“The olive tree doesn’t rush—and yet it gives us everything.”

Slow down and root in. Join Chef Jeremy Rock Smith and local culinary expert Katerina Sakelliou for a weeklong retreat devoted to the ancient traditions of the Greek olive harvest, the seasonal ritual that has nourished Mediterranean life for thousands of years.

Set on the Odyssey Organic Eco Farm, overlooking the shimmering waters of Poros, you’ll immerse yourself in the full-circle journey of olives and olive oil. From handpicking fruit in the groves to witnessing your own harvest transform into fresh-pressed liquid gold. Along the way, you’ll cure olives, cook with local ingredients, and explore the historic sites of the Peloponnese.

Throughout the week, you’ll:

• Learn how to recognize and use high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil

• Discover traditional Greek methods of olive preservation and fermentation

• Take part in hands-on cooking workshops using your own pressed oil

• Explore the the Theater of Epidaurus & city of Nafplio

• Join a local beekeeper for honey tasting and traditional insights

• Enjoy time for quiet reflection, and time to simply be

• Savor slow café culture on Poros—where locals gather, kids roam free, and life lingers

Whether you’re called by food, craft, nature, or the longing to remember a slower way of being, this retreat invites you to reconnect with the earth, yourself, and the wisdom of tradition.

Come shake the tree.

Press the oil.

And taste what it means to live in rhythm with the land.

How do I get to the farm?
Most guests fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, it’s a smooth and scenic trip to the island of Poros—typically a combination of taxi or shuttle to the port, followed by a one-hour ferry ride. After registration, we’ll send step-by-step travel instructions, recommended airport transfer and port options, and tips for an easy arrival. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

Can dietary needs or allergies be accommodated?
Yes. The Mediterranean diet is naturally flexible and plant-forward, and we do our best to accommodate most dietary needs and allergies. We can easily accommodate gluten allergies, vegan, vegetarian, and other common dietary preferences. After registration, you’ll receive a form to share any restrictions or sensitivities so we can plan accordingly. If you have more complex needs, please reach out before booking—we’re happy to talk it through and make sure you feel supported and safe throughout the retreat.

Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many participants travel solo, and the retreat community forms quickly. The experience is warm, welcoming, and deeply connective—you’ll feel at home right away.

Is there free time?
Yes. Each day includes space to rest, read, swim, journal, or simply enjoy the farm and coastline. You can be as active or as relaxed as you’d like—nothing is mandatory.

What if I have more questions?
Once you’re registered, you’ll receive detailed information covering everything you need—packing lists, how to prepare, recommended hotels in Athens if you’d like to arrive early, travel tips, and answers to common questions. And of course, if anything else comes up, you can reach out anytime. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Cancellation by Participant:

• Full refund of deposit if requested in writing within 30 days of purchase.

• 119–90 days before start date: Deposit is non-refundable; 75% refund of all additional payments made.

• 89–60 days before start date: Deposit is non-refundable; 50% refund of all additional payments made.

• 59 days or less before start date: No refund.

Credit Card, Platform & Administrative Fees

All payments processed by credit card are subject to non-refundable third-party processing fees, platform fees, and a €50 administrative processing fee. In the event of any cancellation and refund, credit card processing fees, WeTravel platform fees, and the €50 administrative processing fee will be deducted from the refunded amount, regardless of the cancellation window. These fees are charged at the time of booking and cannot be recovered by the Organizer.

Missed Payments:

If any scheduled installment payment is missed, the Organizer reserves the right to cancel the booking. Any payments already made will be refunded according to the timeline above. Cancellation by Organizer If the Organizer cancels the retreat for reasons not related to force majeure, a full refund will be issued, including the deposit, within 30 days of notice.

Force Majeure:

The Organizer reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the Retreat due to causes beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of God, government restrictions, strikes, pandemics, or other circumstances making the Retreat impractical or unsafe. In such cases, refunds will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy above, and participants are strongly encouraged to carry travel insurance.

Arrive on Poros

• Water taxi to Odyssey Organic Eco Farm

• Welcome drink & mezze

• Settle into your room or tent

• Time to explore the farm and olive groves

• Welcome dinner prepared with Jeremy & Katerina

• Opening circle & introductions

• Breakfast at the farm

• Day trip to the Ermioni Pomegranate Festival

• Local artisans, music, tastings, and village celebration

• Lunch at a seaside taverna

• Return to the farm

• Dinner at Odyssey Organic Eco Farm

• Breakfast

• Morning introduction to olive harvesting in the groves

• Visit from a local beekeeper and honey tasting

• Phyllo & Pita making class

• Lunch at the farm

• Afternoon olive harvest

• Afternoon cooking class featuring seasonal Greek dishes

• Dinner at the farm

• Morning olive harvest

• Olive Preservation & Curing Workshop

  • Traditional brining, salting, and herb methods

• Light lunch at the farm

• Afternoon olive harvest

• Cooking class to prepare the evening meal

• Dinner at the farm with a local wine & cheese tasting

• Breakfast at the farm

• Water taxi to Poros

• Guided historical walking tour

• Experience the Ohi Day (Όχι Day) celebration parade

• Return to the farm for a light lunch

• Afternoon cooking class

• Visit the local olive press to watch your olives become fresh, extra-virgin olive oil

• Traditional Greek barbecue dinner

• Breakfast

• Visit Ancient Epidaurus

• World-famous theater

• Sacred healing grounds and temples

• Continue to the historic city of Nafplio

  • Lunch at a local taverna

  • Free time to wander its Byzantine-era streets

• Scenic drive through the Methana Peninsula

• Return to Odyssey Organic Eco Farm for dinner

Full free day of leisure

• Relax on the farm

• Visit Poros

• Swim, journal, or rest in the olive grove

• Evening farewell meal together at a local taverna

• Light breakfast

• Depart for Poros ferry and onward travel

• Take home fresh olive oil and a deep connection to the land

We’ve thoughtfully created this itinerary to give you a beautiful rhythm for our time together. At the same time, retreats have a way of unfolding uniquely, and we want to remain attentive to the needs of the group. Greece also has its own natural rhythm shaped by the weather, the sea, and a more relaxed cultural pace. Because of this, certain activities or times may adjust organically and/or intentionally as we move through the week.

We value creating an experience that supports each person fully, and we appreciate your openness to any shifts that allow us to do so.

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