Frequently Asked Questions
I have never sailed, can I embark?
Sure! No worries, we will be accompanied by professional skippers from IonionSails.gr. We will sail a couple of hours each day to make the experience comfortable for everyone. Please note, for your own safety, you must be physically capable of walking on slightly unstable surfaces and be able to go up and down small stairs between the upper deck and cabins. At this time we are not able to accommodate more physically accessible options. If you are subject to intense sea sickness please reconsider your participation or bring medication to take care of yourself. There are life jackets for all Explorers, you may use one to float during swimming sessions.
When & where does the adventure start and end exactly?
We meet in the center of Athens, in our shared accommodation at 3 PM August 23d. Before the opening dinner you can join a walking tour we organize for the group to discover Greek culture and the majestic city of Athens. The Odyssey will end back in the center of Athens on August 31st at 3PM. Please ensure you have enough time to get to/from the airport.
Who can I bring with me?
Feel free to invite any people in your community as long as they are 18 or older. The group will be diverse and we cherish inclusivity! Unfortunately, you cannot bring your furry friends (no pets allowed, but furry humans are welcome). For a limited time, you can take advantage of a promotional discount (150€) when your referral books their spot.
How many people will be at the retreat?
Expect 3 yachts, 3 Inspirers, 3 Skippers and up to 27 Explorers to get inspired from.
What is NOT included in the price?
Your travel tickets to and from Athens Your personal travel insurance (you’ll be asked to provide it before the retreat) Dinners on the islands during sailing. You’ll have the freedom to discover the local cuisine at your convenience. Exception: the closing group dinner in Lefkada is included. Alcohol
Do you have a flexible payment plan?
After you paid the initial deposit of 500 € (Early Bird, then 700 € after March 10th) we can discuss a payment plan that answers your needs. If you need financial assistance, please email us and we will see what we can do to support you. We are working on collaborating with Affirm and Afterpay so you can pay over time. Please contact us for updates on this collaboration at embraceyourodyssey@gmail.com
What are the dates and deadlines?
Retreat Dates: August 23d-31st, 2024 Deadline to submit your Early Bird 500€ deposit: as soon as possible to book your spot and before March 10th Deadline to submit final payment for Early Bird prices: March 10th, 2024 Deadline to submit final payment for regular prices: May 20th, 2024. Please note that the deposit for the regular pricing period is 700 €. Deadline to schedule your pre-Odyssey coaching session: June 1st, 2024 Cancellation deadlines can be found in our cancellation policy.
I know it's not cool but can I cancel?
Your 500 € deposit is not refundable. Please see our cancellation policy for more details.
What do I pack for this retreat?
You’ll want to pack light! There is limited space on a sailboat so bring a small soft bag or a backpack. If you come with a big rigid luggage you will need to find storage on shore (not included in the price of the retreat). Be sure to bring a swimsuit(s), comfortable clothes for yoga, travel, sailing, sleep, and hiking if you plan to join these activities. Other recommendations include: sunblock, sunglasses, an easy-pack microfiber towel for after swimming, and anything else you need for your wellness (medications, sleep mask, etc.). Aim for +27°C during the day and +18° at night, with water at +25°C. You will have the opportunity to purchase snacks and personal items prior to the trip and while we are docked on the islands. We will send you a more detailed list of items 2 months prior to sailing. We will provide yoga mats, bath towels, and linens. Please pack for your own needs. We are not responsible for items you forget to bring. But there are shops on shore that we can direct you to.
What are the meal options?
We offer you a first night dinner at Athens. The next day you will have breakfast before the bus transfer to Lefkada and a group lunch at a restaurant upon arrival. We will offer vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch food supplies on the boats, as well as menu guides so that Explorers can share the responsibility of prepping communal meals. In the evenings you will be welcomed by local tavernas on the island where you can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals. These dinners are not included in your price so that you can have freedom to choose your own feast adventure for the evening. If you prefer, you may stay on board and prepare a dinner for yourself with the goods we supply. The closing dinner at a Lefkada’s taverna is also included in the price. We do not provide any alcohol.
What if I can’t cook?
Part of the self-care experience will be learning how to prepare healthy meals. Don’t fret, you will work in teams, follow a menu full of recipes designed for ease, and be supported! If you prefer not to cook at all, you can request to trade your cooking responsibilities for cleaning responsibilities with another voyager on your boat.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
We want to make this a comfortable experience for everyone. We will offer mainly vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch options on the boats, as well as menus so that each Explorer team can share the responsibility of prepping communal meals. Please let us know if you have dietary restrictions when you fill out the registration form. If you have severe allergies or restrictions, please reach out so we can determine how we can support your safety. You will also have the opportunity to purchase snacks and personal items prior to the trip and while we are docked on the islands.
Where will I sleep?
First night accommodation will happen in a shared house in Athens with shared beds. During the sailing, you will stay in a shared cabin on the boat. Cabins have either a shared double bed or one bunk bed. Cabin pairs will be made after introductions on our first opening evening. We will prioritize placing traveling partners together. The boat will be docked during the evening and we may have a night (or nights) where we choose to drop anchor to sleep in the open sea. This will depend on the weather and the group. The main cabins with private bathrooms have one shared double bed, locking drawers and cubbies for storage. They are equipped with a restroom and shower. The main cabins with a shared bathroom have one shared double bed and locking drawers and cubbies for storage. There is a shared restroom available within a few feet of the cabins used by everyone on the boat. On some boats, one cabin is attached to the restroom. Each boat has one bunk bed cabin with a smaller lower bunk that can be purchased by 1 person. This cabin is shared with the Inspirer of your boat.
The three individual private sessions, what are they about?
In order to provide you with a deep transformational experience, we will come together to address your needs, challenges, and intentions for the Odyssey and the unique Path you have chosen. You will have a 1-to-1 video call before the Odyssey with your Inspirer, one personal meeting during the sailing, and one closing 1-to-1 call soon after your retreat to reflect and set the way forward. You will have this safe space dedicated to you to discuss all the private matters relevant to your experience and be guided by the Inspirer to get to your desired destination regardless of all the monsters on the way ☺️. These sessions are confidential. Duration: 45 min each. They do not replace professional mental health services.
Do I need to participate in all activities and workshops?
No, you are a free spirit that can choose whatever you need at each given moment. If you feel like having a solo time and going for a walk on an island, it is completely fine. Just remember to inform your Inspirer for better boat coordination especially in the morning when we need to leave islands on time. Communication is key! Some activities and workshops will be open to all Explorers. So at some point if you are curious about the other boats you can join them for an experience. However, some events will be designed only for your Explorer team. The schedule and all the details will be provided. We designed this retreat in a way to balance your free time, your boat team experience and the whole community connection moments.
