About This Event
As our Original Cultural Retreat is sold out, we are excited to announce a second Cultural Retreat for 2024 due to popular demand. Please note that there is limited availability and a waiting list for this exclusive event.
Natalie Haynes will lead the “Goddesses in Greek Myth” Cultural retreat, inspired by her new book Divine Might: Goddesses in Greek Myth, guiding us through defining mythological moments showcasing goddesses wield power, reverence, and destruction equal to their male counterparts.
Through engaging lectures, we will gain a deeper understanding of the positive aspects of these goddesses. We will reevaluate characters like Hera, recognizing her as a figure trapped in a deeply abusive and toxic relationship, shedding light on the effects beyond the traditionally portrayed image of an evil and jealous wife.
Exploring the realm of “forgotten goddesses” like Hestia, one of the Olympian gods, we will appreciate her central role in ancient Greek worship, where she received the first and last sacrifice at every temple dedicated to any god or goddess. We will reconsider our perceptions of goddesses we tend to view in a benign or positive light, such as Demeter, a mother who would go to any lengths to retrieve her daughter Persephone from Hades’ clutches.
We will delve into the myths of Athene, the fierce guardian of Athens, the first mentor and goddess of wisdom, pondering why a mortal girl named Arachne could provoke her to such anger that she transformed her into a spider. Our exploration will extend to Artemis, the goddess of hunting and protector of young girls, as well as Aphrodite, the resolute goddess of sex and desire, capable of joy and heartrending misery.
We will also be joined by Ioanna Kalypso Glypti, our beloved historian guide, who will give us valuable insights on each destination, monument, or heritage site that we will visit.
Let’s reconnect with our cherished community, exchanging news and our mutual love for ancient Greek history and mythology during an unforgettable journey to Cyprus and Greece.
About the retreat leader
Natalie Haynes is a writer and broadcaster. She is the author of novels THE AMBER FURY, shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize; THE CHILDREN OF JOCASTA, a feminist retelling of the Oedipus and Antigone stories; A THOUSAND SHIPS (shortlisted for the Women’s Prize), a retelling of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective and STONE BLIND a re-telling of the Medusa story (long listed for the Women’s Prize); and non-fiction books THE ANCIENT GUIDE TO MODERN LIFE and PANDORA’S JAR about the women in Greek myths. She has written and presented seven series of the BBC Radio 4 show, NATALIES HAYNES STANDS UP FOR THE CLASSICS. In 2015, she was awarded the Classical Association Prize for her work in bringing Classics to a wider audience.
Natalie has been described as “the nation’s great muse” by Adam Rutherford and as “beyond brilliant” by Amanda Foreman. The Daily Telegraph mentioned that “Haynes is a master of her trade… She succeeds in breathing warm life into some of our oldest stories.” Kate Atkinson also noted that “[Haynes] deftly drags the classics into the modern world”.
About the destinations
Athens, the capital city of Greece, is a historic and vibrant metropolis renowned for its rich history, ancient landmarks, and modern urban charm. It is home to iconic sites such as the Acropolis and the majestic Parthenon temple overlooking the city. Athens offers a captivating blend of ancient ruins, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora , alongside modern attractions lke lively neighborhoods, trendy cafes, and a bustling street art scene. Visitors can immerse themselves in Greek mythology, explore world-class museums, indulge in delicious cuisine, and experience the warmth and hospitality of Greek people.
Famous for its spellbinding sunsets and rich cultural heritage, Paphos is perhaps Cyprus’s most diverse and enchanting district, especially when it comes to natural beauty, great food and history. Separated from the rest of the island by the Troodos massif, the region of Paphos has been relatively isolated and slow to develop, and only started to catch up with the rest of the island in the late 20th century. As a result, its hills and plains are dotted with villages that possess a distinct character, while farming and traditional crafts are still very much alive here.
About the hotels
Fusing contemporary luxury with imitable elegance, Divani Palace Acropolis is a stunning hotel located in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Located just steps away from the Acropolis and the old town of Plaka, just a short walk from the constitution square as well as all the major cultural points, this is the ideal base from which to visit the key attractions of Athens. Your time journey through the history of Athens begins in the hotel basement with a part of the ancient city walls, built under Themistocles, a prominent Athenian general in Ancient Greece.
Your unique experience awaits!
Almyra is a breath of fresh air for those seeking a holiday ‘less ordinary’: A chilled design hotel, flavoured with a splash of humour, a pinch of playfulness and a healthy dose of soul. Catering equally to fashion-forward couples and fun-loving families, it’s all about carefree Mediterranean living with a cool, contemporary twist.
The hotel occupies eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens at the heart of Paphos’ seafront promenade and forms the perfect base for a quiet romantic getaway or a memorable Cypriot family adventure.
Indicative Schedule
Disclaimer: The schedule will be finalized shortly. Take a look at the event highlights for more information.
Start your
journey
Event Highlights
Accommodation at Divani Palace Acropolis
All Breakfast meals in Athens
All Dinner meals in Athens:
-1 Dinner at Kuzina Restaurant
-1 Dinner at Divani Palace Acropolis
-1 Dinner at Dopios Restaurant
Delphi Archaeological Site Tour and Museum Tour
Acropolis Archaeological Site Tour and Museum Tour
National Archaeological Museum Tour
Cultural Tour in Elefsina
Cultural Tour in Argos
Accommodation at Almyra Hotel
Sanctuary of Aphrodite Tour in Cyprus
All Breakfast and Dinner meals in Cyprus – Almyra Hotel
Prices
3550€/per person
in Double Occ. room
Prices
4550€/per person
in Single Occ. room
Flexible payment plan
available
what’s included
- 3-night accommodation at Divani Palace Acropolis, Greece
- 2-night accommodation at Almyra Hotel, Cyprus
- All sessions / lectures
- All breakfast meals in Greece and Cyprus
- All dinner meals in Greece: 1 Dinner at Kuzina Restaurant, 1 Dinner at Divani Palace Acropolis, 1 Dinner at Dopios Restaurant
- All dinner meals in Almyra Hotel
- Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum visit and tickets
- Acropolis Site & Acropolis Museum visit and tickets
- National Archaeological Museum of Athens tickets
- Cultural Tour in Elefsina
- Cultural Tour in Argos
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite tickets (Cyprus)
Transfers:
- Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel to Elefterios Venizelos Airport for group’s departure to Cyprus
- Athens – Elefsina – Argos and back
- Athens to Delphi and back
- Athens Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel to National Archaeological Museum
- Larnaca Airport to Almyra Hotel
- Almyra Hotel to Archaeological site and back
what’s not included
- Airtickets to Greece – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets
- Airitickets from Greece to Cyprus – We suggest booking the flight CY313 operated by Cyprus Airways (departing from ATH at 18:40) for your flight from Greece to Cyprus on October 21st. Alternatively you may book the flight A3908 operated by Aegean Airlines (departing from ATH at 18:30) – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets
- Accommodation Tax per room / night payble by the guests directly to the hotels
- Extra Airport and Land Transfers
- Soft drinks, water, beverages
- Lunch meals
- Whatever is not mentioned clearly in the inclusions
more info
We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
Language: English
Land Transfer: Available upon request – contact info@travelgems.com
Cancellation Policy: Deposit amount is non-refundable | Should you wish to cancel your participation 45 days or less before the start of the retreat, 100% of cancellation fees are applied.
Important Info: In case there are Covid-19 restrictions or restrictions related to any other pandemic that prevent guests from traveling the total amount paid will be refunded.
Dietary Needs: Should you have any special dietary need/allergy, kindly let us know in advance in order to be able to better accommodate you in the best possible way.
Transport to Greece: We suggest that you book flights to Athens International Airport Eleutherios Venizelos. From there, you can book a transfer to the hotel.
Transport from Athens to Cyprus: A pre-arranged transfer service will smoothly transport you from Divani Palace Acropolis Hotel to Athens Internation Airport for your flight to Athens. To ensure you travel with the entire retreat group we suggest booking the flight CY313 operated by Cyprus Airways (departing from ATH at 18:40 am) for your flight from Greece to Cyprus on October 21st. Alternatively, you may book the flight A3908 operated by Aegean Airlines (departing from ATH at 18:30 am). Once you land in Cyprus, another pre-arranged transfer will be ready to take you to the Almyra Hotel.
