Anima Mundi Journeys
and Extraordinary Women’s League
presents
Restoring the Soul
A Women’s Retreat in Greece
September 5-14, 2022
Athens and Skopelos Island
Meet us in Greece as we gather in an intimate-sized group of women
for a once-in-a-lifetime mythical journey!
We begin our adventure with a daylong exploration of the ancient sites of Athens. Afterwards, we will travel together to the enchanting island of Skopelos (of the famed Mamma Mia film) for 7 days of relaxation, exploration, and renewal at a 5-star island resort with rooms and private villas overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Our time together will be a blend of internal and external discovery. In the morning we will gather as a community for the workshop, sharing, and exploring the myths and archetypes of the Greek gods and goddesses as they manifest in our own lives. In the afternoon we offer island excursions, play, rest, and free time. You will have many opportunities to take in the beautiful island landscape, swim in, or sail the Aegean Sea, and enjoy Greek culture, food, music, and hospitality. With the recognition of the stress and challenges of the last few years, we will draw upon the power of community to support each other, restore our souls, find inspiration, and reimagine the future we want to dream into being.
Itinerary
**Itinerary content and times subject to change**Detailed Itinerary to follow
9/5—Day 1–Arrival of international flights (various times) into Athens (2 nights) You must leave US on 9/4 to arrive on 9/5—We arrange a private taxi to meet you and bring you to our hotel. Welcome dinner and wine reception on the rooftop of our hotel overlooking the Acropolis.
9/6—Day 2–Orientation and Opening ritual. Tour of Acropolis, the Parthenon of Athena, the temples of Hephaestus, Asclepius, the theatre of Dionysus, and the Agora. Visit to the new Acropolis Museum. We are centrally located near the Plaka area of Athens for shopping, dining, and night life.
9/7—Day 3–Travel by private bus to Evia where we catch the ferry together to the island of Skopelos (7 nights). We settle into our lodging at our 5-star resort by the sea, rest, have a swim in the pool, get a massage, hang out at the private beach, and enjoy a seaside dinner at the resort.
9/8–Day 4
Morning Program: Restoring the Soul. Exploration of Soul as our deepest identity. Working with Soul images and setting Intentions–What does restoring the soul mean to you?
Afternoon Exploration: You are free to have lunch, swim, snorkel, visit the gym or spa at resort, read, write in your journal, or siesta.
Evening Celebration: In the evening we will walk together to the nearby traditional village of Panormos for swimming and dinner at local taverna along the sea.
9/9–Day 5
Morning Program: Mythology in our Lives. Introduction to Greek Mythology and working with myths and the Heroine’s (Hero’s) Journey as maps for our lives. (Inspired by the work of mythologist Joseph Campbell.)
Afternoon Exploration: Today we will have an island tour/excursion visiting the famous church of Agios Iannis, the wedding church from famed Mamma Mia movie which was filmed on Skopelos. Climb up to the chapel and enjoy spectacular views of the sea, or swim in the cove below. We will also stop at the famed Mamma Mia beach of Kastani.
Evening Celebration: In the evening you are free to hang out at the hotel or go into Skopelos town for shopping, exploring the charming alleyways, photographing neo-classical architecture and colorful Greek shutters, or enjoy a Greek ouzo drink along the harbor and eat at one of the many excellent restaurants.
9/10–Day 6
Morning Program: Exploring the Archetypes of the Greek Gods and Goddesses. An exploration of the qualities of the gods and goddesses as they operate in our lives and in the world. We come to understand which of these are more dominant in us and which we may want to develop more in order to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. (Inspired by the work of Jean Shinoda-Bolen.)
Afternoon Exploration: Group excursion to Skopelos town where we will explore a bit and make a visit to the 17th century Greek Orthodox church of Panagitsa Pyrgou (Holy Mary of the Castle which was actually built on top of the much older temple of Hera), and a visit to the ruins of the temple of Asclepius.
Evening Celebration: Following our trip to town, you are cordially invited to the home of Jeannette who lives part of the year just outside of Skopelos town on an organic olive farm. We will sample local island foods, cook together, eat, listen to music, dance, and from the veranda enjoy the panoramic vista and night lights of the Skopelos port below.
9/11–Day 7
Morning Program: Living a Soul-Full Life: Exploring what it means to live in alignment with our Soul and what lights us up and fills us with joy. What does it look like when we fully step into our gifts and share them with the world? Program may include, working with dreams, writing our mytho-poetic story, and visioning forward.
Afternoon Exploration: Possible daytime Sailing excursion exploring the island by sea (* additional cost) from our resort for those who are interested. Possible hiking excursion to monastery also available.
Evening is free.
9/12–Day 8
Morning Session: Integration: Weaving together the themes and experiences of the week, sharing our journey, celebration, and giving thanks.
Afternoon Exploration: Afternoon is free.
Evening Celebration: Excursion to Skopelos town. Rest up in the afternoon in preparation for our Celebration Party at night. Together we will eat at a very special Taverna at the top of the Kastro ruins (dating to the 5th century) with 360-degree views of the town and sea. In true Greek style we will enjoy live Rebediko Bousouki music and Dionysian revelry into the night.
9/13—Day 9
No Program or Afternoon Exploration: You are free to explore the island on your own, enjoy the resort, hang out with friends, rest and integrate from the week.
Evening Program: We will have a closing circle and dinner celebration together at the resort.
9/14—Day 10
Travel via ferry back to Evia and then back to Athens by private bus. We will arrive in Athens around 5 p.m. in the Plaka area. *Please note: You may add days on to your trip by staying on in Skopelos, staying in Athens, or beyond, but our program/tour will finish at 5 pm when we return you to Athens. You will need to make arrangements for your own hotel on this night or any days/nights after. If you have an early international flight the next morning, we recommend you stay at the Sofitel Athens Airport hotel where you can walk across the street to the airport in the morning. Also, please note, that at this time there are no mandated Covid tests or forms for entering Greece or return to US. However, this could change at any time so please stay informed. Please check your passport immediately to make sure it is not expired and is valid for at least 3 months from date of travel.
Tour includes:
- 9 nights and 10 days personalized small group tour with luxury 5-star accommodation in Skopelos island and 4-star accommodation in Athens.
- Daily breakfast in all hotels. Welcome reception and dinner (9/5), Local cuisine sampling at private Olive farm (9/10), and Closing dinner (9/13)
- Airport pickup upon arrival (private or shared taxis as needed)
- Group transportation on mainland and islands. (For personal excursions you may arrange your own transportation-bus, taxi, or car rental)
- Archeological and museum entrance fees per itinerary
- Ferry to and from Skopelos island.
- Workshop, teachings, and group practices
- Educational materials, journal, and workbook.
- Preparation and Integration Private coaching session with June.
- Taxes and handling fees
Tour does not include:
- International airfare to and from Athens, Greece
- Hotel on the last night—9/14
- Beach umbrella rentals at beaches other than our resort
- Transportation back to airport for departure flights
- Meals and Beverages other than noted above (usually dinner)
- Personal expenses
- Personal excursions and transportation separate from itinerary
- Sailing excursion
- Tips
- Trip cancellation and travel medical insurance (highly recommended)
Options:
US$3895 per person (Double Occupancy hotel room)
US$4895 per person (Single Occupancy hotel room)
US$5495 per person (Single Occupancy Resort Villa)
Space is limited. Please contact us ASAP to reserve your spot, discuss your lodging preferences, and talk with us directly to learn more about the journey.