Join in for an authentic journey to the Greek island of Ikaria—the island of longevity and well-being!
Ikaria is known as one of five “blue zones”—places where people live to be 100 year old—with great health. Known for their pure approach to the Mediterranean diet, natural daily movement, herbals teas, wild greens, raw honey, hot springs, natural wines, regular all-night celebrations, and low-stress, joyful lifestyle, Ikarians enjoy an extraordinary and very natural way of life.
Come with us to Ikaria for 7 nights to learn about and attune to this healing, joy-creating, and longevity-cultivating lifestyle. The intention of the trip is to guide you through an authentic experience on one of the most beloved Greek islands—while connecting you to places, people, plants, and practices that can inspire you to live an even more beautiful, long, healthy life!
While on Ikaria, we will participate in inspiring cultural activities such as a Greek cooking class with a local grandmother, a guided forest hike with herbal plant collecting, visits to the ancient temple of Artemis and the cave of Dionysus, a wine tasting at a natural wine vineyard, a soak in a natural hot spring, lessons on longevity and vitality with Ikarian elders, and a community festival with live music and dancing. We will eat traditional Greek meals at the best tavernas on the island. Yoga will be offered every morning by Kate and Jaya Lakshmi--with an emphasis on accessible, energizing practices that connect us to nature. Jaya Lakshmi will share music during morning yoga and throughout the week during special concerts and guided meditations. Additional activities such as ceramics, paddle boarding, snorkeling, e-biking, surfing, scuba diving, and hiking will also be available.
Travel to Ikaria is by plane or ferry. If interested, it is easeful to spend a few days in Athens before our time on Ikaria to experience the ancient sites and rich culture. We will also provide a guide to our favorite islands in case you would like to island hop before or after the journey.
The trip will be guided by Kate and Dimitris—both Greek residents who love sharing the authentic culture, food, music, and nature of Greece. It will be co-lead with Jaya Lakshmi, who will be sharing her healing musical and meditative offerings throughout the week.
SEE FULL WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
www.greecejourney.com
OUR ACCOMMODATIONS AT NAS BEACH:
https://www.artemis-studio.gr/?page_id=54&lang=en
A $500 deposit reserves your spot. Remaining payment can be split into three payments due on March 15, May 15, and July 15. We are also happy to create a payment plan that works for you.
All payments are reimbursable until July 15. After July 15, if needed, you are able to transfer your payment towards a future trip.
Please note that basic medical travel insurance is required (starting at $100). We request that you forward documentation along once secured.
We are here to support you in your travel planning. Please email Kate at kateyogaearth@gmail.com with any questions or to receive our travel planning guide.
Flight Suggestions + Airport Pick Up Times:
We encourage you to take the following flights:
ARRIVAL:
Sept 18: Athens to Ikaria - SKY Express: 12:50-1:45pm
Van transfer will be provided to our accommodations at 2pm.
DEPARTURE:
Sept 25: Ikaria to Athens - Olympic - Aegean: 8:45-9:40am
Van transfer will be provided from our accommodations at 6:00am to drop the group at the airport at 7:20am.
If you decide to arrive or leave Ikaria on a different day or time, you would be responsible for transportation to/from the airport (approx. $75 and 1.5 hours by taxi).
Option to Ferry to Ikaria:
If you prefer to travel by ferry instead, there is a beautiful 7-hour ferry ride available to the island. The scale and interior feels like a simple cruise ship.
Learn more at www.ferryhopper.com. Ferries are currently not listed for September but will be available to book in April. The Blue Star Patmos will likely sail on Sept 17 from 2:00-8:10pm from Athens (Piraeus port) to Ikaria. We are happy to coordinate an additional night at our accommodations if you would like to arrive a day early on this ferry.
A car transfer from Evdilos port to our accommodations can be provided.
Register below to secure your spot! Rooms are limited, and interest is high. This trip sells out every year, so we encourage you to book promptly if you would like a particular type of room. Full refunds are available until July 15 if needed.
Join us for a Live Q&A with Kate and Jaya Lakshmi on Sunday, March 15 at 9-10am PST to learn more about this magical journey to Ikaria! Register here for Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81410691888
Kate is available to connect by Zoom for a 30-minute call if you would like to ask questions before the info session. Email her at kateyogaearth@gmail.com.
We are offering a $200 discount for returning participants. If you visited Ikaria with us in recent years and feel a call to attune to another level of well-being, authentic community, and Ikarian magic, join us again this year. We will be exploring several new areas this year! Enter RETURN200 at registration.
Refer a friend who is new to our immersions and earn a $100 credit towards your trip. Your friend will share your name upon registration, and the credit will be applied to the remainder of your balance. Thank you for sharing this special trip with others who you believe will enjoy it!
7 nights of accommodations by the sea
Inspiring meals at traditional tavernas (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners)
A healthy cooking class with a local Ikarian family at their traditional farm with sea view
A guided hike to learn about wild plants used for food, tea, and healing
Visits to the temple of Artemis and the cave of Dionysus
Visit to a natural hot spring
A joyful festival with traditional music, dancing, communal food, and celebrating with locals
Olive oil, cheese, and raw honey tastings
7 yoga classes led by Kate and Jaya Lakshmi with a focus on connecting with nature
Evening concerts and live music during morning yoga by celebrated yoga musician Jaya Lakshmi
A tour and tasting at a natural winery (with a lesson on ancient winemaking techniques)
A Greek dance lesson
Guided tours of traditional villages, ancient temples, off-the-beaten path beaches, and forest hikes
Intentional conversations with local Ikarians to learn about their lifestyle and mindset for longevity and vitality
A printed guidebook and well-being talks by Kate (sharing research and practices for well-being)
Van transportation with professional drivers during group outings
Rides to and from the Ikaria airport on Sept 18 and 25. (See Travel section above for specific times.)
Flight to/from Athens to your home
Flights to/from Athens to Ikaria (Approx. $75 each way)
During 2 free/rest afternoons, participants are welcome to take a cab to nearby activities such as paddleboarding, surfing, hiking, ceramics classes, and nearby villages.
2 lunches will be covered by participants during 2 free/rest afternoons.
Wine is a part of Ikarian culture and a modest amount will be available with dinner.
Basic medical travel insurance is required. (Starting at $70.)
Our mission is to guide extraordinary experiences that attune you to the beauty and wisdom of the Greek islands—as we reconnect to ourselves, the earth, healthy living, and joy! Immersions are led by Kate with guest co-leaders such as her partner Dimitris, musician Jaya Lakshmi, and artist Madelaine Corbin. Kate is a yoga teacher, artist, gardener, nutrition coach, writer, immersion leader, and lover of plants and food.
