Shop tour to Greece for a fur coat
Good afternoon. I am writing a review about a trip to Greece for fur coats a month and a half after returning home, because I wanted to make sure of the quality of the purchased products. We went with my daughter (20 years old) at the end of November for a week (2 nights in Kastoria, the rest in Thessaloniki). First time in Greece. To be honest, the travel agent was tormented for a long time with questions before booking. Yes, and my daughter rummaged through the Internet in search of reviews. But money for fur coats was saved in euros, the quality and variety of fur coats in Kiev stores were not particularly impressive, and the opportunity for 1 euro (we had a tour with an obligation) to visit factories where fur coats are sewn, a huge selection and at times more likely that fur coats are not hang on the shelves for years, besides, it’s very tempting to relax in a new country, you must agree! : ) In addition, the exchange rate jumps so much that we decided not to hesitate and go.
It didn’t take long to fly, it seemed, they just ate and were already there. The airport is relatively small, customs formalities went through quickly. I liked the work of the tour operator. We were met at the airport, escorted to the bus and then protected us like small children)) This is the first time I have come across this! Immediately on the first day we had a sightseeing tour of Thessaloniki. The guide's name was Vasilis, he spoke very interestingly. My daughter immediately bombarded him with questions (she is studying to be a historian and raves about ancient culture), and he answered everything. I liked the city at first sight, we did not regret that we spent another 5 nights in it. After the tour we moved to Kastoria. We were accommodated at the Limneon Resort & Spa 5*. I will not dwell on the hotel in detail. We liked the room, everything you need, the food is good. Particularly impressive was the view of the town of Kastoria itself and Lake Orestiada.
A few words about the road. We had a small group. Everywhere went on a sprinter. This is a definite plus. The roads are good, despite the fact that they were mountainous, we drove quickly, but calmly, I even managed to sleep, and my daughter was already posting photos from Thessaloniki on the Internet, which was free on the bus and in hotels (which was very pleasing, since on the last trip Emirates spent quite a lot on it). Olya, a very friendly and educated girl, was constantly with us. She told us a lot about how to choose a fur coat, and what factory is famous for, and just interesting facts about modern Greece. It's nice that she didn't try to impose something, but gave practical advice. Of course, do not read on the Internet in advance about factories and fur coats, but you get there and your eyes run wide. You can go crazy, honestly! Someone likes nothing, someone likes everything at once. Fortunately, the sizes are simpler, from about 38 to 54 the factories have finished products, the rest can be sewn to order, plus change accessories, hem, etc. - everything is done very quickly. I was surprised that there are fur coats for children, and men's, but not in all factories.
By the way, I will say a few words about factories. We visited about 7, and then went to Edika. Edika is, roughly speaking, a fur coat shopping center, consisting of a huge number of shops of different brands. Factories are, of course, monobrands; families often keep them for generations. Of course, this is a huge plus in comparison with our stores. Absolutely different attitude to their product and visitors. Here often the owners themselves came out to us, treated us with drinks and sweets, a very polite and friendly attitude, and most importantly, it is clear how they love their job and value their reputation. Practically at all factories there were Russian speakers. If anything, the attendant can help, for example, talk about a discount with the owner.
It is also probably important to note that the guarantee for fur coats is different. Mostly in factories for 10 years, and on Edik less (like 2 years). But the prices for Edik are also lower.
Furs are different - mink (including blackglam and blackknuff), sable, chinchilla, broadtail, lynx, nutria, fox, etc. Different colors, there are from whole fur, there are from pieces. The choice of vests is also quite large. Plus, we saw fur bags, leather jackets, etc. I was surprised that quite a lot of colored fur, apparently, is coming back into fashion, but my daughter and I, although from different generations, are both for the classics.
Fur coats were bought at different factories. My blackglam on Manzari for 2600, my daughter mink for 1600 on Papandopoulos. The escort reminded everyone of the obligation, it is necessary to buy a fur coat, vests, etc. are not considered. We got it all right. Someone is more expensive, someone is cheaper... They bought a couple of people at Edik, the rest at factories. One lady even bought a sable for 12 thousand and this is certainly not her first fur coat. She says that she is satisfied with the Greek quality, we hope that we carry it for a long time. One lady brought her white mink to the factory to be cleaned, where she bought herself another fur coat. In general, we had a successful trip, because when we returned, the fur coats were very useful, in a 20-degree frost.
Speaking of the weather. Be sure to note that it is colder in Kastoria than in Thessaloniki.
Another pleasant thing is the Greek evening in Kastoria. “Washed” new clothes by the whole group so that now they have to wear for a long time! ))
In Thessaloniki, they lived in Makedonia Palace. Everything was fine too, especially the location overlooking the White Tower and the embankment. Of the excursions, we only went to Meteora - monasteries on the rocks - an impressive sight. My daughter really wanted to see Athens, Delphi, and Epidaurus, but there was no time for everything, and there is something to see in Thessaloniki itself. They advised us to go on a tour of "Ancient Greece" to the main attractions, they say that it is more convenient, not to leave the hotel every time, but to make stops at hotels along the way, so that the transfers do not tire. The visa was opened for six months, so I would like to go in the spring, while it is not hot. Let's see how it goes.
As for souvenirs, I bought all my girls Greek cosmetics. Liked Korres and Apivita. I tried Apivita back in Ukraine (we have a shop in Globus, but the prices are higher), but Korres is a discovery. They also took Greek coffee with a parrot on the package - they said it was the best. The price is about 5 euros for a large pack. My husband took the traditional Greek cognac Metaha.
Of course, when they started converting prices from euros to hryvnias, they were upset, but this, perhaps, was the only dark spot on the trip. And as for the prices for fur coats, they said that the prices fell by half compared to last year. I don’t know if this is true or they just wanted to cheer us up with a bargain, but the main thing is that so far they have never regretted it.
