Herbal Medicine & Yin Yoga Retreat on Evia
July 14-19, 2024
Join The Greek Herbalist at the beautiful Villa Kasteli in Karystos, Evia for an enlightening and rejuvenating experience with herbal medicine and yin yoga.
This 6-day retreat includes botanical hikes on Mt. Ochi, herbal medicine workshops, yin yoga for all levels, local sightseeing, and activities in the stunning Villa garden, home to the Evia Island Garden Club.
Villa Kasteli, which overlooks the town of Karystos in the southern tip of Evia island, is a true oasis with mesmerizing sea views, authentic ambiance, and exceptional hospitality. Our retreat location is easily accessible from Athens by a 1-hour ferry ride from the port of Rafina.
This retreat involves hiking on forest trails. Participants must be able to hike on uneven, uphill and downhill terrain.
Sample Itinerary
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 Marmari, Evia ferry port
Group welcome activity
Tour of the Villa Garden / Evia Island Garden Club
Yin yoga
Dinner
Day 2: Monday
Breakfast
Botanical hike
Lunch
Beach / free time
Greek herbal tea workshop
Yin yoga
Dinner
Day 3: Tuesday
Breakfast
Ancient Greek herbal medicine workshop
Lunch picnic on the beach / free time
Yin yoga
Dinner
Day 4: Wednesday
Breakfast
Botanical hike + forest bathing meditation
Lunch
Beach / free time
Yin yoga
Dinner
Day 5: Thursday
Breakfast
Ancient Greek herbal myth workshop
Lunch
Archaeological sightseeing
Beach / free time
Yin yoga + Ritual with herbs
Dinner
Day 6: Friday
Breakfast
Closing circle and final reflections
Tour ends
Learn more about the Evia’s botanical bounty in Getting to Know some of the Amazing Herbs of Evia, Greece.
Join us at Villa Kasteli
Registration includes:
5 nights luxury accommodations Villa Kasteli in Karystos, Evia
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (excluding alcohol)
Workshops about ancient and modern Greek herbal medicine
Plant walks in the beautiful Villa garden, home of the Evia Island Garden Club
Evening yin yoga sessions for ultimate relaxation
Hiking, nature excursions, sightseeing, and swimming at beautiful beaches
Transportation to/from Villa Kasteli from Marmari, Evia ferry port
Transportation to all group activities listed in the final itinerary
The Greek Herbalist tote bag
Registration does NOT include:
Ferry to/from Marmari, Evia
Meals, activities, and transfers not listed on the itinerary
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Participation Rates and How to Register
Submit your non-refundable €500 deposit and make your room selection (single or shared bed).
€3,150 for single occupancy
€2,850 for double occupancy / per participant
Registration ends February 29, 2024. After you submit your non-refundable deposit, two invoices will be sent to you for half of the remaining balance to be paid by February 1, 2024 (invoice #1) and the other half to be paid by May 15, 2024 (invoice #2). Payments are accepted by any credit card or PayPal. Any fees for currency conversion are to be paid by the registrant. For refunds, invoice #1 can be fully refunded by February 29, 2024 or earlier. No refunds after February 29, 2024, but transfers to interested participants is possible. All participants must read and agree to our Booking & Cancellation Policy. Please read our Booking & Cancellation Policy before making your deposit.
About the Instructors
Retreat activities are co-led by Maria Christodoulou (The Greek Herbalist) and Maria S Lorenz (Villa Kasteli)
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.
Maria S Lorenz (Villa Kasteli) is a certified transformational Hatha yoga teacher and passionate retreat facilitator. Her practice has been enriched by certifications in Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, bringing stillness to both body and mind. With years of experience in the yoga realm at our retreat centre, she has not only honed her teaching skills, but witnessed the profound impact of yoga on the lives of countless guests and friends. She looks forward to introducing you to our natural, peaceful mountain village life through teachings around the five elements and Yin yoga meridians.
