Water,Wellness & Wine – Ikaria 2026
8-day Water, Wellness & Wine – Athens & Ikaria
June 15 – June 21, 2026
Hosted by Sandy & John Papas, with VoulaÂ
Ideal for: People wanting an immersive, authentic, Greek Island experience with a focus on health and wellbeing, with a bit of fun as well.
Payment: 30% deposit on confirmation, balance 90 days before arrival.
Need to know:
This unique retreat is one of a kind and will book out very fast. Numbers are capped at just 16Â people!
This is a busy week, but there will be downtime too. You need a moderate level of fitness, but all activities are optional and cater to people of all ages.
 Itinerary
Athens – 1 night – Therma, Ikaria – 3 nights – Armenitsa, Ikaria – 3 nights
June 15 to June 21, 2026
Group Size – Max 16
Activity Level – Moderate to High
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. She’s been married to John for 30 years, and they have been visiting Greece for 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.
John is also obsessed with Greek cuisine and culture. He speaks fluent Greek and used to be a professional Greek Dancer, so expect some music and perhaps some dancing!
About Voula
Voula was born and raised in Ikaria, where she works and lives today. She is a qualified Personal Trainer and Kinesiotherapist by trade, and her enthusiasm and knowledge of the island are unmatched.
She runs her own travel agency, offering a variety of activities designed to help you make the most of this amazing island.
Voula helps visitors to Ikaria with their transfers, accommodation and activities, as well as multi-day retreats, day trips and much more.Â
Ikaria
Tucked away in the Northern Aegean, this rugged, pine-covered island isn’t polished like Santorini or party-ready like Mykonos.
Instead, Ikaria moves to its own rhythm – one defined by mountain hikes, slow-cooked meals, and nights that begin with live music and end when the last bottle of red is shared.
Famous for its residents’ remarkable life expectancy, Ikaria is a Blue Zone – one of only five places in the world where people routinely live into their 90s and beyond. It received a lot of global attention when this was covered in a Netflix Documentary, yet it is still rarely on most visitors’ itineraries. That said, those that do visit tend to return repeatedly.
The island offers a raw, authentic Greek experience: wild beaches with no sunbeds in sight, ancient hot springs bubbling in Therma, and festivals (panigyria) where everyone dance until dawn. Food and diet play a significant role in Ikarians’ longevity, and learning to make some of the local dishes is both fun and delicious.
Whether you’re hiking through fragrant pine forests, sipping Ikarian wine made from ancient vines, or soaking in the thermal waters of Therma, Ikaria invites you to disconnect from the rush and reconnect with something more profound.
Inclusions:
We have worked hard to ensure that our this tour has many inclusions and no hidden surprises
Included in the price
- 7 nights Accommodation – 1 in Athens, 3 in Armenitsa and 3 in Therma
- Ferry from Athens to Ikaria
- Hotel transfers on Ikaria
- Meals: 7 breakfasts with local, seasonal ingredients, three lunches, Welcome Dinner and three dinners at handpicked tavernas
- transport on the island for scheduled events and activities
- Day trip to Fourni Island -including ferry tickets. (subject to availability and/or weather)
- Traditional Greek cooking class
- Winery visit and tastings
- two hikes
- one aqua fitness session
- Two guided tours of the island – North & South
- Two massages per person
- two visits to the Therma indoor baths
Not Included
- Travel insurance (required)
- Flights or Ferries out of Ikaria
- transport on the island for non-scheduled events and activities
- Incidentals such as laundry, individual transfers, snacks and drinks, tips
- meals not included, as stated
*all activities are optional of course
Afianes Winery
Therma Indoor Baths
Fourni
Raches
Accommodation
Athens City View Urban Suites (Athens)
A stylish, boutique stay in the heart of the capital, Athens City View Urban Suites offers a perfect pre-island stopover.
With modern rooms, great city access, and rooftop views of the Acropolis, it’s an ideal base to rest and reset before heading to Ikaria.
Marina Hotel (Evdilos, Ikaria)
This charming family-run hotel in the seaside village of Evdilos offers warm hospitality and a traditional Ikarian welcome.
Set just a short stroll from the harbour and beach, Marina Hotel combines comfort, convenience, and the relaxed pace of island life.
Erofili Beach Hotel (Armenistis, Ikaria)
Perched above the crystal-clear waters of Armenistis, Erofili Beach Hotel delivers stunning sea views, a peaceful atmosphere, and a dreamy poolside overlooking the Aegean.
With easy access to beaches, tavernas, and walking trails, it’s the perfect blend of serenity and local charm.
Cost
€ 2990 + €600 single supplement
terms: 30% deposit upon confirmation, the balance 90 days prior.
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 in the group?
The tour is limited to sixteen guests, as well as John and Sandy Papas.
Will I have my own room?
If you prefer your own room, you can book ‘single’ occupancy, which includes a double bed (usually a Queen) and is reserved for one guest. You will have to pay the additional single supplement.
Can I bring my child or partner?
Couples, singles, and groups of friends are all more than welcome. Children cannot be catered for on this tour.
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 costly. Further to that, insurance will cover you for lost bags, delays, theft, and more.
What should I pack?
June is a wonderful time of year for sightseeing with mild, sunny days and cooler nights. Temperatures should range between 84°F/26°C 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, as they are readily available for sale, especially in Athens. You will need suitable shoes for hiking.
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 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?
Ikaria is very hilly and has some wild and wonderful terrain, and the tour does involve a couple of moderate hikes, hence the need for good footwear. That said, we will move at a moderate pace, and there will be lots of rest and hydration breaks.
Learning the secrets of the longevity of the Ikarians means living and moving like them.Â