Our Greece trip was all we hoped for an more !

Greece | Jul 9 - Jul 19, 2026

The team at KimKim provided a detailed itinerary including links, whatsApp phone numbers and specific instructions for each destination. After arriving in Athens and boarding our flight to Chania, Crete we were greeted by our transport driver who took us to the old port in Chania. As mentioned in our itinerary, we were not able to be dropped off at our hotel, the walk was pretty easy overall, lots of steps to navigate but the views and the area were gorgeous. Our boutique hotel was the Porto Del Columbo, which as it turns out was built during the Venetian occupation of Crete and also served as the French Embassy at one time as well as the Political office for the Greek Prime Minister Venizelos. The property was charming and comfortable. Our daily breakfasts were delicious and exactly what was needed to start the day. Everyone at the hotel was helpful, polite and always willing to assist in any way INCLUDING providing bagged breakfasts if you had an excursion or flight that put you out of the hotel before breakfast service. While in Chania we enjoyed the "Ultimate Food Tour of Chania" which took us to an olive oil mill, a distillery, a cheese factory and a bakery. Our guide Yiannis was knowledgeable and charming and really made the tour feel as if we were out with friends instead of on a tour. We also did a private sunset cruise that was SPECTACULAR! Jumping into the Aegean Sea just before sunset is something you just have to experience in person. The water is sparkling and clear (and so SALTY!). Our captain Mano was so chill and so much fun. He made the experience extremely memorable. One item of note regarding this tour, the photo of the boat that was sent to us by the tour company (not by KimKim) was NOT the boat we were ultimately on, we were in the right place at the right time, but were looking for the wrong boat. It was a minor issue but it did make us late for our pick up, so if you take this tour, ask for the exact boat you will be on. We ate on the waterfront each day and night - the food was all very good, but one restaurant in particular stood out enough that we visited it 3 times, La Bodega - every dish we ordered was spectacular! The owner even had cocktails with us our last night there.
After Crete we traveled to Santorini by SeaJets high speed Ferry. Great experience. The ferry's are well organized, very comfortable and easy to navigate.
While in Santorini we stayed at the Blue Dolphins hotel in Firastefani, the view was spectacular, the rooms were comfortable, well appointed and very clean. Christina on the front desk spoiled us and took care of our every need. Upon arrival, we were advised that we owed a very large balance for the rooms we had booked, which of course wasn't expected. One quick call and text to KimKim and it was all sorted out very quickly. Christina was very accommodating and extremely patient while getting our room situation sorted. A full breakfast was brought to our rooms each day, more than you could eat, eggs, meat, cheese, fruits, juice, coffee, tea, croissants, breads, spreads and honey.
While in Santorini we did a wine tour. Our guide Sabine, was very easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable and generally just fun to be around. She knew the area very well and gave us great recommendations for meals. All were on point. Of course no trip to the islands would complete without a day out on the sea! Our catamaran trip was beautiful, relaxing and again we were doted on and spoiled by the crew. The transport drivers on Santorini are AMAZINGLY talented drivers, navigating the narrow roads, sharp turns and tight spaces. Every transport driver we had was beyond impressive! We visited the capital Fira and enjoyed a lovely meal complete with a spectacular sunset in Oia. There is NOT an unpleasant view anywhere on Santorini but be prepared to walk and climb steps. Our average daily steps were 15-18K. After Santorini we ferried to Mykonos. Wow... Mykonos is a gorgeous island. Our hotel Vencia was my favorite of all the hotels we stayed in. The beds were like clouds, the infinity pool was stunning and the restaurant not only offered spectacular views, but live music through the sunset. On our second day there we participated in a "Chora Food and Culture Walk" our guide Paco was vivacious, funny and really offered a great experience at each of our stops. He just went above and beyond and made our day with him incredible! There are so many shops, restaurants and bars in Mykonos it would take a year to experience them all! The waterfront / harbor is beautiful and being able to sit down for a beverage or meal and stare out at the crystal blue sea was magical on every level. Mykonos was another walk centric location 15K - 18K steps every day!
After Mykonos we were off to Athens, this time by plane. Once in Athens we checked into the Athens Manor Houses. The property is spread out throughout the downtown, but the accomodations were comfortable and secure. Athens is like any other metropolitan city - busy, chaotic and full of anything and everything you could want. We spent our next day exploring the Acropolis and the antiquities of Athens. It is a workout to navigate all the way up to the ruins but well worth it. It is a marvel that ruins of that age coexist in a modern city like Athens. We also took a "neighborhood food walk" while in Athens, I cannot remember our guides name unfortunately (maybe Christine?) but she was super sweet, knew her way around, took the time to show us and share with us so many small details about Greek culture that again, it felt more like a day out with a friend than a tour with a guide. She had a great rapport with all the bakeries, sweet shops, taverns, delis and restaurants that we visited, you could tell she was well liked. We found a really cute "watering hole" in Athens called Louis Bistrot where we visited multiple times for beverages and snacks. The staff was great and by the second time we were there they acted as if we were regulars. I can't list all the restaurants, cafe's and taverns that we patronized but I will say ALL of them were fantastic, from the "holes in the wall" to the extravagant; we didnt have a bad meal or experience.,. Gyros are different all of Greece and should be experienced everywhere you go - in my opinion at least lol. Sardines and fresh fish are also a great dining experience overall everywhere in Greece. In conclusion, KimKim took out all the legwork, guesswork and pressure of planning - our vacation was truly all we hoped for and more. I will most definitely be using Erica and the KimKim team again in the future.