Once you arrive Athens, make your way to the Athens Port (Piraeus) to catch the Blue Star Ferry 2 to Patmos. All the women coming to the Patmos Retreat will be on this Blue Star Ferry 2. This is the starting point for planning your travel.

• Departs Athens: May 21, 2025 at 18:00h (6pm)

• Arrives Patmos: May 22, 2025 at 02:15 am.

• Departs Patmos: May 30, 2025 at 00:15

• Arrives Athens: May 30, 2025 at 08:25

https://www.bluestarferries.com/

When you arrive Patmos, we will be there to greet you and take you to your villa.

When returning to Athens on May 30th, it is possible to make a flight late morning if you choose. If you are not returning to Athens on the Ferry (staying on in Patmos or going to another island), please let us know.

We recommend securing a roundtrip sleeper cabin on the Ferry. We are happy to book the cabins for you.

If your flight arrives Athen on May 21, 2025, please make sure it arrives no later than 2:30ish pm. (Note: if the airline loses your luggage, it is unlikely it will make it to Patmos).

You can access your Blue Star Ferry 2 ticket (on your phone or computer) 48 hours before you travel. Please find access here. You will need your reservation number AND your access code.https://www.bluestarferries.com/

There is a dining room and food options on the Ferry.

We are happy to help you find good flights to Athens. Most large U.S. cities have a nonstop. The nonstop on United from Washington D.C. (Dulles) arrives Athens around 10:00 am. In addition to the major airlines (American, United, Olympic, Aegean, Delta) we suggest also checking out Condor Air – a charter airline (operated by Lufthansa) that flies from certain hubs in the US – through Germany directly into Athens or a neighboring island (Kos or Samos). Great prices, but they don’t fly every day. In the end, Google Flights, Expedia and Booking.com have great prices if you work the system.

We do not have any airline discounts.

We will be happy to connect other participants who arrive Athens around the same time— so you can share a taxi etc.

2 ways to get to the port directly from the airport

You can take a taxi from Athens Airport to the port. It’s about an hour travel time—60-70 euros.

Or if you have time, you can take the shuttle bus (5.50 euros) which safely requires about 2 hours minimum to get to the Piraeus Port. They run every 30 minutes. FYI, our Blue Star Ferry 2 to Patmos is usually the VERY LAST Ferry (miles of ferries at the port).

Please show your ticket to your taxi or bus driver—make sure they know it is the Blue Star Ferry 2 to Patmos.

The hotel we recommend is 14 Reasons Why it’s lovely, great location. https://14reasonswhy.gr/

• Note: If you arrive early in Athens and have time to spare and want to drop your bags at a hotel and walk around, consider this one: You might need to have lunch there…and/or pay to store your bags (not sure)…but the location and staff are great.

An airbnb I’ve stayed at — great location and cheaper price: https://www.airbnb.com/l/1hmOVp0r

There are several tours below that we recommend.

https://www.withlocals.com/s/greece/athens/

https://www.athens-free-tour.com/about-us

Here is a link to a vetted group.   Trip insurance, which includes travel and health, is not required, but we recommend it. World Nomads is approximately $125 to $150. Of course, feel free to find your own.   https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance

All transportation for group activities is provided on the island. If you are interested in renting a small car or 4-wheeler, you have the option. In order to rent, you will need an International Drivers License. You can get one at any AAA office.

The currency in Greece is Euros. Most places take credit cards, but it will be good to have euros on hand. You will have access to ATM’s on the island.

Cancellation Policy: Our retreat follows the policy of Theologos Houses (our villas):

-   91 days before arrival (before Feb. 20, 2025) – 100% refund

-   60 days before arrival (before March 23, 2025)– 30% refund

-   Less than 60 days before arrival – No refund