Fabulous 50 in Greece
Greece
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Apr 1 - Apr 15, 2026
Working with Penny from KimKim was a pleasure from start to finish. She was so easy to work with and I could tell she loves her job. She created a dream trip with everything we asked for to make my husband’s 50th birthday feel special. Every hotel and excursion was spot on, and the private transfers made everything seamless and worry free.
We decided to travel in the shoulder season over Easter and Greek Orthodox Easter and Penny made sure the places we visited were open and ready for visitors. We normally plan our own trips but since we wanted to visit various islands and we were traveling in the shoulder season, I wanted to make sure we didn’t encounter any issues. Plus, who wants to stress over a two week celebratory trip? I can tell you we never stressed on this trip!
We stayed in Athens, Chania and Heraklion in Crete, Imerovigli in Santorini, and Chora, the port in Naxos. Crete and Santorini were our favorite islands. All of the islands had their own beauty and the Greek people were always so friendly and welcoming. Greece is very clean and crime free, at least where we were! Our hotels were amazing, our favorites being the SanSal next to the old town in Chania and Cresanto Luxury Suites. Both were very close and walkable to restaurants and shopping. The guest relations/ concierge were wonderfully helpful and fun to talk to. The rooms were spacious. SanSal had the best sea view and Cresanto had the best shower with instant hot water the whole trip. There was a bit of construction happening at Cresanto while we were there but the room was soundproof and it didn’t bother us. They are expanding. we had our own plunge pool but the weather was still chilly so we didn’t take advantage. I will say it is not very private as the walkway is right in front of the pool so even though it is private from the suites on either side, anyone walking past can see right in.
Our favorite experiences on the trip were a Cretan cooking class in the White Mountains booked by Penny, and experiencing Santorini over Greek Orthodox Easter, specifically the Pyrgos Fire Celebration on Good Friday. I’m only calling out a couple things but we did have an excursion almost daily, most coordinated through Penny at KimKim and they were all great. The cooking class stood out because it took place in a sweet couple’s home who were so hospitable, we had a wonderful small group, a cozy fire (chilly, rainy day) and got to feed the neighbor’s sheep. Mr. George, the husband even shared his personal barrel of wine with us which was wonderful and he had put it in the barrel when he was 15. Great stories and family history. Fun and informative tour guide who interpreted for us as Mr. George didn’t speak English and his wife (very sweet and head chef) only spoke a small amount but was hilarious. We ate what we made and everyone had a wonderful time.
The Pyrgos village lights up on Good Friday with giant candles over every possible surface. It made the most beautiful and memorable sight, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. It’s an entire procession through the hilltop village along with burning crosses. Wall to wall people as Greeks come from all over to celebrate. This was a once in a lifetime experience and something only done on Santorini. If you find yourself in Santorini over this timeframe I encourage you to attend this must see event.
Penny, thank you for putting so much thought into our trip and for always being available to answer questions. Oh also, we did very much enjoy the couples massage you arranged for us in Athens! Thank you for everything!
I highly recommend KimKim for planning your next trip! I’ve already recommended them to everyone I’ve talked to about our fabulous trip and I hope we take another trip where we are able to use them soon!
Hotel Reviews
My husband and I loved this hotel. It was walkable to everything and had great sea views. We also loved the spacious room. Very clean and the concierge/ guest relations team were wonderful.
Very close and walkable to restaurants and shopping in nearby Imerovigli. Angela was wonderfully helpful and fun to talk to. The suite was spacious and unique with the sky light. Cresanto had the best shower with instant hot water the whole trip. There was a bit of construction happening at Cresanto while we were there but the room was soundproof and it didn’t bother us. They are expanding. we had our own plunge pool but the weather was still chilly so we didn’t take advantage. I will say the personal pool is not very private as the walkway is right in front of it so even though it is private from the suites on either side, anyone walking past can see right in.
Activity Reviews
We enjoyed wandering up the mountainside and visiting different village. From tea, to cheese, to lunch, it was a relaxing day. We also loved wandering around the orange orchard and grabbed a great view of the white capped mountains from an unexpected spot.
The guide was extremely knowledgeable! Poor weather but it made for fewer crowds which was a bonus especially while exploring the grounds.
Our favorite of the trip! Don’t miss out. The cooking class stood out because it took place in a sweet couple’s home who were so hospitable, we had a wonderful small group, a cozy fire (chilly, rainy day) and got to feed the neighbor’s sheep. Mr. George, the husband even shared his personal barrel of wine with us which was wonderful and he had put it in the barrel when he was 15. Great stories and family history. Fun and informative tour guide who interpreted for us as Mr. George didn’t speak English and his wife (very sweet and head chef) only spoke a small amount but was hilarious. We ate what we made and everyone had a wonderful time.
This was a private tour and we loved our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and easy going. It was a lovely day to wander around Santorini.
Our favorite stop was the pottery shop! Marble village was also cool. Oh and the olive oil press where we were able to do a tasting of olives and olive oil.
