Unforgettable Greece 2026: A Luxury Culinary Journey You’ll Never Forget

December 16, 2025

Running May 23 – June 3, 2026, this small-group adventure takes you through Athens, Crete, and Santorini, offering the ideal balance of guided discovery and relaxed exploration. With airfare included, expertly planned accommodations, and immersive food experiences, all you need to do is pack your bags and show up hungry—for knowledge, connection, and incredible Greek cuisine.



Why This Greece Trip Is So Special

This is not a rushed sightseeing tour. It’s a slow, meaningful journey through Greece’s soul, designed for travelers who want more than photos—they want stories, tastes, and memories that last.

What sets this trip apart:

  •  Airfare included for peace of mind
  •  15 included meals, from rooftop dinners to countryside feasts
  •  Small group experience (15–45 travelers)
  •  Hands-on cooking classes, wine tastings, and olive oil experiences
  •  A private catamaran sunset cruise in Santorini
  •  Expert-guided cultural experiences balanced with free time

This journey is ideal for curious travelers who love history, food, and beautiful places—and don’t mind a bit of walking to get there.



Athens: Where Ancient History Meets Modern Flavor

Your adventure begins in Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization. After arrival and a private transfer, you’ll meet your fellow travelers over cocktails before enjoying a celebratory welcome dinner in a lively modern Agora.

Over the next few days, Athens reveals itself layer by layer:

  • Walk in the footsteps of philosophers at the Acropolis
  • Explore priceless artifacts at the Acropolis Museum
  • Dine on a terrace overlooking the illuminated Parthenon
  • Choose your own adventure—relax, take a guided food tour, or visit Delphi, the spiritual heart of ancient Greece

Athens sets the tone for the trip: rich history paired with unforgettable meals.



Crete: The Heart of Greek Hospitality

Next, you’ll fly to Crete, Greece’s largest island and one of its most soulful. In Chania, colorful harbors and old-world charm welcome you, while vineyard dinners and leisurely days let you soak in island life.

Highlights in Crete include:

  • A winery dinner surrounded by olive trees and orange groves
  • Free time to explore—or an optional boat trip to Balos Lagoon
  • A lively village cooking experience featuring cheese-making, wine, raki, and live Cretan music
  • A visit to a traditional olive oil mill, complete with tastings and a courtyard lunch
  • Optional exploration of the legendary Palace of Knossos

Crete is where food becomes family, and every meal tells a story.



Santorini: Iconic Beauty and a Sunset at Sea

The final chapter unfolds in Santorini, where whitewashed villages cling to volcanic cliffs above the Aegean Sea. You’ll arrive by ferry and immediately understand why this island is world-famous.

Your Santorini experience includes:

  • A cliffside wine tasting at sunset
  • Free mornings to relax, explore Oia and Thira, or visit ancient Akrotiri
  • An optional cooking class with ocean views
  • A private catamaran cruise, featuring swimming, snorkeling, a chef-prepared dinner onboard, and a spectacular sunset over the caldera

It’s the kind of experience people dream about—and you’ll be living it.



Important Travel Notes

This tour involves significant walking, various modes of transportation, and uneven terrain, especially in historic areas and island villages. Comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure are essential.



FAQs About the Greece 2026 Culinary Tour

Is airfare really included?

Yes! Roundtrip airfare is included, making planning simple and stress-free.


How large is the group?

Group size ranges from 15 to 45 travelers, offering a social yet comfortable experience.


Do I need to be a foodie to enjoy this trip?

Not at all—just curious and open to new flavors. The culinary experiences are fun, approachable, and deeply cultural.


How much free time will I have?

Plenty. The itinerary balances guided highlights with free afternoons and optional excursions.


Is this trip suitable for first-time visitors to Greece?

Absolutely. It’s an ideal introduction that covers iconic destinations without feeling rushed.


When should I book?

Early booking is strongly recommended—May and June are peak seasons, and spots are limited.



Why You’ll Remember This Trip Forever

This isn’t just a vacation—it’s a shared journey through history, flavor, and connection. You’ll return home with new friends, new recipes, and a deeper appreciation for Greece’s culture and hospitality.

If Greece has always been on your list, this is the moment to go.



Lost Your Phone, Credit Cards & Driver’s License in Europe? Don’t Panic.

By Anna Fiala • June 22, 2026
It’s one of every traveler’s worst nightmares. You’re enjoying a beautiful day in Europe when you suddenly realize your phone, wallet, credit cards, and driver’s license are gone. Maybe they were stolen. Maybe they were left behind. Either way, your heart sinks. First, take a deep breath. If you still have your passport, you are in a much better position than you may think. Here’s what to do: Step 1: Find a Safe Place and Stay Calm Most travel problems can be solved. Sit down, gather your thoughts, and make a list of exactly what is missing. Step 2: Contact Your Travel Companions or Tour Director If you're traveling with Excite, let your Tour Director know immediately. We can help you navigate next steps, make phone calls, and connect you with resources. Step 3: Cancel Your Credit and Debit Cards Use a companion’s phone, a hotel computer, or ask your Tour Director for assistance. Most banks have international toll-free numbers and can lock your cards instantly. Step 4: Access Emergency Funds Many banks can overnight replacement cards internationally. Services such as Western Union or money transfers from family members can often provide cash within hours. Step 5: Use Digital Resources If you know your email password, many financial institutions allow access to account information online. This can help you communicate with your bank and verify your identity. Step 6: File a Police Report If theft is suspected, report it to local authorities. A police report may be required for insurance claims and replacement documents. Step 7: Protect Your Identity Monitor bank accounts, credit cards, and email accounts for suspicious activity. Consider placing fraud alerts on your accounts once you return home. A Few Things We Recommend Before Every International Trip: • Carry a second credit card stored separately from your wallet. • Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport. • Write down important phone numbers for your bank and credit card companies. • Enable Find My iPhone or Android device tracking. • Consider carrying a small amount of emergency cash. The good news? Travelers lose things every day around the world, and almost all of them make it home just fine. While it can be stressful in the moment, staying calm and acting quickly is the key. And remember—this is one of the many reasons we travel with experienced Tour Directors. When the unexpected happens, you don't have to figure it out alone.

How to Pack for a Group Tour: Cindy's Tried-and-True System

By Anna Fiala • June 3, 2026
Excite Experiences co-owner Cindy shares her personal packing system - from organizing your suitcase to carry-on must-haves - so you show up to every trip ready to go.

A New Chapter for Cornerstone Travelers

By Anna Fiala • April 29, 2026
A Note from the Cornerstone Travel Group Board Members If you've traveled with Cornerstone, you know us. And if you know us, you know we don't do anything halfway. We've spent decades in the tour business. Along the way, we've built companies, led teams, embraced change, and ultimately found our way back to what we love most: helping people experience the world. Travel gets in your blood. So does the community that comes with it. When Cornerstone started, there were seven of us who simply loved showing people the world. We loved St. Louis. We loved the idea that travel doesn't have to be stuffy or complicated—it can be joyful, comfortable, and something people genuinely look forward to. Over time, that little co-op grew into something we're incredibly proud of. So when it came time to think about what comes next, we weren't willing to simply let that go.