Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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Hiking in the mountains of Samaria Gorge

Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 21 Days

This three-week adventure will have you hiking, biking, and diving your way around the Greek islands and mainland. You'll explore the Athenian Riviera by bicycle and learn to fish the traditional Greek way, before heading to the Cyclades for a surfing lesson and trekking in Tinos, and some scuba diving and horseback riding around Naxos. Then you'll travel to Crete to hike the gorgeous Samaria Gorge before returning to the mainland for kayaking in coastal Nafplio.

Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 20 Days

In just under three weeks, you'll explore the Greek mainland and islands by hike, horse, kayak, and more. Learn to fish the traditional way before heading for the Cyclades, where you'll go surfing on Tinos and scuba diving on Naxos. Then sail over to Crete, where you'll learn to cook like the locals and trek through the stunning Samaria Gorge. Complete your journey back on the mainland with a kayaking excursion around Nafplio's imposing coastal castle.

The pink sand beach of Elafonissi, Crete

Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 19 Days

Explore Greece's beauty and culture by foot, kayak, bike, and more on this 19-day adventure. Explore the sights and sounds of Athens, and learn to fish like the locals. Next, set sail for the Cyclades, where you'll go hiking, surfing, diving, and horseback riding on the islands of Tinos and Naxos. Step back in time on Crete with a stroll through Venetian Chania and a thrilling trek through Samaria Gorge. Then head back to the mainland for a visit to the historical sites at Mycenae and Nafplio.

Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 18 Days

Get ready to hike through the hills of Greece, go fishing in the traditional way, and surf in azure island waters with this thrilling itinerary. As you go from the mainland to the isles and back again, you'll visit clifftop monasteries, learn to cook like the locals, and explore the country by bike, horse, and kayak. You'll go off the beaten path with a trip to the island of Tinos, discover fascinating historical sites at Mycenae and Nafplio, and still have time to unwind on the beaches of Naxos and Crete.

Go horseback riding on the beaches of Naxos

Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 17 Days

This 17-day adventure will take you from the waters of the Aegean to the mountains of Crete to the archaeologic sites of Athens and Mycenae. You'll explore the Greek mainland and islands by foot, bike, horse, kayak and surfboard on this action-packed tour. Along the way, you'll sample local delicacies, discover unexpected landscapes, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets.

Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 22 Days

Get ready to hike, kayak, and surf your way around the Greek mainland and isles with this 22-day itinerary. In just over three weeks, you'll see the Athenian Riviera by bike, learn traditional fishing techniques from the locals, and spend time surfing and diving on the beaches of Tinos and Naxos. Along the way, you'll trek through the lunar landscape of Volax and Crete's beautiful Samaria Gorge before returning to the mainland for a dose of history and ancient mythology.

Active Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 23 Days

Take your time exploring Greece by bike, horse, kayak, and much more on this 23-day adventure. You'll pedal along the shores of the Athenian Riviera and learn traditional fishing techniques on the Saronic Gulf before heading for the Cyclades. There, you'll learn to surf on Tinos and go scuba diving on Naxos before making your way to Crete for some hiking, cooking, and beach time. Finally, travel back to the mainland for a visit to some fascinating historical sites at Sounion, Mycenae, and Nafplio.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 6 Days

In just under a week, you'll see some of northern Greece's most unforgettable landscapes with this itinerary. From the historical port city of Thessaloniki to the beaches of Corfu, you'll be immersed in history and culture. You'll trek through the hills of Zagori to its photogenic stone villages and bridges, and visit the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. End your journey with a stop in Corfu, where you'll taste local delicacies and trace the path of Homer's Odysseus.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 7 Days

This week-long adventure will take you from the port city of Thessaloniki to the cliffs of Meteora, to the hills of Zagori and the beaches of Corfu. Along the way, you'll see some of Greece's oldest monasteries, hike to Zagori's picturesque stone villages, and follow Homer's Odyssey to Corfu's turquoise shores.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 8 Days

Get off the beaten path with this itinerary to some of Greece's most magical landscapes. In just over a week, you'll see beautiful Byzantine architecture in Thessaloniki, visit the clifftop monasteries of Meteora, and relax by the atmospheric silver lake at Ioannina. Trek through the mountains of Zagori, stopping to appreciate its picturesque stone villages and bridges along the way. Then head to the island of Corfu to indulge in its culinary delights and follow in the footsteps of Homer's Odysseus.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 9 Days

Visit some of Greece's beautiful lesser-known regions on this 9-day itinerary across the northern part of the country. You'll go from the historical port city of Thessaloniki to the clifftops of Meteora to the majestic silver lake at Ioannina. Then you'll trek through the mountains of Zagori and its perfectly preserved stone villages. Finish up on the shores of Corfu, where you'll enjoy a food tour of the island and bask on the beaches where, according to legend, Odysseus once roamed.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 10 Days

Enjoy an unforgettable journey through the varied landscapes of northern Greece with this 10-day itinerary. Explore Thessaloniki with its incredible Byzantine architecture before making your way to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora. Travel to the atmospheric silver lake at Ioannina and trek through the mountain villages of Zagori. Then head to Corfu, where you'll fill up on a culinary tour of the island and trace the footsteps of the legendary traveler, Odysseus.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 11 Days

Experience both the stunning mountain landscapes of northern Greece and the inviting turquoise waters of Corfu with this exciting itinerary. Start in the port city of Thessaloniki, packed with rich Byzantine history and architecture. From there, make your way to the clifftop monasteries of Meteora, the silver lake of Ioannina, and the postcard-perfect stone villages of Zagori. Finally, head to the Ionian island of Corfu, complete with colorful plazas, quaint side streets, and gorgeous beaches.

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 12 Days

See some of Greece's most mesmerizing landscapes with this itinerary across the northern part of the country. Delve into the rich history of Thessaloniki, before heading for the photogenic cliffs of Meteora, where you'll visit some of the country's oldest monasteries. Then relax lakeside in Ioannina and visit the stone villages in the mountains of Zagori. Wrap up your adventure with a few days on the Ionian island of Corfu, where you'll explore via Jeep safari, enjoy a delicious food tour, and more!

Enchanting Northern Greece and Corfu - 13 Days

Go off the beaten path as you traverse the beautiful landscapes of northern Greece. Beginning in Thessaloniki, you'll explore the port city's rich Byzantine history before making your way to the magnificent clifftop monasteries of Meteora. From there, travel to the silver lake of Ioannina and the picturesque mountain villages of Zagori. Top it all off with a few days on the sunny shores of Corfu, where you'll follow in the footsteps of the ancient legendary wanderer Odysseus.

Count the crocs in Costa Rica's Tárcoles

Classic Costa Rica Self-Drive Adventure - 14 Days

This self-guided road trip is ideal for those who love nature, beaches, and adventure activities. It covers all of Costa Rica's highlights, starting at the famous Arenal Volcano. From there, on to the Gulf of Papagayo on the northern Pacific coast. It's the perfect spot to snorkel and take a sunset sailing cruise. Then, you'll venture into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde—spot rare birds, partake in a zipline canopy tour, and embark on a nocturnal wildlife excursion. End your trip with hiking and beach time in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 8 Days

Some historians believe that pygmy hippos once lived in parts of Greece until they were hunted to extinction, likely for food. You won't get to sample any pygmy hippo, but this eight-day itinerary has plenty of other culinary delights to keep you intrigued, from your welcome dinner in Athens to the tavernas of Naxos's Venetian castle and stone villages of Crete.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 9 Days

Toast to the friendship-creating powers of food on this nine-day itinerary. You'll meet the locals as you sample your way through the country, joining them in olive groves or around the farmhouse dinner table to discover Greece's culinary history on Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 10 Days

Wheat, olive oil, and wine are sometimes known as the "Mediterranean triad," forming the basis for ancient Greek cuisine. Travel through their roots with this 10-day itinerary and then see them in modern action, with cooking classes, food tours, and village explorations all to underscore these shared ancestral tastes.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 11 Days

Try dakos, the traditional snack of Crete, along with many other delicacies on this 11-day itinerary. You'll see the origins of tomato, bread, and olive oil with farm visits and grove tours, then experience how they can be combined to form a vast array of savory options with a Cycladic cooking class—and as many taverna visits as you like.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 12 Days

The phrase "take the bull by the horns" is believed to have originated on Crete, and that's how you should approach this 12-day itinerary. You'll need plenty of stamina as you eat and drink your way through Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete, whether you're taking a cooking class, trekking the villages of Apokoronas, or trying out your moves at a demonstration of traditional Cretan dancing.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 13 Days

Try out all the bounty the lush Mediterranean has to offer, both from the sea and the climate, with this 13-day itinerary. With four different islands on the itinerary, the seafood will be fresh, the olive oil smooth, and the wine flowing as you make your way through Tinos, Naxos, Mykonos, and Crete.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 14 Days

Greece has been growing crops ranging from chickpeas and cucumbers to pomegranates and walnuts since the days of antiquity. Spend two weeks sampling the fruits of their finely honed labor with this 14-day culinary and cultural tour. Whether you're learning to cook on Tinos or exploring the villages of Crete, the craftsmanship will be obvious in every bite.

Cyclades & Crete Culinary History Tour - 15 Days

Spend just over two weeks eating Greek delicacies to your heart's content with this food- and culture-focused itinerary. You'll visit four Greek islands, starting in the Cyclades and then heading down to Crete, with a culinary experience on each guaranteed to increase both your knowledge of Greek cuisine and ability to make your own once you've returned home.

Lima & Sacred Valley Adventure - 5 Days

For a quick trip that includes the highlights of the Sacred Valley as well as Lima's culinary scene, look no further than this 5-day Peruvian jaunt. Take in the sights and tastes of Peru's cosmopolitan city of Lima, then head off to tour the explore the incredible landscapes, culture, and history of the Sacred Valley. Top it all off by spending a day exploring the bucket-list-worthy wonder of Machu Picchu.

Lares Trek & Lake Titicaca Exploration - 15 Days

Trek through the Lares Valley, where you'll pass between glacier-capped mountains where llamas and alpacas graze in the surrounding hills. You'll visit the town of Lares, a colorful traditional town in the heart of the valley. Combined with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this is a trek that combines two wonderful valleys & mountain ranges with very different ecologies & landscapes. Next, enjoy a kayaking adventure on Lake Titicaca and delve into the beauty and history of the region.

View of the mountains in the Lares Valley

Lares Trek & Jungle Exploration - 10 Days

Pair a short trek in the Lares Valley with Amazon exploration on this ten-day tour. Spend two days hiking past glacier-capped mountains and grazing alpacas, ending in the traditional town of Lares in the Sacred Valley. Then, walk a short section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu before heading to Puerto Maldonado—gateway to the rainforest. Enjoy wildlife and botany tours, ride the river in a dugout canoe, and spend your nights in the comfort of an eco-lodge.

Best of Iceland's South Coast & Golden Circle - 6 Days

Starting in Reykjavík, this six-day Icelandic road trip lets you visit classic highlights along the country's south coast, including waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt columns, massive glaciers, and icebergs at your own pace. You'll then join the popular Golden Circle route, where you can see Gullfoss waterfall, the geothermal area of Geysir (watch Strokkur erupt like clockwork), and Þingvellir National Park, where tectonic plates meet. Finish the adventure with a soak in the Blue Lagoon before your return flight home.

Iceland West Coast Road Trip - 6 Days

This unique self-drive tour travels through Iceland's beautiful west coast and Westfjords region, where few travelers roam. Starting in Reykjavík, you'll drive to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula before taking a car ferry to some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland. Here you'll hike the jagged cliffs at Londrangar, visit black, gold, and red sand beaches, and see the powerful Dynjandi Waterfall. End the trip in Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, accessible only by boat and trail.

Iceland West & South Coast Highlights - 6 Days

This 6-day itinerary includes three key areas of Iceland for a spectacular, fast-paced road trip. Spend your first day getting a taste of downtown Reykjavik before you head to the volcanic Snaefellsnes Peninsula with a bit of everything (and a fraction of the crowds). You'll then spend a night in one of Iceland's most-popular regions, the Golden Circle, and visit the best sites after the bus tours are long gone. Wrap it up with a day along the south coast exploring massive waterfalls and black sand beaches.

Iceland: East Fjords, South Coast, & Golden Circle - 6 Days

Make the most of your limited time by driving one way from Egilsstaðir to Vík to Reykjavík—without retracing your steps. On this six-day road trip, take in the dramatic landscapes of the Eastern Fjords, from Seyðisfjörður to Vatnajökull National Park, and enjoy more time seeing new places along the South Coast (Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, Skógafoss, and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls) and Golden Circle (Gullfoss, Geysir, and Þingvellir National Park), rather than doubling back. You can embark on this route in either direction, but a domestic flight to Egilsstaðir at the beginning of your trip is more efficient, without large crowds, to explore remote areas on your own terms.

Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfalls with Kirkjufell in the distance

Iceland West Coast & Golden Circle - 5 Days

This fast-paced itinerary combines popular Icelandic highlights with off-the-beaten-path gems for a fun road-trip adventure. After a day in Reykjavik, you'll head west for hiking, lava fields, and small fishing towns along the rugged and remote Snaefellsnes Peninsula (called "Iceland in miniature"). You'll then hit the blockbuster sights of the Golden Circle before finishing with your choice of lesser-known natural attractions on your way to the airport.

Explore the black-sand lava beach of Reynisfjara

Iceland South Coast Road Trip - 5 Days

In less than a week, this classic self-drive tour allows you to visit the best highlights along Iceland's south coast including waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt columns, cliffs, canyons, glaciers, and icebergs at your own pace. Start and end the trip in Reykjavik for two nights in Europe's most northerly capital—a growing city known for buzzing restaurants and nightlife.

North Iceland's Viti crater is filled with a bright blue lake

Iceland Ring Road & Westfjords Adventure - 12 Days

This epic 12-day road trip is a perfect way to absorb Iceland as you traverse all four corners of the country. You'll visit popular spots along the famous 828-mile Ring Road, and head off the beaten path to detour through the Westfjords (great for mountain biking and kayaking). The self-drive loop also includes stops in Iceland's two biggest cities, and numerous natural sites like volcanoes, waterfalls, lava fields, black sand beaches, glaciers, and more.

Hiking near three of Iceland's biggest glaciers

Iceland Remote Hiking Adventure - 10 Days

This active 10-day itinerary highlights two major hiking areas in Iceland: the southern highlands and the Westfjords. Start off with a bus trip to Thorsmork for a plethora of trails overlooking moss-covered mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers. Next, you'll fly to Isafjordur—a great base for activities in Hornstrandir, accessible only by boat and trail, where you'll take a 3-day trek with a local guide. Return to Reykjavik for a night on the town and a chance to soak your muscles in the Blue Lagoon.

Manuel Antonio beaches are known for sunset views

Costa Rica Hiking Adventure - 10 Days

Checking off three key regions in Costa Rica, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers. The trip starts with a visit to Costa Rica's famous Arenal Volcano for hiking and natural hot springs before continuing to the Pacific Ocean for some beach time at Manuel Antonio National Park. Finish off in one of the country's most remote areas—Osa Peninsula—for undeveloped rainforests, rare wildlife, and near-empty coastline.

End the trip with a drive to the Pacific coast for some beach time

Highlights of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 9 Days

The jewel of Central America, Costa Rica, offers an array of adventures, from city to cloud forest to the sea. This weeklong itinerary includes trekking near an active volcano, some of the world's best bird-watching, and snorkeling with sea turtles. It's a trip that encompasses the country's most spectacular and varied landscapes, plus an opportunity to savor the culture of local villages as well as that of San José, Costa Rica's dynamic capital city.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 6 Days

Get a glimpse of multiple angles of Greece on this six-day family trip. You'll begin with a mythology tour of the Acropolis, then sail to the Cyclades to visit Naxos. This island has a rich agricultural and archaeological legacy that you can explore on horseback or simply via wandering through its castle district, plus plenty of stunning beaches that kids and adults will love.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 7 Days

Spend seven days with the sun and sand on this family-focused itinerary. Start off with a mythology tour through the Acropolis, then set sail for Mykonos where you can feel the surf on your feet and taste traditional flavors with a farm dinner. You'll end in Naxos, seeing the island from horseback before you sneak in one more day on the beach.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 8 Days

Bring your whole brood to meet the most famous residents of Mykonos—its pelicans—on this eight-day itinerary. You'll start off with a guided mythology tour of Athens, then head to Mykonos to make some animal friends with beach time and a traditional farm visit. Then head to Naxos, where you'll see the island from horseback and top it off with one last day of lounging before you depart.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 9 Days

Go from the top of the Acropolis down to the sea with this nine-day itinerary customized to suit every member of your family. Whether you're listening to the retellings of famous legends, riding a horse past the waves, or sailing through Santorini's caldera, the sights and sounds will keep your party satisfied.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 10 Days

Walk hand in hand through the brightly colored doors of the Cyclades with this 10-day family itinerary. After an Athenian mythology tour, you'll sail to the islands for a slew of activities, with farm dinners, bike rides, horseback tours, and a cruise through the caldera on wooden ship all on the agenda.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 11 Days

Legend says the island of Mykonos was named after Apollo's grandson. Work on solidifying your family's Greek legacy with this 11-day island itinerary. You'll start off in Athens with stories on the Acropolis, followed by a boat trip to Mykonos for time on both water and land. Then head to Naxos and Santorini for more beach and boat time before your departure.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 12 Days

The standout Cyclades island chain isn't just for honeymooners—take the entire family with this itinerary. You'll start in Mykonos, where you can dodge the jetsetters with quiet beaches and a farm visit. Then go on to Naxos and Santorini. See into ancient history, experience scenic shores, and dive into the sea to fill photo albums you'll enjoy for years to come.

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 13 Days

Explore the islands across history and generations with this 13-day family itinerary. After a mythology tour of the Acropolis, you'll venture down to Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini to explore via a different transportation method for every island, whether it's a traditional wooden boat, bike, or even donkey leading you on your journey.

Spend time in Mykonos with the whole family

Family Adventures in Athens and the Cyclades - 14 Days

Take two weeks for everyone to see the islands with this family-focused itinerary. After a mythology tour of Athens, you'll ferry out to Mykonos to take in everything from the archaeological site at Delos to a traditional farm dinner. Naxos is up next, with bikes and horses to transport you through its fields and beaches, followed by Santorini, where you'll end your trip with a cruise through the volcanic caldera.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the Acropolis

Family Holiday in Athens & Nafplio - 6 Days

Take a six-day spin through Greece with this family-friendly itinerary. Whether you're listening to stories of the city's founding on the Acropolis, channeling your inner Olympic athlete, or watching a play on an ancient stage, there's something to keep everyone entertained.

Family Holiday in Athens & Nafplio - 7 Days

Spend a week discovering the playful side of Greek history with this seven-day family itinerary. Whether you're touring bustling Athens, consulting the oracle at Delphi, or biking through the streets of Nafplio, you'll be accompanied by expert guides who can tell you stories of Greek history to keep all your participants engaged.

Play out stories of heroes and monsters at the Acropolis

Family Holiday in Athens & Nafplio - 8 Days

Experience theater, nature, and sport like the ancient Greeks on this family-friendly adventure across Athens and the Peloponnese. Hear stories of goddesses and heroes on an interactive tour of the Acropolis, stand on the Olympic podium in the Panathenaic Stadium, and take a day trip to Delphi. Trade the capital for the seaside next in Nafplio, where you'll keep little ones busy with a bike ride around the harbor and a day of fresh air and cute animals at a traditional countryside farm.

Climb to the historic ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio

Family Holiday in Athens & Nafplio - 9 Days

Imaginative kids will love this nine-day trip across Athens and the Peloponnese, full of activities that let them live out stories from Greek mythology and the ancient world. Solve puzzles and reenact epic battles at the Acropolis, and see who wins the title of ancient Olympian at the Panathenaic Stadium. Explore seaside Nafplio by bike, then venture into the countryside to learn to milk goats and play the shepherd's flute at a traditional farm. Wrap things up on a sweet note with a tasty food tour back in Athens.

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