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.
JOIN US IN GREECE! JULY 14-19, 2024
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)
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
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. Visit www.thegreekherbalist.com to learn more.
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.