SYMI WALK & YOGA IN ENGLISH

On this retreat, you will experience something extraordinary: delicious Greek food, an authentic Greek atmosphere with the locals, morning yoga sessions, and several hikes on the scenic cliff island. All of this is complemented by a fantastic ambiance, cozy interactions with fellow participants, and a guide who is ready to assist with even the smallest details 🌸

FACTS:

Symi is a small island, covering only 58 kmΒ², with approximately 2,600 inhabitants. It is part of the Dodecanese Islands located off the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea, near the coast of Turkey. To reach the island, you need to take a boat from either Rhodes or Kos, as there is no airport on Symi. The boat ride takes about an hour. The island and the town are situated around the harbor, which is frequented by many sailing tourists and excursion boats from Rhodes. The town stretches up the cliffs, and the houses are characterized by their distinct Symi colors. The most incredible experience awaits you upon arrival at the harbor entrance πŸ”† During the day, the harbor is bustling with activity and visitors, but as the sun sets, a calmness descends over the harbor. Excursion boats sail back to Rhodes with their passengers, and the island's residents and regular guests have the harbor to themselves once again. The island has a variety of taverns throughout the harbor and town, offering everything from Greek specialties to pizza, gourmet fish, and take-away options πŸ•πŸ₯™ - all close to the sea 🌊 The sea plays a significant role in life and tourism on the island 🌊 The water is clear, and there are numerous beaches and coves, mostly with rocky shores, although a few sandy ones can also be found 🌊 Some of the beaches can be reached by boat or on foot πŸ‘£ By the way, walking is the preferred means of transportation on Symi, which consists of thousands of steps. However, taxis, buses, and rentals of cars, ATVs, and scooters are also available πŸ›»

ACCOMMODATION:

We will be staying in small, independent apartments/houses or a hotel located in the Harrani area, just around the corner from the boatyard 🏚 The houses are situated along the mountainside, accessed via steep steps, with most of them having a terrace or balcony overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean Sea 🌊 Each apartment/house is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and living/sleeping area 🏚 Additionally, air conditioning is provided, so you can cool down after a warm and delightful day in the sun 🌞 The apartments are designed in typical Greek style, and it should be noted that the island's sewage system unfortunately cannot handle toilet paper, which should be placed in trash bins.

EVENTS:

All included hikes take place on uneven, steep, and sunny terrain, often leading to the sea, bays, and beaches πŸ‘£πŸŒŠ Therefore, remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring a backpack for swimwear and shoes 🌞 One of the hikes in the middle of the town of Ghialos, at the foot of the famous Kali Strata staircase, which connects the two largest towns on Symi - Ghialos and Horio - consisting of over 400 steps πŸ‘£ Before reaching the top, there will be plenty of opportunities to capture beautiful photos of the sea, harbor, landscape, and picturesque houses 🏚 Once at the top, we pass by the iconic windmills lined up like pearls on a string, although most of them are in ruins πŸ”†

In fact, there are many ruins throughout the entire island, varying in size and condition - take a self-guided tour to explore them more closely if you wish 🌞 From the top, the hike continues down the road to Pedi Beach, where we can stock up, take a swim, and have a short rest before continuing along the coastline to St. Nicolas Beach 🌊 The beach at St. Nicolas consists of pebbles and sand, so water shoes are not necessary, and there are sunbeds and a taverna 😎

When you no longer wish to stay at the beach, you can either take a small local taxi boat back or walk along the coast to Pedi, from where you can choose to either walk all the way up the mountain back to the Ghialos harbor or take the bus 🚍 The bus ride itself is an excursion, as you get to see both harbors (Pedi and Ghialos) from the top - remember to have small change for the bus and taxi boat πŸ’· The hike itself takes about 1 hour each way πŸ‘£ Meals are NOT included on this excursion.

The other planned hike at the boatyard in Harrani, from where we begin the ascent of stairs leading to the helipad outside the town 🚁 From there, we cross the countryside, passing by chicken and goat farms until we reach St. George's Church, which offers a view over Niborius Bay - here, we take a short break and engage in a guided meditation with the most fantastic view of the beach and bay in Niborius 🌊 Afterwards, the hike continues along a goat path, up and down mountains and into the gorge, until we reach the road πŸ” The trail is very narrow and uneven, so closed shoes are highly recommended πŸ‘ž At the top, you will have a fantastic view of Toli Bay and from there, you can see the monastery of St. Emilianos, which is also a popular destination, although mostly reached by boat 🚀 From there, the hike descends towards the bay and Toli Beach, where you will find sunbeds and a taverna serving the most delicious Greek lunch, made from scratch πŸ₯™ As the afternoon comes to an end, you will be transported back to Harrani by taxi/bus 🚌 Meals are NOT included on this excursion."Regenerate responseOn this retreat, you will experience something extraordinary: delicious Greek food, an authentic Greek atmosphere with the locals, morning yoga sessions, and several hikes on the scenic cliff island. All of this is complemented by a fantastic ambiance, cozy interactions with fellow participants, and a guide who is ready to assist with even the smallest details 🌸 

In addition to morning yoga and hikes, the tour also includes a boat trip around the island, where we will visit several beautiful beaches and coves with crystal-clear water and swim from the boat πŸ›₯ On the island of Sesklia, you can visit the small monastery of Aghii Apostoli or swim in the fantastic blue water while lunch is prepared under the shady trees on the beach - all drinks and food are included in the tour πŸ₯™

CLIMATE:

Symi is located just a few kilometers from the coast of Turkey and is sheltered, which means you will experience higher temperatures on the island compared to Rhodes 🌞 In September, the temperature is typically around 30 degrees during the day and around 25 degrees at night 🌜

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

WHEN:

Departure: From Billund (carpooling from Randers can be arranged) on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, with Corendon at 16:40 and arrival in Rhodes at 21:55. Flight tickets are to be booked and paid separately. At the airport, we will take a bus to the bus station, where we will proceed to our hotel for the night.

The hotel serves breakfast before we sail towards Symi β›΄

Return: On Tuesday, September 20, 2023, departure from Rhodes is at 12:40 and arrival in Billund is at 16:00.

Due to COVID-19/war/crisis, it is not certain yet if the above will be fully accurate, and therefore, you should expect deviations in the travel itinerary. However, as soon as information is available, updates will be provided here on the event page πŸ›« If the world shuts down due to COVID-19, the trip will naturally be rescheduled to a later time.

YOGA:

The instructor is Birgitte Kannegaard LybΓ¦k, who is a certified RCYT95 international children's yoga teacher with courses in children's and family yoga under her belt πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ Additionally, I am trained in yin yoga, so the yoga style I teach for adults is a mix of kundalini and yin yoga, consisting of yoga flows and stretches πŸ§˜β€β™€οΈ The level of instruction is beginner to intermediate πŸ™ I have a yoga studio in Assentoft where I teach children, families, and adults four days a week. I also teach yoga in schools and daycare centers, conduct courses, events, and workshops on yoga πŸ§˜πŸ½β€β™€οΈ

JAPANESE LIFTING:

In addition to my yoga practice, I also have a clinic where I offer treatments in Japanese lifting, facial reflexology, and yoga therapy. These treatments work on balancing blockages in the meridian pathways πŸ’†β€β™€οΈ Most people who have received a treatment will feel a sense of relief, renewed energy, joy, and well-being 🌸

GUIDE:

I will also serve as a guide throughout the trip and have an in-depth knowledge of Symi for 27 years 🌞 I have been coming here every year since 1996, often multiple times a year. For me, Symi is my second home, and my in-laws have their own house here, where I will be staying right next to the rental houses 🌸

In addition to my extensive knowledge of Symi and my large network here, I have a lot of experience in planning independent trips ✈️ Since 1992, I have traveled annually and have personally handled the booking and planning of all trips, both for business and vacations 🌸

PROGRAM

  • The program is finally updated and subject to ongoing changes. However, there may be deviations in the program due to wind, weather, and the current situation of the day.

    WHAT'S INCLUDED:

    * Accommodations
    * Round-trip ferry tickets
    * Transportation to/from the airport in Rhodes
    * 5 mornings of yoga
    * 2 evenings of yoga followed by YogaNidra
    * 1 session of Japanese lifting
    * 2 guided hikes
    * 1 island-hopping boat trip to various beaches including food and drinks
  • WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

    * Round-trip flights (we will book together with Corendon) 2798kr including 8 kg hand luggage (20 kg checked baggage: 225kr) Daily price on 22/5-23 (prices may change)
    * Meals and drinks
    * Pocket money
    *Transportation around the island *Sunbeds
Various credit cards and cash are accepted in shops and restaurants, and there are several ATMs available around the island.

PRICE/ACCOMADATION

APARTMENT 1:

Total price per person for 2 people in apartment 1: 7,980kr

Total price per person for 1 person in apartment 1: 9,200kr

APARTMENT 1 IS BOOKED!!

APARTMENT 2:

Total price per person for 3 people in apartment 2: 7,400kr

Total price per person for 2 people in apartment 2: 8,700kr

Total price per person for 1 person in apartment 2: 9,847kr

APARTMENT 2 IS BOOKED!

APARTMENT 3:

Total price per person for 2 people in apartment 3: 8,150kr

Total price per person for 1 person in apartment 3: 9,375kr

APARTMENT 4:

Total price per person for 2 people in apartment 4: 6,890kr

Total price per person for 1 person in apartment 4: 7,996kr

Registration is binding and will not be refunded unless canceled by the organizer.

PAYMENT:

The full amount should be transferred via mobile payment to 53328379 by no later than 15/7-23

A closed messenger thread will be created where all participants can communicate with each other β˜€οΈ

Please note that prices may change due to Covid-19, general price increases for flights, accommodations, ferries, buses, force majeure, etc. Also, there may be changes in Greek regulations, flight, ferry, and taxi schedules.