Trip leader
Konstantina
Konstantina is the Chief Initiator of the Transformational Journeys. Having traveled the transformational journey herself, she brings her new knowing, her constant thirst for further discovery and her love for the unknown, into every trail. Konstantina has a 20-year corporate experience. She has acquired several executive positions and she been involved in entrepreneurial initiatives as well. She has worked extensively in the professional services sector, with emphasis on human talent, while she also has experience in the banking and the governmental sectors. She has been involved in projects on life-long learning and informal education, on youth development and on international business expansion.
Kostantina
Hiking Expert & Travel WriterItinerary Details
Upon your arrival at the Athens airport, you will be welcomed by the trip leader and you head to your hotel downtown. In the evening, you will explore the old town, its secret neighborhoods, and you will have dinner in a traditional tavern in Plaka with live Greek music.
Accommodation: Amazon hotel (3-star), Athens.
After an early breakfast, you will head to Piraeus port, from where you will take the fast ferry to Hydra (departure: 10am).
Upon your arrival, you will settle in the house that will be your home for the next three days. Living all together in a house offers a real live-like-a-local experience, and allows the team to bond as we all take care of each other, maybe also shopping together a thing or two to have in the common kitchen to share (like water, snacks, coffee, etc).
Once settled, you will set off to explore the island and its nearby beaches. You may spend time photographing the cute donkeys at the port, enjoying coffee from a rooftop with views on the sea, admiring the local architecture, swimming, shopping, or even visiting a museum or a local gallery.
In the evening, you will enjoy a team activity under the guidance of the team leader.
Accommodation: Hydra Optima Holidays House.
This holiday home is fitted with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with sea views.
You will start the morning with a team activity based on the instructions and guidance of your team leader.
Then, you will head to the fishing village of Kamini on foot, enjoying the walk by the sea, and if you wish, you can even reach up to Vlychos beach a bit further away. Beach hopping is quite traditional in Greece, while, in the meantime, you will be exploring the island away from the busy life of the port.
In the afternoon, you will walk around the old town, visiting, among other things, Rafalia’s Pharmacy which is allegedly the most beautiful pharmacy in Greece. It was founded in 1890 and still gives the ambience of old times, with high quality beauty products based on old, traditional recipes and offered in stylish packaging. You can also explore the old bastions from where you can have stunning views on the sea and the town.
You will end the day with another relaxing team activity under the guidance of the team leader.
Accommodation: Hydra Optima Holidays House.
After an early breakfast, you will embark in exploring a part of the island on horseback. The route will take you from the harbor towards the church of St Konstantine, the Patron Saint of the island (circular route). Each way is around 35-min ride, plus a 30-min break at the top, to relax and take photos overlooking the picturesque Hydra port.
Route: Inland road.
Terrain: Inclined, level, zig-zag road.
Level : All levels.
Duration: 1.5 hours circular route.
Starting time: 9am
Once back to the port, you will relax in the town for a while, and then you will head to the house to prepare all together a light lunch. With the help of the team leader, you will shop the needed ingredients, you will cook together and set the table, to enjoy lunch in the shade of the patio, almost like a family.
You will spend the rest of the day relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island on foot.
Accommodation: Hydra Optima Holidays House.
After breakfast, you will pack and get ready to leave the house. You will leave your luggage aside, though, and spend your last hours on Hydra taking in the ambience, swimming, and enjoying the views.
The ferry leaves at 17:45 and arrives in Piraeus at 19:30. From the port, you will take a taxi to your hotel and from there, you will head for dinner in the area of Agia Eirini, the new, hipster neighborhood of Athens.
Accommodation: Amazon Hotel, Athens (3-star).
After breakfast, and depending on your departure details, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.