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Authenticus Italy

At Authenticus Italy, our mission is to help clients truly experience Italy in a unique and memorable way. We plan bespoke itineraries with a focus on authentic, captivating and unforgettable experiences.

While there are several ways to see Italy, we give our travelers an insider's view of the country. Whether you are an art-lover, a food & wine enthusiast or a history buff, we will design a trip that immerses you and your senses in a journey you will never forget, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Authenticus Italy is part of the following groups: Italy Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for Authenticus Italy

What an amazing trip! Martina worked closely ...
Italy | Jun 14 - Jul 1, 2025

Susan
Susan B.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Jul 03, 2025
What an amazing trip! Martina worked closely with me to plan our trip to Italy, from Rome to Santa Margherita, to Cinque Terre, to our villa, and ending in Florence. She gave great ideas and scheduled wonderful drivers like Ileana and Simone to get us from the train station to our hotels. When our train cancelled in Pisa, Lorenzo at KimKim made sure we got picked up and got us to our hotel in Santa Margherita. We had the most amazing tour guide, Elisabetta, in Santa Margherita take us on a... Read more

What an amazing trip! Martina worked closely with me to plan our trip to Italy, from Rome to Santa Margherita, to Cinque Terre, to our villa, and ending in Florence. She gave great ideas and scheduled wonderful drivers like Ileana and Simone to get us from the train station to our hotels. When our train cancelled in Pisa, Lorenzo at KimKim made sure we got picked up and got us to our hotel in Santa Margherita. We had the most amazing tour guide, Elisabetta, in Santa Margherita take us on a beautiful walk to Portofino. And Martina's suggestion of an evening trip to Camogli was spot on. We loved watching the sunset there. Our boat tour in Cinque Terre was fabulous with Fish and Chill and the list goes on and on. Everything was thoughtfully planned and well executed. I will use KimKim again for sure.

Local specialist: Martina Venturi

Eleonora and Lorenzo were amazing and very go...
Italy | May 8 - May 16, 2025

R
Ruth B.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025
Eleonora and Lorenzo were amazing and very good communicators. I’m still not sure the value of Kim Kim other than connecting us with these anmazing Italy based travel agents. We didn’t like that we went to Italy and had to pay in US dollars,, this I’m sure was not the fault of Eleonora or Lorenzo. They planned our trip just as we requested and the guides they connected us with were top notch. I wish I could say something about Kim Kim but my thoughts are they have a good platform and... Read more

Eleonora and Lorenzo were amazing and very good communicators. I’m still not sure the value of Kim Kim other than connecting us with these anmazing Italy based travel agents. We didn’t like that we went to Italy and had to pay in US dollars,, this I’m sure was not the fault of Eleonora or Lorenzo. They planned our trip just as we requested and the guides they connected us with were top notch. I wish I could say something about Kim Kim but my thoughts are they have a good platform and pick amazing local talent to use it.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco
Florence

I would have given them a five had the breakfast been better. The hotel had loads of character and was very well located to all the sites and great restaurants. I loved that you could get away from the crowds here. I would stay again or recommend to friends.

Authenticity & Character
Loved how they preserved the old charm Of Florence
Location
Very well located to all the attractions of Venice.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Salvadonica - Borgo del Chianti
San Casciano in Val di pesa

This hotel definitely had a wow factor! Our room was delightful, staff were top notch and I can’t say enough about the food. We loved it here and would definitely return or recommend to our friends.

Authenticity & Character
Words can’t describe this delightful resort, it must be experienced
Location
It was what we were looking for g for, a quiet stay in the Chianti region
Staff
Extremely professional
Cleanliness & Comfort
Attach to detail to make for a memorable stay
Sogno di Giulietta e Romeo
Venezia

Sorry this was definitely the only bad accommodations of this trip and perhaps one of the worst rooms I’ve had. We were in what was called “The Love” room, if you’re staying at this hotel be sure NOT to get it. Our window that had a lovely view of a canal taped to it looked out to plumbing pipes and an elevator shaft. While some of the staff were lovely some were on the other extreme and bordered rude. We may have given a better review if the breakfast was good and the bed comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
We peeked in some other rooms and they looked charming
Location
Very will located to see the sites
Staff
Some very good and some rude. Often hard to find staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sorry but we found the linens on the not good bed we’re even bad.
Hotel Navona Colors
Rome

We loved this hotel, our room was small but very clean, breakfast was outstanding, staff friendly and the location was fantastic!

Authenticity & Character
Location
We felt safe, loved the street it was located on and it was easy to find our way around to the attractions we wanted to see
Staff
They were kind, inviting, knowledgeable and made you feel they wanted you to enjoy your your visit to Rome
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bed was comfortable and our room was very quiet
Activity Reviews
Wine tasting and light lunch at a historical winery in Florence
Wine tasting and light lunch at a historical winery in Florence
Florence

After all the other great tours we went on it made this one look bad. The staff told us little about the wines or food and they didn’t seem to care if we were there or not. The establishment was very interesting but a little to commercial for our tastes

Quality of Experience
Wines was good and was the food, this was not an experience it was like going out for lunch
Food
It was good
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Definitely didn’t make you feel like they wanted you there
Galleria dell'Accademia private guided tour
Galleria dell'Accademia private guided tour
Florence

Our guide was insanely knowledgeable about local history, art, shopping and food. Thank you for making this a wonderful experience

Quality of Experience
The guide and her knowledge
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rialto Market and "Cicchetti" food tour
Rialto Market and "Cicchetti" food tour
Venice

This was the truly best thing about Venice. Experiencing Venice through a locals eyes should not be missed.

Quality of Experience
Everything was very interesting
Food
Yum yum yum
Walking food tour of Rome with dinner included
Walking food tour of Rome with dinner included
Rome

This small group tour was outstanding. The guide made the tour. She was extremely knowledgeable and patient about not only the food but the local area. Highly recommend this tour. Sadly much of the food was friend but still enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Food
We’re not fried food people, we did enjoy trying the local foods and not all was fried. Do t let this scare you off, this was one of our favourite tours on this visit
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Food and cultural tour of Siena
Food and cultural tour of Siena
Italy

Yet another Wow moment, hands down my husband’s favourite tours in Italy. Our guide knew so much history of Sienna and was very passionate about it. She knew her way around the side streets. This tour is well worth the money

Quality of Experience
The guide!
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Their lovely personalities and ability to make you feel comfortable
Transport
Local specialist: Eleonora Arrigoni
Eleonora
Eleonora Arrigoni
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Jun 24, 2025
Hi Ruth and Benny,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your trip to Italy. We’re truly happy to hear that we made a strong impression to you!
It’s wonderful to know that many elements of your journey met or even exceeded your expectations. We’re glad you enjoyed the charm and location of Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco in Florence, the stunning experience at Salvadonica in Chianti, and the welcoming atmosphere of Navona Colors in Rome. We're also...
Read more

Hi Ruth and Benny,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review of your trip to Italy. We’re truly happy to hear that we made a strong impression to you!
It’s wonderful to know that many elements of your journey met or even exceeded your expectations. We’re glad you enjoyed the charm and location of Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco in Florence, the stunning experience at Salvadonica in Chianti, and the welcoming atmosphere of Navona Colors in Rome. We're also pleased that several of the guided tours — especially the Accademia, the Rialto Market tour, and the food and cultural experience in Siena — created lasting memories.
We also want to sincerely thank you for your honest comments regarding the less positive parts of your trip. Feedback like yours is incredibly valuable and helps us grow and we will ensure better quality moving forward.
Again, thank you for trusting us with your journey and we really hope to welcoming you for other trips to Italy!
Thank you
Eleonora

Italy highlights.
Italy | Jun 15 - Jun 22, 2025

Gordon
Gordon C.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025
Marina, our guide in Venice, was the stand out. Claudia and Rachel did a good site seeing trip. All of our guides were very knowledgeable. Wish I could remember more names, but the tours were very good. The hotels and staffs were very friendly and helpful. Great trip!! Thank you and thanks to everyone who helped put our ideas into reality Read more

Marina, our guide in Venice, was the stand out. Claudia and Rachel did a good site seeing trip. All of our guides were very knowledgeable. Wish I could remember more names, but the tours were very good. The hotels and staffs were very friendly and helpful. Great trip!! Thank you and thanks to everyone who helped put our ideas into reality

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Casa Verardo Residenza d'Epoca
Venice

Nice rooms, great staff and location

Authenticity & Character
Felt like old Italy
Location
Close to St Mary's Square
Staff
Very helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Good choice
Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco
Florence

Great location, breakfast was tasty. Very nice and friendly staff

Authenticity & Character
Old Italy feel, but modern inside
Location
Close by places we wanted to see and many many restaurants close by
Staff
Very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice and comfortable
The Glam
Rome

The location was close to areas we wanted to see. Within walking distance if not too hot.

Authenticity & Character
More modern, well furnished. Drinks were pricey
Location
We loved the location
Staff
Front desk was great.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had a small accident in our room and they were there right away to help clean up. We really liked this hotel
Local specialist: Eleonora Arrigoni

We simply had a wonderful time.
Italy | May 18 - May 25, 2025

J
Janice G.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 27, 2025
We simply had a wonderful time. Major highlights include Ivan's tour of Pompeii and Elisabetta's cooking class, although the other tours and the mosaic class were also very good. It would have been helpful to know in advance which tours were large groups and which were private, but all worked out very well. We would use Kimkim again. Read more

We simply had a wonderful time. Major highlights include Ivan's tour of Pompeii and Elisabetta's cooking class, although the other tours and the mosaic class were also very good. It would have been helpful to know in advance which tours were large groups and which were private, but all worked out very well. We would use Kimkim again.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments
Naples

Huge room, charming place, good service. The piazza and balconies offered ways to be outside if the mood struck. I recommend the place.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Navona Colors Hotel

The room was on the small side, but I didn't spend any time in there, so no problem. Service was great, breakfast buffet was very good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Capuchins Crypt: Sacred Music in the Heart of Rome
Capuchins Crypt: Sacred Music in the Heart of Rome
Rome

This activity was so-so. Could be a one night thing, but the soloist was not into performing.

Julius Caesar & the Emperors’ Stories private walking tour
Julius Caesar & the Emperors’ Stories private walking tour
Rome

Guide was knowledgeable. Peace altar was the most memorable part of the tour. Overall, very good experience.

Welcome to Rome!
Welcome to Rome!
Rome

We had no problem meeting our driver and getting to the hotel.

Early entrance tour of Vatican Museum,  Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica
Early entrance tour of Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica
Rome

Beautiful, but we needed a lot more time.

Private guided tour of Haercolanum
Private guided tour of Haercolanum
Italy

Anna was knowledgeable and fun.

Mosaic workshop with a local micro-mosaic artisan
Mosaic workshop with a local micro-mosaic artisan
Rome

Good experience. She didn't seem to mind that we ran overtime.

Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Palatin Hill and Roman Forum
Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Palatin Hill and Roman Forum
Rome

The guide was good, but she was hard to keep up with. I felt like she could have stopped to count us more often. Also, a small thing, but her stick was hard to follow--instead of a flag or scarf, she just had a tiny stuffed animal on the end of it and it was hard to see in the crowd.

Private Neapolitan Cooking Class
Private Neapolitan Cooking Class
Naples

This is an activity not to be missed. Elisabetta shared produce and olive oil directly from her farm so we could make a delicious, authentic meal. Also, the setting for this class is gorgeous.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guided tour of Pompeii and Bosco Reale
Guided tour of Pompeii and Bosco Reale
Italy

Ivan was an exceptionally good guide. He modified where we went based on our interests and answered a whole slew of questions.

Local specialist: Eleonora Arrigoni
Eleonora
Eleonora Arrigoni
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on May 29, 2025

Thank you so much, Janice, for sharing your thoughtful feedback! We're thrilled that Ivan’s tour and Elisabetta’s cooking class stood out as highlights, and we’re glad the rest of the experiences were enjoyable as well. Your comments about group sizes are very helpful—we’ll work on making that clearer going forward. It's great to hear the hotels suited your needs and that everything worked out smoothly.
We’d love to welcome you back with Kimkim for more memorable experiences!
Lorenzo and I send our warmest regards to all of you!

Our Trip to Italy
Italy | Apr 6 - Apr 16, 2025

Jaime
Jaime W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025
We had an amazing trip. Everything was well-planned and the tours were small group and gave us an authentic experience. Kimkim check in on us during the trip to make sure we were comfortable and that everything was proceeding smoothly. Highly recommend! Read more

We had an amazing trip. Everything was well-planned and the tours were small group and gave us an authentic experience. Kimkim check in on us during the trip to make sure we were comfortable and that everything was proceeding smoothly. Highly recommend!

Hotel Reviews
Navona Colors Hotel

Very centrally located. Took off 1 star because the room was small and the bathroom was small and difficult to navigate.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very centrally located to main sites.
Staff
Very helpful and accomodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, room size was small and bathroom storage not set up great.
Hotel Palazzo Vitturi
Venice

Great location; could use updating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very centrally located.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No hot water for showers on last day. Could use updating, power outlets, safe was broken, remote was broken.
Hotel Glance
Firenze

centrally located and very hip and clean.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to all main sites.
Staff
Everyone was hugely helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean and spacious.
Activity Reviews
Venice Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Tour
Venice Old Taverns and Rialto Market Food Tour
Venice

Excellent small group tour. Lots of fun, food and wine.

Welcome to Rome!
Welcome to Rome!
Rome

Tour guide did a great job. Very informative and fun.

Early Access Tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Early Access Tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Rome

Excellent tour and tour guide.

Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Palatin Hill and Roman Forum
Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Palatin Hill and Roman Forum
Rome

Loved the tour and the tour guide.

Welcome to Florence!
Welcome to Florence!
Italy

Very helpful

Guided Walking Tour of Rome
Guided Walking Tour of Rome
Rome

Great tour and tour guide.

Chianti Wine Tour
Chianti Wine Tour
Italy

So much fun. Tour leader was great. Vineyards were great. Super time.

Tuscany Day Trip: Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, & Chianti
Tuscany Day Trip: Siena, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, & Chianti
Florence

Weakest tour. Too many people.

Food & artisans tour of Florence
Food & artisans tour of Florence
Italy

This was an amazing tour. Highly recommend. Great shops and food.

Welcome to Venice!
Welcome to Venice!
Venice

Good set up.

Private Gondola Ride
Private Gondola Ride
Venice

Skip if you have already done this.

Local specialist: Vincenzo Granato

Amalfi and Rome planned by KimKim (Top Tier)
Italy | Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2025

Latoya
Latoya P.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2025
It was my first time to Italy and kimkim made this one of my best travel experiences. Lorenzo was very detailed with the plan and checked in several times to make sure things were going smoothly. I loved the Amalfi Coast and Rome. Our fiat 500 tour guide Andrea was well informed, amazing tour, history, and pictures. The wine tasting experience at Le Vigne di Raito with Alfonso one of my best wine tasting experiences I've had and the food was delicious. In Rome the walking tour with Maurizio... Read more

It was my first time to Italy and kimkim made this one of my best travel experiences. Lorenzo was very detailed with the plan and checked in several times to make sure things were going smoothly. I loved the Amalfi Coast and Rome. Our fiat 500 tour guide Andrea was well informed, amazing tour, history, and pictures. The wine tasting experience at Le Vigne di Raito with Alfonso one of my best wine tasting experiences I've had and the food was delicious. In Rome the walking tour with Maurizio and food tour with Victoria was top tier. The private transfers made things very smooth but I will say our best driver was Gaetano he was like a driver/tour guide. We are ready to think about our next trip for KimKim to plan.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Floridiana
Amalfi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palazzo Caruso
Rome
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Trastevere Food Tour
Trastevere Food Tour
Rome
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Walking Tour of Rome
Guided Walking Tour of Rome
Rome
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fiat 500 Tour
Fiat 500 Tour
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine Tasting and Lunch in Amalfi Coast
Wine Tasting and Lunch in Amalfi Coast
Italy
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome to Rome!
Welcome to Rome!
Rome
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrivederci, Italy!
Arrivederci, Italy!
Italy
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vincenzo Granato

Martina and Gabriele and their entire team we...
Italy | Mar 18 - Apr 5, 2025

Barbara
Barbara K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 06, 2025
Martina and Gabriele and their entire team were thoughtful, attentive to our requests. Gave wonderful suggestions and really showed care and consideration for every aspect. The experiences we planned together with them were spot on and totally a good value. In addition, they made sure that our group of three senior gal pals( ages 73 to 86) were safely and happily cared for in every way. Getting us to our out of the way accommodations in Venice and back after our trip to airport was the... Read more

Martina and Gabriele and their entire team were thoughtful, attentive to our requests. Gave wonderful suggestions and really showed care and consideration for every aspect. The experiences we planned together with them were spot on and totally a good value. In addition, they made sure that our group of three senior gal pals( ages 73 to 86) were safely and happily cared for in every way. Getting us to our out of the way accommodations in Venice and back after our trip to airport was the super EXTRA CARE provided perfectly that made any expense so worth it. I never did travel plans like this on line, and now am a believer and will use this company again.
BRAVO to all who helped us and made our trip great.

Activity Reviews
Private golf cart tour along the Appian Way and small group tour of the Catacombs
Private golf cart tour along the Appian Way and small group tour of the Catacombs
Rome

Guide Santos was wonderful. He was a truly knowledgeable guide. Delightful way to see all and perfect amount of walking for everyone. Golf cart made everyone so happy!

Quality of Experience
Our guide was through and made the experience easy and special
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rooftop bar Opera show
Rooftop bar Opera show
Rome

This experience was as described. Again staff and location and performers were excellent. If you want to experience a bit of the magic of opera and how wonderful the human voice can sound in one of the best locations on our planet for sophisticated pleasure DO THIS EXPERIENCE.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We found our own way there but had plenty of info to do so from Martina and gabriele
Local specialist: Martina Venturi

Perfect hotels and tour. Highly recommend.
Italy | Jan 3 - Jan 9, 2025

Dale
Dale S.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025
Everything went effortlessly. All the ride transitions from the airport to the train station to the hotel to the tours were scheduled for us and arrived on time and were great companies. The hotel choices made by the team at kimkim were perfect and in ideal locations. The tour was excellent. There were no issues on the whole trip everything went according to the plan and was better than I could have hoped for. Read more

Everything went effortlessly. All the ride transitions from the airport to the train station to the hotel to the tours were scheduled for us and arrived on time and were great companies. The hotel choices made by the team at kimkim were perfect and in ideal locations. The tour was excellent. There were no issues on the whole trip everything went according to the plan and was better than I could have hoped for.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Palazzo Guadagni
Florence

Great location. Authentic feel. Beautiful rooftop bar. Awesome views from the room. Service was impeccable.

Authenticity & Character
Quaint and charming.
Location
Everything is within a 5-10 minute walk.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Scalinata di Spagna
Rome

Great location at the top of the Spanish steps. Many sites within 10 minutes walk. And other attractions like the Colosseum are a 10 minute taxi ride. Beautiful rooms with your own terrace. Friendly helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance to many historical sites and short drive from the Colosseum.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Day trip in the Tuscan countryside, wine tour, lunch and guided visit to San Gimignano
Day trip in the Tuscan countryside, wine tour, lunch and guided visit to San Gimignano
Italy

I wasn't originally in favor of doing tours but this ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. The tour takes you to several locations and gives you an authentic experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable and professional guides and drivers.
Transport
Local specialist: Elisa Sciabica
Elisa
Elisa Sciabica
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Jan 13, 2025

Thank you so much, Dale! We are truly delighted to hear that everything went smoothly and that every detail of your trip exceeded expectations. We are grateful to you for choosing us and we look forward to helping you plan more memorable trips in the future!

I knew that I needed help organizing my trip ...
Italy | Oct 23 - Oct 27, 2024

L
Laura D.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024
I knew that I needed help organizing my trip to Italy, because I had never been there before and I wanted to be able to relax while I was there with my college age daughter. I reached out to kimkim after seeing great reviews, to request trip planning for a 5-day trip to Varenna, on Lake Como, and Verona. The response to my request was super fast, which I appreciated because I contacted them just 6 weeks before my trip. Eleonora asked lots of questions, and then proposed a list of hotels... Read more

I knew that I needed help organizing my trip to Italy, because I had never been there before and I wanted to be able to relax while I was there with my college age daughter. I reached out to kimkim after seeing great reviews, to request trip planning for a 5-day trip to Varenna, on Lake Como, and Verona. The response to my request was super fast, which I appreciated because I contacted them just 6 weeks before my trip. Eleonora asked lots of questions, and then proposed a list of hotels and activities in each place. First, we had the most incredible view of Lake Como from our hotel balcony - it was magical. She recommended shopping in Bellagio (across the bay from Varenna), which was so adorable and had so many wonderful little shops and spots for aperativo. She signed us up for a tour of a beautiful historic villa, with a boat to drive us dock to dock. Then we drove to Verona to our next hotel, which was very centrally located in a beautiful historic district, just steps from the collosseum ruins. We had a food tour with Miriam - who was the highlight of Verona for us - who took us to taste local olive oil, wine, cheese, cured meat, candy, pizzetta rossa, and a traditional Veronese cake. I have limited mobility and so Eleonora went out of her way to research things that we could do that were within my ability, and our hotels were right in the center of everything in both Varenna and Verona, so we were just steps to delicious food. There was an issue with one of our hotel rooms, and her associate local Gabriele, solved it within 15 minutes. They made the trip easy, efficient, and enjoyable which was exactly what I wanted.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Milano & Spa
Verona
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Royal Victoria
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private food tour of Verona
Private food tour of Verona
Italy
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lake Como boat tour and guided visit of Villa del Balbianello
Lake Como boat tour and guided visit of Villa del Balbianello
Italy
Afternoon at leisure in Bellagio
Afternoon at leisure in Bellagio
Lake Como
Local specialist: Eleonora Arrigoni

Kimkim Italy failed us
Italy | Sep 29 - Oct 8, 2024

roy
roy h.
Manchester, MO | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024
This was our 2nd time using kimkim; it's unlikely there will be a 3rd time. We made clear when we planned this trip we wanted 4 rooms in Florence and 3 rooms in Rome (we were a group of 6 for 6 nights, and 5 for 3 nights). Kimkim only booked us 3 rooms in Florence, and we had to pay extra, at the last minute, for a fourth room which we were only able to secure for 2 of 4 nights in Florence. In Rome, we learned just before departing for Italy that kimkim had booked us only one room; thus,... Read more

This was our 2nd time using kimkim; it's unlikely there will be a 3rd time.

We made clear when we planned this trip we wanted 4 rooms in Florence and 3 rooms in Rome (we were a group of 6 for 6 nights, and 5 for 3 nights). Kimkim only booked us 3 rooms in Florence, and we had to pay extra, at the last minute, for a fourth room which we were only able to secure for 2 of 4 nights in Florence. In Rome, we learned just before departing for Italy that kimkim had booked us only one room; thus, at the last minute, we had to pay way too much just to get a 2nd tiny room that three grown women had to share. This was a major error by kimkim.

In each Italian location, we had to pay an additional amount for "city taxes" about which kimkim never told us; they absolutely should have told us about this ahead of time.

Kimkim booked us on several tours. Some were very good, but too many of the booked tours were unsatisfactory because the guide was poor, the tour itself was just bad, or the audio quality was quite poor. There were instances where kimkim didn't provide detail where to go for the tour, told us incorrect start times, or provided incorrect travel times to get to the tour.

Given the money we paid, we didn't expect to take any tours with other people, but in two instances we were provided poor quality tours with at least 15 additional people. A tour of the Vatican was promoted as a 3 hour tour, but was only 2 hours, and we felt VERY rushed. Moreover, the guide failed to take us to St. Peter's Basilica, which we believe should be the highlight of any Vatican tour.

The driver Kimkim scheduled to take us to the Rome airport at 6:30 am failed to show up, causing us to scramble and squeeze into a tiny taxi. Multiple times during the trip, including when we attempted to figure out why the driver didn't show up, kimkim failed to answer its own after-hours "emergency line", which was absolutely inexcusable.

Bottom line ... for the substantial amount we paid, we expected a dramatically better experience.

We used KimKim for a trip to Croatia two years ago and had a wonderful experience. To the extent we had any issues, our Croatian kimkim travel agent gave us her phone number so that if/when we had issues, we had instant contact with her. Kimkim Italy did not provide us with similar information causing us much stress when we had issues.

Kimkim should be highly embarrassed about our experience. To make up for its errors, kimkim ultimately gave us about a 3% refund of the amount we paid ... ridiculously inadequate.

Local specialist: Elisa Sciabica
Elisa
Elisa Sciabica
Local specialist in Milan | Replied on Oct 24, 2024
Hi Roy, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience didn’t live up to your expectations. We always strive to create memorable journeys for our travelers, and I regret that we fell short in your case. Regarding the room bookings, there was a miscommunication along the way. We had discussed several times that, to fit all the activities you wanted within your budget, a different room arrangement was necessary. Additionally, we did... Read more

Hi Roy,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience didn’t live up to your expectations. We always strive to create memorable journeys for our travelers, and I regret that we fell short in your case.

Regarding the room bookings, there was a miscommunication along the way. We had discussed several times that, to fit all the activities you wanted within your budget, a different room arrangement was necessary. Additionally, we did everything we could to accommodate the addition of another traveler just days before the trip. While we aimed to ensure everything went smoothly, I deeply regret that the arrangements weren’t to your satisfaction. It was never our intention to cause any inconvenience, and I sincerely apologize for that.

As for the city taxes, unfortunately, these fees are a standard part of traveling across Europe and typically must be paid directly at the accommodation rather than online. This is something we strive to communicate clearly beforehand, but we will make sure to clarify this more explicitly in the future.

Thank you for your feedback regarding the tours. While I’m sorry that some of them didn’t meet your expectations, please know that your comments are incredibly valuable to us. We are in constant contact with our partners to ensure the highest quality, and your insights will help us enhance our offerings moving forward.

I also apologize for the problems you encountered with the emergency line. While there were other contact numbers available, with which there was consistent communication, I understand how frustrating it must have been when you needed assistance. I’m truly sorry for that.

Lastly, it’s disheartening that this experience did not reflect the seamless trip you had with KimKim in the past. We are committed to learning from this feedback to ensure that future travelers receive the quality service we aim to provide.

Thank you again for your comments.

Best regards,
Elisa