Trip of a lifetime
Greece | Sep 13 - Sep 26, 2023

Tom
Tom C.
Shaw, DC | Reviewed on Sep 27, 2023

Fantastic! Cannot say enough about Irene and her team throughout this process. They were amazing! Was our 40th wedding anniversary trip to Greece and couldn’t have asked for more. The places and itinerary Irene put together were great. And not having to worry about the details were so appreciated. From airport transfers to rental car pickup to ferry tickets and excursions, we didn’t have to think about a detail. Irene’s folks took care of everything! We used WhatsApp to communicate and it worked great! How we got our tickets for everything. The places Irene set up were superior and they greeted and treated us so well at each of the 5 hotels. And we like to do our own thing most places but the excursions Irene set up were the best we’ve ever experienced (personal guide to Acropolis, Alex, was amazing.. as was our hiking guide, George, in Naxos.. and our cooking class host, Katerina). Would not HESITATE to use Irene and her team again and could not be more thankful for the trip of our lifetime. Look forward to the next with kimkim! :-)

Hotel Reviews
Sweet Home Hotel
Athens

Perfect location for the Acropolis and downtown Athens. Staff was amazing.. in particular, Aphrodite.

Authenticity & Character
Boutique small hotel with best breakfast!
Location
In Plaka district close to everything
Staff
Aphrodite was great!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Athina Studios & Suites
Naxos

Right next to the beach.. amenities and views were superior. Staff was amazing!! So attentive and had the pool to ourselves most days and drinks from the bar while we enjoyed it.

Authenticity & Character
Small hotel with very personal feel
Location
Right off the beach.. beautiful clear calm water
Staff
Staff was attentive and available for any and all questions .
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Maison Ottomane Chania
Chania

Of the five hotels we stayed at in Greece this topped them all. The city of Chania is a gem! Wished we’d had a few more days here :-)

Authenticity & Character
Only a handful of rooms with original art and the most comfortable beds we’ve ever been in.
Location
The location was wow! Next to city center and they had parking which was great. Also right next to a 5,000 year old archeological dig.
Staff
Amazing attention to detail. Our last morning we had to leave at 6am so host made us full breakfast night before to enjoy before we left.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Again, spacious room with most comfortable beds!
Petit Palace Suites
Santorini

What can you say! The views were superior. Best place on Santorini to watch the sunset!

Authenticity & Character
Terraced room on edge of caldera were amazing.. everyone has wow views!!
Location
Away from congestion of Fira and Oia.. perfect location.
Staff
Faye and Alexandra on the restaurant staff were amazing… so attentive and personable!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inotropes Boutique Suites - Adults Only
Archanes-Asterousia

A gem in the middle of an authentic Cretan village. Only a handful of rooms.. each beautiful, clean and very well maintained.

Authenticity & Character
Small number of rooms made it special. Boutique hotel with parking was great.
Location
Not far from Heraklion.. great location in authentic village.
Staff
Breakfast was wow! The spread was amazing!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Acropolis Guided Tour
Private Acropolis Guided Tour
Athens

Alex was amazing! Would encourage anyone going to the Acropolis to ask for him. Cannot compare to the large group tours we observed there. He was our personal guide and knew more about U.S. history than us!! Amazing young man and person.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hiking Naxos Paths
Hiking Naxos Paths
Naxos

George is a gem! After 5 hours together we were ready to adopt him as an honorary son! He took us on a hiking tour of multiple villages and was so informative and interesting.. so appreciated

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking Class in Naxos Villages
Cooking Class in Naxos Villages
Naxos

Katerina and her mother Maria were fantastic. Special time learning various Greek dishes.. look forward to replicating with family! Her house was so inviting.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Irene Lappa
Irene
Irene Lappa
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Oct 08, 2023
Dearest Tom and Val,
As you, I have not enough words to thank you for your rave review and describe how grateful I am that I interacted with such kind and wonderful people like you!
Even with just written communication, it is typical that a strong relationship is build between the travelers and their travel specialist as we work together for a long period of time to plan and organize a trip and it is enough to appreciate personalities and characters.
Some times something unique happens and...
Read more

Dearest Tom and Val,
As you, I have not enough words to thank you for your rave review and describe how grateful I am that I interacted with such kind and wonderful people like you!
Even with just written communication, it is typical that a strong relationship is build between the travelers and their travel specialist as we work together for a long period of time to plan and organize a trip and it is enough to appreciate personalities and characters.
Some times something unique happens and you understand delicate and valuable qualities between the lines. This has happened with you and it was a blast!!
Once again, thank you and I look forward to working with you again for your next trip to Greece or Italy!
Safe travels, Tom and Val!
Irene Lappa