Travel Insights

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

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Climb to the historic ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio

Family Holiday in Athens & Nafplio - 9 Days

Imaginative kids will love this nine-day trip across Athens and the Peloponnese, full of activities that let them live out stories from Greek mythology and the ancient world. Solve puzzles and reenact epic battles at the Acropolis, and see who wins the title of ancient Olympian at the Panathenaic Stadium. Explore seaside Nafplio by bike, then venture into the countryside to learn to milk goats and play the shepherd's flute at a traditional farm. Wrap things up on a sweet note with a tasty food tour back in Athens.

Family Holiday in Athens & Nafplio - 10 Days

Blend education and relaxation with this itinerary for the whole family. You'll explore the streets and archaeological sites of Athens with interactive tours and hands-on experiences. Then, head to coastal Nafplio for some shore time and a glimpse into Greek agriculture that can be enjoyed by travelers of any age.

View from the archaeological ruins at Mycenae

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 8 Days

In just over a week, this itinerary will take you from the Acropolis in Athens to the Byzantine ruins of Mystras to the hills of Delphi. Along the way, you'll visit important archaeological sites, stroll the pretty streets of towns brimming with history and culture, and enjoy unforgettable views.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 9 Days

Visit fascinating archaeological sites and enjoy the beauty of the Greek countryside with this 9-day itinerary. Starting in Athens, you'll learn about ancient mythology at the Acropolis before heading for the historic seaside town of Nafplio. Go wine tasting in Nemea, discover the Byzantine ruins of Mystras, consult the oracle at Delphi and more on this road trip adventure.

Pass through the Lion Gate at Mycenae, said to have been the home of Agamemnon

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 10 Days

Get ready for gorgeous views and a healthy dose of history on this 10-day self-drive tour of Athens and the Peloponnese. You'll learn about ancient Greek mythology at the Acropolis, visit the home of Helen of Troy, and see where the Olympics were born. Along the way, you'll sample wines at the vineyards of Nemea, explore the Byzantine castle of Mystras, and consult the oracle at Delphi.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 11 Days

Get an in-depth look at the Greek countryside on this 11-day road trip around the Peloponnese. Begin in Athens, where you'll learn about ancient mythology at the Acropolis. Then head west to the wineries of Nemea and the ruins of Mycenae, Pylos, Mystras, and more. Top it all off with a visit to the oracle at Delphi before ending your tour back in the capital.

The view from Navarino Castle overlooking Pylos Bay

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 12 Days

Immerse yourself in history and culture on this 12-day trip encompassing Athens and the Greek countryside. Learn about Greek mythology straight from the source at the Acropolis before heading west to the Peloponnese. Go wine tasting at the vineyards of Nemea, visit Byzantine castles, and stroll the streets of traditional villages. See where Helen of Troy lived and where the Olympics were born, and consult the oracle at Delphi before ending your road trip back in the capital.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 13 Days

In just under two weeks, you'll see traditional villages, fascinating historical sites, and beautiful views on this road trip around the Greek countryside. Begin in Athens, where you'll delve into ancient mythology and enjoy a culinary tour before setting out for the Peloponnese. As you make your way around the hilly landscape, you'll go wine tasting, visit castles, stroll the streets of old fishing villages, and see some of Greece's most famous ancient sites.

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 14 Days

Take in the sights and flavors of the countryside on this two-week road trip around mainland Greece. Starting in Athens, you'll explore the Acropolis and sample local delicacies before making your way to the Peloponnese. Here you'll encounter traditional villages, ancient castles, beautiful Byzantine architecture, and fascinating archaeological sites. Go wine tasting in Nemea, consult the oracle at Delphi, and see the birthplace of the Olympics along the way.

Byzantine church and the ruins of Mystras

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 15 Days

Travel from Athens to the vineyards, castles, and archaeological sites throughout the Peloponnese with this itinerary. After exploring the Acropolis and the local delicacies of the capital, head to the countryside, where you'll discover Byzantine castles and monasteries and ancient palaces, and sip on wine worthy of Dionysus. You'll see where the Olympics were born and where Helen of Troy lived and consult the oracle at Delphi along the way.

Drive along Greece's pristine coast on this 16-day road trip

Mainland Greece Road Trip - 16 Days

On this 16-day road trip across Greece, you'll see historical sites, sample local flavors, and discover beautiful castles and monasteries. Spend a few days in the capital, learning about the Acropolis and enjoying the culinary delights of the modern era. Then, drive along the Peloponnese and Mani peninsulas to sample wine in Nemea, explore several archaeological sites, relax on pristine beaches, and discover picturesque villages before ending your journey back in Athens.

End the trip with a visit to the Pacific coast for some beach time

Costa Rica Highlights: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 9 Days

The jewel of Central America, Costa Rica offers everything—cities, beaches, and many unique ecosystems to explore. This itinerary encompasses the country's most spectacular landscapes, plus an opportunity to savor the culture of local villages and the capital city. Hike near a volcano, experience world-class bird-watching, snorkel with sea turtles, and more.

Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 12 Days

There are 158 verses to the full Greek national anthem—with 12 days here, you'll be able to learn at least a few of them. Begin with an Acropolis tour followed by a ferry down to the Cyclades to visit the archaeological site at Delos and caldera cliffs of Santorini. Hop over to Crete to tour the Palace of Knossos and villages of Apokoronas, combining history and modernity, before you return to Athens for more day trips straight out of the legends.

Greek Panorama: Cyclades, Crete, and the Mainland - 13 Days

Before they converted to the euro, Greece's drachma was the oldest currency in the world. See what it helped build on this 13-day itinerary, where you'll take a mythology tour of Athens, dine on a farm in Mykonos, and sail through the volcanic caldera of Santorini. You'll continue on for a trek through Crete, then sail back to Nafplio, once home to the first capital of modern Greece.

Greek Panorama: Athens, the Cyclades, and Crete - 14 Days

Start your grand tour with a guided trip to the Acropolis in Athens. Then, cruise to Mykonos and Santorini for some island luxuriating, trek Crete's beautiful Samaria Gorge, and top it off with the Peloponnesian peninsula and a trip to a working olive grove, one connection between history and present.

Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 15 Days

In two weeks, you'll traverse quintessential Greek spots from the mainland to the islands. Start out by hearing the myths of the Acropolis in Athens before you visit the Cycladic hotspots of Mykonos and Santorini. Explore the architecture of Crete next before you return the mainland to top it all off with an olive oil tasting.

Greek Panorama: Cyclades, Crete, and the Mainland - 16 Days

See the highlights of Greece from the Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus and the islands in between. Start in Athens with a mythology tour, ferry to the Cyclades to tour the countryside of Mykonos, and cruise the caldera on Santorini. Head to Crete next to take in the natural beauty of the Samaria Gorge and the wonders of Knossos and Chania, visiting the temples at Delphi and Epidaurus before you depart.

Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 17 Days

Explore Greece from the top down, starting up on the Athenian Acropolis. After a mythology tour of the city, head to the Cyclades to see Mykonian farms, archaeological sites, and the famed Santorini caldera. Spend four days on Crete and return to the mainland to learn the ancient myths of Delphi, Meteora, and the Peloponnesian peninsula.

Greek Panorama: Athens, Cyclades, and Crete - 18 Days

Eighteen days isn't much compared to millennia of history, but it's still enough time for you to hit the high points of Greece with this itinerary. You'll start off with a mythology tour of Athens before heading to the islands to visit the sacred island of Delos, sip wine on the edge of Santorini's caldera, and take in the architecture of Crete. Then go back to Athens as the sun sets over the Temple of Poseidon.

Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 19 Days

Travel almost the entire length of Greece on this fun itinerary. You'll start with the myths of Athens, then travel to the modern nightlife mixed with traditional farms of Mykonos and Santorini. The ferry to Crete will take you back to the Palace of Knossos and era of stone villages, then return to Athens to use the city and neighboring Nafplio as your base for expeditions to even more ancient monuments.

Bay of Nafplio and the Bourtzi Castle at sunset

Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 20 Days

Go from the city to the sea and back on this comprehensive itinerary. You'll start with the Acropolis and a sunset tour of the Temple of Poseidon before venturing down to Mykonos and Santorini for farm dinners and wine tasting. Next, head to Crete's charming cities and rugged Samaria Gorge before you return to the mainland, where you'll wrap up your journey among the monuments of Nafplio.

Greek Panorama: Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 21 Days

Three weeks gives you enough time to take in Greece from all angles. Survey the city of Athens from atop the Acropolis before you move to Mykonos and Santorini for farm dinners and caldera cruises. Crete awaits next, full of stone villages to explore, before you return to the mainland to travel back in time to famous spots like Delphi, Meteora, and Mycenae.

One of the main shopping streets in Nafplio

Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 22 Days

This itinerary starts with the myths of the Acropolis as you look out over the Athenian skyline. Then, on to Santorini and Mykonos, where you'll visit the birthplace of Apollo and one of the ancient world's biggest trading ports at Delos. Finish with Crete and a return to the mainland to visit the monasteries of Meteora and ancient Delphi.

Greek Panorama: Athens, Mainland Greece, Cyclades, and Crete - 23 Days

Whether you're on a morning bike ride through Athens, setting sail to the Cyclades, or trekking through Crete, this 23-day itinerary covers plenty of ground across the entire country of Greece. From Athens to the islands and back to Peloponnese, you'll experience much of the fun, food, and history Greece has to offer.

Greek Panorama in Athens, Mainland Greece, The Cyclades, and Crete - 24 Days

Get a full picture of Greece's offerings with this expansive itinerary. Start off with five days in Athens, then head to the islands to see the two stars of the Cyclades, Santorini and Mykonos. Down to Crete next for both trekking and village tours before you head back to Athens to explore more sites of the mainland both in the city and in neighboring Nafplio.

Peruvian Landscapes & History Adventure - 13 Days

Lake Titicaca, Machu Picchu, and beyond: this itinerary takes you to Peru's major highlights. Explore metropolitan Lima before heading to Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca. Then, explore the colorful textile markets of Cusco and small towns of the Sacred Valley, hike the short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and top it off with a day exploring the iconic citadel ruins.

The 6 Best Boutique Hotels in Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik may have found its most recent fame via "Game of Thrones," but it has plenty of epic history to discover on its stone streets and blue seas. Sleep like a noble in converted estates or sleek modern seafront hotels or even a commune with the earth in a cave bar.

The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Bangkok

Bangkok is a tropical metropolis where centuries-old temples sit alongside sleek skyscrapers. The same contrast can be found in the city's boutique accommodations—heritage properties and futuristic hotels rub shoulders, with each architectural style representing a radically different side of this dynamic capital. Check out Bangkok's best boutique hotels with this list.

Soak in the panoramic view (photo courtesy of The Reykjavík Edition)

The 7 Best Hotels in Reykjavík

Sandwiched between the North Sea and the looming Mount Esja, Reykjavík, the world's northernmost capital, is alternately illuminated by the midnight sun and the glow of the aurora. Its hotels are dotted among its colorful houses—some are wonders of cutting-edge design, while others are a study in comfort and simplicity. Kimkim's list of the best hotels in Reykjavík ranges from luxury options to more humble stays, catering to all different travelers and trips.

7 National Parks to Visit in Norway

Norway has no less than 40 national parks spread across the mainland and the islands of Svalbard. Don't know where to begin? Get started with this list—you'll get to choose between Ice Age glaciers, verdant marshland, extinct volcanoes, and Norway's tallest peaks.

December is an ideal time for visiting Paracas National Reserve, south of Lima

Peru in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More

With warmer Pacific temperatures and great waves, December marks the official start of Peru's beach season. As for the mountains, rains start falling on the trails, though you can still opt for Christmas treks that end in Machu Picchu for holiday cheer at the world's most famous Inca ruin.

You may see wildlife like the giant otter in the Peruvian Amazon if visiting in November

Peru in November: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Though the dry season is coming to an end, November is still a good month to travel to Peru with pleasant conditions and uncrowded treks, lots of festivals, and waves returning, calling all surfers to the coast. There's also an abundance of birdlife and flora, particularly orchids, in the Amazon at this time. Get the best out of your November trip with this monthly guide.

Enjoy a hike on Rainbow Mountain in October without the hordes of foreign travelers

Peru in October: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Visiting Peru at the height of its spring shoulder season means less-crowded Sacred Valley trails. October is also one of the best months for rainforest treks in the Amazon, where wildlife-watching is at its best. Meanwhile, Peru's coast starts to attract surfers picking up the early summer swells. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.

International hikers on the Salkantay Trail

Peru in September: Travel Tips, Weather & More

The start of Peru's shoulder season, September offers highland trekking without the crowds. The great weather still lends itself to enjoying Machu Picchu, Northern Peru, and the Amazon region—not to mention a 10-day culinary festival in Lima. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Head to the adobe city of Chan Chan for pre-Inca archaeology after visiting Machu Picchu

Peru in August: Travel Tips, Weather & More

August is the busiest month of the year in the Sacred Valley. With warm, sunny days and crisp evenings, the ideal weather lends itself to enjoying all the attractions Peru has to offer, from admiring Machu Picchu to adventure sports in lesser-known areas of the country.

Machu Picchu sees plenty of sunshine in July

Peru in July: Travel Tips, Weather & More

July sees the continuation of high-season tourism with warm, sunny days and chilly, crisp evenings. This time of year offers some of the best weather nationwide and lends itself to enjoying all the attractions Peru has to offer, from admiring Machu Picchu to adventures in Northern Peru or the less-rainy Amazon region. Beat the crowds and make the most of your July trip with this guide.

If in Cusco in June, you can catch the celebration of Inti Raymi put on by the locals at Cusco's main square

Peru in June: Travel Tips, Weather & More

June is an excellent time to visit Peru's interior. This month marks the start of the driest season of the year—the most ideal time to trek, especially if you're planning to visit Machu Picchu and the Cusco region. Find out what to do, where to go, and how to skip the crowds in this monthly guide.

Drier weather in May makes for a smart time to visit the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu ahead of peak winter crowds

Peru in May: Travel Tips, Weather & More

In May, the rains come to an end in the Sacred Valley, making this a great time to visit Peru. Take advantage of the especially verdant scenery, light crowds, and numerous festivals before the high season kicks in. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Peru in April: Travel Tips, Weather & More

April is a great time to visit Peru when rain levels dip significantly in the Sacred Valley. There are few crowds before the high season begins (with the exception of Holy Week). You'll also have sunny weather and lower rates along the 1,500 miles of Pacific coast. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Morning autumn fog enshrouds the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu

Peru in March: Travel Tips, Weather & More

March is a solid time to visit Peru as the rains start to diminish in the Sacred Valley. The Inca Trail reopens, and there are plenty of peaceful treks to choose from before the high season begins. You'll also have dry, sunny weather along the Pacific coast with lowered rates and great swimming and surfing conditions. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Take a day trip from the coast to sandboard the dunes of Huacachina in February

Peru in February: Travel Tips, Weather & More

Though February tends to be the rainiest month in the Sacred Valley (the Inca Trail is completely closed), there's a slew of lively highland festivals, alternative treks, and fun beach vibes along the country's extensive Pacific coast. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Young women preparing to dance at a Hiroshima festival

6 Best Local and Cultural Experiences in Japan

If you want to make friends on your trip to Japan, show an interest in Japanese culture—even younger generations are eager to share their heritage. The country's top cultural activities happen year-round, so you'll have no trouble taking part. From local festivals to cat cafés, there's something in this list for every traveler.

5 Unique Places to Stay in Japan

Only in Japan can you bunk in a Buddhist temple one night and rent your own sleeping pod the next. High-tech Japan lovingly reveres its cultural traditions—making for the best kind of culture shock. Enjoy this dynamic country with a range of unique overnight options.

Discover Italy's Veneto region and make a stop to check out the wooden bridge of Bassano del Grappa

How Many Days to Spend in Italy

Italy has 20 regions, each with its own identity. Landscapes, cuisine, and dialect differ greatly from one to the next, and each merits its own visit. If your time is limited, you'll be able to see Italy's highlights in a matter of days—but spending two weeks or more means you'll get to explore multiple regions and fall in love with authentic Italy.

Old Town and port of Mandello del Lario in late summer

Best Time of Year to Visit Italy

The best time of year to visit Italy is the late spring, early summer, and September, when the weather is warm, the crowds are manageable (particularly along the coasts), and most destinations and attractions are accessible. Summer is very warm, especially in the south, along with plenty of visitors in pursuit of "la dolce vita." Fall brings moderate temperatures throughout the country and beautiful foliage in Tuscany—this is also a quiet time of year in Rome and Florence, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Colorfully dressed dancers performing at a street fair in Kolkata

24 Hours in Kolkata

Kolkata offers a rich mix of Hindu, British, and Bengali cultures that you won't find anywhere else in India. Once the capital of the British Raj, it has enough to keep you busy for weeks—or a single day, if that's all you have. Read on to find out how to spend a perfect morning, afternoon, and evening in this sprawling city.

Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 8 Days

The taverna has been a cornerstone of Greek life throughout history—artifacts even suggest there was once a taverna at the Acropolis itself. Find out why and eat your way through this eight-day itinerary, sharing your table with olive harvesters, local chefs, Mykonian farmers, and more as you ferry between some of the best islands in the Cyclades.

The olive tree prizewinner in the wild is the base for much of Greek cuisine

Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 9 Days

Discover Greece's cuisine through its culinary heritage of the Cyclades and Peloponnese on this nine-day tour. Athena won over the citizens of Athens by providing them with an olive tree—you'll see all the ways in which the mighty olive continues to dominate Greek culture. Visit a working olive grove, learn to put olive-based ingredients into practice in a Tinian cooking class, and sample more local specialties at a farmhouse dinner.

Embark on a culinary journey through Greece

Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 10 Days

Legend has it that the grapes of Nemea were brought to the people by Dionysus, and you can try the "fruit of the gods" for yourself on this 10-day culinary itinerary. Tour a working Peloponnesian olive grove and learn about the oil-making process, cook your own Cycladic feast on charming Tinos, visit a traditional Mykonos farm, and sample the native varietals of Nemea's wineries.

Cyclades & Peloponnese Culinary Heritage - 11 Days

You've probably heard of feta, but what about graviera? Mizithra? How about their cousin kefalotyri? Meet every member of the Greek cheese family and more on this 11-day itinerary. You'll see them straight from the source along with other culinary and cultural highlights as you play shepherd for a day, learn how to put them to use in a Cycladic cooking class on Tinos, and visit the many other cheese habitats with a Naxos food tour before you return to Athens.

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