Greek Odyssey in the Pelopennesus with Catherine Coulson

Event Description:

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve found a beautiful new yoga venue for my Greek yoga holiday next year, this time with an upmarket twist.  It is in the Pelopennesse, one of the most historical and breathtaking parts of Greece.  Based in the town of Sampatiki on the southast coast, near the historic town of Leonidio.  The coastline is very dramatic, with beautiful mountains as a backdrop, and cliffs that make is a popular climbing area.

We will be based above the town of Sampatiki – a ten minute walk to walk into town or the beach where there are several tavernas.  The nearby town of Leonidio has numerous restaurants and retail therapy opportunities, and we will have a group dinner there one night.  There are myriad different things to do in the Peloponnesus, which are outlined below, so it is a wonderful place to be based. You may want to consider hiring a car, which is inexpensive, so that you can explore the region more fully (but a transfer from Athens is included).

Our venue is Sampatiki Suites – an eleven bedroom hotel with a gorgeous infinity pool overlooking the sea and a spa (we have free use of the hot tub and sauna) where massages are available.  Each room is a large, comfortable suite with a fully equipped kitchen.  There are 5 studio suites, 4 suites with 2 bathrooms and a separate bedroom and sofabed in the sitting room, and two 2 bed 2 bath suites.  All rooms have sea views!

There will be a 10 yoga classes across the week, with a day off for exploring the area.  The time between breakfast and the evening class is completely free for you to visit the local beaches or to simply relax by the pool with a good book..

https://www.sampatikisuites.com/

We will have an extensive buffet breakfast at the hotel after yoga every morning.  In the evenings I have made an allowance for vegetarian group meals in local tavernas on two nights, so you can eat independently or prepare your own meals on the other evenings.

I have included the price of an afternoon excursion to explore the nearby town of Leonidio, and then on to Poulithra for a coastal walk to the unmissable St George’s church.

There is also excellent hiking in the area which you can do independently or via a guided tour.

Your holiday Includes:

• 10 yoga classes
  • 7 nights’ accommodation – prices are per person
  • Buffet breakfast daily
  • Allowance for vegetarian dinner on two nights (fish/meat optional extra)
  • Excursion to Leonidio and St George’s church
  • Group transfer from Athens Airport on arrival

Not included:

• Flights

 Optional activities (additional cost)

• Explore Hidden Treasures of Greece: Embark on our carefully curated day hikes around South Kynouria, offering an authentic Greek experience amidst the pristine beauty of the Parnonas Ridge
• Discover the enchanting landscapes of Arcadia and South Kynouria at your own pace with the bike rental service
• Experience the beauty of the Myrtoan Sea with our Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro, our experience is tailored to all skill level
• Discover the Cultural Richness of Leonidio and South Kynouria: Whether on foot, by car, or by bike, our culture and history tours offer an immersive glimpse into the area’s rich heritage.
• Boat rentals in the Leonidio area offer a fantastic way to explore the stunning coastline, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters of the eastern Peloponnese

Nearby places of interest

• Visit to Fokianos Beach—a hidden gem along the eastern Peloponnese coast. Known for its dazzling turquoise waters and white pebbles, Fokianos is a true escape into nature, offering both serenity and a touch of adventure (40km away)
• Perched dramatically on a steep cliff face in the Parnon mountains, about 25 minutes from Leonidio, Elona Monastery is one of the most visually striking religious sites in the Peloponnese. (40 minute drive)
• Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Leonidio is known for its charming atmosphere, historical sites, and stunning natural beauty (8km away)

 Flight recommendations (from London – of course other airports fine!)

Flights are available to both Kalamata (limited choice) and Athens.  It is a two hour transfer from Kalamata and a 3 hour transfer from Athens).  There will be a single group transfer offered from Athens to the venue on arrival day, so those who coordinate with the main flight can avail of that.  Car hire is inexpensive and will give you much more flexibility when there, so I am hoping that some people rent a car and perhaps share the cost with others.  Flights currently around £250 return from London to Athens.

Cheapest option is Wizz Air from Luton, but not that reliable!

Flights that work the best for group transfers:
Outbound
EARLY  BA (Heathrow) 8:35 arriving Athens 14:20
Wizz Air (Luton) 7:10 arriving Athens 13:10

LATE    Ryanair (Luton) `13:40 arriving Athens 19:20
SkyExpress (Gatwick) 13:35 arriving Athens  19:10
BA (Heathrow) 13:50 arriving Athens 19:35

Return
              Easyjet Athens 13:30 arriving GATWICK 15:30
Wizz Air 14:00- arriving LUTON 16:05
BA 13:45 arriving HEATHROW 15:45

Both Easyjet and BA offer flights to Kalamata, which tend to be a bit more expensive.

Of course there are other flight options and if you are hiring a car you can arrive and depart any time you prefer!

Prices (per person):

Studio suite with ensuite bathroom, kitchen, sofabed, balcony  £1600 single/£1025 double)
One bed suite with separate sitting area with sofa bed, two bathrooms, kitchen and balcony £1125 double/ £1975 single
Two bed suite with separate sitting area with sofa bed, 2 ensuite bathrooms, kitchen and balcony £1325 per person for two people, £995 per person for 3 sharing

About Catherine

Catherine qualified as an Iyengar yoga teacher in 1998 and has been teaching general (mixed ability) classes in north London ever since.  She brings the Iyengar principles of connection, alignment, extension and balance

to her teaching, with a focus on understanding stability and mobility, based on yoga philosophy.  She has made four visits to Pune to study with the Iyengar family.  She is also a lover of cooking and an avid entertainer.