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Amalia Symvoulidou

I am Amalia Symvoulidou and I was born and raised in Athens. My family originated from Crete and it was this area's beauty and rich history that got me interested in nature and culture. That's why I decided to study History and Archaeology and then get my specialization in Cultural Management. But my true passion has always been to travel and discover beautiful parts of Greece and the world in general!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I consider Athens, Peloponnese, Greek mainland along with many Greek islands my area of expertise. We want to combine cultural tours and unique activities within every tailor-made trip. I know a lot about local gastronomy and wine and consider them an amazing experience. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Naturally, I enjoy traveling. The idea of learning about new cultures' history and traditions really excited me and found me wondering, what if someone wanted to know about my culture, my country, and its beautiful scenery? People like me that want unique experiences through traveling - it's them that I want to help."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I consider every trip unique and every experience unforgettable, so I will describe the most recent one. It was a road trip at Mount Pelion in Magnesia region. That area was beautiful, its picturesque villages, the mesmerizing path, the breathtaking view and the tasteful local cuisine were definitely unforgettable."

Amalia is part of the following groups: Greece Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Amalia

Outstanding planning, gorgeous trip!
Greece | Oct 21 - Nov 11, 2023

Sue
Sue S.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2023
We are independent travelers who like to rent a car and explore on our own, as well as stay in a variety of hotels (on beaches, in towns, etc.). Amalia was superb! She gave us just what we wanted, and was especially knowledgeable about what was closing down at the time we traveled (late October/November), which was instrumental as we planned our adventures. The lists of activity and sightseeing options Kim Kim and Amalia gave us were wonderful, as were the recommended restaurants in each... Read more

We are independent travelers who like to rent a car and explore on our own, as well as stay in a variety of hotels (on beaches, in towns, etc.). Amalia was superb! She gave us just what we wanted, and was especially knowledgeable about what was closing down at the time we traveled (late October/November), which was instrumental as we planned our adventures. The lists of activity and sightseeing options Kim Kim and Amalia gave us were wonderful, as were the recommended restaurants in each place we stayed! Will definitely use Kim Kim again, and highly recommend Amalia! (She was also a lot of fun to correspond with during planning—and is from exquisite Crete herself!)

Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Nov 14, 2023

Dear Sue,

I cannot thank you enough for this amazing review! I'm very glad to hear that you had such a fantastic trip.

You've been wonderful during the whole planning process and it was truly my pleasure to assist you in making this trip a reality.

Crete holds a special place in my heart, and I'm glad I could share my passion for this island with you :)

Can't wait to plan your next Greek adventure!
Until then I'm wishing you all the best and of course, many more safe and memorable travels!
Amalia

Greece done Right
Greece | Oct 20 - Nov 1, 2023

Alice
Alice B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 08, 2023

We had a great time in Greece, a mother/daughter trip. Highly recommend kimkim. They were very responsive, helpful and a wealth of information!! Amalia, our local specialist, lined up all our transfers and accommodations. All transfers were spot on, no waiting or wondering. Accommodations were all unique, clean, with friendly staff. Will definitely be using them in the future. Thank you!!

Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Nov 08, 2023

Dear Alice,
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I'm very glad to hear that you had a fantastic mother/daughter trip in Greece and that you were pleased with the services provided.
It was such a pleasure to be your local specialist. Knowing that you will consider using KimKim in the future is the best reward for our efforts.
Once again, thank you for choosing us, and I hope your memories of Greece will last a lifetime. I'd love to hear from you, if you ever decide to explore more of my country!
My warmest wishes,
Amalia

12 days in Athens, Naxos, Santorini and Crete
Greece | Oct 20 - Nov 1, 2023

Louise
Louise B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Nov 06, 2023
We spend 12 days in Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete. Amalia (our kimkim local expert) was phenomenal and organized transportation (taxis to/from the hotel), accommodations, and ferry tickets. We were nervous about doing so much traveling within the country, but it was stress-free as all of those things were pre-booked. Everyone we interacted with was organized and friendly. We also appreciated the activity recommendations. Traveling this way allowed us to see many areas in Greece-... Read more

We spend 12 days in Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete. Amalia (our kimkim local expert) was phenomenal and organized transportation (taxis to/from the hotel), accommodations, and ferry tickets. We were nervous about doing so much traveling within the country, but it was stress-free as all of those things were pre-booked. Everyone we interacted with was organized and friendly. We also appreciated the activity recommendations. Traveling this way allowed us to see many areas in Greece- historical sites, hiking/biking, beaches, and lots of great food! We would highly recommend Kimkim and look forward to using their services for future international trips.

Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Nov 06, 2023

Dear Louise,

Thank you so much for this amazing review!

I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic trip and that everything went smoothly for you and Alice. It was truly my pleasure to work with you to make this trip enjoyable. Knowing that our services & recommendations met your expectations makes me very happy.

I can't wait to help you plan your next, even more exciting trip to Greece!

Wishing you and Alice safe travels and many more future adventures!

My warmest regards,
Amalia

My husband and 18 year old daughter had a fab...
Greece | Aug 31 - Sep 12, 2023

Linda
Linda D.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2023
My husband and 18 year old daughter had a fabulous trip for 3 weeks. I have been trip planning for 25 years. I rarely feel comfortable handing things over, but Amalia, wow.... did such a wonderful job. At first the price point was too high, she did not hesitate to assist me in bringing it down so we could do more without sacrificing all the stops (Athens, road trip with rented car to Sparta and west, Paros, Naxos) without feeling awkward. Everything they saw, and everyone they encountered... Read more

My husband and 18 year old daughter had a fabulous trip for 3 weeks. I have been trip planning for 25 years. I rarely feel comfortable handing things over, but Amalia, wow.... did such a wonderful job. At first the price point was too high, she did not hesitate to assist me in bringing it down so we could do more without sacrificing all the stops (Athens, road trip with rented car to Sparta and west, Paros, Naxos) without feeling awkward. Everything they saw, and everyone they encountered were wonderful, from the pick ups to the historian at Athens to the boat driver/crew. I could not have asked for better attention, thoughtfulness, and responsiveness. Thank you Amalia!

Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Oct 19, 2023

Dear Linda,
It makes me very happy to hear about your husband and daughter's wonderful three-week trip and it's truly heartwarming to know that you felt comfortable handing over the travel planning to me.
Thank you so much for your kind words about the services provided! It was a privilege to help create a memorable trip for your family, and I'm here whenever you decide to embark on another adventure.
Wishing you and your family many more wonderful journeys in the future!
My best wishes,
Amalia

Hello Amelia, sorry for the delay, I agree ...
Greece | Sep 16 - Oct 7, 2023

A
Ana Maria N.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2023
Hello Amelia, sorry for the delay, I agree with Jacqueline, on a lot of the aspects of the trip. All the drivers were very nice and courteous gentleman. The best one I found was some Thanassis. All the hotels were good, except for Naxos, I don’t recommend using this hotel venue for tourist guests. We were not happy with the room, The second bedroom was not to my liking the stairs to the mezzanine were very steep. The ceiling was very low and dangerous also the bed was on the floor. In... Read more

Hello Amelia, sorry for the delay,

I agree with Jacqueline, on a lot of the aspects of the trip.

All the drivers were very nice and courteous gentleman. The best one I found was some Thanassis. All the hotels were good, except for Naxos, I don’t recommend using this hotel venue for tourist guests. We were not happy with the room, The second bedroom was not to my liking the stairs to the mezzanine were very steep. The ceiling was very low and dangerous also the bed was on the floor.

In the town of Heraklion I would avoid and recommend not using the Airbnb you found us, the accommodations were not very favorable, the one bedroom was okay, but the second was very poor and uncomfortable. I felt like I was sleeping in a coffin.

In summary, all the organization you made of the trip went very smoothly, everything was on time with all the transportation. I love Greece, the people were very kind and helpful. I especially loved Meterora, the hotel was very nice, the staff were amazing and generous with the service. I highly recommend this hotel for future tourists.

You did an amazing job!

Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Oct 19, 2023

Dear Ana María,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience from your trip.
It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed your overall vacation!
I truly appreciate your insights on the accommodations, as your feedback will be valuable to others considering a similar stay.
It's been a pleasure helping you plan your trip! If you ever decide to return to Greece or need assistance with any other travel plans, please feel free to get in touch.
Wishing you many more incredible adventures in the future!
My warmest regards,
Amalia

The best guide/Driver was Thanasis who is alw...
Greece | Sep 16 - Oct 7, 2023

Jacqueline
Jacqueline V.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2023
The best guide/Driver was Thanasis who is always on time, knowledgeable, patient, very pleasant, and able to rescue us when we are lost. Nothing was ever too much for him. He was the best of all.
The best sites were: Meteora, Epidauros, Corinth, Mycenae. The best islands were: Naxos and Santorini.
The accommodation in Athens was great; the two ladies who managed the place were simply wonderful and did not know what to do to help us.
In Meteora, the Holy Spirit and their Gardenia...
Read more

The best guide/Driver was Thanasis who is always on time, knowledgeable, patient, very pleasant, and able to rescue us when we are lost. Nothing was ever too much for him. He was the best of all.
The best sites were: Meteora, Epidauros, Corinth, Mycenae. The best islands were: Naxos and Santorini.
The accommodation in Athens was great; the two ladies who managed the place were simply wonderful and did not know what to do to help us.
In Meteora, the Holy Spirit and their Gardenia restaurant had fantastic staff, so helpful and generous, serving us extra deserts and fruits.
The hotel in corfu was very good but one hour away from The Old Corfu. That place was for swimmers and beach lovers; nothing nice in the vicinity and away from everything. A hotel in the Old Corfu, with its mansions, cute streets and stores, gardens and palaces would have been the area to be.
In Naxos, the hotel was well situated, but the bathrooms need a lot of modernizing .
In Crete: two things to comment:
The day trip from Heraklion to Rhethymno only would have been enough. Adding Chania was not a good idea at all, because the day trip lasted 10 hours! The landscape was always the same and not particularly striking. Instead of a whole day to Rethymno and China, we should have gone to the Archeological museum in Knossos (or Heraklion).
The arrangement to stay in an apartment in Heraklion was not good for us. We would have liked a hotel with reception, so we could ask questions to a receptionist, because when we arrived the place was closed. We did not have WIFI so I had to go to a neighbourhood cafe and ask them to phone the owner. Also the breakfast was the worst of our whole trip.
All in all, the trip was fantastic, thanks to the arrangements executed to perfection by Amalia. All the contacts, guides and transportations were coordinated perfectly. She confirmed everyday with the drivers and hotels.
We never felt forgotten as Alicia was following our itinerary everyday.
Thanks to her it was a success!
Thank you , Jacqueline

Activity Reviews
 The Acropolis & Ancient Greek Mythology & Museum Tour
The Acropolis & Ancient Greek Mythology & Museum Tour
Athens
Day road trip to Delphi & Arachova
Day road trip to Delphi & Arachova
Greece

Arachova was a real surprise!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day cruise around Santorini
Day cruise around Santorini
Santorini

Wonderful villages , all whitewashed. A dream.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We had to arrange transportation on The Island of Santorini, to go to Oia, etc
Knossos Palace guided tour
Knossos Palace guided tour
Greece

The guide was very good and knew a lot.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Going to Knossos was left to us. We had to take the bus, by asking local people. Again, it would have been nice to stay at a hotel where we could ask how to go to Knossos from Heraklion.
Transport
We needed a receptionist to make arrangements
Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Oct 17, 2023
Dear Jacqueline, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review of your trip to Greece. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey and I truly appreciate your wonderful and detailed feedback! I'm very pleased to hear that Thanassis made your experience exceptional. His knowledge and patience are qualities we value in our drivers. Your kind words about him are greatly appreciated. I'm also grateful for your comments on the hotels you stayed in. I'll be sure to share your compliments... Read more

Dear Jacqueline,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review of your trip to Greece. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed your journey and I truly appreciate your wonderful and detailed feedback!

I'm very pleased to hear that Thanassis made your experience exceptional. His knowledge and patience are qualities we value in our drivers. Your kind words about him are greatly appreciated.

I'm also grateful for your comments on the hotels you stayed in. I'll be sure to share your compliments and the constructive points with all of our partners!

Once again, thank you for choosing us! I'm so pleased to hear that you loved Greece, and I hope to welcome you back in the future for another unforgettable journey. If you ever decide to return, please don't hesitate to contact me😊
My warmest wishes to you and Ana María,
Amalia

Relaxing Greece Trip
Greece | Sep 18 - Sep 28, 2023

Z
Zackry G.
Havelock, NC | Reviewed on Oct 09, 2023
Amalia was a great guide for tailoring our trip to Greece! She listened to what we wanted and made an itinerary that we really enjoyed. She always communicated very quickly and was flexible to any changes that had to be made. Highly recommend her a a trip advisor for anyone traveling to Greece! Read more

Amalia was a great guide for tailoring our trip to Greece! She listened to what we wanted and made an itinerary that we really enjoyed. She always communicated very quickly and was flexible to any changes that had to be made. Highly recommend her a a trip advisor for anyone traveling to Greece!

Activity Reviews
Athens Food Walking Tour & Lunch
Athens Food Walking Tour & Lunch
Athens

This tour was a fantastic way to experience both the food and the city on foot. Really enjoyed the variety of flavors and our tour guide was amazing!

Day trip at Cape Sounion
Day trip at Cape Sounion
Athens

Great option to see something outside of the city of Athens, the sunset was beautiful. Our driver was awesome and we had great conversations!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Naxos
Welcome to Naxos
Naxos

We really enjoyed being able to get a history lesson along with tasting some of the fantastic foods of Naxos!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day cruise to Delos & Mykonos
Day cruise to Delos & Mykonos
Naxos

This day cruise felt like the right amount of time to see both Delos and have a great lunch in Mykonos!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Oct 10, 2023
Dear Zackry,
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure assisting you in tailoring your trip to Greece, and I'm thrilled to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience.
Your recommendation means a lot to me, and I truly appreciate your trust in me as your trip advisor for Greece. If you ever decide to return or explore other destinations, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be more than happy to assist you with your future travel plans.
Once...
Read more

Dear Zackry,
Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure assisting you in tailoring your trip to Greece, and I'm thrilled to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience.
Your recommendation means a lot to me, and I truly appreciate your trust in me as your trip advisor for Greece. If you ever decide to return or explore other destinations, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be more than happy to assist you with your future travel plans.
Once again, thank you for everything and I hope your memories of Greece continue to bring you joy for years to come.
My warmest regards,
Amalia

Trip of a lifetime
Greece | Jun 16 - Jun 24, 2023

Meredith
Meredith A.
Dixon, IL | Reviewed on Aug 23, 2023
Amalia was so great to work with. She shared expert advice, always replied quickly, made adjustments to our plans as we requested and helped make contingency plans when half of our group encountered flight issues. I will continue to recommend her to everyone traveling to Greece. We were a group of 8 and all accommodations and activities were planned & executed seamlessly! This was the trip of a lifetime ☺️ Read more

Amalia was so great to work with. She shared expert advice, always replied quickly, made adjustments to our plans as we requested and helped make contingency plans when half of our group encountered flight issues. I will continue to recommend her to everyone traveling to Greece. We were a group of 8 and all accommodations and activities were planned & executed seamlessly! This was the trip of a lifetime ☺️

Activity Reviews
Day-Cruise around Milos
Day-Cruise around Milos
Milos

Our favorite part of our trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Horse Riding Experience
Sunset Horse Riding Experience
Santorini
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Santorini Wine Tasting Experience
Santorini Wine Tasting Experience
Santorini
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mykonos Cooking Class
Mykonos Cooking Class
Mykonos
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The treasures of Athens
The treasures of Athens
Athens
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Aug 31, 2023

Dear Meredith,

Thank you soo much for everything😊

Working with you was a true pleasure!

I'm thrilled your group of 8 had a seamless experience with accommodations and activities.

Should you or any friends of yours decide to explore Greece in the future, please feel free to reach me out and I'll do my best to make your travels unforgettable!

Wishing you all the best in your future adventures and hoping to cross paths again someday!
My warmest wishes,
Amalia

An unforgettable Greek experience
Greece | Jul 25 - Aug 7, 2023

Patrick
Patrick G.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2023
From start to finish, Amalia was a superb guide to plan our 2 week tour of the Greek islands. We worked with her on relatively short notice and she delivered. The communication and problem solving was point-of-care, seamless. Our transportation for the entire trip was flawless, mindless, and luxurious, as we hoped it'd be. One minor hiccup with an accommodation that was not as planned - Magic Village on Naxos - we recommend staying away until changes are made there. However, Amalia and her... Read more

From start to finish, Amalia was a superb guide to plan our 2 week tour of the Greek islands. We worked with her on relatively short notice and she delivered. The communication and problem solving was point-of-care, seamless. Our transportation for the entire trip was flawless, mindless, and luxurious, as we hoped it'd be. One minor hiccup with an accommodation that was not as planned - Magic Village on Naxos - we recommend staying away until changes are made there. However, Amalia and her team were receptive and helpful in issuing a full refund for that hotel stay in a prompt manner. We would certainly use Amalia's services and knowledge again to explore Greece next time!

Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Aug 31, 2023

Dear Patrick & Bethany,

Thank you for your wonderful words!

I'm very happy to read your review and learn that your vacation was a memorable experience. It was my pleasure to assist you, and I'm thrilled that your trip met your expectations!
Thank you for your comments on Naxos accommodation. We will take everything into consideration to always improve our services!

I'd love to assist you once again in exploring the beauty of Greece in the future.
Until then, I wish you safe travels!
Best regards,
Amalia

Rave review for Amalia and our 10-day trip to Greece
Greece | Jul 27 - Aug 5, 2023

Abby
Abby B.
Walnut, IL | Reviewed on Aug 07, 2023
From our first communication to the flight home, and every step in between, our 10-day trip to Greece was perfectly planned. Amalia was fantastic to work with every step of the way. She made outstanding recommendations to create a nice itinerary filled with fun and interesting activities. The apartments and lodging she chose for our family of five were unique and fit our needs beautifully. This was an unforgettable trip we will treasure forever. Thank you! Read more

From our first communication to the flight home, and every step in between, our 10-day trip to Greece was perfectly planned. Amalia was fantastic to work with every step of the way. She made outstanding recommendations to create a nice itinerary filled with fun and interesting activities. The apartments and lodging she chose for our family of five were unique and fit our needs beautifully. This was an unforgettable trip we will treasure forever. Thank you!

Activity Reviews
Santorini Cooking Class
Santorini Cooking Class
Santorini

Our cooking class was a true highlight of our trip. It was fun, interesting and a great way to explore the Greek culture and cuisine.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to the island of Naxos
Welcome to the island of Naxos
Naxos
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day cruise to Delos & Mykonos
Day cruise to Delos & Mykonos
Naxos

Delos was an interesting and educational experience. Paired with a few hours in Mykonos the day was filled with diverse activities. It was a true highlight of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Athens Food Walking Tour
Athens Food Walking Tour
Athens

We love food walking tours because the guides take you to off the beaten path locations and share lots of interesting history. It's a fun way to explore the culture and try new things.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Amalia Symvoulidou
Amalia
Amalia Symvoulidou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Aug 08, 2023

Dear Abby,

I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful review😊

I wanted this trip to be an unforgettable experience for you and your family, and it makes me really happy to know you that you had such a great time!

It would be my pleasure to help you plan your next trip to Greece! Hopefully we will get to meet next time!
My warmest wishes to you all,
Amalia