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Pauline Mathieu

Hello ! I'm Pauline, and I am thrilled to be your dedicated trip planner for your upcoming adventure!

I'm a native of Champagne Ardenne, so I know the ins and outs of the region like the back of my hand.

Over the past five years, I've meticulously crafted journeys for groups spanning the globe. Today, I am focus on customizing trips to make them more authentic.

Whether I'm in France or abroad, I love finding off-the-beaten-path spots like local markets, cozy restaurants….

With a keen eye for aesthetics, I am constantly on the lookout for unique accommodations, from quirky boutique hotels to cozy countryside gîtes.

Let's craft together your next amazing trip to make it as extraordinary as you are!

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I will be your dedicated trip planner for France and Scotland!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"Driven by an intense passion for learning languages and orchestrating unforgettable trips and events for my loved ones, I transformed my passion into what I consider to be my dream career."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"So many stories to tell! The most unique one I experienced recently was in Egypt. Wandering through the bustling souk of Cairo with its narrow streets and diverse shops, admiring the vastness of the pyramids, and uncovering the secrets of ancient Egypt, all guided by the most wonderful guide I've ever met!"

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Pauline

First time travelers
Scotland | Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2025

LeeAnne
LeeAnne L.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2025
Recently retired and wanting to travel to Scotland, but where to start? Hearing about KimKim from my sister-in-law we contacted them and them and Pauline was our personal agent and advocate! We had appointments regularly so she could glean what were our goals and desires. She listened, then researched and advised. She was SPOT ON! We wanted to experience as much as we could in the 10 day trip and looking back I would not have changed a thing!
Pauline and the team at KimKim made sure to...
Read more

Recently retired and wanting to travel to Scotland, but where to start? Hearing about KimKim from my sister-in-law we contacted them and them and Pauline was our personal agent and advocate! We had appointments regularly so she could glean what were our goals and desires. She listened, then researched and advised. She was SPOT ON! We wanted to experience as much as we could in the 10 day trip and looking back I would not have changed a thing!
Pauline and the team at KimKim made sure to book our hotels close to the train connections and local travel options. My husband and I along with his sister and husband traveled with ease knowing we were backed by the whole group. It made us feel more at ease when questions arose.
We were picked up at the airport and delivered to our first hotel in London for a couple of days starting with the Tower of London and a on a whim the Winston Churchill War Room exhibits. Both were AMAZING! The following day we took infamous Westminster Chapel, which left us breathless.
Off to Edinburgh by train to see the country in comfort! One of our goals was to learn about my husband's Scottish heritage. KimKim connected us to a guide who was such a gem, Alister, who gave a a driving tour of Edinburgh first and then to the family town and castle! Although the castle was in ruins, it was truly remarkable. Alister headed our wish to visits the less busy parts of Scotland and our day along the coastal towns and local cafe's made it all the more memorable.
Then Inverness the trip would not be complete without the castle tours, historical sites with fantastic guides and stories told with their delightful accent! A 12 hour bus tour to the Isle of Skye with photo stops and entertaining and historical stories from our guide, Carin, made the trip a real winner.
The last stop in the quaint town of Sterling staying in a truly landmark hotel, the Golden Lion, and the Sterling castle (which is a MUST see).
KimKim had a driver deliver us to the airport, (another Alister) who was the kindest gentleman, who navigated morning traffic through the backroads with ease to deliver us to the airport.
ALL the details matter and Pauline and her crew hit it out of the park. We are so grateful to have had them in our back pocket!

Activity Reviews
Tower of London Timed Entry Tickets
Tower of London Timed Entry Tickets
London

Easy to tour on your own, they have personal audio players so you can spend as little or as much time as you like.

Tickets to Westminster Abbey
Tickets to Westminster Abbey
London

Truly breath taking. Majestic, solemn, and facsinating. I need a full day!

Quality of Experience
Private day dedicated to the  Lumsden Clan
Private day dedicated to the Lumsden Clan
Inverness

Honestly I cannot say enough about our guide, Alister. He was thorough and oh so thoughtful. His research on our family heritage and then driving us to the specific locations was so valuable. We were able to see, walk, read and touch where our family lived hundreds of years ago. We have memories that will be with us forever. Thank you Alistor and KimKim!

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

Such a treat to experience REAL history.

Quality of Experience
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
Inverness
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland

This was the castle to see! Where Scotland has so much history.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Nov 04, 2025

Thank you so much, LeeAnne, for your kind words!
It truly means a lot to us to know that you had such a wonderful time . Especially learning more about your clan. You’ve certainly created amazing memories that will last a lifetime, and I’m so happy to have been part of it!

I wish you all the very best, and whenever you decide to travel to Europe again, I’ll be here to help you plan another fantastic adventure!

Pauline was wonderful! She was very detailed ...
United Kingdom | Oct 6 - Oct 12, 2025

Sonya
Sonya H.
North Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 28, 2025
Pauline was wonderful! She was very detailed and organized with our plans. She was very attentive to my needs as a disabled traveler. There were some hiccups on the trip but none of them had anything to do with Pauline or Kimkim and anything we approached her with pertaining to those problems she went above and beyond to help rectify. When we travel abroad again we will be using Kimkim!! Read more

Pauline was wonderful! She was very detailed and organized with our plans. She was very attentive to my needs as a disabled traveler. There were some hiccups on the trip but none of them had anything to do with Pauline or Kimkim and anything we approached her with pertaining to those problems she went above and beyond to help rectify. When we travel abroad again we will be using Kimkim!!

Hotel Review
Park Plaza London Waterloo
London

Very nice hotel. However they did not provide a disability ramp for the dining area and bar which made it difficult to navigate.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Nov 04, 2025

Thank you so much, Sonya, for your kind words.
I’m so happy to hear that this trip was everything you wished for and that Thomas had such a wonderful time as well!

Everything about the trip from beginning to e...
Scotland | Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2025

rhonda
rhonda s.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2025
Everything about the trip from beginning to end was wonderful! Comfortable shoes in London and Scotland are most definitely a must as they are both walking destinations! (Of course as much or little as you want) but so much to see within close proximity that walking is easy. Pauline was awesome ! Such a bubbly personality with a true desire to listen and book the kind of vacation you are looking for. It was so reassuring to have someone so competent managing the helm! I would give her... Read more

Everything about the trip from beginning to end was wonderful! Comfortable shoes in London and Scotland are most definitely a must as they are both walking destinations! (Of course as much or little as you want) but so much to see within close proximity that walking is easy. Pauline was awesome ! Such a bubbly personality with a true desire to listen and book the kind of vacation you are looking for. It was so reassuring to have someone so competent managing the helm! I would give her and her team 5 stars!

Hotel Reviews
Redcliffe Hotel
Inverness

Pretty good location. Suggest an uber from train. Up steep hill or tons of steps. Hotel clean. Rooms nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Lobby could use some updating
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Golden Lion Hotel
Stirling

Location was close for going in and out of. We found it adequate. Staff was not very helpful . Restaurant seemed very understaffed. Not at all helpful with early breakfast. Heading to airport early next morning and they were uncooperative with packing anything for us to eat even though breakfast was included with our stay. Every other hotel we had been in was extremely happy to pack something . Rooms were very updated and cramped. Would not recommend .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Corner London City
London

The location of this hotel was ok. It was just a few blocks to the Aldgate tube. Beware when booking as they have “snug” rooms that are in a basement without windows. They do have rooms with windows which we changed to the next morning . Breakfast was very good and hotel staff very helpful

Authenticity & Character
Very clean and eclectic
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Haymarket Hotel
Edinburgh

Quaint..good location. Not far from buses and tram. We were traveling as a foursome and were booked in different buildings. Not ideal. There are 3 continuous buildings for lodging so if you are traveling with another and you care specify when booking. We had 3 flights of stairs to hulk our bags up. No elevator. Needless to say, lots of exercise up and down. Breakfast was very good. Made to order or continental.

Authenticity & Character
Creaky floors, narrow staircase, old buildings surrounding
Location
Close to busses and tram
Staff
They were all, wry nice and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beads could have been better and pillows very flat…everything else good
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Oct 16, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words, Rhonda.🥰
It’s been an absolute pleasure planning this trip for you, and I’m so happy to hear that you had such a wonderful time. Thank you for your valuable feedback! I wish you all the very best and look forward to planning another European adventure for you soon!

Personalized Scotland Adventure
Scotland | Jul 10 - Jul 16, 2025

Rae
Rae E.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025
Thanks to Pauline and team for helping us create an amazing trip. It was a great combination of their expert recommendations and our personal requests with enough freedom to discover new places along the way.
Highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and too many places to mention in the Highlands! We loved Inverness and the surrounding area. History, beauty, nature, and everyone is friendly and helpful. Shout outs to our hosts I. Edinburgh and Inverness, to Izzie at Tomatin...
Read more

Thanks to Pauline and team for helping us create an amazing trip. It was a great combination of their expert recommendations and our personal requests with enough freedom to discover new places along the way.
Highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and too many places to mention in the Highlands! We loved Inverness and the surrounding area. History, beauty, nature, and everyone is friendly and helpful. Shout outs to our hosts I. Edinburgh and Inverness, to Izzie at Tomatin (what a genuinely kind and knowledgeable person)!

Activity Reviews
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

We loved that we could skipthe line because we had tickets and the guidebook is a great souvenir!

Quality of Experience
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets
Inverness

Our guide was knowledgeable and complete!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tomatin Distillery Tour
Tomatin Distillery Tour
Inverness

Terrific experience learning about Scotch whiskey production. Izzie is a great guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Glenlivet - The Original Tasting
Glenlivet - The Original Tasting
Scotland

Rick was a wonderful guide. We had a great time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Jul 21, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🧡

It was truly a pleasure helping you plan your trip, and we're thrilled to hear it was such a memorable experience. We’re so glad our recommendations, combined with your own ideas, gave you the perfect mix of structure and freedom to explore.

Thank you again for traveling with us. We hope Scotland continues to hold a special place in your hearts and that you'll be back for more adventures someday!

Can’t wait to create other memorable trip for you !

Pauline and Célina

A great trip all around.
Scotland | Jun 6 - Jun 18, 2025

Brian
Brian M.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025
The trip was wonderful from beginning to end. Pauline sat down with us via Zoom to understand what we were looking for. She was responsive to questions we asked and changes we wanted to make. There were little touches like a welcome postcard and drinks at one of the hotels that added a tone to the entire trip. Almost everything recommended was worthwhile. The hotels and B&Bs were wonderful, especially those outside the main cities: Bunchrew House, Taransay House, No. 26 by the Sea,... Read more

The trip was wonderful from beginning to end. Pauline sat down with us via Zoom to understand what we were looking for. She was responsive to questions we asked and changes we wanted to make. There were little touches like a welcome postcard and drinks at one of the hotels that added a tone to the entire trip.

Almost everything recommended was worthwhile. The hotels and B&Bs were wonderful, especially those outside the main cities: Bunchrew House, Taransay House, No. 26 by the Sea, and Malmaison Edinburgh City were perfect and they were very accommodating to our dietary needs. Rooms were not big, but they were always comfortable. Please note, if you are from the USA and ask for King sized beds we discovered there is a difference. Many places have "hotel kings" which are US queen sized beds. "Super Kings" are US kings.

The standout guides and activities were:
1) Walking tour with Gareth--Gareth is knowledgeable and personable. He was able to tweak things on the fly to answer our questions and needs. We could have kept going for hours.
2) Culloden Battlefield Private Tour--Rhona is a wealth of knowledge and really fun to be with. She provided all the history and background to help us understand the significance of the battle for the Scots and the entire United Kingdom.
3) Highlands Wildlife Safari--We did not know exactly what to expect from this experience, but we had a wonderful time with our guide. We saw five very different habitats within Cairngorms National Park and we learned more about the trees and wildlife than I can possibly remember. The Hairy coos were an extra special bonus. It was definitely worth the time.
4) Trotternish Loop--This is an amazing drive and I am sorry we did not have more time to spend on the drive. Allot more than half a day to truly enjoy it and be able to get to your next activity.
5) Oban Distillery Tour--We did more than a few distillery tours, and even more tastings. Oban was the best tour of the lot. It was informative and fun.
6) Three Chimney's dinner--Out in the middle of nowhere sits this excellent restaurant with a fantastic tasking menu. We had the seven course tasting menu and it was worth every penny. It was Scottish food re-imagined and served by an outstanding cast. On the way home, we had one of the best moments of the entire trip when we got stuck in an Isle of Skye traffic jam. The road cut through a paddock and the sheep were not moving off the road for anyone.
7) Soul Sisters Cafe and Cooking Class--We wanted to do something different and asked Pauline to arrange a cooking class for us. They found this wonderful cafe in Glasgow that serves middle eastern and Scottish food and provides jobs and training to immigrant women. They welcomed us warmly with a delicious lunch and true hospitality. We learned to make scones, but as we chatted with them and watched what they were preparing in the kitchen they shared all sorts of extra information and tastes. I only wish we had known about the Algerian Flatbread, because that would have been an awesome class to take.
8) Our best "accidental" experience was at the Three Berries Farm just north of Inverness. I got of at the second exit of the roundabout instead of the third and we happened upon this local market. They make homemade baked goods and sell the freshest fruits and veggies they can. It is clearly a locals place, but they were kind enough to explain all sorts of things and give us tastes of things that were new.
9) Not something we did through Kim Kim, but on our last day we added Afternoon Tea at the Dome in Edinburgh. It was a wonderful way to bring our trip to a close. It is elegant and fun.

We had a few hiccups with communication, but everyone from KimKim's staff and the Highpoint staff worked hard to get things right. In fact, we decided to change our itinerary one day and with enough notice they were able to get us refunds for the activity we were going to skip.

Hotel Reviews
Malmaison Edinburgh City
Edinburgh

This was the perfect location to end our trip. In the heart of Edinburgh's newtown it is right on St. Andrews Square, next to the tram, and easy walking to lots of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The hotel set up is funky and so are the rooms, but they were clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
A lot of black, but clean, comfortable, and quirky.
Location
Really well located. I could have stayed here at both the beginning and end of our trip.
Staff
Very helpful for an urban hotel. They helped our wives move luggage as we ran to return the hire car on time.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Novotel Glasgow Centre
Glasgow

This is a chain hotel. It was clean and comfortable, but not memorable. I think this was more of a business hotel than tourist hotel. Their on-site parking is a very small lot and probably one of the most traumatic driving experiences of our time in Scotland. Long car in narrow garage--not a great combination. We did not need the car for the days we were there.

Authenticity & Character
Standard buisness hotel
Location
It is a walk to where many of the restaurants and stores are, but there were many other choices that were "closer to the action".
Staff
Helpful and friendly, but serving a much bigger crowds.
Cleanliness & Comfort
No 26 by the Sea
Oban

The rooms here are cozy with not a great deal of extra space and the lack of an elevator makes getting things up and down a bit of a challenge, but what do you expect in a hotel with only nine rooms. The staff are all helpful, friendly, and outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
Cute, quirky, and comfortable
Location
Right across the street from the bay in a beautiful old home that is an easy walk to "downtown".
Staff
They tried to do everything they could to make us comfortable and happy.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We were there on some warm days and the fan was a big help. I just could not get the towel warmer to turn off which made the room warmer than needed.
Taransay House, Small Hotel
Portree

I cannot say enough about Taransay House. The owners and their son, the chef, are charming people. They welcomed us with a dram of whisky and throughout our stay did everyting they could and more to make us comfortable. The rooms are modern and comfortable with a beautiful view of the water. Our stay here included dinner and the food for both breakfast and dinner was outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
New build, but very nicely done.
Location
Just south of Portree proper it is well located to visit Skye
Staff
They are simply outstanding from start to finish.
Cleanliness & Comfort
One of the best beds of the trip.
Bunchrew House Hotel
Bunchrew

This is a wonderful place to stay just outside of Inverness. The Baronial House is grand and the staff is wonderful. Rooms are of a good size and comfortable buy unique. The shared lounge is a great place to meet and talk with other guests. The staff work very hard to be accommodating. Breakfast was wonderful.

Authenticity & Character
Definately a special occasion stay
Location
On the water and outside of the city. Don't miss the ancient tree out front.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The house is very well kept. Not handicapped accessible.
Leonardo City Edinburgh
Edinburgh

It is a nice small hotel. It is a bit tired, but it was clean and the staff was helpful. It is an easy walk to the grassmarket and old town.

Authenticity & Character
This is in a beautiful old building
Location
There are not many cafes or restaurants in the vicinity. It also seemed to be uphill both ways, but that is Edinburgh.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
It is time for a revovation.
Activity Reviews
Visit the Kelpies
Visit the Kelpies
Scotland

I was not sure why we were doing this, but I am glad we did. The Kepies are two statues built in the Scottish countryside. It is worth it to take the tour to get the history of the statues and to have the chance to stand inside one of them. The guide was great and helped us understand why these beautiful statues were there.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland

This is what you think of when you think of a castle. It is a beautiful location and a wonderful tour with knowlegeable guides. You get the entire history of the castle and there is a lot to see.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cooking Class
Cooking Class
Glasgow

We asked for this to be added to our intinerary and I am so glad we did. Soul Sisters Cafe is a non-profit that provides meals to the homeless, hungry, and paying customers and trains immigrant women in Glasgow. Their food style is mainly middle eastern, but they did scones for us. We started with a wonderful lunch followed by the class. However, as we talked with the ladies in the cafe, the continued to show us and share things with us. I really want to learn how to make the stuffed Algerian flatbread they made. By the time we left, we felt like part of the family.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
Historic Walking Tours of Glasgow
Glasgow

The group was a bit large, but the guide was informative and entertaining. He truly loves Glasgow and has the attitudes and accent of a real Glaswegian. With a large group you spend more time moving than talking, but still very worthwhile.

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

This was the best distillery tour of the four we took. They provided all sorts of extra information and instead of tasting everything at the end, they give you drams to try throughout the tour. It is amazing to see how the town grew around the distillery and leaves them no room for expansion. Drivers and non-drinkers take homes are provided. Like many places, you get a discount in the shop for taking the tour. I celebrated by bottling my own bottle of whisky which I had to register, sign, bottle, and seal, plus it is a single barrel, really good whisky.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Scotland

This is a nice way to see the islands and to get out to the Island of Staffa. However, the rest of the trip is a bit of a let down. You only drive across the Isle of Mull without stops. There is a combination of driver commentary and canned commentary that is interesting. The detour to Staffa is wonderful. We were unable to land on the island due to construction, but we did see all the major sites and were there when the puffins were there. Iona is a sweet little island, but it does not require more than two hours. Other than the Abbey and a couple of shops there is very little. We walked a good deal of the island. The ferry rides were fine.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tasting Menu at The Three Chimneys
Tasting Menu at The Three Chimneys
Scotland

This is one of the meals and experiences I will always remember. The seven course tasting menu was fantastic and they were able to adapt to our dietary needs. I am not one who usually takes pictures of my food, but it was so good and so beautiful that I had to. The service was elegant, efficient, and friendly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Talisker distillery tour
Talisker distillery tour
Scotland

We did a number of distillery tours on this trip. Talisker is a very slick and well put together presentation. I did not personally feel very engaged. The tasting offered three drams and take home bottles for drivers or non-drinkers.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They are used to large crowds and not as engaging.
Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle
Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle
Scotland

Urquhart Castle was very interesting and it is worth walking up to the visitors' center to see the short movie. The staff in and around the ruins are happy to talk and answer questions. The boat ride is exactly that, a boat ride. There was commentary being played, but it was hard to hear over people. It is a nice way to get to the castle, but I would not race out to do it again.

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

We saw five different areas in Cairngorms National Park. I was not sure what I was expecting, but the tour and guide were great. We hand the chance to see reindeer, osprey, and to meet two hairy coos up close. The guide is outstanding and I learned more than I could ever remember.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We are not little people and three us us in the back seat was cozy.
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Inverness

Rhona is a wealth of knowledge and she helped explain the battle of Culloden and its impact on Scotland and the UK. She loves this history and it is clear from the tour.

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

Beautiful "castle". Not a castle like Edinburgh or Sterling, but worth a visit. We did not have enough time to spend in the garden, but they looked lovely.

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

The guides here are wonderful. Make sure to stay and ask questions at the end to get a real feel for the guide and the castle. The work and restoration that is being done is remarkable. Make sure you make it to the "living" exhibits with period dressed docents. They add a great deal to what you see and learn.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Small group visit of Mary King's Close
Small group visit of Mary King's Close
Edinburgh

This is a bit touristy, but still worth the visit. It is amazing to learn about the history of the city and how people lived. I could have used less focus on ghosts and such and more history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Edinburgh

Gareth was a wealth of knowledge and he shared history, politics, and a whole variety of information. He was engaging and tweaked the tour to our needs and wants.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Oct 31, 2025

Thank you so much, Brian, for this amazing feedback!

We’re absolutely thrilled that your 60th birthday trip turned out just as wonderful as you had hoped!

Your feedback truly means a lot—it helps us improve and continue crafting unforgettable experiences in Scotland, just like yours.

A huge thank you for choosing Kimkim and High Point Holidays for your special trip. We’re so grateful to have been part of it! 😍

Pauline was a dream to work with…..
Scotland | May 13 - May 19, 2025

Maggie
Maggie G.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on May 23, 2025
Pauline was a dream to work with. Helping us revise and squeeze in destinations we were interested in.
Holister who picked us up at the airport after a delay was informative and very professional
Our trip around Skye was amazing and Stewart was a fabulous driver— he managed our trip expertly and avoided crowds. Timberbush Tours
The sequencing of our self guided yours allowed us ample time to fit everything in The hotels and our rooms were fabulous None of the above would have... Read more

Pauline was a dream to work with. Helping us revise and squeeze in destinations we were interested in.
Holister who picked us up at the airport after a delay was informative and very professional
Our trip around Skye was amazing and Stewart was a fabulous driver— he managed our trip expertly and avoided crowds. Timberbush Tours

The sequencing of our self guided yours allowed us ample time to fit everything in

The hotels and our rooms were fabulous

None of the above would have happened without Paulines attention yo our needs and attention to detail

Hotel Reviews
Mercure Inverness hotel
Inverness

Centrally located

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oban Bay Hotel
Oban

Great location- cute bar overlooking the bay

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Great hotel. Cute and charming

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
P
Rusacks St Andrews
St Andrews

Perfect location — roof top nar exceptional— pub and dinning was awesome

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Colessio
Stirling

Great location great amenities

Authenticity & Character
Location
O
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Oban
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets
Inverness
Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle
Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle
Scotland
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Pitlochry
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh
Isle of Skye Daytrip from Inverness
Isle of Skye Daytrip from Inverness
Inverness

So much easier to have a driver for the day so we both could enjoy the amazing island

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stewart was amaxing
Transport
Stewart was a great driver
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on May 26, 2025

Thank you so much for this amazing review, Maggie!!! 😍 I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and Jim had such a fantastic time in Scotland.

Timberbush really is the best, aren’t they? 😉

I’m already looking forward to creating another unforgettable experience for you both!

We just returned from an amazing trip to Scot...
Scotland | May 13 - May 19, 2025

Jim
Jim G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on May 21, 2025
We just returned from an amazing trip to Scotland. Pauline, from KimKim travel was very helpful, patient, flexible, and she listened to our wants. She helped us immensely to craft a plan that hit all the key spots we wanted, and also included open blocks of time on most days for us to just wander and explore. The hotels were all in perfect locations and were wonderful. We liked the suggestions for restaurants in each area and we enjoyed those a lot. Also helpful were suggestions on... Read more

We just returned from an amazing trip to Scotland. Pauline, from KimKim travel was very helpful, patient, flexible, and she listened to our wants. She helped us immensely to craft a plan that hit all the key spots we wanted, and also included open blocks of time on most days for us to just wander and explore. The hotels were all in perfect locations and were wonderful. We liked the suggestions for restaurants in each area and we enjoyed those a lot. Also helpful were suggestions on sites, hikes, and other places of interest to consider in each area… that turned out to be a nice pick list.
Of course we had a hitch in our trip, as our flight to Scotland arrived over 4 hours late. Not a problem to coordinate with Pauline for a revised airport pickup time, and she also was able to reschedule a time sensitive tour. Very much appreciated.
We gladly recommend KimKim, and of course Pauline or one of her colleagues.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Colessio
Stirling
Authenticity & Character
Our room was stunning, beautiful, and comfortable. Best one on our trip! We also liked the bar/restaurant.
Location
Close walk to the castle, distillery, restaurants and shopping just off the main area.
Staff
Very nice, friendly, and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The outside is not as impressive as the lobby and restaurant, and our room was THE Best!
Oban Bay Hotel
Oban

Lovely hotel overlooking Oban bay and on the Main Street in town. Easy walk to get to everything. Room was comfortable and clean. Breakfast was excellent. Charming bar and front porch area to relax, have a drink and snack. Staff was simply lovely, we enjoyed our stay a lot.

Authenticity & Character
Has a feel of old world charm, and is quite comfortable.
Location
Beautiful views from the hotel, and easy walk to everything in town.
Staff
Very helpful, accommodating, and fun too.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mercure Inverness hotel
Inverness

Really great location to explore Inverness, great restaurants and pubs all steps away. Parking on site was good and easy to get out and about on day trips. Our room was very comfortable and clean. The staff was always available to help and helpful and friendly. They made us feel very welcome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect location for walking to many great pubs, restaurants, and shops in central Inverness. Yet easy to get out on the road for day trips.
Staff
To a person, all the staff were helpful and very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was very comfortable and clean. But some public areas in the hotel could be updated.
Rusacks St Andrews
St Andrews

Perfect location. Charming and beautiful hotel. Awesome staff. Nice restaurant and breakfast service.

Authenticity & Character
Wry impressive and historic hotel, with all the modern conveniences you want.
Location
Perfect location for golf and anything else you want to do in St Andrew’s
Staff
Extremely helpful, courteous, friendly and fun.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Awesome room, overlook8 g the 18th hole
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Nicely appointed hotel in walking distance to most of Edinburgh’s main sites. The staff were all wonderfully helpful and very friendly. Our room was lovely, and quite comfortable. Breakfast offered excellent quality choices. Definitely recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Charming
Location
Easy to Walk to about everything
Staff
Friendly, happy, and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on May 21, 2025

Hey Jim,

Thank you so much for your feedback! It was such a pleasure planning this amazing trip to Scotland for you. I'm so glad you and Maggie had a great time!😍

We can’t wait to see what adventure you plan next! 😉

Planning Makes the Perfect Trip
Scotland | Apr 5 - Apr 12, 2025

Eddie
Eddie R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025
Pauline asked all the right questions to give us options for a perfect trip to Scotland. We loved all the tours and especially our Ecoventure boat tour in Cromarty. Read more

Pauline asked all the right questions to give us options for a perfect trip to Scotland. We loved all the tours and especially our Ecoventure boat tour in Cromarty.

Hotel Review
Tulloch Castle Hotel
Dingwall

A little out of the way but a great place. The food was wonderful at breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Apr 14, 2025

Thank you so much, Eddie!
I'm absolutely thrilled to hear that you and your wife had such a wonderful trip to celebrate your 30th anniversary—and Audra’s birthday too! 😍
It means a lot to us that we could be a part of such a special occasion.

An Unforgettable and Delightful Travel Adventure!
United Kingdom | Sep 24 - Oct 6, 2024

Michelle
Michelle B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2024
We were knocked out by the variety, depth and professionalism we experienced during our travel adventures. This was one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. We could never have dreamed up the countless escapades we got to be a part of and were so appreciative of the accessibility and ease of it all! We explored museums, castle ruins, and ancient villages and dined in cozy pubs in the middle of vibrant world-class cities. We had some of the finest guided tours I've ever been... Read more

We were knocked out by the variety, depth and professionalism we experienced during our travel adventures. This was one of the best travel experiences we've ever had. We could never have dreamed up the countless escapades we got to be a part of and were so appreciative of the accessibility and ease of it all!

We explored museums, castle ruins, and ancient villages and dined in cozy pubs in the middle of vibrant world-class cities. We had some of the finest guided tours I've ever been on (the Edinburgh literary tour and Cotswold Tour in Bath were standouts). But we were most impresssed by our KimKim travel specialists, Pauline and Sarah (and earlier on Neil), who not only put together this unforgettable travel experience for us but who were available to us at every turn.

In fact, they managed to transform a potential disappointment (due to an unexpected train incident) into one of the most exciting days of our long vacation by rescheduling a much-anticipated river cruise for us. We were able to sneak in a spontaneous visit to the Greenwich Museum and see a show at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre because of the way they thoughtfully configured our day. (We even had a chance to visit with some of the actors at the Swann afterward)! Pauline was as warm and attentive as she was thoughtfully professional as she worked to troubleshoot the inevitable unexpecteds that travel brings.

Our accommodations, while varied, were universally safe, clean and served delicious breakfasts. We were especially fond of our accommodations at the Grosvenor Arms in Bath, where we found the company of our host Richard genial and engaging. The Crown Inn at Penrith was our coziest night of sleep and the hardworking staff was personable, warm and gracious. We loved our travel itinerary in the Lakes District and the fascinating visit to beautiful ruins of Lowther Castle.

There is an endless array of memories to meditate on over the coming winter. One thing is certain: we will be trusting our next travel adventure with Kim Kim!

Hotel Reviews
ibis Styles London Gloucester Road
London

Our stay at the hotel was a bit of a mixed bag. While it was an understandable price point for a central location like Kensington, the hotel felt a bit too commercial for my liking. They had a quirky subway theme, which included 'mind the gap' decor, but it was a bit much after a day of train travels. Our room was small, and we barely had space to move around. One of the lifts was broken, and although there was another working one, it was a bit of a hassle. Having to deal with many stairs wasn't ideal either, especially when mobility could be a potential issue for some.

Angel's Share Hotel
New Town, Edinburgh

Angel's Share Hotel in Edinburgh had a cosmopolitan and edgy feel, which was a fresh change of pace. The aesthetic was distinctly modern, and while it wasn't as warm as some other places, the service was accommodating, with our room ready upon arrival. The overall ambiance was enjoyable although it felt a bit less intimate.

Crown Inn Pooley Bridge
Penrith

Crown Inn Pooley Bridge was incredibly quiet and cozy, giving us our best night's sleep during the trip. It's a dog-friendly location, which is wonderful for pet lovers, but perhaps not ideal for those with allergies. I appreciated the peaceful setting and the overall comfort of our stay.

Grosvenor Villa
Bath

Grosvenor Villa was really lovely. It had a charming atmosphere with the host being very personable. The setup was cozy with a piano and fireplace, making it a great communal space. My husband, being a musician, enjoyed playing the piano there. It was a delightful stay, and the breakfast was excellent, featuring delicious food. The hospitality stood out, and the ambiance added to the relaxing experience.

Activity Reviews
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

Our visit to Edinburgh Castle was a bit disappointing as we missed our guided tour slot due to unforeseen circumstances. Although we managed to do the audio tour, it felt like a lost opportunity. The site was extremely busy, probably due to a bank holiday, which added to the regret.

Literary tour of Bath
Literary tour of Bath
Bath

The Literary tour of Bath was fantastic, particularly the Jane Austen experience. It was well-written, comprehensive, and beautifully presented. The guides were top-notch, enhancing the entire visit with their depth of knowledge.

The Bath Gin Company Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience
The Bath Gin Company Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience
Bath

The Bath Gin Company Distillery Tour & Tasting Experience was nothing short of amazing. Our guide was remarkable, and it was fascinating to go behind the scenes and witness the inner workings. The quality of their product speaks for itself, and I'm hopeful for their great success. A must-visit for gin enthusiasts!

Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience - Whisky Explorers
Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience - Whisky Explorers
Edinburgh

The Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience was a pleasant surprise for us as casual drinkers. We had an excellent guide, and despite it being her first launch, she did a commendable job. I'd recommend this to whisky lovers and those who are curious alike.

Lowther Castle
Lowther Castle
United Kingdom

One of our favorite experiences was visiting Lowther Castle. The ruins are off the beaten path, and it was a great recommendation from our guides that truly added a unique touch to our trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the Castle's ambience and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable historical site.

Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu

Would recommend to anyone
Scotland | Sep 9 - Sep 17, 2024

E
Emmett W.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024
The trip planning process was incredibly easy and we were supported the entire way through by Pauline and the kimkim staff. Once we were on our vacation, we were able to continue contacting Pauline when we had a few snags at hotel check in, which she expertly handled. Using kimkim took a lot of stress out of traveling and is something that we’ll consider using again in the future! Read more

The trip planning process was incredibly easy and we were supported the entire way through by Pauline and the kimkim staff. Once we were on our vacation, we were able to continue contacting Pauline when we had a few snags at hotel check in, which she expertly handled. Using kimkim took a lot of stress out of traveling and is something that we’ll consider using again in the future!

Hotel Reviews
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison Hotel
Fort William
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Apex City of Glasgow Hotel
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No.32 Hotel
Edinburgh

Small issue at check in, but it was quickly resolved. We were incredibly welcome for our whole stay and loved the amenities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near the train station and an easy walk to the city center
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Malmaison Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rufflets St Andrews
St. Andrews
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Alban & Abbey House
Inverness
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was awesome, the bed and pillows were quite uncomfortable though
Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu