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Breathe in Travel

Breathe in Travel is a boutique travel company specializing in tailor-made journeys across the Balkans. We design personalized itineraries that showcase the region’s incredible diversity — from rugged mountains and crystal lakes to vibrant cities and hidden villages. Our approach is rooted in authentic experiences, meaningful local encounters, and multi-activity adventures including hiking, kayaking, cultural exploration, gastronomy, and more.

With deep on-the-ground knowledge and strong local partnerships, we create travel experiences that reflect each traveler’s interests and pace. Whether you’re seeking active exploration, cultural immersion, nature connection, or unique off-beaten experiences, Breathe in Travel crafts journeys that leave a lasting impression. Our destinations include Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, and Bulgaria, each offering its own distinct character and beauty.

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Breathe in Travel

Croatia is fabulous!
Croatia | Sep 10 - Sep 18, 2026

Deborah
Deborah W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 25, 2026
All of the guides on every trip were very knowledgeable and and fun to be with. Croatia is beautiful and we had a fabulous experience there. I am recommending it to everyone! Read more

All of the guides on every trip were very knowledgeable and and fun to be with. Croatia is beautiful and we had a fabulous experience there. I am recommending it to everyone!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Perla
Dubrovnik

It was Clean and sufficient, but it needs to be updated. The locks on the door were difficult to manage and the bed head towels in place of sheets. It was very strange!

Authenticity & Character
The hotel needs to put modern day card locks on the doors, one lamp on the wall was duct taped to the wall, and the bed and bedding needs to be updated as well.
Location
Being on the promenade was a plus! There were so many restaurants and things to see that we’re close by.
Staff
The manager said that he would change the contents of my breakfast to go, and that didn’t really happen. He made it look like he was listening to me, but he really wasn’t!
Cleanliness & Comfort
New bedding, new blankets, new sheets, new duvets.
Hotel Slavija
Split

We loved this hotel! Very nice is comfortable!

Authenticity & Character
The oldest hotel in the palace, but it has been completely renovated on the inside!
Location
Hotel Slavija was Fantastic!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, comfortable and the restaurant had great food!
Activity Reviews
Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

Our guide was fabulous. She was very knowledgeable and had a real passion for the city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Top notch!
Transport
Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Mostar & Kravice Waterfalls Day Trip from Dubrovnik
Croatia

We loved Mostar! So interesting and picturesque!

Quality of Experience
Everything was great!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide & driver were superb!
Transport
Great driver and comfortable bus!
Exploring the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik
Exploring the Elaphiti Islands from Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik

Very nice!

Quality of Experience
No
Guides, Drivers and Staff
No
Transport
The boat and the lunch.
Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Trip from Split or Trogir
Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Trip from Split or Trogir
Croatia

The park was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Gorgeous park!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable guide.
Transport
Seats were not very comfortable.
Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar Excursion
Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar Excursion
Split

We loved going to the island of VIS, the blue cave, and HVAR. The boat ride was HORRIBLE! Super loud music and we came home drenched!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
More mature guides and boat drivers.
Transport
Bigger, slower boat!
Private tour of Split
Private tour of Split
Croatia

This was really nice, even though we had to do it in the rain! Our guide was extremely informed and fun too!

Quality of Experience
She was great! The guides, the weather, the history of this location.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Their knowledge, passion and love of Croatia!
Transport
Comfortable buses, for the most part.
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine

Successful first time self-drive visit to Albania & Montenegro
Montenegro | Aug 28 - Sep 11, 2026

Patrice
Patrice P.
Chicago, IL, USA | Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026
Violaine quickly put together a wonderful itinerary for a first time visit to Albania and Montenegro. Her knowledge of the countries, the driving conditions, the available accommodations and unique activities was a huge plus. She patiently priced out several options for us to consider and thoughtfully responded to our feedback. Communication was professional, prompt and detailed. We were well-prepared in advance of our departure. Upon arrival, we were met in-person by Armada who was a... Read more

Violaine quickly put together a wonderful itinerary for a first time visit to Albania and Montenegro. Her knowledge of the countries, the driving conditions, the available accommodations and unique activities was a huge plus. She patiently priced out several options for us to consider and thoughtfully responded to our feedback. Communication was professional, prompt and detailed. We were well-prepared in advance of our departure.

Upon arrival, we were met in-person by Armada who was a great resource throughout our journey. All of our questions were answered in a very timely manner. It was reassuring to know help was always available if need be, including assistance with a parking ticket. When a small and unforeseen issue arose with a local guide, Violaine went out of her way to make things right.

We had an amazing time in no small part due to the detailed preparation, expertise and execution of Violaine and her team. Many thanks.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Ami
Petrovac

Nice location. Close to beach and promenade. Clean, well-appointed rooms. Blackout shades to curb heat very much appreciated. Super helpful staff who translated complex process for paying parking ticket. Certain common areas lacked air conditioning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eco Villas Merak & Winery
Virpazar

Quiet, restful, just enough out of the way. Spacious room with nice terrace. Very good breakfast and dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Fantastic view from room. Very good food & drinks at on-site restaurant. Staff went above & beyond to create “certificate” to celebrate my sister’s birthday and by providing complimentary room upgrade.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Camp Nivica

A unique experience in the southern mountains. Local staff extremely helpful and attentive. Very good food. Views from rooms outstanding. Special kudos to our hiking guide Mujo who was exceptionally kind and patient when path proved very strenuous for me. Thanks also to Astrid who arranged a gift of local specialities for my sister to celebrate her birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Plaza
Berat

Well-located. Some facilities closed during brief visit. Very helpful staff. Went out of way to help celebrate my sister’s birthday.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rogner
Tirana

Excellent location. Clean, safe. Well-appointed rooms. Good food and drinks at on-site restaurant. Lovely pool area. Fantastic staff. Went out of way to decorate room as surprise birthday treat for my sister.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Sightseeing tour of Tirana
Tirana

A must-do. So much fascinating history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Hiking in Nivica: exploring Albania’s wild landscapes
Nivica

A must do for fit guests. Ascent was very taxing for me.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Albania

Stunning landscape best seen from on the water.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Albania

Nice length of time on water. Nice to be able to swim. Beautiful at sunset.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Amazing setting. Gracious and entertaining host. Great food and drinks.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 23, 2026
Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey. It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many... Read more

Thank you so much, Patrice, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that your first self-drive adventure through Albania and Montenegro was such a success and that you felt well prepared and supported throughout the journey.

It was a real pleasure working with you to create the itinerary and adjust the different options along the way. I’m especially glad that the combination of accommodations and experiences allowed you to discover so many different sides of both countries, from Nivica and Berat to Lake Skadar and the Bay of Kotor.

Thank you as well for your lovely words about Armada and the rest of our local team. Knowing that you felt you always had someone available to help when needed is very important to us.

I’m also delighted that the little birthday surprises for your sister made the trip even more special! 😊

Thank you again for your trust and for choosing us to organize this adventure. It was a pleasure accompanying you both, and I hope you came home with many wonderful memories of Albania and Montenegro!

Warm regards,
Violaine

Albania and Montenegro are a must-see!
Albania | Sep 6 - Sep 15, 2026

Nathan
Nathan S.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026
Overall, amazing trip. We truly enjoyed the whole time we were there with Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and the incredible views of Kruje really standing out. All of our guides were incredible with Natasa in Kotor and the hosts at Alpeta Winery really leaving an impression on us with their knowledge and hospitality. All of the hotels were truly impressive with amazing views and all of the staff were very helpful, especially the hotel staff at Hotel Leon Coronato and Milo at Lake... Read more

Overall, amazing trip. We truly enjoyed the whole time we were there with Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and the incredible views of Kruje really standing out. All of our guides were incredible with Natasa in Kotor and the hosts at Alpeta Winery really leaving an impression on us with their knowledge and hospitality. All of the hotels were truly impressive with amazing views and all of the staff were very helpful, especially the hotel staff at Hotel Leon Coronato and Milo at Lake Valley. Looking back on the trip, there isn't a single thing that we would change, as the trip was truly top-notch.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

Views are magnificient

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views overlooking the Castle and basically all of Albania to the Adriatic Coast were jaw dropping
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Leon Coronato

Rich history and amazing location

Authenticity & Character
Location
great views of the water and right in the center of Perast
Staff
Staff were very helpful and some of the best we experienced on the trip
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lake Valley

Amazing location. Wish we stayed here more than one night.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Off the beaten path and quiet.
Staff
Milo was a great guy and communicated very well with us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Colosseo

Beautiful but parking is confusing

Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking street is right out the front door for shopping and local food
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Portik
Berat

Great Location for seeing the city and castle

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Rogner
Tirana
Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy Walking
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing tour of Kotor
Sightseeing tour of Kotor
Albania

Incredible city. Natasa was very knowledgeable and such a nice person.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Boat trip on Skadar Lake - Virpazar
Albania

Amazingly beautiful and very relaxing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Wine tasting in Alpeta Winery
Berat

Amazing wine and staff were amazing and funny.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome in Tirana
Welcome in Tirana
Tirana
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Boat trip in Kotor's Bay
Albania

Absolutely stunning and we got to see not only Kotor Bay including Perast and 'Our lady of the Rocks', but also a submarine bunker, and swam in a coastal cave.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Boat driver, Eddie, was very cool and great.
Transport
Boat trip to Koman and Shala river
Boat trip to Koman and Shala river
Shkoder

highly recommend this adventure. The entire area is breathtaking and the boat ride gives you a totally different perspective. Shala River was impressive and the water so clear.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
Berat

Beautiful to see and experience but the driver was like a race car driver.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
driver was crazy. Guides lacked knowledge about the area. Very confusing when we first arrived.
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 21, 2026
Thank you so much, Nathan, for taking the time to share such a wonderful review! I’m really happy to hear that you had such a memorable experience discovering Albania and Montenegro and that the itinerary, accommodations, and activities all came together so well. It’s especially nice to hear that places like Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and Krujë were highlights of your journey, and that you had such positive experiences with our local guides and partners along the way. It was a... Read more

Thank you so much, Nathan, for taking the time to share such a wonderful review! I’m really happy to hear that you had such a memorable experience discovering Albania and Montenegro and that the itinerary, accommodations, and activities all came together so well.

It’s especially nice to hear that places like Kotor, the Shala River, Alpeta Winery, and Krujë were highlights of your journey, and that you had such positive experiences with our local guides and partners along the way.

It was a real pleasure helping you plan this adventure and accompanying you throughout the process. Thank you again for your trust and your kind words, they mean a lot to us and to our local partners.

I hope you returned home with plenty of great memories, and perhaps we’ll have the opportunity to welcome you back to the Balkans for another adventure in the future! 😊

Violaine

Violaine is an amazing travel planner!
Albania | Sep 3 - Sep 11, 2026

K
Kathryn M.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 20, 2026
Violaine is an amazing travel planner! She truly listens to your travel ideas and interests and thoughtfully brings everything together—from accommodations and excursions to helpful information—all in one organized package. She is incredibly responsive to questions and concerns and always provides additional suggestions tailored to your interests. We found Violaine to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but also reassuring and comforting throughout the planning process. I was... Read more

Violaine is an amazing travel planner! She truly listens to your travel ideas and interests and thoughtfully brings everything together—from accommodations and excursions to helpful information—all in one organized package.

She is incredibly responsive to questions and concerns and always provides additional suggestions tailored to your interests. We found Violaine to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but also reassuring and comforting throughout the planning process.

I was particularly nervous about driving in Albania and Montenegro, but Violaine gave me a very accurate picture of what to expect, which put my mind at ease. As it turned out, driving there was absolutely fine! I also really appreciated the estimated drive times between destinations, along with recommended stops along the way. This turned each transfer day into an opportunity to explore and enjoy the journey rather than simply getting from one place to another.

We couldn’t have asked for a better travel planner and would absolutely recommend Violaine to anyone looking for a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and responsive travel expert.

Hotel Reviews
Boutique Hotel Astoria
Kotor

The Hotel Astoria is in the heart of Old Town Kotor. Our room looked over the bay and outer wall. The room was large and well furnished with a lovely modern amenity bathroom. We had to leave early the next morning; so they provided us with a box breakfast the night before. Quite nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eco Villas Merak & Winery
Virpazar

This is a family run hotel and winery. Each villa is a self sustained home. We had a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, and covered front porch. At 6pm, the husband provides a wine tasting event in his winery. They also provide you with a complimentary bottle of their wine at checkin. The villa is very comfortable. We decided to hit the market and make our own dinner that night and eat on the porch. It was lovely. The breakfast is made to order and delivered to your front porch (which has a dining table). There is a menu and you let them know the night before what you would like and when. Super nice family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Panorama Kruje
Krujë

The Panorama Kruje is the most modern of our stays. The room is HUGE - we could have a dance party in it. The bathroom is also large as the balcony. Our room looked over the old bazaar and castle. The view is stunning! Location also 5 star.

Authenticity & Character
Not authentic character - but modern hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Koroni Hotel

Another centrally located hotel, makes walking a breeze. Thank goodness for the parking permit provided with the room. You park at a private lot about 5 minutes walk away; but honestly if you didn't have this there would be nowhere to park. I appreciated that lot! The room was less than desirable. Ours had a tiny high window that looked at a wall- thus it was dark. Even with all the lights turned on; it is a dark room. The walls are stone, which gives it the authentic flavor; but, it also provided spots for cobwebs and little critters. However - the breakfast was the best we had! And it just coming. This is a sit down breakfast where they just serve you platter after platter of items. We felt guilty that we simply could not eat it all. The reason to book this hotel is 1 - BREAKFAST and 2 - parking lot provided.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
cobwebs and critters
Aphrodite Garden's
Himare

Another hotel with an amazing view + onsite parking. The rooms was very comfortable and the A/C worked perfectly. The restarant here is very good and quite popular. Reservations are a must - the first night we couldn't get it. But made sure to enjoy it our 2nd night. It is a special occasion place; most everyone dressed up for dinner here. The only down side - laundry service. Upon check in. I asked if they had laundry service which they confirmed and advised me to bring my laundry down. When I did, they escourted me into their laundry area and showed me how to use the machines. Obviously, a miscommunication. I thought I would pay for the service and have that time to explore town. Instead, I spent a couple of hours doing my own. Oh well - got clean laundry.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful views, but about 10 minutes outside of town. You will need a car if you stay at this property.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rose garden Hotel
Gjirokastra

This hotel is located right at the base of the Castle - you can walk out the back gate by the pool, take a left and you are at the entrance. Take a right and follow it down the hill directly into the Old Bazaar area. The location couldn't be more perfect PLUS they have on site parking. The staff is super friendly and the view from the terrace overlooks the entire city and valley. We were lucky enough to have a double rainbow spanning the sky. The only reason it is not 5 star; is because the minisplit struggled to keep up. Thus it was a little warm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
This hotel is located right at the base of the Castle - you can walk out the back gate by the pool, take a left and you are at the entrance. Take a right and follow it down the hill directly into the Old Bazaar area
Staff
Every staff member we met was extremely welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A/C struggled.
Activity Reviews
Cooking class - Albanian traditional food
Cooking class - Albanian traditional food
Berat

This was such a personal, fun, and memorable experience! We were the only people booked that day, so it felt very special and personalized. Our teachers were two wonderful young men who made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. We baked bread, made stuffed peppers, Berati beef, and a delicious custard dessert—all while joking, laughing, and listening to music. It felt less like a formal cooking class and more like spending time with friends who were sharing their food, culture, and traditions with us. Afterward, we enjoyed the fruits of our labor. And let me tell you—there was TOO MUCH food! Everything was delicious, and the whole experience was relaxed, authentic, and full of fun. This was definitely one of the highlights of our trip, and an experience we will remember for a long time!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
River Hiking in Osum Canyon
Berat

Unfortunately, this was a very disappointing experience. When we checked in, the staff member looked at our Teva sandals and told us they were appropriate for the tour. Shortly after starting, Sarah’s sandal broke, and our guide, Lionel, was clearly unhappy about it. We had already heard Lionel tell someone that he didn’t want to do this tour, and unfortunately, that attitude seemed to carry throughout our experience. He told us that our shoes were completely wrong, but we explained that the person who checked us in had specifically told us they were fine. How were we supposed to know otherwise? I asked if there was any possibility of pivoting to another activity, such as tubing, but he said no. To his credit, he did have an associate bring us river socks, but after that, he simply walked in front of the group. What was most disappointing was the complete lack of information or engagement. There was no explanation of the gorge, the surrounding environment, or anything else that would have made the experience interesting or educational. The entire tour felt boring, negative, and lacking in enthusiasm. Given the beautiful setting and potential for a great experience, we left feeling very disappointed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat tour in Himare
Boat tour in Himare
Albania

The Great Chimera canceled our trip without notifying us, so we showed up at the dock all ready and excited for our adventure—only to find that no one was there. We were understandably confused and disappointed, especially since we had received no communication about the cancellation. A simple phone call, email, or message would have saved us the time and inconvenience of making the trip to the dock. Definitely not the way we expected the day to start. Hmmmm...

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 21, 2026
Thank you so much, Kathryn, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed your journey through Albania and Montenegro and, especially, that you felt well prepared and supported throughout your self-drive adventure. It was a real pleasure working with you to shape the itinerary around your interests and preferences. I’m glad the driving information, suggested stops along the way, and estimated travel times helped make the... Read more

Thank you so much, Kathryn, for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed your journey through Albania and Montenegro and, especially, that you felt well prepared and supported throughout your self-drive adventure.

It was a real pleasure working with you to shape the itinerary around your interests and preferences. I’m glad the driving information, suggested stops along the way, and estimated travel times helped make the experience more relaxed and allowed you to enjoy the journey itself as much as the destinations.

I’m also delighted that experiences like the cooking class in Berat became such memorable highlights. Thank you as well for your detailed feedback on the accommodations and the activities. I’m sorry that the Osum Canyon experience and the cancelled boat tour in Himarë did not meet expectations; your comments are very helpful and will allow us to follow up with our local partners and improve these experiences for future travelers.

Thank you again for your trust, your kind words, and your recommendation. It was a pleasure organizing this trip for you and Sarah, and I hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you back to the Balkans for another adventure someday! 😊

Albania is a wonderful small country that is easy to explore and offers diverse experiences.
Albania | Aug 15 - Aug 29, 2026

P
Peter L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2026
We had a great trip to Albania. The country is beautiful and it being a small country it was very easy to get around and driving distances were very reasonable. Traveling in August is hot and dry, and seeing all the dry river beds makes us want to return in June, when I'm sure the country is lush and beautiful. This being said, we loved all of the fruit dripping from the trees, figs, pomegranates, grapes, nectarines, plums, and all of the other fresh produce was exactly what we were hoping... Read more

We had a great trip to Albania. The country is beautiful and it being a small country it was very easy to get around and driving distances were very reasonable. Traveling in August is hot and dry, and seeing all the dry river beds makes us want to return in June, when I'm sure the country is lush and beautiful. This being said, we loved all of the fruit dripping from the trees, figs, pomegranates, grapes, nectarines, plums, and all of the other fresh produce was exactly what we were hoping for.

The hotels we visited had the most impressive views including Kerculla and Arameras pools were just magical. Kerculla was a beautiful hotel, breakfast was lovely and the view during breakfast at both hotels was incredible. Service at all the hotels was just okay. Service overall in Albania and attention to detail is not quite up to western standards but it was fine.

Our river hiking and rafting trips were fun but with dry weather, the water was limited. But still was ok. Service with the rafting company was ok. They don't explain much of anything but I think they are still learning how to do these tours!

Berat and Gjirkaster were fun to explore - driving was challenging but that was part of the fun!

The donkey experience was great because it was just our family. The boy and mom were really good and they did a good job - as a farmer I felt proud of them starting this aspect of their farm and I think their signage was fun along the donkey walk, their presentation at the table was great and we stayed until dark! This was an unexpected highlight of the trip. Really got an authentic experience with a local family.

On the other hand Bote Farms was totally the opposite. It was an ok experience, the food was good, but the pool is a algae filled not great experience, their was not enough space for all the guests to lay in chairs around the "pool", and there was just not much to do. It is not something, as a farmer, I felt was authentic. It would have been better to call it a light cooking class with a meal and skip the part hanging out by the pool. The animals were not great, kinda dirty and hot. The owners were nice and all, but if we are travelling to be in Albania I don't want to visit a place not run by Albanians. And they called it a farm to table event. but there was not really a farm. Just some gardens.

Glamping in Nivica was fun, but hot during the day. Tents were nice, but there was nothing to do during the day, and it was just hot. No one really welcomed us much at all to say where we were and about the place. It is a great spot and fun to get there in the trucks, but it lacked a little cohesiveness. Food was good, the guide was nice, and the hike was fun, and lunch at the local restaurant and a walk through the town were great.

We enjoyed the restaurant suggestions and overall they were good, but food did vary from place to place and was sometimes quite bland at the hotels and a bit overpriced. We would have enjoyed more local, out of the way, true local restaurants that locals eat at as other options for us vs tourist restaurants.

Not sure what else to write about! Thermal baths were a little bit of a let down since they are not hot, more like warm and they were a bit full of algae. Cool place though! We didn't stay long...

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Prado Luxury
Himare

Hotel Prado Luxury in Himarë was the most luxurious hotel we stayed at, with a big beautiful room and a large wrap-around balcony facing the ocean. The pool was nice and the breakfast was great. The only downside was the presence of many families with young children, which made the pool area noisy at times. The beach had rocky areas but the beach chairs were good.

Camp Nivica

Camp Nivica was a unique experience but challenging due to the heat and lack of air conditioning. There was not much to do during the hot days, and the first day was rough as my wife was not feeling well. The food was fine, but there was no welcoming or explanation about the camp from the staff. The hike the next day was great and the guide was excellent. We would consider returning in a cooler season to see the camp in a different light.

Arameras Beach Resort
ksamil

Arameras Beach Resort in Ksamil had an incredible location away from the busy and crowded town beaches, which we appreciated. The property and pool were stunning and we took many pictures there. The room was a bit unusual and the food was average and somewhat overpriced, but overall the hotel was great.

Kerculla Resort

Kerculla Resort in Gjirokastra was a beautiful hotel with amazing views and a great pool. The breakfast was huge and the design of the hotel was impressive. However, it was located on a hill outside of town, which made getting there a bit challenging, especially driving up the hill.

Hotel Mangalemi
Berat

Hotel Mangalemi in Berat was nice but the room was quite small. The bathroom was beautiful and we had a small balcony with a view. The breakfast was the most limited of all the places we stayed, but still fine. The staff were very nice and the location was great.

Hotel Rogner
Tirana

Hotel Rogner in Tirana was very nice. We stayed only one night and the staff were very friendly. There were no complaints at all, and the hotel met our expectations well.

Activity Reviews
Farm-to-table experience at Botë Farms
Farm-to-table experience at Botë Farms
Albania

The farm-to-table experience at Botë Farms was not very authentic for us. It felt more like an American-style agro-tourism setup rather than a real farm. The meal was fine and the people were nice, but it lacked the genuine farm experience we were hoping for.

Walking with donkeys through the Drino Valley
Walking with donkeys through the Drino Valley
Gjirokastra

Walking with donkeys through the Drino Valley was one of the highlights of our trip. The family hosting us was wonderful, and their son spoke English well. It felt like a real, authentic experience connecting with the local culture. My son loved spending time with the donkeys and the whole experience was joyful and memorable.

Local specialist: Violaine Fejoz
Violaine
Violaine Fejoz
Local specialist in Tirana | Replied on Sep 07, 2026
Hi Peter, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such detailed feedback! I’m really happy to hear that you had a great trip overall and enjoyed discovering Albania as a family. It’s especially lovely to hear that the donkey experience was an unexpected highlight and gave you the authentic local connection you were looking for. I will definitely share your kind words with the family! I also really appreciate your honest comments about Bote Farms, Nivica, the rafting experience, the... Read more

Hi Peter,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such detailed feedback! I’m really happy to hear that you had a great trip overall and enjoyed discovering Albania as a family.

It’s especially lovely to hear that the donkey experience was an unexpected highlight and gave you the authentic local connection you were looking for. I will definitely share your kind words with the family!

I also really appreciate your honest comments about Bote Farms, Nivica, the rafting experience, the thermal baths and the restaurant recommendations. Feedback like this is extremely helpful for us to improve our itineraries and to better select and brief our local partners. I particularly take your point about recommending more small, truly local restaurants rather than places mainly catering to visitors.

August is indeed very hot and dry, so June would give you a completely different perspective on Albania, with greener landscapes and more water in the rivers!

Thank you again for trusting us with your family trip. It was a pleasure organizing it for you, and I hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you back one day! 😊

Warm regards,
Violaine

Laurent was a great partner for planning our ...
Slovenia | Aug 16 - Aug 23, 2026

M
Marissa B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2026
Laurent was a great partner for planning our group trip to Slovenia! He helped us put together a really fun itinerary with a nice mix of activities, and he secured some really outstanding accommodations for us. At each step, he provided thoughtful recommendations and answered all our questions, no matter how small or silly, in a timely manner. Highly recommend working with Laurent! Read more

Laurent was a great partner for planning our group trip to Slovenia! He helped us put together a really fun itinerary with a nice mix of activities, and he secured some really outstanding accommodations for us. At each step, he provided thoughtful recommendations and answered all our questions, no matter how small or silly, in a timely manner. Highly recommend working with Laurent!

Hotel Reviews
Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel
Ljubljana

Fantastic location, amazing food, super attentive staff. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fox on the Rocks chalet
Bohinjsko jezero

Stunning chalet in a stunning location. The breakfast baskets were delicious, and the private chef on the last night was a perfect way to end our trip. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Postojna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine

Laurent understood the assignment!
Croatia | Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2026

Hannah
Hannah V.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jul 28, 2026
We worked with Laurent to book a girls trip to southern Croatia, and I can't say enough great things about him and the process. There is no way we would have had the trip we did without him. He worked patiently with us beforehand to understand what we were looking for and came up with an itinerary that matched our interests, travel style, and budget and then made changes and adjustments till we got it just right. He booked everything for us and gave us all our trip information in the app as... Read more

We worked with Laurent to book a girls trip to southern Croatia, and I can't say enough great things about him and the process. There is no way we would have had the trip we did without him. He worked patiently with us beforehand to understand what we were looking for and came up with an itinerary that matched our interests, travel style, and budget and then made changes and adjustments till we got it just right. He booked everything for us and gave us all our trip information in the app as well as in a PDF for easy reference. But most importantly, he was extremely responsive when we were on the trip and needed help or had questions. For example, we were notified the night before that a whole-day tour we had booked was cancelled due to weather. We reached out to Laurent, he got on the phone with us to give us some options and by the next morning we were booked on a whitewater rafting trip that was a highlight of our trip! All of the hotels he booked and restaurants he suggested were a perfect match for what we were looking for.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Agava
Split

Loved everything about our stay here. The staff was amazingly helpful and friendly and the location was perfect for us, a short walk to the chaos of the center of Split in peak tourist season, but tucked away enough to be peaceful and quiet and surrounded by great restaurant options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Korsal
Korčula

The view from our room looked like a postcard! the little beach across the street was a great place to jump in the water or lay in the sun, but also a stunning view from the room. Had dinner at the restaurant and it did not disappoint, breakfast was also delicious, staff was super friendly and helpful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine
Laurent
Laurent Fontaine
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Jul 30, 2026

Hi Hannah,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback. I’m very happy to hear that the trip was such a great match for your group and that everything came together so well.

It was a real pleasure helping you plan this girls trip to Croatia, and I’m especially glad we were able to turn the weather-related cancellation into a new experience that became one of the highlights of your journey.

I would be delighted to help you plan another trip in the future.

Best regards,
Laurent

Amazing Croatian Adventures...
Croatia | Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2026

Nicole
Nicole L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jul 27, 2026
My weeklong trip to Croatia with two friends was spectacular! Everything about Croatia far exceeded our expectations and this was largely due to, Laurent, our KimKim travel agent. We were based in Split and spent several days touring the island of Korcula, as well as traveling to the Cetina river for an epic rafting adventure. We biked around Korcula, visited a local winery, and spent the day on Mjlet Island riding bikes around the stunning lake. Mjlet National Park is one of the most... Read more

My weeklong trip to Croatia with two friends was spectacular! Everything about Croatia far exceeded our expectations and this was largely due to, Laurent, our KimKim travel agent. We were based in Split and spent several days touring the island of Korcula, as well as traveling to the Cetina river for an epic rafting adventure. We biked around Korcula, visited a local winery, and spent the day on Mjlet Island riding bikes around the stunning lake. Mjlet National Park is one of the most beautiful spots I've ever seen. Laurent made every aspect of our trip easy and stress free. From arranging all of the transportation logistics, making dinner reservations at delicious restaurants, booking us in amazing boutique hotels, arranging all of our activities, and being available to help us 24/7, Laurent was a true gift. I cannot say enough about what a fabulous experience we had with the KimKim team. Thank you for making our holiday so special!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Agava
Split

Darling boutique hotel with a nice pool and great location.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful rooms in a renovated building.
Location
Right in the old town of Split.
Staff
The staff was extremely friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds were very comfortable and we had a beautiful view from our room.
Hotel Korsal
Korčula

This hotel is directly across the street from a gorgeous beach. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
The friendliest staff, gorgeous location, comfortable rooms, and excellent restaurant.
Location
Perfect location directly across from a beautiful beach on the outskirts of old town.
Staff
Everyone was so friendly!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
XII Century Heritage Hotel
Trogir
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cycling & Wine Tasting Tour in Lumbarda
Cycling & Wine Tasting Tour in Lumbarda
Korčula

We had the best adventure biking around Korcula. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. We stopped at pristine beaches for swimming and visited a beautiful vineyard for wine tasting and charcuterie. It was the best way to see the island!

Quality of Experience
Our guide was outstanding and so kind!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We loved mountain biking around Korcula.
Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar Excursion
Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar Excursion
Split

It ended up being too windy so the Blue Cave boat trip was canceled. We did a rafting trip on the Cetina River outside of Omiš as an alternative. It was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Incredible guides from all over the world. The river was gorgeous and the rapids very exciting. We swam through a cave.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ben from River Pirates was great!
Transport
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine
Laurent
Laurent Fontaine
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Jul 30, 2026

Hi Nicole,
What a beautiful message — thank you so much!

I’m really happy to hear that Croatia exceeded your expectations and that the trip felt easy, smooth, and stress-free for you and your friends. It was a real pleasure helping you plan this journey, from Split to Korčula, Mljet, Cetina, the restaurants, the hotels, and all the little details along the way.

I also loved seeing your photos — they are absolutely beautiful and really capture the spirit of the trip.

Thank you again for your trust. I’m so glad you returned home with such special memories of Croatia.

Best regards,
Laurent

My Solo Trip in Croatia
Croatia | Jul 6 - Jul 21, 2026

M Ines
M Ines N.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 26, 2026
I wanted to share my feedback regarding my recent solo tour of Croatia. Overall, I had a fantastic experience. My tour guide, Laurent, was incredibly well-informed and always available via WhatsApp whenever I had questions or needed assistance. The trip was exceptionally well-organized, and the excursions at each location featured knowledgeable local guides. Additionally, the 3- and 4-star hotels were very nice and situated in excellent locations in every city. My only complaint is that... Read more

I wanted to share my feedback regarding my recent solo tour of Croatia. Overall, I had a fantastic experience.

My tour guide, Laurent, was incredibly well-informed and always available via WhatsApp whenever I had questions or needed assistance. The trip was exceptionally well-organized, and the excursions at each location featured knowledgeable local guides. Additionally, the 3- and 4-star hotels were very nice and situated in excellent locations in every city.

My only complaint is that none of my hotel rooms had a good view. I almost always request an ocean, sea, or water view when on vacation, and I was surprised this was not noted for the tour. However, this is a minor issue that I will be sure to emphasize for my next trip, as I adored Croatia and will definitely book with Kimkim again.

Thank you for your help in organizing such a memorable trip.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Splendid
Dubrovnik
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Several personnel on the front desk could have been more helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Slavija
Split
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mediteran
Zadar
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
16 Lakes Hotel
Rakovica
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boutique B&B Casablanca
Zagreb
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Activity Reviews
Dive into the Azure Waters of Dubrovnik
Dive into the Azure Waters of Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise at Plitvice Lakes
Sunrise at Plitvice Lakes
Plitvice Lakes

Absolutely beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Day Tour to Krka National Park & Šibenik
Day Tour to Krka National Park & Šibenik
Croatia

If you are planning to visit Plitvice, then I recommend skipping this tour. The guide and the drive to Krka park was wonderful. But as a waterfall park it's redundant to visit Krka if you are planning to visit Plitvice. However, the swimming time after the visit to the park was fabulous! A tour to a beautiful swimming beach would have sufficed for me.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rural Biking & Wine Tasting in Konavle
Rural Biking & Wine Tasting in Konavle
Croatia

This was a visit to a section of Croatia, Konavle Valley, I would not have picked to see while in Dubrovnik. It is a hidden gem, and I highly recommend the visit with the tour company KimKim booked. History, biking and wine tasting... a perfect sightseeing day.

Quality of Experience
The historical significance of the valley.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Deep knowledge of the region and its history.
Transport
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine
Laurent
Laurent Fontaine
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Aug 03, 2026

Hi Ines,

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I’m very happy to hear that you had such a wonderful experience in Croatia and that the trip left you with great memories.

It was a real pleasure helping you organize your journey, and I would be delighted to help you plan another trip in the future.

Best regards,
Laurent

Wonderful Croatian Adventure!
Croatia | Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2026

T
Ted S.
Canada | Reviewed on Jul 15, 2026
We had an amazing trip to Croatia and built a wonderful itinerary for the trip. In the planning stages, we did experience slow response times from the initial specialist which was frustrating and slowed down the process but ultimately achieved what we wanted from the trip plan and budget. Our trip plan was eventually transferred to Laurent which helped for continuity and updates in the later planning stages. He was helpful in answering questions however we would have liked more creative... Read more

We had an amazing trip to Croatia and built a wonderful itinerary for the trip. In the planning stages, we did experience slow response times from the initial specialist which was frustrating and slowed down the process but ultimately achieved what we wanted from the trip plan and budget. Our trip plan was eventually transferred to Laurent which helped for continuity and updates in the later planning stages. He was helpful in answering questions however we would have liked more creative suggestions vs "can't do" responses when we requested some alterations vs initial proposal ideas. We also experienced some inconsistencies in the roadbook info vs actual trip ie incorrect hotel check-in time. Overall, he was attentive when we needed his help which was appreciated and made for a smooth trip experience.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Lero
Dubrovnik

A short walk to Old Town, this hotel had a lot of its own charm - nice rooms, nice pool, good service, close to a few good restaurant options. Exceeded our initial expectations.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Helpful front desk; Pool and Bar stuff less attentive
Cleanliness & Comfort
Zlatni Rat Beach Hotel
Bol

We really loved this hotel - very close proximity to beach, helpful and kind staff, BIG and clean rooms, made us feel at home. WIsh they had a pool like some of the other hotels in the area however there is no hotel closer to the famous beach and they also have an option for rooms with hot tubs.

Authenticity & Character
Great beach vibes and some luxury
Location
As close as you could get to the famous Zlatni Rat beach. Also very close to a nice boardwalk, many restaurants.
Staff
We got to know many of them - very hard working and service oriented
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable stay in the area
Hotel Peristil
Split

Amazing location, incredible and helpful staff, wonderful breakfast. Exceeded all expectations!

Authenticity & Character
Can't get more character then a hotel built into the ancient roman structures of the old town!
Location
Right in the old town and close proximity to many sites and restaurants in this amazing part of town
Staff
Such warm and attentive staff, they made us feel very welcome and "at home"
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
One day tour in Hvar from Bol
One day tour in Hvar from Bol
Brač Island

A great experience on the boat, in the ocean and on land!

Quality of Experience
Beautiful island to visit for a short stay. Great service, great scenery, good food, fun day overall
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Boat staff was very attentive and helpful
Transport
A nice boat with sufficient space, clean bathrooms. Overall helped make it a relaxing day of travel to and from a wonderful island!
Guided Hike to Dragon's Cave
Guided Hike to Dragon's Cave
Brač Island

Completely exceeded expectations - Zoran was extremely knowledgeable and kind guiding us through the hike up to the caves. We also enjoyed the company of his dog, who joined for the hiking tour. The scenery was amazing and the hike was the right level of challenge - it pushed us but was very doable. Highly recommend for a half day tour when in the area.

Quality of Experience
Highly enjoyable
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable and pleasant guide
Transport
Local specialist: Laurent Fontaine
Laurent
Laurent Fontaine
Local specialist in Zagreb, Croatia | Replied on Jul 30, 2026
Hi Ted,
Thank you very much for your honest feedback.
I’m very glad to hear that you had an amazing trip to Croatia and that the overall experience was smooth once you were traveling. I’m also happy I could support you during the later planning stages and be available when you needed help. I appreciate your comments about the planning process, suggestions, and roadbook details. This kind of feedback is very useful, and I will definitely take it into account to improve communication, offer... Read more

Hi Ted,
Thank you very much for your honest feedback.

I’m very glad to hear that you had an amazing trip to Croatia and that the overall experience was smooth once you were traveling. I’m also happy I could support you during the later planning stages and be available when you needed help.

I appreciate your comments about the planning process, suggestions, and roadbook details. This kind of feedback is very useful, and I will definitely take it into account to improve communication, offer more proactive alternatives, and make sure practical information is checked even more carefully.

Thank you again for traveling with us, and I’m very happy that the trip itself gave you the experience you were hoping for.

Best regards,
Laurent