Christopher Mills

<p>I was born in Athens and cherish memories of exploring the hill around my home in Kifissia when I was a kid. My first dramatic role was that of Miltiades the Younger during a re-enactment of the Battle of Marathon on a field trip to Marathon! (I nailed the performance, although I might have taken my role more seriously than my fellow seventh-grade Greeks, lol).  </p>
<p>Greece has always held a deeply personal place in my heart. As a travel advisor, I get euphoric whenever I see a message from a prospective client who found me here on Travel Leaders asking me about Greece because I know I’m about to put together an amazing adventure that will change someone’s life! Dramatic hyperbole? Maybe, ?? but wait until you return from Greece, and let’s see how you feel! (Spoiler alert: Your life is gonna change!) </p>
<p>When you step outside the Athens airport and breathe in the Mediterranean breeze for the first time (and every time you return!), and the saltwater mingling with hints of olive trees and blooming bougainvillea, you feel the Greeks' zest for life take root in your soul! Seriously, what’s not to love about Greece?! (That’s a rhetorical question!)</p>
<p><em><strong>“The problem with Greece is that she’s just too beautiful.” – Unknown </strong></em><br /><br />It’s only a matter of time before every interaction is with warm-hearted locals who embody the spirit of living life to the fullest. Devouring saganaki, dolmades like my mother used to make or whole fish cooked with oil and lemon fresh from the market. Drinking a crisp glass of Retsina as the sun sets behind the Acropolis. Hiking Crete’s Imbros Gorge. Swimming in the blue turquoise waters of Egremni in Lefkada. </p>
<p>Almost every adventure begins in Athens, the heartbeat of Greece. My birthplace, Athens, is steeped in history, where ancient history slams up against vibrant modernity in an electrifying but seamless fashion. Sitting in a café in Plaka, a rooftop bar in Monastiraki, or vintage shopping in Exarcheia, the Acropolis is always in view, a majestic citadel watching over you! As you stand at the Parthenon overlooking the city, you can’t help but feel transported back to when the Twelve Olympians ruled the land. Roam the historic Plaka district. Indulge in a cooking class at the home of an Athenian family and walk away with authentic recipes handed down for generations. </p>
<p>Paros is next in the Odyssey (see what I did there?!). If the crystalline waters don’t blow you away, the traditional charm of Paros certainly will. Simple beauty personified! Stop into the whitewashed villages of Naoussa and Parikia. Spend hours walking those labyrinthine streets decked with vibrant bougainvillea! </p>
<p>Now, when you fly into Crete, your trip takes a mythical turn. The palace of Knossos (home of the legend of the Minotaur and King Minos!). It’s crazy all that Crete has to offer. Pink sands of Elafonissi Beach. A fantastic hike to Samaria Gorge. And some of the best olive oil, honey, and cheese you’ll ever taste! (Wash it down with Cretan wine from Chania!) </p>
<p>Of course, there’s the vibrant energy of Mykonos, the iconic, blue-domed churches of Santorini (and the spectacular Oia sunset!). The endless sandy beaches of Naxos. The underrated beauty of Koufonisia (wait until you see the turquoise ocean!)</p>
<p>But my favorite, Paxos, a cherished hidden gem (backed by glowing client feedback!), you can get to by ferry. Unspoiled, laid back nature. A walker's paradise. Authentic Greek charm with colorful houses lining narrow streets and waterfront tavernas serving lip-smacking fresh seafood. Plunge into the authentic Greek island experience. (It’s such a peaceful and vibrant island, my friend Kate wrote (and set!) her last psychological thriller here!)</p>
<p>Throughout Greece, one constant remains—the genuine warmth of the Greek people rooted in the ethos of philoxenia ('friend to a stranger'). Whether savoring moussaka in a local taverna or sharing stories over Ouzo and mezedes with friendly locals (new friends!), Greek hospitality will add a cherished dimension to your travel experience. </p>
<p>I can’t say enough about how much I love my birthplace, but it’s a special place where every site, city, and island tell a story if you’re ready to listen! </p>
<p>So, let’s huddle, sip Ouzo, and plan your memorable Greek odyssey; once you experience Greece's timeless allure, it will leave an unforgettable mark on your heart.</p>
<p>For now, I’ll leave you with this perfect quote from Henry Miller, <em>“It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.” </em></p>
<p><strong><em>I can’t wait to chat with you! </em></strong></p>