Self-Guided Hiking West Crete
Easy/Moderate 2 - 8 participants 8 days
Request itGuided Hiking Crete - Santorini
Easy/Moderate 4 - 16 participants 10 days
Request itGuided Hiking Central Crete
Easy/Moderate 4 - 10 participants 8 days
Request itGuided Hiking Crete
Easy/Moderate 4 - 16 participants 15 days
Request itMt. Olympus - 4 days
Moderate/Hard 2 - 16 participants 4 days JUNE 22-25, JULY 20-23, AUGUST 24-27, SEPTEMBER 22-25
Request itIntroduction
We invite you to a place where the roads end! The unique small village of Agios Ioannis is revealed in front of your eyes. Join us in a transformative journey unravelling your yin side. Whether man or woman, the compassionate, loving and full of acceptance side of you, is waiting to let all things fall into place. An effortless journey back to the self. Here you will discover a safe place to let go of the idea of who you should be and accept what you truly are.
Return to your flow, relax and enjoy, everything is as it is.
During our retreat week we will immerse you in the compassionate practice of Yin Yoga, sharing with you Deep Relaxation Techniques, Energizing Practices, Chi Kung, Breathwork, Free Flow Body Expression, Mantra Yoga and Kirtan. We will be hiking in forests and caves, swimming in the beautiful waters of the Libyan Sea, enjoying flavors and smells, relaxing and creating space for new experiences.
In a pure and authentic natural environment, we will empower you to consciously leave behind what no longer serves you, and experience the beauty and greatness of Mother Earth, returning back to your “Sacred” Self.
Meet your Teacher
I am Maria Levantinou. My spiritual journey began through theatre, where I was given the opportunity to experiment with the methods and methodologies by which the mind, body and breath integrate and blend in the Department of Theater Studies in the National Kapodistrian University of Athens. After completing my Postgraduate Studies in Aesthetic Philosophy (MPhil), my introduction to yoga came to me naturally as an inner need.
I was trained in India in the system of Satyananda Yoga and in Ayurvedic Massage Therapy. My desire for an honest interaction with the body, taking into account the needs of each human being, led me to Italy and straight into the intuitive teaching of Diane Long, direct disciple of Vanda Scaravelli. Following from this, I met my Yin teacher Biff Mithoefer and completed all three trainings in Yin Yoga (Yin Yoga Teacher Training, I. Taoism, Anatomy and Sequencing, II. Embracing the Yin Path and III. Storytelling); Since then I follow my own Yin Yoga path and create my own style of teaching and training.
Through my personal apprenticeship with my beloved teachers Angela Farmer and Victor van Kooten, I keep exploring the free expression of the body always respecting each practicioner’s nature and choices, allowing space for curiosity, play and creativity.
In 2009 I met my root teacher Dr. Carlos de León and since then I have been studying and practicing, exploring different spiritual traditions such as Shamanism, Chi kung, Vajrayanna, Hindu Tantra, Dzogchen, Kabbalah, and Body Psychotherapy. Among my spiritual masters are: HH 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Namkai Norbu Rinpoche, Khandro Rinpoche, Swami Shankarananda, Swami Chandrashekhar Nanda Nath.
Arrive in Agios Ioannis on your own*. In the evening we will have a brief presentation of the whole trip and will continue with a delicious dinner. Welcome to the gastronomic reality of the authentic Cretan cuisine!
Overnight in Agios Ioannis
*Help can be provided to arrange your transfer to Agios Ioannis
Our day starts with Energizing Yoga and Chi Kung Practices, always respecting each practitioner’s nature, bringing harmony to your body, mind and emotional state. Maria is transmitting her knowledge and experience gracefully through her heart, voice, and hands. Her teaching, becomes a creative space where curiosity, play and creativity flourish.
We will continue with a fresh cooked breakfast before setting off for day’s hike, following paths enjoying the virgin forest of Agios Ioannis and the endless blue of the Libyan Sea, reaching quite beaches, swimming, relaxing.
Yoga session in the afternoon. Practicing Yin Yoga is practicing The Art of Observation and The Art of Letting Go. Healing sounds and vibrations, free and spontaneous movement of the body, mindfulness and deep relaxation techniques, all together, powerful tools for self-transformation.
Overnight in Agios Ioannis
Our day starts with Energizing Yoga and Chi Kung Practices, always respecting each practitioner’s nature, bringing harmony to your body, mind and emotional state. Maria is transmitting her knowledge and experience gracefully through her heart, voice, and hands. Her teaching, becomes a creative space where curiosity, play and creativity flourish.
We will continue with a fresh cooked "Farewell" breakfast since after that it is time to say goodbye.
Departure from Agios Ioannis on your own. Help to arrange departure transfers can be provided.
END OF SERVICES
Everyone participating in any of Cretan Adventures events/activities is covered by third party insurance through Ethniki Asfalistiki.
Participants need to be covered by their own personal insurance (Health/accident insurance) for the chosen activities.
If clients wish to be covered for personal insurance (Health/accident insurance) by A.I.G Europe Limited s/he must notify in paper the above to Cretan Adventures and pay the additional cost.
Cretan Adventures is not responsible for any accidents or mishaps directly or indirectly related to the tour.
Alonia Guest House
Alonia have 7 independent (twin bed and three bed) rooms. The simple, yet wonderful decoration consists of handcrafted furniture made with wood taken from the nearby forest, perfectly in harmony with the natural landscape. The rooms in Alonia speak to those guests who wish to enjoy the beauty of simplicity and allow themselves to become in tune with the mountains and wild nature.
Food made with Love
Antonis and Anna will take care of our comfortable stay as well as provide traditional Cretan food with local products from the area. Their unique home cooked breakfast filled with local delicacies in addition to fresh vegetables and fruits are the center point of this healthy and nourishing cuisine.
Our hiking routes are suitable for everyone. We will follow paths enjoying the virgin forest of Agios Ioannis, the Aradena Gorge, the peaks of the White Mountains and the endless blue of the Libyan Sea.
Please bear in mind that the itinerary can be altered for numerous reasons beyond our control (e.g. harsh weather, trail conditions) to ensure the safety and the well-being of the group. The final hiking selection is left up to Cretan Adventures.
Self-Guided Hiking West Crete test
Easy/Moderate 2 - 8 participants 8 days
Request itGuided Hiking Crete - Santorini test
Easy/Moderate 4 - 16 participants 10 days
Request itGuided Hiking Central Crete test
Easy/Moderate 4 - 10 participants 8 days
Request itGuided Hiking Crete test
Easy/Moderate 4 - 16 participants 15 days
Request itMt. Olympus - 4 days test
Moderate/Hard 2 - 16 participants 4 days JUNE 22-25, JULY 20-23, AUGUST 24-27, SEPTEMBER 22-25
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