Guest Authors: Robyn Harding, Liz Nugent, Jonas Saul, Chris Colmenero, and Rania Stone!

Join us for our annual Reading Retreat, set for six enchanting nights on the stunning Greek island of Amorgos. We’ve planned an amazing, fun-filled week that will make you never want to leave. Come for the stories, stay for the memories! 

Lock your spot in now for a small deposit of 199€

Check out the itinerary for a full briefing of what's to come!

Note: Plan to arrive in Athens a few days before taking the ferry to the island of Amorgos. We have an Acropolis tour, and a tour of the National Museum arranged. We can stroll down the shopping streets of Athens and enjoy some Greek cuisine as a group over several days, then take the ferry together. (All excursions are optional)

Robyn Harding is a Canadian crime writer who has written several bestselling novels. Her notable works include: The Drowning Woman, The Perfect Family, The Arrangement, Her Pretty Face, and The Party. She has also written and executive produced an independent film.

Liz Nugent is a writer of award-winning psychological suspense novels Unravelling Oliver (2014), Lying in Wait (2016), Skin Deep (2018), [Our] Little Cruelties (2020) and Strange Sally Diamond (2023). All five books topped the Irish bestsellers list, and Liz has won multiple literary awards. Some of her books have also been optioned for screen adaptations.  
Liz’s books have been translated into 30 languages, and she has also written extensively for radio and television.  

We will be adding exciting excursions such as swimming in Kalotaritissa, snorkeling, a murder mystery event, and shopping in the historic village of Chora as the retreat date approaches. Stay updated through our Facebook group, Travel to Greece - Read, Write, and Holistic Adventures.

Cancellation Policy: 

We offer a 100% refund to all cancellations prior to April 15, 2025, two months before the retreat begins.

Waiver of Liability

By participating in this retreat, I agree to release Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), the retreat faculty, staff, and the associated hotel from any liability for injuries that may occur during the retreat. I understand that this release includes financial responsibility for any injuries incurred, even if due to negligence.

I acknowledge the inherent risks associated with activities such as yoga, meditation, sightseeing, and hiking. I voluntarily assume these risks and understand that I can withdraw from any activity if I feel uncomfortable at any time.

By joining this retreat, I forfeit the right to bring any claims against IGR, its faculty, or staff related to my participation. I understand that I am responsible for following all safety precautions provided in writing and verbally, and I will seek clarification whenever necessary.

In return, I will benefit from the activities and experiences offered during the retreat.

These are optional tours. Fly in early enough to join us!
Pre-Retreat Athens Adventure

June 7th 
Morning

• Start the day with a group breakfast in Monastiraki, savoring traditional Greek dishes while taking in the lively atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.
• Stroll along Ermou Street, Athens' vibrant shopping hub, and enjoy some leisurely browsing before making our way to the iconic Parliament Building.

Mid-Morning

• Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Parliament Building—an unforgettable display of precision and tradition.
• Take a relaxing walk through the lush National Gardens, where you can enjoy a refreshing beverage, admire the greenery, and spend a peaceful moment in nature.

Afternoon

• Visit the Kallimarmaro Stadium, the world’s only stadium made entirely of white marble, and feel the history of the first modern Olympic Games.
• Explore the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the most significant monuments of ancient Athens.
• Stroll through the picturesque Zappeion Gardens and admire the elegant architecture of the Zappeion Hall.
• We will end our tour in front of the Parliament Building, completing our circular route. From here, you can walk back along Ermou Street for more shopping or simply relax.

Evening

• Wrap up the day with a group dinner at a fantastic Monastiraki restaurant, where we’ll indulge in delicious Greek cuisine and share stories from the day.

The duration is approximately 4–5 hours, perfect for immersing yourself in the heart of Athens before our retreat begins.

Athens Adventure: The Day Before We Sail

June8th
Morning

• Begin with a group breakfast in Monastiraki, soaking in the morning charm of the city.

10:00 a.m.

• Embark on a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum, where history comes alive with its incredible artifacts and stories from ancient Athens.

Afternoon

• Noon: Experience the grandeur of the Acropolis and Parthenon on a guided tour. Dive deep into the rich history and architecture of this iconic site.
• 3:00 p.m.: Enjoy free time to relax, explore, or shop in nearby Plaka or Monastiraki at your own pace.

Evening

• 7:00 p.m.: Optional pre-dinner drinks at a chic location (details provided closer to the day).
• 8:00 p.m.: Gather for a delightful dinner at Hermion, a beloved restaurant known for its authentic Greek cuisine and warm atmosphere.

Upon your arrival to Amorgos, a hotel van (or bus) will be waiting to transfer you to the Lakki Village Hotel, where you can check in, rest, swim, or read.

19:00 Meet in the restaurant for a welcome drink

20:00 Buffet Dinner

After breakfast, we all gather to enjoy the Readers Retreat opening ceremonies.

Liz Nugent will be available to chat with readers, as well as the other authors. They'll answer all your questions–so bring questions!

They'll sign books, too!

Then we break for the afternoon to enjoy the Greek weather, swimming in the sea, and reading.

Morning Village Hike from 10:00 to 13:00.

Starts in Tholaria, goes to Lagada, then down to Ormos for lunch.

The bus arrives to take the group to the Monastery, then to the “Navagio” shipwreck, and then to Chora 09:30 - 14:00 

Buffet Dinner at the hotel at 20:00

During the Day: A day to enjoy the pool and the beach, perhaps take a hike or lounge around and read all day. Mingle with other readers, learn what’s on their to-be-read list, and load up your Kindles or bookshelves.

You’re on a reading vacation–relax and enjoy it!

We will do some Greek dancing during our farewell party/dinner in the evening.

Then, our guest authors will take a moment to chat about reading and writing and bid us all a safe journey home.

Transportation to the port will be provided to get you on the ferry, taking everyone back to Athens (or wherever you're going next). Once on the boat, you can continue to other European cities, keep touring, or stay in Athens longer. 

If you’re leaving for home immediately, please consider that the boat ride back to Athens is approximately eight hours. Be sure to give yourself an extra day before flying out to ensure you arrive on time for your flight.