Kimkim Trip Reviews for Italy

We had a great time on our trip but there are a few things we feel should be addressed -As far as we knew all the hotel payments were pre-paid -However the first hotel we stayed at told us we never paid and wouldn’t let us leave until the matter was straightened out -finally that was resolved but we almost missed our pre-paid ferry . Each hotel charged us additional fees for city taxes-these should have been prepaid as well but we had to pay them-if we did owe that to them it should have been arranged earlier-Also the guides on our tour to Pompei and Naples were horrible-They spoke English poorly and we got very little out of them -it’s a shame because we may not be back here again and there was a lot to learn -also the limoncello Factory tour was 5 minutes of learning about limoncello and the rest was the owner who marketing his products- In addition our boat tour which highlighted the Blue Grato-should have taken place when the tide was low enough for us to see it-I realize you don’t control the tides but it is well known when low and high tide takes place- Also the boat was not fully equipped for snorkeling and had some but not enough portable floating devices for swimming.

Hotel Review

Hotel Palazzo Murat Positano

Positano

A beautiful hotel. Pool had a great view , breakfast was delicious and the staff was very eager to help.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Always friendly and eager to help

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean

Activity Review

Limoncello Experience & Tasting

Italy

Not much to it. Finished in a short amount of time and then was brought into the store to buy products

Quality of Experience

It’s difficult to know where to begin , since we had nothing but one excellent experience after another. From the first planning sessions with our specialist, Valeria, to each and every local guide, driver, recommendation and suggestion on ways to make our trip a lifetime’s experience.

Barbara in Milan was our first local contact on the ground and set the tone for the 9 days that followed with a wonderful tour that exuded her love for her work. She was then our daily contact who checked on with us each evening to make sure all was going well and to review the following day’s itinerary.

The cooking class in the Tuscan countryside was incredible. Alesia in Venice was fun and shared her love of her home city. Florence was a dream and our driver, Nath, made it a perfect 2 days there. Not that our guide, Lucia, should go without special mention. She had an incredible knowledge of art and architecture in a city that is steeped in centuries of beauty. Jaw dropping insights were continuously shared with us by her.

We loved the small towns of Pienza and Montepulciano, the vineyards, cheese tastings and exposure to small family owned businesses could never have happened without Kimkim resources and expertise.

And then there was Rome- perhaps the culmination of why we appreciate using Kimkim for our trip. Our tour of the Vatican could never be duplicated unless, of course, we had Francesco as a guide again. When I show people photos they marvel at how we were able to navigate such a popular attraction and yet seem to have been alone among the vast, treasure filled halls and rooms of the Vatican Museum. Truly a lifetime experience.

And we were able to share a wonderful goodbye walk with our original tour specialist, Valeria, through local neighborhoods and eat where the Romans eat along the way.

The greatest compliment we can give is the conversation at the conclusion of a vacation that centers around planning our next trip with Kimkim.

Best,
Brian and Melissa

Activity Reviews

Private tour of Milan Highlights (3 hours) with La Scala theatre

Milan

The tour was absolutely phenomenal. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the city, and we learned so much in just three hours. The highlight was definitely the La Scala Theatre. Our guide was passionate about Milan and gave us some restaurant recommendations that turned out to be fantastic.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private cooking class at Podere il Casale in Pienza

Italy

This was such a fun experience. The cooking class was a full five hours, but it flew by because we were having such a great time. It was hands-on, and we learned so much about Italian cuisine. The class was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Early morning private Vatican Tour

Rome

I can't tell you how impressive this tour was. Our guide, Francesco, was absolutely incredible. His knowledge about the Vatican was outstanding and he managed to guide us around the museum and the Sistine Chapel avoiding the crowd. His dedication and passion about his job and his hometown was palpable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing trip made possible by Stephania and her associates!! Stephania customized an itinerary that we requested within the budget we set and picked fabulous hotels and tours. The hotels were all perfectly located to walk anywhere we wanted and were classy, beautiful, with extraordinary staff. The three tours she selected were fun, informative, in spectacular settings. The most amazing part is the convenience of all our transfers and never experiencing any problems or delays. We met other travelers that complained of not being picked up or not being able to find their drivers. When we arrived in Italy, we were given a new set of travel associates (Travel12) to answer any questions or concerns we may have when we arrive. One of our tours changed a meeting point to which I received a text from that organization and within two minutes the travel 12 group texted me to inform me of the change as well! I really can’t say enough about Stephania and her team to be able to arrange a dream trip! The service is very affordable and worth every penny!

We had the best time on this trip through Italy, largely due to the excellent planning and coordination provided by the team at Your Custom Journey. The planning with Valeria was fairly simple to do via KimKim. Honestly, the hardest parts were choosing between all of the great city destinations/excursions and committing to a budget. Luckily Valeria was very patient with me as I tried to get my group to come to a consensus.

Our in-country contact, Barbara was fantastic at keeping us in the loop with possible itinerary changes, reminders for the upcoming day, transportation, and checking to make sure we were enjoying everything as we'd hoped. She even was our tour guide a few times in Venice. The other guides were great as well, particularly Gianni, who led our tour of the Palace of Caserta and Valeria, who took us on a walking food tour of Rome. All of the guides were local to the regions we were touring, and most of them were born and raised in Italy, and I think that really made the difference. Not having a lot of familiarity with the Italian language ourselves (despite studying all spring and summer), it was a relief not to have to worry as much about the language barrier since all of our guides were fluent English speakers. Plus, at all of the church and palace tours we were able to skip the long lines.

The excursions were interesting and thoughtfully prepared. Highlights included a lunch and wine tasting at a hillside winery on the Amalfi Coast, the Venice walking tour that ended with the Doge Palace and San Marco Basilica, seeing Pompeii and the Vatican, and the stunning views in Sorrento. This trip was everything to me and my family, and I'm so glad I had the help to plan it as well as the local support so that I could enjoy it as much as everyone else did.

Fantastic break in Italy ( Rome & Milan). From the start the car pick up went seamlessly and cars were all high quality Mercedes with very safe drivers. In Rome, we toured the Vatican (Museum, Sistine Chapel & St Peters Basilica) which was excellent but museum tour was very long ( 2.5 hrs plus) and far far too busy with some areas at a complete standstill. Our guide had encyclopedic knowledge, but even she was very surprised on the sheer amount of time the tour took 4.5 hrs).

The walking food tour in Rome was only average really with no real standout dishes, as we had tried a lot of the Italian dishes already. Tour guide was ok very enthusiastic but it would have been good to know where we were going next and how long the walk was, as it felt we were "walking blind" with no end in sight sometimes. Now this may have been as a direct result of all the walking we were doing in Rome anyhow and we had 20,000 steps in the tank already. Also we were asked to be early for the meet up, which we were but the guide showed up a little late and I was slightly concerned frankly.

Hotel was functional, clean and we only used it to sleep which was fine as the room was air conditoned ( Doria Palace Boutique Hotel). The list was so small it could only take a single case or just about fit one person, so folks with walking challenges be aware.

Train trip to Milan was fine and pick up seamless. Hotel was larger ( Una Hotel Cosani) and in a great location. The Last Supper tour was excellent and included a taxi ride ( less walking) to the Duomo. We asked the guide at the start the scope of the tour and we reduced the duration from 4 hours to 2.5 which was perfect. In contrast to the Vatican tour, the Last Supper groups were restricted to 15 people at a time and this really enhanced the experience. Our guide was excellent, very accommodating and knowledgable and even showed us a nice local coffee shop which was off the "tourist grid".

Moreno from KimKim was great to deal with, very efficient and knowledgable. Quick replies to questions and was there if we needed him.

Hotel Reviews

UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano

Milan

Nice modern hotel. Front desk staff not great though, particularly on check-in.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Doria Palace Boutique Hotel

Rome

Small, clean but lifts very small.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour

Rome

Quality of Experience

way too busy

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rome food tour: A deliciously cultural tour for foodies

Rome

more visibility on what to expect ( walking time between venues particularly).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Timely arrival at meeting point and info between venues.

Transport

timely and safe

Milan Vip Walking Tour and Da Vinci's Last Supper visit

Milan

Excellent guide, very flexible to our needs. Passionate about his subject.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Elena made it easy for my parents to navigate around Italy and enjoy a once in a lifetime trip

Ina helped us craft a perfect honeymoon. We had amazing excursion and experiences and as a result made beautiful memories. This trip was so convenient as a result of KimKims efforts. I've used this company in the past and as a result of this experience will continue to use them.

Our trip guide Alberto was great. He was interactive in both putting the trip together and identifying lodging and side trips which matched our interests and life style . Not only accommodations but side trips to wineries, points of interest
such as Pompey ,Vesuvius, and Mount Etna, Organic winery's.
Our driver would be waiting in a black ,clean late model car each morning to wisk us to our destination for the day.
he insured that the local guides understood our likes and dislikes!This was our second with KimKim and both times they exceeded our expectations!

Wonderful trip planned with Arianna! she made sure that the kids would also enjoy it as well.
Since it was our first trip to Milan and Como, everything as planned well in order to visit most of important and nice places to visit.
We also had amazing guides such as Larissa in Milan and Christina in Como.
Thank you to Arianna for her patience in planning the trip :)

Hotel Review

Apartment in Duomo Area -- Airbnb

Milan

Nice cozy and quiet place to stay with kids.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Express Milan Duomo Tour with Terrace Access

Milan

Larissa is an amazing guide. She had great patience handling our 3 young boys

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Best of Lake Como by Boat - Central Lake Private

Italy

We spent a great day with our guide Christina, and again great patience handling the young kids.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I can't remember all their names. Big momma was amazing. Fabio was great as well. Actually, everyone we encountered from our trip was fantastic and very accommodating. Irenes was so kind and helpful. Smoothest trip ever. Thank you for everything. We will definitely be using you again in the future

Hotel Reviews

Ottantotto Hotel Florence

Florence

Owners very accommodating

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Relais Le Clarisse Rome

Rome

Bed was a little uncomfortable however everything else was perfect.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palazzo Tritone

Sorrento

Very nice.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sweet Home Hotel

Athens

They were so kind and accommodating. Beautiful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Chianti Wine & Olive Oil Tour from Florence

Florence

wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Vatican Guided Tour

Rome

Awesome. Big mamma was fantastic.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aperitivo & Stroll around Sorrento

Sorrento

beautiful. So nice to have a guide show us around.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Amalfi Coast Driving Tour

Italy

Our driver was truly amazing. He went above and beyond to make our trip exciting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Pompeii Tour & Mount Vesuvius visit with lunch and wine tasting

Pompeii

I think this was Fabio. He was fantastic. So helpful in explaining everything.

Food

Loved the entire wine experience and food.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We stayed at Ocelle Thermae and Spa in Sirmione Italy. We had asked for a room on Lake Garda. What we got was a room that had a lake view but the lake was across a busy street and the view was small as it was between 2 houses. The rest of the trip itinerary was top notch.

Activity Reviews

Private Boat Tour of Lake Como - Explore Bellagio

Italy

Very good private boat guide

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bernina train from Como

Italy

Bernina train is the best. Up close and personal to the alps.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bus needed to have a bathroom on board

Trip was amazing, and our local specialist, Elena, was fantastic. We even made some changes mid-trip, and it was not an issue at all. Elena handled it all. 5 stars!

Kim , Kim team was awesome. Martina, Deborah and Valeria made sure everything was on time and as expected. The scheduled drivers were always early for our destinations and were more than happy to communicate with the latest technology if the language barrier was an issue. The scheduled tours and coordination made our vacation truly effortless. We look forward to using them in the future. Thanks for the great memories! Betsy, Marilyn and Danny, Arizona U.S.A.

We loved it all! The drivers were on time and very hospitable. Our planned activities were all memorable. The accommodations were perfect! Ian had outdone herself to make sure that every detail had been tended to which made our trip easy logistically. The support team jumped in when Ian was out of the office. There was a rock slide on the Amalfi Coast so they rearranged our itinerary before we knew that there was an issue. I have been singing your praises to everyone!
We think we are either going to do Greece or another part of Italy next year and can't wait to work with you again!

Hotel Reviews

Grand Hotel De La Ville

Sorrento

We cannot say enough about this hotel. We have traveled alot and this was our absolute favorite hotel!

Authenticity & Character

Ever detailed has been tended to, to create a one of a kind experience.

Location

The rooms are gorgeous! The buffet with the outdoor dining area is amazing! The rooftop pool and bar were the perfect place to grab a drink and watch the sunset.

Staff

Everyone from the front desk staff to the cleaning woman were exceptionally kind and helpful. They went out of their way to ensure that our stay was perfect!

Cleanliness & Comfort

It was impeccably clean!

Hotel Modigliani

Roma

This hotel is located in an area that allows for easy access to the major attractions. The hotel was clean, elegant and hospitable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

You can walk to most tourist destinations.

Staff

They were very receptive to our needs.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The entire hotel is immaculate.

Hotel Orto de' Medici

Florence

We loved the buffet and outdoor dining area. The welcome beverage was a nice perk! We had an issue with our bill and they remedied it quickly. The staff was helpful and very kind!

Authenticity & Character

Location

The hotel was located in an area close to everything! There is no need for a car or driver.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Royal Continental Hotel Naples

Naples

Upon arrival the front desk upgraded us to an oceanview room. They were helpful answering any questions that we had and were interested in how we enjoyed Naples.

Authenticity & Character

Location

We loved being on the water and across from the marina. This is a lovely place to watch the sunset.

Staff

The woman at the check in desk greeted us with a beautiful smile every time that we had questions.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed was extremely comfortable and the facilities were pristine.

Activity Reviews

Florence Food Tour & Dinner

Florence

This one of the highlights of our trip. Our guide, Lorenzo, was animated and so knowledgeable about the local restaurants. He made us feel like we were family. We had a group that bonded and shared an evening of laughter.

Quality of Experience

Lorenzo and our wonderful group. We stayed together until 11:00.

Food

Everything we tasted was amazing and the wine was even better!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Lorenzo had grown up in Florence so he knew all of the authentic, local places to take us to.

Transport

We could walk everywhere.

Pizza Cooking Class in Napoli

Naples

We just enjoyed learning about the way to make authentic Italian pizza. The chef was friendly and readily answered all of our questions.

Quality of Experience

Our pizzas turned out to be delicious!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Pompeii Tour & Mount Vesuvius visit with light lunch

Pompeii

Having a private guide is the way to go. The area was extremely crowded and we got to by pass everyone as we toured Pompeii.

Quality of Experience

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of Pompeii and her English was excellent!

Food

The venue was lovely. We got a tour of the vineyard, a wine tasting and a delicious four course meal.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She could answer any of our questions.

Transport

Our driver was prompt and shared lots of information about the area during our commute.

Private Amalfi Coast Driving Tour

Italy

On the that this was scheduled there was a rock slide blocking the road but our driver did manage to chauffeur us along part of the highway.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

He told us exactly how much time we had in each location and where to meet him. This young man made every concession to ensure that we had a memorable trip.

Transport

He was just a very kind, dependable person.

Capri Island & Grottos Boat Tour from Sorrento

Sorrento

We loved all of the friends we made on our tour.

Quality of Experience

We enjoyed taking the chairlift up to the top of Anacrapria and hiking down the trail.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The staff were constantly offering us drinks, hanging out with us and asking for our input to provide the ultimate adventure.

Transport

Overall great experience.
All accommodations for travel, hotel and recommendations were flawless.
Service providers were all great.

Hotel Reviews

Corte di Gabriela

Venice

Air conditioning was a challenge however the service was great

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Villa Sabolini Tuscany

Colle di Val d'Elsa

They initially gave us a room that was facing the road and was very noisy. We requested a room change with a view and they accommodate. Overall a central location that allowed us to reach many vineyards and local restaurants

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Grand Hotel Capodimonte

Sorrento

Lived up to the 4 star rating. Another perfect location to the center of Sorrento and surrounding sights

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

San Polo Afternoon Food & Wine Tour

Venice

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A terrific trip! We worked closely with Maria to plan an itinerary for a family of 4 (college age kids) that allowed for exploration and activity. Storywalking Italy were extremely helpful. When one person in our group injured their ankle, everyone at kimkim went out of their way to help us figure out where to be seen and get medical supplies, re-organize our trip, and even contacted the hotels they had booked for us to make sure we were in ground floor rooms! And the scheduled activities were wonderful - highlights included a food tour of Bari with Giorgio of Apulia Tours and a day-long bike trip from Lecce with Gonzalo of Salento Bici Tour. Highly recommend!

Our trip was so amazing! Everything was perfectly planned out and went so smoothly. Everyone we worked with was so helpful and we are so happy with our experience. We recommend 100% and will be using Kimkim again for our next trip!

Hotel Reviews

Grand Hotel Cavour

Florence

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palazzo delle Grazie

Sorrento

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Florence Walking Tour and Accademia Visit

Florence

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chianti Full Immersive Wine & Olive Oil Experience

Florence

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amalfi coast boat tour from Sorrento (Amalfi & Positano)

Italy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cooking class at farm

Italy

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Loved it all: Florence, Sorrento, Rome. The guides were excellent. The children's tour guides did a fantastic job engaging the boys (7 and 5). The drivers were incredibly patient, courteous, and flexible. Francesco saved the day by getting us to a wine tasting when the originally planned event fell through at the last second. Accommodations were top notch. An all around great experience.

Hotel Reviews

Plaza Hotel Lucchesi

Florence

Rooftop pool makes this hotel probably the best option in the center of florence.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Lorelei Londres

Sorrento

Loved this place. Restaurant has a Michelin Star! Wish the private balconies were a little more "private" but the oversized jacuzzi was awesome.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Martis Palace Hotel Rome

Rome

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Tour of the Vineyard and Lunch with Wine Tasting in Furore

Italy

The wine was some of the best we had in Italy. The vines are 200+ years old and producing absolutely stunning quality wine. paired with the local lunch, this was one of our favorite experiences, set above Positano with a view unparalleled.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our KIMKIM travel team was the finest choice I could have made for our 3-generation family's custom vacation to the Cinque Terre this August 2023. From the planning stage to our final day, the expertise of our Italy travel specialists Valeria and Deborah, personal concierge Roberta, private hiking guide Laura, boat skipper Tony, and Milan transfer drivers (with particular shout-out to Andrii who provided my evening transport due to my air travel arrival delay) were all fabulously fun, attentive and accommodating. Until we meet again, "Grazie mille! Carol

Hotel Review

Hotel Porto Roca

Monterosso

Hotel Porto Roca offered all the assets for our multi-generation family, from accommodations, full services, and awesome setting.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hike the Villages of Cinque Terre

Italy

boat trip from Monterosso with lunch

Italy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our guide, Maria, helped plan every step of the trip. She was responsive and knowledgeable about the different cities we were visiting. She also incorporated activities that we suggested.

KimKim is a fantastic service that takes the guesswork out of booking travel. You get personalized accommodations and the ability to communicate with them during your trip in case you need to make any changes.

Highly recommend this service!

Activity Review

Classic Private Cruise on Lake Como

Italy

Amazing way to see the towns and villas of Lake Como! Well worth it and one of our favorite activities.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Picked us up from the hotel dock. So convenient.