Has anyone else ever found themselves stuck in some sort of rut and had the desire to make some changes, take some chances or just take that trip you’ve always wanted?!
Back in 2014 I found myself in this very predicament. Travel was at the very top of my wish list but I found that most of my friends either didn’t have that same desire to explore or that some did, but whenever I’d suggest planning something they kept brushing it off with “Yeah, sure, let’s do it! Not now though. Some day, maybe in a couple of years…” until I finally realized that the only way to take a chance, make a change or to take that trip was to simply step up and take some action!
It was back in 2014 that I decided to stop waiting on others and to start doing, to start truly embracing all that life has to offer and experiencing more of this beautiful world.
So what did I do? I took myself to Greece, that’s what!
My first big solo trip was to a country I’d always dreamed of visiting. I was tired of waiting on others to make the trip happen (some friends said “maybe” they could go the following year, others suggested somewhere close to home that didn’t require a passport because they’d never traveled more than a couple of hours in a plane before…which of course is fine but I was tired of waiting on others to make something– especially something so important to me- happen) so I decided I’d just take travel matters into my own hands and promptly planned my first trip to Greece…solo!!!
This trip back in 2014 has left such a lasting imprint on my life- it’s literally changed my life in so many ways and certainly forever changed the way I view travel. Vacations don’t have to be confined to sitting on a beach and sipping umbrella laden cocktails (although that’s totally fine- I’ve had my fair share of those before, too!) but vacations can be about exploring the country, uncovering hidden gems about a place, getting outside more to see more than just typical tourist sites, going off the beaten path and truly exploring and experiencing this new place you’re so fortunate to have the chance to visit!
From getting outside as much as possible during travels, working out at a local beach, opting to hike or bike somewhere instead of hopping in a car or bus- all of these activities add up to experiencing more of your travel destination than you’d likely ever imagine!
That’s how I view travel and is one of the reasons why I am so excited to bring your my first official fitness retreat in Greece! I’ve decided to create an experience of a lifetime! Let the fitness (and travel!) adventures begin!
When I first visited Greece in Sept/Oct of 2014 I was a mix of emotions. Slightly nervous (10 days by myself in a country I’d never been to before?), full of excitement, grateful for the chance to even get to go on this experience as a whole plus…well, I have to admit I was rather proud of myself for having the nerve to book the trip solo and take off on the adventure in the first place! This was certainly not typical of me (I’d never booked a non work-related international trip before!) so just planning the adventure and getting there was a huge win!
Anyhow, let’s cut to the end of that first trip where I’d fallen in love with the country so much that I wasn’t ready to leave, so I actually extended my trip another 4 days! Once I was there I’d realized how much there was to see, do and explore and I wanted to do more of that. I simply wasn’t ready to go home. But when I (finally, haha) did go home, I wouldn’t stop talking about the trip and how stunning the country was and how I couldn’t wait to go back! I promptly informed all of my friends that we needed to plan a trip there immediately and I couldn’t believe it had taken me all those years to finally go. I had been missing out on so much!
From the streets (and hills) of Athens, seeing the Acropolis by day (and lit up at night!), views of the sea (even the ferry rides were fun and loaded with gorgeous views!), hiking around Santorini and taking in all of the gorgeous views (and the most breathtaking sunsets I’d ever seen in my life!) while hiking all around the caldera left me feeling both exhilarated and rejuvenated, prompting me to basically stay outside the entire time from the moment I woke to going to bed, quite simply because I was amazed at how much there was to take in and experience. This place was even more amazing than I’d imagined!!!
Touring ancient sites I’d only read about in college history classes, the food (oh my goodness, THE FOOD!!!), the hospitality, the gorgeous Aegean Sea…honestly the entire experience was unlike anything I’d ever had before and I came home from the trip wanting to book my next trip to Greece immediately. I’d never experienced that kind of travel before and I knew I wanted to return to explore even more!
So fast forward to 2019 and I am beyond excited to share some of my absolute favorite things about Greece with you all during out fitness retreat travel adventures! You’re more than welcome to come solo, with a bestie or group of friends- we’ll all be there to experience and enjoy the fitness (and epic travel!) adventures together!
From beach workouts, touring places on foot and bike, hiking along the caldera in Santorini, sunset sails, island hopping, touring ancient archaeological sites with a guide, adventures on the Aegean Sea and so much more!
The details of the 10 day/9 night fitness retreat adventure are below, but in case you’re wondering about logistics, I’ve got you covered! While the flights to/from your home airport to Athens, Greece are not included in the retreat package price (although don’t worry- in case you need help with this detail I’m happy to help provide assistance with planning your flight itinerary) once you arrive, all of the hotels (9 nights), transport for all retreat activities, 2 meals a day, all tours or excursions I have planned for the trip are covered!
I didn’t want anyone to have to stress out about planning little details and worrying about how they’re going to get from point A to Santorini or anywhere else along the way- I’ve taken care of all of that extra work and planning for you so that all you need to do is arrive in Greece ready for your adventures! I’ve seriously planned everything from accommodations, transport to/from everywhere throughout the trip, nearly all meals (at least 2 meals a day), guides for tours of archaeological sites, the biking, kayaking, sailing- even any ferry transport plus the flight from Crete back to Athens is taken care of, but here’s a quick snapshot of what we’ll be doing plus everything that is included with your fitness retreat adventure:
We’ll be exploring Athens (plus a side of Athens that most tourists don’t even know exists!) and its historical sites, workouts along the way before we then head off for some Greek island hopping in Santorini and Crete! Over the years and all of my trips to Greece I’ve found that the way to truly maximize the experience has been to get outside! There’s simply so much to see and explore that it would be a shame to take a taxi to certain places when we could walk or to stay half the day in the hotel room. We’ll be hiking, biking, heading to the beach for workouts, enjoying sunset sails and so much more!
Please feel free to attend the event solo or a grab a friend (or bring a small group) for these adventures! Please message me directly to reserve your spot (or ask any questions about the retreat, events, payments, etc.): jen@fitnessjewelltraining.com or feel free to message me directly on Instagram, too: @fitnessjewell
I cannot wait to share these experiences with you all! I’ve said it before, but experiencing a country like this and embracing travel in this active adventure way has truly changed my life in more ways than I can count! The fitness retreat kicks off September 7th, 2019!
Of course between all of the active adventures we’ll also have downtime to relax, as well as some wine tasting adventures and more to round out the trip! Here’s a quick snapshot of some of the activities we’ll be doing throughout the retreat:
- We kick off the tour in Athens with a welcome dinner, then the next day begin with a workout to beat jet lag, followed by a fun bike ride with a guide to see and learn about the major sites around Athens. We’ll visit the ancient Acropolis and so much more! Oh, and did I mention even more delicious Greek food? Bike tours, workouts in the National Gardens, plus kayaking to ancient ruins are all on the list for adventures in Athens!
- Now, after the first two nights in Athens, let the island hopping begin…what would a trip to Greece be without some time on the water or exploring an island or two?!
- Next up is Santorini…get ready to take in ALL the views! 3 full days/3 nights in stunning Santorini will be stacked with incredible adventures and island fun!
- Now, while we’re in Santorini we’ll be taking in all the sunset views that you’ve heard (and likely seen online) so much about! Breathtaking is an understatement, and we’ll be maximizing our time on the island with hiking, going for a catamaran sunset sail & dinner and more to enjoy the sunsets each evening we’re there. Wine tasting, workouts and other fitness fun along the way are all part of the adventure!
- The island of Crete is up next! 3 nights of adventures across Greece’s largest island- I hope you’re ready to explore! Get ready for gorgeous landscapes and hiking adventures, trekking through the Samaria Gorge (Europe’s longest gorge as well as a National Park and World Biosphere Reserve) to explore even more, cooling off at the beach afterwards and then hopping on a boat for more sea views & transport back to our hotel. Other days we’ll explore the Chania and it’s stunning beaches, do beach workouts, a cooking class, some wine tasting (plus delicious eats!), and more during our time on Crete!
- After our island adventures we’ll wrap up the fitness retreat adventures with a flight back to Athens on September 15th for the last night of the retreat!
I cannot wait to share these travel adventures with you all! Get ready to have fun with your fitness while we explore and experience Greece like never before!
Please message me directly for more details, to reserve your spot or with whatever questions you may have!
Jen@fitnessjewelltraining.com or feel free to message me directly on Instagram: @fitnessjewell