Greece › Travel Agents for UK/US/Canada/Australia
Updated: February 13, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
See Also
- The Best Greek Island Itineraries
- Where to Stay in Santorini
- Where to Stay in Mykonos
- Where to Stay in Athens
- Fantasy Travel – Excellent travel agency in Athens, Greece
Planning Your First Trip to Greece
The biggest hurdle for first-time visitors is understanding the difference between Booking Sites (tools you use to book things yourself) and Travel Agencies (companies that plan and manage the trip for you). Both are excellent options, but they serve different needs.
Essential Online Tools for DIY Planning
If you want total control over your hotels and itinerary, use these tools. They are the same ones I use to plan my own trips.
- Google Flights: Use the Multi-City search to book Open-Jaw tickets. For example, fly into Athens and out of Santorini. This saves you an entire day of backtracking to the mainland.
- Booking.com: The best site for Greek hotels. It has the most inventory and honest reviews. Most agencies have a limited portfolio of hotels, while Booking.com gives you access to everything.
- FerryHopper.com: The absolute best site for ferries. It is simple, supports E-tickets, and shows all routes.
Top-Rated Travel Agencies for Custom Itineraries
Use an agency if you want a hands-off experience. The biggest benefit of an agent for a first-timer is the Safety Net. If there is a ferry strike, a storm, or a flight delay, you do not have to spend your vacation on the phone with customer support because your agent handles the logistics and re-bookings for you.
- Fantasy Travel: My #1 recommendation. Based in Athens, they have the best local connections. Excellent for custom island-hopping, honeymoons, and families. Both islands and mainland.
- Hellenic Holidays: Based in NYC. They specialize in high-end, luxury 5-star trips and provide a very polished experience for US travelers.
The First-Timer’s Planning Timeline
- 8 to 10 Months Out: Decide on your islands. Read my Greek Islands Guide.
- 7 to 9 Months Out: Book your flights and your Santorini or Mykonos hotels. The best hotels with caldera views sell out very early.
- 3 to 5 Months Out: Book your ferries on FerryHopper.
- 2 to 3 Months Out: For Santorini, book your boat tours and wine tours.
Common Questions from First-Timers
My son doing a handstand in Santorini. For first-timers, the key is deciding between DIY booking and using a full-service agency.
Do I need a travel agent?
No. If you are comfortable booking a flight and a hotel, you can do this yourself. You will save money and have more hotel choices. However, if the thought of ferry schedules and transfers stresses you out, a local agency like Fantasy Travel is worth the cost.Is it hard to book for a family or large group?
Yes, it can be. Standard hotel rooms in Greece are often small and often limited to two people. Finding triple or quad rooms can be a challenge in high season, especially in popular spots like Oia. If you are traveling as a family of four or more, an agent is often worth it because they know which hotels have legitimate suites or connecting rooms. If you are doing it yourself, use the villas or apartments filter on Booking.com (this usually means the unit will have a small kitchen) and book at least 6 months in advance.Do I need travel insurance?
I usually don’t get it myself for small trips, but for a major international vacation, it can be important for peace of mind. Beyond covering ferry strikes or weather delays, it is vital for health emergencies and sudden illness. If you or a family member gets sick or injured, insurance can cover medical care in Greece or emergency medical evacuation, which is incredibly expensive if paid out of pocket. Read the fine print about what is covered.Are the ferries confusing?
Only if you look at the old paper schedules. Sites like FerryHopper have made it as easy as booking a flight. Just remember that Large car ferries (like Blue Star) are slower but very stable in the wind, while High-speed catamarans (like SeaJets) are fast but can be a bumpy ride if the sea is rough. For more info, read my guide to Greek ferries.Does a travel agent cost more?
Usually, no. Agencies often get net rates from hotels. They sell the room to you at the standard rate and keep the difference as their commission. You get their expertise and support for roughly the same price as booking direct.Travel Companies by City
Location Agency Best For… Athens, Greece Fantasy Travel Local expertise and 24/7 on-the-ground support. New York, NY Hellenic Holidays Boutique luxury and high-end US-based service. Chicago, IL Real Greece Travel Specialized, personalized planning from a dedicated Greek expert. Boston, MA Kutrubes Travel Deep knowledge of off-the-beaten-path mainland and island routes. Washington, DC Homeric Tours Reliable, large-scale tour operations and group travel. London, UK Travelive High-end luxury and highly customized bespoke itineraries. Australia GMTC The premier dedicated Greece and Mediterranean specialist for Australians. Quick FAQ
- What are the best islands for a first-timer?
Santorini (views), Mykonos (beaches and nightlife), Naxos (families and authenticity), and Paros (trendy villages).- When is the best time to visit?
Sightseeing: April, May, October. Swimming: June to September.- Is Athens worth it and how long should I stay?
Yes, absolutely. Do not skip Athens. It is one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. For a first-timer, 2 to 3 days is the sweet spot. This gives you enough time to see the Acropolis and Plaka without feeling rushed before you head to the islands.- Do I need to carry a lot of cash?
It is always good to have some Euros for small tavernas or remote shops, but credit cards are accepted almost everywhere now. Just make sure your card has no foreign transaction fees. Use ATMs at banks for the best exchange rates and avoid the standalone kiosks at the airport.
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