Storywalking

Our 15 day trip which consisted of visiting Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Athens and Naxos truly could not have gone more perfectly. The entire KimKim team was punctual, professional, and went above and beyond to ensure every travel arrangement and planned event went flawlessly. I could not be happier I decided to use KimKim and will be doing so for trips for years to come. THANK YOU to the entire KimKim team.

Not sure here to begin :) . I found you on google search and right from start Arianna has been most helpful and timely responses for all. She knew her subject matter and was well versed with all. Your system if great as well as the whattaspp folks who were around 24x7 to answer any questions we had. Every detail was well thought of and the drivers were pleasant and on time. Even when Arianna went on leave she made sure someone else was responding - she kept me updated at all times. Train ticket booking were done and what impressed me most were the details - eg: the train seats were facing in the right direction of the travel. Th accommodation in Mila was ok- would have preferred something a bit more central, but for the budget it was fine. We had to take a lot of cabs from the hotel to places we wanted to see. My husbands health condition we could not take public transportation. One thing you may wish to look into is the walking tour - , it felt much longer and everyone on the tour felt we needed more breaks. It was very long and tiring. The guide was average . Other than that the recommendations were handy to have and helped decide what we should do/ eat etc.. all in all it was an amazing experience. A big thankyou to Arianna and your entire team. I am sure to use your services again when possible.

Hotel Review

NH Milano Corso Buenos Aires

Milan

It was ok the staff were friendly and helpful Location for us could have been more central. It was clean and fine overall.

Authenticity & Character

OK

Location

More central , had to take a lot of cabs so spent more $$

Staff

Helpful and friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Good

Activity Review

Milan Last Supper Tour with City Highlights

Milan

It was a very very long walk to this and left us feeling very tired to enjoy this art. Perhaps this can be done in the beginning ? then we had to take cab back to the center..

Quality of Experience

Everyone you worked with were professionals

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Smiling and on time

Transport

Good clean cars

Arianna spent almost nine months working with me on a specialized tour of Northern Italy, that offered us flexibility to visit family as well as unusual, less toursity areas of the country. Over that time, significant changes occurred requiring alterations to our trip plan (e.g., number of people traveling, exact dates, locations to visit, accommodations needed, availability of direct flights, etc.) Arianna professionally and graciously lept into action to cooperatively problem-solve. When I needed suggestions, she delivered helpful information, but there was never any pressure or inflexibility. Every traveler need is thoughtfully addressed, with patience and aptitude, and the things you don't even know you want are delivered.

The accommodations she secured for us in Sirmione and Cortina d’Ampezzo were spectacular. We expressed our overall travel preferences and budget and Arianna found lodging that far exceeded our expectations in some locations, while meeting expectations in the others.

Tours and experiences Arianna booked offered us unique, high-quality, individualized access to information and places we would never have found on our own. We wished we booked more!

Hotel Reviews

Gombit Hotel

Bergamo

The hotel was a marvel of renovation and in a great, central location in the upper città. Bed was comfortable, service was excellent, breakfast was good. The only notes I would offer for fellow travelers to this location are that it is adjacent to a tourist destination (park and fountain) over which our room faced, so it was quite loud. The nightly cost to park a car is quite high.

Authenticity & Character

A renovated historic building in an ancient corridor within the limited traffic zone, requiring a specialized permit.

Location

The proximity to the funicolare and many historic sites was perfect. Dozens of wonderful markets, stores, bars, and restaurants exist within a 10-minute walk. We were easily able to walk to the lower city and back from the hotel.

Staff

I wish I could remember them all by name, but the staff with whom we interacted were consistently warm, pleasant, and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was spotless and the towels were good quality. Everything felt new.

HOTEL de LEN

Cortina d'Ampezzo BL

If I had to live in a hotel, this would be the one. Everything about its unique character and exceptional delighted my soul, but the location and staff make it even more special than the architect and interior designer could have envisioned. Every glorious concept is so thoughtfully executed. The rooftop spa is something magical. Truly. I cannot wait to get back to it.

Authenticity & Character

This hotel should be winning design awards, and does, because it's stunning. I fear that after the winter olympics in 2026 bring more focus on this place, this hotel may become so well-known that it is impossible to maintain its current perfect character. The natural wood offers a rustic marriage to a modern, sometimes industrial, interior design. The communal spaces are welcoming, sleek, open, yet private. The transparency of the spa offered an authenticity and character that took my breath away several times.

Location

Staff

Unbelievably kind and considerate staff. They were "waiting for us" when we arrived, later than expected, after long drive. They offered us refreshments during a quiet and personalized check-in process on another floor, which was such a nice touch. People knew us by name and checked on us regularly during our stay. The spa staff, especially Francesca, were extraordinary.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms are appointed in simple, tasteful decor. Bathroom with double sink was a nice touch. Everything was spotless. From a comfort standpoint, we found the inability to control room temperature or towel heating rack, lack of a refrigerator, and absence of extra bedding (lighter blanket to adjust to the fluctuations in temperature), downsides. Towels and bathrobes were high quality. Balcony was large, but with so much construction happening in the town, it was hard to enjoy being outside or having the windows open.

Lancaster Hotel

Milan

The hotel is an older accommodation in a decent location. Its staff are shining stars, however, and had the attitude and approach of a high-end place. It was relatively quiet and comfortable, with a typical breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

It is clearly an older facility, with some character and charm in its bones. Tiny elevator, old fashioned decor.

Location

If you like walking, which we do, this,was a great distance from the main attractions. There isn't much in the immediate vicinity, but it keeps it quieter outside.

Staff

Every person was kind and professional. The breakfast and front desk team were top notch, but special shout out to the guy who made us cappuccino at 4:50AM the day we departed.

Cleanliness & Comfort

While it definitely felt clean in our room and breakfast room, the common areas were quite run down in places. The walls in our room had paint peeling, scuffs, scratches, and the baseboards were badly damaged. The antiques in the room match the general decor and were a nice touch, but need better care. We could hear a lot of interior noise (neighbors above and along our hallway), although outside was quiet.

Hotel Ocelle Thermae & Spa

Sirmione

A resort and spa with a very luxe look and feel. Staff were impeccably dressed to indicate their role and function, underground parking was available, including electric charging, the entire facility was gated and closely controlled. The breakfast filled two rooms and included every option imaginable, including accommodating various dietary restrictions. The location was stellar--only a five-minute walk to Scaliger castle. But the spa facilities themselves were amazing. We sadly had little time to enjoy many aspects, as we were doing tours and visiting with family, but we wished we could have booked a few more days to enjoy the thermal baths and spa services. Notes: it is adults only, and the thermal spa comfortably accommodates a small number of guests at a time.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Milan Last Supper Tour with City Highlights

Milan

Wonderful, moving experience to the the Last Supper and fully-appreciate how remarkable it is that the piece has survived, and restoration of this meticulous sort, has been achieved. The other highlights of the tour were also fantastic--ancient historical buildings, artworks, culture, politics--across thousands of years. Deborah was patient and excellent.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Sirmione Walking and Boat Tour & Scaliger Castle

Italy

Wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide who showed us the highlights of Sirmione by walking and private boat ride. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boat tour was great! Wish it was longer...

Cooking Class in the Dolomites

Italy

The chef we worked with was passionate about his craft and taught us special techniques for making homemade pasta, unique to the region. It felt odd cooking in the dining room so near the entrance, using a portable stovetop, and not in a kitchen, but it was still a great experience. A bit rushed.

Quality of Experience

Salvo and Petre (Our driver for all things Sicily) were incredible.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel La Griffe

Rome

Loved the bartender!! He was fun! The shower was extremely small but used to American bathroons

Authenticity & Character

Location

great to be a part of the action in central Rome but was a bit noisy at night

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Residenza Fiorentina

Firenze

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Reception staff not seen unless checking in or out. When had a question about the room temperature was dismissed as that’s just the way it has to be

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Livingston

Syracuse

Everything about this hotel was amazing from location to staff!

Authenticity & Character

the view of the sea from our room made the stay so enjoyable.

Location

we liked it because it was just far enough away from the hustle.

Staff

every single person was attentive and wanted to make sure everything was perfecto!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hilton Rome Airport Hotel

Fiumicino

A nice Segway to getting back to American life.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Beach day in Noto area

Syracuse

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver was so amazing

Transport

Our driver for 3 days was absolutely amazing. He went above and beyond.

Central Food Market & Tuscan Cooking Class

Florence

The whole experience from the market to the class was 5 star all the way

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our chef was fun!! The wine flowed as we were waiting for the pasta to cook!

Ortigia Walking Tour: The Heart of Syracuse

Italy

This honestly was a GREAT EXPERIENCE with Salvo! He knows the history of not just this area but all of Syracuse.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

Rome

I mean it’s the Vatican!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Frascati Tour: Enjoy Wine Tasting & Visit "Castelli Romani" area

Italy

Such great knowledge of the area. The wine is spectacular ordered a lot and they graciously are shipping direct to us

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide and staff were very knowledgeable about the area

Transport

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum

Rome

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Winery tour in Chianti Area

Italy

The winery itself is beautiful, it’s big production!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

very quiet

Private driver at disposal

Italy

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I cannot say enough good things about this trip. Kimkim's questionnaire process made the planning aspect easy to begin and Arianna handled everything else with excellence. The information given to us beforehand as far as cultural tips, food recommendations, etc. was all so helpful. Once we finally arrived to Italy and began our trip, everything worked out perfectly and my first time traveling abroad could not have been made any easier on myself. All of our reservations went off without a hitch, all drivers were on time, all instructions easy to follow, etc. We were even able to check in early to each accommodation -- a bonus! And each accommodation exceeded our expectations. It is hard to pick out one experience as our favorite... We loved every single one of our tour guides and each big group excursion we did turned out fabulous. Our Italian Travel Ambassador was easily accessible during business hours and quick to respond to any questions or concerns we had. I loved how she checked in at the end of everyday as well as provide details of the following day's itinerary and important information so that we did not have to frequently check our actual itinerary. I will not travel without Kimkim again!

My wife and I went to Italy, Vatican & Switzerland. We used the high speed trains to go between cities and regions which was exciting and clean. We both wanted a custom trip tailored to what we wanted to do, see and experience. KimKim took all our ideas and they suggested a few more. They checked-up on us with What’s App text each day. They put the trip all together with our train tickets, private drivers/transfers, clean 4 star boutique hotels that were within walking distance of must-see’s. They don’t do air travel. They suggest restaurants or you find your own. We had cooking class and dinner in people’s homes because we wanted to learn their culture and dishes. We had an experienced as a couple, and not the cookie-cutter herd feeling. We were not listening to other Americans, we were hearing locals speak different languages and we had fun trying to communicate and thankfully most know some English. Our trip was seamless and our drivers were always there to pick us up and our tours were all private as we requested. Let your travel budget be your guide. We saw more places and did more things than we could have using the”package” deals. Hats off to them; I have to recommend them because they deserve it!

Hotel Reviews

Agriturismo Il Colle

Bellagio

We had a veranda view of Lake Como that wowed us. The veranda was big. We loved the room and service.

Authenticity & Character

The view and service. Breakfast is great. It’s on a hill so walking is challenging. You might want a cab to restaurants.

Location

It is near the Gardens of Villa Melzi.

Staff

Mary was attentive to our needs

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean, roomy, The big windows and doors open for fantastic views. Also has a small washing machine and veranda dry rack.

Casa Montani Hotel

Rome

Andrea was incredibly helpful. His restaurant suggestions are the best. It’s within steps of everything important to see.

Authenticity & Character

It doesn’t look like a hotel. It’s got eight rooms that are well kept and a little turn of the century looking elevator I loved.

Location

Centrally located, quiet and very clean.

Staff

Andrea makes the stay great!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Not your regular hotel. You get a key to a large front door where there are little offices and you walk to the elevator and up to your room. Simple,clean, smart location in a good area.

Hotel Steffani

St. Moritz

Swiss feel with a close view of the Matterhorn out of your balcony!

Authenticity & Character

Very Swiss

Location

Close to everything, we took the gondola up to the top of the mountain, had lunch and came back down!

Staff

Always available

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very good

Activity Reviews

Dinner Experience in a Local Home Restaurant

Rome

We can’t say enough about going to these people’s homes and making pasta,cooking it including tiramisu!

Quality of Experience

Wonderful people

Food

Authentic homemade food!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

All Rome in one day: Golf cart, Colosseum & Vatican Private guided tour

Rome

This is how you see it all and save your feet! Jacomo put us in the right spot everytime.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tour: Positano, Amalfi & Ravello

Italy

Our private driver Francisco knew the area and all the views. We would get spots and no one else was around. That meant he had greater knowledge and gave us an extra advantage. He brought us to an incredible restaurant with the best water view.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour of the Villas with local guide from Bellagio

Lake Como

Fantastic guide, we saw more views and sites on this one trip than several put together.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport