Sail the wine-dark sea where gods once mingled with mortals, and heroes embarked on their epic quests...
This pilgrimage invites you to explore Naxos, Ios, and Santorini โ each island a chapter in the love story of Dionysos, Greek god of wine and ecstasy, and Ariadne, legendary princess of the Minoans!
a match made in the heavens
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Ariadne: sacred dancer of the palace, royal daughter of Minos, genius behind Theseus' slaying of the Minotaur...
Dionysos: infamous god of wine and ecstasy, whose secret rites liberated those on the fringes of ancient society...
Adventurers. Lovers. Parents. Gods.
The mythos of Dionysos and Ariadne have captured the imagination and devotion of cultures for thousands of years.
Poets have sung of them throughout the Archaic, Classical, and Roman eras. Yet there is evidence that both may have been worshipped in the Cyclades, Crete, and Cyprus as far back as the Bronze Age โ a testament to their ancient connection with the islands, universal appeal for mortals, and enduring love as immortals.
Today, their divine union lives on in the towering temples and skies of the Aegean.
THE ALLURE OF THE CYCLADES
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These islands are renowned for their traditional Cycladic architecture, featuring charming cobbled streets, windmills, and the signature blue-domed churches that stand out against the stark white buildings.
From the golden sands of Naxos to the volcanic shores of Santorini, the beaches of the Cyclades are as diverse as they are stunning, offering crystal-clear waters for swimming and sunbathing.
Each island boasts a wealth of archaeological sites, telling the stories of ancient civilizations and mythological legends that have shaped the Ancient Greek religion.
The Cyclades are not just a visual feast; theyโre a cultural journey. Engage with local traditions, savor the Mediterranean cuisine, and immerse yourself in the Greek way of life.
Weather in late May is warm and breezy, ranging from 20-26ยฐ C with abundant sun and little rainfall.
24 may
After flying into Naxos, the island where Ariadne and Dionysos first met, we will check into our hotel, relax, have dinner and recite their mythology beneath the stars.
25 may
Our first full day is spacious, sleeping in and enjoying a fresh breakfast at our hotel. Then, we will visit the incredible treasures in the Naxos Archaeological Museum, with lunch and shopping in Old Town, including the shop of local friends who source native herbs and ritual items for our journey. Finally, we will have a sunset procession to the island's most cherished landmark, the unfinished gate of the Temple of Apollon, the site where Dionysos was said to have first met Ariadne. Here, we will make offerings and bathe the statues of Dionysos and Ariadne in the sea.
26 may
Next, we will journey inland to purify ourselves in a sacred spring of the nymphs before hiking Mount Zas in search of the sacred cave where Dionysos and his father, Zeus, were raised. Within (lack of tourists permitting!), we will make offerings and have a ceremony of drumming, dancing, and traditional ecstatic chants to Dionysos. We will end the day by visiting the rolling plains of the Temple of Demeter and Persephone, two other famed goddesses of the Mysteries.
27 may
We end our time in Naxos by re-consecrating the temenos (sacred boundary) of the Temple of Dionysos, where Dionysos and Ariadne were said to revel in the lush surrounding trees. Then, we hop onto the scenic ferry to Ios, check-in to our next hotel, enjoy the view of Chora's iconic windmills and rest on the beach!
28 may
The following morning we will visit the Ios Archaeological Museum where beautiful finds from all periods of Ancient Greece are housed. Then, we journey to the nearby Bronze Age settlement of Skarkos, discussing the Minoan and Mycenaean roots of Dionysos and Ariadne. Finally, we will traverse the inhabited expanse of the island and go in procession to the Tomb of Homer โ the poet (or more likely, poets!) who immortalized the oral traditions of our beloved gods. We will finish the day by dining amongst the lively streets and people of Ios Chora.
29 may
Honoring the spirit of Dionysos, patron god of the theatre, as well as Ariadne, princess renowned for her dancing โ we will pay a visit to the modern theatre Ios Odysseas Elytis. After enjoying more of Ios's tranquil sights and sounds, we will board the ferry south to Santorini โ breathtaking volcanic island where Ariadne's Minoan culture spread.
30 may
The following day, we will visit the Museum of Prehistoric Thera and immerse ourselves in the ancient site Akrotiri, "Santorini's Pompeii" โ a Cycladic-Minoan city frozen in time by volcanic ash (giving rise, in part, to the myth of Atlantis). We will then journey to the rural village of Megalochori for a private wine tasting featuring Minoan vessel replicas. We will also visit our friends at the Symposion Cultural Centre for ancient musical and philosophical explorations. Finally, we journey to a hidden beach of black sand for a magical maenad night of drinking and dancing...
31 may
Next, we will make offerings at sanctuary ruins of the many gods and goddesses at the ancient city of Thera โ Dionysos, Hekate, Apollo, Poseidon, Persephone, Hermes, Tyche, Heracles, Athena, Zeus, and the Egyptian deities Isis, Serapis, and Anubis. To conclude our incredible journey together, we will enjoy a sunset sailing tour of the caldera complete with hot springs swimming, dinner and wine.
1 june
We will drive to the airport, bidding farewell to Santorini and wrapping up our beautiful pilgrimage together!
Our accommodations are traditional-style boutique hotels and residences located near the sea port of each island. Shared room option (2 twin beds) and private room options are available. Free WiFi and air conditioning is included at each lodging, along with coffee, water, and light breakfast. Please note that our final lodging, like most residences in Santorini, requires a significant amount of steps to reach; a porter will be hired to assist with your luggage. The steps are well worth it for the spectacular view of the sea from the terrace, as pictured here!
Keep in mind, more generally, that Naxos, Ios, and Santorini are small islands with limited space, and that buildings are built in the traditional Cycladic (cave) style. Accommodations have been chosen with great care, and all major amenities and comforts will be available in these lodgings, but tighter spaces and lots of steps are to be expected.
a journey of discovery
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Pilgrimages are unlike typical tours โ
more spiritually intense, physically adventurous, and transformative!
Together we will perform processions, offerings, libations, and prayers. We will sing, drum, dance, chant, feast and read the mythological tales of our ancestors from thousands of years past.
This trip is capped at 4 individuals for an intimate experience.
Ancient Hellenic Religion is open to all. If you are new to this tradition but curious and open to the journey, you are welcome to join us!
Emma (Canada) | 2025 Dionysos & Ariadne Pilgrimage
"This trip was absolutely magical! Itโs hard to pick a favourite thing we did because the whole trip was incredible. I feel like I grew spiritually and emotionally on this trip getting to learn more about the Gods, spirituality and the rich history of Greece. It was so wonderful getting to experience it with other like minded people. I felt so welcomed and safe. Thank you so much Bria for this beautiful trip and the memories I will cherish forever. โค๏ธ"
"It was such an amazing trip, thank you so much. It was so special. I feel like I've found my path in terms of how I want to intergrate my spirituality into my life with regards to Dionysus and also how and why I want to travel. It was a unique pilgrimage that gave me chance to challenge myself, feel seen and have experiences I'll remember forever. If I could describe it in one word it would be transcendental."
Lorna (UK) | 2025 Dionysos & Ariadne Pilgrimage
- 8 night shared or private accommodation
- Airport pickup (Naxos) and drop-off (Santorini)
- Ferry transfer between islands
- Ground transportation
- Admission and tours of sites and museums
- Daily light breakfast, coffee, tea, and water
- Private wine and local delicacy tasting
- Private boat tour, dinner, and wine (optional) final night
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights to Naxos and from Santorini
- Lunch and dinner (except final day) - please note, we will ask you to bring cash for this purpose (estimated 300 Euros) as it is very difficult to split meal bills by card in Greece.
- Personal excursion or shopping
- Travel insurance
apply for the pilgrimage
3 spaces remaining
$2500 USD | Twin Shared Room
$3000-3400 USD | Private Room
$800 non-refundable deposit required. Remainder of payment due by 24 January, 2026.
pilgrimage cost
- You are contracting us to book international travel accommodations and services on your behalf; please understand that these are not refundable from vendors on our end. For this reason, payments are generally non-refundable. If emergency circumstances arise after registration that prevent you from participating in the Pilgrimage (i.e. family death, extreme weather, national disaster, etc.), we will be happy to review the situation via email (retreats@mtnysa.com) to consider a partial refund. What constitutes an emergency circumstance is ultimately at the discretion of Mt Nysa; however, every reasonable and fair effort will be made to review your circumstances.
- For the above reasons, your deposit may not be refundable, even in cases of emergency and other approved refunds.
- In summary: if you withdraw from the Pilgrimage and wish to recoup your full payment, it is your responsibility to find someone to take your space.
- We are not liable for problems, delays, or cancellations arising with your flights or ground transportation, nor for any loss, injury or damage to your person or property. We highly encourage you to purchase your own travel insurance.
- Please note that light packing is imperative on this Pilgrimage. We will discuss this in detail, along with how to arrange laundry (for private door-to-door service, estimate 15-20 Euros per load) should you need it. Traveling to and around the Greek islands, which are remote and largely rural, can be challenging (though it is intensely rewarding)! We ask that you please be culturally sensitive, patient, and adaptable, and communicate any issues or concerns you have as soon as you can. We will always do our best to help you feel comfortable, safe, and empowered on your journey.
pilgrimage TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FAQ
For shared rooms: if you have a gender preference for who you'd like to room with, please indicate this in your application.
- 8 night shared or private accommodation
- Airport pickup (Naxos) and drop-off (Santorini)
- Ferry transfer between islands
- Ground transportation
- Admission and tours of sites and museums
- Daily light breakfast, coffee, tea, and water
- Private wine and local delicacy tasting
- Private boat tour, dinner, and wine (optional) final night
NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights to Naxos and from Santorini
- Lunch and dinner (except final day) - please note, we will ask you to bring cash for this purpose (estimate 300 Euros) as it is very difficult to split meal bills by card in Greece.
- Personal excursion or shopping
- Travel insurance
For travel between Naxos and Ios, then Ios and Santorini, we will take a 30-60 minute ferry together. This is arranged and included as part of the pilgrimage cost.
For the return trip, we recommend flying (or taking the ferry) from Santorini Thira International Airport (JTR) back to Athens and then flying home. We will arrange for you to be dropped off at the airport on June 1.
In the months leading up to the pilgrimage, we will host a call to connect, ask questions, go over the flight/ferry plans, itinerary, and packing list. Please note that light packing is imperative on this trip. We will discuss this in detail, along with how to arrange laundry (for private door-to-door service, estimate 15-20 Euros per load) should you need it.
