Our pilgrimage begins in Heraklion, the vibrant capital of Crete, a city shaped by layers of history reaching back to the Minoan era. You’ll arrive at Heraklion Airport and transfer to the Marin Hotel.

After time to rest and settle, we’ll gather for an opening circle to orient ourselves to the journey ahead. In the evening, we’ll walk together to Peskesi, a beloved Cretan restaurant known for its farm-to-table cuisine and deep respect for traditional food.

(Overnight in Heraklion at the Marin Hotel)

Our first morning starts with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and we’ll begin the day with a gentle overview of what lies ahead before traveling to the Gorge of Athena Tritogenia (Astrakoi Gorge). Known for its springs, clear water, and mythic associations with nymphs and water spirits, this lush landscape invites us into an embodied relationship with land and story.

We’ll also visit the nearby Fairy Cave, a quiet, evocative place long ass

ociated with the presence of unseen beings and local folklore.

Returning to Heraklion, you’ll have time for lunch on your own before our afternoon visit to the Palace of Knossos. Under the expertise of a guide, we’ll explore the architectural, artistic, and mythic heart of Minoan civilization, a culture that continues to inspire us today.

Late afternoon is free to wander Heraklion before dinner together

(Overnight in Heraklion at the Marin Hotel)

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a discussion, and then we walk to the Heraklion Archeological Museum. Highlights include the Snake Goddess figurines, the Phaistos disc and giant labryls (double-axes). The artworks show women in positions of honour and authority, and depict a culture without violence, slavery, or war. 

Lunch is on your own in the city.

In the afternoon, we’ll board a sailing boart for a journey to Dia, Ariadne’s island, and mythical location where Theseus abandoned the princess Ariadne after she helped him escape the Labyrinth. There are opportunities for SUP and swimming in the Libyan sea and a sunset dinner on the boat.

(Overnight in Heraklion at the Marin Hotel)

After a final early breakfast at the hotel, we say goodbye to Heraklion and step more deeply into ancient Crete – a landscape closely tied to nature and where the Goddess was worshipped. The Minoans did not treat mountains, caves, and natural elements as scenery; rather, people made offerings at cave and mountain shrines, and worshiped the Goddess in sacred trees and stones, and ceremonial sites. Sometimes concealed, sometimes revealed, she is ever-present for those with eyes to see. 

Our first stop is the mysterious Skotino Cave, one of the largest and most sacred caves in Crete. Originally used from Neolithic times for rituals dedicated to a feminine deity associated with fertility and the underworld, it is a place for introspection, connecting to the unconscious, and transformation.

Afterwards, we’ll head into the town of Archanes for lunch. From Archanes, we set off as a group to explore Phourni and Mt. Juktas, two crucial, interconnected archaeological sites, with Phourni being a massive cemetery and Juktas a sacred mountain with a peak sanctuary. Juktas was the religious heart, while Phourni served as the community's burial ground, showing the integration of life, death, and worship in Minoan Crete. 

Dinner as a group in Archanes. 

After breakfast, we meet with packed bags for Paliani Monastery. Paliani is one of the oldest convents on Crete and a place where we can experience aspects of the living Goddess. Within its walls is a 1,000 year old sacred myrtle tree endowed with powerful healing properties. Visitors from around the world (and over centuries) have brought healing requests to this ancient tree, considered the home of the Divine Mother Mary. The convent was built on the site of an ancient temple, possibly Aphrodite.  

After time at Paliani for reflection, we will stop at Ano Asites, a traditional village with a small museum, rich history, and growing art scene, followed by lunch at Earino, a wonderful tavern with a view of the valley. 

Our final stop is Zaros, an attractive, unspoiled village famous for its spring water. Our hotel, Studios Keramos, will be our home base for two nights. In the afternoon, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Kamahis Family Farm. You will learn about the herbs and wild greens, knead and bake bread, learn to make cheese from goat milk and cook traditional cretan pies. Then relax with raki and vegetarian delicacies – and even indulge in traditional Cretan dance!

(Overnight in Zaros at Studios Keramos)

After a delightful breakfast at Studios Keramos, we’ll board our minivan for a visit to the Phaistos, a magnificent site of Minoan civilization, and the most wealthy and powerful city in southern Crete, built around 2,000 BCE. It is home to the mysterious Phaistos disc, an artifact that is still undecipherable and the object of much speculation. 

Afterwards, we’ll head to Matala Beach for the afternoon. Matala is famous for its unique caves carved into the cliffs and for being home to hippies in the 60s, who were drawn by its peaceful vibe and clear, deep water. There will be a sea ritual at Matala and you’ll have time for swimming, exploring the high caves (you need to be sure-footed) or enjoying the sunshine. Lunch on your own in Matala.

Late afternoon we’ll return to Zaros, where time permitting, you can explore the town on your own and visit Maria’s textile shop or walk to Zaros lake. For dinner, we will enjoy a traditional meal at Vivi’s restaurant. 

(Overnight in Zaros at Studios Keramos)

After breakfast, we travel to the 7-acre Maraval Herbal Garden in Spili, where you will be immersed in a fragrant, and peaceful garden, filled with aromatic and medicinal herbs and spices.

Pick flowers and herbs by hand; learn their uses, how they are processed, used in cooking, and as cures for ailments and illnesses.

We will enjoy a Cretan meal at the Gardens after our seminar, along with a glass of local wine.

Afterwards, we will go to our private villa in Chania, where we will relax and settle in for the afternoon. In the evening, our private chef will prepare dinner for us.

The morning features a movement class, then a delicious breakfast at the villa. Afterward, time will be spent in quiet reflection and journaling. 

After a healthy and delicious lunch, we will take an olive oil tour at Biolea Astrikas Estate. Biolea specializes in artisan production of organic olive oil, stone milled and cold pressed. On our way home, we’ll honor the ancient olive tree of Vouves, said to be somewhere between 2,000 - 4,000 years old – and still produces olives!

We return for an afternoon rest, then depart for Old Town Chania, with colorful alleys, charming shops, and a stunning harbor lined with restaurants. Dinner will be on your own in Chania. We will meet at a designated time to be transported back to the villa.

Our last full day in Chania begins with integrating our shared experiences with movement and writing, followed by breakfast. Today is a free day to enjoy! Visit one of the iconic beaches, hike, explore Chania with a guide, or simply spend the day in contemplation. We will help arrange travel and experiences. 

The evening brings our group together with a closing ritual to honor the goddess and acknowledge all we have experienced. We end our day with a special dinner at the Villa, with dancing under the full moon, full of joy, trust and a new understanding of who we are.

Final breakfast together, then departure to the Chania airport. Please let us know if you need an extra day in Chania or transfer back to Heraklion.