Not possible without KimKim
United Kingdom
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Jun 13 - Jun 30, 2026
I could not --and, likely, would not--have made this trip without Rachel and KimKim.
I started out with a vague idea of three things/places I would like to experience. Rachel did a magnificent job of helping me figure out what else I might enjoy. And she was right on all counts. I ended up with memorable experiences in all three areas plus a couple more: seeing beautiful landscape by train, art, horses/animals, theatre, history. And Harry Potter.
The KimKim app was indispensable, especially for an almost 3-week trip. It kept everything in one place, was well-organized, and had a clean, easy-to-read design (I have design experience--I know it's not a given). In addition to a day-by-day list of where I was going and what I was doing, it also listed how I would get there and included invaluable links to tickets, maps, and everything else useful and interesting.
They purchased tickets for me for everything from a front-row, center ticket to Phantom of the Opera, to museum tickets, to multiple train tickets. The train tickets were not insignificant, especially because my hope was to experience the landscape of England and Scotland by train. I started out in London and made stops at York, Barnsley, Edinburgh, Inverness, Portree, Oban, and Glasgow. Rachel arranged for me to join several small group tours and for several drivers for longer distances (I didn't trust myself to drive on the left-hand side!).
Each tour was an exceptional experience. The guides were a huge part of that--they made these tours interesting, informative, and fun. I'd like especially to mention:
--Private Walking Tour of York: My guide was Rob, from Walking Tours in the UK. Rob has a doctoral degree in history. To say he was knowledgable is an understatement. He was also passionate about the history of York, his native town. I very much appreciated his consideration for my slight limitations in walking--neither of us made a fuss about it; he simply and quietly stopped at places where I could sit down for a bit while we talked. My York history walk with Rob was a clear highlight of my trip. He has my deep appreciation.
--Whitby and the North York Moors, complete with a ride on a steam train (Mountain Goat Tours). I never understood the mystique of the moors in literature and film until this drive. I do now. Our guide's passion for the moors was contagious. He also had some recommendations for our time in Whitby, which were right on the mark. Another knowledgable, remarkable guide. (And I feel bad I don't remember his name!)
--Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour (Edinburgh) with Caroline, from the PotterTrail. This could easily have been a cutesy, "here's this" and "here's that" tour, but what Caroline did was give thoughtful insight into parts of Edinburgh that inspired JK Rowling. It became as much about where inspiration comes from as about landmarks and Harry Potter--not an easy thing to do, in my opinion. There were several children on the experience and she treated them with respect and fun. It really was quietly inspirational in itself.
--Skye in a Day. This was a dream come true. (I'd been singing the Skye Boat Song for decades before Outlander!) Once again, the guides were a key part of the day. (We had one guide, Donny, in the morning. When he started having van trouble, he called in a colleague, Kevin. There was no disruption; the switch was seamless.) They were both excellent guides. The camaraderie, with a touch of humor, they created with our group made this particularly memorable day. They made it a point to learn everyone's name and where we were from. And the island itself? Stunningly beautiful.
The arrangements that had to be made to make this trip possible were mind-boggling. In addition to the items mentioned above, KimKim arranged drivers for me from Heathrow to my hotel, from Skye to Oban, and from Glasgow to the Edinburgh airport. The drivers were, to a person, professional, knowledgable, and good conversationalists.
One of my tours was cancelled due to a mechanical issue with a ferry we were to take to several of the islands. I received a timely notification from KimKim the day prior.
The hotel selection, especially given the number of cities I was visiting, was also a not-insignificant part of KimKim's services. We talked about what I was thinking of and she chose the right hotels for me. Also, they were conveniently located to the places I would be visiting.
Rachel and I were in touch almost every day. She even reminded me to make restaurant reservations in Portree, where there is a limited number of restaurants.
Those arrangements, from hotels, to theatre, tour, and train tickets, absolutely (pardon the expression) blow my mind. And that everything went smoothly is a testament to their skills and expertise. I can't thank Rachel and the KimKim Team enough for the experience of a lifetime.
Hotel Reviews
It felt both impressive and comfortable. The breakfast buffet was outstanding. The bar was impressive in a formal, yet comfortable and relaxed way and had good food--it was a very good place to eat at the end of a big day of walking. Best of all, it was a very short walk to the city center.
It's a little difficult to compare because, like the Tower Hotel, it is a typical modern hotel. But it was nice and having a little less character the last night of my stay (when I was pretty tired) was kind of nice.
My room was in a building separate, but just across the street from the main hotel. This was a very recently remodeled space and was lovely. The best thing was a patio running the length of the building with a phenomenal view of Inverness.
One of my two favorite hotels, the other being the York Grand.
Activity Review
I will never forget seeing Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre. The theatre, the sound quality, the sets, and, especially, the talented cast were absolutely memorable. The opening notes of the male chorus are still sounding in my head.
Thank you for taking the time to write your detailed review, we are delighted that you had an experience of a lifetime! Together we made your wonderful trip happen by turning your thoughts and ideas, with my knowledge, into something special!
We are pleased that the KimKim app was indispensable for your trip!
Your itinerary covered some ground in just under three weeks, and your experiences and locations were so varied! Front-row, center ticket to Phantom of the Opera, were chosen... Read more