Marina Courtaut

We had the most wonderful experiences in Spain and credit Marina with making it flawless and easy. This was our first European vacation ever for our family (2 children ages 16 and 13, me and my husband). Our 16-year-old loves art and architecture while our 13-year-old couldn't care less about those things. We wanted to add culture and fun plus a little adventure.

At first, I was apprehensive about using a travel agency thinking I could book activities myself for less money plus there are just so many unknowns with scams it's hard to trust an online agency. After going through many different iterations while planning the trip and pricing out the activities ourselves we finally decided that we wanted to have the best, seamless family vacation possible and we trusted Marina to help us make that happen after many emails, trip iterations and numerous phone calls. She was so patient and professional which also helped us to feel comfortable. We saved for years for this vacation so we needed to have faith that Kimkim and Marina are real and would take care of us.

I am so thankful that we finally stopped doubting the process and moved forward with Marina. We shared what activities were important to us then Marina drafted an itinerary. We discussed and modified it several times then once confirmed and paid, Marina was able to get to work booking venues, drivers, trains etc. They use an app that shows each days activities including the description, tickets, guide name and contact, if any. There is also a chat function so we knew we could ask questions or get suggestions during business hours and there was a phone number that we could call with any emergency. There were no emergencies but it was awesome to know there was someone local that would have our back it we needed them. I did use the chat quite often and responses were always quick and often well after business hours. Every activity we booked was flawless and the guides were all local to each area. Nearly all of the guides reached out directly 24-48 hours before our meeting using the WhatsApp. This additional level of communication was great. I would rate every single activity that Marina booked a 5 out of 5 or 10 out of 10. We booked our own airline tickets and airbnbs. We needed the local expertise on the activities.

We landed in and left from Madrid as that was much cheaper than other airports or leaving from a different location. Marina arranged for a car to pick us up - it was a large Mercedes luxury van. The driver was waiting for us inside the airport with a sign with our name plus he had messaged me thru WhatsApp in advance. He already had our accommodation address thanks to Marina. He was kind and helpful and was a wonderful first impression after the long flight. That first night we did a Tapas Tour with a small group. The guide, restaurants, food & drink plus the people in the group were all so amazing. This was one of my favorite activities. Worth every penny - wish we could have done this in every city! We also had a private walking tour of Madrid the morning of our second day. We saw and learned so many interesting facts and helped us to navigate the city much faster than trying to explore on our own. Marina also booked our tickets for a self-guided tour of the Royal palace as well as a private 2 hour tour at the Prado. Every guide lived in Madrid and had in-depth knowledge that they shared openly. We did a day trip to Toledo taking the train so it was only 30 minutes. Marina booked the train plus our private guide of the city. It was seamless and so beautiful. The only crazy thin that happened- this has nothing to do with Marina - is after the tour we went shopping for a knife that our son wanted. Toledo is known for their swords and blades so not better place to get one. Wish we had gone back to the store our guide took us to but instead my son walked into a random shop and purchased the knife. It was wrapped in tissue
paper and put in a bag. When we got back to the train stain to return to Madrid, they didn't want to let us on with the knife. It's supposed to be in a box and wrapped twice in addition to having the receipt. Thankfully they took mercy and allowed us on board with the knife then we hit El Cortes Ingles for tape, gift wrap and a box. -- One of the last scheduled activities in Madrid was a Flamenco dance. The venue was small, and it was a powerful, engaging show. The best Flamenco show we'd seen and different in that they were improvision. We didn't know this until after the show and they share that they don't rehearse before the show or even know exactly who will perform until that evening. Every show is different and can't be replicated. It was extremely enjoyable.

The next morning, we took the bullet train to Valencia which is about 2.5 hours. Marina booked the tickets for us which included a traditional Spanish meal. We didn't expect it and boy were we grateful for it. The train was comfortable, and the scenery was amazing. We did a bike tour in Valencia which was awesome. Really the only city I would have wanted to do it. There was so green space, parks, and biking around the City of Arts & Sciences was really stunning. Biking on roadways was very limited and I felt comfortable. We saw so much of the city, stopped and discussed, left the bikes at many locations to check things out. Again, I just can't say enough about our guide. Then we took a Paella cooking class which was so much fun! Sangria was waiting for us. We also made Tortilla de Patata which is a Spanish staple and now one of my favorite dishes. When the class ended, we received diplomas and recipes. It was really a fun experience.

Marina arranged for us to rent a car - this was what my husband worried about the most. Thinking it may be difficult to communicate with the car rental company if there was a problem. Marina handled every little detail so everything was paid for in advance, no outstanding questions or issues at all. We did obtain our International Driver's Licenses thru AAA before leaving. We never needed them but would have if there was an accident. We traveled to Benicarlo and Penicola for 2 days. These coast towns were amazing. Wish we could have added a few more days to our trip to stay here longer! We swam in the Mediteranean Sea, walked on the rocky beaches, explored the 12th century Castle, fell into a Paella Day at Castellona. It was an amazing unscripted time which was an awesome break. We drove to Barcelona, turned the car in to begin the final leg of our trip. I should mention that Marina still provided loads of restaurant recommendations and tickets to Papa Luna Castle.

In Barcelona we did an awesome walking/driving tour, so we were able to cover a lot of ground, learn much, and this tour included tickets plus an hour inside La Sagrada de Familia. Loved the tour! We took another day trip to Costa Brava for hiking and kayaking. This was another small group tour that was life altering. Seriously. Stefan was our guide. There were 8 total in our group. We had a comfortable drive about 90 minutes outside Barcelona. We met at 8:30am so we arrived around 10am. We hiked along cliff trails with some of the most picturesque coastline. It was gorgeous with many steep steps up and down the cliffs giving amazing views. We made our way to the beach where we left our stuff at Stefan's shop along with our phones for safe keeping. We paddled for 2.5 hours in total with a break in the mid-point for swimming in the lagoon and cliff jumping for anyone who was up for it. I've kayaked on lakes and rivers, but the Mediterranean Sea was altogether different. It was exhilarating, exhausting, and an experience that we'll never forget. The final tour that Marina booked for us was the Chocolate Experience. This was another small group tour lead by Carla, a local pastry chef. She was funny, informative, and passionate about chocolate. We visited 9 different shops. Seriously, 9 shops!!! Each place had a different specialty. Most have been owned by the same family for hundreds of years. We even walked by bar that is one of the oldest in Barcelona that both Gaudi & Picasso frequented. Unfortunately, they weren't open :( Marina booked our final bullet train from Barcelona back to Madrid.

It was an amazing, vacation with wonderful experiences that our entire family enjoyed together and bonded over. I wouldn't change a thing (unless time & money weren't limiting factors then I'd want to stay for another 2- 4 weeks). I really cannot recommend Marina and team enough. She made our trip so easy and worry free, exactly what vacation should be.

Marina helped us a lot! She had great suggestions, made adjustments when required and communicated everything on time. Our trip was amazing and different from others. Our favorite experiences were food tours and wine tastings, the best way to know a new culture. ¡Gracias Marina por hacer este viaje inolvidable!

Activity Reviews

Tapas Culinary Experience

Madrid

My favorite food tour! The guide really knew the history of the restaurant, the tapas, the drinks and the neighborhood. A Great tour to start knowing Spain!

Quality of Experience

The chosen restaurants

Food

Very good restaurants

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Even The tour was in English, the guide also spoke in Spanish to my mom.

Guided Visit of Madrid: History, Culture & Architecture of the Capital of Spain

Madrid

The guide was really from Madrid so he knew things that maybe another person from another region would not know.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Train Madrid to Ávila, Guided Visit of Ávila, Train Ávila to Madrid

Madrid

The tour guide was from Ávila so he knew everything!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Train Madrid to Segovia, Guided Visit of Segovia, Train Segovia to Madrid

Madrid

One of my favorite tours in the Trip. The guide was really an expert and from the same town of Segovia. Great walking tour and the going to the Alcázar is spectacular

Quality of Experience

The guide of Segovia was really good. She knew a lot! The food!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to Montserrat & Penedès Region Wine Tasting

Barcelona

The driver/guide was very friendly and was always willing to give recomendations and ideas. My favorite part was to listen to the kids from the monastery.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Campo de’ Fiori, Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Food Experience

Rome

The food was amazing! I think the wines could be better. However you learn a Lot about the dish and the history behind the dish. The tour was in English but the guide was also speaking Spanish so my mom was able to understand key aspects. She also shared tips to detect good restaurants in Rome to try the real food here.

Quality of Experience

The quality of the food!

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She was really kind and even spoke Spanish so my mom could understand.

Colosseum & Roman Forum Visit: Arena Access, Gladiators Gate & Ancient City

Rome

The chosen tour guide company changed the start time and that affected our whole day. Due to this change, our Kim kim advisor Marina had to make adjustments. Besides there were other companies with Spanish speaking guides and we were in an English speaking tour.

Quality of Experience

The meeting point is terrible, full of others companies meeting at the same spot. They should move to another place.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She knew a Lot but sometimes I felt like she was annoyed by the sun, the crowds and that I had to traslate for my mom.

Exclusive Private Guided Visit of Rome Highlights

Rome

Rossi was a great guide. She is talkative and full of energy and great sense of humor. Even though she had to move a little bit the start time due to our request, she did and even got us tickets for the Pantheon which was a last moment request.

Quality of Experience

The tour guide was full of energy and knowledge

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day Trip to Roman Castles & Medieval Hilltop Villages

Rome

My favorite experience in the Trip! Going to a small vineyard and tasting those exclusive wines, then going to these small villages far from the crowded Rome was amazing!

Quality of Experience

The chosen vineyard was wonderful. We were even attended by the owners!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The driver/guide was really good and conscious.

Transport

Guided Visit of Florence Including David and Duomo

Florence

It was very incredible to see the real David. The guide knew a Lot about the scultors so she was able to explain a lot.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tuscany Day Trip: Chianti, Siena & San Gimignano

Florence

Tuscany Is magical, the food and wines were really good.

Quality of Experience

Food

The apperitivo, i think a dessert is missing :)

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She have us great recommendations to do during the free time

Transport

Marina put together a wonderful itinerary for our vacation in Spain. Here are the highlights:

We were met at the Barcelona airport by a friendly, courteous driver with an immaculate car! Smooth driving to our hotel!

Hotel Regina - great location for sightseeing. We were warmly welcomed. The room was a bit cramped, but very clean and well appointed.

Marcel (sp?) was an amazing guide for our tapas tour! He made sure that our diverse group of five couples was engaged and happy. He was very enthusiastic! We enjoyed the variety of tapas, beverages and eateries. Marcel shared tips for our stay, and made sure that we all had a safe route/plan to return to our hotels. ( Side note, it was a 30 minute walk from our hotel to the meeting site.)

Mari was an excellent guide! She introduced sites away from the typical tourist areas; and, helped us navigate the metro. Our visit to La Sagrada Familia was remarkable. Mari showed us the church from angles that made the church appear to be alive!

Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid was centrally located. The staff was professional and welcoming. We enjoyed the view of the square!

Segovia - excellent!

Hector was extremely knowledgeable! We need to return to Madrid to put his advice/suggestions to use!

H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel was our favorite! The staff was warm and welcoming and offered plenty of suggestions for things to do until our room was ready (we arrived at 10am). The room was spacious, very clean and nicely decorated!

Flamingo was very interesting and very passionate!

Elena was WONDERFUL! She knew how to navigate the city to take advantage of the Corpis Christi procession! We loved visiting the Alcazar. Elena was so knowledgeable about the neighborhoods, museums and history, the tour flew by before we were ready to say goodbye. She is a gem!

Our driver to the airport was prompt, professional and friendly! His vehicle was immaculate!

Jackie & Richard

WHAT A WONDERFUL TRIP WE HAD TO SPAIN! MARINA PUT TOGETHER A FABULOUS ITINERARY FULL OF TOURS AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES. WE STARTED IN MADRID AND ENJOYED A WALKING TOUR WITH JAVIER AND ENDED WITH A FOOD AND DRINK TOUR AND LEARNED A LOT ABOUT SPANISH FARE. WE TOOK THE TRAIN TO TOLEDO AND HAD A DELIGHTFUL TOUR WITH MANUEL AND ENDED WITH A YUMMY LUNCH IN A CAVE. WE TOOK THE TRAIN TO GRANADA WHICH WAS A LIVELY TOWN WITH A VERY FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE. WE ENJOYED LOTS OF REMARKABLE TAPAS IN THE LOCAL BARS INCLUDING A HIGHLIGHT AT BAR POE. WE HAD A GROUP TOUR OF THE ALHAMBRA- AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING CASTLE FULL OF HISTORY AND AMAZING ARCHITECTURE. WE ALSO ENJOYED A SMALL, INTIMATE FLAMENCO DANCE PERFORMED IN A CAVE. FROM GRANADA, WE DROVE TO SEVILLE BY WAY OF SEVERAL SMALL TOWNS INCLUDING RONDA, SENTINEL AND ZAHARA, ALL WITH THEIR OWN UNIQUE LANDSCAPES AND INTERESTING SIGHTS. AFTER THREE WONDERFUL DAYS IN SEVILLE TOURING THE CITY, AND ALCAZAR WTIH HELENA, TOURING AND TASTING AT AN OLIVE OIL ESTATE, AND A PAELLA MAKING CLASS WHICH WAS A HIGHLIGHT, WE WERE ABLE TO GET LAST MINUTE TICKETS TO THE CATHEDRAL AND TOURED IT ON OUR OWN. THEN, WE FLEW TO BARCELONA. WE HAD ARRANGED A TOUR OF THE GAUDI MASTERPIECES INCLUDING CASA BATLLO, PARK GUELL, AND THE ULTIMATE, LA FAMILIA SEGRADA- ALL ARE NOT TO MISS WHEN IN BARCELONA! OUR FINAL VENTURE WAS A DRIVE TO THE COAST OF BEGUR. OUR STAY AT THE PARADOR DE AIGLUABAVA WAS AMAZING. WE WERE UPGRADED TO SUITES AND ENJOYED GLORIOUS VIEWS OF THE MEDERERREAN SEA! WE DID A CATAMARAN TOUR ALONG THE COAST AND SAW CASTLES AND BEACHES ALONG THE WAY. OUR BEAUTIFUL ADVENTURE ENDED WITH A DRIVE BACK TO BARCELONA AND A VISIT TO MONTSERRAT! WE PACKED IN A LOT IN TWO WEEKS AND MADE MEMORIES FOR A LIFETIME!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel España Ramblas

Barcelona

THIS WAS OUR ONLY DISAPPOINTMENT OF OUR STAY. TOTALLY ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL THAN ANYWHERE ELSE WE STAYED. MUCH LOWER CLASS. THE STAFF WAS NOT TERRIBLY FRIENDLY AND SOME DIDN'T SPEAK GOOD ENGLISH. THE HOTEL IS DARK AND DREARY. IT IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT TO GET READY IN THE BATHROOMS AND APPLY MAKE UP AS THE LIGHTING IS TERRIBLE. THE LIGHTING IS TERRIBLE THROUGHOUT THE HOTEL. THE ELEVATORS SEEMED TO BE IN POOR CONDITION. THE BREAKFAST WAS LIMITED WITH STALE PASTRIES AND FEW CHOICES. THE AREA THE HOTEL WAS LOCATED WAS NOT THE SAFEST FEELING. I"M GLAD WE ONLY HAD 2 NIGHTS THERE, BUT REGRET THAT WE WERE BOOKED HERE AT ALL. IT WAS A REAL DISAPPOINTMENT AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND KIMKIM PLACE THEIR CLIENTS IN THIS HOTEL IN THE FUTURE. MUCH LOWER CLASS THAN THE H10'S OR PARADORE DE AIGLUBAVA.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

MOLD IN THE SHOWER ALONG THE CALKING ALONG THE FLOOR. ROOM WAS DARK AND QUIET, HOWEVER

Sallés Hotel Ciutat del Prat

El Prat de Llobregat

I HAD LOW EXPECTATIONS BECAUSE I HAD TOLD MARINA WE COULD SAVE $$ ON THE AIRPORT HOTEL NIGHT, BUT THIS HOTEL EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS. IT WAS LOVELY. LIGHT AND BRIGHT WITH A VERY HELPFUL, FRIENDLY STAFF. BREAKFAST WAS FRESH AND DELICIOUS. ROOMS WERE BRIGHT, CLEAN, AND COMFORTABLE. WOULD RECOMMEND. THE LOCATION WAS A BIT SKETCHY BUT WE DIDN'T LEAVE THE HOTEL ONCE WE CHECKED IN AND FELT SAFE AND FINE THERE.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Visit of Madrid: History, Culture & Architecture of the Capital of Spain

Madrid

JAVIER WAS GREAT. ENJOYED HIS TOUR. MAYBE WE COULD HAVE SEEN EVEN MORE IF WE HAD GOTTEN ON THE METRO AND VISITED MORE AREAS THAN JUST WHAT WAS WALKABLE

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tapas Culinary Experience

Madrid

THIS WAS A HIGHLIGHT. FULL OF FUN, LAUGHTER, GREAT FOOD AND BEVERAGES! HIGHLY RECOMMEND. BUT.....BE SURE TO TELL YOUR CLIENTS THE PROPER START TIME! WE WERE TOLD 6PM AND WERE THERE PROMPTLY AT 6 AND NO ONE WAS THERE. TURNS OUT, IT DOESN'T START UNTIL 6:30.

Quality of Experience

Food

EXCELLENT

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Train Madrid to Toledo, Guided Visit of Toledo, Train Toledo to Madrid

Madrid

GREAT EXPERIENCE

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Visit: Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

Granada

ALHAMBRA WAS VERY CROWDED AND HARD TO GET A LOT OUT OF A GROUP TOUR. ANTONIO WAS THE GUIDE AND WAS VERY INFORMATIVE, BUT IT WAS HARD TO KEEP UP WITH HIM AND ALL HIS KNOWLEDGE IN THE GROUP SETTING. WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO HAVE HAD A PRIVATE TOUR.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit an Andalusian Olive Oil Estate

Seville

ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP. SARA WAS GREAT! ESTATE WAS BEAUTIFUL. REALLY ENJOYED THE TOUR AND TASTING

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Flamenco Show in a Sacromonte Cave

Granada

GREAT SHOW. HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO INTRODUCTION AS TO WHAT WE WERE ABOUT TO SEE. AND NO EXPLANATION. WE ENJOYED IT BUT WOULD HAVE LIKED SOME EXPLANATION. WE ALSO THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE A LARGE, STAGE PRODUCTION. HAD NO IDEA IT WAS A VERY SMALL INTIMATE AFFAIR WITH 3 DANCERS AND TWO SINGERS.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guided Visit of Seville

Seville

HELENA WAS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND HAD LOTS OF INFORMATION TO SHARE. SHE DIDN'T PICK UP ON OUR QUEUS THAT WE WERE TIRED AND NEEDED A BREAK, OR TO EVEN CUT THE TOUR A BIT SHORT. `

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Traditional Andalusian Market Visit & Cooking Class

Seville

ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP!! WOULDN'T CHANGE A THING! LOVED IT!!

Quality of Experience

Food

DELICIOUS PAELLA, SOUP AND SPINACH/CHICKPEAS DISH

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Catamaran Sailing along the Costa Brava

Spain

THIS WAS FINE BUT NOT GREAT. THE AREA WHERE YOU START THE TOUR WAS A BIT DINGY AND CROWDED. THE STAFF ON THE BOAT DID A GREAT JOB. IT'S NOT A HIGH CLASS EXPERIENCE. THERE WERE LOTS OF YOUNG KIDS ON BOARD. THE FOOD SERVED WAS FINE. NOTHING GREAT.

Quality of Experience

Food

Private Tour of Barcelona & La Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

WE ARRANGED THIS FOR OURSELVES AND THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE DAY

We had an amazing time in Portugal. Our local specialist, Marina, helped us plan an itinerary that was very specific to our needs. We were exposed to so many different cultural parts of Portugal, seeing both urban culture in Lisbon and historical culture in Porto. We were constantly in awe of the beautifully colored buildings. We were able to immerse ourselves into the food culture with a private cooking class. Taking the ceramic tile class helped us get hands on with the art/ history of the country. Wine tasting in Douro Valley was absolutely beautiful, filled with breathtaking views. It was such a wonderful experience and I was so happy with our trip. Can't wait to come back.