OUR STORY
Two Passions & A Dream
Filiko Tours
Why Filiko
The Essence of Filiko Tours
At Filiko Tours, we believe that travel should be more than just sightseeing; it should be an immersive experience that connects you deeply with the place and its people. Our name, "Filiko," meaning "friendly" in Greek, embodies our philosophy. We aim to be more than just a tour company – we strive to be your local friend in every Greek island, guiding you through the hidden gems and authentic experiences that make each destination special.
Small Group Sizes
Adjustable Effort
Personalised Tours
A Local Friend Experience
Imagine arriving in a new place and being welcomed by a friend who knows all the best spots – the cozy cafes where locals gather, the secret beaches away from the crowds, and the family-run tavernas serving dishes bursting with flavor and tradition. That's the Filiko experience. Our tours are designed to make you feel at home, providing warmth, hospitality, and insider knowledge that transforms your trip into something truly unforgettable.
Benefits for Travelers
Choosing Filiko Tours means opting for an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. With us, you're not just another tourist; you're a valued guest exploring Greece's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes with the help of a knowledgeable and passionate local guide. Our commitment to personalized service ensures that every tour is tailored to your interests, making your journey both unique and memorable.
Why Here
The Significance of Crete
Crete is not just one of Greece's most beautiful islands; it holds a special place in the heart of Filiko Tours. Our journey began in Crete, a land rich with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Crete was the perfect starting point, not only because of its intrinsic charm but also because of its deep personal connection to one of our founders, Virginia.
Unique Locations
Virginia's Family Ties and Hospitality Background
Virginia's roots in Crete run deep. With family ties stretching back generations, she always felt a calling to return to her ancestral home. After years of managing luxury hotels across various Greek islands, including Mykonos and Santorini, Virginia decided it was time to create something truly special. Her extensive background in hospitality and her intimate knowledge of the island's hidden treasures formed the foundation of Filiko Tours.
Why Now
A Personal Mission to Serve and Delight
For Virginia and Nick, Filiko Tours is more than a business venture; it's a heartfelt mission rooted in their own desires and passions. After years of experiencing the bustling city life, they yearned for something more fulfilling and genuine. They wanted to create a space where they could share the hidden wonders of their beloved islands with others, not just as guides but as friends.
A Deep-Seated Need to Connect
The founders’ vision for Filiko Tours comes from a deep-seated need to connect with people on a personal level. They understand the joy and fulfillment that comes from exploring a new place with someone who knows and loves it intimately. This desire to foster meaningful connections and share their knowledge of Greece’s most enchanting spots is what drives them.
Creating Joy Through Shared Experiences
Virginia and Nick believe that the most memorable travel experiences are those filled with warmth, authenticity, and personal connection. They wanted to offer travelers the kind of experience they would cherish themselves – one where they felt welcomed, cared for, and truly at home. This personal commitment to making others happy through shared experiences is at the heart of Filiko Tours.
Our Vision for the Future
Their journey is about more than just business; it's about spreading joy and creating lasting memories for every guest. Although Filiko Tours started with small, intimate tours in Crete and Mykonos, the vision has always been grand. Virginia and Nick dream of expanding this personal touch to every Greek island, ensuring that every traveler has a local friend to guide them, making their journey as special and memorable as possible.
Our Story
Virginia and Nick’s story is one of passion, dedication, and a shared dream. Virginia, with her deep roots in Crete, always felt a strong connection to her ancestral home. Having spent years managing luxury hotels across the Greek islands, she accumulated a wealth of knowledge and a profound appreciation for authentic hospitality. Her dream was to return to Crete and share the island’s hidden treasures with the world.
Nick, a successful CEO of a tech company, found himself yearning for a change after years of city life. The fast-paced tech world had left him longing for a more meaningful and fulfilling pursuit. Together, they envisioned a life where they could combine their strengths and passions to create something truly special.
The Inception of Filiko Tours
In 2024, Virginia and Nick made the bold decision to leave behind their established careers and move to Crete. They wanted to create a tour company that was different from the rest – one that offered travelers an authentic, heartfelt experience of Greece. Filiko Tours was born out of this dream, starting with personalized tours in Crete and soon expanding to Mykonos.
Challenges and Milestones
The journey was not without its challenges. Building a business from the ground up required immense effort, dedication, and a lot of learning along the way. However, their passion for sharing the beauty and culture of Greece kept them going. Each satisfied customer, each glowing review, and each new friendship formed was a milestone that reaffirmed their mission.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Virginia and Nick see endless possibilities for Filiko Tours. They dream of expanding to every Greek island, offering the same warmth and personalized service that has made them beloved by so many travelers. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that every visitor to Greece can experience the country through the eyes of a local friend, creating memories that last a lifetime.