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
1 Week / 3 Cities in Greece
Greece
|
Jul 23 - Jul 30, 2022
Eleni did a wonderful job providing great lodging, locations, and experiences during our trip to Greece. We had a family of four with two teenagers and got to experience a little bit of everything. We had a couple hiccups with car rentals, but that didn't take away from how well organized the whole vacation was. The team was incredibly responsive during our trip 24/7 and every guide we interacted with was the best! If I ever go to Greece again, I would be happy to work with Eleni and her... read more
Dear Joanna,
thank you so much for the beautiful memories you shared with me and our team here in Athens. Most of all, I would like to thank you for the wealth of information in your feedback with regards to accommodations, activities, drivers and guides, because it is very important for us to know our travelers' experience and impressions. I would love to plan another trip in Greece or Italy (where I also specialize in) for your family in the near future!
Safe travels!
Eleni
Two Weeks in Italy
Italy
|
Jun 20 - Jul 1, 2022
Our two weeks spent in Italy were absolutely amazing! Kim Kim and our guide Eleni handled all the details big and small from transportation, tours, and hotels. This made everything so easy knowing that everything was pre-arranged and handled for us. We highly recommend using KimKim for your travel. While in Italy the team was very responsive and kept us up to date if anything changed. The tours we had arranged were absolutely fantastic and all of our guides were wonderful and made sure we had a great time and experience.
Thank you very much Kiara for your very kind words for me and the team. We are all very happy for your great time and the experience you lived in Italy and thankful for your amazing photos!
I am looking forward to hosting you in Italy or in Greece, where I specialize in sometime in the future!
Eleni
Eleni is amazing!!!
Italy
|
Jun 27 - Jul 2, 2022
Eleni is amazing!!! We will defintly use her on our next rtip. The whole team is great. Great follow up. I have already recommended them to several friends
Thank you so much Craig! Looking forward to hosting you again with new unique experiences in Italy and in Greece!
Family fun in Greece
Greece
|
Jun 23 - Jun 30, 2022
We had a wonderful family trip to Greece! Eleni was very helpful and responsive when booking the trip. We enjoyed all of the private tours that were booked. My family truly had an experience of a lifetime. We especially enjoyed the farm tour in Santorini (Ana did a wonderful job during our cooking class and farm to table meal) and the catamaran tour in the caldera. Petit Palace was incredible and service was excellent. The only feedback I would give is just have the travel team confirm with... read more
Dear Kim and family, thank you so much for your nice words. Myself and the team are very happy you enjoyed your trip to Greece and everything we have planned for you. Thank you very much for your patience and understanding in the confusion that has taken place; it is not very common for travel agents to book and prepay a preset menu in the specific restaurant -being very unique and upscale-, so we had to triple check. I am wishing you safe travels and I am looking forward to plan for you another trip in Italy or Greece for you, your family and friends!
Our 12-day trip to Italy was wonderful! I rec...
Italy
|
Jun 20 - Jul 1, 2022
Our 12-day trip to Italy was wonderful! I recommend Eleni at kimkim 100%.
Our Group:
We had four kids (aged 5, 6, 7, & 8) plus two sets of parents, and three grandparents. So we had a total of 11 people. One of the adults had limited mobility in walking. The tour was very personalized to our group. There was a special focus on engaging the kids so they would enjoy the tour.
Our Specialist:
Eleni was our specialist and she really knew exactly how to plan a trip for our specific... read more
Dear Emily and family,
I would like to thank you for giving me this unique opportunity to plan this very special trip with your family and kids, and for your kindness, patience and engagement during the planning phase and the actual trip, which was an amazing challenge for our team to test our skills, not because of the size and the age-range of your group, but mainly because me and the team wanted to offer you a unique, kid-friendly and authentic experience in the major Italian cities... read more
An outstanding, life-changing travel experience!
Greece
|
Jun 25 - Jul 4, 2022
kimkim and Eleni provided our family of five with an outstanding, life-changing travel experience. We started in Athens and then drove to Kalamata with stops along the way to sightsee, eat, and swim. Our kids ages span from 17 to 6 and Eleni was able to set up an itinerary that had something for all of them to enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives. This was one of the main reasons we booked through kimkim and Eleni nailed it! The accommodations were perfectly located and made us... read more
Dear David and Jessica,
Thank you so much for the memories you shared with me and our team through this review! I truly believe that the Peloponnese is an amazing and life-changing place for families with kids of all ages, because of its variety of landscape, its history and mythology and amazing beaches and food.
Thank you for being conscious travelers and for raising conscious travelers, who respect the natural environment and the local communities and I am looking forward to hosting you again to show you another place of Greece or Italy, where I specialize in.
Wishing you safe travels!
Trip of a Lifetime!
Italy
|
Jun 21 - Jun 28, 2022
Eleni planned an amazing trip to Italy for my family! Everything from the planning stages to the spectacular trip start to finish was superb. The experiences were so enjoyable and engaging for the whole family (4 teenagers included)- especially the private tour guides through Rome (Giovanni and Lorenzo), Pompeii (Mina), and Naples (Frederica). Each one had great personality and local insight. We learned so much, laughed a lot, and had a ball. My favorite part was a stunning and breathtaking... read more
Dear Becky,
on behalf of our whole team, thank you so much for your kind words, for being a real traveler and for raising amazing kids, who impressed the guides and drivers with their behavior and respect towards history and local society!
I would also like to thank you personally for the time you dedicated in helping me visualize the right hotels, activities and travel pace for your family and I am looking forward to hosting you in Greece in the near future!
All the best
Eleni
A 5 Star Experience
Italy
|
Jun 27 - Jul 2, 2022
Eleni worked with us to create a memorable trip. She answered every question we asked and provided us with all of the assistance we needed. The KimKim team was quick to respond to our questions. During the entirety of our trip, we felt that the team was there to offer guidance and support. We are already recommending KimKim to our friends.
Dear Gail and Craig,
It was wonderful meeting, talking to you and guiding you through Italy! I would like to thank you for your kindness and dedication in planning a great trip for you, as well as for your feedback on the F1Simulator that I have never tried and always been scared to!!! When I try it, I will have you in my mind!
Looking forward to hosting you again in Italy or in Greece!
It was a fantastic trip! Eleni is very knowle...
Greece
|
May 24 - Jun 4, 2022
It was a fantastic trip! Eleni is very knowledgeable
And the The team on ground was very responsive ❤️❤️
Thank you very much Aktta and family!
The trip we together created was indeed fantastic, very rich in experiences, kid-friendly activities and I should confess I admired your fast-pace with your very young kids!
Looking forward to hosting you in Greece or in Italy!
Italy trip
Italy
|
May 25 - Jun 3, 2022
Our trip was amazing thanks to Eleni! She made all the accommodations and thought of everything ahead of time. She is a pleasure to work with and I would definitely recommend her! This is our second trip with kimkim and we will continue to use them for all our needs! read more
Thank you Christine for the wonderful pictures and your kind words! I am sure that this trip to Italy is already part of the most beautiful family memories of your life! Looking forward to hosting you again in Italy or in Greece for a family-friendly vacation!
Local Feeling, Adventure and Ease. GREAT TRIP
Greece
|
Apr 29 - May 5, 2022
No complaints! I explained the general "Feeling" I was hoping to have and experience while in Greece for a week with my preteen daughter. "Not too touristy, but not isolated. Connect with locals, eat amazing food, relax but have things to explore." Eleni came up with an itinerary on the first go round that we made only made one small adjustment to. Otherwise the trip was great. We specifically loved a full-day boat excursion on a private sailboat with a chef and stops at various caves and... read more
Dear Gal, it was wonderful to have you and your daughter here! Thank you very much for your kind words and for sharing with us your feelings! I hope I can host you, your family and friends again in another beautiful place in Greece or in Italy! Safe travels!
Thank you Eleni! I wrote a review on another...
Italy
|
Nov 23 - Dec 1, 2021
Thank you Eleni! I wrote a review on another email for this, I hope I'm not doubling up, just wanted to make sure you saw it. Our trip was wonderful and we couldn't have done it without your help!
Thank you Mary and Travis for giving me the chance to plan for you your honeymoon!
And thank you for posting it here as well, as I did not have the chance to read your review. I am very happy you enjoyed the trip to Italy and I will be more than happy to plan one of you future trips again to Italy or Greece!
Slow Travel Honeymoon in Italy
Italy
|
Oct 8 - Oct 27, 2021
The goal of our honeymoon was to spend 3 weeks in Italy, starting in Florence and ending on the Amalfi Coast. But we needed help to organize a trip that would ensure we could truly experience Italy, spend quality time in each location, have smooth transitions from place to place, and incorporate down time along with the activities. We called it the “Slow Travel Honeymoon in Italy” and from the first day we were in contact to the final day of our amazing trip, Kimkim did a spectacular job for... read more
Dear Rod and Francine,
creating for you a perfect honeymoon is the reason for which I am doing this job; that is helping travelers plan trips in which they create lifetime memories. I am honored to have the opportunity to do this for you, and I will be very happy to host you again in Greece or Italy.
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!