Travel Insights

Insights, ideas and itineraries from kimkim's trusted network of Local Travel Specialists and Experts

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History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 13 Days

Your exploration of Italy's historical and natural charm starts in the streets of Venice and continues through the ancient cities of Parma, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, where you'll discover museums, art galleries, monuments, and more. Enjoy a sunset gondola ride, a private food tour, traditional dishes in hip neighborhoods, and a guided visit to Vatican City and the Roman Forum. Trade bustling city centers for outdoor experiences like boat tours and day hikes in Lake Como, as well as the unforgettable memory of traversing colorful villages in Cinque Terre.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 12 Days

From a romantic gondola ride in Venice to exploring ancient ruins in Rome, this 12-day tour is the perfect harmony of history and nature. Aside from Venice and Rome, you'll also discover the ancient cities of Pisa, Florence, and Parma by sampling the region's famed prosciutto, visiting monuments and museums, eating traditional dishes in hip neighborhoods, and encountering some of Italy's most treasured art. Enjoy the country's natural charm with boat rides and scenic hikes in Lake Como, and walking from one colorful village to another in beautiful Cinque Terre.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 11 Days

Perfect for those looking to explore Northern Italy's range of historical and natural charm, this 11-day trip visits important sites in Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome, plus Lake Como and Cinque Terre. Enjoy your trip in style with private guides and transportations ensuring your discovery of museums, art galleries, and monuments, as well as the region's famous prosciutto. Satisfy your bucket list with a gondola ride at sunset, authentic meals in hip neighborhoods, a boat tour of Lake Como's famed mansions, and an incredible hike from one Cinque Terre village to another.

Santorini in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

It may be winter, but in Santorini, it's far from the worst weather of year with a glimmer of fairer temperatures hanging around still. The crowds, though, are most certainly gone, and this month you can enjoy the island in its authentic state: try a quiet coastal hike alongside a huge volcanic caldera, dine in one of the excellent local restaurants, explore Santorini's history at museums and archaeological sites, and sample native wines at one of many wineries.

Santorini in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November is the last month of autumn and the first of the low season. Its weather can be a mixed bag, with vestiges of sunny summer weather and the hints of winter both possibilities. Still, Santorini at this time has a more favorable climate than much of Northern Europe in the height of summer, and there are no crowds to be seen. Watch out this month for those restaurants and tours which have closed for the season, but get ready for seeing a side to island life that has a distinctly more local flavor, and for superb deals on accommodation.

Santorini in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is an ideal time to visit Santorini. Many seasonal flights and restaurants finish for the year this month which means that, despite it being shoulder season, the crowds that filled Santorini over recent months are gone. And yet the weather remains very pleasant: the sun is still out, and the heavy autumn rain holds off for at least most of the month. October also sees the opening of the year's wine barrels on Santorini, giving you many excuses to stick around and join in the fun.

Santorini in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

More of the same glorious summer weather continues throughout September, although the odd day of rain is not unheard of. The balmy climate, somewhat decreased visitor numbers, and abundance of festivals make this month an excellent choice for a visit. Be warned that while early September will see all visitor facilities in full swing, but the latter part of the month may see hotels and restaurants reduce opening hours (or shut down completely). Adding extra color throughout September: the island's annual grape harvest.

Santorini in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

High season reaches its zenith in August, invariably the most crowded month of the year on Santorini. The warmest sea temperatures of the year, not to mention another month with almost no chance of rain, mean beach time should definitely be on visitors' itineraries. Another must this month is to check out the island's wineries, especially photogenic as the sun has ripened the grapes and precipitated the year's harvest.

Santorini in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July ushers in Santorini's finest weather of the year, and it's the ideal time to get down to one of the island's delightful beaches for a long sunbathe or a swim. But the gorgeous weather comes with a cost: the highest costs of the year, in fact, as high season continues for a second month running with maximum prices for hotels, and with all traveler facilities—from accommodations to tours to beachside lounges—at full capacity.

Santorini in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

High season has arrived on the island, and with it, some of the best weather of the year: a gorgeous 13 hours of sunshine each day on average, and temperatures regularly topping 80°F. It's no wonder that all traveler services from hotels to boat tours are running at full throttle (and at their highest tariffs). It's getting too hot now to prioritize much beyond beaches and tavernas—although if you want to brave the heat to explore, cultural activities abound.

Santorini in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

High season is not yet here, but it's starting to feel a lot more like it on the island this month. The crowds continue to increase, but the positive news is that weather continues to improve as well, and the much sunnier, much warmer days now tempt most people to the beach for a swim.

Santorini in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

After a long winter's break which has lasted on Santorini in some cases since last September or October, everything from restaurants to hotels to tours to flights are all fully operational by the end of April. The increase in visitors from last month is dramatic, and the weather has undergone a similarly radical transformation, with much longer days and much less rain.

Santorini in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

March is a fickle month on Santorini, throwing some of the nastiest and nicest weather of the year at visitors. When it's bad, expect rain showers, January-low temperatures, and many places still closed. Yet when it's good, it can be excellent, with sharp spring sunshine and enough heat for a spot of beach time. Freshness in the air ensures hiking is enjoyable now too. The other big upside is the lack of other tourists and deals on hotels: come in March to experience the island blissfully free of high season masses.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 5 Days

Find some of your new favorite spots with five days in western France. Stroll through the streets of Le Marais, ascend the Eiffel Tower, and experience the fabulous wine and food scene in Bordeaux to leave you feeling relaxed and refined.

Discover one of Paris' must-see neighborhoods, once inhabited by master artists like Matisse and Van Gogh

Luxury Food & Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 6 Days

Savor six days amid scenic and savory sights on this luxury food and wine-focused itinerary. You'll take in the beauty of Paris first, tasting fine cheeses in Le Marais, strolling the cobblestones of village-like Montmartre, and watching twilight settle over the Seine from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Then it's off to Bordeaux to discover its famed gastronomy, with fine dining and a full day of wine tasting among the vineyards of Saint-Émilion.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 7 Days

Spend a full week savoring the food and wine of France on this itinerary. Sit in the sidewalk cafés and stroll the markets of Paris before you catch the train to Bordeaux, where you'll cruise through historic towns and vineyards that date back hundreds of years.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris & Bordeaux - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days of epicurean indulgences against the backdrop of two of France's most famous cities. In Paris, you'll hear from cheese masters, market vendors, and expert cooks as they impart their wisdom to you. Then travel on to Bordeaux to sample the region's famous food and wine amid historic architecture.

Hiking from the Alps to the Adriatic: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Goriška Brda & Piran - 12 Days

This 12-day hiking adventure is the perfect chance to create unforgettable memories and explore the most beautiful scenery Slovenia has to offer. Start your trip in Ljubljana before continuing on to Lake Bled and northwestern Slovenia, an area known for its rugged alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and colorful rivers. Then, discover Slovenia's wine region before ending your trip with a swim in the Adriatic Sea.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 9 Days

A French lunch break can be up to two hours long, but you get nine full days to sample the country's food and wine on this itinerary. Visit the artsy alleys and markets of Le Marais and Montmartre, then travel to the Loire Valley and Bordeaux to tour the vineyards that made French wine famous.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 10 Days

There are enough French cheeses that you could eat a different one every day for a year. This itinerary only takes you as far as 10 days, so you'll have to eat a little faster than that. Start by consulting a cheesemaker in Le Marais, then ascend the Eiffel Tower to see Paris from the sky. You'll then head to the castles of the Loire Valley, followed by three nights in Bordeaux to sample vintages dating back centuries.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 11 Days

France is the world's second-largest exporter of wine, but you can sample the bottles they keep for themselves on this 11-day itinerary. Start off in Paris, strolling the Palais Royal and covered markets, before you travel to the Loire Valley to relax under the vines where da Vinci spent the last years of his life. Then finish your trip in Bordeaux to compare the wines of the left and right river banks, just to make sure you've tried them all.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 13 Days

See spots you've only heard referenced by your favorite sommeliers on this 13-day journey. Whether you're tasting wine in a Parisian covered passageway, lined with mosaic-tiled floors and glass ceilings, amidst the vines of centuries-old estates along sedate rivers, or overlooking villas on the Atlantic coast, you'll soon realize that the best pairing for any glass of wine is a good view.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 14 Days

Food isn't the only indulgence western France has to offer on this two-week itinerary. Lounge in the gardens of the Palais Royal, once the personal residence for Cardinal Richelieu; see through the eyes of artists like Degas and da Vinci in Montmartre and Amboise, and stroll through cobblestone village streets and seaside boardwalks as you sample the best the area has to offer.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 15 Days

Learn how to say important phrases like, "no more, thank you, I'm stuffed," on this 15-day itinerary through the epicurean delights of western France. Whether you're sampling cheese and pastries in Paris, the mushrooms and wines of the Loire Valley, cannelé pastries and even more wine in Bordeaux, or oysters in Arcachon, there's a new gastronomical adventure around every corner.

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, Bordeaux, & Arcachon - 16 Days

Spend 16 splendid days savoring the western regions of France. Meet with a master cheesemaker in Le Marais, bake amidst Les Batignolles, and recline in the vineyards of the Loire Valley. You'll traverse the "Route des Chateaux” in the Médoc, then cruise down the Gironde estuary to sample all the riversides of the Bordeaux region before a relaxing end to your trip in the seaside resort town of Arcachon.

February's weather makes it a prime month for indoor cultural activities, like visiting the Orthodox cathedral in Fira

Santorini in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The weather has not improved since January on the island this month, but neither have the crowds increased. Cool and prone to heavy rain showers (and the year's chilliest water temperatures), February is a good month to find the island in its authentic, tourist-free state. There is more chance for mixing with locals at Fira's restaurants, and a glut of archaeology and winemaking heritage to discover. Come now to enjoy most of Santorini's iconic sights without the masses to disrupt the peace and quiet.

Pont des Arts with Palais Royal and Musee D'orsay

Luxury Food and Wine Tour: Paris, Loire Valley, & Bordeaux - 12 Days

This 12-day luxury itinerary through three of France's regions is a feast for both your eyes and your stomach. From the museums and markets of Paris to the castles and vineyards of the Loire Valley there's always a new sensory delight to be found. End in your tip in Bordeaux, where historic villages, unparalleled hospitality, and renowned cuisine and wines await your exploration.

January is a great month for cultural activities, like visiting the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri

Santorini in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The weather is just about as miserable as it gets on Santorini this month, but unlike many Greek islands in wintertime, this one still has plenty of things to do. It's the perfect time to relax in a cave villa that would be unaffordable for many in high season, to get to grips with the island's fascinating archaeological heritage, or simply to soak up life as the locals live it—with refreshingly few tourists to be seen.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Normandy & Brittany - 5 Days

Get away from it all on this luxurious 5-day trip to Normandy and Brittany. Fly in to Paris, then head to Bayeux on the coast. Check out the tapestry, tour Mont-Saint-Michel, and explore World War II history. At night, relax over fresh seafood dinners paired with chilled white wine at your neighborhood brasserie.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 6 Days

Enjoy a quick getaway to Paris and the Normandy coast without sacrificing luxury on this six-day trip. Start in the City of Lights, where you'll learn about Parisian history in the heart of the city, stroll the gilded halls of Versaille, and take a nighttime cruise on the Seine. Spend your last day on the Normandy coast to see the Bayeux Tapestry and tour Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island.

Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 7 Days

See Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic coast, and more on this weeklong itinerary to Western France. Learn to bake bread the authentic French way and visit the Opéra Garnier in the City of Lights, then enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie in Saint-Malo and see the Bayeux Tapestry.

Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy & Brittany - 8 Days

Stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower and vacation like the French on the Normandy seaside on this luxurious eight-day getaway. Walk through the gilded halls of Versailles and cruise along the Seine at night, then head west along the coast for medieval abbeys, fresh seafood, and World War II sites.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, & Loire Valley - 9 Days

From the gilded halls of Versailles to the resplendent Châteaus of the Loire Valley, explore Western France in all its luxury on this 9-day getaway. Stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with a tour of the resplendent Châteaus de Chambord and Chenonceau.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 10 Days

Dive into French culture and settle into a quieter pace of life on this 10-day luxury trip to Western France. Start in Paris, where you'll learn history in the l’Ile de la Cité and take a day trip to the gilded halls of Versailles. Head west to tour D-Day sites in Normandy and explore Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. Round out the trip with two days in the Loire Valley, famous for castles and wine alike.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 11 Days

From the Opéra Garnier in Paris to the quiet countryside of the Loire Valley, this luxurious 11-day itinerary covers the highlights—and much more. Walk through the gilded halls of Versailles, explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast, and visit Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey on an island. End the trip with wine tasting in the Loire Valley and see where Da Vinci spent his final years.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 12 Days

Twelve days enjoying Parisian architecture, Normandy seafood, and Loire Valley wine—what could be sweeter? See the Eiffel Tower and learn to bake authentic French baguettes in the capital, then head to the coast for medieval ruins, fresh mussels, and World War II history. Wrap the trip up in the Loire Valley, where stately chateaus line the quiet country lanes and vineyards stretch out of sight.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 13 Days

Spend thirteen lucky days luxuriating in some of France's finest regions, from Paris to the Loire Valley. Kick things off in the City of Lights, where you'll explore history and take a day trip to Versailles. From there, head to Normandy on the coast, where small fishing villages and D-Day sites dot the landscape. End in the Loire Valley, where you'll relax in peaceful vineyards and tour elegant chateaus.

The stunning stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle within Paris' Île de la Cité

Western France Getaway: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley & More - 14 Days

If you dream of spending two weeks exploring history and cuisine in western France, this itinerary is for you. Visit the Louvre and Versailles and learn to bake bread the authentic French way. Continue to Normandy and Brittany on the coast to explore medieval abbeys and sample fresh-caught seafood. Wrap things up in the Loire Valley, where resplendent Châteaux and endless vineyards await.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 15 Days

Spend fifteen days exploring Paris and the western regions on this luxurious itinerary. Start in the City of Lights, where you'll stroll the Champs de Mars under the twinkle of the Eiffel Tower and eat your weight in croissants. Head to the coast for apple cider tours, fresh seafood, and the famed Normandy beaches. End the trip in the Loire Valley to go wine tasting and see where Da Vinci spent his last years.

Luxury Getaway to Western France: Paris, Normandy, Brittany, Loire Valley, & More - 16 Days

From the Paris Opera to the beaches of Brittany, explore Western France in luxury on this 16-day itinerary. Learn to bake bread the French way and stroll through Versaille's resplendent halls, then head to the coast to explore the fishing villages and beaches of the Atlantic Coast. Enjoy fresh seafood in a typical brasserie in Saint-Malo, then end the trip in the Loire valley, where fairytale castles and vineyards abound.

The Delights of Slovenia and Istria: Bled, Bovec, Istria, & Ljubljana - 12 Days

This 12-day self-driving tour is a great option for travelers visiting Slovenia and Istria for the first time. Discover all of the country's highlights, including Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, and a detour into Croatian Istria, before finishing up in Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming capital. Self-driving tours are great for travelers who want to explore on their own and also make sure they don't miss any must-see sights on the way.

Athens in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

People often think that Athens is too cold to visit in November, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Although there are certainly wet and chilly days, there are also plenty of days that are bright and sunny with blue skies overhead and pleasant temperatures. And best of all: there are hardly any crowds.

Athens in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October is an excellent time to visit Athens, especially toward the beginning of the month. The weather is still warm yet the crowds have mostly disappeared. It doesn't rain much and you can take advantage of great shoulder-season prices. As the month goes on, however, the colder weather begins creeping in as the first signs of winter arrive.

Porch of the Maidens at the Erechtheum temple at the Acropolis

Athens in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is truly one of the best months of the year to visit Athens. The weather is comparable to August, offering sunshine and blue skies, yet a huge portion of the tourists leave as kids go back to school and summer vacations come to an end. In terms of both weather and crowd sizes, it's an ideal time for a Greek vacation.

Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora, Athens, Greece. It is one of the main landmarks of Athens. Sunny view of the classical Greek temple in Athens center. Remains of antique Athens in sunlight.

Athens in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Summertime is at its highest point in August when the weather is hot and sunny and the tourists are all on vacation. In Athens, the city fills with sunshine as visitors flock to museums and other attractions. The beaches are stunning with bright blue skies and warm, crystal clear water.

Panorama of Athens at sunset. Beautiful cityscape with seashore under the red sunset sky. Travel panoramic photography view over the city at night from Lycabettus hill. Athens skyline, Greece Europe.

Athens in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is one of the most spectacular times to visit Athens, although it's also one of the busiest. It's the pinnacle of high season so you'll have crowds at all of the tourist sites and the museums will have lines out the door. However, given that the skies are blue, the water is warm, and the beaches are absolutely stunning, it's nevertheless a wonderful time to visit.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus at Acropolis, Athens, Greece. It is one of the main landmarks of Athens. Antique amphitheater close-up. Scenic view of famous Ancient Greek ruins in the Athens center.

Athens in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By June, summertime is in full effect in Athens. The temperatures are hot (sometimes bordering on stifling) and it's muggy throughout the city. It's the perfect time to hit the beach or head to one of the islands for a weekend trip. In the urban areas, you'll find heavy crowds but the atmosphere is fun and festive so it can be worth braving the masses. Plus, you won't have to worry about rain.

Parthenon on Acropolis, Athens in Greece

Athens in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Just about anyone who's traveled to Greece will tell you that the month of May is one of the best times to visit Athens. It's a bright and sunny time with flowers blooming and pleasant temperatures everywhere. The water is still a bit chilly, but it begins warming up slightly and many of the island resorts open for business. What's more, it's still considered shoulder season so the costs and crowds are manageable.

Athens in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April is unquestionably one of the best months to visit Athens if you want to take advantage of the "best of both worlds" atmosphere. By this time of year, it's sunny and increasingly warm (though not summertime-hot) and wildflowers start blooming left and right. Best of all, you can enjoy all of this splendor without the swarms of crowds.

Acropolis hill with famous old Parthenon, top landmark of Athens. Nice landscape of Athens city with classical Greek ruins. Panorama of remains of ancient Athens.

Athens in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By March, the coldest part of the winter is wrapping up and you can begin seeing signs of spring. Wildflowers start blooming and warmer days sneak in, scattering themselves among the colder, grayer days. The atmosphere is pleasant yet none of the tourists have arrived—and since it's still considered off-season, you'll enjoy smaller crowds and cheaper prices, too.

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