Somewhere We Know

Our hotel in Santorini ended up being a dump. This impacted our entire trip, both our first time in Greece and our first time even in Europe. Our travel Agent at 'Somewhere We Know' refused to believe our complaints until we put together a detailed 3-page review with pictures and a list of the lies on the resort website (for example, they claimed to have a poolside bar with service, which did not exist; rooms were supposed to come with robes and slippers, also not true... the list is long, in addition to the complete run down, broke-down aspects of the facility itself). After we made it very clear that the resort website was a complete misrepresentation and false advertising, they did offer a refund on our stay, but acted like this was a huge favor. We paid top dollar to have local, expert recommendations as we planned our trip. This resort should have never even been an option and, like, I said, this impacted our entire stay and was valued at much more then just the cost of the room at the resort.

Further, in the middle of our stay we were informed by Somewhere We Know that, due to high winds, our ferry to Naxos would likely be cancelled. This would leave us stranded in a foreign country with no where to stay, and no tickets to leave the island once it was safe to do so. As a result, the recommended we book a villa and ferry tickets for the following days. The good news is that the ferry did run as originally planned so we were able to continue our trip in Naxos. The bad news is that we were charged for the villa and additional ferry tickets. While we did authorize this booking, we were shocked that Somewhere We Know also charged us an additional 226 Euros to aid us in that situation. FYI: The travel agent contacted us to let us know of this potential delay and encouraged the bookings, which felt like a money grab and a fear tactic at its worst; just poor advice at its best.

Somewhere We Know touts itself as a travel agency that will "personally take care of every single detail of your trip and are available to assist you anytime 24/7." We paid $12,000+ dollars for our trip originally (EXCLUDING AIRFARE from US to Athens), expecting this level of service. We PAID good money for a service that we did not get on the Santorini leg of our trip, and then we paid even more when our trip was possibly delayed and we had to utilize the service they originally charged us for. These fees were taken out of what they refunded, which left us with very minimal compensation.

While there were some wonderful things about our trip and some good suggestions from #SomewhereWeKnow, these two issues were major, communication following the trip was disappointing and the resolution would have been unsatisfactory to anyone in our situation.

Hotel Review

Above Blue Suites

Santorini

This hotel is a DUMP. Do not be fooled by the website. It may have been nice serval years ago, but it is not only completely broken-down, but many of the items touted on their website are lies: 1. Their description said “Bathrooms… come equipped with bathrobes and slippers.” This is not true. No bathrobes or slippers are provided. In fact, we were only allowed one towel every two days, and only one pool towel for our entire stay. 2. Their description said, “an indulgent Champagne breakfast is included”. This is not true. Champaign was not provided, and the selection was very basic, including options like a 1-egg “omelet” with nothing in it or corn flakes with milk. 3. The website shows breakfast being served on outdoor tables with cushioned chairs and white tablecloths. Instead, the tables were rickety and badly peeling, and the chairs were both broken and without cushions. 4. Their website states that is “a pool bar that serves drinks throughout the day.” This is also not true. No bar. No drinks. No service. 5. The website advertises the Moonlit Suite as having an “outdoor private HOT tub”. While there is an outdoor “tub”, the water was ice cold, it was dirty and the jets did not work. 6. The website says there is a Porter. This is also not true. 7. The room material noted that we should not drink the water but stated that two bottles of water would be delivered daily. That was not true. When we asked about water, we were told we could buy some at a store across the street. 8. The room material noted that each room has a mini bar. Again, this is a lie. 9. The website shows a small but clean luxury resort. Instead, we arrived to find loose wiring, broken tables and chairs, missing or stained and torn cushions, haphazard painting, rusted fixtures, mostly dead plants, an abundance of BLACK MOLD in the bathrooms and overall lack of maintenance. 10. The pool was full of algae. I could go on and on but you get the idea. DON'T STAY HERE and SHAME ON THEM!!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Naxos Old Town food tour

Naxos

This was a ton of fun and a great way to explore the streets of "Old Town". The description made it sound like a few small snacks and drinks but it was actually a lot of food that culminated in a full sit-down dinner with our small tour group (maybe 12 people).

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cooking class experience

Santorini

My husband didn't want to do this and we almost skipped it. Would have been a shame. Ended up being the highlight of our trip. The location was charming. The owners were welcoming and engaging. The class itself was relaxed and fun. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Erini was such a pleasure to work with. She answered all of my many questions along the way and everything came together seamlessly. They also provided great support and communication while I was on the trip. Highly recommend.

Activity Reviews

Horseback riding at the Black Sandy Beach

Santorini

The horseback riding at the Black Sandy Beach in Santorini was really good. The people running the activity were fantastic. Highly recommend this experience.

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience

Chania

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience in Crete was excellent. It was really well done, and stands out as a favorite activity from the trip.

Athens walking food tour

Athens

The Athens walking food tour was really good. We got to try all sorts of delicious food like Souvlaki, Gyros, and Baklava. It was a well-done tour with walks through different markets. Highly recommended.

Acropolis & Museum tour

Athens

Our guide for the Acropolis & Museum tour was outstanding. The tour was amazing and the guide was really knowledgeable.

Caldera morning cruise

Santorini

The Caldera morning cruise in Santorini was a bit of a disappointment. I was expecting a small group or private experience as described, but it seemed like a larger group activity. It did not match the description provided. They didn't go to the volcano area where we wanted to go, and the swimming was very limited. The whole experience felt very rushed and like mass tourism.

Both Eirini and Julia were extremely wonderful to work with. In the planning of our trip, Eirini was very attentive and listened to what we wanted. The trip was extremely well planned and met all of our criteria.

While on the trip, Julia was very responsive. When we had some issues, Julia was very quick to respond and extremely helpful.

We had an unforgettable trip to Greece, expertly planned by Eirini, who curated the perfect balance of culture, adventure, relaxation, and authentic local experiences.

Our journey began in Athens, where we had a private tour of the Acropolis with Elena. She was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, helping us connect deeply with the fascinating history of the area. Her insights made the ancient ruins come alive—she was hands-down one of the best guides we’ve ever had.

From there, we headed to the island of Milos for a semi-private sailing cruise around the island. The views were absolutely breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. We were served a traditional Greek breakfast and lunch on board, all freshly prepared and bursting with flavor. It was the perfect way to experience the island's natural beauty from the sea.

Next, we arrived in Santorini, where we stayed at a charming boutique hotel hosted by Adele and Adonis—two of the sweetest and most helpful hosts we could ask for. One of the highlights here was a private winery tour with Yota, who guided us through the unique winemaking history of the island. We were fascinated to learn how the vines grow low to the ground in volcanic ash and rocky soil—an ancient technique still in use today. The wines were delicious and the experience was truly enriching.

While in Santorini, we also hiked to Skaros Rock, soaking in the stunning views of the caldera, and had dinner at the island’s oldest traditional restaurant, which offered a warm atmosphere and a true taste of local cuisine.

Our final stop was the island of Crete, where we stayed in the picturesque town of Chania. The highlight here was an incredible cooking experience in a small mountain village, led by our guide Alex. We were welcomed into a local home nestled in the peaks of the White Mountains, where we prepared a homemade meal using fresh ingredients from the garden. The meal was beautifully paired with local wines and finished with a delicious dessert. Beyond the food, learning about the island's culinary traditions and the family's personal stories made the experience feel intimate and special.

We also spent a leisurely day on our own, renting a boat to explore the coastline, beaches, and hidden coves of Crete. We wandered the old Venetian walls of Chania, strolled through its charming narrow streets, and enjoyed amazing meals at local tavernas.

This trip was a perfect blend of history, culture, food, and natural beauty—each destination offered something unique, and every person we met added warmth and meaning to our journey. A huge thank you to Eirini for making it all possible.

Hotel Reviews

Theta Seaside Boutique Hotel

Chania

Theta Seaside Boutique Hotel, which had been newly remodeled with very spacious, modern rooms. It was an easy hotel to get to, and breakfast was served daily at a local waterfront restaurant with a beautiful view of the old wall and lighthouse—a serene and scenic way to start each day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Loved the extra amenities in the room for our convenience.

Kallisto Hotel

Santorini, Imerovigli

Kallisto Hotel, a stunning example of old-world elegance. The rooms were spacious and beautifully decorated, and the hosts were warm and welcoming. We especially loved the pool and lounge area, which offered unforgettable views of the caldera—an ideal place to relax after a day of exploring. The hotel’s central location made it easy to reach everything we wanted to see and do.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Artemis Seaside Resort

Paleochori, Milos

Next, we traveled to Milos, where we stayed at the stunning Artemis Seaside Resort—a beautiful hotel and spa that offered the perfect place to unwind. The pool area was gorgeous, with plenty of comfortable lounge seating, and the beachfront was equally well-appointed with loungers and attentive poolside and beach waitstaff. It was the ideal spot to relax and recharge, and we looked forward to the daily breakfast buffet, which offered a wide selection of fresh, tasty options.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

18 Micon Street

Athens

Our journey began in Athens, where we stayed at 18 Micon Street Hotel. The hotel was in a wonderful location, within easy walking distance to many of the city’s top sights, local restaurants, and great shopping. Each morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, and the hospitality from all the staff was warm and welcoming—making us feel right at home.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Acropolis & Museum tour

Athens

A major highlight was a private tour of the Acropolis with Elena, a passionate and knowledgeable guide who brought the ancient ruins vividly to life. Her storytelling and insights gave us a deep appreciation for the rich history of the area.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Sailing Cruise around Milos

Milos

One of the best experiences here was a semi-private sailing cruise with Trinity Yachting around the island. The views were breathtaking, and we were served a fresh, traditional Greek breakfast and lunch while soaking in the scenery—crystal-clear water, sea caves, and hidden coves

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Two wineries wine tour with sunset

Santorini

We embarked on a private winery tour with Yota, who taught us about the island’s unique winemaking process—including how vines grow in volcanic ash and stone. The tour was informative, engaging, and, of course, full of delicious tastings and small plates. Sunset spot was a nice ending.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cretan Cooking Experience

Chania

The highlight of our time in Crete was a cooking experience in a traditional mountain village, guided by Alex. We were welcomed into a family home in the White Mountains, where we prepared a meal using fresh garden ingredients, paired it with local wines, and finished with a homemade dessert. The blend of history, storytelling, and hospitality made it truly unforgettable

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Alex

Transport

He shared so much information about the areas we were driving through and made sure we knew how much time was left in our trip.

You had a wonderful time in Greece and will always treasure the memories made there. Thank you for all of your help with the planning and preparation.

This was our first trip to Greece and we traveled with another couple. We visited Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. Eirini was wonderful and she had great ideas for each island we visited. She responded to my emails/messages quickly and was always happy to make changes when we found something on Instagram we wanted to try! :)

Thank you Eirini for making our travels memorable and so much fun! I will miss working with you!

My wife and I utilized KimKim to plan our trip to Greece in 2023, and by "plan" I mean input our preferences and let our specialist do all the work. Our local specialist, Amalia, was absolutely superb at turning our goals and interests into an unforgettable reality that took us all the way from the Acropolis in Athens, Delphi in Arachova, to the centuries old Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Meteora by the town of Kalambaka. The guides that she found for us were excellent; they were extremely knowledgeable, informative, and personable. The overnight locations were exactly what we asked for, and transportation setup was essentially flawless. Amalia managed all of this without ever taking us over-budget. The trip was phenomenal and one that my wife and I will never forget. Thank you KimKim team, especially you, Amalia, for helping us make our trip to Greece such a memorable experience. We look forward to using KimKim for more trips in the future.