Our Family History in the Travel Trade
We take great pride in being one of the oldest travel agencies in Athens, a business that has been owned and operated by our family for three generations. Our long history is a testament to our reliability, honesty, and commitment to responsibility.
1926:
The history of our family’s involvement in the travel trade began in 1926 when Theodoros Papagiannis moved to Athens from his hometown of Nestani in central Peloponnesus, after graduating from the Commercial School of Tripolis.
September 1926:
Theodoros was employed at one of Greece’s most reputable travel agencies, PHAROS Travels Inc., which specialized in assisting Greek emigrants heading to the USA, Canada, and Australia. Drawing on the knowledge and experience he had gained, Theodoros worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his fellow countrymen, helping them navigate the challenges they faced during difficult times. Many of these emigrants were bound for Chicago, USA. Throughout this journey, he was supported by his wife, Zafiria (Lula) Papagianni, who also worked at PHAROS until 1938.
1960:
In September 1960, Theodoros Papagiannis founded Astoria Travel in the heart of Athens, at Aiolou 102, a central location near Omonia Square. The agency was named after the American city of Astoria, which was home to a large Greek immigrant community.
1960-1976:
Astoria Travel grew into a well-established company, expanding its services and gaining extensive experience in various sectors of tourism in Greece.
1976:
In 1976, Theodoros handed over the reins to his son, Kostas Papagiannis, and his daughter, Emilia Papagiannis (Koroneou), as they took charge of the agency. During this period, the number of clients grew significantly, and the agency’s reputation continued to flourish.
1986:
After the untimely passing of Emilia, Kostas took full control of the business. Despite numerous challenges, he successfully maintained a sustainable and thriving operation.
1995-1997:
Kostas’ two daughters, Zefi and Marina, joined the family business, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to the agency.
2023:
After 47 years in the industry, Kostas continues to work alongside his daughters, offering high-quality personal services based on trust, friendliness, and competitive pricing.
December 2023:
Today, Zefi and Marina have fully absorbed the experience needed to run the business and continue the legacy of Astoria Travel. With their leadership, the agency remains strong, operating successfully under the name Astoria Travel & Tours G.P.
