
Irene Lappa
Growing up as an only child, my main concern was to socialize, find the best way to communicate with other kids and thus never feel the lack of sibling(s). Luckily, my parents loved traveling and they chose road trips to introduce the world to me. Most of my childhood memories are related to meeting new friends in the most unexpected locations, playing around in every opportunity, visiting archaeological sites and museums, hiking on untrodden trails and swimming in beaches of stunning beauty.
Needless to say, the way life started for me, led me to have a great appreciation of the knowledge of different cultures and mentalities and to realize early the value of the experiences gathered on each travel.
Now, after many more travels, I consider myself a very lucky person to have the chance sharing these experiences with new friends by designing their travels.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Crete, Peloponnese, and the wine routes of Greece and Italy; elegant, cultural travels and road trips with a touch of wine and food as I think they are the basis of a place's culture."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have always been involved in travel, one way or another, but to be more specific, I believe it all begun when I dared to leave behind my career as an assistant director in the Greek film industry and to allow myself a re-approach.
At that point, I started from scratch. I needed to reply to myself, some critical questions with sincerity. What do I want to do? What will make me happy doing it every day? What do I know and love? Well, I answered the following: "I love traveling and I love wine. I know some things about traveling and I can certainly enjoy tasting wine." So, that was it. Next step was easy. I started my studies in both tourism and wine and while studying, I was hired from a travel agency to organize trips for independent travelers. What a revelation! I adored it!
Some years after that beginning, continuing to study wine -it's a never ending process- I feel at home. I am happy to work with the Travel 12 group, where we share the same passion for traveling and we love offering unique and lifechanging experiences."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"It was on 2010 when I decided to travel on my own for the first time. After a demanding 120-day film project, where I worked hard at a crazy pace, I realized that I wanted quality time with myself to pamper me and offer me the space to listen to my needs and wants.
With that in mind, I took the ferry and drove myself to one of my favorite places in Greece, the island of Crete. The concept was, a road trip in a large island with long driving distances, without company. The act was, a two-month road trip where some wonderful things happened! I met interesting people, I discovered unique, off-the-beaten-path locations (even though I'd been in Crete many-many times) and most important, I realized two things: 1st I didn’t want to work in films any more, and 2nd I didn’t feel lonely at any time on a trip that I was traveling alone!
One year after that travel experience, I found myself in a new orbital of studies, everyday life and to conclude, in a happy place. "
Irene's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice

This 9-day itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers who are short on time. Start in the floating city of Venice to explore city canals and tour ornate palaces, then...

If you have two weeks to travel and want to see the highlights of the Mediterranean, this Italy & Greece itinerary is for you. Start the trip in Rome, where you'll explore...

Ten days may seem like a short time to see both Italy and Greece, but you'll still get to experience all the main destinations, with enough time for a beach day or two. Focus...
Family itineraries

Greece has a multitude of wonders to attract you and your family for 10 days of adventure. It's one of the sunniest places in the world, so catch some rays as you explore the...

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...

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...
Luxury itineraries

Experience the best of Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini on this romantic 13-day luxury voyage. You'll explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis and sample local delicacies before...

Never feel rushed on this 18-day luxury grand tour as you're whisked to each destination by a blend of private drivers and concierge train journeys. Start in Naples to explore...

Find the perfect balance of Italy's history and natural beauty on this tour, starting with boat rides and scenic vistas on Lake Como before heading to the scenic hills of Cinque...
Road trip itineraries

Spend two weeks exploring northern Italy at your own speed with this self-drive itinerary that allows you to choose the stops. You'll start off in the northern lakes, with Lake...

Get ready for gorgeous views and a healthy dose of history on this 10-day tour of Athens and the Peloponnese. You'll learn about ancient Greek mythology at the Acropolis, visit...

Get an in-depth look at the Greek countryside on this 11-day road trip around the Peloponnese. Begin in Athens, where you'll learn about ancient mythology at the Acropolis. Then...
Recent trip reviews for Irene
I can't remember all their names. Big momma ...
Italy
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Sep 2 - Sep 11, 2023
I can't remember all their names. Big momma was amazing. Fabio was great as well. Actually, everyone we encountered from our trip was fantastic and very accommodating. Irenes was so kind and helpful. Smoothest trip ever. Thank you for everything. We will definitely be using you again in the future read more
Kim Kim makes Dream Trips seamless so you can enjoy without stress
Greece
|
Aug 6 - Aug 16, 2023

I don’t have words for how phenomenal this trip was.
I was beyond impressed by the communication by our travel specialists. The hotel choices? The airport and travel transports? Could not have been better communicated, kind and more professional. The guides personable, funny and endearing. If you are wondering if Kim Kim is a good bet?
The answer is DO IT.
I am recommending to family and friends and will use them over and over again for trip planning. They took the stress out of the... read more
A hectic trip with some complications, but Kimkim handled every detail perfectly.
Greece
|
Aug 6 - Aug 17, 2023

We planned a family trip. Mom's 80th. Post COVID revenge travel. To Greece. About which we knew next to nothing. For a big group (6 adults) with complicated logistics.
We found KimKim on-line. Used their tool to assess our needs. And Irene put together a trip that matched our interests and met our needs.
We chose Thessaloniki for its importance in Jewish history. The tour was quite good. Though note to tour guide Dina, less emphasis on Jews' perceived wealth would have been okay. The... read more
Claudia's tours of Cinque Terre and Portfolio...
Italy
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Jul 24 - Jul 29, 2023
Claudia's tours of Cinque Terre and Portfolio were fantastic; she was knowledgable and flexible with our needs.
Almost perfect trip to Italy......
Italy
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Jul 13 - Jul 22, 2023
The trip turned out almost perfect if not for the heat wave we experienced during our trip. The Traveler Care team was amazing and responded to all my requests while traveling in a very timely manner making additions and modifications to the trip to account for situations like the weather.
This is our second trip planned using KimKim and would definitely consider using them again for another trip. You definitely pay a premium but its nice to have someone plan everything for you when... read more
The most amazing trip to Italy
Italy
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Jul 14 - Jul 23, 2023

We usually plan our own travels and this is the first time getting help . And using Kimkim was the best decision we ever made. Irene our local specialist was phenomenal! She was really a pleasure to work with. She is patient, very responsive and was honest in her opinion. Together we discussed what I wanted in the trip and she helped us craft a perfect itinerary.
We had both guided and self guided tours. She gave great insights into the places we visited, where to go, what to look out for... read more
Irene and the team from travel 12 were amazin...
Greece
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Jul 8 - Jul 14, 2023

Irene and the team from travel 12 were amazing. Irene planned the most amazing family trip. Her knowledge of Greece in planning our trip is what made our trip so memorable. Her recommendations were top notch. We wouldn’t have been able to plan the trip we took on our own. I highly recommend kimkim to plan any vacation you are thinking about. 5stars, A+++++!!! read more
4 cities, 11 days in Italy
Italy
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Jun 29 - Jul 10, 2023

The booking process was easy w the help of Irene. We loved the guide Giorgia in Siena. We didn’t know the back story of the horse race and it was fascinating. She also got us right into the thick of the parade. All of the drivers were excellent. We really liked Guillermo who drove us to Siena from Terre di Baccio. We loved all the hotels. The service, breakfasts and locations were all great. Our favorite experience was the private boat ride in Sorrento. I think the skipper’s name was Luigi... read more
Irene was phenomenal on planning our trip to Greece!
Greece
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Jun 15 - Jul 1, 2023

Irene was phenomenal. From the start she helped us through planning the best week trip to Greece and was always available for us when we needed it. She planned a great itinerary for us with great hotels, guided and self-guided tours, restaurants and more. Irene is very friendly, sweet and knowledgable about the area. Very much recommend Irene for your next travel to Greece!
The best way to see Italy!
Italy
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Jun 25 - Jul 4, 2023
We had the most spectacular Italy trip, all due to the excellent and detailed planning by Irene Lappa, and then aided by the Travel 12 Team.
Everything was perfect, from the transportation to the hotels to the tours and activities.
We were so impressed with the quick responses to our questions, right from the planning of the trip to the final day, when some changes had to be made, with no problem at all.
The specific tours set up by Irene were very educational and fun - truly enjoyable. We... read more
Itlay and Greece coastline
Italy
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Jun 16 - Jul 1, 2023
Just finished our 2nd trip with kimkim.
Irene was our planner and she exceeded in all aspects. Revised the intierary perfectly to accommodate our needs was always accommodating. All hotels choosen for us were in comfortable and in amazing locations, walking distance to anything we wanted too see or do.
Activities throughout the trip provided knowledge, amazing sites and all food tours had excellent selections.
Overall a great vaction with amazing tour sites, delicous food/drinks, ... read more
Amazing Week in Greece!!!
Greece
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Jun 15 - Jul 1, 2023

Hello Irene and Team!
We are very grateful to all of you for your support and careful planning while we were in your beautiful country. We have fallen in love with the islands and all the places we visited.
We felt supported and cared for every step of the way. A special thanks to all our guides and drivers. You all did an exceptional, professional and beautiful job. Thank you, thank you!!!
Irene, thank you so very much for meeting with us in Athens and for putting together this exceptional trip. May we be in touch again for another adventure!
Irene worked with me to create a personal Gre...
Greece
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Jun 18 - Jul 2, 2023
Irene worked with me to create a personal Greek vacation that fit my requirements of visiting a few islands during my time. Everything was laid out in easy to follow detailed instructions, I didn't have to worry about a thing. Our tours were all small and personal. We had a great time and would definitely use them again. read more

Dear Virginia,
I am so glad to hear that you had a great time in your trip to Greece!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words and I really appreciate your feedback!
I hope I will have the pleasure to welcome you again in Greece or Italy next time, in the future!
Wishing you safe travels!
Irene
Mother/daughter trip we cherish forever!
Italy
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Jun 8 - Jun 21, 2023

From the beginning of our planning all the way until the very end of our trip, Irene and the whole kimkim team, including Travel12 in Greece, were absolutely wonderful. Irene took care and was very responsive during the planning process to make sure our trip was exactly what we wanted... and it was! She thought of everything and covered every little detail to ensure our holiday was safe and stress free. My daughter and I packed a lot into our 2 week trip in Italy and Greece. Irene made sure... read more

My dear Erin!
I am so happy to hear that you had a trip you will cherish for ever!!!
Thank you so much for your warm words for our team and me and I appreciate your detailed feedback that I will convey to everyone!!!
I am grateful to have worked for your trip and have had the opportunity to share with you some of our beloved locations and experiences in Italy and Greece and I really hope that I will have the pleasure to introduce you to more of them in the future!!
Wishing you all the best and safe travels!
Irene
EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS!! YOU WWILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Greece
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Jun 13 - Jun 19, 2023
I started working with Irene in November planning a trip to Greece with our 12 year old granddaughter! She is a fountain of knowledge! She provided us with a plan which I would never have been able to do by myself.
About 2 weeks before our trip I notified her that I have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I would be limited to shorter walks. Without asking she started searching for a scooter and transportation to haul it. She advised against certain venues for safety issues. ... read more

My dear Mary Jean, Denzil and Micah,
Thank you so much for your amazing review, I am deeply touched!
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work on your trip and having the pleasure of meeting you in Athens!
I hope I will have the pleasure to welcome you in Greece or Italy sometime in the future, and meet you once again, perhaps with the rest of your amazing grandchildren!!!
Wishing you safe travels!
Irene
Trip was wonderful! Catered to our preference...
Greece
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Jun 2 - Jun 16, 2023
Trip was wonderful! Catered to our preferences! Transfers were on time. Everyone we dealt with was personal and professional. Will definitely look at KimKim for future adventures.
Irene was wonderful. Clearly communicated and offered suggestions as needed.
Thank you Irene as well as the rest of the team for making this bucket list adventure a memory for the ages! read more

Dear Cathy and Chrystal!
I am so happy that you had a wonderful trip and thank you so much for your kind words!
It was a pleasure working with you and I wish that I will have the opportunity to introduce you to more amazing locations in the future! In Greece or perhaps next time in Italy where our local team also specialize in!
All my best and safe travels!
Irene
Greece Honeymoon
Greece
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May 29 - Jun 8, 2023

Irene did an AMAZING job planning our honeymoon in Greece. We had so much fun experiencing Greece with the numerous 10/10 tours Irene set us up with. Irene did a spectacular job creating a honeymoon for in the go people who wanted to see as much of Greece as possible, but also wanted a little relaxation. We were so impressed! Irene had private drivers ready for us before every transfer, and everyone she chose was timely and efficient. All of our tours were fun but our favorite was the Wine... read more

My dear Nadia and Joel,
Thank you so much for your amazing review!
I am so happy that you had an amazing honeymoon trip and thank you for your detailed, valuable feedback and for trusting me and our team to plan and organize a unique trip experience for you such as your honeymoon!
I wish you come back one day to see more of our beautiful country!
All my best for a happily ever after!
Irene
Wonderful Mother Daughter trip to Greece
Greece
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May 9 - May 17, 2023

The planning in advance of this trip was great. Irene answered all of my questions and made me feel super comfortable with the plans that we made. My suggestions and whims were taken into account which made me feel heard. My mom had never gotten a passport or traveled out of the country and was nervous but are itinerary and detailed schedule made her feel a lot more comfortable. Our tour guide of Acropolis, Michael, was so knowledgeable and friendly. A great person to me at the start of our... read more

My dear Olivia,
I cannot describe how happy I am to hear that you had such a lovely time on your trip to Greece with your mom! I am deeply touched by your kind words and grateful that I had the opportunity to work with you!
Thank you so much for your trust to kimkim, our local team in Greece Travel 12 and me personally and I wish this was just a great start for your mom traveling abroad and for you many more great travels to follow that will fill your heart with fascinating images and happiness!!
With all my best for a wonderful summer season,
Irene
Prefect trip for my daughter and I
Greece
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Apr 11 - Apr 19, 2023

My daughter and I have had the most amazing trip to Greece. We are in love and will be back. It was great having Irene of Kimkim help plan our trip of 9 days as we wanted culture, art and history at a relaxed pace.
We visited Athens, Naxos and Santorini and it was fantastic. Irene organized a cooking class, a trip to Delphi with olive tasting and in Naxos convinced me the best way was to drive to see the beautiful landscape! She was right.
In Santorini, we had a pottery class with a... read more

Dear Meerabella,
Thank you so much for your marvelous review and useful feedback!!
I am happy that you had an amazing trip to Greece!!!
It was really important for my team & I and our goal was for you to savor this trip with your little one, have a smooth, worry-free travel experience and create memories of a lifetime!! So glad to hear that we did good and I will convey your kind words to the team!!
I would love to assist you organize your next trip to Greece or/and perhaps a trip to Italy?!!
Wishing you an amazing summer season & all the best!
Irene
Everything about our trip was "Perfecto!"
Italy
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Mar 19 - Mar 26, 2023

Everything about our trip was truly "Perfecto!" Irene was very responsive throughout the entire planning process and created exactly the itinerary that we wanted. We spent 2 nights in Venice, 3 in Florence and 2 in Rome. I was so impressed with every tour guide. Each and every one was so professional and so knowledgeable. I loved the personal nature of our tours being just for our group of 3 or a very small group. The personal and friendly nature of these tours made each day a joy! I can see... read more

Dear Stephanie,
Thank you so much for your rave review!!!
I am so grateful that I had the good pleasure working with you and I will be happy to organize your next "PERFECTO" or "TELIO" (Greek word for perfect) trip!!
Wishing you safe travels and an amazing summer season!!!
All the best,
Irene