Dimitris Varalis
PROFILE
I was born in the city of Volos in Mount Pelion, Greece. I am a licensed mountain hiking guide, a ski instructor, a licensed
sailing yacht and speedboat skipper, and a tour escort for all of Greece. I am an excellent communicator and teacher of
Greek life and culture and work to make the wonders of my beloved country come alive to the visitors I escort. I want my
guests to experience the life and spirit of Greece. I have particularly enjoyed encouraging the development of tourism in the
small mountain villages of Greece and work to restore and maintain the hiking paths of my mountain, Pelion.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2004-present – Hiking Program coordinator for ATTIKA REISEN, a German travel agency
2004-present – Hiking guide and tour escort throughout Greece for HELLENIC ADVENTURES, a U.S. tour operator
1997-present – Owner and operator of HELLAS SMILE CUSTOM TOURS
2004-2005 – Hiking Program coordinator for ROS HOLIDAYS, a Dutch travel agency
2001-2002 – Hiking Program coordinator for S.K.R in Pelion, a German-based travel agency
1996 – Researched, documented, and mapped the trails of Andros Island; continued to work as a specialist consultant for
Anaptyxiaki Androu (Andros Development Company)
1995-1996 – Developer of tourism in Mt Pelion within the framework of ΡΑCTE, a European program for the development
of soft adventure travel
EDUCATION
Sailing Yacht Skipper License (2003)
Mountain Hiking Guide License (1996)
Management and Economics School of the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa, Department of Business
Administration (Bachelor’s Degree, 1993)
Speedboat Skipper License (1990)
Ski Instructor (1986)
Professional Driver’s License, Bus and Taxis (every 5 years)
Red Cross First Aid Diploma (every 2 years)
SPOKEN LANGUAGES
Greek: Native
English: Fluent
German: 1st diploma (conversational)
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Work as a free-lance journalist and have published articles in TA NEA, Diakopes, Taxydromos, and Ethnos tis Kyriakis
(Greek newspapers) and in special publications such as Exerevniste tin Ellada (Explore Greece)
Worked with a local restaurateur to develop a cooking class specific to the cuisine of Mt Pelion (Karaiskos Farm)
Hobbies: Photography, Writing, Hiking, Climbing, Back-country Skiing, Sailing, Archery
Volunteer Work: General Secretary of the Union of Greek Ski Instructors and Trainers, representing Greece in the same
Union for the E.U.; Greek Rescue Team (mountain rescues, earthquakes, fire); a life-long interest in the promotion the
Greek outdoors
TRAVELER FEEDBACK
We adored him!! Dimitris is the perfect guide for a family. He had the expertise and comfort to guide us well, support us, and
made sure we enjoyed and learned and explored.
- S.D. Family, Armonk, New York
Dimitris is the best and made our trip most special. He is a HUGE asset and ambassador for Hellenic Adventures and Greece!
- A.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dimitris became our new friend! We LOVED spending time with him. We joked, laughed and spoke deep about life,
business, and philosophy. My children feel as if he became part of our family.
- D.B. Family, Portola Valley, California
REFERENCES
Provided upon request