Kimkim Trip Reviews for Scotland

4.7
Based on 67 ratings
Read 67 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Scotland on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

The trip we wanted
Scotland | Aug 19 - Aug 28, 2023

C
Cat H.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2023
Stephen prepared a great trip for us, taking all of our feedback and crazy ideas. Everything was laid out, easy to understand, follow and share. Got a few pro-tips for the cities we were visiting which helped a lot. Read more

Stephen prepared a great trip for us, taking all of our feedback and crazy ideas. Everything was laid out, easy to understand, follow and share. Got a few pro-tips for the cities we were visiting which helped a lot.

Activity Reviews
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh

We loved this. A highlight. Helped us stay awake after arriving.

Private Excursion from Edinburgh - Highlands, Whisky & Castles - V2
Private Excursion from Edinburgh - Highlands, Whisky & Castles - V2
Edinburgh

The tour was wonderful and the driver was a character with a big personality. There was a minor miscommunication where he thought we were golfers but it turned into a funny moment. The whiskey tour was particularly enjoyable, and the guides made it fun and informative for everyone, even the non-drinkers in our group.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glasgow Beer Tour
Glasgow Beer Tour
Glasgow

The beer tour was a fun experience for our group. The guides were accommodating and understanding about the non-drinkers in our group, offering them alternatives and still making the tour informative for them as well. The whole experience was enjoyable and well put together.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day tour to the Giants Causeway
Day tour to the Giants Causeway
Belfast

The tour to the Giants Causeway was absolutely incredible. Our driver was wonderful and the scenery was breathtaking. It was a fantastic way to spend our day and we couldn't have been happier with the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Dublin

The Irish House Party - one of the highlights of our trip. Initially, we were hesitant to attend due to its location and our fatigue. However, it turned out to be a blast! Although the food before the show was average, the music and dancing were amazing. We left feeling very happy and glad that we went there.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free time in Dublin
Free time in Dublin
Dublin

We really appreciated the downtime in our schedule. Our group made the most of it and explored attractions that weren't initially on our itinerary. It provided us with the flexibility we desired and allowed us to experience the city at our own pace.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Dublin

The tour to the Cliffs of Moher was a great experience. Our driver was fantastic and the views were stunning. Initially, we were unsure if it would take too much time away from exploring Dublin, but it was well worth it. The only drawback was the large tour group, which we weren't expecting, but everyone was fun and we enjoyed the company.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Greetings Cat to you and the 6 other intrepid travelers ,

Thank you for choosing us, and for being such keen sports as you traversed Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. I am happy you loved the roadbook that had the pro tips for each city!

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your crews attitude before during and after the trip! You are a real pleasure to work with as well and I wish I had a bunch of friends like yours to go travelling with.

Thank you again, take care and stay in touch - Go Notre Dame, right?

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Fantastic Trip
Scotland | Aug 19 - Aug 28, 2023

M
Mary Beth S.
Bethlehem, PA | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2023
The entire trip was fantastic. The attention to detail was on point for the entire trip. Considering we were in 4 different cities with multiple guides and side trips through Scotland and Ireland, all went smoothly. Our guide, JP, in Belfast was fantastic. He took us through the Highlands on a private tour. All our guides were good and each one made the event/side trip worthwhile. Read more

The entire trip was fantastic. The attention to detail was on point for the entire trip. Considering we were in 4 different cities with multiple guides and side trips through Scotland and Ireland, all went smoothly.

Our guide, JP, in Belfast was fantastic. He took us through the Highlands on a private tour. All our guides were good and each one made the event/side trip worthwhile.

Activity Review
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Dublin

The dinner was good and the event was fantastic. This is a must to do!

Quality of Experience
Food
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Greetings Mary Beth to you and the 6 other intrepid travelers , I just wrote to Cat to say thank you for choosing us, and for being such keen sports as you traversed Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. I am happy you loved the roadbook that had the pro tips for each city! Noted about JP, we also know you will be in good hands with him. We agree with you that it is the guides who make the event worthwhile! I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your crews attitude before during... Read more

Greetings Mary Beth to you and the 6 other intrepid travelers ,

I just wrote to Cat to say thank you for choosing us, and for being such keen sports as you traversed Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. I am happy you loved the roadbook that had the pro tips for each city! Noted about JP, we also know you will be in good hands with him. We agree with you that it is the guides who make the event worthwhile!

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your crews attitude before during and after the trip! You are a real pleasure to work with as well and I wish I had a bunch of friends like yours to go travelling with.

Sincerely, do take care and stay in touch - Go Notre Dame, right?

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

PS - great photos thanks

Stephen was great to work with as he adjusted...
Scotland | Aug 20 - Aug 28, 2023

Bob
Bob J.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023
Stephen was great to work with as he adjusted our trip to meet our interests. all the connections and events went smoothly with no hitches. Scotland was wonderful, each stop was unique and every guide or tour was outstanding Read more

Stephen was great to work with as he adjusted our trip to meet our interests. all the connections and events went smoothly with no hitches. Scotland was wonderful, each stop was unique and every guide or tour was outstanding

Hotel Reviews
Motel One Glasgow
Glasgow

convenient to our walking tour and the train station. Rooms were great. The staff was helpful in selecting restaurants and directions

Authenticity & Character
Location
close to train station and town senter
Staff
very helpful as it was our first time in Scotland
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perle
Oban

Across from the train station and ferry terminal, an easy walk to the town center and distillery. Staff was very helpful

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful old hotel with great view of the harbor
Location
across from train station and ferry terminal
Staff
Very helpful in assiting us with our needs
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison
Fort William

used by the hikers in the area. The location was convenient near the waterfront and easy walking distance to the town center. There was no lift and our rooms were on the top floor, so a bit inconvenient for us, but not for the hikers

Authenticity & Character
Location
location was great for our water tour and walking to the local restaurants and town center
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

a classic old pub with rooms overhead. food in the pub was great and the service even better. Old stairs to get to our rooms as there was no lift, but very manageable

Authenticity & Character
Location
walking distance to bus station.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Small Group tour of Glasgow
Small Group tour of Glasgow
Glasgow

our guide was very knowledgeable and kept it funny with the history of Glasgow.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
our guide was outstanding, very funny
Transport
our transport from Edinburg went smoothly
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Scotland

One of the highlights of our trip. Everything was well coordinated, the boat shuttle to Staffa was wild as the ocean was a bit rough. Staffa and it's caves and rock formations were unique. Iona was totally different as we spent our time at the Abbey (founded around 600 AD)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban

Fun and informative

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
walking distance from our hotel
Evening cruise on Loch Linnhe
Evening cruise on Loch Linnhe
Fort William

weather was a wee bit rough but enjoyable trip. We went by a muscle farm and salmon farming. also saw a group of dolphins and some seals

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Inverness

this was fun as they described the history of the Loch Ness Monster legend plus the history of the area

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Inverness

we had a private tour with a guide that used to have a home in the area of the battlefield before it became a memorial. She was very knowledgeable and adaptable to our schedule as our previous event ran a bit long

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private day with a driver/guide from Inverness
Private day with a driver/guide from Inverness
Inverness

our guide was friendly and helpful. Very knowledgeable

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sheep dog demonstration
Sheep dog demonstration
Scotland

this was better than expected. The Sheppard and his dogs were fun to watch

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Edinburgh

It was a private tour and he adapted it based on what we had already seen. Very knowledgeable and friendly

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Greetings Bob,

Thank you for choosing us, and for being such great travelers. Thank you as well for the 5-star review of your tailormade trip. I love that you enjoyed the cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa!

I also want to say that I enjoyed working with you and hearing updates as you traveled.

Take care and stay in touch,

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

PS - love the photos especially of you guys

KimKim did a wonderful job
Scotland | Aug 10 - Aug 24, 2023

Marie
Marie G.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023
Both guides we had in Thurso (Don and Angela from the company Above and Beyond) were terrific. We felt so at home at the Manor House with hosts Leo and Mary Ellen. They are so welcoming. I loved Thurso!
Also our guide for Glasgow: Andrew. He was so knowledgeable and had gone out of his way to find a historian of the church we were seeking.
The Skye in a Day Tour was excellent. The driver/guide, Bill, was a great storyteller and had a wonderful calming voice.
The private tour of the...
Read more

Both guides we had in Thurso (Don and Angela from the company Above and Beyond) were terrific. We felt so at home at the Manor House with hosts Leo and Mary Ellen. They are so welcoming. I loved Thurso!
Also our guide for Glasgow: Andrew. He was so knowledgeable and had gone out of his way to find a historian of the church we were seeking.
The Skye in a Day Tour was excellent. The driver/guide, Bill, was a great storyteller and had a wonderful calming voice.
The private tour of the Culloden battlefield was very interesting.
The driver from Mailig to the ferry to Tobermory was outstanding. So kind, so knowledgeable, so proud of his area.
So much more--wonderful people, the scenery was gorgeous.

Hotel Reviews
Grasshoppers
GLASGOW

Such a delightful experience. I loved the coffee/tea/wine room that we often met in to discuss our day and plan the next. The staff could not have been more welcoming and helpful. The rooms are smaller but bathroom was great. We had delicious breakfasts. But we overwhelmed by the cupcakes/cookies/ice cream available! What a SWEET place. The location was fabulous.

Authenticity & Character
The staff and the fresh sweets and a hotel that is only on one floor above the train station.
Location
Center City, close to so many great places to eat
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manor House
Thurso

I loved this hotel. It had so much character, especially in the Irish owners and their children who helped with breakfast and bussed tables at night. They were all so kind to us and willing to help us out with any questions or needs we had. We wanted something other than a generic hotel and this was great for that. We ate there both nights. The food was excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Leo and Mary Ellen, the owners who are so kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pennygate Lodge
Craignure

This hotel was such a wonderful place to stay. Lovely rooms, great baths, incredible garden with a view of the water. It was luxuriously comfortable. And Tony, the owner, could not have been more accommodating and helpful. This was the best hotel of our whole stay in Scotland. The food was outstanding as was the service in the beautiful dining room.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

This was a good place to stay. We had to ask for help to get our bags up the stairs (we were on 3rd floor). It was a bit cramped but once again, the people at the bar/restaurant who deal with the hotel were welcoming and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not far from the train station.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

We had great rooms with a wonderful view of the harbor. But the staff seemed cold and perhaps a bit overwhelmed. A cruise ship was in and the whole town seemed overwhelmed by the number of people crowding the streets and restaurants and other shops. It's important for people to know they must make reservations for dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Glasgow

Andrew was so nice and so ready for us. He went out of his way to find a person for us to talk to about the church our grandmother came from. He worked hard to find our grandmother's street. And his recommendation that we go to the People's Palace to see the housing exhibit about the 19th century was perfect. We also enjoyed seeing the University of Glasgow. He made the day very convenient in our walking certain parts and having his car at other parts. Andy is charming and fun to be with.

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Hi Marie Thank you for the 5 star review. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of intrepid travelers like yourselves! We love being artisans in our work, and your 'sister's trip' to explore your roots was really an incredible project to be part of. I love that you went to the North of Northern Scotland and enjoyed the guides we chose. Yes! We use guides like Andrew in Glasgow, who listen to your needs and adapt the day to... Read more

Hi Marie

Thank you for the 5 star review. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of intrepid travelers like yourselves!

We love being artisans in our work, and your 'sister's trip' to explore your roots was really an incredible project to be part of. I love that you went to the North of Northern Scotland and enjoyed the guides we chose. Yes!

We use guides like Andrew in Glasgow, who listen to your needs and adapt the day to customize the visits and the pace, and the level of research to please you!

Happy to know you liked it!

Regards & thanks
Stephen Molloy & the team at High Point Holidays

Our Scotland trip ranked as one of the best o...
Scotland | May 6 - May 21, 2023

Maria
Maria S.
Jupiter, FL | Reviewed on Aug 26, 2023
Our Scotland trip ranked as one of the best ones we have taken. KimKim, William, Stephen and the whole staff were excellent. No detail was forgotten. The excursions that KimKim planned from the food tour to the distillery tour to the Skye Tour were excellent. We think that we saw a lot on our two week trip. Definitely, we will use KimKim to plan another trip. Read more

Our Scotland trip ranked as one of the best ones we have taken. KimKim, William, Stephen and the whole staff were excellent. No detail was forgotten. The excursions that KimKim planned from the food tour to the distillery tour to the Skye Tour were excellent. We think that we saw a lot on our two week trip. Definitely, we will use KimKim to plan another trip.

Hotel Reviews
Old Waverley Hotel
Edinburgh

Loved it! Breakfast was excellent. The room was comfortable and roomy. There are stairs!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location was great. Drug store, souvenir store, convenience store and the Hop on Bus were in close walking distance.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Albany Hotel
St Andrews

Charming hotel, fantastic breakfast. We just didn't stay long enough.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was close to the pubs and restaurants and the golf course.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heathmount Hotel
Inverness

Great hope. Lots of stairs. Parking was good. Breakfast was good!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

Fantastic!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Isles Of Glencoe Hotel
Ballachulish

Not to sound boring, but another fantastic hotel with a great breakfast and friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perle
Oban

Loved this hotel! Breakfast was excellent! The location was perfect. It was a beautiful home. as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Castebay Hotel - Isle of Barra
Isle of Barra

This hotel was wonderful. The dinner was superb, but you do need reservations! The view of the Castle and the Ferry from our window was spectacular. STEPS! Parking was super easy next to the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No.32 Hotel
Edinburgh

The young man in charge was wonderful. The location is good which is down the street from the train station and wonderful restaurants and pubs. The down side is there is very little to no parking. We were there of the Beyonce concert and droves of girls were going to the concert via the train down the street. Since there was absolutely no parking, we decided to return the rental car and take an Uber the next day to the airport. It was easy to do that. We did not eat breakfast. This is a charming hotel with a cute lobby and bar area. We were on the top floor and there was no elevator. LOTS of stairs. Beautiful hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Edinburgh Food Tour
Edinburgh Food Tour
Edinburgh

Keith was fabulous. This is a wonderful tour and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Quality of Experience
The guide was wonderful , the food incredible and the walking was wonderful.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Edinburgh

This is a MUST tour! Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and we had a great time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

This also is a must and the high tea is an experience that you do not want to miss!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh

Do not miss this! It is a highlight and will be a meal and more for you.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blair Atholl Castle Entrance tickets
Blair Atholl Castle Entrance tickets
Pitlochry

Fabulous castle! Do not miss it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Inverness

We love this relaxing boat ride. We saw grouse , castles, homes , etc. It also is a must do.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Scotland

Keith was wonderful, Again, This is a must for your trip to Skye!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trips
Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trips
Mallaig

This was okay. Not fabulous, but a fun thing to do.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
Scotland

For us, this was a good rest day not to drive. We enjoyed the scenery and the train was wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban

Amazing, Loved it!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We didn't need transport since the distillery was in walking distance from our home. Loved Oban!
Local specialist: William Armstrong

A perfectly crafted holiday with attention personal preferences
Scotland | Aug 10 - Aug 24, 2023

Kate
Kate B.
Tuckahoe, VA | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2023
Stephen and Jane created an itinerary that perfectly fit our goals for a sisters trip to Scotland: To visit places where are ancestors lived and to get a genuine Scottish experience while visiting precise areas of the country. The itinerary that we developed was highly personal. This was enriched by the Kimkim team’s choice of tour guides. Each guide was local and well versed in the area and its history and culture. Andy— Tours by Locals in Glasgow was excellent. He went out of his way to... Read more

Stephen and Jane created an itinerary that perfectly fit our goals for a sisters trip to Scotland: To visit places where are ancestors lived and to get a genuine Scottish experience while visiting precise areas of the country. The itinerary that we developed was highly personal. This was enriched by the Kimkim team’s choice of tour guides. Each guide was local and well versed in the area and its history and culture. Andy— Tours by Locals in Glasgow was excellent. He went out of his way to find a parish historian in our grandmother’s childhood church. While in the church, Geraldine Bird took the lead, giving us important specifics about the parish and the socio-economic conditions that led to its creation. She is in the process of writing a book on the history of the church. She shared parts pertinent to our family’s experience while peppering her comments with lots of humor. We found both Andy and Geraldine so informative and entertaining that we wished they could accompany us for the rest of the trip. It is not often that you can have an experience that is educational, poignant, and fun. What a great way to spend our first full day in Glasgow!

We enjoyed the People’s Palace, which was devoted to an examination of life in Glasgow in the 19th century — just when our grandmother lived there.

We rode on the train from Glasgow to Rutherglen to get a close up view of where our grandmother lived. Not surprisingly, the address from census data is no longer in existence, but Andy gave us a good sense of the area. He also drive us to areas where our great grandparents had lived. We enjoyed the Green in Glasgow and enjoyed stories about why the green was initially created. Because Andy is a life-long Glaswegian, he was able to answer almost every question we had about Glasgow.

There are signs around Glasgow that say: “People make Glasgow.” We certainly found this to be true with every interaction we had in the city. People were exceptionally warm, friendly, and quick to laugh. Our guides Andy and Geraldine certainly gave us a positive feeling about a working city that many travelers reject in favor of seeing the capital city.

Kim Kim’s choice of hotel in Glasgow — The Hotel Grasshoppers was a treat. It was in a walkable center city location with lovely simple interior design and spotless rooms. Staff was attentive and eager to please. Breakfast was warm and delicious. AND everyday there were freshly baked desserts and homemade ice cream available for the taking with no fee. The whole hotel is the 6th floor of a nondescript building. I have a feeling it is one of Glasgow’s best kept secrets, but Stephen and Jane were in the know. From the beginning of the trip planning, I explained that I wanted charming lodging that felt Scottish and not a generic chain hotel room that could be in any country. Stephen and Jane deserve extra credit for this find!

We were 3 travelers ages 73-80, and we did not want to drive on the left side of the road. Stephen and Jane did a brilliant job of arranging private drivers, trains and ferries to get to every location. There was never a problem with connections. However, in Thurso, my sister got sick, and she felt that a 4 hour train ride from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh would be too much for her. I contacted Jane immediately to explain our unforeseen problem. Jane instantly solved the problem over the phone, and within minutes she scheduled a private driver to take us to Kyle of Lochalsh the next morning, cutting the transportation time in half and facilitating an easier connection for us. We would have been in a bad place without Jane’s efficient and gracious problem solving. In her usual practice, Jane checked in with us to make sure that the transportation worked and to see if we needed anything else. This is why I love using Kimkim. You have lots of freedom not being part of a big tour, but you never feel alone and stranded!

Stephen and Jane arranged a private tour of Culloden. Our tour guide was a true professional, very knowledgeable about the Jacobite Rebellion, dispelling myths, and making history come to life.

Stephen and Jane facilitated travel to the Isles of Skye, Mull, and Iona. In Portree, Skye, we joined a local van tour of 15 people. Bill, our tour guide was extraordinary. We spent the entire day with him while he pointed out the highlights of Skye scenery, stopping to enable us to walk and climb to experience the fairy pools, fairy glens, etc. Bill’s voice was made for radio broadcasting and his narration through the day was grand— interesting and entertaining. He knew just when to be quiet to let the majesty of nature sink in and when to play traditional Scottish music to enhance the visual wonder. His dramatic story telling skills are without equal. As if this wasn’t enough, he took us to a lovely cafe with excellent lunches, baked goods, and drinks.

Looking at a tentative itinerary, I was not pleased with a trip from Skye to Fort William and then on to Mull. The KimKim team solved this by finding a delightful driver who functioned as a private tour guide. He picked us up on Malig on the west coast mainland and entertained us with the history and culture of this beautiful countryside often overlooked by travelers. He, like all the private guides Kimkim hired, was able to give us an insiders view of the history and life style of the area. We stayed with him until we boarded the ferry to Mull. Because the sea was choppy, our driver stayed in the parking lot until the ferry departed. You couldn’t beat this kindness and attentiveness which I have found to be the hallmark of Kimkim chosen travel guides.

Once on Mull, we stayed in a beautiful home that has been completely refurbished. It was originally the local manse. The large front garden overlooked the sea, and interior was impeccable. In addition to attention of a warm and efficient host, we enjoyed the couple who run the praiseworthy restaurant within the Pennygate Lodge. Breakfasts were prepared as ordered each morning and served in the dining room. Dinners were absolutely the best of our entire trip— especially fresh, delicious and beautifully presented by the restaurant’s co-owner.

The co- owner and host at Pennygate Lodge graciously drove us to Castle Duart and to the ferry - certainly going above and beyond our expectations as travelers without a rental car. These extra benefits were planned by the kimkim team — once again Kimkim delighted and exceeded our expectations.

You guessed it, our next international trip will definitely be planned through Kimkim!

Hotel Reviews
Grasshoppers
GLASGOW

This could not be further away from Hilton or a major hotel chain. This hotel is on the 6th floor of a building in center city. It is not appealing from the street, but inside it is extraordinary. It is immaculately clean with a simple, tasteful decorations. The staff is lovely and friendly, and the big surprise is a daily supply of freshly on-site baked goods and homemade ice cream. Breakfast is served in a cozy breakfast room with staff cooking in the visible kitchen. The entire experience provides a sense that you are visiting an older relative who is delighted you are there and she would do anything to make you feel welcome and at home. I would definitely return. It was the best first impression of Glasgow.

Authenticity & Character
Read above. Like no other lodging arrangements I have ever experienced.
Location
5 ***** Walkable to restaurants , train, and buses.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Incredibly clean. Eat off the floor clean. Rooms were small but well lit. High ceilings. Large windows. Ceiling fan over bed. Clean lines on simple wood furniture. Bed was a twin in my single room. Bed was comfortable. Floors were light wood and beautiful.
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

3.5. My sisters and I stayed on the top floor in a “family suite.”It consisted of one room with a king bed and a twin bed. Next door was a small room with a bunk bed. Both rooms were separated from the hallway by another door. There was one en-suite bath for us to share. There were three big negatives to this arrangement: Three guests sharing one bathroom. Poor air circulation NO LIFT… and the hotel staff was actually the wait staff in the pub on the first floor. The rooms were clean, and the location was good. The food in the bar downstairs was satisfactory , but not great. The wait staff was very friendly. We did ask for assistance with carrying heavy luggage up the stairs. Our ages range from 73-80 so this was a challenge. The pub staff helped, but they were not available when we had to depart on a train before 7:00 am . I liked the concept of rooms over the pub , but the poor air circulation and the luggage on stairs made this an Inn I would not rebook. Inverness is a town with many tourists. I imagine other hotels may be more comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
I did not want a chain hotel, and i definitely did not get that. Good character in theory, but the execution presented problems, especially poor air circulation and stairs with no lift for managing luggage
Location
Close to train station. Some other restaurants around. We had trouble getting in due to need for a reservation. We tried the Thai restaurant next store, but a reservation was necessary the Hootananny with traditional local music is within walking distance c
Staff
All restaurant staff so we felt a bit like an imposition. Carried luggage up stairs at our request. No help early in morning. Also no plans for early breakfast. Shortbread and treats in room were appreciated.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air circulation.
Manor House
Thurso

We loved staying at the Manor House. The rooms were clean and more spacious than some we experienced in Scotland. The check in process is through the bar. One of the co owners checked us in. The owners, a husband and wife team, were eager to please and fn to talk with. Mary Ellen graciously offered to wash dry and fold our laundry for 5 £ each. I originally asked about sending it out to a laundry service. This is the kind of place Manor House is. They do everything that can to please their guests. Leo, Mary Ellen’s husband is a co-owner and an entertaining and charming bar tender. Their sweet children perform Hotel duties, including wait staff and trouble shooting. Sally, their sweet black dog lives attention and is a balm for guests who have left their pet at home.

Authenticity & Character
It has a long history in Thurso. Perhaps the best part of this Inn is the family that operates it. We ended up not wanting to leave them.
Location
Great location for walking throughout Thurso.
Staff
Fabulous family who go out of their way to make guests comfortable. Leo, a couple- owner with his wife even offered to drive ilus to Inverness.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

This was the only lodging during our trip where the staff seemed overwhelmed and not very friendly. I almost forgot I was in Scotland. No one tried to engage us in conversation or inquired about our needs. No lift. No offers to bring luggage upstairs in spite of our obvious advanced age. The toilets in the lobby had signs saying they were only for residents’ use. Even as a guest, I had to get a key from the reception desk. The bathrooms were tiny and hard to use. The best part of this hotel was the location. It was easy to walk throughout Portee., and the view over the water was gorgeous. We never went into the restaurant for dinner. It was unappealing. No customers. Uninviting smell. The room itself was not inviting. The bed was comfortable, but one window did not open , making it hit and uncomfortable.

Authenticity & Character
This is the only lodging that did not offer the kindness and friendliness that we had come to expect in SCOTLAND.
Location
Location was excellent. Great views. Close to restaurants and shops.
Staff
Attention to guests. Friendliness. The person on duty at reception sat behind a glass or plexiglass partition. This gave the message that they did not want to be bothered.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A lift fir carrying luggage upstairs. Renovation to the entire hotel
Pennygate Lodge
Craignure

Pennygate Lodge is fantastic. Beautiful setting. Beautiful interior. Immaculately clean and tastefully decorated. Large guest rooms and bathrooms. Comfortable beds. Excellent linens. So appreciated a top sheet! Lovely Highland Soap toiletries. Fabulous shower. Tasty local cookies in the room. Glass bottles of water and milk in a hall refrigerator. Impressive attention to the environment. The owners and hosts are a couple who renovated this old manse to create a graceful and welcoming home to travelers. Fiona was out of town during our stay, but her husband Tony was an outstanding host, going out of his way to provide transportation to the ferry and Castle Duart. He was clearly invested in our enjoying our holiday. In addition to the lovely guest rooms and a comfortable lounge/ sitting room, Pennygate Lodge has an excellent restaurant on site owned and run by a husband and wife team. They serve an order- from-the-menu breakfast every morning that far exceeds the customary hotel breakfast fare. Dinner, which requires reservations, is a night out — without leaving your your guest house. The atmosphere is simple yet elegant. The co-owner and chef’s wife is the sole wait staff, who is obviously devoted to impeccable service. The meal begins with a complimentary creative starter. We ate there two nights. We would have made it three nights, but they do not open for dinner on Sundays. Each night, all three of us were delighted with every course. The website says there is a fixed price for 3 courses. This is not current. Diners can order just a starter or as many courses as they chose. This is fine cusine. Mull is not a bit fancy nor highly populated, but this restaurant would be successful in an foodie city.

Authenticity & Character
The location and the staff’s attention to detail and desire to please guests seems consistent with Scottish hospitality. The setting could only be Mull
Location
It depends. This is a gorgeous setting on a lovely island with a lot of charm. The lounge and some guest rooms offer a beautiful view. It is not conducive to finding optional restaurants or shops.
Staff
Fantastic. Owners are on site and dedicated to creating an excellent guest experience. Tony did everything he could to make us happy. The restaurant server/owner was efficient and warm — quite a combination. We never met her husband the chef/co-owner, but his creations were works of art.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was perfectly clean, inviting and environmentally friendly.
Hotel Indigo Glasgow, an IHG Hotel
Glasgow

There was nothing wrong with this hotel except it was highly generic. One exception: the interior decor was positively ugly. It had the feeling of any chain hotel in the US. It is owned by the same company that brought us generic middle of the road Holiday Inn

Authenticity & Character
Generic and unattractive inside.
Location
It was walkable.
Staff
Satisfactory, but less friendly than we have come to expect in Glasgow c
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean. Comfortable. Only instant coffee in the room.
Activity Reviews
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Glasgow

Andy was well informed, friendly and fun to be with. His most amazing feat was finding Geraldine Bird, a parish historian at the church my grandmother and her family attended in Rutherglen. He did not seem to do any preliminary work to check out the address where my grandmother and her family lived in Rutherglen. I did not expect to see the flat where they lived, but I did expect him to do his homework. With us, he used his GPS seemingly for the first time to find the location. He drove us through Govan and Gorbals with some history of the area. His own experience as a Glaswegian was a real bonus. Honestly, his personal charm and general personality was very appealing to us on our first full day in Glasgow. His personality gave us an excellent impression of Glasgow and its residents.

Quality of Experience
Andy finding Geraldine to shed specific historical light on a church that was important to my grandmother’s family of origin.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It was all Andy and his research to find Geraldine Bird. There were no other drivers or guides.
Transport
Andy drove all the time except when we took the train Glasgow- Rutherglen which was a smart move.
Private transfer in town
Private transfer in town
Scotland

No problem other than the cycling race in Glasgow which blocked the street in front of our hotel. No way to avoid this — except the company could have texted us in advance.

Quality of Experience
Nice comment
Guides, Drivers and Staff
No comment
Transport
No comment
Thurso Walking Tour
Thurso Walking Tour
Thurso

Excellent walking tour guide. Very well informed. A good mix of straight history and local tales. Good sense of humor. Flexible. Willing to stop when we were hungry. Found a good place to eat. Passionate love for Caithness, which was contagious.

Quality of Experience
Knowledgeable guide with a genuine love for Caithness
Highlights of Caithness with Distillery Tour
Highlights of Caithness with Distillery Tour
Thurso

Angela was an excellent guide. She was so personable that we felt as if we had known her for a long time. Her love of Caithness was palpable. Having her respond to people who spoke to her as we toured made the experience feel so genuine. Angela was extremely tuned in to showing us what we wanted to see. I told Stephen I wanted to see Highland Cattle and she took us to her neighbors’ land where we could see them up close without crowds. She herself is a “wild swimmer” — meaning she swims in the cold sea by her home. She has relatives who surf near her home. It all felt so genuine. It’s hard to get this level of insight on vacation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Inverness

Excellent. Very informative guide with a deep knowledge of the Jacobite rebellion. She clearly separated myths from history for those of us who had some background information upon arrival. She was very pleasant and easy to listen to and follow. Seeing this site and realizing the impact of this battle that lasted less than an hour Had quite an impact on us.

Quality of Experience
Great guide.
Skye In A Day From Portree Visiting The Most Scenic Spots
Skye In A Day From Portree Visiting The Most Scenic Spots
Scotland

Fabulous experience. The guide is amazing. I could have listened to him for a week. He had a beautiful speaking voice and perfect delivery of history and tales. He also read his audience well. Gods use of traditional Scottish music to enhance the tour. Great opportunities to get out, walk, and experience Skye. Lovely lunch in a cafe in route. Bull, our guide was a consummate professional. I would recommend him without reservation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day guided on Mull and Iona with Duart Castle Included
Full day guided on Mull and Iona with Duart Castle Included
Scotland

The tour of Mull given by a former Mull high school teacher was good. It did not have the same thrill or love of the area that other tours had. The Mull tour did not include Castle Duart, which we did the day before in our own. Our host at Pennygate Lodge drive us there at no cost to us. As MacLean descendants, we lived the castle and we were thrilled to meet the current clan chief, Sir Lachlan MacLean. He was such a kind gentleman and interesting to talk with. The gift shop on site was the only place where I made purchases. Both my daughter and granddaughter have McLean as their middle names so this was especially interesting to me. We had a driver who drove us to the ferry to get to Iona. He was my least favorite driver. He was less informative, and his driving was too aggressive and made all 3 of us nervous.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver could have shared more local info. Driver could have been slower and less aggressive. Perhaps a guide on Iona Seoul’s have enhanced the experience.
Transport
More careful driving.
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Hi Kate

Thank you as well for the 5 star review.

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your attitude on our calls, before, during and after the trip! You were a real pleasure to work with as well, and I was so happy when you chose to do an extra bespoke day in Mull, with free-time and time spent charging your batteries.

Sincerely, do take care and stay in touch

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Enjoyed a memorable trip!
Scotland | Aug 9 - Aug 20, 2023

J
Janelle R.
College Station, TX | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2023
Planning the trip was smooth and The KimKim team responded to questions and a few glitches during our trip very quickly.
Gareth, our walking tour guide in Edinburgh was amazing—very knowledgeable, provided a lot of history and great info.
Steve Reddick, our safari guide in the Cairngorms National Park was wonderful. He took us to all of the habitats and we saw many birds and animals; we especially enjoyed Murdo, the Scottish cow. Steve was passionate about being a guide and protecting the...
Read more

Planning the trip was smooth and The KimKim team responded to questions and a few glitches during our trip very quickly.
Gareth, our walking tour guide in Edinburgh was amazing—very knowledgeable, provided a lot of history and great info.
Steve Reddick, our safari guide in the Cairngorms National Park was wonderful. He took us to all of the habitats and we saw many birds and animals; we especially enjoyed Murdo, the Scottish cow. Steve was passionate about being a guide and protecting the environment and even provided us with tea/coffee and delicious Scottish butter cookies.
Overall, it was a memorable trip and we enjoyed the various experiences and the majestic scenery of the Highlands.

Hotel Reviews
Destiny Scotland - Q Residence appartments
Edinburgh

Comfortable, spacious 2 bedroom apartment. An elevator would have been nice since our apartment was on the third floor, but we managed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the Royal Mile.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Atholl Villa Guest House
Pitlochry

A quaint Villa in the heart of Pitlochry.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

Please don’t advertise “free parking”. There was only 8 “free” parking spaces. Difficult to find any parking.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Receptionist was not very friendly when we arrived.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was warm and there was no A/C and no fan.
The Glencoe Inn
Ballachulish

A quaint Inn with comfortable rooms. It was warm and the staff provided a fan to help us sleep comfortably. The staff were friendly and very service oriented!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff were friendly and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Motel One Glasgow
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eden Locke
Edinburgh
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff were friendly and very accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
GreyFriars Hotel Inn
St Andrews
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private transfer in town
Private transfer in town
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Edinburgh

Gareth was amazing. He was very knowledgeable, provided a lot of history and great info.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
Quality of Experience
Private transfer from Hotel To Train station
Private transfer from Hotel To Train station
Scotland

The driver was very helpful and patient. It took awhile to get the car that we needed and he waited with us until everything was finalized.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
St Andrews walking tour of the famous Old Golf course
St Andrews walking tour of the famous Old Golf course
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Play Golf in St Andrews at either the Jubliee, Castle, Eden, New or Strathyrum courses
Play Golf in St Andrews at either the Jubliee, Castle, Eden, New or Strathyrum courses
St Andrews

We played the castle course which was the hardest of all the St. Andrew’s courses. It took 5 hours to play and we had to use a push cart. It was a beautiful course! Recommend reserving a cart, but not sure if any are available on this course.

Quality of Experience
Play at the Kittocks Course
Play at the Kittocks Course
St Andrews
Quality of Experience
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Pitlochry

Great guide and tasting at the end of the tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Scotland

Our guide, Steve Reddick, was amazing. Very knowledgeable and passionate. He took us to all of the habitats and we saw many birds and animals. He was a joy!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Steve Reddick was the best guide we had during our entire trip. His enthusiasm of the beautiful area was contagious and he loved showing us each of the habitats.
Transport
Very nice, comfortable and clean car.
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Scotland

Our guide was really just a taxi driver. He was very polite and courteous but he did not tell us about the area or provide insight or history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Provide a true guide, not just a driver.
Transport
Isle of Skye Whisky immersion at Torabhaig
Isle of Skye Whisky immersion at Torabhaig
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trips
Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trips
Mallaig

I expected the trip to be longer and see more. It basically was a quick trip to an area where we saw a few porpoises and supposedly a whale or two. The entire trip took less than 1 hour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide didn’t provide much info about the area.
Transport
Car was filthy, literally had to brush off crumbs and trash from the seats before we could get in.
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk
Quality of Experience
Visit the Kelpies
Visit the Kelpies
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Stirling

Our guide was knowledgeable but he wasn’t the individual who I believe was originally booked (he said he was asked to step in because the original person was not available). The tour lasted about an hour, much less than what was listed in the itinerary.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Hi Janelle Thank you for the great review of our work in Scotland. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of travelers like yourselves :) I love that you adored the Wildlife tour if the Highlands as I knew that was important to you. Yes! We have noted what you write about the glitches, and dispatched an email or two around the team. We're rectifying a couple of things, directly following your review. That's the whole point!... Read more

Hi Janelle

Thank you for the great review of our work in Scotland. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of travelers like yourselves :)

I love that you adored the Wildlife tour if the Highlands as I knew that was important to you. Yes!

We have noted what you write about the glitches, and dispatched an email or two around the team. We're rectifying a couple of things, directly following your review. That's the whole point!

Happy to know you liked the trip!

Regards & thanks
Stephen Molloy & the team at High Point Holidays

Ps - thank you for the photos showing the diverse range of trips & experiences

Luigi was great!! His expertise guided us thr...
Scotland | Aug 4 - Aug 9, 2023

Adri
Adri R.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2023

Luigi was great!! His expertise guided us through all the decisions of what we wanted to do and he had incredible patience with our very busy work schedule. He just kept on reminding us to make decisions and stayed patient with us. We really enjoyed working with him. He listened to our needs add to be loved the hotels that he booked. We were guided through the whole process, and he was very responsive with the two small hiccups that we did encounter.

Local specialist: Luigi Pasiani
Luigi
Luigi Pasiani
Local specialist in Edinburgh | Replied on Aug 17, 2023

Dear Adri,
We're thrilled to receive your glowing 5-star review of your recent vacation!
Your kind words warm our hearts and validate our dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences.

It was an absolute pleasure curating your journey, and we're overjoyed that it left such a positive impression.

Your satisfaction fuels our passion to continue delivering exceptional adventures.
Thank you for choosing us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for more extraordinary memories.

My family had a wonderful 2 week excursion in...
Scotland | Jul 22 - Aug 5, 2023

L
Lance B.
University Place, WA | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2023
My family had a wonderful 2 week excursion in Scotland with the help of Luigi. We had a once in a life time visit through some of the most amazing locations in Scotland. Not only did we see some of the very well know tourist attraction, but we also visited many of the local "off the beaten path" villages in Scotland. My family always enjoyed more nature oriented excursions rather than big city tours. With Luigi's help, our itinerary included shepherding, falconry, fishing on the Tweed,... Read more

My family had a wonderful 2 week excursion in Scotland with the help of Luigi. We had a once in a life time visit through some of the most amazing locations in Scotland. Not only did we see some of the very well know tourist attraction, but we also visited many of the local "off the beaten path" villages in Scotland. My family always enjoyed more nature oriented excursions rather than big city tours. With Luigi's help, our itinerary included shepherding, falconry, fishing on the Tweed, and lots of hiking.

From the start to the end of the planning process, Luigi was always informative, attentive and prompt. He listened and understood what we wanted for our vacation. There were over 50+ messages exchanges between us before the itinerary was finalized. one week before departure date, Luigi had a Zoom meeting with us to go through the entire itinerary in detail so we were clear on our vacation. Every morning of our vacation, we received a detailed email synopsis of our upcoming activities. The emails included fascinating historical details relevant to the site we would visit. My husband and I really appreciated his attention to details. Luigi made us feel like we were his only client and he was always available for us 24/7.

This is our 3rd international excursion with KimKim. We are so pleased that Luigi is there to help us navigate through our planning. We can't thank Luigi enough for everything he did.

Activity Reviews
Discover traditional herding
Discover traditional herding
Scotland

there is nothing like watching the close working relationship between a dog and the shepherd. We had the most amazing time with our host. After the demonstration, we got to play with all of the border collies for about an hour. Even my most apathetic teenager had a huge grin on his face.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Highland chocolate tasting experience.
Highland chocolate tasting experience.
Pitlochry

OMG...these were the most decadent chocolate I have ever had. Never knew chocolate could be that amazing!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Get passionate to Scottish history with an Historian
Get passionate to Scottish history with an Historian
Scotland

John and his partner certainly did not disappoint. We were suppose to have a 2 hour guided tour with John through Stirling Castle. But he has so much information to offer that the 2 hours turned quickly into 4 hours. If you are a history buff, John is the person for you.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
River Tweed Fly Fishing
River Tweed Fly Fishing
Scotland

Martin and Jamie were the most laid back guides. even though we did not catch anything, they were gracious hosts. we really enjoyed the beautiful and quiet location. We now can check off Tweed river on our list of top fishing locations.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Luigi Pasiani
Luigi
Luigi Pasiani
Local specialist in Edinburgh | Replied on Aug 14, 2023
Dear Linda and Family, A hearty cheers and a big virtual high-five to you for embarking on a fantastic journey with us! We're thrilled that you chose us to participate in your adventure. Your trust in us means the world, and we're over the moon to hear that you had a fantastic time. It's travellers like you who make what we do truly special.
We hope you've gathered unforgettable memories, soaked in new experiences, and found moments that'll bring you a smile for years.
Remember, our team... Read more

Dear Linda and Family,

A hearty cheers and a big virtual high-five to you for embarking on a fantastic journey with us! We're thrilled that you chose us to participate in your adventure.

Your trust in us means the world, and we're over the moon to hear that you had a fantastic time. It's travellers like you who make what we do truly special.
We hope you've gathered unforgettable memories, soaked in new experiences, and found moments that'll bring you a smile for years.

Remember, our team is like a trusty compass whenever you're ready for your next escapade.

Don't hesitate to reach out, whether it's for another thrilling expedition or just a friendly chat about your travels.

Safe journeys and countless more tales ahead!

Warmest regards.

L.

Visit Scotland…all of it :-)
Scotland | Aug 2 - Aug 10, 2023

Jason
Jason G.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Aug 12, 2023
Visit Scotland…all of it :-)
I actually worked primarily with Neil who did an outstanding job in my option. His team also included Eva and Jane who were both quite helpful also. I have to say that our trip was very detailed traveling to 6 different location with activities at each. So probably 15 or more reservations that had to be correct and highly coordinated for our trip to go off without a hitch. Neil and team nailed it. I highly recommend KimKim for your traveling needs. Nice job...
Read more

Visit Scotland…all of it :-)
I actually worked primarily with Neil who did an outstanding job in my option. His team also included Eva and Jane who were both quite helpful also. I have to say that our trip was very detailed traveling to 6 different location with activities at each. So probably 15 or more reservations that had to be correct and highly coordinated for our trip to go off without a hitch. Neil and team nailed it. I highly recommend KimKim for your traveling needs. Nice job Neil and Team. We thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Rufflets St Andrews
St. Andrews

Wonderful hotel and highly recommended for your visit to St. Andrews. Also, catch a meal there if you don’t feel like coordinating dinner. Included breakfast was also very good. Nice job Rufflets.

The Roseate (ex: The Dunstane Houses)
Edinburgh

Very nice hotel and the experience was overall very nice. Make sure that you confirm which room you are getting as we had a bit of a rough start with room selection but the staff squared it away for us. Also know that you are about a 20 minute walk from the Royal mile. As we didn’t mind walking this was not an issue for us.

Activity Reviews
St Andrews walking tour of the famous Old Golf course
St Andrews walking tour of the famous Old Golf course
Scotland

If you are serious about golf. This is a MUST do. Golf’s hallowed ground must be seen and toured. Our guide was exceptional, and I wish we remembered his name to share with you.

Private guided walk in Glencoe
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Scotland

David was our guide and did an amazing job here. Highly recommended

Play Golf in St Andrews at either the Jubliee, Castle, Eden, New or Strathyrum courses
Play Golf in St Andrews at either the Jubliee, Castle, Eden, New or Strathyrum courses
St Andrews

We played the Jubilee course. The experience was surreal to play on golf’s hallowed ground. If you are serious about golf…you MUST play here.

Blair Atholl Castle Entrance tickets
Blair Atholl Castle Entrance tickets
Pitlochry

This was our favorite castle experience. Blair is not like Sterling or Edinburgh castles. It is more of a plantation property. However, the furnishings and grounds are amazing. I our opinion, it is a must see location.

Local specialist: Eva Barisano

Great experience!
Scotland | Jul 11 - Jul 16, 2023

Nora
Nora M.
Somerville, MA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
I had a very positive experience booking through Kimkim and working with Luigi! He was very prompt in his responses, which was great given I was working in a time crunch and relatively last minute to book the trip. We were able to work together to put together and book a trip within a matter of days. Luigi was also very mindful of the needs of our party (couple in their 70s) in the activities he recommended and was regularly in touch once the trip started (e.g., to confirm transports, forward... Read more

I had a very positive experience booking through Kimkim and working with Luigi! He was very prompt in his responses, which was great given I was working in a time crunch and relatively last minute to book the trip. We were able to work together to put together and book a trip within a matter of days. Luigi was also very mindful of the needs of our party (couple in their 70s) in the activities he recommended and was regularly in touch once the trip started (e.g., to confirm transports, forward tickets to guides, etc.) He recommended a great tour guide as well! I definitely recommend working with Luigi! My only advice is to have a good sense of your priorities before booking, because while Luigi recommended some great hotels, a couple weren’t close to the activities our party wanted to do, so we opted for less fancy (though still great) hotels that were closer to our desired activities. To Luigi’s credit, he was happy to switch up the itinerary and include the hotels we ultimately wanted to go with. Enjoy your travels!

Local specialist: Luigi Pasiani
Luigi
Luigi Pasiani
Local specialist in Edinburgh | Replied on Jul 23, 2023

Dear Nora

I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your kind and positive review!

Your feedback means the world to us, and we are delighted that you had such a wonderful experience with us.

Your praise regarding our trip plan motivates us to strive for excellence and provide the best possible experience for our valued guests.

Thank you again for sharing your experience with others and for choosing us as part of your journey.
We hope to welcome you back soon and create even more magical moments together!

Warmest regards,
Luigi.

Family trip to London and Scotland
Scotland | Jun 18 - Jun 29, 2023

S
Susan M.
Richmond, CA | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023
Wonderful trip to London and Scotland. Stephen and I worked together to plan 3 days in London and 8 days in Scotland. He was very helpful in planning out a route for us that would cover highlights in Scotland, with a mix of city time and outdoor activities. He set up hikes and tours with several really great guides who helped us see places we would never have found on our own. There were a couple of communication glitches and overall I felt that the itinerary format was not the easiest to... Read more

Wonderful trip to London and Scotland. Stephen and I worked together to plan 3 days in London and 8 days in Scotland. He was very helpful in planning out a route for us that would cover highlights in Scotland, with a mix of city time and outdoor activities. He set up hikes and tours with several really great guides who helped us see places we would never have found on our own.

There were a couple of communication glitches and overall I felt that the itinerary format was not the easiest to work with. It left a couple of uncertainties although they were resolved and we ended up with all of the tickets and other information we needed.

Great trip that we could not have planned ourselves so we are grateful for all of Stephen's hard work!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel The Melita
London

We were in London during a heatwave and we knew there would not be air conditioning. The staff kindly provided us with a second fan, which was much appreciated. The room was quite small but we knew to expect that in such an expensive city. Very clean room and tasty breakfast pastries.

The Frederick House Hotel
Edinburgh

Beautiful spacious room and great location in New Town. Easy to walk to Old Town. The included breakfast at the restaurant across the street was fantastic- best of the trip. Very accommodating staff who helped us send our laundry out.

Atholl Villa Guest House
Pitlochry

Lovely room that looked up at Ben Vrackie. Very clean and comfortable and friendly owners. Loved the location; we could walk to dinner on the main street but not noisy at all.

The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

Comfortable room that looked out toward the harbor. Restaurants in town book up very quickly so we ate at the hotel one night and it was delicious. Much better than expected, especially for a hotel restaurant. There's a parking lot but you have to find out the details from the front desk; it's not obvious at all when you arrive. Excellent full breakfast included too.

The Stirling Highland Hotel
Stirling

Nightmare-- the room smelled strongly of cat urine or mold. The hotel said they were unable to move us due to being sold out; in addition, our room opened onto the car park where a car show was going on, meaning that we couldn't open the window to air out the room. I did write to the hotel when we got home and they said they would refund us, but haven't seen it yet.

Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private transfer to your accommodation. Then check-in or bag-drop
Private transfer to your accommodation. Then check-in or bag-drop
London

Eamon met us at baggage claim without any problem and gave us a great introduction to London. It was delightful to ride with him.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
London

We thought that this would be a good way to get an overview of London but our bus was stuck in traffic more than it was able to take us from site to site. Would skip it next time.

Private guided walk in Glencoe
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Scotland

Great hike back into the Hidden Valley. The hike in was a bit of a steep scramble in parts (more than I expected) but the route back was less difficult. Lots of beautiful scenery along the way.

Tower of London timed entry tickets
Tower of London timed entry tickets
London

Even though we had timed tickets for 10 am, we still had to wait about 30 minutes in line to enter. The line looked like it was getting even longer behind us so I would recommend tickets as early in the day as possible--very glad that Stephen got us morning tickets.

Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour
Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour
Edinburgh

Fascinating walking tour. I didn't catch the guide's name but she was great. Very knowledgable and informative with just the right level of history and other facts.

Dunnottar Castle Tickets
Dunnottar Castle Tickets
Scotland

An unexpected highlight! Beautiful and relatively uncrowded castle on the edge of the ocean. Well worth the drive.

Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Scotland

Wonderful tour with Safari Steve. He drove us in a very comfortable Land Rover to several habitats within the park. At each one, we saw birds and other animals that we never would have spotted on our own. Even though we are not "birders," it was delightful for all of us (including 2 teenage boys). One of our most enjoyable days.

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Hi Susan Thank you for taking the time write a detailed 5 star review. I love detailed comments that the custom trips we create are really great. We love being artisans in our work, and your trip' to explore England and Scotland was an incredible project to be part of. I love that you went to the Dunnottar and enjoyed coast of Aberdeenshire; We love taking folks off the beaten track and away from the overtouristy places. Aberdeenshire is perfect for this. We have noted what you said about... Read more

Hi Susan

Thank you for taking the time write a detailed 5 star review. I love detailed comments that the custom trips we create are really great.

We love being artisans in our work, and your trip' to explore England and Scotland was an incredible project to be part of. I love that you went to the Dunnottar and enjoyed coast of Aberdeenshire; We love taking folks off the beaten track and away from the overtouristy places. Aberdeenshire is perfect for this.

We have noted what you said about the hotel in Stirling and have removed it from the list of suppliers we use. i am sorry that it has degraded since our last visit.

Regards & thanks
Stephen Molloy & the team at High Point Holidays

Scotland scenery, history, and GOLF!!
Scotland | Jun 26 - Jul 14, 2023

Joseph
Joseph K.
Alexandria, MN | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2023
Planned an amazing trip where the days we played golf our wife’s had wonderful options. Hotels, tours, travel routes second to none. Communicated daily with us. If questions arose responded quickly, with knowledgeable answers. Hotels unbelievable. Suggested numerous local spots that gave you that local charm. Did an AMAZING job. We will use him again!! Read more

Planned an amazing trip where the days we played golf our wife’s had wonderful options. Hotels, tours, travel routes second to none. Communicated daily with us. If questions arose responded quickly, with knowledgeable answers. Hotels unbelievable. Suggested numerous local spots that gave you that local charm. Did an AMAZING job. We will use him again!!

Hotel Reviews
Royal Golf Hotel
Dornoch

Slightly dated. Can be noisy depending on room. No lift. Dining room BEAUTIFUL, overlooks golf course. Food amazing!!

Authenticity & Character
Old classy place!!
Location
Amazing. 50 ft to golf course!
Staff
Great staff, well welcoming and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean!!
Ness Walk
Inverness

Amazing place and amazing staff. Food unbelievable.

Authenticity & Character
On the river.
Location
Great place. Great staff.
Staff
5 star!! Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Immaculate
Atholl Palace Hotel
Pitlochry

Great place. Great bar entertainment!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rufflets St Andrews
St. Andrews

Beautiful place. Great staff. Amazing gardens.

Authenticity & Character
Location
If you like being in the country.
Staff
Great staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nevis Bank Inn
Fort William

Nice place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

Nice place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Parking can be a hassle.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hampton by Hilton Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh
Local specialist: Luigi Pasiani
Luigi
Luigi Pasiani
Local specialist in Edinburgh | Replied on Jul 16, 2023
Dear Joseph and Leo,
Thank you for your incredibly kind and positive review of your recent vacation experience with us.
Your praise and appreciation have brightened our day and reaffirmed our commitment to delivering exceptional service. We are thrilled that your well-organized vacation exceeded your expectations. Your satisfaction is our ultimate reward, and we take immense pride in creating memorable experiences. Your feedback motivates us to continue striving for excellence, and we... Read more

Dear Joseph and Leo,
Thank you for your incredibly kind and positive review of your recent vacation experience with us.

Your praise and appreciation have brightened our day and reaffirmed our commitment to delivering exceptional service.

We are thrilled that your well-organized vacation exceeded your expectations.

Your satisfaction is our ultimate reward, and we take immense pride in creating memorable experiences.

Your feedback motivates us to continue striving for excellence, and we will share your kind words with our dedicated team.

Thank you for choosing Kimkim as your vacation provider, and we hope to serve you again in the future.

Warmest regards.
L.

Summer highlights for the family
Scotland | Jun 4 - Jun 17, 2023

Alicia
Alicia T.
Singapore | Reviewed on Jul 03, 2023
Thanks to Stephen for your support, as we planned our family trip to London and Scotland this June, and incorporating our special requests where possible, including detours to Anfield Liverpool and Silverstone! Stephen and the Kimkim team supported us before and throughout the trip, in particular our further enquiries on local transport options for activities where we had to make our own way. With this, we MUST mention the Kimkim hotline - which came in really handy when we're faced with... Read more

Thanks to Stephen for your support, as we planned our family trip to London and Scotland this June, and incorporating our special requests where possible, including detours to Anfield Liverpool and Silverstone!

Stephen and the Kimkim team supported us before and throughout the trip, in particular our further enquiries on local transport options for activities where we had to make our own way. With this, we MUST mention the Kimkim hotline - which came in really handy when we're faced with issues during the trip, especially when the taxi sent to pick us up from the train station to Silverstone was too small to fit our family of 6 + luggage - It was a relief to hear Clement on the line, who got our issue resolved promptly with a replacement vehicle with minimal disruption to the planned itinerary.

The overall itinerary planned worked well for us, with perhaps the exception of The Highlands days - which were a bit rushed as there was quite a driving distance between destinations - so we may not have completed all activities as planned (rather back to back e.g. 3-4 hours morning hike at Ben Vrackie, followed by Dunnother Castle at 1.30pm). Nevertheless, the Highlands is beautiful and a must-see, where you can and fit!

Once again, thanks for the precious memories made for our family this Summer! Special highlights for us goes to the Edinburgh boathouse, Cairngorms with Safari Steve, Culag woods near Inver Loch, Lost valley hike in Glencoe and Caledonian sleeper!

Hotel Reviews
Boathotel 4 Sisters
Edinburgh, Lothian,

Love The Camillia we called home in Edinburgh - The boat was really a very special experience with lotsa comfort and space for everyone in the family (2 adults + 4 teenagers). Centrally located and convenient - Boat was easy to find within a 10 min bus ride from Waverley Station and just a minute walk from bus stop. Tesco express round the corner (2mins), walking distance to Edinburgh old town and nearby eateries. We'd recommend this unique experience

Authenticity & Character
Unique experience to live on a boathouse!
Location
Centrally located and convenient - Boat was easy to find within a 10 min bus ride from Waverley Station and just a minute walk from bus stop. Tesco express round the corner (2mins), walking distance to Edinburgh old town and nearby eateries.
Staff
Skipper Natalie was very helpful getting us settled down and shared the surrounding amenities, f&b too
Cleanliness & Comfort
Caledonian Sleeper Train Cabin
Edinburgh

Cabin is compact with all we needed in a airconditioned cabin, including the inroom shower up to breakfast before checking out.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kingshouse Hotel
Gelncoe

Beautiful hotel, with great restaurant. Room was very hot and uncomfortable during our stay this summer - Very warm and stuffy inside the room with only 1 fan, and we're unable to open the windows for cooler air (as we noted summer midges from hotel signages). While this was largely due to weather conditions, we'd suggest the hotel to anticipate and provide support for added comfort during such times. Otherwise, it'd definitely dampen the overall holiday vibes and mood at the Scottish highlands.

Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was very hot and uncomfortable during our stay this summer - Very warm and stuffy inside the room with only 1 fan, and we're unable to open the windows for cooler air (as we noted summer midges from hotel signages). While this was largely due to weather conditions, we'd suggest the hotel to anticipate and provide support for added comfort during such times. Otherwise, it'd definitely dampen the overall holiday vibes and mood at the Scottish highlands.
Blackhouse 1 or Blackhouse 2
Sligachan

Beautiful and cosy house - a very pleasant surprise as we arrived, with all that we needed in a home away from home - Clean, spacious, cosy deco for chilling out together, beautiful views with fireplace, fully functional kitchen etc - Would really be perfect for the Winter we believe! BUT, it turned out really uncomfortable during our stay this summer - Very warm and stuffy inside the house with only 1 fan, and we're unable to open the windows for cooler air. Some summer midges made their way into the house too, so it was not pleasant and couldn't sleep well. While weather conditions are not within control, it'd definitely help if there was more fans, portable airconditioner made available. Equally important would be messages for guests on midges precautions. Otherwise, it'd really dampen the overall holiday vibes and mood at the Scottish highlands.

Atholl Villa Guest House
Pitlochry

Very cosy stay, with family B&B feel and breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inver Lodge
Scotland

Beautiful lodge in a quaint little town. Comfortable stay with beautiful lake view.

The Anfield Hotel
Liverpool

Hotel looks recently renovated with functional room - good enough if you're here to catch at match at Anfield Stadium (5 mins walk away). Surroundings look quiet with very few people around and not many shops opened when we were there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Residence Inn by Marriott London Tower Bridge
London

2br apartment functional for our family.

Activity Reviews
Visit Silverstone
Towcester

A detour from the regular tour itinerary but well worth it for the F1 fans.

Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Inverness

Not too eventful other than some random snaps of Loch Ness. Explanation of Lochness/ Monster on board was muffled too...

Dunnottar Castle Tickets
Dunnottar Castle Tickets
Scotland

Beautiful castle

Visit  Anfield Football Stadium in Liverpool
Visit Anfield Football Stadium in Liverpool
Liverpool

Bucket list ticked for the Liverpool fans! Truly amazing experience at Anfield! YNWA!!

Quality of Experience
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk

Beautiful engineering piece. Loved the lighted tunnel at the top!

Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Scotland

Wildlife watching with Safari Steve was great experience, through his lenses, passion, sights and sounds. Something special for city folks like us!

The Caledonian Sleeper (Scotland Version)
The Caledonian Sleeper (Scotland Version)
Scotland

Cabin is compact with all we needed in a airconditioned cabin, including the inroom shower up to breakfast before checking out.

Quality of Experience
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Scotland

9.5km hike in the lost valley, glad for the clear blue skies and cool morning breeze

Private tour of the Cotswolds, Bath and Stonehenge from London
Private tour of the Cotswolds, Bath and Stonehenge from London
London

Checked out the mysterious stonehenge with Wills, our very knowledgeable and insightful guide!

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Hi Alicia I loved working with you as well. It was THE trip that stuck in my mind from this summer. Thank you for the 5 star review for this intensive family trip around the UK. I loved receiving news as you traveled, checked in, chatted with guides and sent me photos! You were a large family, and the logistics were not always easy. I love to know that our adventures in the Highlands and to bucket list destinations are really really appreciated! Sorry to hear that Scotland was too... Read more

Hi Alicia

I loved working with you as well. It was THE trip that stuck in my mind from this summer.

Thank you for the 5 star review for this intensive family trip around the UK. I loved receiving news as you traveled, checked in, chatted with guides and sent me photos! You were a large family, and the logistics were not always easy.

I love to know that our adventures in the Highlands and to bucket list destinations are really really appreciated!

Sorry to hear that Scotland was too warm for you this year and this caused concerns. We'll take note for next summer...

It was are a real pleasure to work with you (calls!) as well and I wish I had such interesting travelers to work with every time. We could zoom to talk about next year if you like Alicia?

Happy to know you liked the loop we organized!

Regards & thanks
Stephen Molloy & the team at High Point Holidays

PS -your photos are making me jealous

We had a dream Scotland vacation thanks to the kimkim experts!
Scotland | Jun 12 - Jun 24, 2023

Tiffiny
Tiffiny P.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2023
My husband and I had a wonderful Scotland experience thanks to kimkim! It was our first time to Europe so planning a two week excursion myself was daunting. I sent an explanation of what type of things we wanted to do and see and William curated a whole trip just for us! The communication was great and I was able to request adjustments and discussed ways to bring the cost closer to our budget. Then once it was all set up, Marion answered any questions we had prior to the trip. The... Read more

My husband and I had a wonderful Scotland experience thanks to kimkim! It was our first time to Europe so planning a two week excursion myself was daunting. I sent an explanation of what type of things we wanted to do and see and William curated a whole trip just for us!

The communication was great and I was able to request adjustments and discussed ways to bring the cost closer to our budget.

Then once it was all set up, Marion answered any questions we had prior to the trip. The digital Roadbook they provide is great. It charts out not only the details of the trip but also provides confirmation numbers for each of the bookings and contact numbers for the business. It also outlines the story of where you are visiting. It gives tips and suggestions of what else you can see and do in the area!

There were only a couple of changes along the way, not kimkim's fault but the hotel's challenges, and Marion let us know and instructed on what the alternates were. Any time we had questions or if there were any issues, Marion was there to help us through so we could enjoy our vacation without having to worry about replanning or adjustments!

We are so happy with the locations, accomodations and day tours that were planned out for us. There are so many tourist attractions and since we had never been there before, it was hard to know what is worth going to see and do. William did a fantastic job of matching our style of local and active, plus our love of Outlander, to the selected accommodations and tours.

Prior to booking with kimkim I had read some complaints about the cost of kimkim when the same trip could have been booked for much cheaper yourself. This is true...but the point is...through this service you don't to have to do any of that yourself. You are paying for someone else to do it all for you. I did not have the time to reasearch everything and I didn't have the knowledge to pick locations and accommodations that I can be confident would be worth our time and money. Plus you don't have to deal with the potential stress of having to make changes while on your trip or feeling like you lost time with lame bookings that didn't live up to the marketing.

Through using the kimkim service, with William and Marion that were experts on Scotland, we ended up with a well planned trip with fantastic guides, experiences and locations that we will remember for a lifetime.

Hotel Reviews
Invercloy Guest House
Oban

The host of this accommodation was so welcoming and friendly! The location and view from the room was wonderful. It was walking distance to shopping and some cool attractions. I would absolutely stay here again!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel du Vin
Glasgow

My husband and I are not usually ones to pay a lot for our accommodations because we are rarely there. We just need a clean place to sleep. However staying in this hotel for a night was a treat. The building is absolutely breathtaking and has an old world feel. So classy. The room had everything we needed and was beautiful and comfortable. Rumour has it that Elton John had stayed there. :-)

Authenticity & Character
Location
It is a bit out of the way, but worth it.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Atholl Villa Guest House
Pitlochry

This is a small local feeling B&B. The staff were so friendly and the breakfast was delicious. It was a cozy location where you can't help but meet and chat with other guests. The location is perfectly close to downtown and parks and attractions such as the distillery.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Marion Passelegue
Marion
Marion Passelegue
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Jul 20, 2023

Dear Tiffiny,
Thank you very much for your extended review! William and I took great pleasure in building this tailor made trip to Scotland. We wanted to make sure that you would have both active experiences with the paddleboarding in Glencoe and cultural discoveries with some private guided tour in Skye or at the Culloden Battlefield. We hope that you had a great time and that you enjoyed the warm welcome of scots !
We hope to help you plan your next trip,
Best regards,
Marion

Great trip around Scotland visiting Edinburgh and the highlands
Scotland | Jun 12 - Jun 23, 2023

S
Sonja M.
Broomfield, CO | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2023

Great trip around Scotland visiting Edinburgh and the highlands. Marion was great helping us pick locations and perfect lodging.
We had a few questions regarding the rental car and Marion was quick to address and resolve.
It was all beautiful, but we truly loved the Isle of Skye and Edinbane.

Local specialist: Marion Passelegue
Marion
Marion Passelegue
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Jun 28, 2023

Thanks so much Sonja for your review. I really enjoyed putting together this tailor-made around Scottish whisky and golf!

Superb & Scenic Scotland!
Scotland | Jun 3 - Jun 10, 2023

Jessica
Jessica S.
Germany | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2023
Thanks to Kimkim we were able to experience yet another amazing vacation! Taking us through the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland, this trip left nothing to be desired! We were able to enjoy every minute of it and are already reminiscing of our great hiking trip on the West Highland Way. We booked a roundtrip through the Scottish Highlands and were assigned Stephen as our local travel specialist from the High Point Holiday Team. He customized our trip and included all our special requests... Read more

Thanks to Kimkim we were able to experience yet another amazing vacation! Taking us through the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland, this trip left nothing to be desired! We were able to enjoy every minute of it and are already reminiscing of our great hiking trip on the West Highland Way.

We booked a roundtrip through the Scottish Highlands and were assigned Stephen as our local travel specialist from the High Point Holiday Team. He customized our trip and included all our special requests such as visting the Isle of Skye, taking the Jacobite train and including some cultural activities (e.g. visit Culloden battlefield).

Hiking the West Highland Way was our highlight and gave us the long desired opportunity to really experience the Scottish wilderness and raw beauty.

The accomodations along our journey were very well chosen and also included a brand new hotel, with cute little eco pods, spa facilities and delicious dining options (The Bracken Hide)!

The local travel agency "High Point Holidays" was very responsive and helpful, especially in assisting us in altering some of our travel plans due to a missed flight connection. Here, the emergency number they provided us with turned out to be of crucial help more than once! Moreover, they definitely managed to sweeten our journey along the West Highland Way by providing a great roadbook, a personal hand-written message and a little customized gift. A thoughtful gesture that made us feel very welcome in Scotland.

The Isle of Skye day tour seemed a bit rushed and touristy, leaving us almost little to no time to explore certain places (e.g. 20 minutes at Dunvegan Castle, only a quick pit stop at the Talisker distillery). Thus, we got to see plenty of nice spots, yet, we personally would have prefered to visit less places in order to be able to walk around and have more time to take it all in. The tour advertised whisky tasting and local hikes, but gave us no chance to actually do these activities. Nonetheless, the Isle of Skye was a beautiful place and definitely an absolute must-see!

Our specialist Stephen was very helpful in organizing this amazing trip and always showed interest in our well-being by checking in with us multiple times throughout our journey. A minor point of critizism would be the slight lack of responsiveness to the questions we asked prior to our travel departure. We did make use of the KIMKIM platform by commenting on specific details of the trip plan and posting some questions below the descriptions but often did not receive any answers to those questions. Stephen did, however, initiate a final call to ensure that we were sufficiently prepared for our journey. Worth mentioning is also that all members of the travel team seemed to really care about the successful conclusion of our trip. We very much appreciated this personal touch to our journey and would like to thank Stephen and the team once again for making it such a memorable trip!

All in all this is a travel itinerary that we can highly recommend.
Warmest Regards,

Marc, Nelly & Jessy

Hotel Reviews
Bridge of Orchy Hotel
Bridge of Orchy
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Very helpful and responsive. Ramona deserves a special thanks for helping us with some special requests made due to our late arrival (after midnight)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kings House Way Inn
Glencoe

Definitely book way in advance to secure a spot in the hotel. The bunkhouse is very rustique and does not offer the same level of comfort some may seek after a long day on the WHW.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bunkhouse was quite hot & smelly. No one told us that we could borrow some towels. The quality of breakfast was not very good and badly organized: Coffee machine needed to be fixed in the morning. Toaster was only brought after asking for it for several times. Only jam was offered but no cheese, no yoghurt, no scrambled eggs or fruit - so no healthy options. The crew was friendly but incredibly slow.
MacDonald Hotel and Cabins
Kinlochleven

The manager was really friendly and helpful! Breakfast was also really good. Might be good to have some additional healthy options, like fruit. Facilities were nice and clean.

Authenticity & Character
The Bothy Bar is a truely iconic place.....
Location
Very close to the WHW; Nice view from the restaurant!
Staff
They failed to consider dietary requirements for the lunch package. The sandwiches were soggy and inedible
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison
Fort William
Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the Loch. Plenty of shops and restaurant nearby
Staff
Didn't feel very welcome here. The woman at the reception barely noticed us. During breakfast the crew wasn't very helpful either (e.g. did not notice us or offered us a seat)
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Bracken Hide
Portree

Some ongoing constructions. Tools and nails on the floors of the spa area. Pretty dangerous and also unprofessional

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Restaurant is overpriced and the staff is really young and inexperienced.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Inverness

The privat tour with our very experienced guide Rhona was a special highlight for us. She really was able to vividly describe the battle of Culloden and patiently answered the many questions we had. She definitely knew all the true and untrue tales and stories about what had happened on this historic field and impressed us with her knowledge of the gaelic language. We highly recommend this tour and especially Rhona as a guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Experience the best of Isle of Skye from Portree - day tour
Experience the best of Isle of Skye from Portree - day tour
Portree

The tour was an overall nice experience and offered many beautiful sights such as Neist Point, the Fairy Pools, Fairy Glenn and particularly the Quiraing-formation as well as the notorious Old man of Storr. However, the driver Martin seemed quite rushed and on a very thight schedule, which led to interesting driving manoevers as well as some hasty visits without the necessary time to really appreciate places. The "visit" at Dunvegan Castle for example was meant to be a lunch-break or gift-shop-consumption-stop instead of an opportunity to explore the castle - which we actually did not see at all! The tour was advertised as a "guided tour" which was somewhat misleading, as the guidance offered was merely the drive-around! Martin was friendly and did his best in offering some explanation, but those turned out to be more anecdotal. Personally, we would choose quality over quantity.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Less "Need for speed", more time at scenic places such as Neist point
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Jun 26, 2023

Thanks so much Jessica for your review of this high-end hike in Scotland. It was a pleasure looking after you!

Scotland was an excellent adventure!
Scotland | May 6 - May 21, 2023

Frank
Frank L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 24, 2023

Scotland was an excellent adventure, that was not on my radar. Kim Kim soothed the rough edges, and made our visit a memorable experience.
Parking was an issue twice, due to major concerts near our accommodations. The last required turning in our rental car a day early, just because of the parking issue in Edinburgh.

Local specialist: William Armstrong
William
William Armstrong
Local specialist in UK | Replied on Jun 26, 2023

Thanks for this review Frank. We appreciate your detailed feedback!

Luigi was responsive, nice, organized, patien...
Scotland | May 16 - May 27, 2023

E
Elizabeth C.
Salida, CO | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2023

Luigi was responsive, nice, organized, patient and well-informed. Thanks for hooking us up with such a great local expert.

Local specialist: Luigi Pasiani
Luigi
Luigi Pasiani
Local specialist in Edinburgh | Replied on Jun 23, 2023
Dear Elizabeth, I sincerely appreciate your positive travel review and your choosing my trip plan. The differences among travellers continue to fascinate us. Your unique background and perspectives enriched your travel experience. I curated your itinerary with these differences in mind, ensuring it aligned with your preferences. I understand that each traveller seeks distinct experiences, and I aimed to provide a fulfilling journey that celebrates individuality. Sometimes, travel... Read more

Dear Elizabeth,

I sincerely appreciate your positive travel review and your choosing my trip plan.

The differences among travellers continue to fascinate us.

Your unique background and perspectives enriched your travel experience.

I curated your itinerary with these differences in mind, ensuring it aligned with your preferences.

I understand that each traveller seeks distinct experiences, and I aimed to provide a fulfilling journey that celebrates individuality.

Sometimes, travel has the power to bridge sociological gaps, fostering understanding and unity.

Your presence contributed to the diverse tapestry of global travel experiences.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of your engaging adventure.

Thank you for entrusting us with your travel plans.

Warm regards,
Luigi.

Glascow, Oban and Fort William, Scotland
Scotland | Jun 8 - Jun 14, 2023

Nadine
Nadine B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023
We enjoyed our trip to Scotland very much. Jane found lovely hotels for us and recommended the train between Glascow and Oban and then Fort William which was a lovely ride. Our experience with Jane and the High Pointe travel team was excellent. Would highly recommend! Read more

We enjoyed our trip to Scotland very much. Jane found lovely hotels for us and recommended the train between Glascow and Oban and then Fort William which was a lovely ride. Our experience with Jane and the High Pointe travel team was excellent. Would highly recommend!

Activity Reviews
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban

We really enjoyed this tour. Mary, our tour guide was knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening cruise on Loch Linnhe
Evening cruise on Loch Linnhe
Fort William

Very nice cruise along Lake Linnhe. although The weather was spotty with rain there was seating inside and we we were able to still see the beauty and hear the captain speak about the scenic surroundings

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jane Davey
Jane
Jane Davey
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Jun 15, 2023

Thank you for taking the time to review your wonderful trip to Scotland. It was a pleasure to work with you both and spend time chatting and crafting your trip. Feedback is important to us and a team and we appreciate your time. On behalf of myself, Flore (roadbook production assistant) and 'The Team', we hope to see you again soon.