A first-class experience with friends!
Greece | Apr 25 - May 10, 2022

Renee
Renee M.
Wailuku, HI | Reviewed on May 17, 2022

A first-class experience! Our specialist, Dimitris, created an island-hopping trip to Paros, Naxos, and Santorini that more than met our expectations. After a long flight that arrived after midnight, the arranged transportation to the Electra Hotel was really appreciated. Dimitris’ selection of this first hotel was amazing - waking up to find the view of the Acropolis while enjoying breakfast on the balcony and the short walk to see the changing of the guards at the Greece Parliament were unexpected experiences since we were in Athens a brief time.
Having Dimitris organize the airline, ferry and transfer arrangements within Greece made an incredible stress-free difference from self-planning. He arranged the perfect combination of free days with suggested activities as well as planned experiences on each island. We hiked with Chris from Paros Hikes along the Byzantine Way, chatting about history and plant life. The hike with Thanos in Santorini took us along the caldera, getting amazing views, photos, and the best restaurant reservation. In Naxos, we wandered with Kyriaki thru the old town castle area, tasting wonderful local food. Kyriaki went out of her way to buy and deliver tomato jam to our hotel the following day! The wine tasting at modern Estate Argyros in Santorini was informative and paired with delicious bites. All of those were top-notch. Poor weather conditions prevented the all-day catamaran cruise in Naxos, which was disappointing. However, the cooler weather resulted in renting cars and exploring parts of the islands we may not have otherwise seen. Car rental was easily arranged through our hotels and reasonably priced.
A special note about our hotels: We requested hotels with a balcony for down time which all had. In addition to the Electra Hotel, we especially enjoyed the boutique Hotel Iris in Paros and the Saint Vlassis Hotel in Naxos. Both were in a walkable location to restaurants and shopping. We experienced the wonderful Greek hospitality and as we left, we felt we were leaving new friends behind. We would have enjoyed the Santo Miramare Resort on Santorini more if the weather had been warmer. Its location is close to the beach and numerous restaurants. Returning to Athens, the Vouliagmeni Athenian Riviera hotel was walkable to the beach. The receptionist arranged for necessary travel Covid tests at a nearby clinic, convenient and inexpensive.
A special note to Dimitris: we appreciated the phone calls when our catamaran cruise cancelled and when we misunderstood the winery location.
This 16-day Greek trip enriched with culture, history and food is one we will never forget. We highly recommend KimKim and Dimitris for your adventures in Greece!

Hotel Reviews
The Saint Vlassis Hotel
Naxos Town

Welcoming and helpful staff. Breakfast was amazing with local foods to try each morning.

Tips for future travelers

Location is a bit of a walk to the village center though we did it every day.

Authenticity & Character
Wonderful Greek hospitality!
Location
It was a bit outside of the main town but close enough to walk to restaurants and shopping.
Staff
Extremely helpful. They arranged car rental, laundry service, pizza delivery as well as great day trip recommendations.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable and clean.
Iris Boutique Hotel Paros
Naousa

Great location to walk (though lots of steps) to the town. Anastasia was an amazing host and soon felt as a friend. Comfortable accommodations and traditional breakfast.

Tips for future travelers

Need to be able to walk the stairs going down to the village.

Authenticity & Character
Hotel was passed down (enjoyed the family photos and beach touches).
Location
It worked for us though would be difficult for travelers with mobility issues.
Staff
Welcoming staff. Great restaurant recommendations.
Cleanliness & Comfort
No complaints! Comfortable and clean.
Santo Miramare Resort
Santorini

This is a resort and not a "hotel". Nice pools and close to the beach and restaurants. Good breakfast and pool bar. Reception poorly staffed with too few and inexperienced individuals. Too few pool chairs as they were claimed just after breakfast though not necessarily occupied.

Tips for future travelers

Stairs to most rooms. Don't expect to hang by the pool.

Athenian Riviera
Vouliagmeni

A rental car would be best if staying here as a tourist. Beach is very close as well as restaurants. In a more neighborhood area. Beautiful classic hotel.

Electra Hotel Athens
Athens

Welcoming staff, great location, delicious breakfast with amazing view!

Tips for future travelers

Close to the Parliament and park. Late night restaurant/bar is close. Good shopping & wandering.

Authenticity & Character
Classic hotel
Location
View from breakfast. Walkable area. Food available nearby.
Staff
We were directed after midnight to a local "watering hole" that was open to wind down after our long flight.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It met our over-night needs.
Local specialist: Dimitris Zografos