Diane Morrisey’s Greek Tour | September 2023 SOLD OUT
Join Kelsey & Diane from @dianemorrisey in Greece this September!
In September 2023, Diane Morrisey and Travel Advisor Kelsey Ebner will join forces. They will take you for the trip of a lifetime to two, stunning and truly special islands called Crete and Santorini. Surely you’ve heard of one of these places!
You’ll first stay in Crete and enjoy learning about the greek culture on a more locals tour, visiting farms, olive oil producers, taking a cooking class and meeting a charming ceramist who lives next to his ceramics shop that you will get to visit.
The second part of the trip will be your luxury Greece experiences. Dining in a wine cave one evening and sipping Prosecco on a catamaran while taking in the incredible views of Oia. Of course a trip to Santorini wouldn’t be complete without a beach party, cocktails and snacks on a black sand beach.
Together, we will taste our way through both islands – leaving no carb or piece of cheese behind!
Recently, I found out that Diane made the big leagues. She’s writing her own cookbook! Knowing what an exciting year she has ahead and how busy she may be moving forward, I had to grab the opportunity to ask her for ONE more trip in 2023. Much to my delight, she said yes. She asked “are we headed back to Italy?” And that’s where I thought we would originally go, because everyone loves a trip to Italy, but at one point Diane had told me that she’s always dreamed of Greece. I know how much she loves the water and the sunshine and so I told her, “we should go to Greece this time!”
Which brings us here. To another, not your average group tour and we’re so excited to meet you in Greece this fall!
Your trip will include the following (and more!)
Accommodations, 3 Hotels, Daily Breakfast Included
3 nights Chania, Crete - Porto Veneziano Hotel - Classic Room
1 night Heraklion, Crete - Aquila Atlantis Hotel - Classic Room
4 nights Santorini - Vedema Hotel - Dorian Suite
What is NOT included on the trip?
Airfare to and from Greece, travel insurance, gratuities for guides and drivers, and any optional excursions or meals not listed on the itinerary are not included. Shopping and personal expenses. All other expenses incurred during your free time. Kelsey can assist you with pre and post plans around the tour. If you’d like to start in Athens or Mykonos these have main airports that you can fly into and start your trip. Then you can fly or ferry and meet us in Crete. Make this trip your own and add some time to enjoy exploring more of beautiful Greece!
How much free time do these trips include?
Although some scheduled free time is included on our tours, most days are planned with activities for everyone to enjoy together. We try to leave free time in the afternoons and time in the evenings to go and enjoy dinners on your own or with someone else from the group. Kelsey will provide you with info on what to do independently and of course, she will have a long list of restaurants to share with you.
Can we opt out of activities?
While we encourage everyone to take part in the included activities, we recognize that sometimes you—or your travel buddy - need a break! You can certainly meet back up with the group later. We just ask that you share your decision with Kelsey beforehand. Also, we know you won't want to miss out on what we've included on this trip!
Dietary restrictions?
We are happy to accommodate most food allergies. This will not be the right trip for you if you are vegan or a full 100% vegetarian. The hotels, restaurants and guides will do their best to accommodate our gluten free clients or even pescatarians, but we are better matched with adventurous eaters, looking to try it all!
Physical Rating?
Average, nothing too strenuous. Certainly no hiking and there won't be any biking either. However, we will be walking on uneven terrain on farms, olive groves, sandy and rocky beaches and on boats. So yes, there will be quite a bit of walking expected on some days during our tours. You’ll also need to be able to roll your luggage to the bus or to the ferry and to your room. Leave your heels at home ladies. We are walking on a lot of cobblestone streets and sometimes stairs, we want you in comfortable walking shoes for exploring!
Full Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival | Sunday, September 24th
Independent arrival in Chania. The meeting point is at the hotel, we hope you can arrive before or around 4pm. Porto Veneziano Hotel is conveniently located on the waterfront of the Old Venetian Harbor with a view to the Cretan Sea and the White Mountains. It is an ideal place to stay, as it is just a ten minute walk from the center of Chania and the Old town. The most popular tourist attractions are accessible with a short walk.
At 5pm we will meet in the hotel lobby and as a bit of a different start to the trip, we are going to dive right in with a walking tour of the center. This way our local guide will give you a great introduction to where we will be staying for 3 nights! From the tour we will walk to the welcome dinner all together. Dinner will be included and served family style.
Note: Arrival transfers can be added for an extra cost and Kelsey will assist you with the logistics for your trip!
Overnight in Porto Veneziano Hotel
Day 2 - OPTIONAL Morning Add On Tour or Free Time to Explore Chania | Monday, September 25th
Breakfast at the hotel. 9:00am - On this day, you have some options. You can stay in Chania and enjoy exploring more of the downtown area, wander and get lunch at a local spot or… join Diane and I on a yacht for half a day. This was a big add on for the tour and without knowing how excited everyone would be about having 2 boat days on an itinerary, I decided to leave this as an optional day for travelers to consider. OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Private Day Cruise to Balos and Gramvousa
Embarkation will be at the Old Port of Chania. Balos beach is the main destination of this cruise. Balos is one of the most unique beaches in Greece and in the world also. It is a protected natural area tropical lagoon with white and pink sand with seashells!
The blue shallow waters are crystal clear and warm, making your swim a heaven experience. Gramvousa island is where your lunch will be served, before or after your visit to its famous castle. Included: Captain and Crew, Towels, Snorkeling equipment, Lunch, Beer and wine, Soft drinks and water, Free Wifi, Fuel for above itinerary
NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE - Starting at EUR 425 per person (gratuities not included).
Then we will meet back in the lobby at 4:30pm and transfer to our next group activity - olive oil tasting and dinner! This tour will travel you through scenic countryside and offer a journey in the island's farming and culinary trails with an intimate perspective of today’s Crete. Visits will include an estate producing olive oil, a local winery and a rustic family run eatery. Biolea, your fist stop, is an ecological prototype farm cultivated by 6th generation owners that promote the traditional way of organic olive oil production – the olive oil is stone milled and cold pressed. You will be guided around their premises and have an olive-oil tasting, accompanied by the owners followed by an incredibly homemade dinner.
Overnight in Porto Veneziano Chania
Day 3 - Private Traditional Cretan Cooking Class | Tuesday, September 26th
Breakfast at the hotel. 10am departure from the hotel - Up in the high peaks of the White Mountains you will prepare some traditional and extremely tasty home-made dishes. Using only healthy bio and organic Cretan ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, fresh vegetables picked from our own garden, local meat, dairy products and the most aromatic herbs.
You will have the opportunity to walk around our vegetable gardens to see, feel, smell, touch and taste the pure products of Mother Earth. Your host will also reveal the secrets of local herbs, how the Cretan olive oil affects the people’s health and useful tips about the local products you will use. You will prepare a traditional Cretan recipe with your own hands, and you will get the knowledge of how the Cretans cooking.
After the magnificent cooking experience you will taste delicious Cretan wine paired with local cheese. The view of the mountain is breathtaking right out of our window. Enjoying the extraordinary wine you will feel just like it’s the heaven on earth! Later, after the tasting you will prepare some appetizers like “Ntakos” and “Tzatziki” and of course, the popular Cretan Cheese-pies “Kalitsouni”. Meanwhile the meal will be ready. You will taste your own dishes, paired with fruity local wine and taste some traditional jar desserts at the end. The healthy and unique Mediterranean diet and the well known Cretan food, has already been revealed in front of your eyes. Your round trip transfers for the day will be included. This tour will be 5.5 hours.
This evening don’t forget to pack up! In the morning we will depart to get closer to the port and to stay in the other town on the island called Heraklion. Dinner on own this evening. Overnight in Porto Veneziano Chania.
Day 4 - Ceramics Tour & Food Tasting in Heraklion | Wednesday, September 27th
Breakfast at the hotel. 8:45am, meet in the lobby with your luggage. 9:00am depart from hotel in our private transfer for our next stop! 1 hour ride. We will stop for a 1.5 hour visit in a private home and enjoy a workshop tour of a local Cretan Ceramist. This is a tour dedicated to the lost Cretan customs and flavors. You will first visit a scenic village and explore its hidden treasure. After that you will continue your journey to discover an incredible pottery workshop committed to the craft of ancient designs. Can you purchase things here? Yes of course, so save room in your luggage!
Afterwards, we will hop back in our transfer and continue to Heraklion. We will check into our hotel, leave our luggage and then walk to our Private Cretan Cheese Tasting Tour in Heraklion. On this tour, discover the secrets of Cretan products. Not only will you get to learn about the history and culture behind the famous Cretan cuisine, you will also get to try locally produced Cretan olive oil, the local raki liquor, cheese and honey as well as many other delicacies. Included: Round trip transportation in minibus/van with AC, English speaking local driver/escort, Tours in the olive mill, distillery, cheese factory, bakery, Cheese tasting, Olive oil tasting, Distillery fees, Bakery fees and tastings, Traditional Cretan lunch
Dinner on own. Overnight in Aquila Atlantis Hotel.
Day 5 - Depart for Santorini & Cave Dinner | Thursday, September 28th
Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure from the hotel to travel to our next destination - Santorini! 7:30 am, 5 minute drive to the port. 8:00 am high speed ferry from Crete to Santorini, 3 hours. Arrive in Santorini and take a private transfer from the port to our beautiful hotel for check in at Vedema.
Tucked away within the medieval village of Megalohori, the enchanting Vedema, A Luxury Collection Resort, has evolved from a 400-year-old wine cellar and a 100-year-old mansion into an authentic, Cycladic-styled property. Dedicated to the needs of seasoned travellers, the resort has gained renown as a charming, luxurious and intimate retreat. Located on the western side of the island of Santorini, it is encircled by a traditional stone wall and surrounding vineyards that overlook the village and outlying Aegean Sea. This hotel is off the beaten tourist track, with several local-style restaurants within a 5-minute walk of the hotel, as well as a picturesque church and bell tower.
From when you check into your room, you’ll have the afternoon free. I know some of you will want to go together and go straight to one of the larger towns to see Fira, Imerovigli or Oia. It is a 30 minute drive to Oia, which is the farthest tip of the island and the most iconic spot for the photos that you’ve seen all over the internet! Your other options are hanging at the hotel pool, going to a local beach for the afternoon or heading to the archeological site of Akrotiri. I’ll help you organize in advance for this afternoon to pick what you are most excited about!
7:00pm We will all meet back at the hotel for a very special private dinner for our group. Located in the atmospheric 400-year-old renovated wine cellar is the intimate Privé Dining Room. If privacy is more in line with your preferences, enjoy an exceptional culinary experience in this wonderfully romantic setting. The chef will prepare a 5 course meal for the evening.
Overnight in Vedema, Santorini
Day 6 - The Perfect Santorini Day- Private Catamaran | Friday, September 29th
Breakfast at the hotel. 9:30 am pick up at the hotel. You will be transferred to the marina of Ammoudi by your driver where the cruise starts. You will sail to the volcanic springs and the Red and White beaches where you can swim while the crew prepares the barbeque and lunch on board! Continuing onward the catamaran will sail past the Akrotiri and Aspronisi. The cruise will finish in Vlychada. 7 hours. Included: Round trip transfers from and to the hotel, Greek menu prepared on the spot, Drinks (soft drinks, white Santorini wine, beer), Snorkeling equipment, Towels.
A bit of time back at the hotel to shower and get ready for another fabulous group dinner at one of the most iconic places on the island. Our private transfer will pick us up from the hotel and take us to Metaxi Max Restaurant. The most delicious recipes of the Cretan and Santorinian cuisine, the freshest ingredients from the kitchen garden, refreshing raki (the iconic grape-based pomace brandy of Crete) and unique wines, good spirits and smile welcome you to the premises.
In a hospitable and relaxing space, reminiscent of an island house porch, and an atmosphere full of the Aegean Sea’s colors and aromas, they serve authentic and original dishes made with care and fresh ingredients, inspired from the Santorinian and Cretan cuisine: fava (the famous yellow split pea dip) and white eggplant in the oven, fillet in Vinsanto sauce, and boneless pork chops in orange sauce with baked potatoes. The night will include our transfers, the dinner and wine with the meal.
Overnight in Vedema, Santorini
Day 7 - Wine Tasting & Black Sand Beach | Saturday, September 30th
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning and lunch at leisure. There is so much to do on the island, almost too many options. Allow Kelsey to help narrow down what to do with your hours that you have free on our trip to really make the most of your time.
10:45am depart from the hotel for - The ultimate wine adventure of Santorini. Sure, you’ve been wine tasting before, but have you tried Greek wines on an island with these type of vines? I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy an exclusive private tasting of the most iconic Greek wines with distinctive aromas and elegance. Your experienced wine expert will escort you to a boutique winery for a private tasting session. Enjoy learning about the unique ways in which Santorini volcanic grape vines grow on the island. A mini-tutorial about the tasting notes and the basic steps in wine-tasting will prepare your palate for the unfolding of the senses that these wines command.
From here, we will head to the beach! At the sublime junction where the black volcanic sand of Perivolos Beach meets the midnight blue waters of the Aegean Sea, one finds Istoria where you are lucky enough to be indulged into the relaxation and the blue of the sea accompanied by cocktails and snacks. You’ll want to bring your swimsuit with you to enjoy this unique location. No plans but to relax and enjoy the sea. The first round of cocktails is on Kelsey! If you’re wanting to enjoy a second drink or order snacks from the bar, this must be paid directly. Round trip transportation back to the hotel will be included.
Dinner on own. Overnight in Vedema, Santorini
Day 8 - Free time visit to Oia & Farewell Dinner | Sunday, October 1st
Breakfast at the hotel. 9:30am departure from the hotel. A private transfer will take us to the stunning town of Oia. Here you’ll be given free time to wander, take in the beautiful views, shop til you drop, grab a bite to eat. Kelsey will be able to guide your way and point out shops and restaurants here. A private transfer will take us back to the hotel in the afternoon.
Enjoy the afternoon on your own. In the evening we will meet back in the lobby to transfer back to Oia for our 7:00 pm Farewell dinner for the group. Black Rock Restaurant in Santorini will take you on a gastronomic journey between the old and new, the familiar and surprising at the same time; it is a culinary voyage revelation of indulgence against a stunning backdrop of Cycladic perfection. The menu is both refined and wholesome. Extraordinary ingredients, cherished recipes and exceptional talent all come together to form a new creative identity, that of post-modern Greek cuisine. We plan to end this trip with a real bang and we hope that you not only love this special dinner, but remember it for many years to come!
Overnight in Vedema, Santorini
Day 9 - Departure | Monday, October 2nd
Breakfast at the hotel- and that’s a wrap!
Independent departure to the airport for those flying out. Kelsey can assist with booking you a private driver or a ferry ticket or flight to your next destination on your trip.
Pricing
5,675 EURO per person, prices are based on double occupancy.
Deposit - 1700 per person. Due immediately to hold your spot on the tour. This is a non refundable deposit.
CITY TAXES END EXTRAS NOT INCLUDED
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Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
An initial non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total trip value is required to place all reservations and secure availability.
40% remaining balance of the total amount is required four months prior to the arrival date, May 24th.
30% remaining balance of the total amount is required two months prior to the arrival date, July 24th
Cancellation policy
120+ Days prior to departure: non-refundable deposit penalty plus any incurred fees.
119 - 90 days prior to departure: 50% of total amount
89 – 0 Days prior to departure: 100% of total amount
No refunds will be made for no-shows, early departures or unused services
All refund requests must be made in writing and are processed within 30 to 60 days
We cannot guarantee availability or pricing unless we receive all travelers' passport details upon payment of the initial deposit.
Payment Method
Payments can be made by any major credit card or by bank transfer.
Please note there the additional fee to be added on top of the trip total as follows: +2% when paying with American Express
Overnight Accommodation Tax
Please note that all travelers that overnight at any accommodation in Greece, are subject to pay an “overnight accommodation tax”. Guests will have to pay the relevant amount directly to the hotel upon their check in or check out.
The tax amount, payable on the spot to the hotels, will be:
5* hotels: € 4,00 per room & per night
4* hotels: € 3,00 per room & per night
3* hotels: € 1,50 per room & per night