Greece

Upon your arrival in Athens, you will be welcomed at the airport by the trip leader. Once the whole group assembles, you will depart for Nafpaktos: a coastal town, famous for its Venetian castle and beautiful port. On the way, you will pass by the Rio-Antirio bridge, one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and longest of the fully suspended type.

Upon arrival, you will stroll around the port and relax over dinner on local delicacies. You will end the day in the first group discussion (Theme: New Beginnings), moderated by the trip leader and a brief meditation before going to sleep.

Accommodation: Flisvos Nafpaktos Hotel (3-star) or similar.

In the morning, you will head to Messologi where you will enjoy a boating exploration of the Messologi lagoon (famous for its biodiversity), and a kayaking adventure.

Later, you will drive to Zagorohoria, a cluster of picturesque villages up on the mountains.

Once you settle in your rooms, you will engage in the second group discussion (Theme: Transitions) moderated by the trip leader and close the day with a meditation.

Accommodation: Aristi Mountain Resort Hotel (4-star) or similar.

You will start the day with a brief, morning meditation, surrounded by the imposing mountain views.

After breakfast, you will hike on the traditional trail “Villages and Bridges” which will allow you to explore the villages, walk on cobbled paths, rock bridges, while marveling at the beauty of Vikos gorge (the deepest gorge in Europe). It will be a 3-hour hike of moderate difficulty for beginners.

Later, you will take the car to explore some additional hidden gems in the gorge, including the famous Kolympithres (water pools formed among the rocks) and Voidomatis River.

In the evening, once you are back at the hotel, you will engage in the third group discussion (Theme: Paths and Unknown Destinations), moderated by the trip leader.

Accommodation: Aristi Mountain Resort Hotel (4-star) or similar.

In the morning, you will head to Ioannina, a beautiful town perched next to a lake. First, you will go to a medical lab for a PRC test (if required), and then you will embark on an exploration of the city, taking the boat to the famous island in the middle of its lake, strolling under plane trees, getting a glimpse in its silver jewelry and tasting the famous cuisine of the mountains.

In the evening, you will gather for the fourth group discussion (Theme: Women and Femininity) moderated by the trip leader.

Accommodation: Frontzu Politia (4-star hotel) or similar.

After breakfast, you will head to Meteora, passing first by the traditional town of Metsovo, famous for its smoked cheese and cultural heritage.

Meteora (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six, still-operating monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area.

Depending on the arrival time, you will visit one of the monasteries, or hike on the paths that surround the rocks.

Once settled in your hotel for the evening, you will engage in the last group discussion (Theme: In Search for Inner Peace), moderated by the trip leader.

Accommodation: Pyrgos Adrahti Hotel (3-star – excellent views on the rocks) or a 4-star hotel in Kalabaka town.

After breakfast, you will head back to Athens (a 4-hour drive).

Recommended departure time: after 4 pm.