Cyprus Travel Specialist | Custom Trips

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Steven Callas, Travel Agent in NorthBrook, IL

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL Travel Agent
Super Agent

Steven Callas

NorthBrook, IL · 3 Years of Experience

Gilded Travels LLC, an independent agent with Nexion, LLC, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
5.0
(18)
100% Recommended
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that... Read More >
About
Reviews
My Places
Client Testimonials

Areas of expertise

Destinations:

Cyprus, Paphos, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Larnaca

Interests:

Historical Sites, Beach Vacations, Archaeology, Adventure, Culinary & Foodie

About Me

Ayia Napa, Cyprus
Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Cyprus is small enough to cross in two hours and varied enough to take two weeks. There’s a coastline that runs from Aphrodite’s Rock near Paphos to the sea caves around Cape Greco, a Troodos interior with Byzantine painted churches most visitors never reach, and Nicosia sitting quietly as the world’s only divided capital city. Which version fits what you actually want is where the planning starts.

HOW YOUR CYPRUS VACATION TAKES SHAPE

The trip looks very different depending on what draws you here.

  • Parents Wanting Real Adventure Without the Tradeoffs: You want a trip that works at the resort level but doesn’t feel like two weeks by a pool. I build a worthwhile cyprus vacation around the 5-star Paphos and Limassol properties with beach access and kids’ clubs that actually deliver, plus a day on the Akamas Peninsula where sea caves and 4x4 terrain give everyone something to talk about on the way home.

  • Couples Who Have Moved Past the Beach Vacation: You’ve done beach trips, and what you want now is a trip that gives you something to think about. I pair you with specialist guides so a morning at the Troodos painted churches of Asinou is spent with someone who can actually explain what you’re looking at, and a Commandaria tasting in a stone-walled mountain taverna is followed by an afternoon on both sides of divided Nicosia.

  • Design-Conscious Travelers Tired of the Usual Suspects: Mykonos is crowded, Santorini is overdone, and you want somewhere fresh. Limassol is the right answer right now, and Ayia Napa has moved well past its old reputation: high-design beach clubs, serious restaurants, and a coastal scene that holds up against the standard Mediterranean shortlist. I know which properties are worth it and which are trading on hype.

  • Families Tracing Roots or Marking a Milestone: You’re bringing multiple generations together and this trip means something more than a holiday. I build the anchor moments around the Roman theater at Kourion, the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, the Troodos painted churches, and the ancestral villages that give younger family members a real sense of where they come from.

  • Solo Travelers Who Need a Genuine Reset: You’re not after a packed schedule. You want quiet that’s actually yours, and I match solo travelers with higher-altitude Troodos stays and western-coast wellness properties, including medical-grade spa programs and long-stay options that work alongside remote work.

WHAT THE BEST TRAVEL AGENTS FOR CYPRUS ACTUALLY BRING TO A TRIP

Most of what makes Cyprus work has nothing to do with booking and everything to do with knowing the island. I know which months the Paphos coast gets crowded, which Troodos villages are worth the detour, and which aren’t. My contacts cover the recognized leaders, including the Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limassol, along with boutique Troodos properties that don’t appear in standard searches. The guides I work with range from Byzantine art historians to active coastal route experts, matched to each client based on what they’re actually after. For clients with complex schedules or requirements outside the standard, those details are handled quietly.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: When is the right time to visit Cyprus?
A: April through June and September through October are the windows I recommend most. Spring brings comfortable temperatures for site visits. September still offers warm water without the August heat or crowds.

Q: Do I need a car to get around?
A: Between major resort areas, transfers and taxis cover most of what you need. For the Troodos Mountains, the Akamas Peninsula, or serious village exploration, a rental car is essential. Cyprus drives on the left, which catches some visitors off guard.

Q: Can Cyprus connect into a broader Mediterranean trip?
A: Greece is under two hours by air from Larnaca, and a week in Cyprus followed by Athens and the Peloponnese makes a strong arc. Cyprus also connects naturally with Jordan and Israel for travelers tracing the eastern basin more broadly.

WHEN YOU'RE READY TO PLAN YOUR CYPRUS VACATION

If you’re ready to stop researching and let someone who knows the island take it from here, reach out and we’ll start with a conversation about what you want from your time in Cyprus.

Additional Languages
Greek

REVIEWS

Rating: 5.0
18 reviews
100% Recommended
Your trust is our priority. Every review is submitted by verified travelers after they have booked and completed their trips. Learn more about our review guidelines.
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Showing 18 reviews

A perfect Mallorca experience
Reviewed By Makis S. - Deerfield, IL | Traveled to Balearic Islands ~ Spain ~ Europe
I never would have picked Mallorca as a vacation destination. My wife likes the beach, I like adventure. Gilded Travels created the perfect one-week itinerary that had us exploring the beautiful beaches, hiking through rustic mountain villages, and dining at incredible restaurants on the island. No day felt too full or too empty. It was the perfect balance. Neither of us felt like we needed a "vacation from our vacation." I definitely recommend Steven and Gilded Travels and will be using them again!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
10/10 recommend- WORTH IT!
Reviewed By Tina K - Chicago, IL | Traveled to Patagonia ~ Argentina ~ South America
Steven was amazing to work with. I’m an anxious traveler and he made the process so easy! I’ve always wanted to go to Patagonia but didn’t even know where to start. Steven took control and created an itinerary for me that I could’ve never done myself. We worked together to tweak it a bit and next thing you know I’m climbing a glacier in Argentina! 10/10 recommend his services- WORTH IT!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Dream Trip
Reviewed By LBACE - Mishawaka. IN | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. we highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Trip of a lifetime!
Reviewed By Nancy P. - Arlington Heights, IL | Traveled to Europe
My husband and I planned an ambitious European trip and Steven made it happen. He was able to take our wishes and plan an itinerary which we thoroughly enjoyed. He worked with us as we fine tuned our plans, gave us options to choose from, and answered all of our questions. We were grateful that prior to our trip he checked in to be sure we had taken care of the items we needed to handle. During our trip we experienced a train delay which caused us to miss a connecting train and Steven was able to give us guidance so we could reach our destination. It was a pleasure to work with Steven, he showed real interest in our plans, and checked in once we returned. Thanks Steven!
Steven Callas responded
"It was such a pleasure to help craft this trip for you! Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to planning another trip for you in the future!"
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO
Gratitude for an excellent experience
Reviewed By Russ H. - Orlando, FL | Traveled to Jordan | Middle East
The balance was perfect; a fantastic mix of planned activities and personal time to explore. The meetings to pre-plan the trip were concise, helpful and relevant. Lots of great moments. Petra and Bethany by the Jordan were both highlights. It exceeded my expectations.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?YES|NO

My Places

When it comes to travel planning, real-world experience makes a huge difference. Check out the map below to see all the places I have personally visited or booked for my clients. I know these destinations well and can give you reliable guidance.

Client Testimonials

Steven is your man for Japan!!
Steven was very professional with a great attention to detail. He carefully listened to what we wanted from our first trip to Japan, and he delivered! There were 3 of us traveling and he was able to plan an itinerary that met all our expectations.
Mario H. - Chicago, IL
Dream trip to Greece
My wife and I worked with Steven for a trip of a lifetime in Greece. Steven went out of his way to provide service in recommending destinations, things to do and activities at each island we visited. We enjoyed incredible accommodations while exploring Greek culture, food and beverage. This was a memorable journey, which wouldn't have been so easy without his assistance. We highly recommend Steven for help in planning your getaways!
Larry B. - Mishawaka, IN
Patagonia anniversary success
Steve was great to work with. We planned our trip in late January for November, and he guided us through it all and stayed on top of it following up with us in the fall and even checked in on the trip and after. It was great to have an expert who has traveled there really give us his recommendations. He nailed the whole trip out of the park and was one of the best life changing vacations we have taken. It was extra special because we celebrated our 20th anniversary.
Melissa H. - Riverside, IL
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