This signature Greek island journey offers an authentic experience on Ikaria—the “Blue Zone” island of longevity and well-being—paired with enriching days on Syros island and in Athens.

Ikaria is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, regions where people are known to live exceptionally long, healthy lives. Known for its pure Mediterranean diet, daily movement, herbal teas, raw honey, hot springs, natural wines, joyful all-night celebrations, and low-stress lifestyle, Ikaria offers an extraordinary way of life. Throughout the trip, you will immerse in this remarkable island–sharing in the traditions, foods, celebrations, and daily connection with nature that make Ikaria one of Greece’s most beloved islands.

This trip includes two days on Syros island upon arrival and a day in Athens before departure. Syros is the cultural center of the Cycladic islands–combining elegant architecture, thriving art and music scenes, local traditions, and excellent shopping featuring contemporary Greek designers and artists. In Syros, you will stay in a neo-classical mansion hotel on the sea!

You will journey from Syros to Ikaria on a comfortable, 2-hour ferry. Your beautiful hotel in Ikaria is located right on the Aegean Sea–with direct access for swimming and all rooms enjoying private balconies with seaviews. At the end of the week, you will fly from Ikaria to Athens–where you will have a full day to enjoy the ancient sites, shopping, and world-class museums.

While on Ikaria, you will participate in inspiring cultural activities such as a Greek cooking class, two guided forest hikes with cultural storytelling, a soak in a natural hot spring, tours of ancient Greek temples, ancient-style wine tastings, a Greek dance class by the sea, live traditional music, and a spirited community festival. You will eat authentic, home-style Greek meals at the best tavernas on the island. This trip is truly a gastronomic tour that will “wow” you! Additional activities such as paddle boarding, surfing, scuba diving, and e-biking are available.

The journey is enriched by conversations with local Ikarian elders about their daily habits for longevity, a well-being guidebook, optional morning yoga classes, and short educational talks by your trip hosts. Throughout the trip, your dedicated Greek hosts share their local expertise, genuine community connections, and welcoming spirit, creating opportunities to experience Ikaria beyond what most visitors encounter.

This trip is especially unique due to its off-the-beaten path island destinations, the extraordinary culture and nature of Ikaria, emphasis on healthy Greek food and cooking, community-spirited focus, exceptional local hosts, and quality time spent with local Ikarians--attuning to their secrets of longevity and well-being.

Maximum number of travelers: 21

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

7 nights/7 days of cultural + well-being experience on Ikaria
2 nights/2 days on Syros island with breakfast included
1 night/1 day in central Athens with breakfast included
Welcome happy hour
Ferry from Athens to Syros
Ferry from Syros to Ikaria
Plane flight from Ikaria to Athens
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 7 dinners at the best tavernas and restaurants on Ikaria
Guided tours of traditional villages, ancient temples, and beautiful beaches
A Greek cooking class, a soak in a healing hot spring, a Greek dance class, an ancient-style wine tasting and tour, and visits with Ikarian elders to learn their secrets of longevity and vitality!
2 guided forest hikes with local Greek cultural storytelling
A festive Greek community celebration with live music, dancing, and communal food
Local food tastings of olive oils, cheese, and olives
4 morning yoga classes
A cultural, well-being guidebook to Ikaria and short educational talks by trip hosts Kate and Dimitris
Authentic, local guides who live in the Greek islands and enrich the trip with their local connections and warm hospitality
Van transportation all over Ikaria
All ground transfers
Welcome gift and local Greek snacks
Curated recommendations for Syros and Athens
Wine and beer included with meals on Ikaria

NOT INCLUDED:

International flight to and from Athens, Greece
Meals and activities on Syros and in Athens
Medical travel insurance (required)

OPTIONAL ADD-ON ACTIVITIES:

Paddleboarding, biking, surfing, scuba diving, and additional hiking are available on Ikaria. A day boat trip to private beaches is available on Syros. Guided tours are available in Athens.

Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, has all the charm and

none of the crowds of nearby Mykonos–plus sandy beaches,

amazing shopping, and authentic culture. We will enjoy our first

two nights in Greece here!

Accommodations:

Syrou Melathron

https://syroumelathron.com/

A neo-classical mansion on the sea that has been converted into an elegant yet traditional 4-star hotel. An exceptional breakfast is included and is served on a balcony with sea view. Access to swim in the sea is available with a 2-minute walk.

Erofili Beach Hotel

https://erofili.gr/

A gorgeous and charming hotel run by locals for over 30 years! All rooms have balconies and sea views. An abundant breakfast is included and is served on an open-air terrace to the Aegean Sea. The hotel offers an outdoor salt water pool, all-day bar for drinks and coffee, direct sea access for swimming, and a 5-minute path to a nearby beach. The lobby feels like a traditional Ikarian living room–with the evening host Artemios bringing his lively Greek spirit and hospitality, creating a sense of warmth and community. Guests consistently rate this hotel as having the quality of a 4-star hotel–plus the local island charm.

Athens Gate Hotel

https://www.athensgate.gr/

An elegant 4-star hotel located in the heart of historic Athens, within walking distance of the Acropolis, museums, shopping, and charming neighborhoods. Breakfast is served each morning in the rooftop restaurant, offering panoramic views of the Parthenon and skyline.

Trip Leader: Ellen Parda

Ellen Parda

(321) 591-4356

ellenparda@yahoo.com