The Greece of Our Hearts

With nearly three decades of guiding travellers through Greece, we’ve learned that the most meaningful journeys happen in places where Greece’s soul remains intact. Our background and deep knowledge allow us to share with you the country that isn’t always easy to find anymore—the country we’ve kept close to our hearts, our Greece.

You’ll see the famous places you’ve heard about, but you’ll also discover the hidden layers that most visitors never experience. This Greece reveals itself through meaningful moments with local communities, authentic cuisine, traditional music, lesser-known monuments and sites, captivating local stories, ancient legends, and the culture that makes each destination special.

The Right Place at the Right Time

Every destination has its perfect season—when the light is most beautiful, when local life is at its most vibrant.

We know exactly when to visit each place for maximum impact, ensuring you experience Greece at its absolute best.

We focus on the regions that have revealed their secrets to us most completely: the untamed beauty of Epirus with its dramatic mountains cascading to pristine coastlines;

the Peloponnese that weaves together all seasons and all historical periods of Greece in one extraordinary peninsula; Central Greece with sacred Delphi, the monasteries of Meteora, and charming towns by the sea that appear like watercolour paintings; and select islands including Syros, Naxos, and Serifos.

Delphi, Central Greece

Voidomatis Aoos Geopark, Epirus

Spring at the Acropolis, Athens

Tinos island, Cyclades

Ancient Theatre of Dodona, Epirus

Meteora Monasteries, Thessaly

Crocus flowers at Cape Sounion, Athens

Thoughtful Travel, Personal Connection

We believe travel is deeply personal—each journey in our lives is something very special, and that’s exactly how we treat it. We prefer to share our carefully crafted recommendations personally rather than publishing them online, focusing on travellers who truly appreciate the authentic Greece we’re passionate about sharing.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your initial thoughts, and we’ll respond with relevant materials. Because we believe in the power of personal connection, we’ll then arrange a video call at a time that’s convenient for you, where we can properly meet—where you can get to know us, and we can learn about your dreams for Greece. Together, we’ll craft something uniquely yours: your perfect Greek journey.

Ready to plan your meaningful journey through Greece?

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What people say
about us

"I Wouldn't Want to Travel in Greece with Anyone Else"

My wife Dolores and I, travelers to Greece since 1971, have worked with Maria Synodinou on four separate tours. She was masterful and inspiring for one simple reason: Her work is grounded in her passionate love for her country—its history, sites, artifacts, and contemporary culture. She interweaves her professional training as an archaeologist with energy and charisma. She's flexible, adapting to each group's interests—comfortable sharing the microphone with a professor of classics or taking the lead when needed. She's carefully scouted the hotels and restaurants and knows where to go and when. I wouldn't want to travel in Greece with anyone else.

Bill McDonald, Professor of English emeritus, University of Redlands

"A Revelation – Understanding Broadened and Deepened"

I was always suspicious about tours until we went on one with Maria Synodinou. It was a revelation to hear from a trained archaeologist at the legendary sites we visited. Maria is deeply immersed in the astounding history of her land and conveyed her enthusiasm to all of us. We returned to places we had visited before and found our understanding and appreciation of their significance broadened and deepened.

Stanley Bates, Professor of Philosophy emeritus, Middlebury College

"Organizational Expertise Matched by Deep Knowledge"

I have traveled with Maria Synodinou and Aelion four times—with university alumni and with my own students for multi-day excursions focusing on classical Greek literature sites. Maria tailored the tours to the literature we were reading and was thoughtful in augmenting my initial ideas. Working with Maria relieved me of any challenges in booking transport and hotels while assuring remarkable value. Her organizational expertise is matched by her wide knowledge of Greek culture, history, art, and literature. Maria has an intuitive sense of what a group needs at any given time. We hope to be so lucky to travel with her again.

Nancy Carrick, Professor of English, University of Redlands

"A Journey That Fed My Spirit"

Grateful for a journey that fed my spirit, my stomach, and my sense of wonder. Definitely worth returning to Greece. From Acts 17:28, 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.'

Albert J,

"A University Seminar on the Acropolis"

Our guide Maria, a trained archaeologist, was exceptional. She shepherded us to choice viewing spots away from the crowds—the gatekeepers waved us in before others as soon as they recognized her. The quality of her narrative is where she truly shined. It felt like a university seminar on the antiquities. We especially appreciated how she explained the past in relation to the present, which is not something you necessarily get in a tour. If you choose Maria as your guide, you will have chosen a learned, passionate, and witty scholar who brings the ruins alive through her knowledge. You are a true ambassador of Greece's rich ancient culture.

Magdalena F

"Exceeded All Our Expectations"

Maria worked with us to create a special itinerary that exceeded all of our expectations. She is a true professional with many years of experience and an expansive library of knowledge surrounding the long history and multi-faceted culture of the Greek people. She is delightful and will extend every option available to make your tour memorable, educational, and fun! We highly recommend Maria to get the most out of your visit to Athens and the surrounding area.

Ken L

"A Perfect Day – 10/10"

A perfect day. Maria managed some physical limitations for us with grace and made the day wonderful regardless of those limitations. 10/10.

Mark S

"A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience"

Maria was fantastic! She inquired about my interests and custom-designed the perfect tour for me. Maria has a wealth of knowledge and shares it in a friendly and accommodating way. She gave me a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I'll never forget. Thanks Maria! If you have the opportunity to book your vacation with Aelion Voyages and Maria, you won't regret it!

Rick M

"Thoroughly Delightful and Lovely"

We had tours for three days with Maria and it was a fabulous experience. Her knowledge of the ancient sites, Greek history, and concise tours of the museums were amazing. She arranged all our transportation and made great dining recommendations. We enjoyed our discussions of modern Greek culture and her open and thoughtful opinions. She is one of the best tours-by-locals that we have ever had. A thoroughly delightful and lovely person. Highly recommend her.

Robert H

"Responsive, Informative, Delightful"

Maria was responsive to my pre-tour questions, informative and interesting during the tour, and delightful to visit with about the Acropolis, the museum, and the sights along the way. Her restaurant recommendation was excellent too. I highly recommend.

Don J

"A Highly Valuable Resource"

We met with Maria through video conference to help us plan our trip to Greece in September 2024, and she was a highly valuable resource! She's experienced, extremely knowledgeable, attentive, and detailed. Following our conference, she provided us with a written, day-by-day itinerary, including helpful hints, travel resources, recommended sites, towns to stay, and lodging and dining recommendations—all of which we used and that did not disappoint. Maria's insight gave us reassurance while we navigated our trip. We would highly recommend consulting with her when planning a trip to Greece.

Tabb B

"Should Be 10-Star Rating"

Should be 10-star rating because they are over-the-top professionals with so much knowledge. Anyone who selects Aelion would be pleased.

Shirley K