Anita Matijasevic

This is not the first time we have worked with KimKim. Our introduction was a trip to Japan. One word FANTASTIC!

This time with Italy, it was a dream trip. Anita and her team provided us with white glove service from the time our plane landed in Italy until we were delivered back to the airport. The planed day trips with local guides introduced us to experiences we would not have had if we tried to do it on our own.
We were even able to add a day trip to Switzerland that only added to our experience.

Thank you Anita and team

Activity Reviews

Como Food Tour & Farmers Market

Italy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bellagio E-Bike Experience & Food tasting

Italy

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Milan Fashion Guide Experience

Italy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lake Como Boat Experience

Italy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My husband and I have been travelling together since 1967 and have travelled all over the world. Usually we traveled independently and I booked everything myself; even when there was no internet. However, as we have aged and are disabled we recognized the need for a private tour. I was amazed at how Anita, our local travel specialist, listened to our needs. She understood our needs and she came through with a fabulous trip that went off without a hitch. All our hotels were small boutique hotels(3-5 stars) near many restaurants so that we could access them ourselves for dinner. All hotels had elevators or were ground level. The ones in the old city centres had some old world charm but had beautiful modern bathrooms, comfortable beds and were fairly large for European hotels. I got to approve them before we finished the trip planning.
As my husband and I can't walk more than 200 metres, Anita arranged private drivers and private guides for all our site seeing and city transfers. All the cars were luxury Mercedes. All the drivers were well dressed and exceedingly polite and helpful. We had lots of interesting and fun discussions with them on long drives but that was our choice. We enjoyed talking with Luca from Palermo to Agrigento and with Stephano who took us to Modica. Piero who took care of us in Taormina was superb, a real professional. He added a lot to our trips to Mount Etna.
Our tours were all sensitive to our capabilities and our likes and dislikes. The highlights were the cooking classes outside Palermo and in Ortigia. The chefs were very knowledgeable and we had a fun time and wonderful food that we actually made! The best site seeing was at the Cathedral in Monreale and the Roman Villa Del Casale in Piazza Armerina.
The most disappointing plans were the Ape Calessino rides in Ortigia and Taormina. We thought they would be able to go in areas that cars were not allowed, but it turned out that was not the case. They were fun and unique to ride in but did not fulfil our purpose which was to go to pedestrianized areas without having to walk.
The Trip Plans app was great. We always knew who was coming to pick us up, their name and phone number and we were able to easily communicate through WhatsApp. I highly recommend KimKim and Espiritu for excellent service. Thank you for a very memorable trip.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Casa Adele

Taormina

The room we had was very large with many windows. We had a king-size bed that was very comfortable. Our room had a very large private outdoor furnished terrace with a wonderful view. The bathroom was beautiful and very modern. There was a private garage which our drivers could pull into. This was very helpful as the street was very narrow with lots of traffic. There were many good restaurants in close proximity. The managers were very helpful and provided us with a shower seat upon request. They also had a cane to loan us. My only criticism would be to get a smart TV that we could either use Mirroring or something that would allow guests to sign into Netflix.

Authenticity & Character

The room decor was elegant

Location

Close to restaurants and pedestrianized shopping street

Staff

They were always happy to help. The breakfast staff was also very cheerful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

If you don't get the room with the private terrace there is another rooftop terrace for everyone to enjoy.

Doric Boutique Hotel

Agrigento

This hotel is world class. The grounds were exquiste. The view of the Temples and the sea were extraordinary. The restaurant had an interesting menu. The room itself was small, but attached to the room is a private plunge pool so it is hard to complain. The staff was very happy to pick us up in golf carts if we found it too long a walk. There is nothing nearby so you have to eat at the restaurant or take a cab elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character

Modern hotel focusing on being sensitive to the environment.

Location

Amazing for the view and the gardens. Not so good if you want to be independent.

Staff

Friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Prepare to be wowed.

Activity Reviews

Private guided visit of the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina

Italy

Without the private guide we would not have truly appreciated this site. We have seen mosaics in other places but this villa was so impressive. Each mosaic told a different story and our guide explained them all to us and put them in context for the time. She pointed out many details that we would never have noticed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sicilian Bread and Pizza in a Rustic Farmhouse

Italy

This was different than originally planned due to our abilities. We did not go to the Rustic Farmhouse but stayed in Ortigia. We had a snack at the market and then went through the food part of the market with the Chef, Allissia. Then she sent us back to her town villa via Velocar and we cooked and ate there. She was delightful and very knowledgeable. It was amazing how much we cooked in a short period of time. We couldn't eat all the food!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit to the Old Family Oil Mill

Italy

This was one of the highlights of the trip. We actually made cannellonis including the shells and filling. My husband is lactose intollerant and Carlo had lactose free ricotta cheese and also lactose free buffalo mozzerella for his lunch. I was able to take the walk through his farm garden but unfortunately it was too difficult for my husband . there was another couple there and we had a lot of fun with them. We made pasta as well and then we had a magnificent lunch. Carlo was a good teacher and has a beautiful home and setting for this experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I must say this has been the most enjoyable trips ever taken the KikKim team was fabulous. From the very start of the process Anita was so helpful. Listening to what I wanted my trip to look like. Within a couple days of me submitting my profile I had a custom itinerary put together that fit my request to a T. Anita worked with me all the way thru the process including the days we were on the ground. The accommodations were top notch and the tour selections were fabulous. Not overwhelming but just enough to keep us busy. The local tour guides were top notch and very knowledgeable. All of our transportation to and from airports were great. Picked up in Black Mercedes cars or vans and the drivers were always professional.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel España Ramblas

Barcelona

The hotels was great. Very clean well appointed and perfect location. Walking distance to all the city events and attraction but enough off the main setting in a quiet neighborhood. The staff was wonderful

Authenticity & Character

Well appointed and yet quaint with a little flare

Location

Close to everything but secluded enough to have personal quiet appeal

Staff

Supper helpful in all respects. They were all kind and professional always had smiles

Cleanliness & Comfort

Perfect.

Hotel Meninas

Madrid

The place was awesome. The character and location was great. Close enough to everything but in a quiet quaint area of town. Well appointed

Authenticity & Character

Very well appointed while keeping its authentic appeal

Location

A little off the beaten path which was perfect. Everything in walking distance

Staff

Everyone was super helpful and friendly. Very professional and knowledgeable about the area

Cleanliness & Comfort

H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel

Sevilla

H10 hotels were my favorite on our entire trips. Always well appointed and very clean and well set up. The moment you walk in you know you are in good hands. The staff was very welcoming from check in throughout our entire stay

Authenticity & Character

Was fabulously furnished and designed but kept the original character

Location

Best ever. Close enough but yet still in quaint neighborhoods.

Staff

Couldn't be better. All were super helpful and profession and always with a smile

Cleanliness & Comfort

Aparthotel Trianon Borgo Pio

It was nice to have a little apartment feel. The location was great with everything in walking distance. The staff was super helpful and gave great recommendations all through our stay.

Authenticity & Character

The

Location

Great. Walking distance to everything

Staff

It was well appointed but kept some originality

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean

Hotel Florida 3* Sorrento

Sorrento

Everything was ok with this place. Very minimalistic but had enough that met our needs. A little far from the center of town. We walked there about a 20 minute walk but usually had to get a cab at the end of a long day. And typical cost was 20 Euro for A 5 minute ride. But the walk to town was beautiful and the flowers were awesome.

Authenticity & Character

Pretty simple design well appointed

Location

A bit far from town

Staff

They were friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean

Activity Reviews

Tapas Walk in Barcelona

Barcelona

This was an Amazing start to our trip. The guide was so fun and energetic. He truly enjoyed his job and went out of his way to make sure everyone was included. He selected local cuisine and challenged us to try new things

Quality of Experience

Well thought out and had a personal touch

Food

All food was authentic and spot on

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Super knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Went out of his way to make things perfect

Transport

Was a walking tour.

Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

Absolutely perfect. Although it was a self guided tour or driver Teo was very knowledgeable and described everything that we needed to do and see and took us to the right vantage and gave us great eating recommendations. He even shared his Spanish Spotify play list with me

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Coastal Hike, Kayaking & Lagoon Dipping in Costa Brava

Spain

No review. Trip cancelled do to weather

we had an excellent experience working with anita and all the kimkim staff! everyone was helpful, responsive and accommodating. well done!

a few items:

-while the process of developing the itinerary was initially difficult for me -because of the way communication is imbedded in the developing itinerary- anita was willing to accommodate me and work around it with direct contact via phone and email. thank you, anita! the app proved to be a very useful tool during the trip, providing up to date changes, quick contact and quick responses. what a great idea!

our trip went smoothly for the most part.

the guides were quite knowledgeable; some were extremely personable and fun. while all kindly accommodated the visually impaired member of our group, massimo stands out as having gone above and beyond. he was extremely helpful and caring. vito and donato also went out of their way to accommodate his needs; the ape calessino was a lifesaver in both matera and ostuni. all the guides were in contact in advance of our scheduled meeting time and were prompt in meeting us. the driver you hired at the last minute for the driving tour of naples proved to be as knowledgeable as any guide would have been; indeed, he actually was a guide. all well done!

all drivers were professional and helpful; in rome and naples, we were quite glad that they were driving and not us. again, each was in touch with us in advance of our meeting time and accommodated any travel delays cheerfully. this was especially true of vito and donato. the driver for our transfer to the rental car pickup at the naples airport was not informed of the correct pickup time. this delayed our arrival in matera, but vito and donato kindly waited for what was a substantial amount of time and cheerfully toured us anyway. we did regret that the driver assigned to pick us up in rome on arrival from munich did not learn of the delay until after he had already gone to the airport. i hope he was properly compensated.

each of the hotels stood out in different ways, but all of them were beautiful and comfortable and the staff professional and accommodating. however, the following were issues for our visually impaired friend:
-is it true that grab bars are only required in new construction in the eu? it was difficult for our friend without such accommodation. this might be wise to share with others who may be anticipating accommodations we take for granted in the united states.
-at the cenobia in matera, the staff was quite helpful and very nice, especially samir and mario, but the location was dangerously challenging. the hotel was at the bottom of several very long flights of exterior steps (no hand rails, of course). add in the rain and it was a difficult, dangerous situation for our friend. even the room assignment was problematic given the exterior steps by which it is accessed. it was fortunate the hotel was empty because it allowed management to change his room to one that had fewer steps to reach it (all entrances were exterior). as it was, it took several people to help him navigate all these steps, in the dark and the rain. he did not go to breakfast because of the rain and steps. while the hotel was beautiful and the staff wonderful, this was a bad choice for our circumstances, and could have had disastrous consequences for our friend. there is nothing on the website to alert to the steps. a heads up for other travelers is indicated.

-the same situation with steps occurred at masseria montenapoleone, on a smaller scale. again, it was fortunate that because so few people were there, management was able to reassign him to a room that was less of a challenge.

-the donna camilla was stunning. we arrived quite late after our flight from brindisi and did not see any restaurants nearby so we were quite happy it had a restaurant, a good one. however, as you know, because of our early departure, we couldn't eat at the hotel in the morning. in retrospect, we would have preferred a credit on the room since the breakfast the hotel provided was sparse and more snack-like than anything.

-because we arrived late to the donna camilla and went immediately to dinner, it wasn't until afterwards that we discovered the room our friend received had only a tub -no shower- a serious oversight and miscommunication with the hotel.

that our friend was not accommodated in several circumstances, as requested from the outset, is the only negative in what was otherwise a wonderful trip.

anita, it was a pleasure working with you…you were accommodating, quick to reply and thoughtful in your suggestions. Your colleagues we interacted with via the app were quite helpful as well. if you would like to discuss any of my comments, please feel free to contact me.

Anita planned us an excellent trip in Spain. She saved us hours of planning time and eased the stress of travel days with thoughtful instructions. We particularly liked the H10 hotel in Seville, and had fabulous tour guides in all of the cities we visited. Barcelona was our favorite, and Anna, our guide to Sagrada Familia was a particular treat.

Absolutely beside myself at how well-planned our trip to Italy was. Anita and her team did such an incredible job taking our vision and making it much more than we could have imagined. I feel like we took such a unique trip that we will be reminiscing about for the rest of our lives. Everything from the off-the-beaten-path tours to the smooth and professional drivers and transfers...we were blown away at the experience. Thanks so much!

Hotel Reviews

Sorrento City Hotel

Sorrento

Great location and attentive staff. The breakfast had wonderful variety and felt very homey.

Authenticity & Character

Small but well thought out. Not the coziest hotel I've ever been to, but gets the job done well.

Location

Right on the main street of Sorrento. Very easily walkable and lively.

Staff

Kind staff. Breakfast attendants were very warm.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pietra Campana Italian Villa

Orvieto

Cannot give this villa enough praise. The location is absolutely breath-taking. The service and warmth of the staff was so wonderful. The spaciousness of the room was also wonderful. Highly recommend!!

Authenticity & Character

I felt like I was staying with a family member in the Italian countryside.

Location

Unbelievable panoramic views of Orvieto, while still being a very short drive from the city.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Maison du Sage

Florence

What a cool, unique guest house in such a fun part of town!

Authenticity & Character

The art deco decor was so cool while still giving a very cozy environment.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and super comfortable. The couch/daybed was an amazing touch. We loved!

Activity Review

Private Full Day Amalfi Experience

Italy

It rained the whole day but we made the most of it. Was really fun to travel the Amalfi Coast during off-season. If there's any way to request Giuseppe as your driver/guide, you MUST!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Giuseppe was top notch!

Transport