Luxury Trips to Greece - Greek Islands Vacations, Holidays & Greek Vacation Package Travel Tours to Greece
True Turkey has emerged in recent years as a distinct brand of the True Greece parent company, which has been creating memorable experiences for thousands of travelers to Greece since 2004. As a leading luxury travel company, we are focused on providing our guests with personalized travel and an unforgettable journey through the rich culture and landscape of both Turkey and Greece through our True Turkey and True Greece brands.
Acknowledged for his commitment to planning and executing a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience for our guests, Christos Stergiou, True Greece's Founder and CEO, has been recognized by
Conde Nast Traveler Magazine for a third consecutive year as one of the
World’s Top Travel Specialists for travel to Greece. In addition, Christos has been included in
Travel + Leisure’s A-List of top travel agents globally for two consecutive years as a specialist for Greece.
We encourage you to review some of our True Turkey and True Greece testimonials below so that those not familiar with our trips can learn more about who we are and how we plan authentic travel experiences that flow to perfection!
True Greece Reviews
Testimonials for True Greece Trips The testimonials below are those of individuals who have participated in True Greece trips:
2011 Testimonials
I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the trip that you planned. We had an incredible experience in Greece, it truly was the trip of a lifetime. We thoroughly enjoyed the hotels that were selected, and were very impressed and pleased with the service. All of the flights, ferries, and transfers went so smoothly we never had to worry about getting to the next location and could relax and enjoy our vacation. Thank you very much for making our trip so easy and enjoyable. Although our trip is over, we both have wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. I will most highly recommend your services to anyone I know that is looking to travel to Greece. Thanks again!
Molly Brown, Mission Viejo, CA, 2011
Three years ago, my wife Amy and I used True Greece to put together our 20th Anniversary trip. We pulled out all the stops for this "once-in-a-lifetime" trip. Well, we just got back from our 3rd consecutive yearly "Odyssey" to the Greek isles! And each trip has surely dwarfed the one that preceded it. We are planning out next year even now. We told True Greece that we vacation for only these things: privacy, intimacy, and romance. They deliver every time. The entire organization is professional, precise and friendly, right down to every driver and every transfer. We recommend True Greece to everyone who asks about our vacations in Greece.
Burke & Amy Bradley, Missouri City, TX, 2011
My husband and I were referred to True Greece by a friend in order to help us plan our honeymoon - and they did an absolutely amazing job. We had a wonderful time everywhere we went. It was such a relief to not have to worry about how we would get from place to place - True Greece took care of everything, from transportation to and from the hotels, to the boats from island to island. Our hotels everywhere we went were spectacular, especially in Santorini where we had a breathtaking view of the famous sunset. The excursions they planned for us were wonderful and they truly made our honeymoon amazing. We plan to return to Greece in a couple of years and will use True Greece again to plan another wonderful trip.
Julia Taylor, Smyrna, GA, 2011
This is the second time I have used True Greece for a planned trip to Greece, and again, they did not disappoint! I've recommended their service to 6 separate friends who have used them and everyone comes away raving. The ease of the trip once you arrive takes all the stress of traveling away. Every place is warm and welcoming and goes out of their way to make you feel at home. Thanks again True Greece and hopefully we'll get to visit again soon!!
Jessica Trevino, Birmingham, AL, 2011
We had an amazing time on our honeymoon in Greece. From the moment we landed in Athens until our flight back to Newark, NJ, everything was taken care of. Having each transfer scheduled for us took all of the stress out of the planning process and made for an easy trip through Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. All the hotels selected by True Greece were outstanding and all had exceptional service. By the time we left, we felt that each of the True Greece representatives/guides became great friends that we would keep in touch with. We would definitely recommend True Greece to anyone who is planning a trip. Thank you!!!!!!
Scott Shankin, Hoboken, NJ, 2011
We had high expectations for our first trip to Greece and they were all exceeded. The hotels, the sea, the food, the people, the history, the romance were all fantastic. As we were leaving, I asked my wife, "knowing what we know now, what would we have done differently?". Her answer was "Nothing - it was perfect!" I agree. We could not have planned this perfect trip without the help of True Greece. This will be the first of many trips to the islands.
Jim Robinson, Greenville, SC, 2011
We wanted to travel independently and have a stress-free experience, but frankly did not think it was possible until we discovered True Greece. Our drivers were there waiting for us every step of the way, even when our flight from the U.S. was 3 hours late. This was so reassuring! The hotels were fabulous and we felt especially well cared for (and well fed.) The tours provided were interesting and educational and we enjoyed our guides. The recommended restaurants and tavernas were our favorites. True Greece is 5-star in our book!
Leslie King, Naperville, IL, 2011
We booked our trip about six weeks out, which is really not allot of time. True Greece worked with me in making choices and made it so easy. The information was well-presented and concise. From the moment we arrived to the day we left all elements were on-time and perfect. Loved your company and partners. My husband promised me that we are coming back - and when we do I will use True Greece!
Kathryn Hartle, Johns Island, SC, 2011
This trip was so amazing, we did not want to leave and head back home. Hands down the best vacation we ever been on - this will be hard to top. From the moment we arrived, the service from True Greece was impeccable from arrival to departure.
Bill and Gina Henry, Delta, BC, 2011
2010 Testimonials
Each time we have used True Greece to plan or supplement our travels, we have been delighted with the recommendations for activities and sights, hotel and restaurant choices and the attention given to transfers and drivers where necessary. Several of our friends have taken our recommendation and traveled with True Greece. Like us, they return home with wonderful memories and rave about the services of True Greece.
Kathy Duryea, Los Gatos, CA, 2010
This was our second True Greece experience in two years. We dragged ourselves onto that homeward bound jet in Athens yet again only because we promised each other we would come back next year too! True Greece has put together the two best vacations we have ever had. Then they put together yet another intimate, romantic trip, full of the sort of open-ended activities that beg for spontaneity and of quiet hotels and vistas that remind you why you were meant to be together. We really felt like we belonged there after a while, after we met so many wonderful Greeks over great food and wines and sunsets. Greece is an amazing place, and its people so very warm, but we're not sure it would feel so authentic without True Greece's touch.
Burke & Amy Bradley, Missouri City, TX, 2010
Our vacation to Greece was truly unforgettable. Every aspect of our trip went seamlessly, thanks to the efforts of True Greece. The hotels were incredible, the restaurant recommendations were great and the tours and tour guides were fantastic. We were able to completely relax during the entire trip because we knew that True Greece had taken the time and care to prearrange every detail of our stay. I would recommend True Greece to anyone planning a trip to Greece.
Kelly Corfeld, Las Vegas, NV, 2010
From the moment we arrived in Greece True Greece took care of everything. We never had to worry about being late to any of our activities or flights. All of the hotels we stayed in were very nice, clean and friendly. Locations of each of the hotel were convenient to all the sites. We absolutely loved the sailing trip in Santorini. THANK YOU True Greece it really made our Honeymoon!!! True Greece worked with us from the beginning till the end of our trip to make sure every detail was taken care. If you are planning a trip to Greece, I would highly recommend True Greece. Thank you once again for making our Honeymoon absolutely fantastic!!!
Utpal Shah, Arlington, VA, 2010
We had an amazing time in Greece truly thanks to True Greece's expertise. Thank you for making things simple and seamless - in the midst of wedding planning, we were so incredibly grateful for your help. Everything from the quality of the hotels and restaurants you chose to the personal tours and attention to detail was flawless. We look forward to visiting Greece again one day, and will certainly seek your assistance again. Santorini was more amazing than we ever imagined (heaven on earth is our name for it) and we can't wait to explore even more! Thank you!
Allison & Randall Yee, Boston, MA, 2010
Like others we usually plan our own vacations, however, when looking into a trip to Greece we considered using some help. True Greece's services go far beyond just booking a hotel. They took care of every last detail and delivered a dream vacation to my husband and I. From the planning stages to the minute we stepped off the plane and were greeted with warm welcoming smiles and wonderfully helpful people who treated us with special care. The accommodations in Rhodes, Crete and Santorini were top notch. It was truly a pleasure to have all of the details taken care of for us with absolutely no hitches or snags along the way. In a world where we're so often mislead by companies not living up to their claims True Greece is everything they claim to be and exceeded our expectations. I can say with 100% certainty if you are considering letting True Greece plan your trip you will not be disappointed.
Lisa Larocca, Shrewsbury, MA, 2010
My wife and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping to make our honeymoon one that we feel truly blessed to have taken. True Greece offered us unmatched customer service in planning our trip, and followed that up with amazing communication while we were in Greece. The quality of the hotels, transfers, food recommendations, and activities were only out done by Greece's beauty. We thank you so much for everything you've done, and we're already talking about our return trip!
Daniel Marr, Austin, TX, 2010
If I won the lottery, I would return to Greece again and again with True Greece. Each trip has been seamless; sights and tours have been timed beautifully and every detail was executed flawlessly. Highly deserving of the Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure excellence awards.
Bob and Carol Dressler, Los Altos Hills, CA, 2010
True Greece really exceeds expectations. The level of hospitality and efficiency is surpassed only by the incredible experiences that True Greece will arrange for you. Using True Greece is among the best ways to visit Greece - much like having a trusted family member guide you to the best possible places to spend your time.
Patricia Wintermuth, White Plains, NY, 2010
2009 Testimonials
I have to say that I am hardly ever blown away by travel agencies. However, True Greece was ABSOLUTELY, 100% amazing in helping us plan our honeymoon. It was very nerve racking trying to plan a honeymoon that included Athens, Santorini and Crete from the US and having no idea of how to get between islands, rent a car, and find out a lot of simple information, so I called True Greece. Not only did they handle all of that for us, but they put my wife and me in the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed in, with the best staff, and at a price I could not beat through booking the trip myself. All of the transportation between airports and hotels, hotels and ports, was taken care of and was in beautiful cars and was ALWAYS perfectly on time. We didn’t have to think about a thing, it was all done for us. I do not know how they pull it off, but everything was wonderful, it was absolutely, 100%, the best travel experience of our lives, they did not skip a beat. I cannot say thank you enough to True Greece for what was a sensational honeymoon and a truly stress free experience. If you are going to Greece, you would be absolutely crazy not to use them. Thank you.
Reg Blynn, Charleston, SC, 2009
We are so pleased that we booked with True Greece. The ease of transfers alone made it worthwhile. We felt like VIP guests and it added greatly to our ability to relax. The Welcome Package was helpful and eased concerns about the how, when, where of things. The drivers were very prompt, friendly and professional. Our tour guide for Athens was delightful, so informed and enthusiastic. All hotels suited our needs and more than met our expectations. The vacation as a whole exceeded all our expectations and hopes. Thank you for providing incredibly professional, consistent, helpful, friendly service. A job VERY well done!
Marjorie Mundy, Wilmington, DE, 2009
From the very beginning True Greece was a pleasure to work with. I contacted two other agencies before TG and they were not as friendly or as knowledgeable about Greece. Since TG is located in Athens they really brought a much more authentic feel to our vacation and did I mention that the staff is very friendly!! From the moment we landed in Athens we were very well taken care off. I highly recommend True Greece for anyone going to Greece for their vacation. Thank you True Greece for a vacation that my wife and I will never forget!!!
Dan Coda, Hoboken, NJ, 2009
The service True Greece provided for my wife and I was truly exceptional. I am not much of an organized tour person and the flexibility that True Greece provided in being able to take care of all the stressful items on your trip to a foreign country like local transportation, picking great hotels, recommending great restaurants, etc was truly fabulous. This was the most stress free trip I have ever taken and it was all thanks to True Greece. I couldn't recommend them more highly to anyone planning a Greek vacation as you will truly receive an authentic Greek experience while not having to worry about the details that take away from a trips enjoyment.
Bill Roche, Fairfax, VA, 2009
Wow... a dream come true vacation! True Greece made it very easy for us with our customized trip; we'd work with them again in a heartbeat! They've truly earned their Conde Nast #1 rating! Greece is beautiful, fun, has great people, and made us feel welcome everywhere we went. Leave the planning headaches to True Greece and go enjoy yourself... Greece is an incredible country!
Robert Barnes, Cedar Falls, IA, 2009
This was the perfect trip. Everything was handled in a professional and efficient manner (transfers, hotels, ferries, etc.). We plan to return in the future, and will use True Greece again. It was the most romantic, fun, and beautiful destination we have visited thus far. My husband and I fell in LOVE with Greece!
Jessica Schott & Spencer Howell, Chicago, IL, 2009
A honeymoon is a new beginning and I can’t think of a better start to my future all thanks to a wonderful vacation planned by the team at True Greece. I started as a very nervous customer but after a few phone calls and a beautifully planned vacation, became a faithful follower of True Greece. From the initial conversation, the professionalism and warm attributes that are so true of the Greek culture were very prominent. To all the concierges that contributed to my trip thank you for making my wife and me very happy believers of True Greece. I look forward to giving you all the next opportunity of helping me plan my future vacations in Europe as you grow.
Rishi Popli, Union City, NJ, 2009
Reviews - Full Listings
Conde Nast Traveler The Daily Traveler
What You Need to Know About Traveling to Greece Now The intensity of the Greek debt crisis, along with clashes between protestors and police, have some travelers rethinking their plans for a Grecian getaway. We interviewed True Greece's
Christos Stergiou, one of our meticulously vetted
top travel specialists of 2011, to find out what travelers need to know.
Read the full interview in
cntraveler.com
Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel SpecialistPublished in: December 2011 (also included in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011)
Christos Stergiou, True Greece, Maroussi, Greece
After growing up in Athens and on the island of Patmos, Stergiou moved to the United States for college and business school. Now, armed with an MBA from Stanford, he’s back home, giving visitors a luxe, intimate experience of unspoiled Greece. He’ll have you swimming in the crustal-clear waters of isolated beaches, sailing by traditional Greek wooden boat to deserted islands, joining in village celebrations, or learning how to make authentic spanakopita (800-817-7098;
Travel + Leisure Published in: September 2011 (also included in 2009, 2010 and 2011)
Whether you’re looking to plan the trip of a lifetime, secure a great guide, or snag a hotel upgrade, booking with an expert beats the click of the mouse any day. T+L evaluated thousands of agents to come up with this highly selective list of the best in the business.
Christos Stergiou
Years as agent: 7.
Other specialty: Turkey
Fee: $100
Brides New York Honeymoons and Destinations
Published in: Spring/Summer 2010
“If It Were Me…” Travel insiders who specialize in there honeymoon-worthy destinations reveal the itineraries they’d follow on their own romantic getaways. Expert: Christos Stergiou, founder of True Greece, Length of trip: 10 days, Highlights: Historical Athens, beaches of Patmos, and sunsets on Santorini.
The Huffington Post DestinationsThe Resilient Beauty of Greece (Photos)
As Greece's history is truly the shared history of much of the Western world, Patmos is known as where St. John wrote the Apocalypse. Millenia later it is a "sophisticated island away from it all, and has a certain aura that people can't quite define but love," TrueGreece founder Christos Stergiou told The Huffington Post.
Read the full interview in
huffingtonpost.com
Forbes.comGreece After The Fall
Published in: October 2010
I asked Christos Stergiou, president of True Greece, the leading luxury travel company in Greece, how tourists are reacting, and he had the same response that I eventually began to have: People would mind if Greece changed too much.
Read the full article on Forbes.com
Frommer's Published in: February 2010 (also included in 2005-2010)
There is no shortage of travel agencies prepared to arrange your trip to and within Greece. But a brand-new one is aiming at the high-end market. A young Greek man, Christos Stergiou, whose family runs a hotel and restaurant on the island of Patmos, started True Greece (www.truegreece.com). Christos earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees (MBA from Stanford) in the U.S. and so brings a special combination of experience and awareness to the travel business. True Greece offers several package tours that include Athens and two islands, but the agency also arranges individualized itineraries such as honeymoons.
In addition to the finer hotels and restaurants to which True Greece directs its clients, native-born but English-speaking escorts provide more intimate views of the locales visited. Also, group size is limited to 16.
Conde Nast Traveler The Dream List Greece: Music in Athens, Wine in Santorin
Published in: December 2009
The Dream Trip: "Many of the world's greatest ideas—indeed, the cornerstones of modern civilization—were born in Greece, and music is but one example. Over coffee in Athens with acclaimed Greek classical pianist Eugenia Papadimas, you'll learn how Western music inherited a number of its basic principles from ancient Greece. Did you know that Pythagoras invented the base notation musical system, or that the first keyboard was created in Greece? The specialist: Christos Stergiou, True Greece; Marousi, Greece.
Read the full version of the Conde Nast TravelerThe Dream List
ISLANDSLost in time
Published in: October 2009
Start by contacting True Greece, a travel company that design custom trips and offer access to the most authentic experiences. ISLANDS worked with True Greece founder, Christos Stergiou, who grew up on Patmos, to design this local-family-focused trip for the photo essay. www.truegreece.com
New York Times' T Magazine
Rock of Ages
Published in: May 2009
...or take a seven-hour ferry from Athens on Blue Star Ferries. Since connections can be difficult to manage, consider using a knowledgeable travel agent like True Greece (800-817-7098; truegreece.com).
Read T magazine's full Patmos Cover Story
Indagare – The next generation of travel wisdom Behind the scenes in Greece
Published in: January 2009
Christos Stergiou launched his company True Greece to help visitors explore his native country (he grew up in Athens and on the island of Patmos) in an authentic and luxurious way. “I wanted my clients to not only visit Greece, but truly experience Greece,” he says. The country has calmed down significantly since the unrests in December 2008, and Stergiou says that everyone is looking forward to moving on. Indagare spoke to Stergiou about his company’s behind-the-scenes access and what not to miss on a trip.
Financial Times Greece as Greeks live it
Published in: November 2008
It is possible to remain in Athens and visit the major antiquities as a series of day trips. Another way of seeing the sites, however, and something that True Greece recommends as a way of seeing Greece as Greeks live it, is by staying in some of the minor towns near the antiquities. One in particular, Arachova, merits special consideration. It is about a 15-minute drive from Delphi and is a winter weekend destination for well-off Athenians. Draped along the slopes of Mt Parnassos, the town looks as if it belongs in Switzerland.
The itinerary for this trip can be found on the True Greece website (
www.truegreece.com). Look for the trip described as TrueAntiquity.
Metrosource Santorini: Atlantis Rediscovered
Published in: December 2008
Once a sleepy island best known for cherry tomatoes, Santorini has become one of Greece’s most popular island destinations...Gay travelers who want a complete vacation planned and executed with Swiss-like precision should try the Greek-owned IGLTA-member True Greece (truegreece.com). The agency books clients into either self-escorted or escorted trips with local guides and luxury hotels.
Stanford Business New Ventures
Published in: August 2005
If you've ever wanted to tour Greece as only a native Greek would do, you may have your chance, thanks to a company called True Greece, the true Greek who started it, and the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, which helped him develop his business plan. Christos Stergiou, MBA '04, grew up in Greece, where he learned tourism from the family hotel business, and went to the GSB [Stanford Graduate School of Business], where he founded his new venture. Stergiou's company offers three different Greek island tours to groups of 4 to 16 people accompanied by a concierge, as well as customized trips.
Reserve, or just daydream, at www.truegreece.com.