I was born in Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest and —to my belief— most vibrant city, and a gastronomic paradise. I always loved being a traveler of my own birthplace, collecting all the city guides and travel magazines, old and new, strolling around for hours and hours searching for the cutest cafés, the oldest bakeries, the buildings with the best view, the new openings.
I learnt my city like the back of my hand, and it was time for new adventures. Studies, and work took me from Northern Italy (where I found my home away from home and I am forever convinced to have been Italian in another life) to Spain's Catalonia, to the French Atlantic coast, to the North of Portugal and back to Italy for a full immersion into its endless wine world. Five years of living out of a suitcase, four countries, seven regions, eleven temporary homes until I found my way back to Greece, to live in an Aegean island.
I have a passion for discovering and sharing the unique tastes and aromas of a place, what its lands produce and what its people make. The producers, the farmers, the artists, the gastronomes, the artisans, the makers of any kind, who make a place what it is. Being an excited member of Storywalking's team of travel specialists, I have the opportunity to show you Italy through our own eyes, while adjusted to your needs!
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"Sao Miguel island of the Azores. Politically in Portugal, geographically in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and in terms of the landscapes otherworldly! The lash green fields, the black sand, the blue sea, the crater lakes, the waterfalls, the hot springs, the forests, the crispiest wines, the delicious local dairy products, and the famous "cozido das Furnas" will make any foodie and nature lover fall in love."
Eirini's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Recent trip reviews for Eirini
Great trip to Italy
Italy
|
Oct 6 - Oct 14, 2025
Bill B.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025
KimKim did an outstanding job in planning our trip to Italy. All of the day excursions were excellent- the ones in Siena exploring the Tuscany area, the day trip to Capri and the day drive around the Amalfi Coast. The guides in Siena and Sorrento were very good and lastly we enjoyed the two hotels that you selected in Siena and Sorrento. Thanks again in Eirini and the entire Kimkim team!!
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Room with a sofa bed? At check-in make certain that they made up the bed!
Italy
|
Sep 22 - Oct 3, 2025
Rosemarie M.
Newark, NJ
| Reviewed on Oct 06, 2025
LOCAL SPECIALIST Erini. Very good but could have made clear about time between drop-off and check-in. Ciara. Very quick attention to our needs. ACCOMMODATIONS: Alberobello 5/5 stars. Gorgeous interior, clean, newly renovated, all amenities, great communication with host. Only negative was spotty wifi. Lecce 3/5 stars. Room was not ready for us. Sofa bed was not made up. No drinking glasses. No kleenex. Only one trash can. Not particularly clean. Ants on the dresser. Could not check in until 4...
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LOCAL SPECIALIST Erini. Very good but could have made clear about time between drop-off and check-in. Ciara. Very quick attention to our needs. ACCOMMODATIONS: Alberobello 5/5 stars. Gorgeous interior, clean, newly renovated, all amenities, great communication with host. Only negative was spotty wifi. Lecce 3/5 stars. Room was not ready for us. Sofa bed was not made up. No drinking glasses. No kleenex. Only one trash can. Not particularly clean. Ants on the dresser. Could not check in until 4 pm. We arrived at 2 pm. Host was not on the premises. We were on the sidewalk with our luggage. Luckily a guest was leaving and she let us in and we left our luggage unattended in the foyer. Only positive was a nice large terrace at the back of the building. Would never stay there again. Bari 4/5 stars. Nice interior, clean, all amenities. Room was not ready for us. Sofa bed was not made up. AC not working and they came right away to fix. Good communication with host. Stairs very narrow and steep. GUIDES/EXPERIENCES: Alberobello Annarita B+. Matera Luigi A. Bread baking experience C (could have skipped it). Bottega Lucano liqueur - was skipped why? We had to pay to see a typical cave home Casa Grotta, why? Lecce Simona B. Cooking class B. Egnazia archeological park Luca A+. Bari Enzo? B. Grottaglie (my addition to the itinary) A. DRIVERS. Generally okay. English capability varied greatly. Driver (Sept 29) did not speak English! It was difficult to communicate. Most drivers did not give us their cell number. It would have made mid-route stops easier. Driver (Oct 3 leaving Bari) did not park near our accommodation to pick us up. We had to walk 10 mins to where he parked. He rolled Donna's suitcase and I had to roll my own over cobble streets. Do not understand why, since Driver (Sep 29 arriving Bari) parked close by and the host walked there to meet us.
Hotel Reviews
Chiancole Trulli Experience
Alberobello
5/5 stars. Gorgeous interior, clean, newly renovated, all amenities, great communication with host. Only negative was spotty wifi.
Palazzo dei Dondoli - Luxury Room & Apartments
Lecce
3/5 stars. Room was not ready for us. Sofa bed was not made up. No drinking glasses. No kleenex. Only one trash can. Not particularly clean. Ants on the dresser. Could not check in until 4 pm. We arrived at 2 pm. Host was not on the premises. We were on the sidewalk with our luggage. Luckily a guest was leaving and she let us in and we left our luggage unattended in the foyer. Only positive was a nice large terrace at the back of the building. Would never stay there again.
Porta Piccola Luxury Home
Bari
4/5 stars. Nice interior, clean, all amenities. Room was not ready for us. Sofa bed was not made up. AC not working and they came right away to fix. Good communication with host. Stairs very narrow and steep.
Activity Reviews
Private Driver at your disposal to Grottaglie *
Italy
A gentleman. Very helpful. Very good English
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alberobello Guided Tour
Italy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Guided Tour in Lecce
Lecce
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Storywalking Experience: A guided walk exploring Matera's history and food traditions from Alberobello
Italy
Matera Luigi A. Bread baking experience C (could have skipped it). Bottega Lucano liqueur - was skipped why? We had to pay to see a typical cave home Casa Grotta, why?
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided tour of the Archaeological park of Egnazia
Italy
Egnazia archeological park Luca A+. One of the true highlights of this trip. Luca was awesome and gave us a 1.5 hour tour not 1.0 hour. Wish we had budgeted more time there.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Pasta Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce
Italy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Walking Tour of Bari
Bari
Good tour but guide did not seem enthusiastic.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Oct 14, 2025
Dear Rosemarie, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback — we truly appreciate it. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stays in Alberobello and Bari, as well as several of your experiences and local guides.
At the same time, I’m very sorry for the inconvenience you encountered in Lecce and for the issues with timing and communication during your transfers. We completely understand how disappointing it must have been to arrive and find the accommodation not...
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Dear Rosemarie, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback — we truly appreciate it. I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed your stays in Alberobello and Bari, as well as several of your experiences and local guides.
At the same time, I’m very sorry for the inconvenience you encountered in Lecce and for the issues with timing and communication during your transfers. We completely understand how disappointing it must have been to arrive and find the accommodation not properly prepared and to experience difficulty coordinating with some drivers. Please accept our sincere apologies for the frustration this caused.
Your feedback is invaluable, and we’ve already shared it with our local partners to ensure these matters are promptly addressed and do not happen again. We’re grateful for your understanding and for giving us the opportunity to make this right.
Warm regards, from all the Storywalking team
25 year anniversary trip
Italy
|
Sep 10 - Oct 1, 2025
GARY S.
Anchorage, AK
| Reviewed on Oct 03, 2025
the trip was wonderful! The attention to detail was what we had hoped for. Wonderful divers at ever location. Each hotel was nice. A few of the hotels we would have liked closer to the main part of the city, but other than that the service at each location was great. And Eirini was great. And the lady who helped us each day.
We will definitely use KimKim again on our next overseas trip!
God Bless you all
Thanks, Gary Swoffer
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the trip was wonderful! The attention to detail was what we had hoped for. Wonderful divers at ever location. Each hotel was nice. A few of the hotels we would have liked closer to the main part of the city, but other than that the service at each location was great. And Eirini was great. And the lady who helped us each day.
We will definitely use KimKim again on our next overseas trip!
God Bless you all
Thanks, Gary Swoffer
Hotel Reviews
great hotel and location. Staff was wonderful.
Villa Lattanzi Luxury Refuge
Torre di Palme
great hotel and location. Staff was wonderful.
Relais Della Rovere
Colle di Val d'Elsa
great hotel and location. Staff was wonderful.
Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa
Milos
wonderful staff. Great food!!
Kraft Hotel Florence
Florence
a bit out of the main city for us.
Una Villa - Amalfi Boutique B&B
Amalfi
great hotel and location. Staff was wonderful.
Location
Cabs are expensive in Italy!
Staff
They went over the top to help us in every way. Even drove us to one of our dinners!
Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
Athens
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Oct 04, 2025
Dear Gary, thank you very much for your kind words. We are thrilled to know that you had such a wonderful time. Attention to detail is something we truly care about, so it means a lot to hear that everything ran smoothly for you. We are also proud to hear such kind feedback about our trusted partners.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to Italy and Greece! Arrivederci!
Our guides were wonderful! And the hotel we s...
Italy
|
Sep 3 - Sep 11, 2025
Erin B.
Chicago, IL
| Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025
Our guides were wonderful! And the hotel we stayed at in Sorento was the best we’ve ever been to including the most amazing breakfast and chef!
The day trip to Capri was probably our favorite part of the trip ❤️
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Our guides were wonderful! And the hotel we stayed at in Sorento was the best we’ve ever been to including the most amazing breakfast and chef!
The day trip to Capri was probably our favorite part of the trip ❤️
Hotel Review
Maison il Conservatorio
Sorrento
So beautiful, so clean, so inviting!! Our absolute favorite!! And the chef!! The breakfast!! Hands down the best!!
Authenticity & Character
The colors, the tile, the large rooms, the large shower… wonderful!
Location
Walked to everything we wanted.
Staff
Helpful whenever we needed anything.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The floors! Everything was immaculate!
Activity Reviews
The Best of Colosseum & Ancient Rome With Exclusive Arena Access
Rome
The details of all the history our guide shared was amazing. And she was able to answer any questions we had.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Early Morning Vatican Tour
Rome
Having a guide point out the importance of what we were seeing made this special.
As a Christian, experiencing where some of the hero’s of our faith taught and died was special.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Exclusive Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento
Italy
Best day ever! The boat ride, staff, Capri all amazing!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Self exploration tour of Venice
Venice
Venice was amazing to see and experience. A couple days were enough for us.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Sep 22, 2025
Dear Erin, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your stay in Sorrento. Knowing that your guides and the day trip to Capri made the experience even more special truly fills us with pride. We love seeing our local partners share their passion in a way that creates memories like these, and we’re so glad we could be part of your journey.
Arrivederci from the whole Storywalking team!
The trip Erin planned for us was wonderful! S...
Italy
|
Jul 12 - Jul 26, 2025
Danielle G.
Raleigh, NC
| Reviewed on Aug 02, 2025
The trip Erin planned for us was wonderful! She was very easy to communicate our ideal trip. The personal transfers m, train tickets and rental car that was set up made travel so much more enjoyable and less stressful. This is our third trip we planned using KimKim and all have been great!!!
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The trip Erin planned for us was wonderful! She was very easy to communicate our ideal trip. The personal transfers m, train tickets and rental car that was set up made travel so much more enjoyable and less stressful. This is our third trip we planned using KimKim and all have been great!!!
Hotel Reviews
Great for families!!! We had enough space for our two teenage daughters! Very clean and great rooftop bar!
Location
Great location!!!
Relais Della Porta
Naples
Beautiful historic hotel! Room was breath taking!!!
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Aug 04, 2025
Thank you for your kind message! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your family trip and appreciated our services. From the hotels to the drivers and guides, we’re proud to collaborate with passionate professionals who help us create unforgettable experiences in a smooth and stress-free way.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Italy in the future! Arrivederci!
Wonderful trip
Italy
|
Jun 29 - Jul 12, 2025
Julie L.
| Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025
Everything was great and I appreciate your quick responses. The tours were wonderful. Our guide in Santa Margherita was very kind, informative, and helpful. The only one we didn’t like was in Milan. The canal boat ride was underwhelming. It’s not very interesting especially compared to other parts of Italy.
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Everything was great and I appreciate your quick responses. The tours were wonderful. Our guide in Santa Margherita was very kind, informative, and helpful. The only one we didn’t like was in Milan. The canal boat ride was underwhelming. It’s not very interesting especially compared to other parts of Italy.
Hotel Reviews
Bellagio Holiday Home - Lago Azzurro Apartment
Bellagio
Authenticity & Character
Had everything we needed. The 2nd bedroom is very small for 2 people.
Location
Not a 2 minute walk to town but close enough.
Hotel Tigullio et de Milan
Santa Margherita Ligure
It’s great. We had a nice big room.
Art Hotel Commercianti
Bologna
It was fine but the bed wasn’t very comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Private Transfer from Milano Malpensa Airport to Bellagio *
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Very convenient and worthwhile.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Classic Private Cruise on Lake Como
Italy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day trip in Cinque Terre with your private tour guide
Santa Margherita Ligure
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino & San Fruttuoso
Italy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our guide made it very easy.
Train Tickets from Santa Margherita Ligure to Camogli - Round trip
Santa Margherita Ligure
Bologna Market & Food Tour
Bologna
Great experience and guide.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Cooking Experience at Local's Homes
Italy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Milan water city, marbles and fresh fish
Milan
This was underwhelming. The boat ride was not necessary. The fish was good though.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Jul 18, 2025
Dear July, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tours and appreciated our quick responses. It’s especially rewarding to know your guide in Santa Margherita made a positive impact—our collaborations with passionate, knowledgeable professionals are something we’re truly proud of. We're sorry to hear that the Milan experience didn’t quite resonate with you, and we genuinely value your honest feedback. It helps us continue refining every part of the journey.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Italy in the future!
Wonderful trip to Italy
Italy
|
Jul 1 - Jul 7, 2025
Lesley D.
Ashburn, VA
| Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025
Excellent itinerary, every single plan was executed as scheduled, all drivers were on time, professional, and helpful. Every excursion surpassed expectations. The hotels chosen for us were incredible, food was outstanding. 10/10!
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Excellent itinerary, every single plan was executed as scheduled, all drivers were on time, professional, and helpful. Every excursion surpassed expectations. The hotels chosen for us were incredible, food was outstanding. 10/10!
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Capo d'Africa—Colosseo
Rome
Clean, incredible breakfasts, fantastic rooftop bar!
Hotel Mignon Sorrento
Sorrento
The most delicious homemade breakfasts. Location was perfect!
Authenticity & Character
Loved the Mediterranean decor and the fact that there were balconies off each room!
Location
Just a hop skip to the main streets of Sorrento
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable and clean
Activity Reviews
Rome Pasta-Making Class
Rome
Delicious food, excellent instructors, very welcoming and fun atmosphere!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amalfi coast boat tour from Sorrento (Amalfi & Positano)
Italy
The best experience... so fun to have a day on the open water.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum
Rome
We loved our guide... it was so evident that she was as enthralled with the Colosseum as we were!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Jul 18, 2025
Dear Lesley, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that everything went according to plan and that your family had such a fantastic experience. It means a lot to know that the excursions exceeded expectations and that you enjoyed the hotels and amazing food along the way. We’re so happy to have helped create a seamless and memorable journey for you all. Your review makes our day!
Arrivederci from the whole Storywalking team!
I really liked the food tour in Bologna but I...
Italy
|
Jun 29 - Jul 12, 2025
Cheryl W.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025
I really liked the food tour in Bologna but I did not like the tour in Milan.
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I really liked the food tour in Bologna but I did not like the tour in Milan.
Hotel Reviews
Needs dome painting and cleaning the cobwebs
Authenticity & Character
Updating
Art Hotel Commercianti
Bologna
Staff
Very nice and polite
Hotel Tigullio et de Milan
Santa Margherita Ligure
Authenticity & Character
Cute and charming
Bellagio Holiday Home - Lago Azzurro Apartment
Bellagio
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Jul 18, 2025
Dear Cheryl, Thank you for your feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed the food tour in Bologna. We’re sorry to hear Milan didn’t meet your expectations and appreciate you sharing your thoughts, it helps us improve.
Arrivederci from the whole Storywalking tema!
We will definitely be using KimKim again in t...
Italy
|
Jun 26 - Jul 5, 2025
Anna B.
Dallas, TX
| Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025
We will definitely be using KimKim again in the future! Everything was planned perfectly and they sent us detailed reminders the night before each activity so there was never any room for guessing!
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We will definitely be using KimKim again in the future! Everything was planned perfectly and they sent us detailed reminders the night before each activity so there was never any room for guessing!
Hotel Reviews
Atelier Inès Arts & Suites
Napoli
Una Villa - Amalfi Boutique B&B
Amalfi
Authenticity & Character
I
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Jul 18, 2025
Dear Anna, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear everything went smoothly and that the detailed reminders helped make your trip feel effortless. It’s always our goal to create clear, stress-free experiences so you can focus on enjoying the journey. We’d be absolutely thrilled to help you plan another adventure in the future!
Arrivederci from the whole Storywalking team!
Our 50th Wedding Anniversary Italy road trip. KimKim has certainly exceeded our expectation...
Italy
|
Jun 11 - Jun 25, 2025
Jeff W.
Los Angeles, CA
| Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025
KimKim has certainly exceeded our expectations! Eirini had a tough job because we came to her after we had picked dates, bought flights and booked a rental car. We had a rough outline of what we wanted and she filled in all the blanks.
The tours she booked were all awesome and the accommodations were perfect. I really appreciated the daily reminders that Annalisa provided once we were in Italy. All arrangements with both guides, hotels, and transportation were seamless and thoughtfully...
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KimKim has certainly exceeded our expectations! Eirini had a tough job because we came to her after we had picked dates, bought flights and booked a rental car. We had a rough outline of what we wanted and she filled in all the blanks.
The tours she booked were all awesome and the accommodations were perfect. I really appreciated the daily reminders that Annalisa provided once we were in Italy. All arrangements with both guides, hotels, and transportation were seamless and thoughtfully selected. Can’t say enough good things about your service. You made our dream vacation a reality!! WELL DONE!
Hotel Review
Charming Bellagio Boutique Hotel
Bellagio
Charming says it all. Not just the accommodation and location but the sweet lady who checked us in. We were unable to stay for our included breakfast so she made us some lunches to take with us. So thoughtful!!
Local specialist: Eirini Daouka
Eirini Daouka
Local specialist in Greece
| Replied on Jun 26, 2025
Dear Jeff, Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear that the trip exceeded your expectations. It was a real pleasure working with you and creating this special trip, and I’m so glad we were able to fill in the blanks and include all the places you wanted to see. I’m also happy to hear you enjoyed the tours, the accommodations, and the support from Annalisa while in Italy.
Should you ever wish to return to Italy, we’ll be thrilled to welcome you back!
Arrivederci from the whole Storywalking team!
