Eleni Fotiou
My love for traveling, my curiosity, and strong motivation for research, as well as an inner quest for identity, made me study international relations and focus on the Mediterranean region. I traveled extensively in the Mediterranean, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the Middle East. As a student, and later as a researcher and policy analyst, I participated in exchange programs, backpacking, and volunteer projects.
Writing and photography have always been the best companions in my journey and a means to better understand the world and to self-transform. Nowadays, my three kids have taken over this challenging role and guided me to find my inner “harbor” in the authenticity of the Mediterranean landscape and in simple things, as precious as an olive tree, a grapevine, and a boat sailing in calm waters.
Today, it is undoubtedly the love for our land, the Mediterranean, that made me want to share what I have seen and felt that matters in traveling; a better understanding of the world, of ourselves, exploration, in other words, the art of a meaningful life. Life is a journey anyway, in which “you hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery."
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Italy and Greece; family travel & hands on experiences; educational & sophisticated travel…but in essence, creating tailormade trips inspired by anyone willing to travel and explore our land."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I think I was always involved in travel. I always remember myself designing trips with my parents, my grandma, and later for my solo trips or with my friends and colleagues. When I became a mother, I felt I should not let my job define my life; but rather the opposite. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"The travel experience I will never forget was my road trip in the Mediterranean: from Italy to France, Spain, and Portugal, and from Greece to Egypt through Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel following the literary path of historian and travel writer William Dalrymple. I relived this journey once more 7 years later in my first personal travel photography exhibition “Faces from the Mediterranean”."
Featured trips & expertise
Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 7 Days
Take a week getting out into nature in the Peloponnesian peninsula with this itinerary designed for older kids and teenagers. Start in Athens, where you'll juxtapose Classical myths with modern street art. Then head to the historic warrior city of Sparta to explore its ancient castles before you finish your trip in the seaside city of Nafplio with a kayak tour over a sunken city.
Greek History, Nature, and Culture for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 10 Days
Older kids and teens can enjoy ten days of activities that will acquaint them with Greece's personality through the ages. Start in Athens with tours of ancient monuments and modern street art, then head to Nafplio to explore sprawling sanctuaries. You'll then head to Olympia to try your hand at beekeeping and archaeology before ending your trip among the sacred stones at Delphi.
Greek Culture & Adventure for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 7 Days
Explore the city and countryside via engaging activities on this week-long itinerary ideal for school-aged children . Your first days will be spent in Athens, listening to stories, creating comics, and practicing your athletic skills at the home of the first modern Olympic Games. Then head to the Mani Peninsula for boat trips, bike tours, and more amid the scenic villages before you head home.
Greek Culture & Adventure for Families: Athens & the Peloponnese - 10 Days
School-aged children can get a taste of both Classical and modern Greece with this 10-day itinerary. You'll start your trip in Athens, where treasure hunts, comic-making workshops, and an Olympic workout will help everyone get acquainted with the many facets of the country. Then head to Kalamata, home of the famous olives, for some gastronomy lessons, sea kayaking, and a chance to channel your inner archer.
Family Highlights of Greece: Athens & Santorini - 7 Days
See some of the most popular spots in Greece with this one-week itinerary for the whole family. You'll start in Athens, where you can listen to Classical myths atop the Acropolis, practice your athleticism in the home of the first modern Olympics, and learn to cook Mediterranean-style. Then jet off to Santorini for sunset views and relaxation on the sand.
Family Highlights of Greece: Athens, Naxos & Santorini - 10 Days
Take ten days to share some of Greek's most popular spots with your whole family on this itinerary. You'll start in Athens with some park strolls and storytelling atop the Acropolis. Then head to the Cyclades islands for some beach time and cooking classes in Naxos, followed by guided strolls to some of the best views Santorini has to offer.
Recent trip reviews for Eleni
First time touring Greece · Greece - Aug 27 - Sep 6, 2021
Eleni and team did a great job coordinating a 10-12 day trip around Greece. Of course, it's impossible to see everything in Greece in this short amount of time, but she did a great job advising on what we can do for this first time around. She was flexible to adjust along our preferences and budget. The greatest surprise of this trip was being connected to her and her team upon initial arrival, where we had timely response on any questions we had. Their demeanor was service oriented, informative, and we are immensely grateful for their premium service. Totally recommend them!
Thank you very much Esther for your kind words. Thank you for trusting me and our team and we will be very happy to welcome you and Derek again and show you another part of our beautiful country!
Incredible Trip to Greece! Thanks KimKim & Eleni Fotiou! · Greece - Jun 23 - Jul 6, 2021
We were so thrilled with the advice and service provided by Eleni Fotiou in planning and executing our recent 2-week self-drive road trip to mainland Greece. Eleni spoke to us by phone to get a sense of what we were looking for (how much we wanted to drive each day, how adventurous we were, what type of hotels we liked, etc.) and she then put together an incredible and creative itinerary, including things we would never have known about. Our highlights included a self-guided Delphi tour,... read more
David, "it takes two to tango"! In this case it took three! Thank you both for your dedication and your enthusiasm. It has been a pleasure working to create a trip like this for travelers like you who are real explorers. Thank you for giving me the chance to suggest routes that very few people have tried in the past. I hope to see you again soon in Greece or in Italy!