Hosted by Sandy Papas & Cecile Geeurickx

Ideal for: Women wanting a female-only and female-led tour of the cultural highlights of Athens, the Peloponnese and the Saronic Islands – some of the most incredible places in Greece.

Payment: A 30% deposit is due upon confirmation, with the balance due 90 days before arrival.

Need to know: This unique retreat is one of a kind and will book up quickly. Numbers are capped at just 10 women!

This is a busy itinerary, but there will also be downtime. You need a moderate level of fitness, but all activities are optional and cater to people of all ages.

Itinerary

Athens 2 nights –  Nafplio 3 nights –  Spetses 2 nights – Hydra 2 nights

May 25 to June 2, 2027    AND   June 8 to 17, 2027

Group Size – Max 10

Activity Level – Moderate

About Sandy 

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 planning a trip to Greece have helped hundreds of thousands of people. She has been married to her Greek husband, John, for 26 years, and they have been visiting Greece together for over 20 years, both alone and with family and friends.

She is passionate about the people and the places, but has a deep interest in mythology, history, and archaeology, as well as food, dance, books, wine, language, and of course, shopping!

About Cecile

Cecile is Belgian and has led tours for over 35 years, in Greece and elsewhere around the world.

For the last 30 years, she has lived on the Saronic island of Poros, where her family run a Yacht Charter business. She is intimately familiar with the Argo-Saronic Gulf, its islands, and the nearby mainland.

She speaks five languages fluently, including Greek, and loves talking about everyday life in Greece, showing people hidden treasures, and interacting with locals on a tour.

In her spare time, she enjoys swimming and sailing the Greek waters. Her after-work luxury is having a drink by the sea, accompanied by friends or a good book.

What our guests say

Athens

Athens is where your journey begins, a city where ancient history and vibrant modern life sit side by side.

An expert-led walking tour introduces the group to some of the most iconic sights, from Historic Monuments to the character-filled lanes of Plaka, Monastiraki & Psirri. With time to pause, take in the views, and share first impressions, it’s an easy setting for women meeting for the first time to feel at ease.

Strolling through Monastiraki’s flea market, browsing Ermou Street’s boutiques, or discovering local designers in tucked-away shops makes shopping here as enjoyable as the history.

Food is another highlight. The group can wander through the Central Market, sampling olives, cheeses, and pastries, before enjoying a relaxed lunch at a taverna. A walking food tour offers the chance to taste delicious Greek food and visit small sellers and providors, as well as the main wholesale food markets.

Evenings bring their magic — drinks under the stars with the Acropolis illuminated above,  joining the lively buzz in Psirri and the Golden Triangle and dining at authentic tavernas with live music and perhaps some dancing!

Athens is compact and walkable, with clear meeting points and easy transport, making it ideal for women travelling together. Between guided activities and free time, there’s the flexibility to explore in smaller groups or take a quiet moment alone, knowing the group is always nearby.

As the first stop of the tour, Athens sets the tone — a blend of history, culture, shopping, and shared experiences that create the perfect foundation for the days ahead in Nafplio, Spetses, and Hydra.

Nafplio

Nafplio is one of Greece’s most picturesque towns, blending history, culture, and coastal charm. Set on the Peloponnese coast, its old town is a maze of marble-paved lanes, neoclassical buildings, and vibrant bougainvillea, all framed by sea views and impressive fortresses.

Overlooking the town is the Palamidi Fortress, whose 999 steps offer sweeping vistas across the Argolic Gulf. The smaller Acronafplia fortress and the island-based Bourtzi Castle add to its striking skyline.

During three days here, you can wander the waterfront promenade, browse artisan boutiques for jewellery, leather goods, and local crafts, and visit museums that tell the story of Greece’s modern independence, when Nafplio served as the first capital. Nearby beaches, such as Arvanitia and Karathona, offer crystal-clear waters within easy reach, making them perfect for a refreshing swim between activities.

Local tavernas and cafes spill onto shaded squares, ideal for sampling regional dishes and freshly caught seafood. Just beyond the town, the countryside is dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards, while world-renowned archaeological sites like Mycenae and Epidaurus are close enough for day trips. This is also where we will do one of the best Cooking Classes in Greece and learn about and taste some of the best wine in the country too.

With its walkable layout, engaging history, and relaxed pace, Nafplio offers a perfect mix of cultural discovery and laid-back exploration, making it an ideal base for this women-only tour.

Spetses

Spetses combines small-island ease with a touch of sophistication, making it an ideal destination for a group to explore together.

The absence of cars in the old port creates a relaxed atmosphere where you can stroll safely along the waterfront, stopping to browse boutiques, linger over coffee, or watch traditional fishing boats bob in the harbour.

Elegant mansions tell stories of the island’s prosperous maritime past. At the same time, the Bouboulina Museum brings history to life through the remarkable story of Laskarina Bouboulina, a fearless female naval commander in the Greek War of Independence.

Exploration here can be as active or as leisurely as you like. Scenic walks and cycling routes wind along pine-covered hillsides to quiet coves, while boat trips reveal tucked-away beaches perfect for swimming.

The island’s compact size means it’s easy to split into smaller groups for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing at a beach club, always reconvening for shared meals by the water.

Evenings in Spetses are a highlight, with the old port lit up and the gentle hum of conversation carrying across the water — a safe, welcoming setting to swap stories and deepen new connections.

Hydra

Hydra is a place where time slows, and the pace of discovery encourages conversation and connection.

No cars are allowed here — just stone streets, winding stairways, and the gentle clip-clop of donkeys carrying goods up from the harbour.

The island’s artistic soul is evident in its galleries, artisan workshops, and the preserved mansions of wealthy sea captains.

A guided walking tour introduces you to its layered history and its role as a muse for writers, musicians and painters, including legendary Leonard Cohen, whose evocative music captured the island’s light and rhythm.

Hydra’s compact size makes it perfect for relaxed group exploration. You might browse local craft shops together in the morning, then take a short water taxi to Vlychos or Kamini for an afternoon swim and seaside lunch.

Rocky swimming platforms offer an easy way to dive straight into the Aegean, while shaded cafes invite you to sit back with a coffee or glass of wine and watch life unfold in the harbour.

As the day winds down, the island’s golden light and gentle sea breeze create an atmosphere that’s both peaceful and inspiring — the perfect place to reflect on the journey and the new friendships formed along the way.

Inclusions:

We have worked hard to ensure that our Her Odyssey Tour has many inclusions and no hidden surprises

Included in the price

• • 9 nights Accommodation:
    • • Athens – 2
      • Nafplio – 3
      • Spetses – 2
      • Hydra – 2
  • nine breakfasts with local, seasonal ingredients
  • three lunches
  • Welcome Dinner in Athens, and four dinners at handpicked tavernas
• Transport :
  • Athens to Nafplio
  • Nafplio to Spetses
  • Spetses to Hydra
  • Hydra to Athens
• Transport to and from all activities, unless specified
• Day trip to Epidavrous & Mycanae
• Day Trip to a winery in Nemea
• E-bike tour of Spetses
• Traditional Greek cooking class – this includes dinner, with wine
• Walking Food  & Shopping Tour in Athens
• A Visit to Boubalina House & Museum
• An immersive Olive Oil experience with a qualified OO Sommelier
• Walking tour with a local guide on Hydra
• Escorted shopping expeditions in Athens and Nafplio

Not Included

• Travel insurance (required)
• Flights or ferries to Athens
• Transfers in Athens
• Transport for non-scheduled events and activities
• Incidentals such as laundry, individual transfers, snacks and drinks, tips
• meals not mentioned

*All activities are optional, of course

Accommodation

All accommodation is at gorgeous boutique hotels. They are all in beautiful, historic, converted buildings, and each lady has HER OWN ROOM.

*hotels are subject to change if required

PAME House

PAME means ‘let’s go’ in Greek, so what better place to start this Odyssey than this stylish, boutique hotel in the heart of vibrant Pysri, in the ancient centre.

This is the perfect place to explore Athens, with some of the best shopping, tavernas, markets, and cafes right outside, and significant ancient wonders and other attractions just minutes in any direction.

Nafsimedon, Nafplio (or their sister hotels)

Housed in a restored neoclassical mansion near Nafplio’s harbour and old town, Nafsimedon blends traditional charm with modern comfort.

Its rooms are individually styled, with wooden floors, painted ceilings, and thoughtful touches that create a warm, homelike feel. The courtyard offers a peaceful retreat and breakfast location, while the hotel is a short walk from Syntagma Square, boutiques, shops and seaside cafés and bars.

Nestled just a short stroll from Dapia Harbour, Lumiére Hotel is a stylish boutique retreat that combines contemporary comfort with the timeless elegance of Spetses. Its beautifully appointed rooms feature minimalist design, luxurious finishes and private balconies or terraces.

The hotel is moments from the waterfront, boutique shops, cafés and the island’s famous horse-drawn carriages. With warm Greek hospitality, an excellent breakfast and an intimate atmosphere, Lumiére is an ideal base for discovering the charm of Spetses.

Hydroussa Hotel, Hydra

The hotel is a restored 19th-century sponge factory and offers a rare sense of history and charm.

Located beside the leafy Votsi Square, its elegant architecture, a peaceful flower-filled courtyard and a rich history.

Combining traditional character with modern comfort, the hotel offers spacious rooms, a welcoming lounge and a generous breakfast, all within easy walking distance of Hydra’s waterfront, galleries, cafés and historic mansions.

cost €4990.00

terms: 30% deposit upon confirmation, the balance 90 days prior.

Ready to Book?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the trip?

All inclusions and exclusions are detailed above, and further details are also available via the enquiry button. Transfers, accommodations, and breakfasts are included, as well as some lunches and dinners, as specified.

What is not included?

Meals as specified, spending money, insurance, international airfares, and tips. Optional activities.

Note: The Acropolis in Athens is not included! You can, however, add it before or after this tour ends and we can help you organise that.

How many people will be in the group?

The tour is limited to just 10 women

Will I have my own room?

Everyone on this tour will have their own room. We cannot guarantee balconies or views each time, but we will do our best to be as fair as possible.

Can I bring my child or partner?

This is a women-only tour, and children cannot be accommodated.

What if I have to cancel?

Payments are non-refundable if the trip proceeds as planned. 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 crucial when visiting a foreign country, as your health insurance may not be applicable locally. It is not uncommon for people to trip and fall on stairs and uneven surfaces, or to have accidents while engaging in adventure sports or riding ATVs. Healthcare in Greece is generally very good, but procedures such as surgery and repatriation can be costly. Furthermore, insurance will cover you for lost bags, delays, theft, and other related incidents.

What should I pack?

May & June are a wonderful time of year for sightseeing with mild, sunny days and cooler nights. Temperatures should range between 84°F (29 °C) maximum and 65°F (19 °C) 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, and they are readily available for sale too. In May you will likely need a light jacket or wrap at night.

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. However, it is not possible for us to completely adapt the tour to suit veganism. For other dietary needs, please contact us before booking so we can ensure that your requirements 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?

There will be a fair bit of walking some days but usually at a leisurely pace and with plenty of stops, if required. Some places are quite hilly, and you will have the option to explore the more ambitious places independently if you like- ie. Palamidi Fortress and The Acropolis.

More Questions?