Espa
our team

Tina

Founder Photo of Founder Tina

In 2010 I was at the highest point of my marketing career. And then the Greek crisis hit and the country went into freefall. I was left without a job and with little perspective of finding one any time soon.

That's the story of thousands of people around the world. What was new to me was the fear. No one had ever prepared me for that. I had done everything by the book and expected life to unfold in a very linear (and predictable) way.

Time went by and I still didn't know what to do.  And then one day I became very tired of being afraid. So I decided to create a job for myself. I didn’t analyze what the market wanted, didn't do any SWOT analysis or financial planning. Instead, I thought – what do you love doing?

I love travelling and exploring and understanding how people live in other places. I love peeking into their windows, no matter how improper that may be. And this is what I decided to do in my own city. I created my first Food Tour and went out there and did it. And this is how Alternative Athens was born. Out of fear and love.

I am now back to a comfortable life. Not secure, but a life less ordinary for me and, hopefully, for those co-travelers around me.  Of course the journey doesn’t end here. I always remind myself that what goes up must come down -at any time – and this makes me think about all the simple things that really matter in life.The fear may still be there. But now I know that whatever it takes and wherever life takes me, I can make it. And this is a comforting thought to go to bed with in a country like Greece today . 

Athens, May 2015

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(....and then Covid hit ☺ To be continued!)

Photo of Finance Fairy Elli.

Elli

Finance Fairy

Elli doesn’t really like to talk about herself, so we’ll do it for her!

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Photo of tour Leader Andreas.

Andreas

tour Leader

I grew up in a neighbourhood called Nea Smyrni. The first settlers here were refugees from Asia Minor. People in our neighbourhood are proud of where they come from.

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Photo of Reservations & Operations Manager Iro.

Iro

Reservations & Operations Manager

As a child, my diet was limited, primarily consisting of soutzoukakia - meatballs in tomato sauce, a traditional Greek dish.

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Photo of Tour leader Elissavet.

Elissavet

Tour leader

They say the ignorance is a bliss, and I couldn’t agree more.

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Photo of tour leader Pavlina.

Pavlina

tour leader

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain

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Photo of certified guide Vassia.

Vassia

certified guide

There is a book I like a lot. Its final sentence reads: “It is never too late to have a happy childhood”. 

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Photo of tour leader Niko a.k.a. Rude.

Niko a.k.a. Rude

tour leader

It must have been at the end of middle school when I discovered graffiti. My new hobby began stealing ‘precious’ time I could have used for studying for school. I realised that action had to be taken...

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Photo of tour leader antigoni.

antigoni

tour leader

There is a theory that claims that your name determines who you are. Antigone, the famous heroine of a Greek tragedy, defied the rules and for that she faced death.

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Photo of Tour leader Maria-Katerina.

Maria-Katerina

Tour leader

No matter the plans made or expectations set, things seldom unfold as anticipated, and that's perfectly okay.

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Photo of Tour leader Elena.

Elena

Tour leader

Even in today's digital age, I believe in my role of offering a human touch, guiding visitors beyond GPS and online resources.

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Photo of tour leader katerina.

katerina

tour leader

I am a fan of poetry. Poems have the ability to paint a picture in just a few words… especially while traveling.

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Photo of Tour leader Eleni.

Eleni

Tour leader

‘’We dream in colours borrowed from the sea’’

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Photo of tour leader Elizabeth.

Elizabeth

tour leader

The French poet Arthur Rimbaud once wrote that "Eternity is the sea mingled with the sun " and I guess there' s a little bit of truth of that in me.

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Photo of tour leader Tania.

Tania

tour leader

I was about five, and I was taking part in a school celebration. When I stood behind the microphone, my mind went blank and my mouth went dry. Tears welled up in my eyes.

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Awards & Accolades

Testimonials

"Christina took us to places one would just walk by and never know they were there. It is a great tour to see some of the unique details of Athens. Well worth the time and the cost is very reasonable."

Russell1078

"Tour was awesome! Nice and intimate and Nikos was an awesome guide. So much knowledge about the city and street art and food!! Highly recommended :-)"

Colette

"We went on an afternoon tour of the Acropolis Museum. Our wonderful guide was terrific: she provided a wonderful insight into the Acropolis in a very friendly, positive, and engaging manner.She is a fantastic ambassodor for Alternative Athens, and all that you represent. We would have no hesitation in recommending this tour."

ingramar