Interview with Danae
Born and raised in Athens, Danae knew she wanted to be a tour guide since studying history and archaeology in college. While training, she tacked on additional schooling — like museum studies and storytelling seminars — so she could be a well-rounded, well-spoken, and well-remembered guide. It worked. In fact, it worked so well, that when Danae's not leading Rick Steves Athens & the Heart of Greece tours, she's designing itineraries for self-drive tours in Greece. Let's get to know Danae…
Has guiding always been your passion?
Pretty much. I've always loved history, traveling, and being with people during some of their happiest moments. So, while I was studying history and archaeology at the University of Athens, I started thinking about what kind of job would combine my love for these three things. History and travel could be many things: research, teaching, archaeology… but making people happy? It didn't take me long to realize that guiding was the perfect fit.
What was your path to becoming a guide?
As I was completing my studies, I began working as a tour director for Greek groups traveling within Greece. In Greece, there's a clear distinction between tour directors and licensed guides. To become a licensed guide, you need to complete two years of studies at the National Guiding School. After that, you take exams, and if you pass, you receive a badge that allows you to guide anywhere in Greece. At this point, I knew guiding was my path, so I applied for the National Guiding School. Those years, which included over 100 days of traveling around the country with our amazing professors, were some of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life — second only to parenting!
What do you like best about leading Rick Steves tours?
There are so many things. The travel philosophy, the thoughtful pace of the tours, and the deep cultural immersion are all highlights. But what I appreciate the most is the tour members. They're always on the same page, which makes the experience so enjoyable. It's incredible to meet and interact with such a diverse group of people who all share the same travel values. Most people who join a Rick Steves tour are already familiar with Rick's travel philosophy through his shows, books, and online content. It's incredible — before they even know it, they've become part of a travel family. They connect right away and come into the tour with the right expectations. This doesn't happen with other tour companies, where, as a guide, I often need to spend a lot of time building a sense of team. But with Rick's tours, the group already feels like a family before the tour even begins.
Where do you enjoy guiding most?
While I love my hometown, Athens, and all its rich culture, I really enjoy guiding in the countryside, smaller towns, and rural areas. I especially appreciate places where locals aren't as accustomed to tourists, as they tend to feel more authentic and genuine. My favorite stop on the Greece tour is the day we explore the Mani Peninsula and end up in Monemvasia. This region is truly off the beaten path for mainstream tourists, and the unique landscape and culture always surprise my tour members. I especially love seeing the sense of discovery in their eyes — it's such a rewarding moment. I think it's part of one of the key ingredients to a great tour experience: a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, curiosity, and a genuine love for connecting with people. And for me, I find so much of that in those small towns and rural areas.
Are there particular moments that stand out to you as a guide?
I always enjoy how surprised my tour members are by Greece's diversity, kindness of its people, and warmth of their hospitality. They feel truly loved everywhere we go, especially when locals find out they're Rick Steves travelers. I see it a lot when people come back after free time and start sharing what they've noticed or experienced. Often, they chat about something they never saw coming… and it always makes my day. That, and the big warm hugs at the end of the tour!
What's one of the biggest "wow" moments you've had while on tour?
It's hard to pick just one. But if I had to, I’d choose a night in Nafplio during a special dinner with live rebetiko music — a style of Greek folk music, often compared to the blues. The tour group included a musician, and everyone enjoyed the music, even without understanding the words. They spontaneously got up to dance, with me showing them the steps. But the highlight came at the end when the musician in our group asked to borrow the maestro's guitar. He played American folk songs, and the maestro, along with the other musicians, joined in with their traditional instruments — like the bouzouki and baglama. The whole group sang together, creating an incredible moment of cultural connection. Many of us, including me, were moved to tears. It's a memory I'll cherish forever.
Here's what Danae won't tell you…but her tour members will:
"Danae was a joy. She was knowledgeable, funny, approachable, confident, and confidence-inspiring. I loved how she told us stories on the bus! She navigated several tricky situations calmly and quietly, so tour members could continue on unencumbered."
—Amanda, Athens & the Heart of Greece tour