Kimkim Trip Reviews for Italy

Metropolitan Hotel Bologna is a small boutique hotel off a side alley in the middle of town. Staff were friendly and helpful with restaurant suggestions. Rooms were stark but spacious and clean. The shower was very tiny (a large person would not be able to close the shower door. Breakfast was very good with many food options.

Hotel The Square Milano Duomo is a beautiful, modern hotel in the heart of the city. The rooms are large and beautifully decorated. Breakfast was outstanding and the staff went above and beyond to be accommodating. The hotel is within walking distance to the Duomo, La Scala, and the Galleria.

Attending a mosaic workshop with visual artist Luca Barberini in Ravenna was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, Luca welcomed us with warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm that immediately set a relaxed and inspiring tone for the day. His passion for the ancient art of mosaics is contagious, and he generously shared not just his technical knowledge, but also his personal artistic vision — one that beautifully blends tradition with a contemporary, playful edge. Luca took the time to introduce us to the materials and methods in a hands-on, approachable way, making even beginners feel confident. By the end, each of us had crafted our own small mosaic — a unique souvenir and a tangible memory of the experience. If you’re in Ravenna and want to do something immersive, creative, and take with you a piece of the city’s artistic heritage, I can’t recommend Luca’s workshop enough. It’s not just about making a mosaic — it’s about seeing the world through the eyes of an artist who truly loves what he does and wants to share that joy with others.

Our Food Valley experience with Ricardo was an unforgettable day filled with incredible flavors, fascinating stories, and a deep appreciation for Italy’s most iconic culinary treasures. From start to finish, Ricardo was a knowledgeable and engaging guide who brought each stop to life with his passion for the region’s food culture. We began our day in Castelfranco Emilia at Caseificio Bio Reggiani, a family-run dairy farm where we got an up-close look at the traditional process of making Parmigiano Reggiano. Watching the cheese masters at work was fascinating, and the tour gave us a true appreciation for the craftsmanship and time involved. The visit ended with a delicious tasting of Parmigiano aged at different stages, along with the creamiest fresh ricotta—a perfect start to the day. Next, we headed to Modena to visit Leonardi Aceto Balsamico di Modena, a family-owned balsamic vinegar producer with over 150 years of history. We toured the vineyard and aging rooms, learning about the long and meticulous process that goes into making true Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale. The tasting was a standout moment, sampling aged vinegars paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and a glass of wine really highlighted the complexity and depth of flavor in each bottle. Our final stop took us to Parma/Langhirano, where we visited the Conti Prosciutto Factory, another inspiring, family-run business led by a mother and her three daughters. The tour walked us through the detailed process of curing prosciutto di Parma. It ended, of course, with another generous tasting that confirmed why this region is so celebrated for its culinary excellence. If you love Italian food and want a behind-the-scenes look at how the very best is made, this tour is an absolute must. A perfect day for food lovers looking to connect more deeply with the traditions and people behind Italy’s most beloved ingredients.

Our sunset foodie walking experience in Bologna with Federica was absolutely fantastic—one of those tours that leaves you full, happy, and completely in love with the city. We explored the Quadrilatero district, surrounded by colorful markets brimming with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and the unmistakable aroma of authentic Italian cuisine. Federica was a phenomenal guide, warm, passionate, and full of fascinating stories about each little shop and food tradition we encountered. Our journey began at a local bakery, where we picked up fresh bread, followed by a visit to a pasta and pastry shop, where we tasted a delicious slice of torta di riso (a sweet rice cake unique to the region). From there, we visited a classic Salumeria and picked up a spread of prosciutto, mortadella, and Parmigiano Reggiano. As we walked through vegetable markets and narrow alleyways, Federica shared the rich history behind each family-run business, making the experience feel personal and connected to the heart of Bologna. The highlight of the evening was arriving at the Osteria del Sole—a charming, no-frills wine bar where you bring your own food. We laid out our spread, added Federica’s special touches like fig and onion spreads and an aged balsamic vinegar, and enjoyed a true Bolognese feast paired with local wine. The atmosphere was lively and authentic exactly the kind of experience you hope for in Italy. And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we continued to O’ Fiore Mio Pizzeria, where we sampled four different square pan pizzas, each with unique and delicious toppings. Finally, we ended the evening on a sweet note at Maritozzi & Gelato, where we indulged in two flavors of gelato of our choice. By the end, we were absolutely stuffed but thrilled. This tour was the perfect combination of food, culture, and local charm. Federica made the experience truly special, and we’d recommend it to anyone wanting to taste the soul of Bologna in just one magical evening.

Our day trip to Lake Como with our guide Simone was a mix of beautiful sights and a few unexpected challenges. The original plan included visits to the well-known towns of Bellagio and Varenna, but unfortunately, all the ferry tickets to those destinations were sold out when we arrived. This was disappointing, and it felt like there wasn’t a clear backup plan in place. At first, there was a lot of waiting around in Como city, which led to some understandable frustration. It wasn’t until we expressed our concern that Simone pivoted and suggested visiting alternative towns on the lake. Thankfully, this turned out to be a positive turn in the day. We ended up exploring Maltrasio, Torno, and Cernobbio—all charming, less touristy towns with beautiful views, peaceful streets, and rich local history. Simone was very knowledgeable and shared interesting details about each place we visited, which helped us appreciate these hidden gems. However, we were a bit surprised to find out that we were expected to cover Simone’s ferry tickets and his lunch during the tour—this was not clearly communicated beforehand and felt a little unprofessional for a guided excursion. Overall, while the day didn’t go as planned, we did enjoy discovering some lesser-known parts of Lake Como. With better organization and clearer expectations, this tour could have been much smoother. The towns we visited were truly lovely, and Simone’s historical insights were appreciated once the day found its rhythm.

Our private cooking class at the home of Sylvia and Antonio in Milan was truly one of the most memorable experiences of our trip. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family, with genuine hospitality that made us feel instantly at home. We began the evening with a delightful aperitivo, complete with Prosecco and a delicious spread of focaccia, pizza, cheeses, and other savory bites—all homemade and beautifully presented. The cooking portion of the evening was hands-on, fun, and filled with laughter. Under Antonio’s expert (and very patient!) guidance, we prepared fresh tagliatelle, delicate ravioli, and a classic tiramisu from scratch. They both made the entire process feel approachable and enjoyable, whether we were rolling dough or perfecting our layers of dessert. By the end of the evening, we didn’t just learn how to cook; we felt like we had spent a beautiful evening with dear friends. If you’re in Milan and looking for an authentic, intimate, and unforgettable culinary experience, this is it. Highly, highly recommended!

Our Best of Milan and Duomo Walking Tour with Francesco was an incredible look into the rich history, art, and architecture of this magnificent city. Francesco was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and full of fascinating stories that brought each stop to life. We began by exploring some of Milan’s most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace and the statue of Vittorio Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy. Walking through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was like stepping into a museum, with its elegant high-end boutiques and stunning mosaic floors. Francesco also took us to the famed Teatro alla Scala, sharing its history and importance in the world of opera. A special highlight was the Church of Santa Maria Presso San Satiro, where the illusion of a cross-shaped interior was created by the use of perspective was amazing. Of course, the crown jewel of the tour was the Duomo di Milano. Climbing the 250 steps to the rooftop terraces was absolutely worth it to be able to walk among the 3,400 statues and spires which gave us breathtaking views of the city and a close-up look at the cathedral’s remarkable detail. The interior of the Duomo was just as spectacular. This tour was the perfect way to experience the best of Milan in just a few hours. We highly recommend this tour for first-time visitors and returning travelers to beautiful Milano!

Our Evening Aperitivo Street Food Tour with Marco was an unforgettable experience that beautifully blended Milan's rich history with its vibrant food culture. Marco was a fantastic guide, warm, knowledgeable and passionate about his city. He brought the Navigli district to life, sharing stories that gave us a deeper appreciation of the area's architecture and hidden gems. The food stops were absolute standouts. Our first tasting was at Blue M, La Bottega, a cozy, family run spot where we sampled an amazing selection of Italian hams, cheese, and spreads, all served with fresh warm breads. The flavors were perfectly paired with a unique wine made from rare native grapes. Next we visited Materia Pizzeria, another family owned gem known for it exceptional dough made with specialty flour and their own house pressed olive oil. We sampled the Montanarina, a light crispy baked pizza dough topped with an array of fresh flavorful ingredients. We highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to discover a more authentic side of Milano while enjoying some truly incredible local food.

So beautiful, so clean, so inviting!! Our absolute favorite!! And the chef!! The breakfast!! Hands down the best!!

Venice was amazing to see and experience. A couple days were enough for us.

Best day ever! The boat ride, staff, Capri all amazing!

Having a guide point out the importance of what we were seeing made this special. As a Christian, experiencing where some of the hero’s of our faith taught and died was special.

The details of all the history our guide shared was amazing. And she was able to answer any questions we had.

What a way to end our 18 day Anniversary trip! This hotel was out of dreams! If you want one on one time time with a view of a lifetime, this is the place!

Great services friendly knowledgeable!

Friendly services my entire stay was wonderful!

Wonderful experience! Great services professional knowledgeable!

Great experience friendly kind services!

Barbara B. was wonderful and knowledgeable a pleasure to be with !

I had private boat cruise for my birthday! The skipper fulvio was the best and made my birthday experience amzing and comfortable! The best personality a joy to with!

Noemi my guide was wonderful kind manner very knowledgeable professional!

Tour guide Luca very knowledgeable professional wonderful personality!

Breakfast was the best of all hotels and all were terrific. Room was comfortable and in the center of the city. Beautiful views from the rooftop breakfast level.

This hotel was nice as well, but a bit trickier to identify since it is part of a larger building with additional businesses in it. However the hotel itself was great, with big rooms and a nice locally sourced breakfast each day.

This hotel is located up the hill from the main portion of town, which was perfect for us as it helped us avoid the crowds near the main part of town. We also had a nice balcony to look out over town and relax after a day exploring the area.

This was our favorite hotel - the staff here were amazing and the hotel offered great services including free bike rentals, free beach towels, and an ice machine for our cooler.

This hotel is centrally located and has helpful, friendly staff.

This hotel has accommodations in a variety of historic buildings. Our room was unique and decorated with thought and care. Their front desk team were exceptional, helping us locate parking, making suggestions for restaurants and places to see. We two frequently lost tourists found their help invaluable. A delightful breakfast in a unique setting capped off a wonderful stay

The Milan Aperitivo & Street Food Tour was an excellent experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertained us with stories about the places we visited. We tried a variety of delicious Italian foods and enjoyed discovering unique spots in Milan. It was a delightful tour that satisfied our culinary curiosity.

The Half-Day E-Bike Tour in the Dolomites didn't meet our expectations. We assumed it was suitable for a family with a young child, but it turned out to be more of a mountain biking experience. Our guide did his best, and his English was good, but the e-bikes weren't available for children, leading to my child having to be towed, which was concerning and scary for my child. The description needs clarity to avoid confusion for future travelers. However, we adapted by hiking to the mountain top, which turned out to be pleasant but not what we initially expected.

Medieval castle charm with modern amenities and wonderful staff

Our guide who gave the tour was amazing!

What an amazing hotel! My sister and i felt comfortable and welcomed the moment we came here. The staff is amazing. Very curteous, professional, and fun. My sister and I were sad to leave, but when we return, we would definitely consider staying here again!

Although it was a small gtoup setting, Tamara did a great job in making the experience personalized. She was also such a delightful guide, and we learned so much about the italian culture in the best way possible-- food and drinks!

Our tour guide Mario made this whole experience for us. So knowledgeable and passionate about his work. When my parents visit, i would love for him to be their guide as well. The russo family tour was also so much fun! Loved that we didnt feel rushed and was given ample amount of timeto enjoy the view, wine, and food

The hotel was a boutique style and only had a few rooms. The view from our window was exactly what I envisioned Tuscany to look like. Rows and rows of rolling hills filled with grapes. It was beautiful and the hotel was quaint and clean.

Our guide was FANTASTIC! Since it was a private tour, we were able to express our wants right from the start. She was super nice and her 'cliff note' information about Sicily was exactly what we asked for. We were able to move at our own pace and stop in stores for some shopping whenever we wanted. Sicily is absolutely beautiful.

We had the best time! Our driver was young and very funny. Our group likes to laugh and have a good time and that is exactly what happened. Once our driver realized that we had already been to most of the places on his itinerary , he improvised and we loved it! B/c it was a private tour, we were able to adjust the tour for our needs and wants!

This was a great way to experience food like the locals do. It was a small group experience, which was fun. The food and drinks were delicious and our guide was fun and easy to talk too!

We purposely booked this as a private tour so that we could get into the Vatican early before the heat and the large crowds. We informed our guide that we wanted brief descriptions of the important spots so that we could experience the Vatican before overly crowded. Our guide either didn't know how to shorten her tour information, or just didn't listen. She became upset with parts of our group when they began walking away after 10/15 minutes of standing in the same spot. We again, tried to let her know that we didn't need so much information, but it feel on deaf ears. By the time we made it to the Sistine Chapel it was packed and we were rushed to move through b/c of the crowds.

The tour was a bit too long, but our guide was very knowledgeable. One thing we wish we would have done was to include the tour of the underground arena.

Once we arrived, it was like sitting in a picture! The views were absolutely STUNNING and the tour of the vineyard was perfect. The staff were top notch and the wine was flavorful and delicious. The winery also makes olive oil and honey on property. Our lunch wine pairing was DELICIOUS... literally some of the best ravioli I've ever eaten. The view from our quaint little table was so perfect, I didn't want to leave. The wine was so good that we have a case being shipped to our home in Texas in October.

So fun and delicious! We all had a hands on experience and the food was delicious. Great family experience!

Not sure what to say about this tour. I'm not sure if it was the tour or the tour guide that was disappointing. Our guide was nice and friendly, but after telling her our wants about keeping the historical information basic and not to go into too much detail (esp. since it was a private tour), we felt like she wasn't listening to us. We also felt that the places we walked to and that she went into the greatest detail on were. not what we saw as important highlights to Florence. However, the items like Michelangelo and the statue gardens, were just touched on and was literally a walk through. We were disappointed in the tour as a whole.

We enjoyed this walking tour very much. It was a small group experience and we were excited to try all the local foods.

Let me say this, it was extremely hot and there really isn't any air conditioning, so we were really hot. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, but at times, a bit boring. I think what we realized (esp. with a 13/15 year olds) is that we many need the cliff notes version of the guided tour, rather than the long drawn out version.

This was SO FUN! Our family of 4, which includes a 13 &15 year olds) loved this. We all made our own masks and our teacher, Julia, was terrific!

Mateo was an amazing tour guide! He was full of knowledge and was easy to talk with . The views from our private water taxi were so pretty!

A lovely gem with the breathtaking views!

Choose this hotel. Great views, and first class all the way. Ciao

Great hotel.

Remarkable views and not a lot of walking. Enjoy the wine. 😉

Really great tour. Can’t miss opportunity!

So amazing and the we even were able to see my historical sites while we ate! One of my favorite tours!

Great tour and unforgettable!

The tour guide was so knowledgeable and took on our family on our own private journey of Rome! It was remarkable!