My sister and I are early 70s and travel well together. We usually manage travel plans without much assistance as we have traveled often and far throughout our lives. Grabbing the best of Greece in 21 days became a challenge. KimKim was the answer; 1) lovely, quaint accommodations, 2) guides that were so well trained we returned home thinking we had attended a semester of college, 3) transportation via auto, ferry, small & large airlines was seamlessly arranged & 4) attention to what feeds our soul...art!
Hotel Reviews
Location was great. We were here only one night so I feel it is unfair to evaluate it.
Location
We walked to CIEL for a rooftop dinner and BANGBANG. What a view of the Acropolis!
San Salvatore Monastery
Chania
It is hard to beat the view, the smell of the jasmine on our private patio, and Guinness in the guest refrigerator! The breakfast was delicious.
Authenticity & Character
The hotel has very few guest suites. It has the 'feel' of a home. The lobby is simple, but includes a history of the building that is worth reading.
Location
We could walk left and feel as though we were with the locals or turn right and mingle with the tourists.
Staff
We only encountered Irene. She checked us in, delivered breakfast, and gave us great ideas for each day's adventure.
Cleanliness & Comfort
There are no rugs in any of the places we stayed for the 21 days, with the exception of the airport hotel. Irene brought up yoga mats for our use. Much appreciated!
Lithies Traditional Homes
Thíra
If only every hotel was this grand?!
Authenticity & Character
The artwork by Andrea Alefragis was exceptional.
Location
Quite a hike to get anywhere.
Staff
Marie, Sonny, and another manage suitcases, food, and linen like family. There were hugs, an accident where my arm was scratched and soiled the linen. Watching Sonny manage the stairs (80!) with 4 bags was humbling.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We felt comfortable using the hot tub everyday.
Olive Green Hotel
Heraklion
Small room, but the best 'small room' hotel I have ever rented!
Authenticity & Character
It is simple, but all needs are met.
Location
We had to collect something from the bus station and had to board a ferry. The hotel was within 1/2 mile of each.
Ippokampos Beachfront Hotel
Naxos
We moved to another hotel. It is unfair to write a review.
Lovely corner two story room with 2 patios.
Authenticity & Character
The lobby is very comfortable. Sometimes, when traveling with another, having a place to escape for a 45 minute journaling exercise, glass of wine or coffee, or chat with an employee or other guest can be a lifesaver.
Location
Location was perfect. Bustling little town. We were located, not on the water, but the view was nice and noise was not an issue. We go to bed before 10 p.m.
Staff
The staff seemed much larger than at our other locations. ALL were exceptional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was kept well furnished with bottled water, clean towels, a hot pot for tea.
Sofitel Athens Airport
Athens
It is lovely because of its location and the ease of getting to the airport. At this stage of the travel, it was small, out of town, and felt like (and is) an airport hotel.
Authenticity & Character
We ordered one beer (no Guinness to be had) and a vodka tonic for a cost of 40 euros!
Staff
We phoned in an order for room service at 8:30 p.m. and by 10 p.m it had not arrived so we canceled. The staff made up for it by preparing 2 lovely breakfast boxes for our 4 a.m. departure. We did take advantage of the spa.
Cleanliness & Comfort
I like the toilet and shower in separate rooms. We did not have washclothes.
Activity Reviews
Food Tour in Naxos Town
Naxos
My sister was somewhat stressed because of the hotel accommodations and it impacted the food tour in a small way. The guide was delightful, full of enthusiasm and selected wonderful stops. We love the cheese in Greece!
Quality of Experience
We were taken off the 'beaten' path.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I loved our guides enthusiasm. It is such a joy to find people that love their country, their town, and want to share the best.
Transport
Easy to walk. Options were offered in the event stairs seemed challenging. There was no issue.
Private Farm to table Cooking Class in Naxos
Naxos
This is the event my sister and I will most likely, share the most! It was like visiting your grandma in rural Tennessee.
Quality of Experience
A friend of the hosts had dropped off fish, which was fried and added to our lunch. This neighborly action added a little plus to the simple meal of stuffed vegetables. The orange cake for dessert was delicious.
Food
Just sitting around the table, sharing the olives, the bread, the vegetables, the fish, just too personal and fun!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver understood our interest in the arts. He made a good call and skipped a historical site, taking us to a pottery shop. This was great as my sister and I are both ceramic artists.
Transport
Our driver was excellent.
Sailing Tour around Naxos
Naxos
Our captain was a pro! He knew where to go to get the best experience. He was very aware of all 17 people on board.
Quality of Experience
The first stop was my favorite. Rubbing the black mud all over myself was just a little too funny!
Food
We didn't sign up for the food. It was adequate.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
This trip had the perfect blend of intergenerational groupings; a few in their 70s (us), a few in their 50s, a few college grads, a few young teenagers, and a 4 year old. Lots of laughter.
Transport
Very clean, comfortable boat.
Private Knossos & Museum Tour
Greece
Our guide was exceptional. I knew nothing about the Minoan civilization.
Quality of Experience
Flushing toilets!? A room for potters, weavers, woodworkers? Simpy amazing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Thoughtful and extremely knowledgable.
Cretan Villages Food & Culture Tour
Greece
This tour was excellent. Nico has a gift. He knew herbs. He is knowledgable about the ocean. He has a love of Greece that is infectious.
Quality of Experience
Having a guide that has a sense of humor adds a lot to the experience.
Food
Homogenous group. Meal was family style. Delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Safe driving, frequent stops for drinks. bathroom breaks, etc.
Transport
We were in a van that held maybe 8 or 9 passengers. Nice size
En-route Rethymno Town & Historical Mainland
Greece
The place I wanted to see in Rethymno was closed.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver was excellent. We were notified that we had left an item in our hotel. It was placed on a bus. Our driver took us to the bus station. So kind!
Our guide was excellent. The fish market was the biggest I have ever seen. We had a hard time meeting our guide. The location was somewhat foreign as Publix is a grocery store in the USA.
Quality of Experience
The tour director took us to places that were very authentic. I have researched olives for possible growth in the areas I have lived. The first stop was at an olive business and run by a gal that knew her facts!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It is an art for a guide to know when and how to direct a group and keep it focused. Our guide was a master.
Transport
Comfortable walking distance
Acropolis Afternoon Tour
Athens
This group was quite large. It is hard to ask questions when there are 15+ people.
Quality of Experience
There was a young man playing the piano and the music was with us every step.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was very educated.
Elafonisi and Milia Mountain Retreat Tour with Lunch
Chania
Quality of Experience
The view, the water, quite unique.
Food
The mountain retreat was beautiful. Delicious meal.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide knew the plants in the area. I like to do beach art and there were no shells. Instead, I had to collect small rocks and plants for my creation.
Transport
Comfortable drive. Very comfortable van.
Santorini Farm Tour: Food & Wine
Santorini
Of the food tours we experienced, this was worth the time, but my least favorite. The wine tour was surprising because I have never seen vineyards like this; a true educational experience!
Quality of Experience
It is a challenge to grow vegetables on this island!
Food
It is fun to learn new cooking techniques; even something as simple as caring for your knives! The wine segment was a plus.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very knowledgeable about day to day living on Santorini. I found her lifestyle as a mother of two, a husband that works on a farm, and so well educated, a big plus to our day.
Transport
Safe driver. VERY comfortable car.
Premium Sunset Catamaran Cruise in the Caldera lagoon
Santorini
Canceled because of dust cloud.
Quality of Experience
The water was so clear it was hard to know the depth.
Food
The food was adequate. The 17 people on board made this trip delightful.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our captain was fun, funny, and extremely aware of every person's presence. I saw him counting heads multiple times.
Local specialist: Chris Leontopoulos
