Rhodes Poetry Retreat
Rhodes Poetry Retreat
Oct 22 -Oct 28, 2026
Over five days in the quiet and rustic village of Monolithos, Greek-Australian poet Luka Lesson will employ 15 years of experience to facilitate a series of workshops that will uncover the oral traditions and history of the place his ancestors called home.
Aimed at all skill levels, the sessions will include visits to Ancient sites, and a look at the historical context of spoken word poetry in Greece, as well as one-on-one guidance, group writing sessions and performance workshops. The retreat will then culminate in a private showing of participants' work in a supportive environment.
This program is designed to allow for each writer to be inspired by their surroundings, fully supported in expressing themselves, and celebrated as their unique stories are revealed.
The Rhodes Poetry Retreat package includes all meals, transfers, accommodation, writing workshops and visits to ancient sites
with one of Australia's most experienced poets,
in one of the most beautiful places on earth: the Greek Islands.
What is Monolithos?
Although the North of Rhodes Island is busy, the village of Monolithos in the South is tranquil and idyllic. Inhabited by only 70 full-time residents, the village is one of the few remaining traditional mountain villages of Rhodes.
As rustic as it gets, Monolithos is your mentor Luka Lesson's family village, from which his grandfather and great-grandfather migrated to Australia in 1927.
This connection to the village is what turns the Rhodes Poetry Retreat into a family affair - a connected and deeply authentic experience. Not just 'a group of poets writing poetry in Greece', but Greece writing through the hands of the poets.
“Meteora is a place where, for over a thousand years, people have dedicated their lives to simple practices of presence. The energy of this place can lead us towards something similar - if we put down our distractions long enough to listen, and pick up our pens long enough to capture some answers.”
— Luka Lesson
The Inspiration Behind
Rhodes Poetry Retreat
by Luka Lesson
In 2008, for the first time as an adult, I travelled to my ancestral homeland of Greece.
While for most people that would mean heading straight to a bar in Mykonos, I decided to go it alone - to experience mainland Greece without a camera or mobile phone, without a connection to the outside world.
Nothing but a pad, a pen, my imagination and the open road.
I landed in Athens and caught a train straight to a special place I’d heard of: Meteora.
That trip changed my life.
The connections I made, the experiences I had, the poetry and raps I wrote, the pictures I drew, the notes I took… everything got poured into that notebook.
The knowledge of self and the strength of character I built on that trip have become an irreplaceable part of who I am.
That notebook is now one of my most treasured documents. When I open it, I remember the kind of peace I had on that trip.
A revolutionary kind of peace - a peace that says no to the noise, no matter what. And all of it was made possible because I was present with the motherland.
Afterwards I felt completely different. I guess, I had taken some kind of a pilgrimage.
I had been drawn to walk through those mountains to write for a reason.
It was such a simple and powerful thing: to be disconnected from the world and walk into the forest with a pad and a pen.
I did not know then, that I was carving a path for my people. An intentional act of rebellion against the noise. A cultivating of silence and allowing of an inner voice to rise onto the page.
It is something I have come to call my own: Poetic Pilgrimage.
A poetry-centric journey back to self.
And now, instead of writing a poem to try and capture how it felt - I want to share this path with my community. Not as a poem, but as an experience.
And so I introduce to you Poetic Pilgrimage: Meteora - a new kind of retreat.
See you on the mountain,
Luka
Rhodes Poetry Retreat Package
🧿 6 Nights accomodation in the village of Monolithos
🧿 5 Packed lunches
🧿 6 Traditional dinners
🧿 6 Quality breakfasts
🧿 Visits to local beaches and and optional monolithos mountain hike
🧿 All snacks during hikes
🧿 Entry fees for all ancient sites or monasteries
🧿 1 Guided tour from a professional local guide
🧿 10+ Personalised writing workshops with Luka Lesson
🧿 One-On-One mentorship session with Luka Lesson
🧿 Countless powerful conversations and connections in the most incredible surroundings
🧿 1 carefully curated performance by Luka Lesson and retreat participants in a special location on the final afternoon
Important Note: The retreat package does not include flights to Greece or ground transport to Monolithos Village.
Travel insurance is a prerequisite for all participants.
Without travel insurance, participants will not be accepted onto the retreat and no refund will be provided.
Rhodes Poetry Retreat: Schedule
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Day 1
Arrival
Fly into Rhodes Airport and the local team will provide transfers to your accomodation in Monolithos village, Rhodes Island.Transfers will be from Rhodes Airport at 3pm.
Dinner to be served at 8pm in Monolithos Village.
Travel InformationRhodes Airport receives direct flights from most European capitals including London, Berlin and Rome. A direct flight from Athens International airport is inexpensive and only lasts 45 minutes.
We prefer to fly Aegean airlines.
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Day 2
Breakfast at Limeri Hotel
Workshop 1
Introduction: The Role of the Poet & Why Are We Here?
Workshop 2
The Art of the 'Stream of Consciousness'
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Visit: Kimisala Necropolis
Workshop 3
Digging for Lyrical Fossils I
Visit: Monolithos Castle
Workshop 4
Digging for Lyrical Fossils II
Dinner
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Day 3
Breakfast at Limeri Hotel
Workshop 5
Modern Greek Poetry Traditions
Workshop 6
Homer and The Odyssey: Mythology or Metaphor?
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Afternoon Optional Visit / Solo Writing Time:
Monolithos Mountain Walk
Dinner
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Day 4
Breakfast at Limeri Hotel
Workshop 7
The Transformational Moment
Workshop 8
"One-on-One Advice and Assistance"
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Visit & Solo Writing Time
Athenian Acropolis of LindosDinner
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Day 5
Breakfast at Limeri Hotel
Workshop 9
"The 10 Line Formula "
Workshop 10
Memorisation Techniques
Lunch
Siesta or Swim
Visit & Solo Writing Time:
Local Monastery
Dinner
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Day 6
Breakfast at Limeri Hotel
Visit & Solo Writing Time:
Ancient Kimisala Palace
Local Chapel & Square
Workshop 11
Performance Techniques
Workshop 12
One-on-one Assistance II
Lunch
Workshop 13
Final Performance Rehearsals
Final Group Performance in Monolithos Village
Dinner
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Day 7
Breakfast at Limeri Hotel
After breakfast the local team will provide transfers to Rhodes Airport or Rhodes Town centre arriving at 12pm Midday.
There will be no other transfers available.
Distance from Monolithos to Airport is 60 minutes, and Rhodes town centre is another 30 minutes via taxi.
Rhodes Poetry Retreat Intentions
Digital detox
One week: no internet, no smart phones
Notepad and pen received on arrival
Focus on reading, writing and relaxing
Daily walks into the mountains
A small number of writers on each retreat
Space for deep connection with yourself, fellow writers and your surroundings
Experienced professionals as your guides
Accommodation + Pricing Options
Staying in the small village of Kastraki at the foothills of Meteora, the Poetic Pilgrimage team and participants will take over San Giorgio Villa for the week. The San Giorgio is a fantastic, 10-bedroom Bed & Breakfast with incredible views, friendly staff with excellent service, and a variety of rooms for every participant to choose from.
1. EARLY BIRD - Shared Room, Shared Bathroom $3500 AUD per person. Price goes up to $3700 per person on Dec 31
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For $3500AUD you will receive the entire retreat package.
Plus a single bed in a shared room with a shared bathroom with a maximum of two other participants of the same gender.
2. EARLY BIRD - Private Room, Private Bathroom for Couples or 2-3 Friends $3400AUD per person (when booking together). Price goes up to $3600 on Dec 31.
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For $3400AUD each you will receive the entire retreat package.
Plus a double bed in a room with an ensuite bathroom for yourself and your partner - or two single beds for you and your friend.
3. EARLY BIRD - Single Private Room, Private Bathroom for Singles $3900 AUD (Only 2 Rooms Available). Price goes up to $4100 on Dec 31.
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For $3900AUD you will receive the entire retreat package.
Plus a double bed in a private room with an ensuite bathroom for you to enjoy.
4. EARLY BIRD - Deluxe Private Room, Private Bathroom for One Person
$4100 AUD. Price goes up to $4300 on Dec 31.(SOLD OUT)
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For $4100AUD you will receive the entire retreat package.
Plus a queen sized bed in a large private room with a balcony and ensuite bathroom for you to enjoy.
Luka Lesson is a poet, rapper and educator of Greek heritage born in Australia. His work crosses between the history of his family homeland, the fiercely political and the vulnerably self-reflective. Luka has won the Australian Poetry Slam, featured at the mecca for slam poetry: the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe (NYC), performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and toured with respected UK rappers Akala & Lowkey.
Luka has released three collections of poetry independently: The Future Ancients (2013) & Antidote (2015) and the verse novel: Agapi & Other Kinds of Love (2022). He has also released two poetic rap albums: Please Resist Me (2012) & EXIT (2014). Luka's work has also been featured in publications such as: Southern Sun: Aegean Light (2011, ASP), Poems From A Green And Blue Planet (2019, Hachette UK), and Solid Air (2019, UQP). Luka has also been a poet-in-residence at the Scottish Poetry Library, and appeared at the Edinburgh Literature Festival, Sydney Writers' Festival, Hong Kong Literature Festival, Ubud Writers' Festival and many more.
Luka has always used poetry and rap writing workshops as a form of activism, helping young people to articulate and perform their work for the past 18 years in education centres worldwide, amplifying countless marginalised voices in the process. Luka's verses are being studied on official school curriculums throughout Australia, and unofficially by rebellious educators worldwide.
In 2017, Luka delivered his first poetry retreat in his family homeland of Greece - providing a bridge between writers and his culture and heritage, drawing out their authentic voices in powerful surroundings.
The Rhodes Poetry Retreat Facilitator:
Luka Lesson
Rhodes Poetry Retreat
Expression of Interest Form
“To make this retreat as powerful as possible, I request that you fill out the expression of interest form below and I will make a decision as to the combination of writers that will make for the best retreat possible for all.” - Luka Lesson
Retreat Feedback
After a week spent with Luka and 14 other poets on Poetic Pilgrimage: Meteora 2025, Ukrainian / Canadian poet Olenka Toroshenko, offers up some words about the retreat.
“Having shared a week with Luka and the crew, I have vowed to put my pen to page everyday because of how generative and wonderful this practice has been.”
— Babette
Support Quotes
“Luka is an expert poetry workshop facilitator, I could feel my writing flourish with his prompts, ideas and generosity of spirit both during and after the retreat. Don’t hesitate, please go. ”
— Hanna
“The genuine focus on writing was fantastic. I felt like we were cared for as writers. It was the longest I have gone without having to worry about shopping for food or preparing meals since my late teens. It was just this complete break from daily cares to focus on writing poetry, with other poets. I also liked the atmosphere that Luka fostered of warmth and humour and vulnerability and encouragement.”
— Holly
“One of the best things I ever did in my life was go on a poetry retreat with Luka. The way he carries himself is a true sign of a great poet - he walks the talk and gives that same gift of authenticity to everyone he comes across.”
— Eddie
“The sense of family and community and trust created. This is down to you Luka, being open allowed others to feel safe to be vulnerable themselves. I loved our workshops, and the final night sharing poems seemed daunting, but once we got there I didn’t want it to end.”
— Philip
“I enjoyed the method of your guidance Luka, which was both gentle and powerful. I felt my autonomy as an artist, yet connected to your teaching and the journeys of the other poets. Amazing.”
— Michael
“The planning that had gone into it was just right. We had enough structure to inspire and guide our writing and enough unstructured time to take a break, reflect, walk, and work on our writing.”
— Dimitra
“I feel deeply grounded in my writing. Through the process of being fully immersed in and connected to my own and others creativity, supported by our loving mentor is an experience that brings tears of gratitude to my eyes.”
— Annie
“Luka’s authentic motivation to guide other poets came from such a good place of generosity that it inspired an atmosphere of trust in a very short time.”
— Sara
“The whole week is an an experience I’ll treasure for a lifetime!”
— Josie
“The team met as strangers and quickly bonded over poetry and individual passions, Luka‘s workshops were inspirational, and set in spaces that enhanced creative ideas. We were welcomed like family, the place we stayed in was very comfortable and the whole week was fully catered for, so we could focus solely on our craft.”
— Fleur
With a poetic heart,
A person vibrates love,
But trembles with fear,
Across oceans and lands.
To rock faces majestic,
And heights so sheer.
To a word-built world,
And a family of love,
Where stanzas subdue
That trembling fear.
Love transcends
Each earthly place,
Love’s echo drifts on,
In a pathless wood,
Beyond life’s quick pace.
— Julie
This was a special experience, both creatively and personally. It was my second of Luka’s retreats but it was not a repeat experience. The focus on the walks and the magical monasteries of Meteora, added a different dimension to the retreat. The group was amazing and the level of care and support from Luka’s team was next level. The place we stayed at felt like home and the writing we all produced was next level in terms of craft and creative expression. I loved that there were highly experienced performance poets right through to people who had never written a poem before, all creating something magical. It was an experience I will not forget and carry into my life now.
— Hanna
“One of my most enjoyable parts of the retreat was the community coming together and learning from each other and supporting each other with our writing. The gentle collaboration was really special and I feel that I learned so much from it. I loved it when we sat down and shared things we were working on as a whole group and Luka could give us some constructive feedback - it made me feel really valued as a poet.”
— Amalia
“Left foot forward
eyes front
tight lip
don't frown
right foot forward
adjust the load
take some water
left foot forward
military jets
whispering Gods
monks in nets
right foot forward
rest stop
take it in
feel your sweat
wash the sin
left foot forward
march on
small talk
just a brisk walk
right foot forward
canopy opens
blue skies
eyes open
left foot
heart open
right foot
notebook open
bleed
left foot forward...”
— Mara
“My time in Meteora challenged and fulfilled me physically, emotionally, spiritually and creatively - a true pilgrimage.”
— Olenka
“It was everything I expected and more.”
— James
FAQs
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No. All international flights to Greece and ground transport to the village of Kastraki must be covered by each participant.
However, the retreat does include all meals, accommodation, entries into monasteries, workshops, guided walks, a pen, a notebook and a great time. -
You do not have to do anything, you're an adult! :)
The intention of the retreat is for a digital detox - replacing mindless scrolling (and being constantly contactable) with mindful writing and connection to people, place and poetry.
However, we are also very practical: we understand that people have families and loved ones and that sometimes there is a real need for important communications.
We suggest keeping smart phones packed away as much as possible.
If you don't want to bring a phone at all, we will also have one available at all times for emergencies or should participants need to make family calls (even internationally).
Each individual will set and keep their own boundaries, and we expect each individual to respect the choices of the rest of the group.
In terms of wanting to take photos at these incredible locations, we suggest bringing an 'old school' film camera, staying an extra day for photography, or taking your smart phone up to the mountains in your own free time to take all the selfies your heart desires, if that is what you want to do.No judgement, no problem.
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That is absolutely fine. In fact it can work in your favour. Having a beginner's mindset can mean that the individual is more open to learn and more willing to try.
I have facilitated hundreds of workshops to beginners and professionals alike and I know how to walk the line in order to keep writers of all levels both engaged and enjoying the process.
If you are a beginner, you are absolutely welcome and encouraged to apply for this retreat. -
This is great! I love it.
On my poetry retreats I have hosted rappers, playwrights, teachers of English, journal-keepers, and yes - plenty of poets.
The principles are the same and the workshops are able to meet each writer at the level of their own practice.
This is part of the reason why I keep the number of participants low - at a maximum of 18. So that I can adjust each workshop to suit the needs of everyone in the group.
By all means, come and finish that play, get the first draft of a book done and dusted, write that story you've been dying to get down on paper.This retreat is perfect for getting focussed and shifting the writers' block you've been dealing with for years, no matter what style of writing you're working with.
It'll work no matter which style of writing you’re interested in, trust me.
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I prefer that each participant is present for every session and excursion during the retreat so as not to interrupt the flow of connections, writing and sharing of the other members. Please don't apply if you see this as a 'side mission' and you know you won't be able to be 100% present for the entire retreat.
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In Greece, the traditional way of eating is to order Meze - a variety of local delicacies served on share plates that end up completely covering the table and that everyone will get the chance to take from.
The majority of each meal will be vegetarian with some meat options.
All dietary requirements are able to be accounted for easily in this way as it is never just one dish that might not work for everyone. -
Great question! After running multiple retreats over many years I have learned that some people come with very different intentions, and that these differences can make the retreat a little less enjoyable for the rest of the group.
It is important to me that all of the people who come on the retreat are more or less on the same page, so that the whole experience is uplifting for everyone involved, including myself.
It is not some daunting examination of your character - really! It more has to do with group dynamics than anything else.
If you're interested just fill out our Expression of Interest form. -
Absolutely. Travel insurance is a pre-requisite for every participant. You will not be allowed on the retreat without it.
This is to ensure that everybody gets access to the proper care that they need and deserve no matter where in the world they are arriving from, in the unlikely case that medical care is required.
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Anyone with decent knees and reasonable health will be able to come and enjoy this retreat and the daily hikes.
Realistically though, it is important to take into account that the walks are about 1 to 2 hrs long and up hill each day and we walk every day for 5 days straight. We walk both up the the monasteries, and back down to the accommodation every day.
If you very rarely do bush walks or hikes, it might be a good idea to try doing a two hour up hill walk near you and see how it feels before applying. If you are stopping to rest every 5 minutes or so, it might not be for you (at least not yet).
If you are stopping to rest every 30 minutes or so for a drink and a rest, this is more like the pace we keep during the retreat.
A reminder - walking will be our only mode of transport. There are no other options. -
The best way is a 4-5hr bus or train ride from Athens to Kalambaka.
The Bus departs from Athens at 10am and arrives at 3:15pm everyday.From Kalambaka you could walk or catch a quick taxi ride for 5 minutes to the village of Kastraki.
There you will arrive at the foothills of Meteora.
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The retreat hosts a maximum of 18 participants, including you.
This is to make absolutely sure the retreat never feels like a 'tourist' experience, but is catered to the needs of the people who come from around the world each time. -
Fill out the Expression of Interest form below and once approved, your place in the retreat will be held for one week.
A 50% deposit must be payed within a week from EOI approval, and then a remaining 50% payment must be paid 1 month prior to the start of the retreat.Cancellation Policy:
Deposits are non-refundable and if you have paid 100% up front only 25% of total cost is refundable if you cancel more than a month before the retreat.
No refunds available if a cancellation occurs within the month before the retreat. -
The monasteries of Meteora have official and strict dress code, to enter inside, it might be wise to bring some suitable clothing. Men must wear long pants and at least a t-shirt (no singlets), and women long skirts and cover their shoulders.
Each monastery has a selection of garments to use at the front desk if you forget - but it is best to come prepared as this can slow our day down immensely if everyone needs to change clothes to enter.