Summer Norway Vacation
Norway | May 23 - Jun 6, 2026

Michael
Michael C.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Jun 11, 2026

My parents and I recently returned from a two-week journey through Norway organized by Mathia, and I can say without hesitation that it was truly the trip of a lifetime.

From our very first conversation, Mathia was exceptional to work with. He was consistently responsive, patient, knowledgeable, and incredibly thorough throughout the entire planning process. No question ever seemed too small, and his communication was outstanding from start to finish. Planning an international trip with multiple destinations, hotels, transportation arrangements, and activities can feel overwhelming, but Mathia made the process remarkably smooth and stress-free.

Because I was traveling with my parents, it was especially important that the itinerary strike the right balance between activity, comfort, sightseeing, and driving time. Mathia did an excellent job creating a journey that accommodated different interests and energy levels while still allowing us to experience an incredible amount of Norway. Every stop felt purposeful, and the pacing never felt rushed.

What impressed me most was how thoughtfully the itinerary was designed. The trip struck a perfect balance between iconic destinations and lesser-known experiences, allowing us to experience Norway’s extraordinary natural beauty while avoiding the feeling of being shuffled from one attraction to the next. The route flowed seamlessly from Oslo to Aurland, Bergen, Ålesund, Valldal, Åndalsnes, and back to Oslo, with each destination offering something unique and memorable.

The accommodations were excellent throughout the journey, and many of Mathia’s recommendations became highlights of the trip. We experienced spectacular fjords, mountain scenery, charming villages, scenic drives, unforgettable hikes, wonderful restaurants, and countless moments that will stay with us for years to come. Some of our favorite memories came from places and experiences we likely never would have discovered on our own.

Another aspect we greatly appreciated was the support provided while we were traveling. Mathia happened to be on holiday for a portion of our trip, but he ensured we had contact information for other members of the KimKim team who were available to assist if needed. The transition was seamless, and the team checked in with us during the trip to make sure everything was going smoothly. That level of preparation and care gave us confidence that support was always available, even while Mathia was away.

If I were to offer one piece of constructive feedback for future travelers, it would simply be to provide a bit more guidance regarding transportation limitations in some of the smaller destinations outside the larger cities such as Oslo, Bergen, and Ålesund. This is certainly not a criticism, but rather something that may help future visitors better prepare their expectations.

For example, during our stay in Aurland before picking up our rental car in Ålesund, we discovered that local transportation options were extremely limited and often needed to be arranged well in advance. Demand was high, availability was scarce, and pricing could be surprisingly expensive. We looked into transportation to a nearby hiking trailhead and found that a round-trip transfer would have cost nearly $400 USD, which was far more than we anticipated. Ultimately, we adjusted our plans and found an alternate hike within walking distance of the hotel, but having a bit more advance awareness of transportation constraints in these smaller communities would have been helpful when planning activities. This is less a reflection on the itinerary itself and more a reality of traveling in some of Norway’s more remote and beautiful regions.

That minor observation aside, our overall experience was exceptional. Norway exceeded every expectation we had. The country’s natural beauty is extraordinary, but what transformed this from a great vacation into a truly unforgettable experience was the thoughtful planning and guidance we received from Mathia. His recommendations, organization, responsiveness, and attention to detail helped create memories that my parents and I will cherish for the rest of our lives.

I would enthusiastically recommend Mathia to anyone considering a trip to Norway. We are incredibly grateful for his assistance, professionalism, and dedication, and we would not hesitate to work with him again in the future.

Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in Vesterålen, Norway | Replied on Jun 12, 2026
Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review. I truly appreciate the time you took to write such thoughtful feedback.
In many ways, the care and attention you put into your review perfectly reflect the kind of traveler you have been since day one. From the very beginning, it was clear how much you wanted to experience Norway and share its beauty with your family. You were always quick to reply, open to suggestions, and helpful whenever decisions needed to be made. That...
Read more

Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for your kind and detailed review. I truly appreciate the time you took to write such thoughtful feedback.
In many ways, the care and attention you put into your review perfectly reflect the kind of traveler you have been since day one. From the very beginning, it was clear how much you wanted to experience Norway and share its beauty with your family. You were always quick to reply, open to suggestions, and helpful whenever decisions needed to be made. That made my work not only easier but also genuinely enjoyable.
Working on your itinerary was a real pleasure. I felt especially motivated and passionate about creating a journey that would match your interests and expectations. Looking back, I believe we found the right balance between beautiful locations, memorable activities, and a comfortable pace. A large part of achieving that balance was thanks to your cooperation and engagement throughout the planning process.
I can honestly say that you have been one of the best travelers I have had the pleasure of working with. I also greatly appreciate your constructive feedback regarding transfers and transportation. It is a very valid observation. Norway still has some work to do in this area, as many incredible destinations can feel somewhat disconnected from one another, and transportation solutions are often more expensive and complicated than they should be.
Thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity to help plan this special trip for you and your family. It has been a genuine pleasure working with you, and I sincerely hope our paths will cross again for another Norwegian adventure, perhaps even for a visit up here in the North. It would be wonderful to welcome you and your family back and show you another side of this beautiful country.
I wish you and your family all the best, and many wonderful travel memories ahead. :)
Mathia