Profile photo for Emerson Siimer
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active 16 hours ago

Emerson Siimer

Hello, I'm Emerson, a travel specialist. Originally from Tartu, Estonia, I've had the privilege of calling Australia and New Zealand my home.

With a master's degree in nature-based tourism, I'm passionate about responsible travel. I've shared my love for nature through wild food workshops, guided hiking expeditions, and assisting fellow travelers.

My favorite part of the world is North Finland, where I've experienced the magic of snowboarding, hiking, husky sledding, reindeer encounters, and thrilling snowmobile adventures.

I'm here to craft unforgettable travel experiences that blend adventure, nature, food and culture. Let's embark on incredible journeys and create lasting memories together.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Baltic states and Finland. Food, adventure, nature and culture."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My travel journey began at the age of 17 with a thrilling hitchhiking adventure across Europe, setting the stage for a lifetime of exploration. I've since explored diverse destinations, from Europe to South Africa, Japan, Iran, and Southeast Asia, enriching my understanding of the world's cultures and landscapes.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My trip to Iran turned into an incredible adventure filled with unique experiences. Initially, I went there for a snowboarding trip and, quite unexpectedly, crossed paths with two Iranian girls. To my surprise, it turned out that these girls were living and studying in Estonia, just like me, a rare and serendipitous encounter.

Our journey in Iran went far beyond the slopes. We explored the local culture by visiting the homes of the welcoming Iranians, indulged in the extraordinary experience of diving in the Persian Sea, and embarked on a one-of-a-kind desert adventure with the locals. We also trekked through stunning mountain landscapes, savored a variety of unconventional local dishes, and discovered places that I might not have ventured to otherwise.

As fate would have it, we managed to leave Iran just a day before the onset of the global COVID-19 lockdowns, making it a remarkable and fortunate experience, filled with luck and a touch of craziness that will stay with me forever."

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Emerson

Private 11-day tour of the Baltic Countries
Lithuania | May 25 - Jun 4, 2026

C
Connie M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2026
We booked a private 11-day tour of Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia and Emerson did an amazing job. The accommodations were perfect and the guides were very knowledgeable, helpful and punctual. The drivers were much more than just a driver as each one provided information about the countryside and history of the country. One driver even included a special stop at an old soviet ICBM silo.
During the planning for the trip, Emerson provided recommendations for unique activities that were off...
Read more

We booked a private 11-day tour of Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia and Emerson did an amazing job. The accommodations were perfect and the guides were very knowledgeable, helpful and punctual. The drivers were much more than just a driver as each one provided information about the countryside and history of the country. One driver even included a special stop at an old soviet ICBM silo.
During the planning for the trip, Emerson provided recommendations for unique activities that were off the charts (i.e. Old Võromaa smoke sauna ritual) that we really enjoyed. From start to finish, he took care of every possible detail and everything went exactly as planned.
It was a great trip, Connie & Bud

Hotel Reviews
Hotel PACAI
Vilnius
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
A22 Hotel
Riga
Authenticity & Character
The Michelin star chef prepared an amazing meal with a wine pairing that was magnificent.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Schlössle Hotel
Tallinn
Authenticity & Character
Location
Located in the old town with wonder food. The list of famous people that have stayed there was impressive.
Staff
Very attentive staff and they responded quickly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We loved the pillow menu!
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jun 30, 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to share your experience. It was a real pleasure meeting you both, and I'm especially happy to hear that you enjoyed the Old Võromaa smoke sauna ritual—it's one of my favorite experiences in Estonia to recommend.

I'm delighted that everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the guides, drivers, and accommodations throughout your journey.

Thank you again, and I hope our paths cross again on another adventure someday!

A wonderful adventure
Finland | Jun 4 - Jun 15, 2026

A
Amy B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 16, 2026
It has been a wonderful adventure. We have many many pictures that record all our travels. Our personal agent was Emerson and he answered all our questions during the planning stages and some small issues during the actual trip. In the planning stages, he worked to schedule what we wanted to do, what we wanted to see, with our preferred travel times, the kinds of hotels we like, and the types of tours that became very meaningful as the 10 days progressed. We had a phone meeting which... Read more

It has been a wonderful adventure. We have many many pictures that record all our travels.

Our personal agent was Emerson and he answered all our questions during the planning stages and some small issues during the actual trip. In the planning stages, he worked to schedule what we wanted to do, what we wanted to see, with our preferred travel times, the kinds of hotels we like, and the types of tours that became very meaningful as the 10 days progressed. We had a phone meeting which really helped the backs and forth, about a month before all the details were finalized, and was always responsive to messages sent through the website. He gets an A+!!!!!

During the trip, we were in regular touch by text with Emerson, and again he was SO responsive and we applaud him for helping us like that. All those small issues related to drivers not being in the location given to us in our instructions. That is the only area of planning that needs improvement. For example, we were told to be at the door to the lobby of our hotel, but the driver was around the corner at the restaurant entrance, making us almost late for an inner city bus.

The tour guides were excellent in explaining history and culture and answering numerous questions we had. We enjoyed hearing from the diverse group of people who guided us on their experiences too, as not all were Finnish and one had lived in the US. That made for great conversations and we loved that the tour guides shared their stories with us, plus gave us all kinds of information on Finnish history.

We would definitely work with KimKim in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
Turku

Breakfast was lovely and the restaurant had great choices when we didn't go out for dinner. The room was clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lapland Hotels Tampere
Tampere

Breakfast was amazing and the restaurant had great choices when we didn't go out for dinner. The room was clean and comfortable, although a bit small for Americans!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Apartment with Sauna in Kluuvi
Helsinki

The apartment was really nice. We didn't expect 2 full bathrooms, a nice addition since we were traveling with our adult son. The primary bedroom was roomy and the bathroom nicely setup. Our only issue was the pre move-in process, which we had to complete more than once as our data submitted before we left the US wasn't there when we needed to get our keys. We also found it difficult to find some information, and luckily our travel agent stayed in touch with us to guide us and get the info we needed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walk into the middle of Helsinki and to the National Cathedral where we were attending a wedding.
Staff
Issues with the pre move in process.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki

Our guide was Ruslan. He took us all around the center of Helsinki, meeting us where expected at the train station and then ending the tour with recommendations for authentic food! He was knowledgeable and fun to talk to, including my brother and his wife who were in Helsinki at the same time although not touring with us for the duration of our vacation. He planned the tour to meet our request to show us the history, which we learned was not as many years as that of other parts of the country, being the capital only about 200 years.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
All walking....!
Rauma City Tour
Rauma City Tour
Rauma

Riina was our guide and despite a constant drizzle, she showed us the old city of Rauma. We wandered the narrow streets, saw lace being made by a small shop run by women who do this all by hand, toured a small church and saw many old buildings that explained the history of the old town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
all walking....!
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki

Our guide was Christopher Robert. We liked our tour so much we referred my brother and his wife, who were in Tallinn a few days after our trip there, to him. Christopher took us to many different areas of the town, which we didn't realize had such a mix of old and new. We navigated a meeting of heads of state which blocked some streets but didn't interfere with our walking, very different from the US security around such events. We loved that Christopher shared his background including time in the US, and how that played into the tour and his expertise on the places he showed to us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
all walking....!
Towers of Tampere Tour
Towers of Tampere Tour
Tampere

Liked our time in Tampere with Peter but the tour was laid out oddly so we lost some time in getting around via bus and tram. Being at each of the 3 towers gave us a great opportunity to see different areas of Tampere. It made less sense to us that we went from our hotel, across town via tram to tower #1, a long walk back to the observation from a hotel only a block from where we started, then a bus ride to tower #3 at the amusement park. That bus ride was so long because lots of riders were going to the park and traffic was backed up. Each location was good to see, and the walk across town gave us a feel for the city, but the transport took away from the experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
We ended with a lovely lunch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
See above comments.
Unveiling Turku: History, Culture, and Culinary Gems
Unveiling Turku: History, Culture, and Culinary Gems
Turku

Laura from Magni Mundi was our guide for a 5 hour walk and lunch throughout Turku. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the town, and the current conditions. We liked how she blended history with today.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great tour guide.
Transport
We walked, Laura picked us up promptly where we were told to be.
Magical Taiga Forest Hike
Magical Taiga Forest Hike
Helsinki

SO SO much fun. Quintos was our guide. He shared his story of being an environmentalist and working to show the national forests in both the Helsinki and Lapland areas to folks like us. He really loved showing us where all the goodies (fruits/berries/mushrooms) would soon be growing, making our lunch of salmon soup, and walking through different areas of the forest. He seemed extremely knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience
We enjoyed hearing of his move to Finland and what made the country special to him, while we shared a bit of ourselves.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Quintos was our driver and guide, and made the trip easy.
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Jun 17, 2026

Thank you for the detailed review and for taking the time to share your experience!

It was a pleasure helping you plan this trip, and I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed Finland and all the guides you met along the way. I also appreciate the feedback regarding the driver pickup locations and the Tampere tour logistics. These are valuable points that will help us improve future trips.

Thank you again for your kind words and for trusting us with your adventure. I hope we will have the opportunity to help you plan another trip in the future.

Best regards,
Emerson

Perfectly planned trip.
Lithuania | May 17 - May 27, 2026

H
Helen S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 28, 2026
Emerson did an amazing job of planning our trip. All hotels, transportation, and guides were great. Excellent planning, some city tours and some forest hikes. Thank you so much. Read more

Emerson did an amazing job of planning our trip. All hotels, transportation, and guides were great. Excellent planning, some city tours and some forest hikes. Thank you so much.

Hotel Review
Hotel Kamp
Helsinki

Wow! This hotel is perfectly located and the newly renovated rooms are luxurious.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Private Tour
Helsinki

Great guide and very comprehensive tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on May 28, 2026

Thank you so much for the kind words. It was a real pleasure planning this trip for you, and I’m very happy to hear everything went smoothly. Hope to welcome you back to this part of the world again someday!

Dream Trip to Lapland , Perfectly Planned
Finland | Mar 6 - Mar 14, 2026

Suzanne
Suzanne G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 21, 2026
Not knowing where to begin when planning our trip to Finland, I started by searching online for travel specialists who focus on the Lapland region—and that’s how I came across kimkim. After completing a quick questionnaire about the type of trip we were hoping for, we were connected with Emerson, who took care of every detail from that point on. We scheduled a Zoom call to go over our wish list and discuss the level of accommodations we had in mind. Emerson’s personal experience in... Read more

Not knowing where to begin when planning our trip to Finland, I started by searching online for travel specialists who focus on the Lapland region—and that’s how I came across kimkim. After completing a quick questionnaire about the type of trip we were hoping for, we were connected with Emerson, who took care of every detail from that point on.

We scheduled a Zoom call to go over our wish list and discuss the level of accommodations we had in mind. Emerson’s personal experience in the Lapland region really stood out—he offered thoughtful suggestions on where to go, what to do, and even shared valuable insight on some of the stops we were considering. We truly appreciated his honest input.

Following our call, Emerson provided a detailed itinerary that outlined everything—from accommodations to excursions to transfers. We were able to adjust it several times to better suit our schedule and interests, and he was always responsive and helpful in answering our questions leading up to the trip. During the trip itself, he remained quick to respond whenever needed.

Everything unfolded exactly as planned. The accommodations met our expectations, and the tours and excursions were led by knowledgeable, professional guides. One guide was also a professional photographer who led us through a national park and sent us home with beautiful photos of our day!
The day-by-day itinerary made everything seamless and stress-free. A couple of our northern lights tours were unfortunately canceled due to cloudy weather, but we were pleasantly surprised to receive refunds for those experiences.

We’re already looking forward to planning our next adventure and would absolutely work with kimkim again. We can’t recommend Emerson and the company highly enough—thank you for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Hotel Reviews
Glass resort
Rovaniemi

We were thrilled with this accommodation. A private cabin with plenty of windows to search for the northern lights. It was located at the back of Santa Claus Village which is a busy area , but you didn’t feel that at the resort. It allowed us to check out SCV in our free time. It was the perfect first stop on our trip which the led us to more remote areas of Lapland. Hotel is close to the airport which was appreciated after traveling from the US. Gallis restaurant was delicious and the staff was very friendly. Cabins were clean and well-appointed. Would recommend to Family or friends heading that way.

Authenticity & Character
Authentic finish foods were served in the style of the accommodations gave you the perfect amenities for a winter in Lapland.
Location
Close to airport, close to Santa Claus Village without being in the busy, crowded touristy areas
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Northern Lights Ranch
Köngäs

We love the location of this resort, as well as the food, style of the cabin and it being a smaller size. We also loved getting to have our welcome cocktail in the igloo. We got to see the northern lights at this location on a night when the clouds were not supposed to allow it, so it will always hold a special place for us. We loved the glass walls and glass ceilings and the simplicity of the cabinet itself.

Authenticity & Character
Traditional finish foods were served as well as this as a style of the cabins.
Location
Close to the Taurus town of Levi but far enough away so that you’re not mixed in with the busy crowds.
Staff
Kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Apr 22, 2026

Thank you for taking the time to share this—it means a lot.

I’m glad the trip came together the way you hoped and that you felt supported throughout the process. Lapland can be unpredictable, so I’m especially pleased you still had such a memorable experience despite the weather challenges.

It was a pleasure planning this with you, and I’d be happy to help again whenever you’re ready for the next trip.

23 days, 5 countries, and memories for a lifetime
Finland | Mar 3 - Mar 25, 2026

Jane
Jane M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
This trip wouldn't have been possible without all the help from Emerson, he was a rockstar in planning! With his help and expert guidance we managed to pull off 5 countries in 23 days and never felt stressed about any of the moving parts. During the trip we traveled by plane, train, bus, car and ferry, with only one minor delay because of a "wildlife accident". The small guided tours he arranged exceeded our expectations, everyone was so nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. We learned so much... Read more

This trip wouldn't have been possible without all the help from Emerson, he was a rockstar in planning! With his help and expert guidance we managed to pull off 5 countries in 23 days and never felt stressed about any of the moving parts. During the trip we traveled by plane, train, bus, car and ferry, with only one minor delay because of a "wildlife accident". The small guided tours he arranged exceeded our expectations, everyone was so nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. We learned so much more than if we had joined a big group tour or a bus tour. All of the hotels were also top notch, with friendly staff, comfortable beds, and superb breakfast buffets! Any questions we had along the way, we answered right away, and even checked in to make sure things were going smoothly. If you're on the fence about letting someone else make your travel plans (I know I had been) I would highly recommend Emerson and his fellow travel specialist, they know what they are doing, they now the areas you want to visit, and help take the stress out of vacation planning!

Activity Reviews
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Finland
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Rovaniemi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)
Helsinki
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Ice Floating
Aurora Ice Floating
Finland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snowmobile Tour to the Border of Three Nordic Countries
Snowmobile Tour to the Border of Three Nordic Countries
Kilpisjärvi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ice Fishing Experience
Ice Fishing Experience
Kilpisjärvi
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Winter Arctic Landscapes Tour
Winter Arctic Landscapes Tour
Tromsø
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise
Bergen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Copenhagen in a Nutshell Tour
Copenhagen in a Nutshell Tour
Copenhagen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Food & Culture Walk
Food & Culture Walk
Bergen
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Apr 08, 2026

Thank you very much for this — really appreciate you taking the time to write it.

It was a fun trip to plan, and you made it easy by being open to suggestions and trusting the process, especially with such a busy route. Five countries in 23 days is not simple, so good teamwork on that.

Thanks again for the recommendation — it means a lot. If you plan another trip, just let me know.

Best Vacation Ever!!!
Finland | Mar 21 - Mar 25, 2026

B
Beth M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2026
Our planner with KimKim, Emerson, just got it right! We had no idea what to expect or what to ask for. Yet, somehow Emerson knew exactly what to plan for us. Our first 3 nights were in Rovaniemi. We stayed at the Artic Lights Hotel. The accommodations were amazing and the staff were so helpful and friendly. The restaurant on site was phenomenal!! I recommend the roasted reindeer as it was outstanding! Risto our guide from Johka made sure we saw the Northern Lights. He drove us almost to... Read more

Our planner with KimKim, Emerson, just got it right! We had no idea what to expect or what to ask for. Yet, somehow Emerson knew exactly what to plan for us. Our first 3 nights were in Rovaniemi. We stayed at the Artic Lights Hotel. The accommodations were amazing and the staff were so helpful and friendly. The restaurant on site was phenomenal!! I recommend the roasted reindeer as it was outstanding! Risto our guide from Johka made sure we saw the Northern Lights. He drove us almost to Sweden where the skies were clear just so we wouldn’t miss out. The photo’s he took belong in a magazine. Again, he was knowledgeable and personable. We had such a good time out on the frozen lake staring at the sky.
We visited Korouoma Canyon where our guide Geowdy from Wild About Lapland took us on a 5km hike to see the frozen waterfalls. She was so perky and upbeat you almost forgot you were hiking!! Our last night we ate at Gustav. This is a must stop!!! Delicious!! The folks at Sieriporo Reindeer Safari took really good care of us. We all learned so much about the reindeer. The sleigh ride was relaxing and beautiful!
From Rovaniemi we went to Levi where we stayed at the Northern Lights Ranch. Such a unique experience to sleep in a glass room !! Food was exceptional and the staff was amazing. For our last day we took a snowmobile safari with Lowry at Lazy Santa safaris. He was super! I don’t even have words for the scenery. Absolutely breathtaking!! The tour was very personal, just the 3 of us. He equipped us with everything we needed to stay warm and dry. Super knowledgeable and friendly!! Every driver we had for the transfers were professional and informative. Best vacation ever!!! Thank you KimKim and Emerson!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fabian
Helsinki

In the heart of the city center. Beautiful room and very clean. Staff were helpful and friendly. Complementary breakfast was delicious!

Authenticity & Character
Mix of old and new. Cobblestone street but modern amenities.
Location
Walking distance to everything.
Staff
Knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was comfortable and clean.
Northern Lights Ranch
Köngäs

Rustic but modern. Sparse but everything you need. The personal hot tub was a big hit. So cool to enjoy under the stars with it snowing. Staff were friendly and the restaurant was great! Even had a few reindeer on site to feed and interact with.

Authenticity & Character
Just what you would imagine Nordic design to be.
Location
Close to ski resort but far enough away from city that if conditions are right viewing the Northern Lights would be ideal.
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were well thought out. Everything you needed for a comfortable stay was provided.
Arctic Light Hotel
Rovaniemi

This hotel is beautifully appointed. The staff were very friendly, welcoming and helpful. It was within walking distance to everything. The breakfast was outstanding!! Everything from bacon and eggs to fruits and oatmeal to cold sandwich fixings. The restaurant on site (The Artic) was phenomenal!! The perfect stay! Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Quaint but not small. Complementary sauna. Beautifully decorated
Location
Walking distance to everything
Staff
Everyone was friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were warm and inviting and it was fun to shower with a polar bear!!
Activity Reviews
 Snowmobile Safari from Riverside Lodge
Snowmobile Safari from Riverside Lodge
Levi

Lowry our host made this experience outstanding!! He provided everything we needed to stay warm and dry. The actual ride was amazing!! Plenty of time on the snowmobile with lots of spectacular views. We all had a blast. I loved that it was just the 3 of us in our group. Made you feel catered to.

Quality of Experience
Lowry at Lazy Santa Safaris was a stupendous guide!! A perfect host! We felt like we were just out riding with a friend!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I loved the small group. I felt catered to.
Transport
Land Rover was clean and we all felt safe.
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Group Reindeer Safari and Farm Visit
Rovaniemi

The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. You could tell they were proud of their heritage. The farm was beautiful and the ride was relaxing and offered views of the forest that were stunning!

Quality of Experience
Our host’s knowledge of the reindeer was exceptional
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and knowledgeable.
Transport
Aimilee was very personable and friendly. We felt safe and the van itself was comfortable and clean
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Flexible Northern Lights Hunting
Finland

Risto our guide was outstanding!! Even though conditions were not optimal for viewing the Northern Lights he drove us to nearly Sweden where the skies were clear enough to see. The photos he took were magazine quality!! Being on a frozen lake added to the experience of the lights! This was an incredible experience and the main reason for our trip.

Quality of Experience
Viewing the lights while standing on a frozen lake was spectacular!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and funny. Risto really wanted us to see the Northern Lights.
Transport
Comfortable van. Clean and warm. Conversation was good.
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Adventure
Finland

Geowdy our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Very upbeat. The falls were beautiful and the hike was good. Challenging but doable. They provided everything needed to stay warm and dry.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful view. Challenging hike.
Food
Very fatty sausage.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Geowdy was upbeat, very personable and knowledgeable
Transport
Safe driver.
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 30, 2026

Thank you for the kind words – I appreciate you taking the time to share this.

A lot of that comes down to you, as a traveler, as much as the plan itself. You trusted it, stayed flexible, and that makes a difference.

I’m glad it all came together the way it did.

I’ll pass your feedback on to the team — they’ll value it.

Our 11 day trip to Finland started out with b...
Finland | Mar 11 - Mar 21, 2026

Gail
Gail M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2026
Our 11 day trip to Finland started out with both my husband and myself very sick and we had to cancel some of our activities for the first day. Lilla was very accommodating in getting the cancellations done. We arrived in Helsinki and took the overnight train to Kolari where our driver picked us up and took us to the Levin Iglut Glass Igloos in Levi where we spent two nights. Unfortunately, it was very foggy both days and we were unable to see the Northern Lights which was a huge... Read more

Our 11 day trip to Finland started out with both my husband and myself very sick and we had to cancel some of our activities for the first day. Lilla was very accommodating in getting the cancellations done.

We arrived in Helsinki and took the overnight train to Kolari where our driver picked us up and took us to the Levin Iglut Glass Igloos in Levi where we spent two nights. Unfortunately, it was very foggy both days and we were unable to see the Northern Lights which was a huge disappointment.

We went on a reindeer adventure with Eanan company. The guides were very informative and we got to feed the reindeer and take a short reindeer sled ride.

The next day a driver picked us up from the hotel and drove us to Rovaniemi. We spent the day at the Arktikum Museum because ice skating was canceled at the Winter Leisure Park due to warm weather. In the evening we took the bus to the Snow Hotel where we had a guided tour and a lovely 3-course dinner. Afterwards, our driver took us to the train station where we boarded the overnight train to Tampere.

In Tampere we stayed at the lovely Solo Sokos hotel which had a sumptuous breakfast buffetwe. In the afternoon we visited the Moomin Museum which was fantastic.

The next day we took the train to the city of Turku, the oldest city in Finland and also the first capital of Finland. We had a very informative private walking tour with our lovely guide Laura from the Magni Mundi company.

Then we took the train to Helsinki where we stayed at the grand Home Hotel Jugend for four nights, which is a former castle built in 1903. We had a lively and informative private tour of Helsinki with our guide Ruylan from GreenCap tours which included some delicious Finnish food tastings. We then took a short ferry ride to Suomenlinna Island. We spent the next couple of days exploring Helsinki by tram and visiting their new modern library.

Our final day was a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia, starting with a 2-hour ferry boat ride. We had a very informative private tour of the old city with our guide from EstAdventures. The next day our driver picked us up from the hotel and drove us to the airport.

All of the hotels we stayed at were lovely. Each of our drivers was very friendly, polite, professionaland punctual. And our tour guides were genuinely interested in relaying the history and facts of the towns they were representing.

All of the private drivers we had were wonderful. They were all very professional, polite, and friendly. We were very impressed with all of them!

We want to compliment Emerson for the very careful and detailed planning of our trip, and for answering my endless questions. And special thanks to Lilla who helped to implement all of the activities of the trip and rearranged our itinerary as needed, and also answered my endless questions. We had a very memorable trip.

I would highly recommend KimKim for any of your future travel plans!

Hotel Reviews
Levin Iglut Glass Igloos
Kitilä

Levin Iglut Glass Igloos were excellent and offered a unique experience. They were clean and aesthetically pleasing. While we didn't see the northern lights, lying under the glass ceiling amidst the fog was still a memorable experience.

Solo Sokos Hotel Torni Tampere
Tampere

The Solo Sokos Hotel in Tampere was exceptional with the best breakfast buffet we've had. Everything imaginable for breakfast was available, laid out perfectly. The beds were wonderfully comfortable, making it a standout accommodation on our trip.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
Turku

Solo Sokos Hotel in Turku was very elegant and quite nice. We liked it there a lot; it was definitely one of the better accommodations we stayed at during our trip.

Overnight Train

The train cabins were very small, but had very comfortable and clean beds.

Authenticity & Character
Riding the train through the forests of Finland was an amazing experience.
Location
The overnight train was a great way to see the wonderful Finnish countryside.
Staff
We had very little interaction with any staff on board.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The cabin, bathroom and beds were very clean and the beds were very comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Turku City Walking Tour
Turku City Walking Tour
Turku

The Turku City Walking Tour was excellent. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Turku, making the experience very enjoyable. Despite being a lot of walking, it was well-organized, and we discovered many interesting things about the city. It was a really great tour.

SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience
Rovaniemi

The SnowHotel & Ice Dinner Experience was interesting and unique. Although there was a mix-up with our schedule, the staff was accommodating and quickly served us dinner so we wouldn’t miss our train. The food was very good, and the ice hotel, with its unique rooms and ice sculptures, was fascinating, despite the slippery floors due to melting ice.

Reindeer Adventure
Reindeer Adventure
Levi

The Reindeer Adventure was definitely a standout of our trip. We loved visiting and feeding the reindeer, and the ride was a unique experience. Learning about the reindeer lifestyle and the people who care for them was fascinating. It was an outstanding part of our trip.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 31, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind and detailed feedback — we really appreciate it.

We’re sorry the trip started on a difficult note and that the weather didn’t cooperate for the Northern Lights, but we’re glad to hear you still had a memorable experience overall. It’s great to know the guides, drivers, and hotels all met your expectations.

Lilla and I truly enjoyed working with you and helping to put this trip together.

Hope to assist you again in the future!

Best regards,
Emerson & Lilla

Emerson was extremely knowledgeable and put t...
Finland | Mar 13 - Mar 19, 2026

D
Daniel P.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Mar 20, 2026
Emerson was extremely knowledgeable and put together a fantastic trip based on our interests. I can highly recommend him! Read more

Emerson was extremely knowledgeable and put together a fantastic trip based on our interests. I can highly recommend him!

Hotel Reviews
Glass resort
Rovaniemi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Balder Luxury Lodge
Levi

The only missing element was that the hotel / rooms didn’t had a sauna.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Kamp
Helsinki
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 20, 2026

Thanks so much for your kind words — I really appreciate it!
It was a pleasure planning this trip with you, and I’m glad you had a great experience.

Hope to help you again in the future!

Dream trip to Finland
Finland | Mar 7 - Mar 15, 2026

T
Tricia G.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026
My husband and I just returned from 10 days in Finland - primarily based in Helsinki with a few days in the Finnish Lapland. What an amazing trip! Emerson and Lilla helped us plan the perfect adventure. Walking day tours in Helsinki, Porvoo, and Estonia, husky sledding, snow shoeing, Northern Lights hunting (and despite a cloudy evening - success in seeing them), a wilderness day in the beautiful snow. Comfortable accommodations in Helsinki (great locations!) Plus, it was a dream... Read more

My husband and I just returned from 10 days in Finland - primarily based in Helsinki with a few days in the Finnish Lapland.

What an amazing trip!

Emerson and Lilla helped us plan the perfect adventure. Walking day tours in Helsinki, Porvoo, and Estonia, husky sledding, snow shoeing, Northern Lights hunting (and despite a cloudy evening - success in seeing them), a wilderness day in the beautiful snow. Comfortable accommodations in Helsinki (great locations!) Plus, it was a dream come true staying at the Northern Lights Ranch near Levi.

Emerson and Lilla thought of everything - making it one of the best vacations we have ever had!

Activity Reviews
Tallinn Day Trip
Tallinn Day Trip
Helsinki

Took the Tallink ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn. Stassi was a fun tour guide - she gave us great tour of Olde Town and was very informative of Estonian history and culture!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wilderness Day
Wilderness Day
Finland

We spent a lovely morning walking in the snowy forest with Taru! Perfect way to see the area!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Aurora Tour by Van
Aurora Tour by Van
Levi

Despite a cloudy night with low percentage of seeing the Northern Lights, Jan found us some and they were magical! It was unforgettable experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Husky Safari (10km)
Husky Safari (10km)
Levi

Pauline and her team were great!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Evening Snowshoeing Adventure
Evening Snowshoeing Adventure
Finland

Loved that this was a private excursion! Kasper was great! Patient and kind, and a lot of fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki City Walking Tour (2h)
Helsinki

Despite a rainy morning for the tour, Jola was fun and shared so much about Helsinki and the Finnish culture.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Porvoo Private Day Tour
Helsinki

Filipe was a delightful tour guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 18, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure planning this trip with you, and we’re really glad it turned out to be such a memorable experience. Hope to help you again on your next adventure.

Easy though somewhat pricey intro to the Laplands
Finland | Feb 26 - Mar 7, 2026

K
Kevin T.
Finland | Reviewed on Mar 14, 2026

I joined only for a portion of a trip that a friend had planned. The 2 activities that I joined were a bit mixed. The Northern Lights safari entailed very long drives to see very little of the Northern Lights. We had a slow start because some fellow travellers were late, and this entailed missing the lights. Sigh... The dog sled outing was much more successful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I lost my water bottle during this outing, and Emerson went out of his way to retrieve it for me. So thank you for that. Overall, Emerson was very attentive and helpful.

Local specialist: Emerson Siimer
Emerson
Emerson Siimer
Local specialist in Estonia | Replied on Mar 16, 2026

Thank you for your feedback. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the dog sledding experience, and I was happy I could help retrieve your water bottle.

I’m sorry the Northern Lights safari didn’t fully meet your expectations. As with all aurora tours, sightings depend on weather and solar activity, and the timing can sometimes be affected by the group.

I appreciate your kind words about my attentiveness and hope you still have some good memories from your time in Lapland.