Wonderful Mother Daughter trip to Greece

Greece | 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 trip. He took photos for us and taught us so much about Greek history. The first hotel that we went to was also lovely. I really appreciate that they held my mom's passport when she forgot it. Another great reason to use a travel agent - communicating and resolving the issue with our travel team made it an easy fix. I'm so grateful for the expertise of our travel team. Renting a car was so scary but so worth it for the day trips we got to have and landscape we got to see. The suggestion to stop at the Corinth Canal on our way to Nafplio was so great! A sight I definitely would have missed on my own. Our time in Nafplio was lovely. Our hotel was immaculate. The town is so beautiful and peaceful. I was glad for recommendations by the concierge at the hotel. I was able to make a last minute appointment for a manicure and my mom got a massage. The private chef was amazing! Costas and his wife were so friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. It was a treat to learn about Greek food and wine. I also really enjoyed our cooking class. It was so intimate to go into Katarina and her mother's home to make recipes that are so close to their heart. An experience I won't forget. We also go to sample olive oil nearby which was a treat. Our flight to Naxos was so seamless. I was also so pleased to find that we had lounge access before our flight. Every person who picked us up from an airport was also so kind and helpful. Yanis at our hotel in Naxos was amazing!! He helped us in so many ways and I really appreciated his service. Ippokampos is such a lovely hotel. All the amenities were perfect for our time there. Sitting under those umbrellas is a great way to spend the day. Sailing was also so fun and breathtaking. A beautiful way to see the sea and landscape of Greece. The snacks and food on the trip were lovely. The other guests with us were all so lovely. We were even able to make some friends. My only small improvement would be around the ferry ride back. Our tickets wouldn't download on my phone so I had to go to the ticket office on the island and it was somewhat unclear where/ how to get on. Once we were on the ferry was no problem. The hotel near the port was a great choice. Very convenient for our day of traveling and to have a shuttle to the airport the next day. Overall this was one of the best vacations my mom has ever taken in her life. It was such a blessing to be able to spend time with her and get to see and learn about Greece. I'm so grateful for the support of Irene and our travel team to create this magical experience for her. Can't recommend y'all's service highly enough!

Hotel Reviews

Athens Cypria Hotel

Athens

This hotel is super clean and the staff are all very friendly and helpful. I loved the view from our balcony of the city. The rooftop bar was amazing for a great view of the Parthenon at night. They also were so accommodating when my mom accidentally left her passport in our room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

This hotel is right in the center of everything a brief walk to acropolis. Near to a lot of shopping and great food.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

I bet here was super uncomfortable. Everything else was very clean and modern and comfortable

Impero Nafplio Hotel & Suites

Nafplio

This hotel is so lovely. It is clean. It has charm. It's close to the center of town. The view from the balcony is beautiful. The staff are so helpful and willing to give suggestions or help make a reservation. The breakfast is delicious and has so many options. Our room was very comfortable and spacious. There is a lot of space for parking close by.

Authenticity & Character

This hotel is a very charming. It's modern but still has rustic touches that make it feel warm and welcoming. There's also a pleasant scent that lingers in my memory.

Location

Very close to the center of town + lots of restaurants and shops

Staff

One of the concierges helped us make a reservation for a manicure at the last minute. I was so grateful for the recommendation and the manicure was lovely.

Cleanliness & Comfort

This bad was extremely comfortable. The bathroom has a very fancy shower with lots of options. I really enjoyed how spacious our room was and the access to outdoor space to see the view or sit and have privacy.

Ippokampos Beachfront Hotel

Naxos

This hotel was amazing. Similar to many beachfront resorts in the best ways. Our room had a fabulous view of the sea. This hotel is located just on the edge of the center of town which makes it quiet and pleasant but also easy to navigate from. You get a discount on the chairs with umbrellas as a guest. They have complimentary beach towels for you. They clean your room every day so no need to worry about sand everywhere. This room was not super spacious but it didn't need to be as we were out exploring the island at all times.

Authenticity & Character

Very charming hotel with modern touches. The breakfast everyday is amazing.

Location

Close to shops and restaurants. Amazing view of the sea.

Staff

Yanis is amazing and goes above and beyond to support your request. He helps schedule a taxi for us helped us drop off our laundry helped us rent an umbrella. All the staff was kind and accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Avra Hotel Rafina

Rafina, Athens

Very close to the port and very convenient for a one-night stay before our flight in the morning. The breakfast here was not as great or impressive. The staff were very direct and kind but not warm.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Just a 5 to 10 minute walk from the port. Was a bit of a challenge with our luggage but nothing we couldn't handle.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

DeSoto was clean. The room is very small. The bed was somewhat comfy. There were some bugs in our shower.

Activity Reviews

Acropolis Afternoon Tour

Athens

Michael was amazing! Can't recommend him highly enough. Having grown up in Athens and having a master's in history made him an amazing tour guide. He answered all of our questions and some. He took photos of us. He was extremely friendly and would highly recommend a tour with him. It was also easy to find our meeting point.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walked and found the meeting point easily.

Private Chef experience in Nafplio

Nafplio

Costas is amazing! It was so great to learn about Greek food from such a masterchef. Both he and his wife were so friendly. I loved the wine tastings with dinner. I love talking to them about Greek food and history. I had a really lovely time. It's also so impressive that he cooked nearly all the food in front of us. Everything was so delicious.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sailing Tour around Naxos

Naxos

Very fun adventure! This was a lovely excursion. It was fun too swim to lounge to eat the snacks food and wine that they brought. To chat with other travelers.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cooking Class in Naxos Villages

Naxos

We really enjoyed getting to know Katarina and her mom. It was such a treat to be learning in their home which felt intimate. The food was amazing obviously. It was great learning about their lives and customs around food.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport