Food and wine in Crete

Irini, MasterChef Sept 202, AL460, Hersonissos Marie, Crete

Saga Hosted Hotels

Food

Please note there will be some itinerary changes 2025.

Food and travel go hand in hand, so we’re thrilled to welcome back MasterChef 2019 winner Irini Tzortzoglou to share her passion for Greek flavours and ingredients as an expert host. Not only will you learn to make and taste local specialities with Irini including her favourite cocktail, finest Cretan olive oil and crispy loukoumades flavoured with cinnamon and honey, you’ll also experience life on the island with visits to a an eco-park, winery and bio-dynamic farm.

Your expert host - Chef Irini Tzortzoglou
This special interest getaway is hosted by none other than Chef Irini Tzortzoglou – the winner of the 2019 series of UK MasterChef. She wowed the MasterChef judges with her Greek flavours and ingredients, and this year, she'll be wowing us instead with a captivating culinary journey through her home island of Crete.

Five included excursions plus activities and cooking demonstrations with Chef Irini
- Agies Paraskies pottery session
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum including lunch (full day) 
- Lassinthos including lunch (full day) 
- Visit to Peskesi Organic and Bio-dynamic farm with lunch (full day)
- Visit to Paterianakis Winery (half day)

Modelled on a traditional Cretan village, this friendly hotel is perfect for an island break. Just a stone’s throw from the Aegean, stay in white-washed buildings surrounded by flower-filled gardens, where rooms are traditionally furnished with balconies or terraces (some with sea views and private pools if you upgrade). Giant palms overlooking two inviting outdoor pools, while inside – you can relax in the spa and sauna. Enjoy delicious evening meals in the buffet restaurant with plenty of local cuisine on offer – while other options are available for lunch in the beach bar. It’s also a great spot for some drinks, too. Order an evening cocktail and enjoy the sound of waves.

Included with every Hosted Holiday

  • Dedicated welcoming host
  • Resort airport transfers
  • Travel insurance and meals

Including

Saga host

Expert host

Five included excursions plus activities and cooking demonstrations with Chef Irini

Half board: All breakfasts and dinners plus 4 lunches at local restaurants and a simple lunch of Cretan pies and Greek salad on day 2

Free bar open 2 hours a day; local Greek beer, wines and spirits and soft drinks

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with easyJet or British Airways from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports

Return transfers direct to your hotel

Minimum 20kg checked luggage, per person

Overview

  • 2 passengers

  • 7 nights . 07 May 2025

  • Hersonissos, Crete, Greece

  • Based on London Gatwick Airport, check for other options

  • All Inclusive

From £1,845 per person - £20

Including optional travel insurance or a price reduction if not required

Irini, MasterChef Sept 202, AL460, Hersonissos Marie, Crete
AL460 Irini Chef, Hersonissos Marie, Crete, AL460

Holiday details

Food and drink

Meals are served buffet-style in the main restaurant, with an enriched choice of salads, Greek and international specialities.

Entertainment

Evening entertainment (seasonal) • Pool table • Table tennis • Tennis • Water sports available at nearby beach

Accommodation

Rooms are tastefully decorated with a balcony or terrace with views towards the sea or gardens. 

Amenities

  • Restaurant
  • Lobby Bar
  • Beach Bar
  • Two outdoor swimming pools
  • Heated indoor pool
  • Mini market
  • Wellness Centre (fees may apply)
  • Spacious gardens 

Holiday location

Hersonissos Maris Hotel map

Local Area

A 10-minute walk will bring you into Hersonissos. It’s a lively town, with plenty in the way of cafes, bars and restaurants in the centre and along the waterfront. There’s a small beach right in front of the hotel, but you’ll find a handful of others in the resort if you fancy a change of scenery. Day trip options include the Isle of Spinalongaand the more traditional villages in the hills behind Hersonissos. Island capital Heraklion is lovely, too, with a vibrant old town, colourful markets and a pleasant harbour with ancient fortifications.

Included excursions

Activities and cooking demonstrations with Chef Irini

Chef Irini is ready to share her expertise, wisdom, and passion for Greek cuisine. From crafting her signature Negroni Sbagliato and virgin Sbagliato cocktails, to preparing traditional dishes like Greek salad and Cretan pies and indulging in olive oil and honey tastings. We’ll witness first-hand the art of crafting classic Greek mezze and have a demonstration on how to make loukoumades dessert.

Crete

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