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Effie Parasyrakis

My name is Effrosyni, I typically originate from the island of Crete but I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. I have lived for 8 months in France and 3 years in Santorini, Greece. I have a bachelor's degree in International Relations, as my initial plan was to be an Ambassador. But guess what? Traveling has changed my whole Cosmo theory.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Having lived in Santorini for three years has made me an expert in this area. But being a Greek also means that you have drunk a shot of raki in Crete, you have walked in the paved streets of Naxos town and you have swam in the blue waters of Mykonos.
Greece is a puzzle and every one of the islands is a piece of it.
I believe that my specialty is the Cycladic Islands along with Crete and Athens (my origins and my home)."

How did you get involved in travel?

"Everything started when I was in France for Erasmus (an exchange program for university students). I booked a tour with one of my friends and when I saw our tour guide happy and enthusiastic, feeling like being in vacation and meeting new people from all the over the world everyday, I decided that this is what I want to do in my life. Once I returned to my base I enrolled to a private institute in order to become "Tour Leader" and at the same time I finished my bachelors degree. Today I work for Be a Greek and I have turned my hobby into a career. I continue, of course, traveling the world with my biggest goal being to visit as many places as possible in a lifetime.
By putting myself in the traveler's shoes I can relate with any circumstances that might occur."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"A unique travel experience that has carved me to the kind of traveler and, of course, specialist I am today is a road trip I took 6 years ago with two of my best friends between Romania, Hungary and Slovakia for 10 days.
We were care-free creatures planning day by day our next step. Surprisingly everything worked out smoothly for us and today two out of three we are working for travelers around the world everyday, using the knowledge and expertise that this trip has given us."

Effie is part of the following groups: Greece Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Effie

14 incredible days exploring Mykonos, Santorini, Crete & Athens!
Greece | Oct 7 - Oct 21, 2023

Cori
Cori G.
Hoboken, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2023
My husband and I spent our 14-day honeymoon traveling to Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Athens. Effie (our Kimkim local specialist) helped us organize an absolutely incredible and seamless trip. From transportation within each place, accommodations, and travel tickets to excursions and restaurant recommendations, we got to experience the best of what Greece has to offer with absolutely zero stress. We also appreciated that the travel agency staff at Be a Greek had their hand in every step of... Read more

My husband and I spent our 14-day honeymoon traveling to Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Athens. Effie (our Kimkim local specialist) helped us organize an absolutely incredible and seamless trip. From transportation within each place, accommodations, and travel tickets to excursions and restaurant recommendations, we got to experience the best of what Greece has to offer with absolutely zero stress. We also appreciated that the travel agency staff at Be a Greek had their hand in every step of our trip. They reached out to us via WhatsApp every day with the schedule and all the important information we needed to know for the next day, being available via WhatsApp to answer any questions we had and even meeting us at the airport when we first got to Athens to help us navigate getting to our next destination. We would highly recommend Be a Greek if you are looking to experience Greece in the best way possible. We also will definitely be utilizing Kimkim for any future international travel!

Hotel Reviews
Anax Resort & Spa

Anax was a breathtaking 5-star resort with phenomenal accommodations, staff, and great food. Located close to everything on the island. We felt extremely relaxed and taken care of during our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Akra Suites
Santorini - Greece

Clean hotel, located in a great spot on the island with unbelievable sunset views! Not a large hotel with a lot of accommodations but great if you are planning to be on the go during your stay in Santorini.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Domes Noruz Chania
Agioi Apostoloi Chania-Crete

The most beautiful hotel that is the epitome of luxury with unmatched customer service. This was by far our favorite hotel. The food was incredible, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Our travel agency forgot to mention that it was our honeymoon, so when it was mentioned when we first got to the hotel, the next day, they surprised us with the whole room decorated with rose petals, wine, and desserts.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Altar Suites Athens
Athens

Nice, new boutique hotel with phenomenal views of the Acropolis.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Santorini Wine Roads Small-group Sunset Tour
Santorini Wine Roads Small-group Sunset Tour
Santorini

Savas, our guide, was great and so knowledgeable! We loved each of the wineries we visited and would highly recommend this company to anyone who wants to do a winery tour!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santorini Caldera Small-group Sunset Cruise with BBQ on board and Open Bar
Santorini Caldera Small-group Sunset Cruise with BBQ on board and Open Bar
Santorini

Such a relaxing day on the water with great food and views!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Authentic Cretan Cooking Small Group Experience
The Authentic Cretan Cooking Small Group Experience
Greece

This was one of the best activities we did on our Greece trip by far. Not only we’re the views spectacular and the food delicious and easy to make, but the guides and hosts were so knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. It was such a special way to experience Crete, and it’s history.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Greece

It's an awesome way to experience Cretan culture through the old city! Our guide, Dina, was so knowledgeable and compelling!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Guided Tour
The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Guided Tour
Athens

Such a cool way to experience the Acropolis and the history of Athens/Greece. Our guide, Dimitris, was awesome! Super knowledgeable and knew all the great spots to take pictures. He even recommended a great spot for us to go to lunch after the tour!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis

I have travelled independently and with tours...
Greece | Sep 28 - Oct 6, 2023

Nancy
Nancy W.
Naperville, IL | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2023
I have travelled independently and with tours, and I highly recommend Kimkim as the perfect marriage of the two styles. Kefi was a dream to work with on planning our trip to Greece - very patient as we worked through different travel and sightseeing options. Then, upon realizing that our flight times were going to cut things close, she reversed the order of our entire trip without batting an eye (at least to us!). When I asked about a hotel that was recommended by a friend of the owner,... Read more

I have travelled independently and with tours, and I highly recommend Kimkim as the perfect marriage of the two styles.

Kefi was a dream to work with on planning our trip to Greece - very patient as we worked through different travel and sightseeing options. Then, upon realizing that our flight times were going to cut things close, she reversed the order of our entire trip without batting an eye (at least to us!). When I asked about a hotel that was recommended by a friend of the owner, she offered to arrange a stay there while also diplomatically suggesting a different option. She was careful to work within our budget and was able to help us take the best advantage of increasing it as we added a couple of options. The hotels and excursions she booked for us were unfailingly terrific.

Once we were in Greece, Dimitrios with Be A Greek was also fantastic. We were met at every change point by a professional driver in a nice vehicle. We had a small kerfuffle with one of our excursions due to weather, and Dimitrios stayed in touch constantly via WhatsApp to make sure we had a wonderful backup plan, which he had preemtively booked pending our approval. He was available and responsive whenever we reached out.

I love this way of traveling because much of the stress is taken out of the planning, we had great suggestions from people on the ground, we did not have to move in a group with people we may or may not like, and the price was more than fair. I would highly recommend Kimkim and Be A Greek for your dream vacation to Greece. I plan to use Kimkim next time I plan a vacation and have recommended it to several friends.

Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis

KimKim is a great company to help plan a trip!
Greece | Sep 9 - Sep 23, 2023

Karen
Karen F.
Hendersonville, NC | Reviewed on Oct 15, 2023
Effie and Antonis were so helpful while we were on our trip. They were readily available to answer questions and help us have the easiest, most enjoyable vacation. Effie worked with us to plan a trip to meet our needs and to be able to see the highlights in each place we visited. She made suggestions that we found to be very helpful. There were people to greet us at each destination that helped us with our luggage and whisked us away from the crowds. The drivers were very informative and... Read more

Effie and Antonis were so helpful while we were on our trip. They were readily available to answer questions and help us have the easiest, most enjoyable vacation. Effie worked with us to plan a trip to meet our needs and to be able to see the highlights in each place we visited. She made suggestions that we found to be very helpful. There were people to greet us at each destination that helped us with our luggage and whisked us away from the crowds. The drivers were very informative and drove us safely to each destination.

We probably wouldn't have visited Crete had it not been for Effie and we really enjoyed it! Crete was very relaxing and the countryside was great with all of the olive trees. We loved walking around the cobblestone streets in Chania and visiting shops and restaurants. We found it interesting that the streets would really come to life in the evening as the restaurant owners would put out their tables and chairs. The Malmo Historic Hotel was very comfortable and quaint. We really enjoyed their breakfast out on their terrace. It was centrally located as well. Our tour guide of the city was very informative and easy to converse with. She offered valuable information for the days to come. We also enjoyed our wine tasting tour and tour of cheese factory and olive mill and factory. Yum!

Santorini was our favorite. Our host of our villa at Spitia Tzitzi was amazing. He cooked our breakfast each morning, ensured we were comfortable in our villa, and gave us so much insight into the history of the area along with great suggestions for restaurants. There is no way to describe the breathtaking views we had from our villa. Our favorite "excursion" was the sunset sailing cruise. What a fantastic day. We'd go back again.

Mykonos was a little disappointing, but not because of Effie's or Antonis's efforts. The hotel was terrific and within walking distance of multiple restaurants. Effie arranged a walking tour of the city of Mykonos Town. The guide was terrific. He spoke English very well and offered so much insight into the life and culture there. However, during the time on the island, the wind was more than usual, so our sailing trip was cancelled due to safety concerns. Effie tried to rebook during our stay, but the wind did not cooperate, unfortunately. We had another tour while we were there. The guide did not speak English well although he was very nice. We faced some other challenges that were unusual for that tour. The guide, when we requested, returned us to our hotel. Effie and Antonis made things right for us, to say the least. They went above and beyond to take care of us and apologize for something that had never happened before. They were great.

Athens is a big city, and so much to see! Effie hooked us up with a phenomenal tour guide. She took us to see everything there was to see in Athens. You could tell that she loved the history and wanted to share it! She taught us so much about the history and culture. Fantastic personality and a joy to be with for the day. People in Athens think nothing of walking everywhere. Even though most of the walking was on pretty level ground, except the Acropolis, we were not prepared to walk over 5 miles. We made it and enjoyed everything, but we were tired pups. I enjoyed it all, but almost wish it could have been split into two days somehow. The tour guide offered to help us call in food, but we wanted to go to a restaurant. So, we had to walk some more. Long day. The next day was long as well, but on a bus. We had another terrific tour guide with so much experience! He took us to Epidaurus and Mycenae. There was a lot of time on the bus, but we understood that we wouldn't have been able to see those sites without that bus ride. Fascinating how old the sites are and how many of these sites were discovered. It was an enjoyable day, the bus was comfortable, and the bus driver was a great driver! While in Athens, we stayed at an apartment. The apartment was nice, but one note. All four of us are over 65. The kitchen is on an elevated platform with a 6-8 inch drop. There is nothing on the floor to remind you that there is a drop and the flooring blends in with the rest of the room. ALL of us fell off that platform at least once. Luckily, we were not hurt, but it is an accident waiting to happen.

This is our second trip booked through KimKim. We have recommended them to others. We would use them again should we take another extended trip out of the USA. They really pay attention to detail and are great to work with and help should any question arise (we had plenty!).

Hotel Reviews
Malmo Historic Hotel
Chania

Right in the center of town, so very convenient. Very clean room and hotel. We loved the breakfast out on the terrace!! George, the owner, was very gracious and available. Loved our stay there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Centrally located
Staff
Very helpful and attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were spotless!
Spitia Tzitzi
Caldera, Santorini

Cannot say enough great things about this villa and the owner/host. It is amazing! The view is incredible!!! The host, Themis, is a hands-on host. We were fascinated by the history he shared with us and insights into the Greek culture. He made our breakfast each morning which was a treat as he used to be a chef. He was very helpful in suggestions of restaurants and navigating other things in the area. He provided us with his cell phone, which allowed open communication to make our stay enjoyable. The villa was very clean and comfortable. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

Authenticity & Character
How often do you get to stay in a villa that used to be a cave?
Location
Oh! The views were incredible!
Staff
He loves helping his guests have the best time!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Argo Hotel
Mykonos

The staff really go above and beyond to ensure you have a great stay. The rooms were very clean and spacious. They had an unbelievable breakfast bar with everything you could imagine. The pool area was inviting.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel had longevity as a hotel. The original owner, was often there to ensure everything was being handled properly even though she has passed along operations to others. She was delightful!
Location
Close to restaurants and a short bus ride into Mykonos Town.
Staff
They went above and beyond to assist you and make sure your every need was met.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were super clean and comfy. We loved having the space and sitting areas.
Apartment Kleio
Athens

Our first sight of this apartment made us wonder, but the drivers and tour guides all assured us it was a very safe place to be in town and it was. The entrance in the building needs more lighting and warmth. The apartment was very clean. Some of the furnishings were old, but overall, it was very comfortable. The only real problem we had was that the kitchen was built on a platform with a 6-8" drop. The flooring blended in with the flooring of the whole room, so the drop wasn't easy to see. All of us were over 65 and each of us "fell" off of that floor at least once. Luckily, none of us were hurt, but it is an accident waiting to happen. It needs to be marked somehow. We had difficulty operating the air conditioners and froze the first night. It would be helpful to have maps to the closest restaurants. The breakfast should be tailored a little more for guests with healthy choices.

Authenticity & Character
The furnishings are old and worn.
Location
It was about a mile or so to most of restaurants and shops.
Staff
We never met staff, but they added some things for our breakfast.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was very clean!
Activity Reviews
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Greece
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cretan Wine and Olive Oil Small-group Experience
Cretan Wine and Olive Oil Small-group Experience
Chania

Really enjoyed this tour. It was relaxing and informative.

Quality of Experience
Food
The olive oil!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Knossos Palace Small-group Mythological Tour
Knossos Palace Small-group Mythological Tour
Greece

The palace was good to see, but our guide was over kill.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was super nice, but over kill. She should ask what we were interested in. I wanted to explore a little on my own. She tried to bring it to life for us, which I get, but it was too much.
Transport
Free Day in Santorini
Free Day in Santorini
Santorini

LOVE SANTORINI!

Quality of Experience
everything!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone was very helpful, especially Themis, host of villa.
Transport
Got us off the ferry and out of crowds quickly.
Santorini Wine Roads Small-group Sunset Tour
Santorini Wine Roads Small-group Sunset Tour
Santorini

I think this was my favorite day. The staff were relaxed but helpful in every way. The food was delicious. The feeling of the water was incredible. The sunset couldn't have been better!

Quality of Experience
The food was some of the best we had in Greece!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They went out of their way to make sure you had a great time!
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Mykonos Town
Private Walking Tour of Mykonos Town
Mykonos

Our tour guide was fun and informative! He took us all over the city and showed interesting architecture and told wonderful historical stories. He was great.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was terrific!
Transport
Half-Day Authentic Jeep Adventure Private Tour
Half-Day Authentic Jeep Adventure Private Tour
Mykonos

The driver did not speak very good English. He smokes heavily and although he didn't smoke in the car, it still smelled. He drove like he was at the races on the straight road areas and then hit brake around curves. Even though I was in the front seat and had taken Dramamine, I still had difficulty with his driving. He told us a tiny bit of information, pulled up and stayed at car so he could smoke and basically said, There it is! We would go on our own to look at object. The wind was horrific that day which didn't help matters any, but that wasn't his fault. He was friendly, but I asked him to take us back to the hotel shortly as it wasn't fun for any of us.

Quality of Experience
everything
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Needs to speak better English. Non smoking. Drive so that passengers don't get jostled around and sick.
Transport
Car was too small for 4 adults
The Acropolis & Athens Old City Private Guided Tour
The Acropolis & Athens Old City Private Guided Tour
Athens

We learned so much about the important historical sites! Our guide was fantastic and loves the history and culture of Athens. She made the day because she was so interesting and personable. Too much walking though at one time.

Quality of Experience
The tour guide made the experience special; the extent of walking made it a challenge.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cannot say enough about the tour guide. She was awesome!
Epidaurus & Mycenae One Day Group Tour from Athens
Epidaurus & Mycenae One Day Group Tour from Athens
Greece

There were many historical things to see. It's interesting how these sites were discovered. Our tour guide has experience as an archeologist, so he had many great things to share. The bus ride is long, but if you want to see it, you gotta do it. However, the bus was comfortable and the driver was very safe and a great driver.

Quality of Experience
Food
The setting. The food was pretty good, but nothing stands out and if you asked for anything extra like olive oil or sauce, they charged you extra.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide had so much experience and knowledge! He was great. The driver was super!!
Transport
Talented bus driver!!
Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis

What a trip. We could not have had more fun,...
Greece | Jun 9 - Jun 17, 2023

Allison
Allison F.
Palo Alto, CA | Reviewed on Jul 12, 2023

What a trip. We could not have had more fun, eaten more delicious things, learned more or felt more cared for. Effie and her team really went the extra mile to ensure the best trip ever for our family. Every guide, driver, and hotel was outstanding.

Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis

A perfect trip to Crete!
Greece | Jun 3 - Jun 13, 2023

Laura
Laura W.
Los Gatos, CA | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2023
Effie and her team were amazing! Given our difficulties with flight connections just getting to Greece, the personal touch that Effie provided us by meeting us in the Athens Airport prior to our flight to Crete was such a warm and generous gesture, and one that couldn't have been more welcomed. We loved getting the "whatsAp" updates daily as to any schedule changes or just subtle reminders about the next day's activities. All of our drivers/guides were prompt (if not early!), and very... Read more

Effie and her team were amazing! Given our difficulties with flight connections just getting to Greece, the personal touch that Effie provided us by meeting us in the Athens Airport prior to our flight to Crete was such a warm and generous gesture, and one that couldn't have been more welcomed. We loved getting the "whatsAp" updates daily as to any schedule changes or just subtle reminders about the next day's activities. All of our drivers/guides were prompt (if not early!), and very generous/friendly with information, knowledge about the local trails we were hiking, insights about cultural landmarks, etc. We loved the "balance" she created between our hiking adventures, cooking explorations, and sight seeing/walking days. It was really an incredible experience and honestly beyond what we could have imagined.

Hotel Review
Cretan Renaissance
Chania

We loved the location, ambiance and staff at this boutique hotel...everyone was amazing! The breakfast was delicious and it was particularly lovely eating on the terrace overlooking the sea each morning!

Authenticity & Character
This is a restored villa over looking the sea, the decor is decidedly authentic and the character remains true to it's historic past.
Location
Location is right in the heart of the historic district and easy walking to everything/anything in Chania!
Staff
So generously welcoming, friendly and warm. My husband arrived injured, and despite the fact there are no elevators (and he had difficulty climbing stairs), they did everything they could to make him feel comfortable!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were immaculate; linens fresh daily. Extra touches like a bottle of wine, olive oils and cookies in the room were a special touch.
Activity Reviews
Samaria Gorge Private Guided Tour
Samaria Gorge Private Guided Tour
Greece

This was one of the more amazing experiences we had in Crete! The Gorge is not to be missed! We had an amazing guide that was both knowledgeable, tireless in her ability to answer ALL of our questions, warm/friendly and sensitive to our needs (my husband hiked this gorge injured---which is not the wisest of moves, but he is in excellent condition so despite his knee injury and with the help of walking sticks, was able to make the hike). Our guide had suggested, based on her personal opinion that we use the "point of no return" to assess my husband's condition, given that the only way after that point would be by donkey. Her sage wisdom was a comfort, & against her best recommendation, my husband decided to continue. She was spot-on to recommend we turn around, but I have a highly conditioned/stubborn husband who was sure he could make it despite a sprained knee. And make it he did; it was an experience of a lifetime even with this injury!

Quality of Experience
Scenery, quality of the guides, and challenge of the hike.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Attention to needs, friendliness, extensiveness of knowledge, and engaging personality.
Transport
The Authentic Cretan Cooking Small Group Experience
The Authentic Cretan Cooking Small Group Experience
Greece

I think this cooking class, while fun,is really more of a "cultural" experience than it is a cooking class, and very much geared towards the person who has not cooked before. We would have preferred a bit more cooking, and less "geology/history" lesson, though we did enjoy the wine tasting that was also offered. It is a "long" afternoon, evening and seems like it could be better organized to make more efficient use of the time. Still, a fun event for those looking to learn more about how to make some basic Cretan dishes.

Quality of Experience
We had to "wait" a long time between preparing the meal and eating what we prepared. I think this probably could have been organized a bit more efficiently, perhaps with fewer people in the class?
Food
These were very basic dishes, aimed at the person with little to no cooking experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Imbros Gorge Private Hike and Sfakia Village Visit
Imbros Gorge Private Hike and Sfakia Village Visit
Chania

Excellent hike, we had the same guide as we did for the Samaria Gorge, so were thrilled to have someone we already had gotten to know and trust. The scenery is amazing, the hike is much more forgiving than Samaria Gorge, but no less spectacular in scenery!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis

Fantastic Honeymoon
Greece | Jun 10 - Jun 23, 2023

Matt
Matt L.
Centennial, CO | Reviewed on Jun 28, 2023
We had a great honeymoon. Effie and the entire Be A Greek team were there for us the entire time and we were very happy with the service they provided. Our private tour guides, Theodora and Aphrodite were both very personable and informative. The places we stayed were also fantastic, if you can swing it we highly recommend Domes Noruz in Chania, Crete. Overall this was a once in lifetime trip that we hope to take again someday. Read more

We had a great honeymoon. Effie and the entire Be A Greek team were there for us the entire time and we were very happy with the service they provided. Our private tour guides, Theodora and Aphrodite were both very personable and informative. The places we stayed were also fantastic, if you can swing it we highly recommend Domes Noruz in Chania, Crete. Overall this was a once in lifetime trip that we hope to take again someday.

Hotel Reviews
Domes Noruz Chania
Agioi Apostoloi Chania-Crete

Fantastic Resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Asha Luxury Suites
Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Knossos Palace Small-group Mythological Tour
Knossos Palace Small-group Mythological Tour
Greece
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Guided Tour
The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Guided Tour
Athens
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Executive 7-glass Greek Wine Tasting Session
Executive 7-glass Greek Wine Tasting Session
Athens
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Greece
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Honeymoon Couples Massage Sunset Session with Bath Soak
Honeymoon Couples Massage Sunset Session with Bath Soak
Santorini
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santorini Caldera Small-group Sunset Cruise with BBQ on board and Open Bar
Santorini Caldera Small-group Sunset Cruise with BBQ on board and Open Bar
Santorini
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santorini Island Discovery Small-group Tour
Santorini Island Discovery Small-group Tour
Santorini
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis

We decided we wanted to visit Greece for two ...
Greece | May 22 - Jun 5, 2023

Alan
Alan S.
Mansfield, MA | Reviewed on Jun 21, 2023
We decided we wanted to visit Greece for two weeks, we knew we did not want to go it alone. We wanted the expertise of a company with representatives on the ground who would see us as distinct individuals, not as two more faceless customers. We contacted Kim Kim, and were directed to Be a Greek. From our initial contact with Effie, we knew we were in wonderful hands with a representative who wanted to coordinate the trip of our dreams. With input from us, Effie massaged our itinerary until it... Read more

We decided we wanted to visit Greece for two weeks, we knew we did not want to go it alone. We wanted the expertise of a company with representatives on the ground who would see us as distinct individuals, not as two more faceless customers. We contacted Kim Kim, and were directed to Be a Greek. From our initial contact with Effie, we knew we were in wonderful hands with a representative who wanted to coordinate the trip of our dreams. With input from us, Effie massaged our itinerary until it met our needs and was everything we hoped for. Our guides, from Athens to Crete to Santorini to Mykonos were superb. Our Seven Villages excursion in Crete was fun, informative and tasty. Our day on a fishing boat in Santorini exceeded our expectations, as did our visit to a vineyard and art gallery. We are so glad we ferried to Delos for a one-of-a-kind archeological exploration. Effie chose hotels that were perfect for us. Not only were the rooms and views to our liking, but the staff could not have been more responsive. A special shout out to Lithos in Mykonos and Cosmopolitan Suites in Santorini. Be a Greek was in contact with us daily to ensure we knew what we were doing that day, and that we were happy. The one transportation hiccup we had was quickly remedied. Be a Greek delivered as promised. We could not have asked for a better or more enthusiastic coordinator than Effie. Alan and I were so thrilled to be able to meet and hug her in person during our stay in Athens. To Effie, and Be a Greek, we say “Yamas!”

Hotel Reviews
Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
Athina

The hotel was wonderful, but it wasn't as personal as the boutique hotels we stayed at later in the trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cosmopolitan Suites Santorini

The Cosmopolitan Suites were fantastic, with incredible service from the staff. The manager went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable, even finding the perfect pillow for us late at night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Elia Zampeliou Hotel
Chania

We had a great stay at this boutique hotel. The staff and owners were amazing, and we really got to know them during our time there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lithos by Spyros & Flora
Mykonos

When you take immense pride and pleasure in what you do, you run a boutique hotel like Marina and Marios. From the moment we foot into the hotel, we relaxed from a hectic day knowing we were in good hands. Our experience was like visiting with relatives you love who happen to live on a gorgeous Greek island with sensational views. Lithos was our final stop —the perfect place to relax by the pool with a cold beverage, and reflect on our two week Greek adventure. If it is possible to truly bond with hotel owners over the course of a three night stay, that is what occurred for us with Marina and Marios.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Guided Tour
The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Guided Tour
Athens

Our guide was wonderful, knowledgeable, and passionate about history, politics, and architecture. We loved visiting the Acropolis Museum and even stayed longer to explore at our own pace.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Day Trip to Delphi
Private Day Trip to Delphi
Greece

Delphi was fascinating, and our driver made the journey even more enjoyable with engaging conversation and laughter.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Chania Old Town Private Walking Tour with Food & Wines Tastings
Greece

We had a great time visiting the small vineyard and art gallery. The food and wine tastings were enjoyable, and we loved interacting with the local people.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The 7 Villages Of Apokoronas Small-group Tour
The 7 Villages Of Apokoronas Small-group Tour
Greece

This was one of our favorite tours. The guides were delightful, knowledgeable, and made the experience pleasant and enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional fishing experience with fresh fish lunch
Traditional fishing experience with fresh fish lunch
Santorini

We loved the fishing experience, even though we didn't catch any fish ourselves. The fresh fish lunch was delicious, and the captain was an amazing young woman who knew how to handle the boat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santorini Island Discovery Small-group Tour
Santorini Island Discovery Small-group Tour
Santorini

We enjoyed exploring Santorini with our knowledgeable guide, learning about the history, and experiencing the beautiful sights.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Mykonos Town
Private Walking Tour of Mykonos Town
Mykonos

Our walking tour of Mykonos was enjoyable, and our guide was very knowledgeable about the town and its history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Delos Group Guided Tour from Mykonos
Delos Group Guided Tour from Mykonos
Mykonos

We loved the Delos tour, and our guide made the experience even more enjoyable with their passion for history and the site itself.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis

Effie, Katerina,and Antonis were so helpful a...
Greece | Jun 1 - Jun 13, 2023

Sharon
Sharon L.
Ballenger Creek, MD | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2023
Effie, Katerina,and Antonis were so helpful and always available to answer our questions and/or help us. I speak highly of them Read more

Effie, Katerina,and Antonis were so helpful and always available to answer our questions and/or help us. I speak highly of them

Hotel Reviews
Athens Ikon
Athens

Great place to start our trip, comfortable and welcoming

Authenticity & Character
Suites, not just hotel room
Location
Close to shopping
Staff
All staff helpful. Loved the personal welcome when we arrived
Cleanliness & Comfort
All areas clean
Palladium Boutique Hotel
Mykonos

Thanos extremely helpful to us throughout our stay, arranging a birthday celebration for my grandson, coordinating rides for us, and helping us rent a second room for comfort

Authenticity & Character
Extremely helpful staff
Location
Beautiful setting, close to beaches, and rides down to Mykonos crnter
Staff
Thanos
Cleanliness & Comfort
All areas of facility clean and attractive
1809 Villa
Santorini

Beautiful setting, hot tub feature, welcome and services from staff helpful

Authenticity & Character
Felt like our own Greek villa
Location
Beautiful views. Felt very “upscale”. Loved the history of the area
Staff
So helpful with our luggage, wonderful breakfasts
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. Upstairs rooms at times hot
Activity Reviews
Free Day in Athens
Free Day in Athens
Athens

Our personal guide was knowledgeable, friendly and aware of my handicap needs. Great tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly. Able to adjust to my hsndicap
Transport
On time friendly
The Exotic Private Tour of Elafonissi Beach
The Exotic Private Tour of Elafonissi Beach
Chania

Walking to the beach long and difficult with my hsndicap. Driver did drive down to pick up up after

Quality of Experience
Loved the umbrella sites and water lovely
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Knossos Palace Small-group Mythological Tour
Knossos Palace Small-group Mythological Tour
Greece

Historical

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Free Day in Santorini
Free Day in Santorini
Santorini

Great to have our own time to explore

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Always on time and able to handle our luggage
Transport
Found us immediately after departure from the boat
Small-Group Caldera Catamaran Sunset Cruise
Small-Group Caldera Catamaran Sunset Cruise
Santorini

Loved the boat, activities, and friendly staff Sunset pictures amazing

Quality of Experience
Fun, loved the small group size
Food
BBQ
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great BBQ meal. Loved raising their sales
Transport
Private Walking Tour of Mykonos Town
Private Walking Tour of Mykonos Town
Mykonos

Guide knowledgeable. Very friendly and private tour able to accommodate my handicap

Quality of Experience
Orientation to shopping areas helpful
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide
Transport
Dropped us off and picked us up on time and in area easy to find
Concierge-Class Small-group Sailing Cruise to Delos & Rhenia islands
Concierge-Class Small-group Sailing Cruise to Delos & Rhenia islands
Mykonos

Loved Delos tour. More “friendly” than Athens Parthenon tour

Quality of Experience
Sailing was fun
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly boat staff
Transport
Loved the sailing
Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis
Effie
Effie Parasyrakis
Local specialist in Athens | Replied on Jun 21, 2023

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for your kind words! We are all very happy that you enjoyed your trip to Greece so much!

Hope to see you back in Greece again soon!

Best,
Effie

Great trip to Athens and area thanks to Effie and Kim Kim
Greece | May 21 - May 24, 2023

H
Heather B.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 16, 2023
The whole team, led by Effie, was very responsive and did their best to make my experience a smashing success! It was :) I also had an incredible food tour organized through KimKim with Bianca. It was like touring Athens with a friend who was from the city. Great experience all around! Read more

The whole team, led by Effie, was very responsive and did their best to make my experience a smashing success! It was :)

I also had an incredible food tour organized through KimKim with Bianca. It was like touring Athens with a friend who was from the city. Great experience all around!

Hotel Review
Athens Ivy Suites
Athens

Nice hotel centrally located. Bed was comfortable and lots of space in my suite. Great experience overall!

Activity Reviews
Epidaurus & Mycenae One Day Group Tour from Athens
Epidaurus & Mycenae One Day Group Tour from Athens
Greece

I really appreciated the guide and tour. It brought everything to life!

Private Guided Athens Food Tour
Private Guided Athens Food Tour
Athens

This was such a fantastic tour led by an incredible person - Bianca. It was like touring with a very knowledgeable friend from Athens that I had know for years. The tour sites and food were also outstanding. It is a great way to get a sense of the culture and flavours of the city and country.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis
Effie
Effie Parasyrakis
Local specialist in Athens | Replied on Jun 21, 2023

Dear Heather,

Thank you for your kind words! We are all very happy that you enjoyed your trip to Greece so much!

Hope to see you back in Greece again soon!

Best,
Effie

We just returned from our trip to Italy then...
Greece | Apr 25 - May 2, 2023

G
genevieve h.
Mexico | Reviewed on May 09, 2023

We just returned from our trip to Italy then onto Greece. The Italy section had been planned for 2021 but fear of renewed Covid caused us to delay the trip. Kimkim was very understanding and worked with us to redo the trip a year or so later. Everything went smoothly and our driver and guides in Italy and Greece were terrific. I can easily see planning future trips with Kimkim.

Local specialist: Effie Parasyrakis
Effie
Effie Parasyrakis
Local specialist in Athens | Replied on Jun 10, 2023

Dear Genevieve,

thank you for your kind words! We are all very happy that you enjoyed your trip to Greece so much!

Hope to see you back in Greece again soon!

Best,
Effie