Aphaia & The Aphaia Museum. Known as "Aegina's Parthenon", Aphaias’ Temple is the jewel of the island. It was initially built on 700bc and was dedicated to Aphaia, a goodness from Creta. The Doric Temple we see today was built on 490bc from local sandstone and served as a model for the construction of Parthenon. This temple, the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio and the Parthenon form a perfect sacred triangle! The temple of Aphaia was decorated by magnificent sculptures, but in 1811 Cockerell from England and von Hallerstein from Germany stole them and secretly took them abroad, where they were sold to King Ludwig of Bavaria. They are currently displayed at the Glyptothek of Munick. The Temple site is located on the eastern side of the island and is approximately 13 km by road from the main port in Aegina Town.
•Agios (Saint) Nektarios Monastery: (tel:22970 53800; Guesthouse: 22970 53821). Agios Nektarios is the most recent Greek Orthodox Saint, who died in 1920 and to honor him, a Monastery was built.
It is visited by large numbers of people every year, many of them seeking help from this miracle-working Saint. Near the church is a complex of buildings which include chapels, the old house in which the holy man lived, and the monastery inhabited by a small community of nuns who tend to the spiritual needs of those who come to seek solace and healing. By Car you must take the inland road to Agia Marina, within 8 minutes you will see the big church on your left. The bus that is going from Aegina town to Agia Marina is passing Agios Nektarios. You can always take a taxi, which you can even order to pick you up from the villa. You need to ask, however, the taxi to wait during your visit, to be able to get you back. Tip: The big church you see upon arrival is Saint Catherine’s Church. Agios Nektarios Monastery is very small and you will find it if you take the road up the hill (5 minutes walk).
•Paleochora:
This is the historic (medieval) town of Aegina, on the left of Agios Nektarios.
It is an area full of small and scattered churches (36 remaining from the initial 365), old and ruined cottages and castles from the 8th century AD.
Tip: It is worthwhile visiting inside the churches, where one can find wall frescoes dates from the 13th century.
•Day visit to Moni island for a swim/relaxing adventure (included):
Moni is the small and tall island that you can see on your left from the villa. It is full of pine trees whose shade can offer a perfect relaxation by the sea, in between swims. There is a bar where you can buy something to eat and drink and sunbeds you can rent at very low cost. Although the island is not inhabited, it has a lot of deer, wild goats and peacocks that were placed there many years ago to keep them safe from human activities.
From Perdika, you can take a small boat which will take you to Moni within 10 minutes. There are many boats that make the trip to Moni and the return from the morning until after the sunset.
Tip: Should you wish to feed the animals, bring some fruit with you and wait until the sunset; it is then that peackocks and deer come near the bar to eat. If you are patient, you will be able to even hand- feed them!
•Swim at Marathon Beach:
This is considered to be the best beach in Aegina, so it worthwhile visiting. It has a bar, sunbeds with umbrellas and a kiosk selling beverages and snacks.
It is 2 km from the villa.
It has shallow waters, nice sand, ideal for young kids.There are a couple of tavernas where you can have your lunch almost in the sea! Tip: Marathon Beach is divided into two sections, the one closer to the villa is the best.
•Visit Pachia Rahi village & The Ancient Olive Grove
The very small pictureous village of Pachia Rahi is built with the local black stone and all houses keep the folk and traditional character of the past. It is worthwhile walking around the village, even though it is too small. Make sure you visit the two churches of the 19th century, the small “Eklissia ton Taxiarxon” (dated 1800) and Saint Dionissis’s Church (dated 1864). Pachia Rahi is 30 minutes with a car from the centre of Aegina (Port).
Tip: At the end of the village, keep on walking on the dirt (unmade) road which will lead to a big rock from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the island and a wonderful sunset.
•The Ancient Olive Grove:
At the old orchard, where you can find around 20 olive trees from 400 up to 1.400years old! This is something that not many people know about in Aegina, not even locals; it is difficult to find and not easy to access. To reach the orchard, you need to take a path to the left, just before the Church of Saint Dionissis. Its down for about half an hour. Be careful, as the path is a bit rocky and steep. If you are lost, ask someone from the village to lead you.
Tip: Pay attention to the signs which show the way to the orchard, to understand how to get back and make sure you wear comfortable shoes and have a bottle of water with you.
•Rent Bicycles for 1 or 3 hours tour from port to Marathon and Perdika village.
There are organized guided tour with bikes, usually in the afternoon. You can arrange it by going to dock of the Port, opposite to the Metropolis Church.
EAT LIKE THE LOCALS!
FOR FRESH FISH
•Aeginitissa Fish Tavern, by the sea, Aeginitissa. 5 minutes walk from Villa Hara, tel: 2297 061546
•Saronis Fish Restaurant, Perdika, nice fresh fish, fried kalamarakia and octapus on the gril, tel: 2297 061501
FOR TRADITIONAL GREEK PLATES
•Fyki, Aeginitissa Beach Restaurant, https://www.fyki.gr/, you can combine a relaxing swim and a light lunch, or you can enjoy the live music on weekends at dinner. 5 minutes’ walk from the villa.
•Babis Tavern, Port of Aegina, by the sea (for dinner), www.babisaegina.gr, tel: +302297023594 – good food, excellent port view; best for dinner.
•Tasos Tavern, A’ Marathon Beach, literarily on the beach, take your swimming suits with you!
https://m.facebook.com/Restaurant.Tassos/
•Alkyoni - Argyris Tavern, Perdika, +30 2297 061577, homemade, everything cooked by Argyris wife, Eleni. If you mentioned I have told you about Eleni’s best fruit jams, they will most probably give you a jar!
FOR BREAKFAST / BRUNCH / AFTERNOON TREATS
•Liotrivi Café, Perdika, nice for breakfast or afternoon waffles.
•Mikro Café, Perdika, breakfast or afternoon drink during sunset.
•Aiakion, Port of Aegina, afternoon coffee and greek traditional sweets with pistachio, at the port (avoid going to the morning, too busy and too hot).
FOR DRINKS AND NIGHT LIFE
•Inn on the Beach, next to Evagelistria Church, port of Aegina.
•Avli, centre of Aegina in a small street parallel to the main road of the port.
•Perdikiotika, centre of Aegina; nice music and nice drinks. While there, check the ceiling: it is the original, authentic ceiling from the days the building was the First Governor’s (Ioannis Kapodistrias) House, back in 1826 (it was the year that Aegina became the Capital of Greece, after Greece’s liberation from the Othman occupation).
BEST SWIMS
•Marathon A’ and Marathon B’, 5km from villa Hara. Best time to go is in the afternoon, when it is less crowded.
•Aeginitissa Beach, 200meters from villa Hara.
•Klima Beach, near Perdika, 6 km from villa.
•Sfentouri Beach, near Perdika, 6 km from the villa.
•Agia Marina Beach, other side of the island. You can combined your visit with Agios Nektarios or Afaia Temple. Mind you, this is a very touristic beach, so avoid week ends.
*NOTE: 6KM is about 3 miles*
Rev. Desiree Joy Sparrow
Email: desijoysparrow@gmail.com
Website: www.desireejoysparrow.com
Phone: 631-295-6937