Meeting the Athens Insiders

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Who are the Athens Insiders?  Their site describes them as

Α dynamic travel company composed of a team of individuals with diverse life stories, interests, and passions, united by their love for travel.

They are keen to offer visitors to Athens – and Greece – authentic experiences of their country, of which they are very passionate about.  Therefore, I was delighted when they offered me the opportunity to join their Tsipouro Tasting & Walking Tour in Athens. 

I would be joining a German couple who had booked the tour – Athens Insiders are very good in that they offer very personalized tours from two to usually a maximum of eight participants.

Wandering through Syntagma Square at Christmas 2014
Wandering through Syntagma Square at Christmas 2014

Sitting in the lobby of the Fresh Hotel, bang on 5pm Yannis, our guide, entered Reception.  It was obvious he was our guide as he sported a large “Athens Insiders” badge on his jacket.  Yannis’s specialisation is fine foods and wines as he spent the last decade in London, working in the wine industry – our perfect guide for the tsipouro tasting.

Introductions all around with the German couple who booked the tour, and then off we went.

Tailor made

Athens Insiders are unique – in my opinion – as they don’t run to a strict, “by the book” schedule.  Yannis ensured that he understood what the needs were of his two guests and we wandered around the Athenian neighbourhoods of Psirri, Thission and Monisteraki.

Stopping on the Athens Insiders tour of Athens to drink 'tea' from the root of an orchid
Stopping on the Athens Insiders tour of Athens to drink ‘tea’ from the root of an orchid

Yannis took time asking the ‘right’ questions, really getting to know his guests and ensuring they received a visual flavour of Athens, enthusiastic in his responses.

Athens Insider guide - Yannis - getting to know his guests
Athens Insider guide – Yannis – getting to know his guests

An approx. 2.5 hour walking tour of Athens ended in the tsipouro tasting at Manas Kouzina Kouzina where samples of mezedes were also served.

I actually arrived there early and sat down to a full meal.

More on the Athens Insiders can be viewed here:

Thank you for hosting me on such a tour.  Athens Insiders also operate small group and tailor made tours around Greece.  Don’t hesitate to contact them and be safe in the knowledge you’ll be receiving a very personalised experience with locals who’re passionate and knowledgeable about all things Greek.

beyondbextakes-a-look

2 COMMENTS

  1. ah so nice to see Athens’ decorations as I’m not there this Christmas! If you don’t mind I’d like to post the first one on Aspects of Athens Facebook page (with credit always)!
    Nice site makeover by the way!

  2. I’d be honoured, thank you Anna.
    Of course, with a link back is gratefully received.

    Merry Christmas to you!