Back to Bliss Yoga in Greece

Discover the Enchanting Island of Santorini October 3-10, 2020

Details

Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera. They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles. Welcome to Hotel Pelagos located on Santorini island, just under 2 miles from the center of Oia village and only 3 minutes to the most beautiful beach of Oia. It is located among vineyards and gardens where you will find all the beauty and calmness for your relaxation. In our spacious hotel surroundings you can walk between palm trees and fig trees and let your mind wander: in hammocks between the trees, by the pool or on the terrace of your own balcony.

What is included?

• Transport from Santorini port or airport to Hotel Pelagos on arrival date & from Hotel Pelagos to Santorini port or airport on departure date

• 7 nights at Hotel Pelagos, Oia, Santorini • 7 breakfast, 6 dinners • 2 classes per day of great yoga with Jen and Harriet of course! • 2 Excursions

Not Included: Flight to Greece & Santorini, lunches & 1 dinner, extra services, drinks, & gratuities Santorini Island

Hotel Pelagos with church in the background.

Hotel Pelagos

Hotel Pelagos pool at night

What are the rooms like? There are a variety of room choices for single, double or triple occupancy. All rooms have bathrooms en suite & are light & spacious.

Cuisine To quote from Hotel Pelagos: From our vegetable garden to our kitchen and then to your table... Santorini offers agricultural produce of exquisite quality and incomparable taste due to both its unique climate and volcanic soil. Our philosophy regarding our restaurant is one of combining the use of local produce with biological cultivation. Therefore, we cultivate typical local varieties of fruit and vegetables without adding any artificial fertilizers, pesticides or growth accelerators.

We strongly support the idea of organic nutrition, that’s why we offer our customers a wide range of Greek, traditional dishes using as many ingredients as we can from our own produce, such as cherry tomatoes, white aubergines, local cucumbers, round zucchinis, string beans, grapes, figs, melons and watermelons.

Take a stroll into our vegetable garden and get acquainted with the renowned, dry varieties, which grow on the island and taste the fruit of our fig trees, which surround your bungalows.

This trip includes 7 breakfasts & 6 dinners. Lunches are on your own wherever you are exploring or at the poolside restaurant & bar at Hotel Pelagos. We will also have one dinner on your own in order to explore other restaurant cuisine in the local area.

Two excursions are included in our retreat!

FIRA TO OIA: Distance: 6.2 Miles Time: 3 - 5 hours

There’s a good reason this hike is the most talked about trek in Santorini: it is absolutely incredible, and offers a real taste of the Aegean experience. The trail starts in the picturesque port of Fira, and follows the rim of the caldera to Oia at the tip of Santorini, passing the historic sights of Firostefani and Imerovigli on the way.

The hike includes spectacular, cliff-top walking with the sparkling, azure Aegean sea stretching for miles before your eyes—if you’re going to hike in Santorini, this one is not to be missed. You will not miss it because it is included in this trip. If you are unable to hike that far, no problem, we will make a different accommodation for you to make it shorter.

We will be transported by bus to Fira to start the hike & end up in Oia. We will spend the afternoon exploring this village, shopping, dinner on your own, perhaps wine tasting and more! We will announce the specific details later.

Boat Tour We are including a fabulous cruise, approximately 5 hours long; visiting white beach, red beach, Indian rock, hot springs with lots of stops for swimming. We will have a barbeque dinner on board with wine & soft drinks & view the famous sunset. The details are still in the planning stage Sunset over Oia

OIA Village

Great yoga with Jen and Harriet of course! Jen and Harriet formed Back to Bliss Yoga in 2004 with the intension of teaching classes that integrate all eight limbs of yoga in an experiential manner and for all levels of students. We will celebrate each sunrise in Italy with silence and meditation. Jen and Harriet will expertly guide you in an energetic morning practice including asana (postures), pranayama (breath work), and relaxation. Our afternoon and evening sessions will include pranayama, Restorative Yoga, meditation and insight into yoga philosophy. Harriet Jen

The yoga shala is stunning with hardwood flooring, natural lighting and completely equipped with mats, blankets, bolsters, blocks and belts.

How do I plan this trip? Plan your flight to Athens. We recommend staying in Athens for a at least a couple days or more to explore the Acropolis & the many archeological sites & recover from any jet lag. It is usually an overnight flight to Athens so you will depart the day before your arrival. If you are combining this retreat with the retreat in Epidavros, you will come directly from Athens to Santorini on October 3. You will be responsible for either your ferry or flight from Athens to Santorini. Saturday, October 3: If you are in Athens you can take a flight or ferry to Santorini. If you happen to be on another island, same thing. If you are joining us for the retreat in Epidavros the week before, we will come as a group by flight from Athens to Santorini. You are responsible for your flight or ferry to Santorini. Once you arrive in Santorini on October 3, your transport to Hotel Pelagos is included. We will have our first dinner together at Hotel Pelagos followed by an evening opening circle. Sunday-Friday: We will start each morning with yoga followed by a sumptuous breakfast. Most days you will have free to explore the beach, hike, or sit by the pool & relax. Massage is available at the hotel. Lunches are on your own so you can eat at the hotel or wherever you find yourself. There will be two excursions during the week that are included in your retreat fee. You will have options to do other excursions on your own if you like to explore. Saturday, October 10, the last day of retreat: We will start the day with yoga & breakfast. Your transport to either the Santorini port or the Santorini airport is included in your retreat fee. From here you may be going to Athens to catch a flight or going on to another destination. If you are flying out directly after the retreat, book your flight for the morning of October 11. You will need to book an airport hotel for the night before your flight. We recommend the Sofitel, which is very convenient, located right at the airport. Another option is the Holiday Inn airport, which offers a convenient complementary shuttle. What is the weather like and what should I pack? October in Greece typically offers beautiful nice, warm weather without it being too hot. Traveling light is essential in Europe. You will always need to be able to easily negotiate your own luggage. You will be traveling by train, bus, & ferry so very important to pack light. Prepare with essential versatile travel clothing, layers, and swimsuit and of course yoga wear.

Should I extend my trip??? Absolutely! Better yet…Combine this retreat with the 9-day long Epidavros/ Corinth Retreat & receive $100 off registration fee for both retreats. This is a great time to more thoroughly visit Athens or any other place that is on your “bucket list”. The train system is great! Or perhaps visiting one of the islands for a couple days is in your plan. Adjust your plan according either before or after the retreat itself. If you need more help planning your trip, contact your preferred travel agent or we can help you with suggestions. Parthenon at night

How much will this cost and how do I register? We have a variety of room choices and prices for this retreat for triple, double, or single occupancy. The single occupancy is very limited so act fast on this. The fees range from $1600 to $2095 per person

• Since this retreat is over one year away, you are able to hold your spot with a $100 retainer fee with the remainder of the $500 deposit due by October 2, 2019. The easy payment schedule is on the registration form.

To register

• Email Jbrookemt@gmail.com to confirm your request • Print & complete registration form located on line • Write check payable to: Back to Bliss Yoga • Mail to: Harriet Alterowitz, 113 McLeod, Missoula, MT 59801 • Contact Jen by phone for credit card payment; (3.5% fee for CC) • Do not book your flight until we have confirmed your registration • Retreat space is limited to 27 participants. • We advise early registration. All rooms will be filled in the order we receive

your commitment/registration. . Cancellation Policy Deposits and payments are not refundable. Because of our inability to recover our deposits, our cancellation policy is firm. For your protection, we recommend complete trip cancellation insurance. What is the money in Greece? The money in Greece is EUR. You can exchange money at the ATM at the airport or in town. Credit cards use is available in larger restaurants & shops. What other expenses will I incur??? Plan on your airfare to Athens & either your flight or ferry to Santorini. Anticipate extra activities that are not included in our schedule, lunches, snacks, beverages, or meals taken off-site including one dinner, and some local shopping. If you are extending, plan appropriately. How do I communicate with family or friends? Wi-Fi for email is available at Hotel Pelagos and most hotels and restaurants. You should check your own cell phone provider if you want to purchase a text package or data package during your trip.

Let’s have another travel adventure together! Much love, Harriet & Jen

Back to Bliss Yoga

Jennifer Brooke Jbrookemt@gmail.com 406-531-7384 Harriet Alterowitz hattieyoga@gmail.com 406-370-6464

Back to Bliss Yoga