Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 21,977 ratings
Read 21,977 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Diana was amazing, very detailed and on top o...
Portugal | Sep 10 - Sep 18, 2026

L
Linda M.
Phoenix, AZ | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

Diana was amazing, very detailed and on top of everything. This made our international trip very easy. I would highly recommend using the kimkim group for your travel.

Local specialist: Diana Mota

Mongolia Trip
Mongolia | Sep 13 - Sep 21, 2026

Minnie
Minnie C.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
Great local guide Nara with strong English skills. Nara was open to adapting daily schedules and we appreciated her flexibility, especially with last-minute flight change accommodations. Good experience at the festival and a great stay at the national park/ger camp. May consider warning future tourists of traffic conditions in UB to set expectations. Read more

Great local guide Nara with strong English skills. Nara was open to adapting daily schedules and we appreciated her flexibility, especially with last-minute flight change accommodations. Good experience at the festival and a great stay at the national park/ger camp. May consider warning future tourists of traffic conditions in UB to set expectations.

Hotel Reviews
Chinggis Khaan Hotel
Ulaanbaatar
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maksum hotel

basic - only 2 beds - one cot (which was very uncomfortable)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
did not speak English
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guru ger camp
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Ulaanbaatar city tour with Chinggis Equestrian Statue
Ulaanbaatar city tour with Chinggis Equestrian Statue
Ulaanbaatar
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Horse riding in Khustai national park
Horse riding in Khustai national park
Khustai National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Terelj national park
Terelj national park
Terelj National Park
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Meeting with Kazakh eagle hunter family (a day trip)
Meeting with Kazakh eagle hunter family (a day trip)
Mongolia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ulaanbaatar - Khustai NP
Mongolia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Eagle festival in September
Eagle festival in September
Mongolia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ulgii trip (Cultural Experiences, and Arts and Crafts Shopping)
Ulgii trip (Cultural Experiences, and Arts and Crafts Shopping)
Ulgii
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Mongol Nomadic Experience (Stopover to/from Hustai)
The Mongol Nomadic Experience (Stopover to/from Hustai)
Mongolia
Quality of Experience
Food
Transport
Local specialist: Crystal Batdorj

16 Days in China
China | Sep 8 - Sep 23, 2026

Mitchell
Mitchell O.
Sioux Falls, SD, USA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
Heidi did a great job organizing our trip and planning everything out for a stress free trip. All the guides were friendly and flexible to work with what we wanted to do. We will definitely be using Kimkim in the future! Read more

Heidi did a great job organizing our trip and planning everything out for a stress free trip. All the guides were friendly and flexible to work with what we wanted to do. We will definitely be using Kimkim in the future!

Hotel Review
Howard Johnson Neodalle Resort Zhangjiajie

The AC did not work very well and the room was frequently a bit warm and slightly muggy. My wife also commented a couple of times on the cleanliness of the room in certain areas.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Heidi Jiang

Luka put together a very fun and interesting ...
Iceland | Sep 9 - Sep 17, 2026

C
Carol F.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

Luka put together a very fun and interesting trip for us. The suggested sights, descriptions, and driving directions were all good and well-planned for full--but not too full--days of driving, sightseeing, and exploring. And the tours that Luka booked for us--lava tunnel, ice cave, glacier walk, lagoon kayaking--were once-in-a-lifetime experiences that we will always remember.

Local specialist: Luka Matukaite

A memorable trip, and as always with KimKim, ...
Spain | Sep 5 - Sep 20, 2026

John
John H.
Rock Hill, SC | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
A memorable trip, and as always with KimKim, every detail taken care of well before the start.
Alfonso interpreted what we were looking for extremely well, and the ever helpful daily programme complete with all necessary information is a godsend.
Hotels throughout the trip were as requested , and all very good.
Our 3 guides were all outstanding, pleasant individuals, answered our questions rather than overburdening us with facts, and fitted the tours exactly to our requests and physical...
Read more

A memorable trip, and as always with KimKim, every detail taken care of well before the start.
Alfonso interpreted what we were looking for extremely well, and the ever helpful daily programme complete with all necessary information is a godsend.
Hotels throughout the trip were as requested , and all very good.
Our 3 guides were all outstanding, pleasant individuals, answered our questions rather than overburdening us with facts, and fitted the tours exactly to our requests and physical ability.
I have recommended KimKim to several families in USA, and look forward to further trips with you.
PS do you have a representative for a trip we are considering to the Azores ( Portugal)?
Regards John Harrison.

Local specialist: Alfonso Nuñez
Alfonso
Alfonso Nuñez
Local specialist in San Sebastian - Spain | Replied on Sep 24, 2026

Thanks for your beautiful words. It was a pleasure taking care of your while traveling with us.
See you again!

Iceland is NOT WHAT PEOPLE REALLY THINK IT IS.
Iceland | Sep 12 - Sep 22, 2026

Mary
Mary L.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
I will not recommend this site for Iceland. Not only is this very highly expensive, the service is horrendous. There is no follow up on Lisbet our tour specialist on how we are doing. From the airport, the keys are handed to you and there you go. You cannot get hold of them using your USA phone. The rental car was part of the payment but hidden fees not explained are blindsided to you such as a Tax on using their road. Laughable. I got billed an additional 315 dollars in addition to the... Read more

I will not recommend this site for Iceland. Not only is this very highly expensive, the service is horrendous. There is no follow up on Lisbet our tour specialist on how we are doing. From the airport, the keys are handed to you and there you go. You cannot get hold of them using your USA phone. The rental car was part of the payment but hidden fees not explained are blindsided to you such as a Tax on using their road. Laughable. I got billed an additional 315 dollars in addition to the rental, parking, toll fees etc. All not explained to you. Hotels booked looked like “The Bates Motel” movie. Food is not only overpriced, yes super overpriced but you are out of choices because you are hungry. Burger for 35 dollars no Fries or drinks included. Do not even attempt to go for Steaks or Fish. It sad a country like Iceland is truly wonderful BUT not for the prices of food, tour etc. Infrastructure, back in the 40’s. Single Highway road, Gravel Road with plenty of Pot holes. No Lights on the road and Hotels or should I say Motels have no signs or proper directions to get too. Please do not get lost or your next turnabout could be miles away. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE…. For Glaciers, Argentina is way cheaper and nicer, Perito Moreno For Waterfalls too. Iguazu is much fun and nicer. Most sites are kind of disappointing. Yellowstone is much nicer than Geysir in Iceland. Bottom line Iceland is super expensive, not worth the sites.

Hotel Reviews
Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

Location was great but place looks dingy like another Bates Motel. Graffiti’s everywhere .

Authenticity & Character
Not helpful staffng
Location
Hard to find but good for walking around the sites.
Staff
Give it you and get out of here attitude.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Hellnar
Hellnar

Very small but view is nice

Authenticity & Character
Location
Only hotel in town
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Laugarbakki
Laugarbakki
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sel - Hótel Mývatn
Myvatn

Best Hotel I have seen. Spacious but hard to find specially at night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location is hard to find.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Studlagil
Egilsstaðir

Bates Motel

Authenticity & Character
They could not even find the registration.
Location
Along the Highway but No Sign
Staff
Impolite at first then who knows what happened.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Brunnhóll Country Guesthouse
Höfn

Ideal place to naviagate and best place for sightseeing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adventure Hotel Hof
Hof

This place is a bit better. Better restaurant but super expensive Parking is an issue but manageable .

Authenticity & Character
willing to help
Location
You can easily see and there is a sign to the place.
Staff
There is not much staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean but super small like in a Cruise Ship
Hotel Búrfell
Vik

Hard to find. Came in late in the evening. Same old small and Dingy.

Authenticity & Character
Nothing worth mentioning
Location
Hard to find.
Staff
Not really helpful with directions or anything else
Cleanliness & Comfort
Farmhotel Efstidalur
Laugarvatn

Food is horrible and super expensive. Stay is clean but room very small.

Authenticity & Character
No one to help you with luggage’s
Location
better Signs to your place
Staff
Helpful but Kinda until you tip them
Cleanliness & Comfort
Better than Motel 6
Activity Reviews
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

very disappointing and hard to find first.

Quality of Experience
Waste of time
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tried but tour is waste of time
Transport
Waste of time
Katla Ice Cave Tour
Iceland

Site is not better than Skatafell glacier tour but Cave is nice but somewhat deforming. Tour guide is great though, makes a difference.

Quality of Experience
Amazing Caves but deforming
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Superb Guide
Transport
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Iceland

Great walk and exercise and well worth the trip for this.

Quality of Experience
I have seen better in my travels but for a first timer on a glacier, this is not bad.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was busier smooching with someone than attending to the flock
Transport
Local specialist: Lisbet Grönvaldt

Tom worked miracles for us on our Norway sel...
Norway | Sep 9 - Sep 21, 2026

dru
dru q.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
Tom worked miracles for us on our Norway self- driving trip .
My husband and I decided to add a Norway excursion on the back of a Faroe Islands trip on a whim .I was having difficulty navigating the logistics of driving times , lodging and certain activities that were slightly out of season
With about two weeks notice, Tom put together a phenomenal trip for us . We were stunned at the amazing lodgings he was able to procure last minute ., all within our budget . Tom booked everything from...
Read more

Tom worked miracles for us on our Norway self- driving trip .
My husband and I decided to add a Norway excursion on the back of a Faroe Islands trip on a whim .I was having difficulty navigating the logistics of driving times , lodging and certain activities that were slightly out of season
With about two weeks notice, Tom put together a phenomenal trip for us . We were stunned at the amazing lodgings he was able to procure last minute ., all within our budget . Tom booked everything from accommodations to excursions to our rental car. Tom and Mathia were incredibly supportive, touching base with us daily to be sure things were running smoothly and giving us suggesting a for things to do , places to eat, possible road delays, weather updates etc. Mathia even met us briefly at the ferry to say hello ; unfortunately we were out of time so no coffee date !
It was quite obvious that our adventure was planned by someone who lives locally and knows the area well and cares about the experience their client is having .

I cannot recommend this agency highly enough , I hope to be able to work with them in the future .

Hotel Reviews
Skagakaia
Bø

What an absolutely charming place ! We were in the most adorable little apartment , comfortable, livable and yet decorated with a perfect eye .We loved sitting having morning coffee or afternoon wine watching the ocean out the window . I would have loved to have just moved in and never leave ! Everything we needed was there in our cozy space and the beds so comfortable. Our host , Lone, was a highlight of our trip through Norway . The restored post office / dining room she’s created looks like something out of a travel magazine and her family stories only add to the experience and character . Breakfast (btw) was delicious and casually elegant . Lone sat with us telling us stories and giving us advice on places to explore locally This stay was a highlight of our trip and the accommodations should be considered a destiny on their own , it’s that great of an experience

Authenticity & Character
Cozy and comfortable but with vintage pieces that give the place an authentic feel
Location
Beautiful . Convenient to town but st the end of the peninsula so one can watch the sea and see the Lofoten Mtns in the distance
Staff
Lone could not have been a better host
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate
Hamn i Senja
Skaland

Nice place to stay . The staff was incredibly kind and helpful

Authenticity & Character
Pretty place , contemporary
Location
Good location, right off the route , only a few minutes from the ferry
Staff
Excellent staff , friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate
Scandic Ishavshotel
Tromsø

Cool hotel in a fabulous location with the most amazing breakfast !

Authenticity & Character
Nice hotel , sleek and modern with good design
Location
Walkable to most everything
Staff
Extremely helpful and courteous
Cleanliness & Comfort
Id stay here again , great option for Tromsø
Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen

We had a fabulous trip to the north and west of Scotland
Scotland | Sep 6 - Sep 23, 2026

Ross
Ross M.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
We had a fabulous trip to the north and west coasts of Scotland organized by Eleanor Whitticombe and her team. The trip was gorgeous and filled with memories. Several of the hotels were particularly memorable: The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool, TheTorridon, and the Isle of Eriska. Each combined superb service, a great room, and excellent meals. One of our most memorable days was on Islay, where Dougie Mac Taggert led us on a coastal hike from an old church to Kilchoman, with a short drive to... Read more

We had a fabulous trip to the north and west coasts of Scotland organized by Eleanor Whitticombe and her team. The trip was gorgeous and filled with memories. Several of the hotels were particularly memorable: The Dipping Lugger in Ullapool, TheTorridon, and the Isle of Eriska. Each combined superb service, a great room, and excellent meals. One of our most memorable days was on Islay, where Dougie Mac Taggert led us on a coastal hike from an old church to Kilchoman, with a short drive to the distillery for lunch and a tour. The tour was excellent and so were the sample drams we consumed during the tour (very clever). We then hiked through the RSPB Preserve at Loch Gruinart. All together memorable! But so were our full day tours of Lewis and Harris with Donald Matheson, a life long resident of Lewis. He embodied the history present on the island and made my life easy because I wasn't the one handling the single track roads. And speaking of single track roads, B869 to the Drumbeg Viewpoint and to Lochinver was gorgeous - when I could take my eyes off the road.
Basically every day was memorable and special - one of our best trips ever, and we vacation well. Thank you to Eleanor and her team!

Hotel Reviews
The Torridon
Achnasheen

Grand in every regard. "Regal" might also fit. As characterful as the 1890s style would suggest, while still having every modern convenience. Those towels - so soft, so absorbent - and that shower. Ahhh, satisfaction. Both restaurants are excellent (Bo and Muc is more casual, 1889 a multi-course extravagance). Breakfasts are, as you would expect, very good, although our omelets were a bit under-done. We went hiking with the Torridon Outdoor Experience, and it was an excellent walk near the hotel. We also hiked the hotel grounds, which are extensive and very pretty.

Authenticity & Character
Grand elegance from another era with service at a very high level.
Location
Truly in the middle of nowhere in a good way.
Staff
They took care of everything.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Those towels..... (and everything else, but the towels were memorable)
Broad Bay House
Back

The Broad Bay House is a purpose-built small inn near Stornoway. Super clean and well equipped. Tom, the owner, has thought of everything any traveler could need. He has loads of material about Lewis and Harris, and has prepared a guide book that reflected his deep knowledge of the area. Breakfasts were excellent, esp. the porridge. And we had the seafood passed-plate meal for dinner one night. The location is right on the beach, and it's worth going for a walk past the sheep.

Authenticity & Character
It's really more new and clean and tidy than characterful, but very tastefully decorated.
Location
Just north of Stornoway. It's a bit isolated, but with the beach there, who cares?
Staff
Tom was full of good advice when we could grasp his accented Scottish English.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfectly clean, very comfortable.
The Dipping Lugger
Ullapool

At every level, the Dipping Lugger is amazing. They think of everything. The room was gorgeous, the bed super-comfortable. The food was spectacular! There are only 3 rooms, but this is luxury writ large and in a comfortable, not ostentatious way. The only quirk is that they pick your meals - dinner is a fixed 7 course meal (and what a meal it is!) (the bread I will NEVER forget) and breakfast is chosen for you. It's all more than good, but maybe not what you would have picked. Just an idiosyncrasy, not a problem.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful and well restored inn that felt timelessly grand even through small.
Location
Write on the main street of Ullapool, looking out at the harbor, and right down the street from the ferry terminal to Stornaway (our next stop).
Staff
So nice, so aware. Could not have been better.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was sooooo comfortable.
Scourie Hotel
Scourie

We very much enjoyed our stay at the Scourie House because the people were so nice. It's not fancy - a well maintained older hotel that was probably built as an inn. Our room wasn't that big, so suitcase space was at a premium. But what the room may have lacked in upscale fashion, the staff made up in friendliness. And the food in the restaurant was very good.

Authenticity & Character
This is the sort of hotel that seemed to have a loyal clientele who return year after year to fish ...
Location
Scourie is a small village in a beautiful part of Scotland. Take the B869 and visit the Allt Chranaidh Waterfall
Staff
Super friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was sparkling clean, but the bed and the room were somewhat small.
Forss House
Thurso

One of those classic old manor houses. Our room was spacious and had a very comfortable sofa on which I could sit and relax. It's an odd omission, but there was no desk chair in the room, so my laptop computer really was a laptop computer. The staff was superb, the dinner excellent.

Authenticity & Character
On spacious grounds with a beautiful view of a waterfall only a short walk from the house
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness was excellent. The only comfort downside was the lack of a desk chair
Rocpool Reserve
Inverness

A very nice hotel in a good location for walking to central Inverness. Our room was exotic in that the bathroom, which was large and well-equipped, was down a winding staircase from the bedroom.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Eleanor Whitticombe

Amazing Indonesia vacation
Indonesia | Sep 5 - Sep 17, 2026

N
Nandana P.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

We just returned from a 10-day trip to Java and Bali. We had a wonderful trip and thoroughly enjoyed Indonesia's beautiful places, cuisine, and culture. Jessica planned an amazing vacation for us. The hotels we stayed at were unique and comfortable. Our trip coordinator, Graciella, stayed in touch to make sure we were well taken care of. When we wanted to cut down on a few places to make our itinerary less hectic, we could do that easily. The drivers and guides they provided us were courteous and knowledgeable. We highly recommend Jessica and her team if you are planning a trip to Indonesia.

Local specialist: Jessica Soenandar

A Drem Trip in Englnd!
England | Sep 13 - Sep 20, 2026

M
Mary R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
Our trip was excellent and exceptional due to the attention to every detail!
Our drivers were so knowledgeable and helpful every day, even providing some special extra locations in our travel.
Throughout our trip we trusted Kate to assist us when changes had to be made. She was so professional and accessible, making our trip delightful!
Read more

Our trip was excellent and exceptional due to the attention to every detail!
Our drivers were so knowledgeable and helpful every day, even providing some special extra locations in our travel.
Throughout our trip we trusted Kate to assist us when changes had to be made. She was so professional and accessible, making our trip delightful!

Hotel Reviews
The Royal Adelaide Hotel
Windsor

The staff was delightful. The room was very large and accomodating.

Authenticity & Character
It was modernized to make the stay comfortble to foreign travelers, but maintqined a"British charm".
Location
A nice walk to the center of Windsor.
Staff
The staf was so helpful! And, special recognition to Sarah who was so friendly and charming in the reataurant!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The spacious bathroom with seperate tub and shower.
The Head of the River
Oxford, Oxfordshire

Enjoyed the entire experience here.

Authenticity & Character
Very popular pub and restaurant!
Location
Right on the river with a large, beautiful patio/deck. Obvioously a very popular place for local residents.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Indigo Bath
Bath

Spacious room and bathroom. Nice amenities including robe and slippers.

Authenticity & Character
Location
So convienient!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was great!!!
Primrose House St. Ives
St Ives
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Fox Inn
Dorchester

Just what we had hoped for as an experience in country English setting!

Authenticity & Character
Authenic locally sourced food that was outstanding.
Location
Pastorial setting.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Just a caution to some travelers who are not spry--no air conditioning and no lift.
The Southern Belle
Brighton
Authenticity & Character
Great traditional pub on ground level. Kitchen is not open every evening. Breakfast was great!
Location
Very close to the beach
Staff
The same gentleman was on stff in the evening when we arrive and in the morning when we were served breakfast. He was helpful and pleasant.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Canterbury

Perfect location! Very friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast was a special benefit, with a separate dining room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lacked air conditioning.
Activity Review
Iconic Oxford  Private Walking Tour
Iconic Oxford Private Walking Tour
Oxford
Local specialist: Kateryna Garkavenko

Anna did a wonderful job ....easy to work wit...
Greece | Sep 12 - Sep 19, 2026

J
jame c.
Phoenixville, PA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026
Anna did a wonderful job ....easy to work with, highly organized, and very responsive
Classic Hotel by Athens Prime Hotels: great location and good accommodations
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour Guide: Mr Dimitris, outstanding tour guide, was very pleasant & knowledgeable
Delphi Day Trip from Athens
I cancelled this tour because it went from a small group tour to a tour of 50
All drivers in Athens and Naxos where on time and very professional
Naxos Resort was very pleasant
Food...
Read more

Anna did a wonderful job ....easy to work with, highly organized, and very responsive
Classic Hotel by Athens Prime Hotels: great location and good accommodations
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour Guide: Mr Dimitris, outstanding tour guide, was very pleasant & knowledgeable

Delphi Day Trip from Athens
I cancelled this tour because it went from a small group tour to a tour of 50

All drivers in Athens and Naxos where on time and very professional
Naxos Resort was very pleasant
Food tour in Naxos was outstanding Mrs Katia was knowledgeable, professional and very pleasant

Hotel Reviews
Sofitel Athens Airport
Athens

A bit pricey for a late check in and very early departure however very convent to the airport

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
Naxos
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Classic Hotel by Athens Prime Hotels
Athens
Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Short Walk for Sofitel to Athens International Airport
Short Walk for Sofitel to Athens International Airport
Athens International Airport (ATH)
Naxos Villages Food Tour
Naxos Villages Food Tour
Naxos
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Delphi Day Trip from Athens
Delphi Day Trip from Athens
Greece

canceled this tour because it went from a small group tour to a large 50+ group tour

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Athens
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Anna Nikitopoulou

The highlight of the trip is witnessing the S...
Mongolia | Sep 13 - Sep 21, 2026

J
Josephine L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

The highlight of the trip is witnessing the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival in the Ölgii province. Watching the Kazakh eagle hunters and the magnificent eagles was a mesmerizing spectacle. The guide's local connections allowed our group to interact closely with the hunter and family. Riding horses through Terelj National Park was great fun. The Terelj National Park was relaxing with wonderful Ger camp accommodations. At Khustai National Park, we learned about the reintroduction wild horse, conservation efforts, and seeing wild horses in the mountains was highly memorable.

Local specialist: Crystal Batdorj
Crystal
Crystal Batdorj
Local specialist in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | Replied on Sep 24, 2026

Dear Josephine,

Thank you for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival, horse riding in Terelj, and your experiences at Khustai National Park.
It’s especially great to know that the local connections and wildlife experiences made your journey so memorable. We truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us.

We hope to welcome you back to Mongolia again in the future!
Best regards,
Crystal & Team

Lea and Erica planned the most amazing trip f...
Greece | Sep 14 - Sep 23, 2026

S
Shari K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
Lea and Erica planned the most amazing trip for us!!! It was absolutely perfect in so many ways!! The tours and excursions really gave us the highlights in the time we had to work with on each island. Frenie was so great on our Acropolis tour in Athens, Pako was so much fun on our Chora tour in Mykonos and Michail was a joy on our tour Milos! Even the drivers who took
Us too and from the airports and ferry ports were so friendly and kind!! Each island was beautiful and unique and...
Read more

Lea and Erica planned the most amazing trip for us!!! It was absolutely perfect in so many ways!! The tours and excursions really gave us the highlights in the time we had to work with on each island. Frenie was so great on our Acropolis tour in Athens, Pako was so much fun on our Chora tour in Mykonos and Michail was a joy on our tour Milos! Even the drivers who took
Us too and from the airports and ferry ports were so friendly and kind!! Each island was beautiful and unique and KimKim really exceeded our expectations!! Thank you again!!!

Hotel Reviews
NLH Monastiraki
Athens

Our room was sub par. More like a motel 6 than a 3 star hotel. Breakfast was average tasting, lots of options but underwhelming.

Authenticity & Character
Run down looking, our room had chipped paint, drains didn’t work well, broken drawer, window shade.
Location
Close to everything which we liked!
Staff
Very friendly!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
No blanket or comforter on the bed, sheets only, but they were clean! No blow dryer, no wash clothes, broken window shade.
Delmar Apartments & Suites
Milos

Family run hotel and right across the street from the beach added to the beauty! So much room! Staff was helpful and friendly as well!!

Authenticity & Character
We loved the style, colors, and decor…just perfect!!!
Location
The views were great, and so many delicious restaurants all walking distance!
Staff
So helpful with making sure we knew when our rides arrived!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed, the beautiful patios on either side of the bedroom just added to the experience.
Elena Hotel
Mykonos

Beautiful views, the layout and lobby were quaint and comfortable as well as the outside seating for breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Niche Hotel
Athens

Everything from the location to the staff, Acropolis view and food was amazing! George was especially helpful and so friendly, even took time to help me learn how to say thank you in Greek.

Authenticity & Character
The roof top view and the room quality!
Location
Close to everything!!
Staff
George was so kind and helpful with everything! The front desk also helped us find the well known sandal maker!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Elevators were a great bonus! Room layout, bathrobes and slippers were nice too!
Local specialist: Erica Gerakos
Erica
Erica Gerakos
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Sep 24, 2026

I'm so happy the tours hit all the right highlights on each island and that the guides made the Acropolis, Chora, and Milos tours so memorable. Glad the drivers took great care of you too! Each island really does have its own personality, and I loved putting this one together for you. The Niche Hotel is a favorite for sure. Efcharistó!

Alex Maria Nick Coraima and Lea have all been...
Norway | Sep 11 - Sep 19, 2026

Danielle
Danielle C.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
Alex Maria Nick Coraima and Lea have all been superb with constant communication and attention to detail. I thank you all so very much for helping to make my first trip to Europe and Norway so amazing! We enjoyed every activity and the flights/hotels were all convenient. Read more

Alex Maria Nick Coraima and Lea have all been superb with constant communication and attention to detail. I thank you all so very much for helping to make my first trip to Europe and Norway so amazing! We enjoyed every activity and the flights/hotels were all convenient.

Hotel Reviews
Scandic Byparken
Bergen
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thon Hotel Ålesund
Ålesund
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Scandic Svolvær
Svolvær
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quality Hotel Grand Tromso
Tromsø
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Alex Mottler

In a word... Magical
Croatia | Sep 7 - Sep 15, 2026

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Steve Lindsey S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
In a word... Magical. Croatia is simply stunning... the landscape, the seascape, the people, the history and the food create a location that is a bucket-list must. We had never been there, so the thought of doing all the research and putting together a trip was daunting. That's where Sarah and Ivan come in. The developed a perfect itinerary, covered all the details and lined us up with guides, drivers and lodging that never missed. When bad weather caused one outing to be cancelled, a... Read more

In a word... Magical. Croatia is simply stunning... the landscape, the seascape, the people, the history and the food create a location that is a bucket-list must. We had never been there, so the thought of doing all the research and putting together a trip was daunting. That's where Sarah and Ivan come in. The developed a perfect itinerary, covered all the details and lined us up with guides, drivers and lodging that never missed. When bad weather caused one outing to be cancelled, a quick text to them resulted in a new outing within 20 minutes that turned out to be one of the great memories of our trip. Having them tracking with us during the whole time made this a zero-stress trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Review
Irini Luxury Rooms
Split

An intimate setting off of a side alley just steps away form the old city, this was a great stay. The staff were personable and helpful, offering tips about the local area as well as a wonderful breakfast every day. The bed was super-comfortable and the bathroom was spa-like. We loved it

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sarah Cosic

Robert our walking guide in Montreal was adequate. Fr...
Canada | Sep 9 - Sep 16, 2026

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Olga S.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
Robert our guide in Montreal was adequate. Friendly and knowledgeable but lacking in historical references. On the other hand our guide in Quebec Terry or Thierry was exceptional. He shared a lot of his historical knowledge and willingly spent more time with us and answered all our questions. Both cities were fantastic! People were friendly and helpful. Great restaurants, shopping. Not enough time for the museums. Art galleries were fun. Cobble stone streets were tough on my knees. Loved the... Read more

Robert our guide in Montreal was adequate. Friendly and knowledgeable but lacking in historical references. On the other hand our guide in Quebec Terry or Thierry was exceptional. He shared a lot of his historical knowledge and willingly spent more time with us and answered all our questions. Both cities were fantastic! People were friendly and helpful. Great restaurants, shopping. Not enough time for the museums. Art galleries were fun. Cobble stone streets were tough on my knees. Loved the Aura illuminati performance at Notre Dame. The train ride between cities was organized and relaxing although we almost missed our train to Quebec which wasn’t far from our lodging and the taxi driver didn’t speak English. But we made it with 3 mins to spare! Ryan did a great job along with Sarita and AI in coordinating the trip. It was all a wonderful vacation! Thanks Kimkin

Hotel Review
Lofts de la Barricade
Québec

Clean nice space. Great location. No front desk and when we arrived it started to rain and we didn’t know how to get in. Luckily other travelers let us in the vestibule out of the rain. We called the number on the entrance door and we confirmed our stay and were given the pass code to enter. No paper towels in the kitchen

Location
Close to old town
Cleanliness & Comfort
No tv instructions or wifi
Activity Reviews
Private Walking Tour of Quebec City
Private Walking Tour of Quebec City
Québec City

Our guide was exceptional! Very knowledgeable and loved sharing what he knew. He spent more time with our group and he received a nice tip.

Quality of Experience
Private Walking Tour of Montreal
Private Walking Tour of Montreal
Montréal

I wish our guide would’ve shared more history about Montreal. He took us to see the metro shops. We rode the clean Montreal subways to get around. A lot of construction going on around St Catherine. I enjoyed riding the double decker bus and it was a beautiful sunny day. Definitely recommend the bus tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Loved the subways. Clean and efficient
Local specialist: Ryan Walker

40th Wedding Anniversary in beautiful Italy
Italy | Sep 11 - Sep 21, 2026

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Pamela S.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Italy. The trip was arranged through Kimkim with Paraskevas as our travel specialist. It was a wonderful experience with stays in Bologna, Siena and Greve in Chianti. We flew into and out of Rome. Our accommodations along the way were very nice and located will so we could travel on foot to see many local sites. Casa Bertagni in Bologna was a wonderful B&B - very classy place to stay with attention paid to details. The... Read more

My husband and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Italy. The trip was arranged through Kimkim with Paraskevas as our travel specialist. It was a wonderful experience with stays in Bologna, Siena and Greve in Chianti. We flew into and out of Rome. Our accommodations along the way were very nice and located will so we could travel on foot to see many local sites. Casa Bertagni in Bologna was a wonderful B&B - very classy place to stay with attention paid to details. The breakfast was wonderful as well. The Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Borghesi provided a wonderful view of Siena as well as breakfast on our balcony served by very kind staff. Our last 2 days were at Peitra del Cabreo. This was an amazing place to stay at the end of our visit. The location was beautiful, peaceful and had wonderful staff. We had a cooking class with Lucca and then were able to have our class food served to us for dinner. It was an amazing way to end our stay in Italy.
Since my husband and I did not wish to drive, Paraskevas made arrangements for several train rides and limo services. Our itinerary was carefully detailed with locations, times, driver names and train tickets attached when needed. The limo drivers who assisted us were always professional and very helpful. They made every transfer go smoothly.
Our days were busy with local guide tours, food tours and day trips to wineries, beautiful Tuscany towns, and a Parma tour that included Parmigiano, prosciutto and balsamico. Every day had a fun adventure.
We also appreciated having the Traveler Care Team available. It was reassuring to know there was a team to assist us if needed.
It was a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary! We have wonderful memories and pictures of our trip. Our thanks to Paraskevas and the team to helped to make our trip happen.

Hotel Reviews
Hilton Rome Airport Hotel
Fiumicino

great location due to connection to the Rome airport.

Authenticity & Character
rooms were set up well.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Restaurant was very busy. long time to get a table. Breakfast very nice.
Pietra del Cabreo
Greve

Beautiful place to stay and experience. Wonderful way to end a trip.

Authenticity & Character
beautiful views from room windows and restaurant when eating meals. nice walking paths around the hotel.
Location
Staff
staff were so very helpful and nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were awesome, wonderful bathroom products, robes, towels, etc.
Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Borghesi
Siena

I rated a 4 due to no small refrigerator in the room to use. Also bathroom products (soap, lotion etc) were limited and the hair dryer was difficult to use due it being a very cheap model.

Authenticity & Character
Location
the location was great. just a short walk to the Piazza del Campo
Staff
Staff were so very nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
see my earlier comments
Casa Bertagni

The hotel was so very nice. Great attention to detail, products for guests to use and location was great. Breakfast was wonderful. .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Le Clarisse al Pantheon
Rome

Staff were so very helpful. A wonderful breakfast was included. Loved the location near the Pantheon, Trevi fountain and Navona Piazza.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Siena Walking Tour
Private Siena Walking Tour
Italy

I always enjoying taking a tour when visiting a new city. Our guide, Giulia, made our tour interesting and fun. She shared information about the Palio di Siena as we walked around Siena. We had the opportunity to learn more about Siena but also about this historic race. This made our tour quite a bit of fun and it felt like we had insider information about the race.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Evening Food & Wine Tour
Evening Food & Wine Tour
Bologna

A wonderful tasty and fun evening. Valentina was a great guide. She shared many locations in Bologna with interesting information and good food and wine. This is a tour to definitely go on.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cooking Class in Chianti
Cooking Class in Chianti
Italy

My husband and I really enjoyed this class. Luca was the chef who led the class. He did a great job explaining the meal preparation and how to's of making pasta. The meal we prepared was later served to us in the restaurant and was delicious.

Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour
Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour
Siena

A very fun day. Our driver was knowledgeable about the wine region, wine and the wineries we visited. The lunch served at our second was awesome. We enjoyed all of the wineries.

Tuscany Day Trip from Siena
Tuscany Day Trip from Siena
Siena

We enjoyed driving through the Tuscany countryside. Beautiful views and towns. I would have liked to have spent a little more time in the towns to walk around. The farm lunch was wonderful. So nice to meet the farmer and his wife. An excellent meal was served to us. Directly following the meal, we went to a town and had a wine tasting. It would have been nice to have the wine tasting a bit later as it was too soon after just finishing a meal with wine.

Parma Tour With Parmigiano, Prosciutto & Balsamico
Parma Tour With Parmigiano, Prosciutto & Balsamico
Italy

Very interesting tour. My husband and I enjoyed it. Our guide Thomas was knowledgeable and wanted to be sure we enjoyed the tour. Our farm lunch was awesome.

Bologna Unveiled: Private Walking Tour of Culture, Cinema & Culinary Traditions
Bologna Unveiled: Private Walking Tour of Culture, Cinema & Culinary Traditions
Bologna

Our guide from Bespoke Emila was very knowledgeable and made the time go by quickly. I am so sorry but I do not recall name. He was very interesting and made sharing his information fun. We had a very nice lunch together at the end of our tour.

Local specialist: Paraskevas Politis
Paraskevas
Paraskevas Politis
Local specialist in Greece | Replied on Sep 24, 2026

Dear Pam and Bob,

Thank you so much for this thoughtful review and for the kind words. It was a true pleasure helping you plan your 40th anniversary trip, and I am so glad it lived up to such a special occasion. Reading that the cooking class with Luca and your final days at Pietra del Cabreo made for such a memorable ending means a great deal to me and the whole team.

Wishing you both safe travels and many more happy years together. Until next time, whether for another trip to Italy or perhaps a first taste of Greece!

All the best,
Paraskevas

A Birthday Trip in Search of Irish Roots
Ireland | Sep 6 - Sep 16, 2026

Alec
Alec C.
Glenmont, NY | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
My wife and I both celebrated significant birthdays this year, so we decided to take a trip to Ireland to commemorate the occasion, and to look for some of our Irish roots. We enjoyed a wonderful trip through Eastern and Southern Ireland, arranged by Claire at KimKim. She took careful note of what we wanted to do, the kind of experiences we were interested in, and constructed an itinerary that combined sightseeing and just traveling through our chosen section of Ireland. She also arranged a... Read more

My wife and I both celebrated significant birthdays this year, so we decided to take a trip to Ireland to commemorate the occasion, and to look for some of our Irish roots. We enjoyed a wonderful trip through Eastern and Southern Ireland, arranged by Claire at KimKim. She took careful note of what we wanted to do, the kind of experiences we were interested in, and constructed an itinerary that combined sightseeing and just traveling through our chosen section of Ireland. She also arranged a session for us in Dublin with an amazing genealogist who was enormously helpful. As much as we enjoyed Dublin and Waterford, I think our favorite times were poking around little towns, and finding small pubs and cafes that were not in any guidebooks. Since a big part of the reason we were there was to research family connections, one day we improvised and detoured from a scheduled stop in Cork City, because we only had a few hours available to us, and detoured to the nearby town of Cobh, where my wife's great grandfather had emigrated from in 1878. We felt OK about doing that because Claire had encouraged us to improvise along our trip, and as a result we got a much better sense of the massive disruptions occurring in Irish society as a result of so many people leaving Ireland looking for better futures. We had another unplanned schedule change when our rental car developed a problem with a sensor and we had to get it addressed. The rental car company chosen by Claire and her firm was very responsive, found us a nearby garage to look at our issue, and got us back on the road . That delay cost us a visit to a castle, but car stuff can happen anywhere. In this case the support was there and and it was a minor inconvenience instead of a major headache. All in all, we felt very well taken care of, and we would not hesitate to recommend KimKim to our friends.

Hotel Reviews
Dooley's Hotel
Waterford

Locally owned and run hotel that has clearly had a lot of care and attention. Very good facilities, conveniently located, and attractive dining and imbibing options. It looks as though a significant portion of the hotel's business comes from tour buses overnighting in Waterford. That was the aspect of the hotel that was less appealing to us. In the bar and restaurant we heard more American accents than Irish. The staff we came in contact with were almost all from countries other than Ireland. Make no mistake, they did a fine job, and were very accommodating. We simply prefer more local flavor.

Location
On the main street, near the Viking Triangle.
Staff
Pleasant, readily responded to queations.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Meticulously maintained.
Stauntons on the Green
Dublin

Really lovely, gracious hotel. The room was elegant, and the breakfast area was equally nicely appointed. We were on the second floor (3rd to Americans), and the absence of a lift made getting our luggage upstairs a bit of a challenge, but that was the only thing that was less than ideal.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right across the street from St. Stephens Green
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Butler Townhouse Kilkenny

We really enjoyed our stay at the Butler Townhouse in Kilkenny. Our lower level room was spacious and beautifully appointed. We had our own private access to the property's beautiful gardens, which in turn provided a shortcut to Kilkenny Castle. The staff was very friendly and went out of their way to be helpful. The breakfast there was provided in a gracious dining room, was made to order, and a touch we especially liked, was our own two tiered tray of breads and pastries. It was wonderfully indulgent.

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully appointed, gracious throughout.
Location
Just up the street from the castle and very near the center of town.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Top 3 Dublin Pubs to Listen to Live Traditional music
Top 3 Dublin Pubs to Listen to Live Traditional music
Ireland

We made it to O'Neill's for dinner and music on our first evening. It was where I was introduced to Beamish (I really liked it), and experienced our first trad music performance. Ironically, we had seen the same solo musician on the street performing by the Molly Malone statue earlier in the day. We enjoyed his performance each time.

Free time in Dublin
Free time in Dublin
Dublin

Dublin is a fun city. We only scratched the surface but we feel we saw quite a lot. Our first activity was the Book of Kels Experience, and as interesting as that was, it was equally fascinating to be in the Old Library, and to walk the grounds of Trinity College. St. Stephen's Green was a wonderful place to walk and just take in the people out enjoying the setting. One memorable incident was encountering a group of people walking 8-10 giant Irish Wolf Hounds. The dogs were just enormous, but well behaved on leash, and they made quite the spectacle. We made sure to visit the Guinness Storehouse. It was the ultimate in touristy things to do but it was also a little like making a pilgrimage. We prefer the smaller towns and villages over the bigger cities, but Dublin was the smallest feeling big city that we have encountered.

Visit to Kyteler’s Inn: Medieval Pub with a Witchy Past!
Visit to Kyteler’s Inn: Medieval Pub with a Witchy Past!
Kilkenny

We had a very enjoyable meal at Kyteler's Inn. It was a crowded night but somehow we were seated at a corner booth recessed from but right next to the musicians performing trad songs. Dinner was classic pub fare that we enjoyed a lot, and of course there were a few rounds of adult beverages. I was introduced to and enjoyed Kilkenny Draught as well as there own stout which has a distinctive flavor markedly different from the customary Guinness or Murphy's. I liked that too. My wife is more of a Harp person, but we both enjoyed our beverages while listening to a couple of groups of local musicians. It was probably the most festive evening of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Private Kilkenny Historical Walking Tour
Private Kilkenny Historical Walking Tour
Kilkenny

Our time with Pat was very informative and enjoyable. He is low key in manner and soft spoken, but he was and endless font of information about Kilkenny, its geography and history. We walked through much of the town and by the time were finished, we felt we had a short course history lesson that was better than anything we had ever taken back in school. Pat was a real gentleman, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him.

Consultation with a Genealogist at EPIC Museum
Consultation with a Genealogist at EPIC Museum
Dublin

This was one of the highlights of our trip. The EPIC genealogist, Julie, was a thoroughly professional and very skilled researcher. She helped us establish and document the identities of several family members about whom we had no prior information. She was also able to use obituaries, birth records, and census data to confirm identities and relationships. Our tree is now on a much more solid foundation, based on the records she was able to source, and she provided us with a document that contained all of her findings. It was so impressive to watch someone work who very clearly is very good at what she does. It was a privilege to observe her at work.

Quality of Experience
An Epic Walking Tour of the Viking Triangle
An Epic Walking Tour of the Viking Triangle
Waterford

Our guide was really engaging and a natural storyteller. In a conversational way he painted a vivid word picture of the history of Waterford and some of the figures who played prominent roles in its early history. It was a short but very enjoyable tour of the Triangle area.

Dublin Private Walking Tour
Dublin Private Walking Tour
Dublin

Brian was a very personable and extremely knowledgeable guide for our walking tour in Dublin. As much of a capital city as it is, it is very walkable in the center and we got a very good sense of how the old city had been constructed, what some of the major areas are today, and he told us about some of the key historical events and personalities that helped shape Dublin. He even recommended some good places for lunch and dinner, which we followed, quite happily I might add. We very much enjoyed our tour with Brian and would gladly recommend his services to others.

West Cork off the beaten path ( Day 3)
West Cork off the beaten path ( Day 3)
Ireland

Today we visited Gougane Barra, a park about 60 kilometers or a bit more than an hours drive form our B&B in Union Hall. Unfortunately the weather was not with us this day either, because it rained steadily for much of the day. The drive is very rural and very scenic, and we enjoyed it. The park itself is stunningly beautiful. It was lushly green, heavily mossed, and there were little streams and small waterfalls all over. There are many kilometers of walking or hiking trails that we would have loved to explore, but the few people we saw out walking looked half drowned so we opted for the less adventurous but dryer view from inside our car. It was still spectacular and would be a must-do on a clear day. Our advisor Claire had recommended that we wind up our day in Castletownshend for dinner at Mary Ann's Bar. It is all the way back from Gougane Barra and past it to the tiny, tiny village of Castletownshend. At first we wondered about going past Skibbereen with all its restaurants, and on past Union Hall with a number of nice places as well. She was spot on though. It doesn't look like much of anything from the street (it is uphill from the eponymous castle). It didn't look like a lot from the inside either. It's a small pub with a small drinking area and an equally small dining area. It is run by an affable older gentleman who has a keen interest in mid-20th century American politics. He is avid fan of Harry Truman, and once he found out we were from the States he peppered us with questions about the 40s, 50s, and 60s in the U.S, He kept up a running dialogue for most of the time were were in his establishment. Oh, and his kitchen served up a 5-star restaurant quality confit and breast of duck for me, and a classic fish and chips for my wife. The food was amazing! This place is in middle of absolute nowhere, and they turned out just an amazing dinner.

West Cork off the beaten path ( Day 1)
West Cork off the beaten path ( Day 1)
Ireland

This was an interesting day. We headed out onto the Mizen Peninsula from our B&B in Union Hall. Instead of going directly toward Mizen Head, on the advice of our host Carol, we went first to Three Castle Head just a few kilometers away but along some of the twistiest and narrow roads we encountered driving. It was occasionally nerve-wracking. Unfortunately the day was extremely foggy so although the nearby cliffs were dramatic, we couldn't see much of them or the sea below. We had a longish (but not really difficult) walk through lush green farm fields (well supplied with sheep droppings, and occasionally the sheep themselves). Initially we thought the fog might burn off and give us some great views, but instead it intensified, and soon we couldn't see more that a few yards ahead of us. We sort of felt our way over fields, up and down hills, over muddy and at times slippery paths, never being able to see the ancient watchtowers of the old fortress. After about 30 minutes though, some stone shapes started to emerge from the gloom, and there they were - three towers still standing (more or less) since the 13th century. For us, the lack of visibility actually heightened the sense of awe and mystery of the place. It was also completely silent, except for the wind and some vague ocean sounds, but no traffic, no hordes of people, no Visitors Centers, or souvenir stands - just a silent monument to another time. It was spellbinding. From there we went over to Mizen Head, hoping that we would get to see the dramatic sea vistas it is noted for. Alas it was not to be that day. The fog persisted and perhaps even intensified, so that when we arrived we not only couldn't see the cliffs said to rival the Cliffs of Moher, we couldn't even see the waves crashing onto the shore. We chose not to pay the entry fee to get access to the bridge and the walk. I guess that spectacle will have to wait for another trip. From there we went over to Crookhaven to get lunch and wound up at O'Sullivan's Bar right on the water in the harbor. It wasn't a fancy place, but just what we like - a place filled with Irish folk where we were the ones with accents. They endeared themselves to me because they had Beamish on tap, my favorite stout, which is not always readily available. We had great pub great lunch and enjoyed the friendly neighborhood vibe. The mood was enhanced even more by the golden retriever who wandered through the pub like he owned it. Maybe he did, because as we left we observed that he a commandeered a picnic table outside and was on top of it sound asleep. It was a memorable sight.

Guided edible Seaweed beach walk
Guided edible Seaweed beach walk
Ireland

This was a fun day. When we got to Tramore, where we met Neil, our guide, it was raining, very blustery, and quite chilly. Before our tour was done that rain has stopped, the wind had died down, and the sun was coming out. Neil was a great teacher, very interesting, and clearly passionate about helping guests learn about the ways the Irish traditionally and today, get sustenance from the plants and sea life that show up with the tides. He is a very well educated and read person, with a keen interest in helping retain this traditional knowledge. It was a great tour.

Quality of Experience
Neil is an exceptional teacher who clearly loves his topic and is eager to share his knowledge.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See above.
Local specialist: Claire Monfray

Complex trip to SE Asia made easy by expert travel specialist
Thailand | Nov 1 - Dec 2, 2025

Patrice
Patrice P.
Chicago, IL, USA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
Hoa was an amazing travel specialist. I had to particularly rely upon her expertise for this trip, because it was my first-ever visit to Southeast Asia. I was definitely out of my element. The trip required extensive planning due to the number of cities and countries involved. Logistics were formidable. Nonetheless, Hoa seamlessly brought it all together with professionalism, positivity and patience. I LOVED the itinerary she created for me - the specific locales, the accommodations,... Read more

Hoa was an amazing travel specialist. I had to particularly rely upon her expertise for this trip, because it was my first-ever visit to Southeast Asia. I was definitely out of my element.

The trip required extensive planning due to the number of cities and countries involved. Logistics were formidable.

Nonetheless, Hoa seamlessly brought it all together with professionalism, positivity and patience. I LOVED the itinerary she created for me - the specific locales, the accommodations, the activities. I can’t thank her enough. I would have her plan all my trips if possible.

Hotel Reviews
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Krabi

What a way to end my trip! Loved, loved it here. Would move in if I could. Beach is amazing. Sunset to die for. Service and food tremendous. After being in Asia for 5 weeks, was nice to have Italian restaurant on site.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Resort

A lovely oasis. You feel serene from the moment you enter. Awesome staff and service. Very good food on-site.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Aviary Hotel
Siem Reap

A very cool boutique hotel with lots of charm. Very nice-sized room. Small but great spa. Best massage of my trip was here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection

Such a cool spot with an incredible vibe. Was only here for a very short time but made a lasting impression. I wish I had purchased the robe in my room!!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discover Ao Nang Paradise & Sunset by Private Longtail Boat
Discover Ao Nang Paradise & Sunset by Private Longtail Boat
Krabi

Wow! This private boat experience was deluxe. I was so well cared for! The crew was just amazing and it was the best way to see the other islands. Food & drink superb.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Elephant Nature Park Half Day Visit (Joining Excursion)
Elephant Nature Park Half Day Visit (Joining Excursion)
Chiang Mai

Elephants are my favorite animals. So happy to see them being cared for so well here. Great amount of time to walk around and experience them up close. Loved it!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alms Giving, Doi Suthep and Jungle Temple
Alms Giving, Doi Suthep and Jungle Temple
Chiang Mai

A truly lovely day with diverse, interesting & exciting activities. I enjoyed them all thoroughly. So honored to participate in the alms giving.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Araksa Tea Experience & Adventure at Sri Lanna National Park
Araksa Tea Experience & Adventure at Sri Lanna National Park
Chiang Mai

Beautiful location. Well set up for agro-tourism. Enjoyed learning about the tea process. Had a blast with my guide climbing the sticky waterfalls at Sri Lanna. She was a delight.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Relaxing Time at Oasis Spa
Relaxing Time at Oasis Spa
Thailand

Beautiful spa. Gorgeous, private treatment area. Only issue was slight irritation on face after treatment. I have sensitive skin, but it subsided quickly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Angkor Complex Discovery
Angkor Complex Discovery
Siem Reap

My favorite guide of the trip. So knowledgeable and passionate about this awesome place. I was a sponge soaking up every thing I could. Can’t recommend enough. Lunch was delicious!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local Life Village Participation
Local Life Village Participation
Siem Reap

Something I never could have experienced on my own. Grateful. Again, just a wonderful cultural and educational activity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Floating Village by Jeep and Sunset Boat Tour Joining Excursion
Floating Village by Jeep and Sunset Boat Tour Joining Excursion
Siem Reap

A wonderful cultural and educational experience. So lucky to have done it. So peaceful on the water.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Bangkok

Probably my favorite thing I did in Bangkok. City was particularly vibrant on this evening due to impending water festival. The flower markets were amazing! Guide was particularly gracious in choosing food compatible with my palate. Delicious!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Reflection of Siamese Art and Culture
Reflection of Siamese Art and Culture
Bangkok

Loved the venue and activities. Smile every time I wear the bracelets I made here.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bangkok Symbolic Temples
Bangkok Symbolic Temples
Bangkok

A must-do. So impressive.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Railway Market & Floating Market
Railway Market & Floating Market
Bangkok

Intriguing introduction to Bangkok. Juxtaposition of chaotic and peaceful environments. Something for all of the senses.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Hoa Tran

Successful first time self-drive visit to Albania & Montenegro
Montenegro | Aug 28 - Sep 11, 2026

Patrice
Patrice P.
Chicago, IL, USA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
Violaine quickly put together a wonderful itinerary for a first time visit to Albania and Montenegro. Her knowledge of the countries, the driving conditions, the available accommodations and unique activities was a huge plus. She patiently priced out several options for us to consider and thoughtfully responded to our feedback. Communication was professional, prompt and detailed. We were well-prepared in advance of our departure. Upon arrival, we were met in-person by Armada who was a... Read more

Violaine quickly put together a wonderful itinerary for a first time visit to Albania and Montenegro. Her knowledge of the countries, the driving conditions, the available accommodations and unique activities was a huge plus. She patiently priced out several options for us to consider and thoughtfully responded to our feedback. Communication was professional, prompt and detailed. We were well-prepared in advance of our departure.

Upon arrival, we were met in-person by Armada who was a great resource throughout our journey. All of our questions were answered in a very timely manner. It was reassuring to know help was always available if need be, including assistance with a parking ticket. When a small and unforeseen issue arose with a local guide, Violaine went out of her way to make things right.

We had an amazing time in no small part due to the detailed preparation, expertise and execution of Violaine and her team. Many thanks.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ami
Petrovac

Nice location. Close to beach and promenade. Clean, well-appointed rooms. Blackout shades to curb heat very much appreciated. Super helpful staff who translated complex process for paying parking ticket. Certain common areas lacked air conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eco Villas Merak & Winery
Virpazar

Quiet, restful, just enough out of the way. Spacious room with nice terrace. Very good breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Fantastic view from room. Very good food & drinks at on-site restaurant. Staff went above & beyond to create “certificate” to celebrate my sister’s birthday and by providing complimentary room upgrade.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Nivica

A unique experience in the southern mountains. Local staff extremely helpful and attentive. Very good food. Views from rooms outstanding. Special kudos to our hiking guide Mujo who was exceptionally kind and patient when path proved very strenuous for me. Thanks also to Astrid who arranged a gift of local specialities for my sister to celebrate her birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Plaza
Berat

Well-located. Some facilities closed during brief visit. Very helpful staff. Went out of way to help celebrate my sister’s birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rogner
Tirana

Excellent location. Clean, safe. Well-appointed rooms. Good food and drinks at on-site restaurant. Lovely pool area. Fantastic staff. Went out of way to decorate room as surprise birthday treat for my sister.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Tirana

A must-do. So much fascinating history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Nivica

A must do for fit guests. Ascent was very taxing for me.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Albania

Stunning landscape best seen from on the water.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Albania

Nice length of time on water. Nice to be able to swim. Beautiful at sunset.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Amazing setting. Gracious and entertaining host. Great food and drinks.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 23, 2026
Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey. It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many... Read more

Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey.

It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many different sides of both countries, from Nivica and Berat to Lake Skadar and the Bay of Kotor.

Thank you as well for your lovely words about Armada and the rest of our local team. Knowing that you felt you always had someone available to help when needed is very important to us.

I’m also delighted that the little birthday surprises for your sister made the trip even more special! 😊

Thank you again for your trust and for choosing us to organize this adventure. It was a pleasure accompanying you both, and I hope you came home with many wonderful memories of Albania and Montenegro!

Warm regards,
Violaine

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