Travel Incentive Qualifiers Will Gallivant Around Greek Islands in Style

There is a popular folk tale told that when God finished creating the Earth, he had a few rocks left and tossed them over his shoulder into the Aegean Sea, which created the Greek islands. From a scientific perspective, the creation of the Greek islands was due to the collision of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, causing volcanic activity and land fragmentation. Rising sea levels submerged former land bridges between the continents, and the 6,000-plus Greek islands developed during a complex history of compression, extension, and volcanic activity over millions of years.

Whichever explanation you believe, there’s one thing for certain: The unique, majestic beauty of the Greek islands is unmatched throughout the world.

During their stay in Athens at the beachfront One&Only Aesthesis resort, qualifiers of the 2025–2026 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive will be given the opportunity to go on a Greek odyssey aboard a luxurious motor yacht to two of the most famous islands in the Saronic Gulf—Aegina and Hydra. Upon arrival, they’ll discover the rich history, nature, traditions, authentic traditional cuisine, and cosmopolitan lifestyle of these sparkling gems in the archipelago.

Aegina

In Greek mythology, Zeus fell in love with the nymph Aegina, and took her to this island, naming it after her after she gave birth to their son, Aeacus. Inhabited since 3,000 B.C., Aegina was a formidable maritime power that rivaled Athens and was eventually overcome by the Athenian naval forces after the Persian Wars. Although the island is small, it boasts many fascinating sites and natural wonders.

Aegina is the closest island to Athens, and it’s where Athenians often flock in the summer months for a quick vacation due to its beaches of fine golden sand, calm crystal-clear waters, and dramatic countryside landscapes. The port of Aegina is a lively, bustling harbor with ferries, catamarans, and fishing boats. And the promenade along the waterfront is covered with beautiful hotels, horse-drawn carriages, local vendors, fish and octopus markets, and ouzo bars.

The capital of the island, Aegina Town, is diverse with building styles that cover many eras, including modernized 1960s vacation homes by famous Greek architects, like Dimitris Pikionis. The island’s relaxing atmosphere and proximity to Athens have convinced many artists to permanently move here, along with upper-class Athenians that want to evade the densely urban character of Athens.

Aegina is home to the ancient Temple of Aphaea (or Aphaia), one of the most significant and picturesque temples in Greece that was built approximately in 500–490 B.C. Among the most enchanting features of this ancient Greek temple are the pedimental sculptures, which show elements from both history and legend. The east pediment displays aspects of the first Trojan War—not to be confused with the second Trojan war written about by Homer—which was an early expedition by Herakles against the Trojan king Laomedon. The temple was named after Aphaea, the goddess of agriculture and fertility.

A large part of Aegina’s tourism stems from religious pilgrimages, with a focus on the monastery and the Church of Agios Nektarios. Saint Nektarios’ background and following has grown past the limits of Greece and the Balkans, and his incredible true story was brought artistically to the big screen in Man of God in 2021, with a cast that included Aris Servetalis and Mickey Rourke.

Aegina is also famous for its one-of-a-kind pistachio, known internationally as the “Aegina Pistachio.” Its extraordinary aroma and flavor have distinguished the tasty snack as the finest pistachio in the world, so be sure to bring a bag—or five—back to the One&Only Aesthesis before you leave the island.

Hydra

The island of Hydra is less known for attributes that Aegina lays claim to—like its mythological-prehistoric stories and origin—and is more known for its decisive contribution to the Greek Revolution that began in 1821 and its war for independence. But this isn’t to say Hydra doesn’t have deep history like Aegina. Archeological findings have proven that settlement on the island dates all the way back past the pre-Homeric period to the Late Neolithic era (3000–2600 B.C.).

The name Hydra comes from the Greek word meaning “water,” and the island was named because of the abundant waters that gushed from rich springs that it had in antiquity. But the island has been inhabited and deserted several times; most notably, in the 17th century when its inhabitants turned completely to the sea to survive because the ground became infertile. They built ships to live on and trade goods at sea that were often equipped with cannons like the ones visitors to the island see today in its port to fight pirates or raise naval checkpoints in order to keep their families fed and alive.

If you think this background is interesting, modern day Hydra is just as intriguing. It is brimming with preserved architectural character and is devoid of cars. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island! Two small garbage trucks and some fire-fighting units are the only motorized vehicles to be found. A slew of decorated donkeys are responsible for most transportation services on land, with water taxis available to take you around the island by sea.

The inhabited portion of Hydra is small and compact, making it a perfect place to wander and explore, either along the charming cobblestone promenade or in the colorful narrow streets that are adorned with bougainvillea and fragrant lemon trees leading up to the oceanfront. Along the maze-like cobbled roads you’ll also find local merchants offering pistachios, almond sweets, and some of the best homemade ice cream you’ll find in Greece.

Now that you’ve had a brief history lesson and a description of present day Aegina and Hydra, it’s time to get back to doing what you do best—placing accounts and providing exceptional service to your clients. Trust us, if you put in the hard work and hit your sales targets for the year, you just may join us on our best trip yet. Don’t let the opportunity to join us on an unforgettable Greek experience this year from September 27 to October 1 pass you by.

View the eligibility requirements to see what it takes to qualify.

Legal Notice: In the event any dispute should arise concerning any aspect of the 2025–2026 Agent/Broker Travel Incentive, such dispute shall be resolved by The Doctors Company. The decision as to any dispute concerning the Agent/Broker Travel Incentive shall rest in the sole discretion of The Doctors Company, and such decision shall be full, final, and not subject to any further review. Wholesale brokers of The Doctors Company and TDC Specialty Underwriters are not eligible to participate in the Agent/Broker Travel Incentive.