Join the Greek Herbalist and Valia Vlatsiou on a 6-day experience exploring the wild landscape of the land and of the heart on the rugged island of Samothrace. This wellness retreat is for anyone wishing to learn about ancient and modern traditions of herbal medicine in combination with yoga and therapeutic activities designed to expand our organ of love. 

Maria and Valia will lead you on nature-based activities throughout the island, including hikes, yoga, herbal medicine, and heart-centered practices to enrich your body, mind, and spirit. There will be moments of gathering and celebration as well as meditation and journaling. 

This tour involves hiking on forest trails. Participants must be able to hike on uneven, uphill and downhill terrain. 

 Registration includes:

• 5 nights accommodations at Aigaion Guesthouse
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (excluding alcohol)
• Workshops about Greek mythology, ancient Greek herbal medicine, and modern applications of Greek herbs
• Yoga, yin yoga, and therapeutic heart-centered activities
• Hiking, nature excursions, and island sightseeing
• Transportation to/from Samothrace ferry port and transportation to all group activities listed in the final itinerary
• The Greek Herbalist tote bag

Registration does NOT include: 

• Ferry to/from Samothrace island
• Meals, activities, and transfers not listed on the itinerary
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Maria Christodoulou (The Greek Herbalist) is a clinical herbalist exploring the wisdom and whimsy of ancient Greek herbal medicine. Based in Athens, Greece, she offers educational herbal tours throughout the country and virtual courses based on the bounty of medicine and folklore of her ancestors. She is the author of “The Greek Herbalist's Guide to the Mountain” and "The Greek Herbalist's Guide to the National Garden.” In 2022, Maria was the recipient of the Ancient Worlds, Modern Communities Award from the Society of Classical Studies at New York University.

Valia Vlatsiou has been a yoga instructor (500h YACEP) and facilitator for more than a decade. She is also an expert practitioner in Thai yoga massage, yin yoga, and relaxation techniques. In 2017, Valia embarked on a journey into the fascinating world of herbs as the television presenter of Βότανα, καρποί της Γης (Herbs: Fruits of the Earth) on the Greek national public television channel ERT. She loves traveling and trekking in the mountains, and is inspired by holistic practices, tradition and ancient wisdom, and by mother Earth and all that she offers. Mostly, Valia is inspired by the healing power of Nature, inside and around us, as the greatest teacher and healer of all. Through classes, workshops and circles she aspires to nourish this deep connection and invite remembrance.

We are preparing an exciting tour itinerary that will look somewhat like this. The itinerary will be finalized closer to the tour dates.

Day 1: Sunday

• Pick up from Samothrace ferry port
• Welcome circle
• Tour of village
• Yoga / Heart-centered activity
• Dinner

Day 2: Monday

• Breakfast
• Botanical hike + forest meditation
• Lunch
• Yoga / Heart-centered activity
• Dinner

Day 3: Tuesday

• Breakfast
• Botanical mythology workshop
• Lunch
• Yoga / Heart-centered activity
• Dinner

Day 4: Wednesday

• Breakfast
• Herbal activity & Nature excursion
• Lunch
• Free time / sightseeing
• Yoga / Heart-centered activity
• Dinner

Day 5: Thursday

• Breakfast
• Herbal activity / Nature excursion
• Lunch
• Free time / sightseeing
• Yoga / Heart-centered activity
• Dinner and closing ceremony

Day 6: Friday

• Breakfast
• Heart-centered activity and closing reflections
• Drop-off at Samothrace ferry port

The island of Samothrace is located in the Aegean Sea in the northeast of Greece. It is considered a wild and mystic island due to its ruggedness and unpredictable weather patterns. Mount Saos, one of Greece’s most rugged mountains, offers spectacular waterfalls, hiking trails, natural pools, and healing thermal springs. In antiquity, the god Poseidon marveled at the Trojan War in Homer's Iliad from atop the mountain. The island is also the site of the Sanctuary of the Gods where secret rituals took place to pray for protection and safety at sea.

Samothrace is an alternative, eco-conscious, and nudist-friendly island. Participants are encouraged to use eco-friendly and nature-based sunscreens and body products when swimming in the river, waterfalls, and sea.