Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: A foodie tour of Greece with MasterChef’s Irini Tzortzoglou

by

Exclusive for Mail on Sunday readers: Get a real taste of Greece with MasterChef’s Irini – join the TV competition’s 2019 winner for a delicious foodie tour of the Aegean

By Mail on Sunday Reporter

Published: | Updated:

With its blue seas and countless beautiful islands, the Aegean is the perfect place to spend a week in spring. Everywhere you look, you’ll see golden beaches and lush lemon and olive groves as you cruise in style on this new eight-day trip with Greek specialists Celestyal Cruises.

A haven for foodies, this trip, planned for next April, will be even more unforgettable in the presence of MasterChef 2019 champion Irini Tzortzoglou, who was brought up in Crete before she moved to the UK.

Irini will give an exclusive talk on board your ship, take part in a Q&A session and meet you during a private excursion to a traditional Cretan organic farm, where she’ll pass on her knowledge of the island’s delicious dishes. In what’s sure to be a memorable event, Irini will also prepare a meal for you from her forthcoming cookbook, Under The Olive Tree.

The high life: With its blue seas and countless beautiful islands, the Aegean is the perfect place to spend a week in spring. Pictured is stunning Santorini 

OUR SPECIAL GUEST 

You will be joined by Irini Tzortzoglou

You will be joined by Irini Tzortzoglou

Irini Tzortzoglou was the 15th amateur chef to be crowned MasterChef champion when she saw off 55 competitors to lift the trophy in 2019. The retired banker, left, was brought up in Crete before moving to Cumbria and now calls the UK home. Irini’s first book, Under The Olive Tree: Recipes From My Greek Kitchen, is due for publication in July.

On board the comfortable Celestyal Crystal you’ll enjoy excellent service and a range of restaurants and bars, plus all-inclusive meals featuring the fresh Mediterranean ingredients you’ll come across during your trip.

REASONS TO BOOK

Irini’s food was described as ‘magical’ by MasterChef judge John Torode as she triumphed in the first-ever all-female final of the TV show.

To celebrate the release in July of Under The Olive Tree, Irini’s first cookbook, she will give an interactive cookery class during your farm visit and cook you a meal using her recipes.

Cruise in style

You’ll feel cosy and comfortable in Celestyal Crystal’s delightful suites and staterooms, and you can pamper yourself in the spa, use the fitness centre or take part in arts and crafts or dancing lessons.

As well as the delicious food you will cook with Irini, you’ll also be able to enjoy all-inclusive meals aboard your ship, made by the chefs from fresh ingredients. 

You’ll be spoilt for choice for restaurants and bars. There’s fine dining at the Amalthia and Olympus or tasty treats at the Aura Grill, while you can relax with a drink in the evening, watching the stars from the Thalassa Bar.

Discover the beautiful Greek islands

YOUR ITINERARY 

DAY 1 Arrive in Piraeus and board Celestyal Crystal DAY 2 Kusadasi, Turkey DAY 3 Rhodes DAY 4 Heraklion DAY 5 Santorini DAY 6 Milos DAY 7 Mykonos DAY 8 Return home

 

The clifftop Acropolis of Lindos will be the feature you spot long before you arrive in Rhodes, where you’ll disembark and wander the Old Town, whose cobbles were once walked by the Crusaders, Byzantines and Romans. Visiting the volcanic landscape of Milos is an otherworldly experience, Heraklion in Crete is full of landmarks, beaches and stylish nightlife, while you’ll need your camera at the ready for the beautiful windmills and whitewashed villages of Mykonos.

Low deposit

Your trip is financially protected for your peace of mind. Plus, book before June 30, 2020, and pay a deposit of just five per cent per person to secure your booking with no obligation*.

WHAT’S INCLUDED 

  • Return flights from the UK.
  • Seven nights on board Celestyal Crystal.
  • Transfers to and from the airport and ship.
  • Tour of Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes, plus excursions in Kusadasi, Turkey.
  • Exclusive talk, Q&A and traditional Cretan cookery demonstration with 2019 MasterChef winner Irini Tzortzoglou.
  • All-inclusive drinks package.
  • Port charges and crew gratuities.

HOW TO BOOK

THE DATES: April 24 to May 1, 2021. THE PRICE: £1,499pp**. for eight days. Call 020 3993 3659 quoting MAIL SUN. To find out more, visit mailonsunday.tripsmiths.com/irini.

Terms and conditions: *Applies to new bookings made before June 30, 2020. Five per cent deposit due at time of booking, followed by 15 per cent of total booking value due by June 30, 2020. Final balance due 112 days before departure. Booking can be cancelled with no obligation before June 30, 2020 when your deposit will be refunded. New bookings made from July 1, 2020 are subject to standard cancellation policy. See booking conditions. **Prices correct at time of going to press and must be booked by June 30, 2020. Based on two people sharing an inside cabin. Single supplement: 50 per cent of price. Subject to availability – terms and conditions apply. Exclusive to Mail Travel and selected media partners. This trip with TS Tours is financially protected. For full T&Cs, visit mailonsunday.tripsmiths.com/irini.