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Three Greek Islands: Crete, Santorini & Naxos

October 5 to 16, 2025


Join Us for an Unforgettable Culinary Adventure!

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. Check in to our centrally-located hotel for one night. 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.

Pricing

$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 Next payment of $3,000 due Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Single supplement + $3450
Deposit $3,000 due upon registration

Hotel Details

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. 

Itinerary Note

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

Register for this Tour

Testimonials

India Tour

I have had the privilege of traveling extensively always independently with a one or two friends. When deciding to visit India, I was hesitant to do this trip on my own so I took my first group tour, lead by Aliza. It was 13 strangers that by the end of the trip were, and are, friends. It was a lot of surprises, calories and laughter and I would love to travel, with a group, and Aliza again.

-Judy S

India Tour

Travels with Aliza Green are like her incomparable cookbooks: a recipe of well researched ingredients, knowledge, and tidbits of history and lore that yield a delicious result. Highly recommended!

-Jim and Gail

Morocco Tour

My husband and I have taken two culinary tours with Aliza Green (Tuscany and Umbria in Italy and Morocco) and they were just amazing. Aliza is a thoughtful and knowledgeable guide. She took us to places which we never would have found on our own and balances educational experiences with dining and shopping to provide an excellent time. We would definitely travel with her again.

-Caryn and Gordon

Tour

Our trip to Morocco far exceeded our expectations.  Your cookbooks are a staple in our kitchen but this trip have them a whole other dimension.  The market tours and cooking classes opened our eyes to this extraordinary cuisine.  There were so many high points, but just to name a few; the night in the desert, the cheese maker in Essaouira, touring the Medina, and so on.  We also met some great people on the tour and have continued a relationship with them today.  With each trip we have taken with you the experience only gets better.

-Dave

Tour

10 out of 10 for the Israel Tour!

-Carter M

Morocco Tour

Probably the most enjoyable and informative trip I have ever taken. A fantastic itinerary and Aliza was very helpful and knowledgeable.  Best way to see Morocco!

-Tina W

Morocco Tour

When I returned from my Moroccan tour with Aliza Green, I felt truly grateful to have been able to experience this wonderful country through Aliza and the fabulous local tour guide's eyes.  What a treat for the senses!  Beautiful colors, exotic smells and dramatic scenery awaited me in Morocco.  Aliza was a tour de force leader of the group.  She was prompt in her email communications and answered all questions prior to the trip.  The little issues that arose during the trip she dealt with efficiently and courteously.  She has wonderful people skills and was easy to relate to making us feel warm and welcomed.  She chose a local guide who was the best guide I've ever had.  He was knowledgeable, engaging and warm.  I can't say enough good things about the experience.  The best testimonial is that I, who have never wanted to go on a group tour before, wouldn't hesitate to join Aliza on another one of her tours! 

-B. Nathan

Morocco Tour

[We] could not have been happier with our decision to spend our honeymoon on our trip to Morocco with you and the group. Every day, every hotel, meal and activity, you and the guides vastly exceeded our expectations. The seamless manner in which the entire trip played out is a testimony to you and your colleagues hard work. Having traveled throughout Europe, Middle East and North Africa in the past, no trip comes close to the experience we shared with you and the group and for that we are forever grateful. But the best testimonial is that we are already planning to join you on another tour. We can't wait! 

-R Sterling

Morocco Tour

My trip to Morocco with Aliza Green seemed like a miracle. Everything ran perfectly. We had an amazing local guide. Aliza was a wonderful companion and introduced us to one of the greatest cuisines in the world in a fascinating and beautiful country.  I cannot recommend her and her tours enough. 

- N Cutrer

Morocco Tour

Although I’ve done a lot of solo traveling as well as traveling with friends, this was my first time being part of a tour – and what a wonderful tour it was!   It was a pleasure to experience the culture and cuisine of Morocco with a comprehensive itinerary, an amiable small group, an experienced guide, and an expert driver.  Nothing was lacking, and in retrospect, I realized I could not have had as full or robust experience on my own.  Aliza’s tour of Morocco exceeded my high expectations in every way.   

-BA Nathan

Morocco Tour

By far one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever been on. Thank you for all of your work in ensuring it was a great trip. 

-N Whitehead

Israel Tour

Not just a tour of Israel’s best restaurants, but 12 days of hands on cooking, foraging for edible plants, meeting wonderful people, dining in the desert, tasting delicious wine and experiencing some of the world’s greatest monuments and cultural sites. We loved it so much, we went on the trip a second time!

-D Macey

Israel Tour

Our Israel culinary adventure was extraordinary; a real insider’s exploration of the tremendous diversity of inspirations for modern Israeli cuisine. The combination of Aliza’s expertises and insights and our local guide’s knowledge of the country’s food scenes made for a trip of a lifetime. 

-P Savidge

India & Israel Tour

Aliza Green's culinary tours go beyond the ordinary. Her unique perspective on the culinary roots of any place help bring the history and culture alive. As someone who went on tours to both India and Israel, I felt as though I was on a walk through history and the many different influences that brought h the country into being. And you have never had so much nonstop deliciousness anywhere else! But don't worry! With all the walking and touring and tasting, you won't gain a pound. The only thing you will bring back is delicious memories to treasure for a lifetime! And newfound friends to plan your next big trip! 

-Alison W

Tour Highlights


Services Included

  • Welcome dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at PETITE FLEUR in Rethymnon
  • Food Tour in Rethymnon
  • Professional Olive Oil tasting
  • Visit of Margarites Village
  • Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at ACHINOS
  • Visit of Chania town and the Jewish Synagogue of the city
  • Visit of the Botanical Park + Lunch (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at the Botanical Park
  • Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at a tavern in Rethymnon
  • Visit of the Archeological site of Knossos + Walking Visit of Heraklion + Archeological Museum
  • Lunch (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at APIRI restaurant
  • Dinner (drinks included – 
  • The ferry boat tickets from Naxos to Athens (air type seats)
  • The Panoramic Tour of the city of Athens before the check-in at the hotel in Athens
  • Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at the tavern O TZITZIKAS & O MERMIGAS
  • 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at PESKESI
  • The boat tickets from Heraklion to Santorini by fast ferry (Sea Jet) – (air type seats)
  • The visit of the prehistoric museum and the Archeological site of Akrotiri
  • Lunch (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at a traditional taverna in Santorini
  • The visit of the traditional village of OIa
  • Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at a traditional taverna in Oia
  • The cooking class at Aroma Aylis in Santorini
  • The lunch at Aroma Aylis + the Wine tasting at the same domain
  • The visit of the traditional Village of Megalochori and the visit of Venetsanos Winery
  • Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at a local restaurant in Fira
  • The lunch at the Volcano View Hotel in Santorini
  • The ferry boat tickets from Santorini to Naxos (air type seats)
  • Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at the tavern TO ELLINIKON
  • The full day tour + visits in Naxos + tasting of local products like Citron & local cheeses
  • Lunch + cooking demonstration (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at the “AMORGINOS” restaurant in Apeiranthos village
  • The visits of Naxos city center
  • Dinner (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at the tavern MARO
  • The visit of the Archeological site of the Acropolis + the Museum of the Acropolis
  • Lunch (drinks included – 3 bottles on the table: 1 white, 1 rosé, 1 red, water and coffee) at a traditional tavern in Athens.
  • The guided Tour at the historical center including the fish, meat & spices market.

Services Not Included

  • Single room supplement + $3450
  • International flights arriving in Heraklion, Crete (HER) and departing from Athens (ATH)
  • Transfers between airport and hotel and arrival and departure
  • Lunch on the ferry crossing between Naxos and Athens
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers
  • Trip cancellation and travel insurance – We advise all travelers to purchase travel insurance for medical emergencies once the trip has commenced. Prices vary with age.  After we receive your registration, you will receive an email with more information.
  • Passport and visa fees as needed (Note: if you are not a US citizen a visa may be necessary; a green card is compulsory.) 

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