Overnight flight from the USA to Athens for connection to Heraklion in Crete (HER)
Some European airlines may take you to Heraklion without changing carrier.
You may want to contact our office after November or December 2024 to help select the best schedule.
Upon arrival in Heraklion, meet Alex Randan who will accompany the group throughout the tour.
Private transfer by bus to the town of Rethymnon
Check-in for 3 nights at the 4 star Rimondi Boutique
Welcome dinner at Petite Fleur Restaurant where you will meet Chef Stelos. This Chef makes his own products such as salt, spices, olive oil and wine and also prepares delicious dishes.
With every meal you will always have a choice of white, rose and red Greek wines as well as water and tea or coffee.
As you visit Old Rethymnon with its narrow streets and stone built Venetian houses you will explore the authentic flavors of Cretan gastronomy.
See the local workshop of “baklava” “kataifi” and other phyllo pastries; taste the famous honey, olive oil and raki of Crete; experience the Cretan life through their food, good wine and hearty discussions.
Enjoy lunch in an Ottoman Inner garden under lemon trees as you can appreciate the style of a more modern Cretan food. (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)as always).
Departure to the village of Margarites known for its potteries and return to the hotel
Dinner at Achinos Tavern in Rethymnon. (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Departure after breakfast to go and visit Chania. Your guided tour includes the Jewish synagogue and some free time before driving to the botanical park of Chania
Traditional lunch at the Botanical garden restaurant. (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Presentation of the Cretan diet, Cretan flora with tasting of local products such as cheese, rusks and other delicacies.
The visit to the garden is a leisurely 2 hour walk of moderate level among many unexpected species which are growing in a unique microclimate area.
Return to Rethymnon and dinner at a local traditional tavern. (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
We return to Heraklion via Cnossos where our local guide will tell us the history of this archeological site dating from the bronze age, between 7000 and 3000 BCE.
Learn about the Minoan civilization, King Minos, the minotaur and the labyrinth built by the architect Dedalius.
Return to Heraklion city center for a walking guided tour and lunch at a local traditional tavern (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
After lunch our guide will show us the archeological museum and select and explain the most important discoveries exposed in 27 galleries of this very popular museum.
Evening dinner at Peskesi Restaurant, 15 minutes walk from our hotel. (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Early transfer to the harbor for the departure of the Sea Jets Power Jet Ferry to the Island of Santorini and a two hour ferry ride.
We start our visit to Santorini upon arrival first with a visit to the pre-historical museum, then to Akrotiri, a small fishing and farming village traced back as early as the 5th millennium BCE and destroyed by the catastrophic volcanic eruption which devastated the island around the 1600s BCE.
Lunch nearby the archeological site (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Check-in at hotel VOLCANO VIEW for 2 nights and rest until it is time to leave for Oia where we’ll stroll through the streets of the village and watch the world famous sunset
Dinner at a local restaurant in Oia (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
A very unique experience will start this morning as we go to the House of AROMA AYLIS. Seasonal products will be available to cook the local dishes we will prepare and eat for lunch along with the delicious local famous wines of Santorini.
Authentic Santorinian salad, traditional Santorini Fava, tomato balls of Santorini, pork filet with Vinsanto Wine sauce may be on the menu.
A wine tasting will be part of the enjoyment as you savor your drinks and feel the volcanic power of these excellent wines.
After lunch our next stop will be at the traditional village of Megalochori, a paradise for photographers, followed with another wine tasting at the VENETSANOS WINERY where the scenic views of the caldera are breathtaking!
Return to the hotel for a little rest before going for a possible little shopping and dinner in Fira (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Rest all morning as you enjoy the hotel amenities.
Lunch at the hotel (Water, wine, coffee & tea included) and drive to the port to embark the BLUE STAR FERRY to Naxos Island. The trip taxes around 3 hours.
Arrival in Naxos and check-in at the NISSA BEACH HOTEL for 2 nights.
Dinner at the Tavern To Ellinikon (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
This morning we’ll visit various villages of Naxos: Kouros, Apeiranthos, Chalki where we’ll see a traditional citrus distillery, Eggares with its traditional olive oil press and its small museum.
Lunch in Apeiranthos village at the Amorginos restaurant where guests can watch the cooks preparing the traditional “rosto” in the open kitchen. The rosto recipe includes a big chunk of pork leg, garlic, wine, grated tomatoes with salt and pepper served with spaghetti. (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Return to the capital for an afternoon walking guided tour to see Portara with the temple of Apollo, the old town and the beautiful Venetian Castle.
Dinner at the tavern Maro (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
(lunch on the ferry can only be taken individually)
Leave the hotel for the port to take the ferry to Piraeus. Crossing with the Blue Star Ferries takes approximately 5 ½ hours. Lunch on your own on the ferry.
Guided panoramic tour on arrival passing the main landmarks of the Greek Capital and check in at the ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL for 2 nights
Short walk through Monastiraki and the area of Psiri to go to dinner at the tavern O Tzitzikas & O Mermigas.
We leave by bus with our guide to go and visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon, after which we will have a tour of the new Museum of the Acropolis.
Lunch near the site (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Free time in the afternoon for some shopping or to relax at the hotel
Departure in the evening for our gala farewell dinner in South Athens in the area called Mikrolimano. Enjoy this dinner at Michelin star restaurant VAROULKO (Water, wine, coffee & tea included)
Return to the hotel by coach.
Breakfast and end of the services
Individual private transfer to the airport or extension for a 3 night recreational Holiday are not included.
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The Gala Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at a Michelin Starred restaurant
All passports must expire at least six months after the trip’s end date.
This itinerary is subject to possible changes or adjustments due to weather and traffic conditions or other unpredictable events. We will make every effort to ensure that any substitutions are of equal value and interest.
Inter-island crossing by ferry is subject to adjustment due to possible change of the ferry schedule and weather conditions. In case of substitution with local flights price adjustment may have to take place.
This trip is offered by Aliza Green Culinary & Cultural Tours www.alizagreen.com, spice@alizagreen.com
Reservations are made through Celestial Voyagers
RETHYMNON, Crete 3 nights RIMONDI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 4*
https://hotelsrimondi.hotelbrain.com/
October 6 -9, 2025
Rimondi Boutique Hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, SLH. The 15th century -newly renovated- mansion is located in the picturesque center of the Old Town of Rethymnon, Crete.Rimondi Estate house owns 32 unique rooms and suites of high aesthetics ranging from 22 to 55 sq.m. Each suite has been decorated individually combining traditional architecture, furniture of impeccable taste, antiques, modern comforts and luxuries. Rimondi boutique hotel is the perfect destination and a worthwhile get-away for demanding guests who are seeking for unique and exceptional experiences in deluxe accommodation, personal attention and service.
HERAKLION, Crete 1 night GDB MEGARON 5*
https://www.gdmmegaron.com/
October 9, 2025
Built in 1925 and classified as a historical building the GDM Megaron luxury hotel is located in the heart of Heraklion overlooking the harbor within walking distance of all the major sights of the city. The great architectural design and interior decoration together with the warm – welcoming atmosphere and the high standard of services provided will satisfy even the most demanding guest.
SANTORINI 2 nights VOLCANO VIEW HOTEL 5*
https://www.volcano-view.com/
October 10 – 12, 2025
A timeless panorama of natural beauty, perched wonderfully on the outstanding Santorini caldera cliffs. Volcano View is a luxury hotel that offers supreme accommodation in the most privileged spot of Santorini. High quality services and pure comfort are blended in an inspiring atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation, with the energy of the volcano overwhelming you.
NAXOS 2 nights NISSAKI BEACH HOTEL 4*
https://www.nissaki-beach.com/
October 12 – 14, 2025
Nissaki Beach Hotel is situated on the sandy shore of Saint George beach on Naxos Island, a short walk to the seaport and Old City and offers its guests luxurious accommodations inspired by the elegance of Cycladic minimalism. The Hotel’s restaurant serves tables at beachside and offers patrons delectable traditional and Continental cuisine made from local produce. Its location on the island and hospitable services will ensure a carefree vacation or business trip.
ATHENS 2 nights ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL 5*
www.electrahotels.gr/hotels/electra-palace-athens/
October 14 – 16, 2025
Classical in its architecture and design, blending beautifully with the noble historical buildings of the Plaka area, the hotel’s elegant luxury is complemented by the majestic views of the Acropolis that can be enjoyed from the rooftop restaurant, pool, rooms and suites. Marble bathrooms; soft duvets; handmade carpets; custom furniture; these are but a few of the details that make the Electra Palace Athens luxuriously enjoyable.
Transfers from the airport in Heraklion to Rethymnon and from Athens to the airport are included as long as guests are arriving and departing around the same time. For anyone who is arriving or departing at a much different time or on a different day, charges will be made separately.
Aliza Green is a renowned chef, an award-winning author of 15 cookbooks, and a certified tour director who is experienced in planning and leading international culinary tours. She loves to share her deep culinary knowledge, her fascinating stories, and kitchen tips and tricks gained from her extensive experience in the kitchen.
$11,600 per person sharing in a double room
$11,000 per person sharing in a double room if the group is more than 10 guests
Deposit $3,000 due upon registration
Next payment of $3,000 due Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Single supplement + $3450
Balance payment due: Monday, July 7, 2025
| This trip is a land only program. Your airline ticket is to be issued to travel from the USA to Heraklion, Crete and return from Athens. Celestial Voyagers is an IATA licensed tour operator. We will be able to advise the best schedule, the most convenient routing and best value for your ticket to Greece. Please contact us before booking your flights. Should you choose to purchase your airline ticket on your own, provide us with the copy of your schedule in order to provide assistance at the airport. Celestial Voyagers can also assist you with providing a private car or taxi on arrival and departure |
Celestial Voyager’s Terms and Conditions relate to specific contracts with various suppliers. The policies and regulations below must be strictly enforced.
Aliza Cultural & Culinary Tours, Celestial Voyagers, and all their partners in Greece will surpass your expectations and deliver a trip of superior quality.
We may adjust the program, but we will commit to creating the best possible program for guests with safety, comfort, and ease our top priorities.
DEPOSIT & PAYMENTS
A deposit of $3000 needs to be paid at time of registration and will guarantee your space and the type of room you wish to reserve. We do recommend registering as soon as possible. The hotels we mentioned require a deposit to confirm our reservations.
Next payment of $3,000 due Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Balance payment is due by Monday, July 7, 2025.
Should you register after Monday, July 7, 2025, full payment is due; deposit can be paid on line and the balance due should follow as soon as you receive your invoice.
Your deposit is refundable up to Thursday, July 3, 2025 minus $350 processing fee.
For cancellation received in writing between Friday, July 4 and Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the deposit is non refundable.
For cancellation received in writing between Wednesday, July 23, 2025 and Tuesday, August 5, 2025 the penalty is 50 % of the trip value.
For cancellation received in writing after Tuesday, August 5, 2025 and in case of no show the penalty is 100% of the trip value.
Should you be able to provide a new participant to take your place the name change fee will be waived and no penalty will apply.
We highly recommend taking travel insurance to protect yourself from these penalties.
We advise all travelers to purchase travel insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances and if you are no longer able to travel. We offer the following insurance policies through Allianz Travel Insurance: Basic, Classic, and Classic with cancel anytime. Prices vary with age and amount insured. Click on the link below for more details:
https://celestialvoyagers.com/leisure/leisure-insurance-passports-visas/
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Passport
Most countries require that a passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of a trip. If your passport expires before April 16, 2026, you must apply to renew your passport.
Visa
If you are not a US citizen please check with the consulate of Greece or a visa agency for the latest requirements. You will also need a re-entry permit to return to the USA.
Aliza Green is a renowned chef, an award-winning author of 15 cookbooks, and a certified tour director who is experienced in planning and leading international culinary tours. She loves to share her deep culinary knowledge, her fascinating stories, and kitchen tips and tricks gained from her extensive experience in the kitchen.