ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE

Participation is open to people aged 18 and over, or to minors aged 15 and over when accompanied by an adult.

Groups consist of 5 to 15 people. If the minimum of 5 participants is not reached, The Go-Ahead may cancel or reschedule the session. Participants can choose between a full refund and rescheduling.

No special physical preparation is required. However, participants must be able to walk slowly over uneven terrain. Each participant is responsible for their own physical and mental condition.

This activity is not psychotherapy, counselling, or a medical procedure. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. However, studies suggest that it may help promote relaxation and reduce stress.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Layered clothing is recommended because temperatures in forest environments can fluctuate, particularly when participants are stationary.

Long trousers are required. In spring and summer, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are also recommended.

Closed-toe shoes are mandatory, preferably waterproof hiking shoes or boots with ankle support. Sandals, flip-flops, and open shoes are not permitted.

Participants must bring their own water bottle, as well as any necessary medication or food.

Mobile phones must remain switched off or in airplane mode throughout the session, as maintaining silence is an integral part of the experience.

The guide carries a mobile phone for emergencies.

STRUCTURE OF THE SESSION

Sessions last between 45 minutes and 2 hours and take place on gentle forest trails, in gorges, or in mountainous areas, mainly in Crete but also in other parts of Greece.

Activities include slow walking, calm breathing, observing the natural environment, and simple guided exercises. The exact programme varies from session to session.

The location is inspected 2–3 days before each session to assess its suitability and safety.

For events at new locations chosen by the client that have not been used previously, an additional site-assessment fee may apply. The client will be informed of this charge in advance.

RISKS, HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Although the activity is generally considered safe, participating in a natural environment involves inherent risks, which participants acknowledge and fully accept.

These risks include, but are not limited to:
- Uneven ground
- Tree roots
- Falling branches
- Slippery surfaces
- Sudden changes in weather conditions
- Possible emotional sensitivity or unexpected reactions during the experience
- Insects
- Allergenic plants.In rare cases, encounters with wild or stray animals

Each participant must inform the guide in advance of any medical condition, allergy, injury, or limitation that could affect their participation.

Participation is at the participant's own risk. Participants must follow the guide's instructions and show respect for the group and the natural environment.

Each participant is also responsible for assessing their own physical and mental readiness beforehand and seeking medical advice if necessary.

The Go-Ahead, its organisers, guides, and partners accept no liability for injuries, health issues, or loss of or damage to personal belongings, except in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence, and in any circumstances where liability cannot legally be excluded.

MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS & PREREQUISITES

In cases of pregnancy, chronic illness, severe allergies, or the use of medication, participants must consult a doctor before taking part.

They must also ensure that all necessary medications and medical supplies are available, including injectable medication such as adrenaline (epinephrine), if required.

Responsibility for these matters rests entirely with the participant.

By submitting the expression-of-interest form for a sylvotherapy session, the participant is deemed to have read and understood the terms and conditions governing participation in a The Go-Ahead session and to have accepted in advance the relevant medical waiver and limitation-of-liability provisions.

WEATHER POLICY

Sessions take place in a variety of weather conditions. Light rain, fog, and sunshine are considered part of the experience itself.

However, a session may be cancelled or rescheduled in the following circumstances:
- Official warnings issued by the relevant authorities, such as Civil Protection or the 112 emergency alert system, concerning fire danger, storms, or other extreme events.
- Temperatures below 12°C or above 38°C.
- Strong winds or extreme weather conditions.
- Any other circumstance that the guide considers unsafe in the specific situation.

If The Go-Ahead cancels a session because of weather or unforeseen circumstances, participants may choose between a full refund and rescheduling.

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

Full advance payment is required for every session once The Go-Ahead has confirmed availability.

A place is not secured or reserved until payment has been made.

Payment can be made by:
- Bank deposit or transfer to The Go-Ahead's business bank account (IBAN).
- IRIS instant payment.
- Cash, by prior arrangement at a designated location.

Payment must always be made before the session. Payment details are sent in the email confirming availability.

Payment is considered complete once the funds have been credited to the account or cash has been received.

If payment is not completed within 2 days of confirmation of availability, the place is released. Any payment received after the place has been released will be refunded unless availability still exists and participation is reconfirmed.

A legally valid receipt or invoice will be issued for every payment.

SESSIONS SCHEDULED FOR A SPECIFIC DATE

Under the applicable consumer-protection legislation, the right of withdrawal does not apply to these leisure services.

Cancellation at least 5 calendar days before the session: The participant must notify The Go-Ahead by email at info@thegoahead.gr to receive a full refund.

Cancellation less than 5 calendar days before the session: No refund is provided.

Failure to attend: No refund is provided.

Cancellation by The Go-Ahead: The participant may choose a new date or receive a full refund.

BESPOKE CORPORATE EVENTS

Cancellation at least 7 calendar days before the event: If notice is sent by email to info@thegoahead.gr, the full advance payment will be refunded.

Cancellation less than 7 calendar days before the event, or failure to attend: The Go-Ahead retains 30% of the total agreed price and refunds the remaining amount. This is because preparation, time, and organisational work have already been invested.

Refunds are processed within 14 days of cancellation, using the same payment method and the same account from which the payment was received.

For cash payments, refunds are made in cash by arrangement or by bank transfer to an account held in the name of the person who made the payment. That person must provide the account details in writing.

USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND AUDIOVISUAL MATERIAL

Participants must provide written confirmation of whether they consent to photographs or videos being taken during the session.

These materials may be used for promotional, educational, or research purposes, including on websites, social media, and in printed materials.

Participants may request an exemption from future use of the material at any time. Material that has already been published will be removed wherever feasible.

Copyright in the material remains with the organiser, and no compensation is paid to the person depicted.

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION

The data controller is Dionysia Galenianou / The Go-Ahead, located at:
- 15 Ravtopoulou Street, 71305 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
- Tax identification number (AFM): 070992616
- Tax office: Heraklion
- Email: info@thegoahead.gr

WHAT DATA IS COLLECTED AND WHY

- Contact details (full name, email address, and telephone number): To respond to enquiries, register participants, and organise sessions.
- Emergency contact details: To protect participants' safety during sessions.
- Health information relevant to safety (such as allergies, medical restrictions, injuries, or medication): Only information that participants choose to disclose, so the guide can adapt the session and respond appropriately in an emergency.
- Payment information (name and bank transaction or IRIS details) and receipts/invoices: To collect payments, issue the necessary documents, and comply with tax obligations.

Credit and debit card details are neither collected nor stored.

- Photographs and audiovisual material: Only when the participant has consented.
- Email addresses for informational or promotional material: Only when the participant has consented.

Legal basis for processing

- Registration and delivery of the session: Processing is based on the performance of the contract.

- Receipts and invoices: Processing is based on a legal obligation.

- Health data, photographs, and informational or promotional material: Processing is based on the participant's explicit consent, which must be given separately for each category.

Health data

Participants are not required to disclose health information.

However, if safety-relevant information is not disclosed, it cannot be taken into account, as explained in the liability provisions.

This information is used exclusively to protect the participant's safety during the specific session. It is not shared with third parties, except with emergency services if necessary.

Participants may withdraw their consent at any time by contacting info@thegoahead.gr.

DATA RETENTION PERIODS

- Contact and registration details: 12 months after the most recent session.

- Emergency contact details and health data: Deleted within 30 days after the session ends.

- Receipts, invoices, and payment information: Retained for the period required by tax legislation.

- Email addresses used for informational material: Retained until consent is withdrawn.

- Photographs and videos: Retained until consent is withdrawn. Material already published will be removed wherever feasible.

RECIPIENTS OF THE DATA

Personal data is not sold.

Service providers supporting The Go-Ahead may process data, including website hosting providers, email providers, payment service providers, and the accountant. They may do so only to the extent necessary and under relevant data-protection agreements.

MINORS

For participants under 18, the accompanying adult provides the required declarations and consent, including consent relating to photographs and videos.

RIGHTS

Every participant has the right to:
- Access their personal data.
- Request correction of inaccurate data.
- Request deletion of their data.
- Request restriction of processing.
- Request data portability.
- Object to processing.
- Withdraw any consent previously given.

To exercise these rights, participants should contact info@thegoahead.gr.

COMPLAINTS

If a participant believes their rights have been violated, they may lodge a complaint with the Hellenic Data Protection Authority. (www.dpa.gr).

FINAL DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE

By participating in a The Go-Ahead activity, each participant declares and accepts that:

- Participation is voluntary and undertaken with full awareness of the terms outlined above and at their own responsibility.
- They must disclose any relevant medical conditions in advance.
- They must follow the guide's instructions, participate responsibly, and respect the group and the environment.

For minors, the accompanying adult assumes responsibility and signs the relevant declarations, including consent for photographs and videos.

If a participant fails to comply with essential safety or behavioural rules, the guide reserves the right to remove them from the activity without a refund.

Participation is deemed to constitute confirmation that the participant has read, understood, and accepted all these terms, as well as any relevant instructions published on the website.

Subject to the provisions in the section titled “Risks, Health Considerations and Limitation of Liability,” Dionysia Galenianou and The Go-Ahead accept no liability for incidents related to a participant's physical or mental condition if that condition was not disclosed in advance.

GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

These terms and conditions are governed by Greek law.

The parties acknowledge that all the terms above are material and binding.

The courts of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising in connection with the interpretation or application of these terms.

Contact: info@thegoahead.gr