Trip of a Lifetime
Italy | Dec 22 - Dec 30, 2022

L
Lauren C.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jan 09, 2023

We are so glad we made our trip arrangements through kimkim! While we had some ideas about where to go and what to do while in Italy, we had no idea where to begin. Chiara from Storywalker filled in all the details - and it worked out beautifully! The hotels were lovely, the drivers who got us to and from our planes, trains and hotels were always courteous and on time and the tours could not have been better. (Many thanks to Luciana who guided us through the Vatican, Suzanna through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Marta to the Appian Way and the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Catia in Assisi, Tommaso to the Tuscan countryside and Sylvia through the museums of Florence!) Chiara responded to every message and request I sent during the planning phase and, along with her teammate Jessica, were available and responsive while we were in Italy.
Our days in Rome, Assisi and Florence were the perfect blend of history, faith, art and natural beauty we had hoped for. We would not hesitate to work with kimkim again.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Dei Mellini
Rome

Perfect location, clean and comfortable, excellent breakfast, friendly and helpful service.

Authenticity & Character
Quaint but not too small. Quiet street with residences and small businesses.
Location
Walking distance to the Vatican and other historical sites (Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, etc.)
Staff
Helpful and friendly - answered all of our touristy questions with a smile.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Slept great, felt safe.
Il Palazzo
Assisi

Great location near the Basilica of San Francesco. Clean room, delicious breakfast, friendly and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Modern accommodations in a historic building. Loved the view from our room!
Location
About halfway between the main square and the Basilica. Quiet, even during the busy Christmas season.
Staff
So friendly and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Roomy bathroom, comfy bed - great place to rest!
Hotel Berchielli
Florence

Terrific location away from the Christmas crowd. Beautiful view. Clean and comfortable with a helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character
Lovely accessible community patio, great view, modern conveniences in a historic location.
Location
Within walking distance to the Duomo, Uffizi and Academia. Set on the Arno River with a beautiful view of the bridges.
Staff
Friendly and helpful. Breakfast staff made sure we had everything we wanted.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable!
Activity Reviews
Highlights of the Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour
Highlights of the Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour
Rome

Very crowded at Christmas time, but our guide Luciana did a beautiful job and kept us moving.

Quality of Experience
As lifelong Catholic, the Vatican has been on our bucket list for years. So much beauty, and such a great education. Our tour ended just in time for us to participate in 5:00 Mass.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Luciana was a pro! The museum could have been overwhelming but she showed us the highlights and answered our questions.
Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Guided Visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Rome

An amazing walk through history with an exceptional guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Suzanna met us right on time in the planned location. She was so knowledgeable and personable! We very much enjoyed our time with her and learned so much!
San Callisto and walk through the Appian Way
San Callisto and walk through the Appian Way
Rome

This came about because of a last minute scheduling change, and was a real bonus! Interesting history and beautiful site.

Quality of Experience
A wonderful learning experience.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Marta taught us so much we did not know about the Appian Way and history of Rome. She gave us the important background information before we joined the guide for the Catacomb tour.
Free afternoon in Assisi
Free afternoon in Assisi
Assisi

We loved exploring Assisi. What a beautiful, spiritual place. We did not expect the crowd, but it was wonderful seeing people enjoying the Christmas displays.

Quality of Experience
Loved the character and spirituality of this charming place!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
Transport
Train from Rome to Assisi. Easy and restful. So glad to have been driven up into Assisi!
Assisi Private Walking Tour including St. Francis Basilica with Giotto frescos
Assisi Private Walking Tour including St. Francis Basilica with Giotto frescos
Italy

Catia met us on time in the designated location. She taught us so much about Assisi and the region, and showed us the beautiful sites. Although she could not go into the Basilica with us due to the Christmas holiday, she prepared us well. She even gave us recommendations on other places to see in the area.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Chiara Donati
Chiara
Chiara Donati
Local specialist in Torre del Greco | Replied on Jan 10, 2023

Dear Lauren, thank you very much for taking time in reviewing us and your experience.
It was a great pleasure to assist you with your trip through Rome, Assisi and Florence! Thank you again and Arrivederci!