Cultural RetreatS 2027
7-day Cultural RetreatS
Hosted by Sandy & John Papas
June 24 – 30, 2027
July 2nd – July 9, 2027
Ideal for: People looking to join a small group interested in Greek Culture, history, exploring, the outdoors, lots of laughs, good food and wine, and making magical memories.
Payment: 30% deposit on confirmation, balance 90 days before arrival.
Need to know:
This incredible retreat is one-of-a-kind and will book up very quickly. Numbers are capped at just 12 people!
This is a relaxed retreat with some time set aside for everyone. You need a moderate level of fitness, as there will be lots of walking on some days, while on others there may be very little.
About Sandy and John
Sandy is an award-winning Australian blogger, podcaster, writer, and Social Media sensation who is an expert on Greece. Over 2 million unique users have read her content, and her tips and advice on how to plan a trip to Greece have helped hundreds of thousands of people on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
She’s been married to John for 32 years, and they have been visiting Greece for over 20 years together, alone, and with family and friends. They are passionate about the people and the places, but they also have a deep interest in mythology, history, and archaeology, as well as food, dance, wine, and language.
Sandy is an avid reader, cook, and shopper and will share her many insights and favourites on the trip. John also loves cooking Greek dishes and will be whipping up some of his specialties. He speaks fluent Greek and used to be a professional Greek Dancer, so expect some music and dancing!
What our Guests have to say
Our retreat included wonderful cultural events – Greek dancing, a cooking class, a visit to Delos, a boat trip around the island visiting beautiful swim spots and having an amazingly delicious lunch at the beach.
Sandy and John are the most amazing hosts and were happy to go the extra mile. John’s fluency in Greek was very helpful and both Sandy and John have so much experience after decades of travelling to Greece.
This was a well-thought-out and planned week at a beautiful villa on the very beautiful and culturally rich island of Syros.
The week was filled with exploration, wonderful Greek food, including a cooking class, boating, cultural music, dancing and sightseeing with an awesome group of travellers. Fun, fun, fun!
If you ever have the opportunity to travel with Sandy and her husband, John, I recommend taking advantage of it. You will not regret it!
Couldn’t have asked for a more perfect vacation! The Cultural retreat was awesome and well paced for everyone.
From the food, tours, and villa we stayed in to the wonderful friends we made and spent our time with.
I cannot say enough about Sandy and John – the best hosts ever.
The attention to every detail was phenomenal, and I want to say a big Thank You to Sandy and John for making this a trip of a lifetime for me!
Syros
Syros is the cultural heartbeat of the Cyclades, a graceful blend of Greek tradition and European elegance. At its centre is Ermoupoli, a neoclassical marvel built on twin hills, where Venetian mansions, marble piazzas, and pastel-toned balconies overlook the Aegean. Far from the tourist throngs, Syros offers a more authentic rhythm, where old-world charm meets intellectual spirit.
This island has long been a magnet for artists, musicians, and philosophers. From its storied opera house—modelled on La Scala—to its vibrant festivals and galleries, Syros hums with creativity year-round, and even more so in summer. Its Orthodox and Catholic communities coexist with striking harmony, shaping a cultural identity unlike any other in Greece.
Whether wandering through the medieval alleys of Ano Syros, joining a rebetiko jam session, or soaking in golden light by a quiet beach, Syros offers retreat, reflection, and inspiration. It’s not just a destination—it’s a state of mind.
After much research and deliberation, we have chosen Syros for the retreat due to its deep cultural roots, proximity to Athens and other islands, affordability and authenticity, rich history, and because it’s one of the islands that we just can’t stop returning to. After the success of 2026 we really can’t think of a better island for this!
Now we want to share it with you!
Inclusions:
We have worked hard to ensure that our Syros Retreat has many inclusions and no hidden surprises
Included in the price
- 6 nights Accommodation
- Meals: 6 breakfasts with local, seasonal ingredients, two outdoor lunches, Welcome Dinner and Greek Night Farewell Celebration, two dinners at handpicked tavernas
- Beer, Wine, soft drinks, water, snacks, fruit and some spirits at the Villa
- Cultural walking tour of Ermoupoli and Ano Syros
- Beach club afternoon with sunbeds
- Transport on the island for scheduled events and activities
- Day trip to Mykonos, including a guided visit to ancient Delos (including ferry tickets)
- Attending a local Paniyri( Festival) *if scheduled
- Reading circle (reading list can be provided prior to arrival)
Bonus Activities ( not included)
- Traditional Greek cooking class – including lunch, with local wine
- A boat trip along the west coast beaches including swim stops, sightseeing, drinks and lunch
Not Included
- Travel insurance (required)
- Flights or ferries to and from Syros
- transport on the island for non-scheduled events and activities
- Incidentals such as laundry, individual transfers, snacks and drinks, tips
- 4 lunches and 2 dinners
*all activities are optional of course
COST €3190 twin share
+ €700 Single Supplement
terms: 30% deposit upon confirmation, balance 90 days prior.
Welcome Dinner
Delos
Mykonos
The Villa
The Villa is located in Poseidonia in Syros, a quiet area on the west coast where many stunning neo-classical mansions are located. These mansions were once holiday homes for wealthy shipping families, and the area has a rich and interesting history.
The aristocratic 19th-century neo-classical villa is nestled among 3 acres of private gardens, orchards and olive groves and has 4 bedrooms in the main house, while there are 3 more in bungalows in the garden. All have their own bathrooms and are air-conditioned.
The house has been lovingly restored by its owners, with antique furniture and vintage carpets. It is stylish, bohemian and quite charming. The full-size private pool is private and tranquil and is surrounded by an orchard full of oranges, lemons, vines, pomegranates, dates and bay trees.Â
The beach is an easy 10-minute stroll, and there are seven tavernas within walking distance; in fact, one is right next door. Also, a short walk away is a great bakery, several cafes and coffee shops and even a couple of small beach clubs.
We will ensure the farmhouse kitchen is fully stocked with fresh water, wine, beer and other refreshments, as well as olives, cheese, dips, fruit and snacks. If you have any special requests, just ask.
Ready to Book?
Or perhaps you have some questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the trip?
All inclusions and exclusions are detailed in the itinerary above and even more detail via the enquiry button. All transfers, accommodation and breakfasts are included and some lunches and dinners where specified.
What is not included?
Meals as specified, spending money, insurance, international airfares, tips. Optional activities.
How many people will be at the Villa?
The retreat is limited to twelve guests as well as John and I, and a daily housekeeper.
Will I have my own room?
If you wish to have your own room, you can book ‘single’ occupancy, which will have a double (usually Queen) bed and will only be occupied by one guest. You will have to pay the additional single supplement.
Can I bring my child or partner?
Couples and singles are more than welcome, or even groups of friends. Children cannot be catered for,sorry.
What if I have to cancel?
Payments are not refundable if the trip goes ahead. This is why we require all guests to purchase travel insurance that covers unforeseen circumstances that would prevent them from travelling. We recommend checking with a site such as Travel Insurance Master to compare quotes and coverage.
Why is travel insurance mandatory?
Travel insurance is critical when visiting a foreign country, as your health insurance will likely not apply locally. It is not uncommon for people to trip and fall on stairs and uneven surfaces or have accidents with adventure sports and ATVs. Health care in Greece is very good, but things like surgery and repatriation can be extremely expensive. Further to that, insurance will cover you for lost bags, delays, theft, and more.
What should I pack ?
June and July are wonderful times of year for sightseeing with sunny days and warm nights. Temperatures should range between 88F/29C maximum and 70/20 minimum. You will need comfortable, casual summer clothes including swimwear, and appropriate footwear is essential (i.e., no heels!) A hat and sunscreen are a good idea, although there is plenty for sale there and very good quality too. Leave plenty of room for shopping.
We will share a recommended packing list before the trip.
Are vegans and vegetarians catered for in this trip?
Vegetarian options are available at every meal, and there will be many vegan options, but it is not possible for us to adapt the tour completely to suit veganism. For other dietary needs, please reach out to us BEFORE booking so we can ensure that your needs can be accommodated.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
This retreat takes place in Greece. Many countries are eligible for an automatic 90-day visa for the Schengen Zone – you can check here for more information.
What is the fitness level for this trip?
Our itinerary will involve a fair bit of walking, so it is best if you are mobile, have a moderate level of fitness, and are able to handle some stairs. There are a lot of cobblestone streets and hilly terrain, as well as uneven and slippery surfaces, hence the need for good footwear. That said, we will move at a leisurely pace, and there will be lots of rest and hydration breaks.