Started in Athens, set out to wander the world.
Local community activities
For those who feel that the whole world is their oyster
Enjoy unique coaching experiences and tailored exploration journeys, immerse into local culture, challenge your perspectives, and broaden your mind. Discover the hidden charms of the neighbourhoods of the city, the refreshing nature of the mountains of Attica, the picturesque beauty of the Greek countryside, and the wondrous sights of every corner of the World.
Based in Athens, Indie Horizons hosts events on a regular basis for our local community, open to all travellers with inquisitive spirit, seeking to learn and transform through their trips. Our itineraries are designed as immersive coaching experiences for education and personal growth, not as tourist activities. Their purpose is to enrich the traveller’s journey, increase awareness of unique particular aspects, and show things through a different perspective.
Travellers participate in trips and events at their own risk, and should be prepared accordingly for the included activities.
Co-travelling guidelines
Aim
How we build our itineraries.
- Our itineraries are designed to cover the entire planet in the best and most comprehensive way possible. The number 80 is mostly indicative and used for emphasis, as in practice the number may vary, depending on the interests and abilities of each individual traveller.
- We are searching for the uniqueness of each destination, like beaches in the Caribbean, monuments in Rome, monasteries in Tibet, bazaars in the Middle East, safaris in Africa.
- We are searching for the modern aspect of each destination as well, not only for the historic or ancient, including the lifestyle and daily lives of the local people.
- We are searching for an integrated experience, including elements of natural, archaeological, folkloric and sociological interest.
- We are searching for the actual reality, not just the tourist showcase, including the rich and the poor, the old and the modern, the beautiful and the ugly.
Prerequisites
What we generally want from our travellers.
The traveller must be well organised.
- Trips are usually designed and organised approximately 3-6 months prior to departure.
- Travellers should be well informed about the particularities of each destination.
- Travellers must have all necessary equipment for the trip and the included activities.
- We adapt to the trip, not the trip to us.
The traveller must have self-management.
- Travellers participate in all trips, events, and activities at their own risk.
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travellers.
- There are no group leaders, everyone is sole responsible for their own self.
- There is no strict programme, only suggestions.
- Travellers can follow their own programme, independently of others.
- The rest of the travellers are not obligated to wait for anyone.
- No traveller should expect exclusive treatment, such as for nutrition or health issues.
The traveller must have sufficient knowledge of English and modern technology.
- English is the language used in most local tours and for communication purposes.
- Each traveller should be able to communicate at the destination on their own.
- The itinerary and all information is provided in English and in electronic form only.
- Travellers should be able to navigate on their own using basic travel applications.
The traveller must be travel conscious.
- We respect the places and people we visit, and act according to the local customs.
- Travellers must be mindful of the environment and in charge of their own trash.
- We aim for the minimum impact to our destinations.
- We respect the diversity and personality of our fellow travellers.
The traveller must be in good enough fitness level.
- Although there are no age restrictions, there are endurance limits.
- Each traveller should be sufficiently prepared for all included activities.
- The itineraries may be long or require walking over considerable distances.
- The suggested programme may be dense and some activities may be strenuous.
Framework
How we generally design our trips.
Goal
The ultimate goal is to cover the entire world. Preferably, trips are region/country specific, and focus on the relative uniqueness of the points of interest in each destination.
Customisation
Every trip component, including the duration, accommodation, transportation, programme and activities, is only indicative, and can be customised to each traveller’s needs.
Duration
The average duration of a full trip is 2-4 weeks, to cover the entire region/country in depth. A longer duration avoids doubling back, thus saving effort, time and money.
Seasonality
The season of the trip does not depend on the typical Western vacations or holidays, but on the ideal period to visit each destination. Other factors are also taken into account, like important local holidays or events affecting the destination, in order to avoid overcrowding, increased accommodation prices, and other unpredictable problems.
Uniqueness
The aim of the trips is to reveal the uniqueness of each destination, both positive and negative, traditional and modern, and of whatever kind that may be, cultural, architectural, natural, commercial, or other. Special emphasis is given on UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Local partners
We prefer to build long-term relations with good quality local agencies and operators, to obtain better services and provide continuity and accountability if the need arises.
Guides
The trips are designed for independent travellers, and do not include a tour director. A local guide is only included whenever it is absolutely necessary, or at least exceptionally useful.
Group size
The trips are generally designed for 2-4 people, for better flexibility. Parties larger than 8 people are more difficult to manage and to group together people of similar interests.
Travel details
Any travel details will be decided among the participant travellers as needed, but individuals can also act independently of the rest of the group.
Responsibility
Each traveller is responsible for themselves and their own particular needs. The rest of the group is not obligated to wait or deviate for anyone.
Programme
There is no strict programme, only indicative suggestions. The daily programme is filled with activities, but it is also flexible and includes plenty of free time, especially in the cities.
Local tours
A walking tour is preferable to a bus tour, wherever possible, to enjoy in depth the ambience of each particular destination. The use of local guides within cities is also discouraged, unless absolutely necessary, to allow for more freedom to wander around.
Transportation
Transportation is chosen to allow for the maximum possible time in each destination, provided that the cost is reasonable. A longer route is preferred only if it is of outstanding natural beauty or cultural value.
Accommodation
For accommodation it is preferred to stay in local boutique hotels inside the city centre, to make exploration on foot easier. The larger all-inclusive luxurious hotels are generally avoided, as they tend to alienate travellers from the destination and do not offer value for money. On average we aim for good 3* hotels, although we might consider decent cheaper alternatives (guesthouse, camp) as needed. Basic amenities, such as wifi or parking, and important factors, such as the safety of an area, are also taken into account.
Meals
All-inclusive meal options are avoided, so travellers can taste the local cuisine, and select for themselves the cost and type of food they prefer. A list of suggested restaurants is provided.
Average cost
The average total cost is roughly estimated around 1000€/week per person in twin room, including flights, accommodation, transportation, and local activities, although it varies greatly depending on the destination and travel style.
Difficulty
How demanding we expect the trip to be.
