About This 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”.
Spellbinding sunsets and rich cultural heritage
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.
A vibrant, modern city that combines culture & tradition
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.
About the hotels
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.
Athens Capital Hotel, the first MGallery Collection Hotel in Greece, brings out the heart and soul of this cosmopolitan and vibrant city. Well placed at Syntagma square, opposite to the Parliament House, the hotel recreates an effortless blend of art and business. Its refined elegance, bespoke art, finely tuned accommodations sculpt a unique bond among visitors with this timeless city.
Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery is the perfect starting point from which to discover Athens, a unique European metropolis which embodies an indulgent combination of ancient character and contemporary lifestyle through sightseeing, high-end shopping and art in all its forms.
From the Acropolis of Athens to the Odeon of Herodes, a remarkable landmark awaits behind every turn. We commit to forging unforgettable memories for our guests by leading them on an evocative journey through the city’s hidden gems.
Indicative Schedule
Disclaimer: The schedule will be finalized shortly. Take a look at the event highlights for more information.
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Event Highlights
Accommodation at Almyra Hotel
Sanctuary of Aphrodite Tour in Cyprus
Traditional Cooking class in Cyprus
All Breakfast and Dinner meals in Cyprus
Accommodation at Athens Capital Hotel
All Breakfast meals in Athens
All Dinner meals in Athens:
-1 Dinner at Kuzina Restaurant
-1 Dinner at Athens Capital
-Rooftop Dinner party by Niki
Delphi Archaeological Site Tour and Museum Tour
Acropolis Archaeological Site Tour and Museum Tour
Cultural Tour in Elefsina
Cultural Tour in Argos
Prices
3390€/per person
in Double Occ. room
Prices
4390€/per person
in Single Occ. room
Flexible payment plan
available
what’s included
- 2-night accommodation at Almyra Hotel, Cyprus
- 3-night accommodation at Athens Capital Hotel, Greece
- All sessions / lectures
- All breakfast meals in Cyprus and Greece
- All dinner meals in Cyprus
- All dinner meals in Greece: 1 Dinner at Kuzina Restaurant, 1 Dinner at Athens Capital Hotel, 1 Evening Rooftop party by Niki
- Sanctuary of Aphrodite tickets (Cyprus)
- Traditional Cooking class in Cyprus
- Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum visit and tickets
- Acropolis Site & Acropolis Museum visit and tickets
- Cultural Tour in Elefsina
- Cultural Tour in Argos
Transfers:
- Almyra Hotel to Larnaca Airport for group’s departure to Athens
- Almyra Hotel to Archaeological site and back
- Elefterios Venizelos Airport to Athens Capital
- Athens – Elefsina – Argos and back
- Athens to Delphi and back
- Athens Capital Hotel to National Archaeological Museum
Community Discount: Available – contact us at info@travelgems.com for details
what’s not included
- Airtickets to Cyprus – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets
- Airitickets from Cyprus to Greece – We suggest booking the flight A3903 operated by Aegean Airlines (departing from LCA at 10:15 am) for your flight from Cyprus to Greece on October 26th. – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets
- Accommodation Tax of 10EUR / room / night payble by the guests directly to the hotel in Greece
- 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
Community Discount: Available – contact us at info@travelgems.com for details
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 Cyprus: We suggest that you book flights to Paphos International Airport or Larnaca International Airport. From there, you can book a transfer to the hotel.
Transport from Cyprus to Athens: A pre-arranged transfer service will smoothly transport you from Almyra Hotel to Larnaca Airport for your flight to Athens. We suggest booking the flight A3903 operated by Aegean Airlines (departing from LCA at 10:15 am) for your flight from Cyprus to Greece on October 26th to ensure you travel with the entire retreat group. Once you land in Athens, another pre-arranged transfer will be ready to take you to the Athens Capital Hotel.
