The Odyssey Within
Navigating the Self Through Mythical Waters
Greece, 2026
THE ODYSSEY WITHIN
Sept 16-22, 2026
Step into The Odyssey Within, a living pilgrimage in Greece—where myth isn’t just studied, it’s felt in the soul.
Together with Greek-Australian Poet and Anthropologist, Luka Lesson, you’ll swim in the same seas Odysseus traversed, walk landscapes steeped in gods, nymphs, and ancient song, and write in the birthplace of the greatest epic ever told.
Guided by Homer’s Odyssey, a group of committed seekers will explore the deeper meanings of the epic poem, including considering the symbolism of the Lotus Eaters, facing the shadow of the Cyclops, navigating the impossible choice of Charybdis and Skylla, resisting the Sirens’ call, and returning to our own Ithaca.
Through esoteric insight, reflective practice, and creative ritual, you’ll reconnect with purpose, presence, and the deep intelligence of place — in the home of the original Odyssey, where the gravel still hums with Homer’s song.
What is The Odyssey?
The Odyssey isn’t just a book. It began as a living, spoken song—passed from poet to poet, voice to voice, generation to generation—long before it was ever written down. Following the journey home of Odysseus, one of the heroes of the Trojan War, The Odyssey is traditionally attributed to Homer and was composed around 700BC. It tells of a world that was already ancient even to the ancient Greeks: the Bronze Age, roughly 1200BC, an era of war, palaces, kingdoms, and collapsing civilisations. In that way, the Odyssey is a time-capsule inside a myth—history braided with imagination, memory, and meaning.
It’s also a multi-layered story that refuses to be only one thing. It’s religious, ethical, and moral—full of prayers, omens, divine interventions, and the sacred laws of hospitality (filoxenia). But it’s also a soap opera of jealousy and betrayal, a love story of devotion and endurance, a scary movie of monsters and haunted thresholds, and a war story haunted by death, survival, and resilience. It contains cultural images that still shape storytelling today: the Cyclops, the Sirens, the Underworld, the witch-goddess Circes, the temptation of the Lotus Eaters, the wrath of Poseidon, the faithful dog Argos, and the reckoning with the suitors.
So much of modern narrative structure echoes its arc: the clever but cursed hero endures trials and tribulations, is sharpened and transformed by suffering, and returns home fundamentally changed. And for nearly three thousand years, it has never stopped pulling people in—studied, translated, argued over, reimagined—still generating serious academic attention 2,700 years after it was first spoken.
Yet beneath the public story, the Odyssey also holds esoteric keys: symbolic maps of the psyche, initiatory thresholds, and hidden teachings about what it means to be human. When we reach back through the sands of time, we don’t just learn about Odysseus—we recover enduring lessons about our own existence, and the long road home to the self.
John William Waterhouse — Circe Invidiosa
6 Nights accomodation
5 Lunches
6 Traditional dinners
6 Quality breakfasts
Local Traditional Snacks
Notepad and writing tools received on arrival
Local gift bag received on arrival
Entry to Ancient Site
One guided tour from a local guide
Personalised writing workshops with Luka Lesson
Mythological talks and discussions with Luka Lesson
Countless powerful conversations and connections in the most incredible surroundings with unique community of people
1 carefully curated performance by Luka Lesson and participants in a special location on the final afternoon
The Odyssey Within
Note: The retreat package does not include flights to Greece or ground transport to Arachova/Delphi.
Travel insurance is a prerequisite for all participants.
Ditlev Blunck - Ulysses
“My intention with The Odyssey Within is simple, to gather a circle of seekers in Greece—on the shorelines Odysseus’ birthplace — and for one week live inside the Odyssey: not as spectators, but as participants.
We will use The Odyssey as our lantern, with writing and self-reflection as a way of seeing, of listening, and returning to the lessons of my ancestors.”
— Luka Lesson
Schedule
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Day 1
Arrival
2pm Onwards - Participants arrive to the accommodation and check in
5:30pm Welcome Ceremony with Luka Lesson
7:30pm Welcome dinner at local Taverna -
Day 2
7:30am Breakfast
8:30am Mythology & Writing Workshop What is the Odyssey? with Luka Lesson
10am Break
11am Mythology & Writing Workshop The Homeric Question with Luka Lesson
1pm Lunch
2pm Siesta/Break
3:30pm Mythology & Writing Workshop Telemachus and Penelope with Luka Lesson
5pm Mythology & Writing Workshop The Lotus Eaters with Luka Lesson
7:30pm Dinner at local Taverna -
Day 3
7:30am Breakfast
8:30am Mythology & Writing Workshop The Cyclops with Luka Lesson
10:30am Break
11am Mythology & Writing Workshop Circes with Luka Lesson
1pm Lunch
2pm - 4pm Free time
4pm - 6pm Mythology & Writing Workshop Tireseas & The Underworld with Luka Lesson
6pm Dinner at local Taverna
7pm Group Sharing -
Day 4
7:30am Breakfast
8:30 Mythology & Writing Workshop Charybdis & Skylla with Luka Lesson
10:30am Break
12:00 Mythology & Writing workshop Sirens in the Corycian Cave
1:30pm Lunch
4pm - 6pm Mythology & Writing workshop Calypso in the Corycian Cave
7pm Dinner at local Taverna -
Day 5
7:30am Breakfast
8:30 Mythology & Writing Workshop Nausicaa with Luka Lesson
10:30am Break
12:00 Mythology & Writing workshop King Alkinoos & Queen Arete in the Corycian Cave
1:30pm Lunch
4pm - 6pm Mythology & Writing workshop The Return to Ithaca in the Corycian Cave
7pm Dinner at local Taverna -
Day 6
7:30am Breakfast
8:30 Mythology & Writing Workshop 108 Suitors with Luka Lesson
10:30am Break
12:00 Mythology & Writing workshop Your Own Ithaca by Luka Lesson
1:30pm Lunch
4pm - 6pm Mythology & Writing workshop Open Session with special guest
7pm Dinner at local Taverna -
Day 7
7:30am Breakfast
Participants enjoy a final nourishing breakfast together before saying their final goodbyes and continuing on their journeys, myths in hand, hearts full to the brim.
“This retreat is for those who feel the call of something ancient within them: a longing for meaning, for courage, for home.
My hope is that each person who comes will leave with a clearer inner compass — sharpened by story, softened by beauty, and reconnected to the quiet truth that Ithaca is not only a place you reach…
it is a place you remember.”
— Luka Lesson
Odysseus — The Project That Started It All
Many years ago, Greek-Australian poet Luka Lesson was invited by composer James Humberstone, from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, to create a collaborative piece of work together. The result: Odysseus, is a rap retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, performed with a live orchestra and choir. Odysseus is still a work in progress, with Luka’s dream being to perform it in an Ancient Greek amphitheatre one day, taking Odysseus and his story, back to his homeland.
In teh process of thoroughly researching The Odyssey, Luka began to learn about the deeper meanings and esoteric readings of each scene of the epic poem, leading himself on an inner journey, as well as an outer one. Now, after many years of tussling with the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece, Luka is ready to share what he has learned with seekers who walk similar paths to his — those who see life as a change to grow and expand.
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.
The Odyssey Within Facilitator:
Luka Lesson
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.
Since then, Luka has completed six successful Rhodes Poetry Retreats, each one deepening the connection between participants and the mythic landscapes of Greece. In 2025, he expanded this vision with the inaugural Poetic Pilgrimage: Meteora, inviting writers to create amidst the suspended monasteries and awe-inspiring vistas.
These retreats have become much more than creative getaways; they are immersive journeys into the heart of myth, memory, and meaning. Each gathering is a call to move beyond the surface, to explore the ancient stories that have shaped civilisations, and to reconnect with the wellspring of poetic inspiration.
In a world often distracted by the shallow and the fleeting, these retreats offer a sanctuary for deep thinking, mythological power, and true poetic meaning-making. They are vital spaces where individuals not only find their own voice but help to expand the collective consciousness—reminding us that society grows richer, wiser, and more compassionate when we dare to look beneath the surface and gather inspiration with reverence and respect for historically, culturally and naturally rich environments.
Luka Lesson performs at the Art Gallery of New South Wales
The Odyssey Within — Intentions
Focus on connection with an Ancient Site with reverence and respect
Focus on connecting with the self in a deep way through the lessons of mythology and tools of writing and self-reflection
Space for deep connection with fellow seekers and your surroundings
Experience Greece like never before — without the meaningless tourist traps and empty consumerism
Enjoy a meaningful and powerful experience in a place full of potent history which will stay with you for years to come
The Odyssey Within
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 seekers that will make for the best retreat possible for all.” - Luka Lesson
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. -
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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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.
“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
Previous Retreat Feedback
“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
“My time in Meteora challenged and fulfilled me physically, emotionally, spiritually and creatively - a true pilgrimage.”
— Olenka
“It was everything I expected and more.”