Michael Bitsas

Oak Brook, IL

Cruise Travel Agent Specialist

Cruising offers a unique and convenient way to explore the world, combining travel, leisure, and adventure into one seamless experience. Whether you’re setting sail through the tropical Caribbean, exploring Europe’s historical ports, or witnessing the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, cruises cater to a variety of travel preferences.Types of Cruises Ocean Cruises: These voyages take place on large ships across seas and oceans, visiting major port cities and island destinations. Popular routes include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska, Indian Ocean, South Pacific, South and Central America, Asia and Africa, Japan and Iceland.

Top Cruise Destinations: Caribbean: This classic cruising region offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical islands such as St. Maarten, Cozumel, and Jamaica. Ideal for those seeking relaxation, water sports, and vibrant local cultures.Mediterranean: A cruise in this region allows you to explore historical cities like Rome, Athens, Venice, and Barcelona. You’ll encounter diverse cultures, ancient ruins, and coastal beauty.

Alaska cruises offer a breathtaking mix of wildlife, glaciers, and rugged landscapes. Passengers can enjoy excursions like whale-watching, hiking, and visiting quaint towns like Juneau. Northern Europe: Sail through the Norwegian fjords, or visit cities like St. Petersburg, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam. These cruises often combine cultural exploration with stunning natural scenery.South Pacific: A cruise through the South Pacific includes tropical paradises like Tahiti, Fiji, and Bora Bora, offering island hopping, snorkeling, and immersion in Polynesian culture. Antarctica: Expedition cruises to Antarctica are for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with opportunities to observe penguins, icebergs, and explore the pristine wilderness. Dining: Most cruises offer several dining options, including buffet-style meals, specialty restaurants, and fine dining. Some luxury cruises feature menus created by celebrity chefs.Entertainment: Expect live performances, including Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and musical performances. Some ships also have outdoor movie theaters, nightclubs, and themed events.Recreation: Modern ships are equipped with swimming pools, gyms, rock climbing walls, mini-golf courses, and even surf simulators or water parks. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are known for their innovative on-board attractions.Spa and Wellness: Relax with a variety of spa treatments, from massages to facials. Many ships also feature thermal suites and offer yoga or fitness classes.

Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival offers affordable cruises with a fun, laid-back atmosphere, ideal for families and friends looking for entertainment and casual dining.Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian is known for its "Freestyle Cruising" philosophy, allowing passengers to dine without set schedules. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer flexibility.Celebrity Cruises: A more upscale option, Celebrity focuses on fine dining, modern decor, and service. It’s suited for couples and those looking for a refined experience. Princess Cruises offers a well-balanced experience with a focus on service and well-planned itineraries, making it popular among couples and older travelers. Oceania Cruise Line: Oceania is my favorite!: a mid-level reasonably-priced luxury line, with more port stops per cruise than any other line. Viking Cruises: Viking specializes in both river and ocean cruises, known for its cultural enrichment and small er, more intimate ships. It’s ideal for mature travelers interested in history and culture.

Shore Excursions One of the highlights of cruising is the opportunity to explore multiple destinations during a single trip. Shore excursions are activities offered at each port of call and range from city tours to adventurous outings. Popular options include:snorkeling / diving in tropical waters Guided historical tours in cities like Rome or Athens Wildlife safaris or glacier hikes in Alaska Wine-tasting in the Mediterranean Cultural experiences in places like Havana or St. Petersburg. Most cruise lines offer these excursions as part of a package, or you can book independent tours for a more personalized experience.Conclusion: Cruising is a versatile travel option, offering something for every type of traveler. Whether you want to relax by the pool, explore ancient ruins, or seek adventure in remote corners of the world, cruises combine convenience, luxury, and adventure in one unforgettable journey. From family vacations to luxury escapes, cruising remains one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to travel.

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Greece Travel Agent Expert

Greek Island Architecture

Greece is a country that captivates the imagination with its blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece has been a cultural and historical hub for millennia, making it a top travel destination for those seeking a rich blend of tradition, nature, and modern life.

Greece is renowned for its beautiful islands, each offering its own unique charm. The most famous is Santorini, with its iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets. Formed by a volcanic eruption, the island offers stunning caldera views and unique black and red sand beaches. Santorini is also home to Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city preserved in volcanic ash, similar to Pompeii.Mykonos, known for its lively nightlife, chic beach clubs, and glamorous vibe, is a popular destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and party scenes. The island’s charming town (Chora) with its winding streets, iconic windmills, and waterfront Little Venice offers plenty of opportunities for exploration during the day.For a more laid-back experience, head to islands like Naxos or Paros, where you can enjoy traditional Greek villages, pristine beaches, and authentic local cuisine. Crete, the largest Greek island, offers diverse landscapes from beautiful beaches to mountainous terrain, alongside historical sites like Knossos and picturesque towns like Chania and Rethymno.If you're interested in off-the-beaten-path destinations, islands like Kea, Hydra, and Koufonisia offer tranquility and fewer crowds, allowing you to experience the slower pace of life in Greece.Beaches and Natural Beauty. Greece’s coastline is among the most beautiful in the world, offering a wide variety of beach experiences. Whether you’re looking for organized beaches with sunbeds and beach bars or secluded coves, Greece has it all. On Zakynthos, the iconic Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), accessible only by boat, is a must-see with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs.The island of Milos is famous for its unique landscapes and beaches, such as the lunar-like Sarakiniko, while Elafonissi Beach on Crete is known for its pink sand and turquoise waters. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, Naxos and Rhodes offer ideal conditions.Beyond the beaches, Greece is home to incredible natural landscapes. Meteora, in central Greece, features towering rock formations with ancient monasteries perched on top. Hiking enthusiasts can challenge themselves with a trek up Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the Greek gods. For nature lovers, the Samaria Gorge in Crete offers a scenic hike through one of Europe’s longest gorges, surrounded by cliffs and forests.Greek CuisineGreek cuisine is a highlight of any visit. The country’s food is known for its simplicity, freshness, and reliance on local ingredients like olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and seafood. Start your culinary journey with a traditional Greek salad, also known as horiatiki, which combines fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.Other must-try dishes include moussaka, a baked casserole of layered eggplant, potatoes, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, and souvlaki, skewers of grilled meat often served with pita and tzatziki. Spanakopita, a savory spinach and feta pie wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry, and dolmades, stuffed grape leaves, are also popular.For seafood lovers, Greece’s coastal regions and islands offer fresh catches like grilled octopus, calamari, and fish drizzled with lemon and olive oil. Be sure to try baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo, honey, and nuts, for dessert. Greece’s wine culture is also ancient, and regions like Santorini and Nemea produce excellent local varieties such as Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko Best Times to Visit The best time to visit Greece is during the spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (July-August) is the peak tourist season, especially on the islands, where temperatures soar, and beaches and attractions can become crowded. Winter (November-March) is quieter and less touristy, ideal for exploring Athens and the mainland, though many islands may be less accessible during this time. In conclusion, Greece offers an unparalleled travel experience with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, sunbathing on a picturesque beach, or indulging in delicious Greek cuisine, Greece invites visitors to immerse themselves in its timeless beauty and culture.

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Greece, Cyprus and Turkey

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My Reviews

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Trip throughout Japan

Michael made arrangements for us to travel from Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Hakone by bullet train to Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. He arranged all the activities for us and made it so easy! We overnighted in Hiroshima and even visited a Shinto temple on Miyajima. Then back to Osaka and home! We did just the right amount of sightseeing. Michael was a tremendous help and Advisor.

By Anna from Olympia, WA
Traveled to Japan | East and Southeast Asia

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
I loved all the places I arranged for you to go! I am very happy that you appreciated them as much as I do. You're welcome!

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Greek Delight!

My husband and I went to Greece for two weeks, and had the most amazing time. We went island hopping, from Cypress to Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and Mykonos. Michael was tremendously helpful and made sure all of our needs were met. He even made some special plans for our anniversary. We couldn’t have asked for more :)

By TheCarrs from Nashville
Traveled to Greece | Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
Glad to make your Greek island anniversary trip special and memorable! May you enjoy many more years - and anniversary trips! and other travel plans together.

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Turkey

Mike planned our trip to central Turkey. We flew into Ankara and spent a few days there, visiting museums and historical sites. We took the bus to Cappadocia, which was amazing! We then made our way to the old Roman town of Antalya, and the Roman ruins were very interesting. Then we flew back to Istanbul as a finale, stayed 3 days, and flew home. What a fascinating and enjoyable trip!

By Ptrz from Villa Park, CA
Traveled to Turkey | Middle East

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
I am so glad that you thoroughly enjoyed your trip to Turkey! Please let me know when you're ready to travel again. It'll be a pleasure to work with you again soon.

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful

One of My Top Travel Experiences - Australia

I used them to book my trip to Australia and I was extremely pleased with everything. It started with a conversation of where, when, etc. and it translated into a seamless & well organized trip. My flight to LA with a connecting flight to Melbourne went without a hitch. Mr. Bitsas is well traveled and was able to recommend some places he experienced when he went to Australia. He also connected me to this couple that reside in Australia that further elevated my experience. While in Australia, we mostly stayed in Melbourne but also flew into Sydney, took a ferry, stayed in a chalet, visited several animal parks. It truly was an experience. I loved my flight as I love planes. I appreciated my travel arrangements as all of my questions were answered, flights made, recommendations given and a lasting memory made. Highly recommend using Michael.

By MMachelle from Chicago
Traveled to Australia | Australia & New Zealand

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
I'm glad I was able to provide such a wonderful experience for you!

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Norway trip

Michael was so helpful and attentive. He helped map out details. He had great tips about what to do and where to stay. If I had another trip abroad, I would definitely seek his advice. He truly cared and went that extra mile to plan the trip.

By GlobeTrotter from Chicago
Traveled to Norway | Europe

I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Michael Bitsas responded:
It was a pleasure to help you and work with you. I learned a bunch researching itineraries and places to stay, as well. I very much appreciate you contacting me! Please feel free to contact me again anytime.

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