About this trip
JOIN US!
Join Rev. Pamela Whitman on the beautiful Greek island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea. We will delve into A Course in Miracles, uncovering the secrets of the renowned “Blue Zone.”
Throughout our stay, we’ll unwind, immerse ourselves in the local culture, and explore the surroundings. Recognized as one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” Ikaria has notably lower chronic disease rates than most regions, with its over 8,000 full-time residents enjoying some of the longest life expectancies globally.
We'll relax in ancient thermal therapeutic springs, hike to a monastery, learn a traditional dance, partake in a local village’s saints’ day festival, and more.
Join us for this exciting adventure!
What’s Included
Included:
All accommodations except for the pre-retreat
Breakfast and dinner in Nas
Breakfasts at Therma
Dance lesson
Admissions
Festival
Not Included:
Flights to and from Athens, Greece
Optional Pre-Retreat, excluding tour guides - (Hotel discounts available)
Ferries to and from Ikaria
Lunches
Dinners from May 23 to 28
Mandatory travel insurance
THE RETREAT WEEK SUMMARY:
May 17-18: Pre-Retreat in Athens: Free optional Athens tours, not included in retreat fee. Costs include your own hotel, food, and entry tickets to the Acropolis and the museum.
Fly in a day or two early to join us!
May 17: Pre-Retreat Athens Adventure
Start the day with a group breakfast in Monastiraki, savoring traditional Greek dishes while taking in the lively atmosphere of this historic neighborhood. Stroll along Ermou Street, Athens' vibrant shopping hub, and enjoy some leisurely browsing before making our way to the iconic Parliament Building. Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Parliament Building—an unforgettable display of precision and tradition. Take a relaxing walk through the lush National Gardens, where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage, admire the greenery, and spend a peaceful moment in nature. Visit the Kallimarmaro Stadium, the world’s only stadium made entirely of white marble, and feel the history of the first modern Olympic Games. Explore the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the most significant monuments of ancient Athens. And we stroll by the picturesque Zappeion Hall. Wrap up the day with a group dinner at a fantastic restaurant, where we’ll indulge in delicious Greek cuisine and share stories from the day.
The duration is approximately 4–5 hours, perfect for immersing yourself in the heart of Athens before our retreat begins.
May 18: Athens Adventure: The Day Before We Sail
Start your day with a group breakfast in Monastiraki, taking in the morning charm of the city. By 10:00 a.m., experience the grandeur of the Acropolis and Parthenon on a guided tour. Delve into the rich history and architecture of this iconic location. Then, embark on a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, where history comes alive with its incredible artifacts and stories from ancient Athens. By 3:00 p.m., enjoy free time to relax, explore, or shop in nearby Plaka or Monastiraki at your own pace. At 8:00 p.m.: Gather for a delightful dinner at the Hermion, a beloved restaurant known for its authentic Greek cuisine and warm atmosphere.
May 19: Take the ferry from Athens to Ikaria (cost not included). Transfers to our inn are provided. Check in at Nas Beach, unwind, and explore Nas Beach. Your inn provides breakfast and dinner daily.
May 20: Hike to a monastery and participate in a traditional dance lesson in preparation for the festival.
May 21: Spend time exploring the beach and forest, then join a ceremony at the ruins of the Goddess Artemis, protector of wild animals. In the evening, experience Panagiria! We will participate in a village Saints’ Day Festival/feast and dance! Ikaria is renowned in Greece for its Panagiria, traditional feast days that commemorate the saints and other significant religious occasions. These festivities usually begin in the early afternoon and last until the following morning.
May 22: Visit local beekeepers. Ikaria is renowned for its pure and delicious honey.
May 23: Transfer (included) to the spa town of Therma and check in.
May 24-27: After a bustling start to our journey, we will settle into the relaxed pace of Ikarian life in Therma. Here, we’ll visit the beach to swim in the volcanic-heated springs, lounge, float in the therapeutic waters, enjoy a movement workshop in an amphitheater with a sea view, and take time to read and unwind. Just reading this is a form of relaxation.
May 28: Transfer to the ferry (included) back to Athens (book your round-trip ferry).
Ferry tickets can be purchased here: Ferry Hopper.
Rev. Pamela Whitman has led the daily A Course in Miracles Workbook Conference Call since 2013. She facilitates weekly classes on the Text of The Course via Zoom. Waterside Productions published her book “Yield to Joy - the Miraculous Power of Forgiveness” in 2020. Pamela is a frequent guest speaker at spiritual centers. Her spiritual radio programs were broadcast on WLFR FM (91.7), Unity.FM and The Himalayan Broadcasting Company in Kathmandu, Nepal, for ten years. Pamela hosts biennial retreats for learning and adventure. She has practiced A Course in Miracles since 1989. Rev. Pamela is an ordained minister of A Course in Miracles. Visit her online at https://pamelawhitman.com/
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy:
We cannot issue any refunds for this retreat.
Waiver of Liability
Waiver of Liability:
By participating in this retreat, I agree to release Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), the retreat faculty, staff, and the associated hotel from any liability for injuries that may occur during the retreat. I understand that this release includes financial responsibility for any injuries caused, even if they are caused by negligence.
I acknowledge the inherent risks associated with activities such as yoga, meditation, sightseeing, and hiking. I voluntarily assume these risks and understand that I can withdraw from any activity if I feel uncomfortable at any time.
By joining this retreat, I forfeit the right to bring any claims against IGR, its faculty, Compassionate Heart Productions, its Board of Directors, or staff related to my participation. I understand that I am responsible for following all safety precautions provided in writing and verbally, and I will seek clarification whenever necessary.
I acknowledge the inherent risks associated with activities such as yoga, meditation, sightseeing, and hiking. I voluntarily assume these risks and understand that I can withdraw from any activity at any time if I feel uncomfortable.
What’s included
- Transport to/from hotelA bus or hotel van will be waiting to transport you to and from the hotel upon arrival and departure.
- AccommodationsAll nine nights on Ikaria are covered.
- Access to all SessionsThe retreat fee gives you unfettered access to all the events and sessions.
- Greek Buffet BreakfastBreakfast is covered each day.
- Dinner at first hotelGreek dishes are covered at the first hotel
- Dinner at TavernasDuring our stay at the second hotel, we will need to purchase our own dinners at the local tavernas
- Beekeeping TourVisit the beekeeper and see how it's done!
- Visit the PanagiriaDance with the locals during their celebration and feast!
- Monastery HikeHike a short walk to the monastery!
- Retreat MaterialsAttendees will be given a gift bag of fun and exciting things related to the retreat.
What’s not included
- Flights to/from GreeceAttendees must find their own way to and from Greece.
- Ferry TicketsBlue Star Ferries offers tickets online. Please plan ahead and get your tickets to Ikaria before the retreat begins, and for when the retreat is over.
- Refreshments/BeveragesThe one thing your fee does not cover are beverages. All beverages can be charged to your room and settled up upon check-out.
- Alcoholic BeveragesAs noted above, all alcoholic beverages can be charged to your room and settled up later.
- LunchesLunch can be ordered at the local restaurants.
- Travel InsurancePlease investigate what travel insurance works best for you. It is mandatory on this retreat.
- Hotel Tax FeeThere may be a small fee of a few euros when checking out to cover the hotel tax fee the Greek government imposes upon hotels.
Available Packages
Most of the rooms can accommodate two to four people. They have a bedroom and a second seating area that doubles as a sleeping room, overlooking the sea, the garden, or the swimming pool. Each room has a unique design.
Note: The rate for these rooms is lower when occupied by double occupancy or more.
Available for 8 payments of $
Consists of one spacious room overlooking the garden or the swimming pool. Each room has its own unique design.
Available for eight payments of $374.88
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