Return to Ithaca

September 13-20, 2019
the concept

This retreat is about an internal journey back to our authenticity and the regaining of the strength of our potential ― a healing retreat for body-mind regeneration.

Decrypting the signs of Odysseus’ legendary trip back home, to Ithaca, we embark on our inner journey to self-discovery. 

Cosmic energy healing sessions, clearing up our energy field and restoring imbalances of the aura, will add to a deep revitalization.

Through meditation, 5-sense awareness and Dialogue with the Intelligent Body, we’ll have the chance to realize more of our genuine potential.

Eating the lotus fruits instead of forgetting, we get fully in touch with our inner truth, and visiting Kirki’s island we steer clear from illusions regarding who we are. 

Sure, we’ll be traveling physically as well, as the retreat starts on the beautiful highlands of the Pindos mountain range, where we are getting revitalized by the power and purity of the magnificent mountains and continues with sailing on the emerald waters of the southern Ionian Sea…to finally reach Ithaca. Our own Ithaca!

Revitalized, fully present, content, in awareness.

the schedule 

On September 13, 2019, we pick you up from Thessaloniki airport and take you at the heart of untamed Zagori in the region of Epirus in northwestern Greece. We reach Aristi Mountain Resort, proudly listed among National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World”, a gorgeous resort of high distinction and recipient of numerous international awards. After having settling in our hotel rooms, we dine and have our first group meeting.

On September 14, we will have two group sessions during the day and enough free time to rest, swim in the hotel’s indoor pool and enjoy the tranquility of mountain nature.

On September 15, after breakfast and a one-and-a-half-hour road trip, we reach the archeological site of Ancient Dodona to admire the imposing ancient theatre and hear the oracles whispered through the rustling of the leaves of the sacred oak of Zeus.

Early in the afternoon, we reach our next destination, the island of Lefkada. After a light lunch, we are ready to embark on our Odyssey in the Southern Ionian Sea. 

Over the next 5 days we’ll be wandering in the emerald waters of southern Ionian aboard sailing yachts. We’ll be visiting beaches of rare beauty for swimming, as well as special places on Ithaca and nearby islets. 

In the evening of September 19 we return in the port of Lefkada. Our last night includes strolling around scenic streets of the island, and our farewell dinner at a local traditional tavern. 

In the morning of September 20 we say goodbye and take you to the airport of Thessaloniki to catch your homebound flight.

the treatments

The daily program (both in Aristi and on the sailing cruise) includes the following sessions with Daphne Tzianopoulou:

  • One cosmic energy healing session (duration 60-90 min)
  • One group gathering for interactive self-discovery exercises (duration 60-120 min)

Additionally, during the sailing cruise:

  • Captain Petros Kourtis, founder of artventurecamp, acclaimed musician and educator, will be urging us to recognise and express the rhythm within us.

Petros Kourtis, Art Director and Founder of the ARTVENTURE CAMP.

While his music course runs decades, a major station in his career was his collaboration with Dimitris Papaioannou for the Opening Ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, where he recorded with percussions most of the musical themes of the opening.
Born on the island of Lefkada and knowing very well the treasures of the island, he manages to combine in a “magical way” his love for Music, Sea, Nature, Education.
His educational journey starts in 1990, in Brazil. He studied classical percussion at the Municipal Conservatory of Zografou and continued his studies at Berklee College of Music where he studied Ethnic Percussion alongside leading musicians, such as o Jamey Haddad, o Glen Velez, o Giovanni Hidalgo etc.
Co-founder of the art center “Playground for the Arts”. Founder and Art Director of artistic and educational activities carried out with great success on an annual basis since 2012, Artventure Camp and MEDITERRANEAN Percussion LAB.
Loorena McKenit, Al De Meola, Omar Farouk Tekbilek, Dulce Pontes, Eddy Napoli, Mira Anwar Awad, Sezen Aksu, are some of the artists of the international music scene, with whom he has occasionally worked.
M. Theodorakis, S. Xarhakos, G. Dalaras, Ch. Alexiou, D. Savvopoulos, El. Arvanitaki, etc. are some of the prominent Greek composers, musicians and singers of our country, he has worked with.
Founding member of «IASIS» band and of the percussion ensemble «KROTALA».
He is the author of two books about learning percussion instruments (Philippos Nakas editions) and is considered one of the most distinguished percussion professors while having at his portfolio many seminars both in Greece and abroad. ― www.artventure.gr &  petroskourtis.gr

accommodation & food

During our stay at Aristi Mountain Resort, three meals per day will be served at the hotel’s distinguished Salvia restaurant.

During the sailing cruise,  when possible, we’ll dine ashore at local traditional taverns. Some meals, mainly breakfast, will be prepared and served on board by ourselves in the frame of the teamwork that characterises the retreat. All cooking materials will be provided by the organizers.

Please make note of any special dietary requirements on registration. 

the places
  • Aristi, Pindos National Park
  • Ancient Dodona theatre and archeological site
  • Southern Ionian islands: Lefkada, Meganissi, Atokos, Ithaca