Company Logo for Bumblemee
Specialists
Reviews for Bumblemee
5.0

Bumblemee

At Bumblemee, we believe in providing a truly personalized and intimate travel experience for those seeking the Italian getaway of a lifetime. Our expert guides, who act as your personal friend and local insider, customize each itinerary to cater to your individual needs and interests, ensuring a truly unforgettable trip and access to the best local experiences.

Italy is a cultural and culinary gem, and our itineraries showcase the best of what the peninsula has to offer.
Our culinary and wine-tasting experiences, whether it's making almond pastries in Sicily, enjoying typical “pansotti” in Cinque Terre, or savoring a glass of Chianti in the Tuscany countryside, provide a chance to taste Italian delectable dishes and learn about its food and wine culture.

Our small-group, private tours are tailored to your cultural interests and preferences, and our knowledgeable agents can provide insights and historical context to enhance your experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, discovering hidden local treasures, or enjoying a hike in luxuriant nature, we can create a customized itinerary just for you.

The Bumblemee difference is having your best friend and expert guide rolled into one. We know your preferences and interests to make every experience unforgettable. We know what you need before you need it, and give it to you with a smile. We are there to lend insights into local culture as well as a laugh during a long trip to an awe-inspiring destination (one you wouldn’t find easily on your own!).

Featured trips & expertise

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent Trip Reviews for Bumblemee

Amazing trip executed by an amazing team!
Italy | Apr 25 - May 8, 2024

Colette
Colette G.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 09, 2024
Barbara was fantastic! From beginning to end our trip was seamless. She really understood the assignment and delivered. Our excursions were amazing. The hotels were beautiful and centrally located to all sites. Rafaella and Daniella(Italian team) we're also fantastic. They communicated with us daily regarding pick up times, drivers, excursion, directions etc. Also, they were extremely quick to respond to any questions we had. The ground transportation team in each city(Amalfi, Rome & Naples)... Read more

Barbara was fantastic! From beginning to end our trip was seamless. She really understood the assignment and delivered. Our excursions were amazing. The hotels were beautiful and centrally located to all sites. Rafaella and Daniella(Italian team) we're also fantastic. They communicated with us daily regarding pick up times, drivers, excursion, directions etc. Also, they were extremely quick to respond to any questions we had. The ground transportation team in each city(Amalfi, Rome & Naples) were extremely professional and punctual. Can't say enough about how wonderful this Italian getaway was for us!!

Hotel Reviews
Kolbe Hotel Rome
Rome

This was a beautiful hotel. The staff was exceptional. Centrally located so you can walk to most sites. Note- This is a former Franciscan monestary that has a beautiful garden and 100 year old olive trees. It also backs on to Paletine Hill and steps from circus maximus.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Hotel Oriente
Naples

Well appointed hotel in the heart of Naples. Steps from tons of historical sites and shopping. Breakfast was awesome.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Lemon Tour and Cooking Class
Lemon Tour and Cooking Class
Italy

What a great experience! This is a 6th generation family run lemon grove. Wear running shoes because you'll be walking up hills and uneven terrain during your tour. The cooking class was awesome. This is a must do in Amalfi.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Capri Island shared boat tour
Capri Island shared boat tour
Italy

Amazing boat day to Capri. We had not one but two Fabio's manning the boat. There were 12 of us and it was comfortable. They provided us with some history about the coast and Capri as we sailed. We even sailed thru the arch of Faraglioni. We had roughly 4 hours to roam Capri before sailing back to Amalfi. We were offered refreshments during the boat ride as well.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Golf cart Tour of Rome
Golf cart Tour of Rome
Rome

This was a highlight of our trip in Rome. We had a 3hr private tour with Lorenzo. He was an amazing guide. He showed us so many landmarks and corners of the city we wouldn't have seen on our own. He was extremely knowledgeable about Roman history and navigating the city.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lorenzo made the excursion exciting and educational.
Transport
Local specialist: Barbara Rebella
Barbara
Barbara Rebella
Local specialist in Kirkland WA | Replied on May 09, 2024

Dear Colette and Lance.
From all of us at, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kind words and detailed review.
We are so proud and glad you had the opportunity to experience such beautiful places in our beloved Italy!!!
We hope there will be the chance to work with you again in the future! Such a lovely couple!
Best wishes
Arrivederci!
Barbara

Barbara was incredibly attuned to our needs a...
Italy | Mar 19 - Apr 8, 2024

J
Jeff T.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Barbara was incredibly attuned to our needs and preferences. She was promptly responsive to our questions and adapted to our changing needs. We couldn't have hoped for a better facilitator. Rafaella and Daniella were phenomenal. They consistently informed us regarding upcoming activities and kept us informed about itineraries, guides, drivers, et cetera. All of our drivers were fantastic (with one exception). Not a significant factor. Our absolute favorite was Daniele. He... Read more

Barbara was incredibly attuned to our needs and preferences. She was promptly responsive to our questions and adapted to our changing needs. We couldn't have hoped for a better facilitator.

Rafaella and Daniella were phenomenal. They consistently informed us regarding upcoming activities and kept us informed about itineraries, guides, drivers, et cetera.

All of our drivers were fantastic (with one exception). Not a significant factor.

Our absolute favorite was Daniele. He deserves special recognition!

We will definitely use KimKim again, and will highly recommend them to our friends and family for any future travel plans!

Local specialist: Barbara Rebella
Barbara
Barbara Rebella
Local specialist in Kirkland WA | Replied on Apr 15, 2024

Jeff, Caroline.
Thank you very much from all my Team for your kind words.
We work hard to satisfy all our Traveler's needs, and reading such excellent reviews melts our hearts.
We are so glad you enjoyed your vacation in our beautiful country, and we are proud to have allowed you to experience so many beautiful places, especially your Italian roots!!
Once again, thank you so much, and I look forward to assisting you again on your next travel adventure! I wish you and Caroline all the best.
Arrivederci a presto!!
Barbara

Barbara and Massimo truly went above and beyo...
Italy | Oct 7 - Oct 16, 2023

L
Lorie B.
Kalamazoo, MI | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023
Barbara and Massimo truly went above and beyond what we expected. They were constantly in contact with us and resolved any questions or issues we had. I would highly recommend them in planning your next trip. Read more

Barbara and Massimo truly went above and beyond what we expected. They were constantly in contact with us and resolved any questions or issues we had. I would highly recommend them in planning your next trip.

Activity Review
Lake Como Food experience
Lake Como Food experience
Italy

Valentina and her family were so warm and kind. It was really a unique experience to go into their home to cook. My only advice might be to improve on the menu selection a bit.

Local specialist: Barbara Rebella
Barbara
Barbara Rebella
Local specialist in Kirkland WA | Replied on Oct 19, 2023

Dear Lorie and Kevin.
Thank you very much! Your kind words melt our hearts!
So happy to help you celebrate your wedding anniversary with this trip!

Wish you both all the best, and maybe we will "meet again" for your next trip to Italy!!
Warm regards.

Barbara

Venice, Florence, Amalfi and Rome!
Italy | Oct 2 - Oct 10, 2023

G
Greg F.
Northglenn, CO | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023
Barbara planned an amazing vacation for us across Italy and on short notice. It ended up including a gondola tour in Venice, riding a Vespa through wine country, and cruising along the Amalfi Coast. Barbara got us to four cities without a rental car. All pickups, whether it was by boat, train or car went seamlessly. The hotels she picked were clean, comfortable, and in walkable areas. During the trip, Barbara and her collegues were extremely responsive and helpful. Any last minute changes we... Read more

Barbara planned an amazing vacation for us across Italy and on short notice. It ended up including a gondola tour in Venice, riding a Vespa through wine country, and cruising along the Amalfi Coast. Barbara got us to four cities without a rental car. All pickups, whether it was by boat, train or car went seamlessly. The hotels she picked were clean, comfortable, and in walkable areas. During the trip, Barbara and her collegues were extremely responsive and helpful. Any last minute changes we needed, they took care of it. A wonderful experience!

Activity Reviews
Venice Gondola Ride
Venice Gondola Ride
Venice

The gondola ride was pretty, but it felt like we were in a gondola traffic jam. Each boat just a few feet apart.

Guided Tour and Accademia Visit (Michelangelo's David) - wine tasting
Guided Tour and Accademia Visit (Michelangelo's David) - wine tasting
Florence

An extremely informative private tour

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Wine tour by Vespa
Wine tour by Vespa
Italy

This was just the best. A patient tour guide taught us to ride the Vespa and then guided us out of Florence and into wine country. It was fun, beautiful and the wineries were gorgeous.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cooking class. Pizza and gelato making!
Cooking class. Pizza and gelato making!
Rome

Fun, informative, and generous with the wine. But more people than we were expecting in what was called a small group (about a dozen people)

Local specialist: Barbara Rebella
Barbara
Barbara Rebella
Local specialist in Kirkland WA | Replied on Oct 18, 2023

Dear Greg and Marike!
Thank you very much for your kind words and feedback.
Organizing this trip has been a pleasure, and we thank you for trusting us on such a special occasion.

I hope to plan another holiday to Italy for you in the future. Until then, all the best and safe travels!
Warm regards

Barbara

Very helpful and huge time saver!
Italy | Jul 6 - Aug 2, 2023

Andrew
Andrew B.
Bradley, IL | Reviewed on Aug 03, 2023

Our local specialist was very pleasant and extremely helpful as she created our 4 week itinerary to Italy. She listened to all of our preferences and shaped the trip around our requests. I have no idea how much time we saved with her booking all the hotels and many excursions. She also provided a lot of great recommendations for restaurants and activities during our down time. This was my second time using KimKim and I will be using KimKim for my next trip too.

Local specialist: Barbara Rebella
Barbara
Barbara Rebella
Local specialist in Kirkland WA | Replied on Aug 03, 2023

Thank you very much, Andrew, for your kind words!
It has been a pleasure working with you and helping you discover my beautiful Country from North to South!
I'm thrilled you had a great experience and appreciate my recommendations.

I wish you and Maggie all the best !!
Barbara