Excellent Trip to Croatia Thanks to Robi and Team!

Croatia | Sep 29 - Oct 8, 2026

My wife and I The planning and booking process was so smooth and easy via Kimkim. We weren't sure what to expect, as this was our first time using Kimkim, or even with a travel agent. We were connected with Robi, who asked some clarifying questions, and was quick to respond to each correspondence. We had a LOT of back-and-forth here, uncertainties, and waffling, entirely on our side - the reason we used Kimkim was that we were both under a lot of work and personal stress at this time, so it was difficult making timely responses and decisions. Robi was so patient and helpful during this time, even as we pushed up against the 60-day deadline for booking.

We started by flying in to Pula, where Robi had arranged for a rental car to be ready for us. There was some confusion with the handoff, but it was quickly solved by messaging Robi.

Our first hotel was the Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, which was gorgeous! We especially loved the infinite pool with pool-side bar, the saunas, and the relaxation rooms, which were all included in the stay. Breakfast was delicious, and we were on our way. Robi sent us a list of recommended locations, including sights, restaurants, best places to park, etc - this was a constant throughout our trip, and very helpful! Pula was great, the amphitheater is a must-see, and the Olive Oil Museum "Oleum Histriae" was fun and informative.

We had originally planned to move on to Poreč, but the Istria 300 bicycle race was taking place there during our planned dates. Robi instead recommended us to stay in Rovinj at Hotel Lone, and we were so glad he did. This hotel was just as lovely as the last, the room he got us was even more spacious and comfortable, again we had included pool/sauna/relaxation areas, and breakfast was even better than the last. We spent a few days here exploring Istria, including the city of Rovinj, Motovun (breathtaking) with a highly recommended truffle hunting experience, Poreč, the smallest town in the world Hum, and our favorite - Grožnjan. We also stopped at Cattunar Winery, which Robi recommended to us - wow! Excellent wines, a lovely spread was included in our tasting, and the views were beautiful. We loved it; if you enjoy wine at all, you must try their varieties of Malvazija (Malvasia)!

Next on our itinerary was traveling south to Plitvice Lakes. We stayed overnight at Hotel Degenija, another beautiful spot. As the above, included sauna (though we didn't have time to enjoy it) and delicious breakfast. We took a couple bananas along with us after breakfast to enjoy in the park during our hike. We woke up early to get to the National Park as close to opening as possible per Robi's recommendation, and arrived at 0815. This was perfect, as the crowds were very light and with a little effort/timing we had much of the park to ourselves. Plitvice Lakes are amongst the most beautiful places I have ever seen. This was the highlight of the trip for me, though it truly speaks to the overall beauty of Croatia that I had a hard time deciding that.

After Plitvice, we moved on to Zadar. We stayed at Hotel Bastion in the middle of the Old Town, built into the remains of an historic fortress. Again, the room and grounds were excellent, though a slight disappointment that neither parking nor sauna/jacuzzi were included unlike previous stays, both incurring separate charges. That said, they didn't end up charging us for parking when we checked out. Robi had arranged for a city tour with a guide named Sonja, whom we absolutely loved. She was extremely personable, so thorough, and excited to answer all of our questions.

Our final location was Split, and we stayed there at Hotel Marul. The hotel didn't measure up to the prior hotels' standards. I don't blame Robi for this; sounds like there was a recent change in ownership/management and the quality has lapsed since. Split was otherwise amazing. Again, Robi had arranged for a tour of the old town and Diocletian's Palace with a local guide named Ivica, and again the guide was excellent. Finally, Robi also arranged for transportation to the airport from our hotel, which was smooth and easy.

Overall, we were very pleased with our experience, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Robi most highly. Robi was always available via WhatsApp and was quick to provide help, advice, or suggestions as needed, which really made the trip feel effortless. Thank you, Robi! Hvala!

For complete transparency, here is what was included at $7831 for two adults:
Accommodations
1 night stay at Grand Hotel Brioni Pula (Pula)
3 nights stay at Hotel Lone (Rovinj)
1 night stay at Hotel Degenija (Plitvice Lakes)
2 nights stay at Bastion Heritage Hotel—Relais & Châteaux (Zadar)
2 nights stay at Hotel Marul (Split)
Other details
Rental car from day 1 to day 8 with delivery and pick up
All accommodations with breakfast
Entrance tickets for Plitvice Lakes National Park
Private city tour in Zadar
Private city tour of Diocletian's Palace in Split
Local tax and fees
Sojorun tax
VAT
Departure airport transfer
Planing and coordination along the way
Daily communication and support through WhatsApp