Are You Ready for a Trip of a Lifetime?
I'm so excited to share Zakynthos, Greece with you.
As promised, I'm back with all the information you've been waiting for and more!
First, I want to introduce you to my co-leader for this trip, Jenny Santa Maria. She'll be leading our women's circles and the evening discussions. You'll be meeting her on the Zoom call on September 21st, and we’ll be answering questions about what we have planned for you to make this a trip of a lifetime.
Here is the projected itinerary for our trip:
Arrival Day: Sunday, September 7, 2025
You will be picked up from the airport and driven to Artemis Villas; however, there are no meals or programs on that day. We are not allowed in the villas until after 3 p.m., so plan your arrival accordingly.
Monday, September 8, 2025
Gentle yoga at 7 a.m. will be followed by breakfast. We will drive to the towns of Alykes and Alykanis (they’re right next door to each other), where you can pick up snacks, alcohol, etc., at the mini market. We will have time to eat lunch and go to the shops.
The rest of the day is open to relax at the villa and enjoy the infinity pools, hot tubs, hammocks, or possibly an optional trip to a local beach (depending on interest.)
Women's Circle and Dinner (5:30 – 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Gentle yoga at 6:30 a.m., followed by breakfast.
The Villages Tour begins at 9 a.m. (estimated).
Women's Circle and Dinner (5:30 – 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Gentle yoga at 6:30 a.m., followed by breakfast.
This trip begins with a ferry ride to Kefalonia, after which we will tour the island.
Dinner out in Alykes when we return around 9 p.m.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Gentle yoga at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast
Free Day! You can leave the villa and go on your own excursions or relax at our infinity pool.
Women's Circle and Dinner (5:30 – 8 p.m.)
Friday, September 12, 2025
Gentle yoga at 7 a.m., followed by breakfast
Shopping at Zante Town Square
Boat Ride and Swimming
I’m not sure when (morning or evening) we will enjoy the shopping in the town square yet. We will also have a boat ride to swim and see the island from the water.
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Breakfast and Goodbyes!
Please note that this itinerary and the times listed could change depending on outside factors such as the tour company schedule, weather, etc.
These are early bird prices, which expire on Nov. 1, 2024. On November 2, 2024, each room price will increase by $200.
If you would like to benefit from the early bird discount, your deposit and signed contract are due by November 1.
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
Lodging
All breakfasts
All dinners
Villages Tour
Kefalonia Island Tour
Friday Boat Ride
Transportation to/from tours, shopping, ferry, boat ride, and airport pickup. You are responsible for arranging your ride to the airport and paying George directly. Groups with similar outbound flights can share the cost of the van.
There are only 10-12 spaces available. Here are some considerations when choosing your room:
The least expensive option is “SEMI-PRIVATE,” which allows two people to share a single room with an ensuite bathroom if you don’t mind sleeping in a queen-sized bed with your mother, sister, friend, or daughter.
If you have sleep issues, like chronic snoring, or require a white noise machine to fall asleep, consider purchasing a room for yourself alone. Please note that only three private rooms are available, and they will probably go first.
Artemis Villas has two villas side-by-side. Each villa has four bedrooms on the second floor, and all have a balcony facing the Ionian Sea. The ladies in the shared rooms have a full bathroom across the hall. On the first floor, there is another full bathroom. Two people will share the upstairs bathroom, and two will share the downstairs bathroom. This way, you can leave your toiletries there for when you shower. All four ladies will share the hallway bathroom for middle-of-the-night bathroom use.
ABOUT LUNCH:
You will pay for your lunch on our tours. On the free days when we are at the villas, you can:
Buy some lunch items when we shop in town on Monday and store them in the fridge.
Order takeout.
Eat the leftovers from dinner. Chef created such magical dinners that we enjoyed eating the delicious leftovers the next day.
ABOUT ALCOHOL:
No alcohol will be provided, but you can buy it when we're in town or out on tours. Wine under 10 Euros is readily available and delicious.
ABOUT YOGA:
I will teach gentle, beginner-friendly yoga in the morning. It takes place early because we’ll be outside when the temperature is cool. If you don't feel like getting up, please sleep in. It's not a mandatory activity. I will offer Yoga Nidra for at least a few nights. Yoga Nidra is a one-pose yoga! You lay down on your mat or the lounge chairs and listen to the meditation and body scan.
More about Artemis Villas:
If you forgot what this gorgeous oasis looks like, click here. Please take the time to see the interior of the rooms and the spectacular views. The villas are built on up the side of the mountain. They are not on a beach but the last stop at the end of a curvy dirt road. You can’t walk to town or hike anywhere, so please note this as you decide.
Some furry friends might stop by during your stay. Who am I kidding? We are interlopers in their home, but they can be consoled with some leftovers.
The maid service will come twice during our stay. Since this isn't a hotel, you will be expected to clean up after yourself in common areas.
There is a washer, detergent, and drying rack you can use.
Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Please get the insurance. Two ladies needed to use theirs in some capacity this past June.
Payment must be made to the Traveling Women’s Circle via Zelle, check, or money order. I'm sorry, but I won't offer other electronic payment methods to keep costs down.
Once you indicate you want to come on the trip, I will email you a contract you must sign and return along with your deposit payment.
If you know you're definitely coming, please send in your deposit and a signed contract as soon as possible to ensure your spot. I will fill the slots on a first-come-first-served basis. Simply send me an email at info@travelingwomenscircle.com and tell me you’re in!
Last year, the retreat was filled within the first two weeks.
You don't have to wait until the Zoom call or the week before November 1st to sign up.
More details about the trip have already been posted, and you can catch up here, here, and here.
Click here to watch a half-hour info video call from Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.
Life happens, and sometimes your plans change. You may cancel your reservation until April 1, 2025, and your total payment will be refunded.
Here is another testimonial for you to consider:
It was so much fun to explore Greece with an amazing group of women! Since all of the arrangements, down to the details, were taken care of, we were all free to enjoy our trip without worry. Ilona had made a great effort plan meals, activities and adventures that appealed to everyone in some way (not an easy task!). I felt acknowledged and safe. I am looking forward to participating in another retreat!
Suzanne R.
Questions? I will have a Zoom call on Saturday, September 21st, at 10 a.m. where you can ask away! The link will be sent to your email box the week before. If you have questions before the call, reply to this email or email me at info@travelingwomenscircle.com.
I’m happy to talk with you on the phone, too. Just send me an email, and we can set a time.
Please feel free to forward the information to others who may be interested.
In the meantime, here are some posts I’ve written about my prior trips to Greece to help get you in the mood.
Thanks for your interest!
If you cannot attend the trip and don’t want to hear more about it, you can unsubscribe below.
Hi Ilona - question on the semi-private rooms- do any rooms have twin beds? Also, you are planning to rent both villas? Thanks! Sheila E.
Thank you! Kristy & I were contemplating things yesterday after receiving your latest email…☀️