Mar Quiñones

Thank you for all the excursions and hotel stays you planned for us while we were there! Norway is a beautiful country. Clean air, clean water, exceptional people and scenery. Nothing quite like it.
We enjoyed the culinary/historical tour with Frida. She was knowledgeable and fun and the food was wonderful.
I was sorry to have missed the kayaking trip but Mark enjoyed it a lot. The trip to Flam was gorgeous. The Lofoten Islands were a real treat. We loved the speed boat trip to the fjords with the great guide and sea eagles galore.
We regretted the cancelation of a couple of trips due to the weather but because we had a rental car we made good use of exploring a lot of the towns and islands!

Activity Reviews

Kayaking Adventure in Reine

Reine

I'm unable to rate this since it was cancelled.

Sea Eagle Safari RIB to Trollfjord

Norway

Even though I was doubtful that the speedboat would be fun it turned out to be great! We were in for a great ride and the scenery and explanations from our guide were super. We loved the views and the sea eagle experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Northern Lights Hunt with a Photographer

Svolvær

Getting to the correct meeting place seemed hard and awkward only to find out that it was cancelled because of the weather. Because we weren 't able to contact anyone we had to rely on the kindness of a stranger (who also led expeditions) to call for us. It was just disappointing because we hadn't been notified earlier. Even though we understood that the weather would be a factor we were sorry to have missed the opportunity to see the lights.

Floating Sauna in Svolvær

Svolvær

It was a good experience but not one that worked out too well because of scheduling. Hurried to get there and weren't sure whether we could change clothes there or should change before we came. A little more info would have been nice. We aren't used to saunas and only lasted a few minutes.

Quality of Experience

It was too hot for us. I could have cooled off in the water but couldn't rely on the steps out of the water to be able to get back on shore.

Food and Culture walk in Bergen

Bergen

This was a great way to see the city, hear the history & sample the food! Frida did a great job of showing us everything.

Quality of Experience

Food

Tasting the food of Norway!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Kim Kim/Mar provided a helpful service in booking accomodations and providing suggestions for activities.

However, the 35 page itinerary was unnecessarily complicated. The 7 page daily schedule should have been a one page one table summary of locations, hotels and events. The 24 page detailed itinerary was a bit repetitive - could have been refined to 12 pages of key information: e.g. travel routes; hotel booking; booked activity; other options.

Many of the "other" options for activities were impractical given our timing; seems these were sometimes boilerplate lists from other itineraries. (For example, if we finished the Styggevatnet kayak/glacier walk at 17:30 and then had a 2.5 hour drive to Flam, how were we expected to fit in additional activities?) One small note - Skjolden Resort was ok but no food was available. Local pub only opens Friday-Sunday this time of year. Local hotel was not serving outsiders. No other restaurants in the area. Better to generally select bed and breakfast hotels.

If we were to do this again, we would have spent more time in the Jotunheimen Park area.

We have used and recommended Kim Kim to others many times. The attention to detail; the ability of the agents, such as Mar, to plan a trip, met our highest expectations. We gave Mar specifics such as, booking boutique hotels and setting us up with guides in the cities and booking specific activities such as a Zodiac boat ride on the Fjord waterways . Her choice of hotels was perfect. I think the most important advantage of Kim Kim is that you are given a local Norway agent who responded quickly to any questions we had while on this trip.

Out trip was so well organized by Mar and supported thereafter by Fenne and the result was a seamless and totally enjoyable trip to Norway including all the sights that we wanted to see. The hotels were excellent and very well placed to the city centers. The excursions were all very enjoyable and without problems. Personally this was my first time using KimKim but I am already working on another trip for next year with a new KimKim agent who already has shown the same qualities.

The Norway trip planned by Mar was absolutely brilliantly planned , well balanced between outdoors activities and cultural highlights of this country. The trip documents are well detailed and conceived. Kim Kim offers a 24/7 service in case of emergency. Mar suggestions were always on point . Having a local guide really provides peace of mind
Many thanks Mar !

The weather is so unpredictable in Norway. But the sights and experiences are of very high quality so it isn’t that important to have just sunny days.

The people are very lovely. Whether they are Norwegians or seasonal workers from other European countries. We had a lot of questions and people were very open to conversation.

Our focus for this trip was to get to know the major cities Oslo and Bergen and see some fjords and nature on the way.

The tours and experiences booked by our planner, Mar, were a great introduction to Norway.

Kim Kim is a great service because they deliver a great experience without the headache of figuring out logistics for those new to the country. It definitely made me more at ease and allowed me to just enjoy the vacation and focus on learning about the culture, language and people.

Wonderful trip. Mar made sure that everything we wanted to be included in the trip was included. She was always very quick to respond to any questions we had. She recommended hotels that were very nice and convenient. Our local tour guides were very good. Joanna in Copenhagen was very informative and spent extra time with us taking us back to our hotel. Ian for our day trip to Kronborg and Frederiksborg was also very good. Our driver for the day went above and beyond having cold water for us when we returned to the car. I am sorry I forgot his name. We enoyed our guide Marja in Stockholm and our guide for Sigtuna and Upsala, Karoline. Our driver for those two days Olga was really wonderful. I had forgotten my phone (camera) in the hotel and she let me use hers for the day and sent me the pictures. She was really a lifesaver. In Oslo, Bjorn our tour guide was nice as was the driver Morton. Our favorite part of the trip was our last part in Flam, Bergen and Alesund. In Flam our waterfall and culture tour was suppose to be a group tour but we were the only ones on the mini bus so we had a private tour with the driver/guide that was really friendly and informative. I am sorry again that I do not remember his name. Bergen was our favorite city. It was really beautiful and Mar had selected a hotel perfect for walking around and seeing the sights. Alesund was our last stop and it was a very pleasant surprise. I was not aware of it before Mar suggested it and it was beautiful. Our hotel room that Mar had selected was the best room of the trip. We had large windows with a sitting area that overlooked the water. Beautiful view from the bed and the sitting area. Our driver with the transfer service from the airport, Lene was unbelievably nice and went way beyond to help us. When I mentioned to her that we wanted to go to the Fjellstua Viewpoint but it had 418 steps so I wasn't sure my 82 year old husband could make it. She offered free of charge to take us before dropping us at the hotel. She also drove us around a few streets in the town and told us what was there. When she dropped us back at the airport she helped us with our luggage into the airport. I can't say enough good things about her. Overall a very enjoyable trip.

Hotel Reviews

Quality Hotel Waterfront

Ålesund

This hotel has a beautiful view of the water and very comfortable rooms.

Authenticity & Character

Beautiful view of the water from our room and from the breakfast area.

Location

Very walkable to things around town.

Staff

Very helpful. Gave ice when asked and gave items for an early breakfast when we had an early flight.

Cleanliness & Comfort

We had a beautiful view of the water from our room and there was also the same view from the breakfast area.

Clarion Hotel Admiral

Bergen

Had a great location, very close to the sights.

Authenticity & Character

Has a beautiful view across the water to the historic wharf.

Location

Very close to walk to everything.

Staff

All staff were very helpful with questions.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was clean and comfortable.

Fretheim Hotel

Flåm

Nice views and very close to walk around the town.

Authenticity & Character

Our room had a very nice view. I would recommend staying in the American Wing of the hotel. We had a bacony with a nice view.

Location

Close to walk to train and around town.

Staff

Most were helpful but was unhappy that we had to wait until the last minute of check in at 4 to get our room.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Things were clean and confortable.

Clarion Hotel The Hub

Oslo

Nice hotel and pretty convenient to sights and very convenient to the train station.

Authenticity & Character

Very nice rooms.

Location

Most things not too far to walk.

Staff

Most were helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was very clean.

Scandic Grand Central

Stockholm

Nice hotel and room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Pretty close to walk for sightseeing and to the train.

Staff

Most were friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was very clean.

Axel Guldsmeden

Copenhagen

This hotel is really nice with a outside garden area and also a glassed in area for breakfast or other meals. They were extremely accomodating to us. We had booked a room with two single beds and when we got there the elevator was broken and these rooms were only on the 5th floor. So they upgraded us free of charge to a family suite that had two bed rooms, 1 and a half baths and a sitting area. Very nice place to stay and very convenient for sightseeing and to take the train.

Authenticity & Character

The beautiful garden area.

Location

Easy for sightseeing and to get to the train.

Staff

The young girl that checked us in was great but I don't remember her name.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was very clean and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

Tesla Taxi Scenic Tour

Geiranger

Tesla Taxi Scenic Ride was nice but wouldn't have really missed anything if we skipped it.

Quality of Experience

Some nice views but didn't leave any time in Geiranger.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Driver was nice.

Transport

Car was comfortable.

Fjordcruise Ålesund - Geiranger (Return)

Norway

The ferry ride was beautiful.

Quality of Experience

Ferry ride was beautiful.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ferry personal were nice.

Transport

Ferry was comfortable going but completely full coming back so not ideal.

Day trip from Bergen to Roseldal via Fjordcruise through Hardangerfjord

Bergen

This would probably have been alright but it rained all day so couldn't take pictures from the ferry. Not much to do in Rosendal.

Quality of Experience

Since it is public transport. Not really geared up for tourist.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ferry workers were nice.

Transport

Ferry was nice enough but weather did not cooperate the day we went.

Ulriken643 (Ulriken Cable car) and short walk

Bergen

Nice views but not much to do unless you want to hike.

Quality of Experience

Beautiful views.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

People in the cafe at the top were nice.

Transport

Cable car was a nice ride.

Fløibanen

Bergen

Beautiful view and nice place to walk around.

Quality of Experience

Beautiful views and great place to spend time.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Floibanen was very comfortable.

Transport

There was a very long line so we had to wait for a while which wasn't ideal.

Visit Stegastein Viewpoint with a bus

Norway

Beautiful view.

Quality of Experience

It was a beautiful view that shouldn't be missed.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She was a great driver on very curvy and steep roads.

Transport

Comfortable bus.

Waterfall and culture tour in Flåm

Flåm

Really enjoyed seeing outside the town of Flam.

Quality of Experience

Our group tour ended up being a private tour which we enjoyed.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide and driver was very informative and we enjoyed his company.

Transport

Very comfortable.

Luggage Transfer Service

Norway

Everything arrived as it was suppose to.

Quality of Experience

Everything worked as it was suppose to.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The luggage was at the hotel when we arrived.

Transport

No problem with the transfer.

Oslo Private City Tour with Fram & Open-Air Museum Experience

Oslo

Bjorn our guide was good as was our driver Morton. We enjoyed the Vigeland Sculpture Park and the view from the Opera house the best.

Quality of Experience

Vigeland Sculpture Park and Opera House view was our favorite.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ian was a good tour guide.

Transport

Morton was a good driver.

Private Day Trip to Sigtuna & Uppsala

Stockholm

This was a nice trip outside the city of Stockholm.

Quality of Experience

Enjoyed seeing the countryside towns.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Karoline was very nice and helpful. She arranged so we could go straight to the Vasa Museum when our tour was over so we only had to walk back to the hotel instead of both ways.

Transport

Our driver Olga we had for two days. She was great. She heard me complaining that I forgot my phone (camera) in the hotel so I wouldn't be able to take any pictures and she offered her phone to me to use and sent me the pictures. She really saved the day. She also dropped us at the VASA museum when the tour was over so we didn't have to walk there from the hotel.

Stockholm Private Highlights & Drottningholm Palace Tour

Stockholm

We really enjoyed the Drottningholm Palace, Garden and Chinese Pavilion. Our tour guide Marja was great.

Quality of Experience

Drottningholm Palace and Gardens was our favorite part.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Marja was a great guide and wonderful person to meet and talk to. She even helped us buy tickets for the Royal Palace which we saw once our tour was finished.

Transport

Our driver Olga was great. She was very friendly and helpful.

Northern Zealand Private Day Trip with Kronborg & Frederiksborg Castle Visit

Copenhagen

We enjoyed visiting Kronborg and Frederiksborg Castle. Our tour guide Ian and our driver were very good.

Quality of Experience

I was nice to get out of the city and see some of the countryside towns.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ian our guide was very good and we enjoyed his company. He and our driver even went out of their way to take us by the Little Mermaid statue so we could take a picture from the front. We had only seen it from the back of the statue on the Canal Cruise.

Transport

Our driver was great. He had cold water for us when we returned to the van. I am sorry I don't remember his name. But it was nice meeting him.

Copenhagen Card

Copenhagen

We enjoyed using the Copenhagen Card. We were able to see lots of the sights with no extra charge.

Quality of Experience

Practically all sights to be seen in Copenhagen are included on the card.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We had no drivers or guides but the staff at all the places we visited were very friendly.

Transport

Our card allowed us to use the metro free of charge which we did to get to some of the further places from our hotel.

Private tour Copenhagen Walking Tour & Canal Cruise

Copenhagen

Joanna our tour guide was wonderful. She was very informative and went the extra mile to walk us back to our hotel even though it was past our allotted time for the tour. We really enjoyed the Canal Cruise.

Quality of Experience

Great tour guide who was very knowledgeable.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Joanna was very nice to talk to and very informative.

Transport

Guide on the canal cruise was enjoyable.

Mar and Fenne were fabulous to work with, very communicative and the itineraries were just perfect!

Hotel Reviews

Thon Hotel Bristol

Bergen

This was a very nice hotel in a great location. One word of warning to others - while there are elevators, we still had to go up some stairs to get to our rooms. Not that good for someone like me who packed too much!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Flåmsbrygga Hotel

Flåm

This hotel was just lovely. The rooms were better then I expected the views were unparalleled and the food options were quite good - especially the ice cream!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotell Bondeheimen

Oslo

The location of this hotel is amazing! Close enough to city center to do it all but just out of the way enough to not be too noisy. The staff was lovely and the rooms were fine

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Ride the Ulriken Cable Car

Bergen

To tell the truth we ended up going on a funicular to a closer mountain instead of the cable car - it was too far away. But the concept was the same and very much a fantastic thing to do!

Quality of Experience

Food and Culture walk in Bergen

Bergen

This was very nice and informative. The whole group was a perfect size and we enjoyed the other people on the tour as well as the tour itself

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Visit Stegastein Viewpoint with a bus

Norway

This was nice, but to be honest not all that. Probably would have preferred to go on a longer hike. Perfect for folks not interested in hiking

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Summer RIB boat Safari Local Taste of Undredal

Flåm

This was a highlight of our time in. Way it was a fantastic experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable of the fjord and all the folksy tales along the way

Transport

Luggage Transfer Service

Norway

This was a super smart and very necessary service offered. I would highly recommend people take advantage of it!