Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 21,796 ratings
Read 21,796 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Highly recommend⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Portugal | Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2026

Julian
Julian K.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2026
Despite the short notice for our Portugal trip, João executed everything flawlessly. He was incredibly responsive, took the time to understand our wishes and preferences, and organized every detail beautifully. Everything was thoughtfully planned, making our trip smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. He even surprised us by showing up in person to guide us on one of our day trips! That level of dedication and personal attention went above and beyond our expectations. We highly... Read more

Despite the short notice for our Portugal trip, João executed everything flawlessly. He was incredibly responsive, took the time to understand our wishes and preferences, and organized every detail beautifully. Everything was thoughtfully planned, making our trip smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

He even surprised us by showing up in person to guide us on one of our day trips! That level of dedication and personal attention went above and beyond our expectations.

We highly recommend João to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, responsive and thoughtful travel agent. He made our Portugal trip truly special, and we would definitely work with him again!

Local specialist: João Daniel

Our trip was planned from start to finish. Ev...
Iceland | Aug 20 - Sep 1, 2026

B
bryan l.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2026

Our trip was planned from start to finish. Everything was taken care of. Adam did a fantastic job.

Local specialist: Adam Warszawski

UK Adventure
Scotland | Aug 29 - Sep 7, 2026

S
Scott R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2026
We had a wonderful Scotland adventure with a day in London. Aleksandra listened to what we were looking for and then arrange everything. She mapped out our routes. Helped with all the arrangements needed. And was available for any and all questions. She was amazing to work with!! We will definitely be using KimKim again. Read more

We had a wonderful Scotland adventure with a day in London. Aleksandra listened to what we were looking for and then arrange everything. She mapped out our routes. Helped with all the arrangements needed. And was available for any and all questions. She was amazing to work with!! We will definitely be using KimKim again.

Activity Reviews
The Wee Food Tour of Glasgow
The Wee Food Tour of Glasgow
Glasgow

Lei was so much fun! We learned a lot about Glasgow as a city, as well as the food that makes up the Scottish lifestyle.

Quality of Experience
Create Your Own Harris Tweed Handbag Workshop
Create Your Own Harris Tweed Handbag Workshop
Edinburgh

All four of us...2 women, 1 man, 1 teenage boy...had a fun time creating our own bags to take home. The staff were friendly, patient, and accommodating.

Quality of Experience
Highland Coo Tour
Highland Coo Tour
Scotland

We were able to have a private tour of the cows and sheep. It was wonderful to connect with Donna on so many common experiences. And the cows were worth all the hype!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Royal London Tour
Royal London Tour
London

David was amazing!! He listened to what our interests were and tailored our tour to us. It was the highlight of our London time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Aleksandra Sheb

Panama is a beautiful country and every singl...
Panama | Aug 13 - Aug 22, 2026

KURIEN
KURIEN A.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2026
Panama is a beautiful country and every single Panamanian we met on the trip was kind, helpful and enjoyable to be with and made the trip a memorable experience. The trip itinerary Kimkim created for us was perfect as it covered almost the entire country starting with a VIP tour of the Panama Canal and ending on the remote part of the country at the eco resort at Morillo beach. Every resort we stayed at was gorgeous, clean and in beautiful locations. The guides and drivers for all our... Read more

Panama is a beautiful country and every single Panamanian we met on the trip was kind, helpful and enjoyable to be with and made the trip a memorable experience. The trip itinerary Kimkim created for us was perfect as it covered almost the entire country starting with a VIP tour of the Panama Canal and ending on the remote part of the country at the eco resort at Morillo beach. Every resort we stayed at was gorgeous, clean and in beautiful locations. The guides and drivers for all our activities (Ariel, Jordan, Edgar, Elvis) were excellent and knowledgeable; Yuri, our guide in Panama city, was outstanding – he was courteous, extremely helpful and always pleasant and willing to go out of his way to help us and answer our questions. Roberto our driver in Panama City was excellent, courteous and always on time and a very careful driver. The VIP tour of the Panama Canal, volcano hike, Cloud Forest hike, the mangrove boat rides and whale watching/dolphin events were great fun and the highlight was bringing in turtle eggs at Morillo beach at 4 am in the morning and releasing newly hatched turtles into the ocean. Morillo beach and owners Cari and Ryan were awesome in the amount of time they spent with us showing us around and explaining the story of how they created this resort, the work they do on conservation and animal rescue, all in a spectacular location.

Our Kimkim trip planner Emily was outstanding and put this itinerary together for us at the very last minute. She checked in daily to make sure we were ready for the next day/event, provided details and arrival times of the drivers and other daily updates, making sure every step along the way was smooth and effortless and responding to all our questions immediately. She worked with us to make minor changes to the itinerary and executed the trip plan perfectly. She was always professional, courteous and concerned that we were doing ok.

We will continue to travel with Kimkim as we have done to other countries, mainly because of people like Emily who made the trip thoroughly enjoyable and a VIP experience.

Hotel Reviews
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort
Veraguas

This eco resort was the highlight of our Panama visit and is one of a kind, owned and operated by Cari and Ryan who spent time with us, not just showing us around and explaining the story of how they found and meticulously created this on earth heaven in this spectacular location, but the local employment they have created and close relationship with their great staff. Cari's conservation work with Capuchin and Howler monkeys along with conservation work they do on the property was an eye opener and we also thoroughly enjoyed conversations with them on so many topics! The resort has a feel of living in the midst of nature on a spectacular beach and a remote location far from civilization. Morillo beach is well known as one of the best surfing locations. Visit to the local turtle conservation initiative to see turtles come in from the ocean to lay eggs and an opportunity to release baby turtle into the ocean was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Night skies are clear with a view of the Milky way. If you can take the effort to visit and stay at this place, it is well worth it. We would highly recommend a visit to this place.

Bocas Del Mar Hotel
Boca Chica

This hotel is in a quiet remote gorgeous location and we picked a room with a spectacular view to the ocean. Hotel was absolutely clean with courteous staff, good food at the restaurant and great swimming pool. Boating activity from the hotel including whale and dolphin watching. Entire experience here has a VIP feel to it.

Boquete Garden Inn

Beautiful boutique hotel with a gorgeous flower garden. Breakfast was served on a little patio that overlooked the garden with trees and continuous bird activity. The location was just a few km from the city with a restaurant close by and easy walking or taxi access to the city. There was no A/C but it was not required with the pleasant weather in August when we visited.

Central Hotel Panama
Panama

This hotel is in a perfect central down town location with easy walking access to restaurants, shopping and local sights. It was clean with an extensive breakfast choices and courteous staff.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cloud Forest Hike: The Waterfalls Trail
Cloud Forest Hike: The Waterfalls Trail
Boquete
Mangrove Sunset Cruise experience
Mangrove Sunset Cruise experience
Boca Chica
Behind the Scenes Miraflores Locks
Behind the Scenes Miraflores Locks
Panama City
Turtle Nesting Watching
Turtle Nesting Watching
Mata Oscura
Boquete - Baru Volcano by Jeep
Boquete - Baru Volcano by Jeep
Boquete
Canal Rainforest Boat experience
Canal Rainforest Boat experience
Panama City
Local specialist: Emily Solís

Great trip
Egypt | Aug 29 - Sep 7, 2026

R
Rakan K.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2026

Great and well organized trip. Everyone in every process was respectful and the activities were top notch. Will recommend to anyone.

Local specialist: Mohamed Nabil

Beyond Happy and Satisfied with our trip to Portugal
Portugal | Aug 25 - Sep 1, 2026

Patricia
Patricia B.
New York, NY, USA | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2026
Our trip to Portugal was fantastic from beginning to end. Everything that was promised was delivered, and the entire experience felt seamless, thoughtful, and very well executed. I work in the travel industry for a company that provides luxury travel services (Nothing to do with Portugual or Europe), so I’ll admit that I have fairly high standards and can be a little skeptical about turning over the planning of our own family vacation to someone else. Joao very quickly put those concerns... Read more

Our trip to Portugal was fantastic from beginning to end. Everything that was promised was delivered, and the entire experience felt seamless, thoughtful, and very well executed.

I work in the travel industry for a company that provides luxury travel services (Nothing to do with Portugual or Europe), so I’ll admit that I have fairly high standards and can be a little skeptical about turning over the planning of our own family vacation to someone else. Joao very quickly put those concerns to rest.

From the initial contact, he was responsive, thorough, and understood what would make the trip right for our family. Traveling with a 14-year-old, an 18-year-old, and two parents isn’t necessarily an easy audience to please, but Joao created an itinerary that was remarkably well balanced. There was enough planned to make each day interesting and memorable without ever making the trip feel over-scheduled. Everyone had something to enjoy, which is no small accomplishment!

Joao’s attention to detail continued well beyond the planning stage. He checked in with us just before we left, throughout the trip, and again after we returned home. He also remembered that we were celebrating our 31st anniversary, and that personal touch ( with flowers and treates) meant a great deal to us.

Our accommodations were wonderful, well chosen, and very well located. Condes de Azevedo Palace in Porto was a particular highlight and such a memorable place to stay. The locations of all the hotels made exploring easy, whether on foot or using Uber.

Our driver/guides in each city were personable, punctual, friendly and gave us a deeper understanding of the region. The vehicles were immaculate and comfortable.

Perhaps what I appreciated most, especially given my own background in travel, was how effortless the trip felt. I know that “effortless” travel usually means someone has done a great deal of work behind the scenes. Joao clearly had. We were able to simply enjoy Portugal, enjoy our family, and celebrate 31 years together without worrying about the details.

We came home with wonderful memories and an enormous appreciation for Joao and the care he put into our trip. I would absolutely use KimKim again and would recommend Joao without hesitation.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cascais Miragem
Cascais

Very spacious. The hotel is being renoveated in two months so any review seems irrelevant but it was great for near term travelers.

Authenticity & Character
Authenticity & Character
Location
Location
Staff
Especially wonderful, knowing the hotel was dosing soon.
Staff
Especially wonderful, knowing the hotel was dosing soon.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness & Comfort
Condes de Azevedo Palace
Porto

Beautifullly restored. Loved it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It wasm very convienent that it had a small parking lot that allowed pick up/dropoff/
Staff
The Manager on Duty was from a sister hotel but but he carried our luggage and went out of his way to get ice for my husbands knee and provide restaurant recommendations.
Cleanliness & Comfort
They don't provide daily housekeeping unless you request. This is fine, we requested and received but I do like to have my room made up daily without any additional effort.
PortoBay Marquês
Lisbon

Comfortable and well located for easy transportation.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
To Eat Suggestion: Brasão - Coliseu
To Eat Suggestion: Brasão - Coliseu
Porto

Although we had a reservation we had to wait. Confusion about our order.

Quality of Experience
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner
Portugal

Performance was good. Service was terrible, Food was mediocre, Didn't like that the performer came around to sell his CDs.

Quality of Experience
Food
Tickets to Lello Bookshop
Tickets to Lello Bookshop
Porto

It was good but would have benefited from clearer understanding of how the tickets work. The guide for the walking tour didn't seem to know we had tickets and didn't give us clear understanding of how the ticketing system worked.

Quality of Experience
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour
Porto
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Essence of Douro - A River, Wine, and Gastronomy Experience with a Private Driver
The Essence of Douro - A River, Wine, and Gastronomy Experience with a Private Driver
Portugal
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Sintra's Fairytale Villa with a Private Driver and Pena Palace Tickets
Explore Sintra's Fairytale Villa with a Private Driver and Pena Palace Tickets
Portugal
Discover Lisbon’s Historic Center & Belém in a 3-Hour Tuk Tuk Adventure
Discover Lisbon’s Historic Center & Belém in a 3-Hour Tuk Tuk Adventure
Lisbon
Local specialist: João Branco
João
João Branco
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Sep 08, 2026

Dear Patti,

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! It was truly a pleasure planning your family’s journey through Portugal and being part of such a special celebration.

I’m so happy to hear that everyone enjoyed the trip and that everything felt seamless from beginning to end. It was a pleasure having you here, and I hope Portugal will always hold a special place in your family’s memories.

Wishing you all many more wonderful adventures together!
Your friend in Portugal - João

Aves de Los Amazonas
Colombia | Aug 8 - Aug 15, 2026

Nancy
Nancy B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
This is the second trip I have taken to Colombia in a year and Michael Gold of Chaska tours helped organize both. This trip was centered around birding in the Amazon region of Colombia but we enjoyed birding for a day in the high paramou area near Chingaza PNN with Hernann as our wonderful birding guide there. As soon as we landed in Leticia we were birding with our guide, Sergio Leon, who was well versed in the birds and reptiles of Los Amazonas and we were thrilled to learn from him for the... Read more

This is the second trip I have taken to Colombia in a year and Michael Gold of Chaska tours helped organize both. This trip was centered around birding in the Amazon region of Colombia but we enjoyed birding for a day in the high paramou area near Chingaza PNN with Hernann as our wonderful birding guide there. As soon as we landed in Leticia we were birding with our guide, Sergio Leon, who was well versed in the birds and reptiles of Los Amazonas and we were thrilled to learn from him for the next 5 days. Our visit to Buru Lodge was lovely and we enjoyed the delectable Amazon fusion dinner with other guests there but the highlight of our trip was traveling by boat on the Rio Amazonas ( pink and gray river dolphins observed) to Nomad Lodge and all of our experiences there. Thank you Michael Gold, Charla yours and Kimkim for arranging this spectacular birding trip for us!

Hotel Reviews
HAB Hotel
Bogotá

Clean and spacious rooms. No elevator for those on 2nd floor.

Authenticity & Character
Attentive staff and great restaurant with fresh and what is billed as local food.
Location
In a great neighborhood. In my room could hear traffic of cars/ motorcycles at night.
Staff
Friendly and attentive to our needs such as take away breakfast for 5:00 am all mornings we were there.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean rooms and kept up to date.
Buru Nature Hotel Amazonas
Authenticity & Character
Loved the traditional decorations and rustic rooms.
Location
In an off the beaten path near Leticia. Felt like being in the rain forest!
Staff
Very attentive to all of our needs.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable beds and clean rooms.
Nomad Lodges
Puerto Nariño

From the moment we arrived by boat we were captured by the beauty and friendliness of everyone involved with Nomad. We were met by the owner, Pierre, who shared the story behind Nomad and he was involved with making sure our stay was wonderful as well as educational. We ate all of our meals at Nomad and they were what I would describe as traditional and delicious. The memories of the chocolate mousse and arepas con queso linger on my tongue and mind. Our cabana was very comfortable and rustic.

Authenticity & Character
Rustic, eco- oriented, comfortable
Location
The trip down the Amazon to get to this remote lodge was one of the thrills of my life.
Staff
Very receptive to needs. Delicious traditional food, friendly and interested in learning from us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rustic but clean and elegant
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Sep 07, 2026

Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was truly a pleasure organizing another Colombia adventure for you, and I’m especially happy to hear how much you enjoyed the birding experiences with Hernann and Sergio, as well as your time in the Amazon.

Thank you again for trusting us with your second trip to Colombia. It has been a pleasure having you back, and I hope this won’t be your last adventure here. There are still plenty of birds and beautiful corners of Colombia waiting for you! 😊

Warm greetings from Colombia,
Michael & the Chaska Tours Team

Amazing!
Japan | Jul 24 - Aug 2, 2026

Denise
Denise
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
We had a wonderful experience planning our recent trip to Japan with Adeline through kimkim. From the very beginning, she was incredibly responsive, helpful, and easy to work with, which made the entire planning process feel much less overwhelming. We especially appreciated how transparent Adeline was with her guidance and recommendations. She took the time to understand what we were looking for and was always clear about our options. Whenever we had questions or wanted to make changes,... Read more

We had a wonderful experience planning our recent trip to Japan with Adeline through kimkim. From the very beginning, she was incredibly responsive, helpful, and easy to work with, which made the entire planning process feel much less overwhelming.

We especially appreciated how transparent Adeline was with her guidance and recommendations. She took the time to understand what we were looking for and was always clear about our options. Whenever we had questions or wanted to make changes, she responded quickly and thoughtfully, and we always felt like she had our best interests in mind.

There are so many details involved in planning a trip to Japan — transportation, hotels, activities, and navigating between different cities — but Adeline put everything together in a way that was organized and easy to follow. Once we arrived, everything went seamlessly. All of the arrangements were taken care of as planned, and we could simply enjoy the trip without having to worry about the logistics.

Having Adeline's support gave us a lot of peace of mind, both before and during the trip. She was knowledgeable, organized, responsive, and genuinely helpful throughout the entire process.

Overall, we had a fantastic experience with kimkim and would definitely recommend Adeline to anyone planning a trip to Japan. She made the whole experience easy and stress-free, and we are very grateful for all of her help!

Hotel Reviews
Yamanochaya Hakone
Hakone

We really wanted to love our stay at Yamanochaya, especially because of its beautiful location and the wonderful onsen experience. Unfortunately, the property didn’t quite live up to our expectations. The property itself felt quite dated, and we noticed some areas in the common spaces where the decor and furnishings were visibly worn or broken. Our room also had a small area of mold on the floor, apparently from a leaking AC unit. While it wasn’t a major part of the room, it was disappointing to see and something that should be addressed. The biggest disappointment for us was the kaiseki meal. We consider ourselves very open to trying different foods and have traveled extensively, so we were looking forward to experiencing a traditional Japanese meal. Unfortunately, the meal left quite a bit to be desired. Some of the dishes didn’t seem particularly well prepared, and the steak was quite tough. Overall, we found the meal difficult to get through and it wasn’t the dining experience we had hoped for. That said, there were definitely some positives. The staff were extremely friendly, warm, and accommodating, and they did their best to make us feel welcome throughout our stay. The onsens were also a highlight and provided a wonderful opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone. Overall, Yamanochaya has a lot going for it, particularly its location, onsens, and genuinely kind staff. With some investment in updating the property, maintaining the common areas, addressing issues such as the mold, and improving the dining experience, I think it could be a much more memorable stay.

Authenticity & Character
Needs to be updated and repairs done on visible items.
Location
Set back from the town so it's more relaxing.
Staff
Our room attendant was amazing. She was so kind and attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
We had small area of mold on the floor as the AC unit in the room was leaking. Mold just doesnt appear after a day so this is an issue they have ignored.
Genji Kyoto, a Member of Design Hotels

Staying at the Genji Kyoto Machiya Townhouse Annex was one of the most unique and memorable parts of our time in Kyoto. It gave us the opportunity to experience a classic Kyoto neighborhood and get a real sense of what it might be like to live in one of the city’s traditional machiya homes. The townhouse was beautifully decorated and thoughtfully styled, striking a wonderful balance between traditional Japanese character and modern comfort. The design, materials, and details really captured the spirit of old Kyoto without feeling dated. There was something very special about coming back each day to such a beautiful and peaceful space. The townhouse was also very comfortable for the three of us and gave us plenty of room to relax during our four-day stay. It felt much more personal and intimate than a typical hotel experience and really added to the feeling that we were experiencing Kyoto rather than simply visiting it. The breakfast each morning was delicious and was such a wonderful way to start the day. And the rooftop cocktails were absolutely divine! Enjoying a drink from the rooftop while taking in the surroundings was one of those experiences that made our stay feel truly special. Overall, the Genji Kyoto Machiya Townhouse Annex offered a wonderful combination of authentic Kyoto atmosphere, beautiful traditional design, comfort, and memorable hospitality. If you’re looking for something different from a conventional hotel and want to experience a more traditional side of Kyoto, this is a very special place to stay.

Authenticity & Character
The townhouse was beautifully decorated and thoughtfully styled, striking a wonderful balance between traditional Japanese character and modern comfort.
Location
Was set in a traditional old style neighborhood yet getting to the subway was an easy walk.
Staff
The staff was so pleasant and welcomed us warmly each time. They handled requests promptly and with a smile.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds and futon were very comfortable. Townhouse was clean and well maintained throughout the stay.
BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel
Tokyo

We had a wonderful stay at the Bellustar Tokyo Pan Pacific. The hotel is modern, beautifully designed, and has a very thoughtful feel throughout. Our room was extremely comfortable, and the views of Tokyo were absolutely amazing — especially at night. The location was also a big plus. Having easy access to several different subway lines made it very convenient to get around Tokyo and explore different parts of the city. It was a great home base for our stay. What really stood out, though, was the service. The staff were exceptionally warm, welcoming, and attentive without ever feeling overbearing. Any requests we had were handled quickly and efficiently, and we always felt well taken care of. Overall, the Bellustar Tokyo Pan Pacific was a fantastic choice for our stay. Between the beautiful modern design, comfortable rooms, incredible views, convenient location, and genuinely excellent service, it made our time in Tokyo even more enjoyable. We would definitely stay here again.

Authenticity & Character
Well thought out and quality accents.
Location
Very close to restaurants, shopping and most importantly subway system.
Staff
The staff was so pleasant and handled issues/requests immediately.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was super comfortable.
Activity Review
Small Group Food Tour in Local Neighborhood
Small Group Food Tour in Local Neighborhood
Tokyo

Our small group tour in Tokyo with Mami was one of the highlights of our trip! Mami was absolutely amazing — warm, personable, knowledgeable, and so much fun to spend time with. She took us to three completely different venues, and each one offered something unique. The food at every stop was wonderfully prepared, and it was such a great way to experience different flavors and sides of Tokyo that we probably wouldn’t have discovered on our own. What really made the experience special, though, was Mami herself. She made us feel comfortable right away and had such a genuine, engaging personality. She shared her knowledge of the food and the local area while making the tour feel more like we were spending an evening with a friend than being on a formal tour. By the end of the evening, we honestly did not want to leave her! It was such a fun and memorable experience, and Mami made it even better. We would highly recommend this tour, especially if you have the opportunity to have Mami as your guide!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Adeline Kuroki
Adeline
Adeline Kuroki
Local specialist in Fukuoka, Japan | Replied on Sep 08, 2026

Hi Denise, thank you SO much for your detailed review and feedback! I'm so glad that you guys had a great time in Japan this summer despite the heat. I appreciate the feedback on all of your accommodations and will definitely take your thoughts into account going forward with accommodations that I recommend to clients.

Trip of a lifetime
Iceland | Aug 21 - Aug 31, 2026

Jenn
Jenn L.
Raleigh, | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
It is hard to summarize how incredible our trip to Iceland was. Noga, Maria, and Nick were so helpful in the planning. This was our first international trip with our kids (5 &7) and I felt more prepared than I ever thought possible. I can't really pick our favorite thing, because all of our days were full of favorites. The Folklore Walk in Reykjavik with our guide Stephen was a great way to start of our trip. The kids were engaged and we learned a lot about Icelandic culture. We stayed in... Read more

It is hard to summarize how incredible our trip to Iceland was. Noga, Maria, and Nick were so helpful in the planning. This was our first international trip with our kids (5 &7) and I felt more prepared than I ever thought possible. I can't really pick our favorite thing, because all of our days were full of favorites. The Folklore Walk in Reykjavik with our guide Stephen was a great way to start of our trip. The kids were engaged and we learned a lot about Icelandic culture. We stayed in Stykkishomur on the 3rd and 4th nights of our journey and we fell in love. The hotel had a disc golf course on site and that was an amazing surprise for my husband who is an avid disc golf player. We loved the Black Sand beach, the Geothermal Bakery Experience, and the Laugarvatn Fontana Spa. We were enamored with the waterfalls, the landscape, the moss, the volcanoes, everything along the way was incredible and at one point my kids said "is this a dream??" and I thought maybe it was. On the last full day we did a Food Walk in Reykjavik with guide Andre/Snowy, and this was a complete trip highlight. Both of my kids adored him and we all enjoyed the food (they are adventurous eaters!). Before the airport we hit the Blue Lagoon which was a great way to relax before the airport. We were sad to leave and really excited for our next travel adventure! Thank you kimkim! 10/10

Local specialist: Noga Heyman

Italy - This was the trip of a lifetime!
Italy | Aug 17 - Aug 27, 2026

Mike
Mike D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
This was the trip of a lifetime!
Luca was great to work with in planning this trip. He was always responsive and friendly and very helpful in making suggestions and answering questions. It was so convenient to have everything pre-booked and everything worked and timed out perfectly - from train tickets to car service to hotel check ins to private tours.
The hotels were all great and conveniently located to all we planned to do. We would like to give a special shout out to the front desk...
Read more

This was the trip of a lifetime!
Luca was great to work with in planning this trip. He was always responsive and friendly and very helpful in making suggestions and answering questions. It was so convenient to have everything pre-booked and everything worked and timed out perfectly - from train tickets to car service to hotel check ins to private tours.
The hotels were all great and conveniently located to all we planned to do. We would like to give a special shout out to the front desk staff at the Charme Spagna Boutique in Rome and the rooftop bartender/housekeeper at Hotel Sorrento City in Sorrento - and to our favorite concierge, Leonardo, at Hotel Davanzati in Florence, who was incredibly friendly and helpful. All of the tours were fantastic. We definitely recommend visiting the coliseum and the Roman Ruins, and we especially enjoyed the tour guides who led us through Accademia Gallery in Florence and the walking tour/St. Mark’s Church/Doge’s Palace tour in Venice.
The one thing that would have made this trip even better is if the Kim Kim app was more functional by listing times and details and transfer information. It would be helpful to use the app rather than having to refer to the web browser for each part of the trip.
We will absolutely use Kim Kim again to plan our next overseas adventure!

Local specialist: Luca D'Arcangelo

Costa Rica September 2026
Costa Rica | Aug 29 - Sep 4, 2026

L
Lisa R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
We had a fabulous trip to Costa Rica all thanks to Bryan, who planned it, and the local Costa Rican team with Serendipty Adventures led by Adrian, who helped make it happen. The trip was so unique and a special way to celebrate our anniversary. We went to Tortuguero, La Fortuna, and the cloud forest. Adrian, who was in regular contact with us, seamlessly pivoted behind the scenes to change the itinerary when flooding affected the coast. Our driver Alex was a wonderful guide throughout the... Read more

We had a fabulous trip to Costa Rica all thanks to Bryan, who planned it, and the local Costa Rican team with Serendipty Adventures led by Adrian, who helped make it happen. The trip was so unique and a special way to celebrate our anniversary. We went to Tortuguero, La Fortuna, and the cloud forest. Adrian, who was in regular contact with us, seamlessly pivoted behind the scenes to change the itinerary when flooding affected the coast. Our driver Alex was a wonderful guide throughout the trip and taught us about local history, agriculture, flora and fauna. He had an eye for the camouflaged sloths and numerous birds. He added special touches by stopping to purchase traditional snacks.

All of our guides were exceptional in their kindnesss, thoughtfulness and knowledge.
Ricardo knew just where to find two-toed and three-toed sloths and taught us about their uniqueness.
We went bird watching with David, who carefully traversed the muddy forest to find a variety of beautiful birds.
Uber gave us a tour of his family's organic farm where we learned the Spanish names for all of the roots and herbs and pressed sugar cane for juice. His mother guided us in cooking a delicious traditional meal, and his father made a special chocolate heart for our anniversary! Finally, Luis took us on a river trip in Tortuguero where he found monkeys, iguana, sloths, and numerous birds.

This was a one-of-a-kind trip arranged and executed by a talented team where we met some of the nicest and knowledgeable people who really took pride in sharing their country with us.

Hotel Reviews
Lomas del Volcán
Fortuna

This hotel is really a resort at the base of the volcano. It is a gorgeous property with a large heated pool, heated jacuzzi, and cold pool. The rooms are individual cabins that are truly luxurious. The breakfast buffet is the best we had with delicious local fruits, all kinds of breads and pastries, an omelet station and waffle iron with fresh juices and coffee. They gave me gluten free bread and delicious gluten free pancakes, which was an extra special treat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The location near the volcano and numerous parks for walking, ziplining, horseback riding, and sloth seeing is ideal.
Staff
The staff was very helpful and attentive to our needs.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manatus Hotel
Tortuguero

This is a beautiful hotel right on the river. We loved seeing the monkeys swinging from the trees!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Presidente
San José

The hotel is beautiful, rife with local plants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It is centrally located in San Jose.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
EcoTermales Hot Springs & Meal
Costa Rica

The springs were beautiful and delightful after a long day of travel.

Quality of Experience
Food
The buffet had a wide variety of food, but most was pretty bland.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Organic Cooking Class
Private Organic Cooking Class
Arenal/La Fortuna

The walk through the farm led by Uber was thoroughly enjoyable as he picked several roots and had us figure out what they were by feel and taste and then taught us their Spanish names. We then pressed sugar by hand and drank the juice. Later we went to his family's home, where his mother guided us in making tortillas and a traditional meal. We were touched at the end of the meal when they gave us a chocolate heart made from their own cocoa beans for our anniversary.

Quality of Experience
Food
The food we prepared was the best Costa Rican meal we had during the trip.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Uber and his family were so welcoming and informative.
Transport
Private Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Private Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

This walk was very exciting as we got to see several two-toed and three-toed sloths.

Quality of Experience
The guide Ricardo was very knowledgeable and taught us about the sloths lifecycle, digestive system, and habits.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private: Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Private: Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
Arenal/La Fortuna

We arrived at 5:30 in the morning for a private tour led by David. He deftly brought us through the park, a virtual forest, and found numerous birds that we had never seen. He was very kind to take stunning pictures through his binoculars to keep for memories.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our drive Alex was always prompt and happy to see us.
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Guided Boat Excursion Through the Tortuguero Canals
Tortuguero

Ricardo was very knowledgeable about the animals and astute at finding monkeys, sloths, iguanas and birds.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Sep 07, 2026

Hola Lisa,

Wow! thank you for sharing this! I'm so happy you had such a special anniversary trip.
I'll be sure to share your kind words with Adrian, Alex, Ricardo, David, Uber, Luis, and the whole team. They'll be so glad to know they made your experience unforgettable.

We'd love to see you again in Costa Rica!🐦
Pura Vida!
Bryan

What a well organized and pleasant trip we ha...
Norway | Aug 21 - Aug 31, 2026

M
Margaret B.
Pittsford, NY, USA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
What a well organized and pleasant trip we had! Daniel was an enthusiastic and charming tour guide in Oslo. I loved each city: Oslo had so many sights to see-City Hall, Fram, Munch, and Open Air museums were fantastic. Opera House was fun to walk to and climb to roof. Transportation well organized by KimKim. Easy to get to train station from hotel, from cruise boat to hotel, to and from airport, etc. Train ride was beautiful and bike ride on path next to train going downhill looked like a... Read more

What a well organized and pleasant trip we had! Daniel was an enthusiastic and charming tour guide in Oslo. I loved each city: Oslo had so many sights to see-City Hall, Fram, Munch, and Open Air museums were fantastic. Opera House was fun to walk to and climb to roof. Transportation well organized by KimKim. Easy to get to train station from hotel, from cruise boat to hotel, to and from airport, etc. Train ride was beautiful and bike ride on path next to train going downhill looked like a great ride too! Flam and fjiords were gorgeous (my favorite pictures), but port was touristy with cruise ships. Our day trips in Flam were great with a challenging hike Brekkefossen and kayaking. I would replace Viking day Village with trip to Viking museum in Oslo when it opens. We were able to see Viking exhibit at Historical museum in Oslo, though. Bergen was interesting, particularly the funicular, hike, walk through Bryggen where we discovered St. Jorgen's hospital leprosy museum and church. Cruise to Rosendal was special, especially the Stone park, Manor and gardens.

Thank you for organizing a great trip!

Local specialist: Krista Muuk
Krista
Krista Muuk
Local specialist in Kristiansand | Replied on Sep 08, 2026

Hi Margaret!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! I’m so happy to hear that you had such an enjoyable trip, and that you especially loved the fjords. It sounds like you made the most of your time in each destination! It was a pleasure helping organize your trip, and I’m so glad it was a memorable one.
Wishing you many more wonderful travels ahead!
Krista

Ring Road Adventure
Iceland | Aug 27 - Sep 5, 2026

Charlotte
Charlotte B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
Trip was overall amazing. I am really glad we did the whole ring road instead of just the golden circle. Every stop we did around the golden circle was way more crowded which takes away from the experience. Seeing all the diversity in the landscapes felt out of this world. Read more

Trip was overall amazing. I am really glad we did the whole ring road instead of just the golden circle. Every stop we did around the golden circle was way more crowded which takes away from the experience. Seeing all the diversity in the landscapes felt out of this world.

Hotel Reviews
Frost & Fire Boutique Hotel
Hveragerdi

Our room was pretty small and shower water pressure was not good. They had a hot tube and a sauna which was nice. Breakfast didn’t start till 8am which is a problem because we had to catch an early flight

Authenticity & Character
Pretty on the river and near geothermal area
Location
Near geothermal areas
Staff
They let us get to breakfast early
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shower pressure was not great
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Vík

Rooms were the biggest we came across. Breakfast was standard. The texture of the pillow and comforter was a very interesting choice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to Vik without the noise and traffic
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Comfortable rooms but weird texture bedding
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon
Hnappavellir

Very nice hotel. Restaurant was amazing and so was breakfast. They have spacious rooms and we loved the sauna and hot baths. Staff even have a feature to call your room if the northern lights are out

Authenticity & Character
Loved the hot baths and sauna
Location
Staff
Very helpful and nice
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were big and comfortable
Hotel 1001 Nott
Egilsstadir

Nice rooms with pretty Mountain or lake views. Restaurant was average but they seemed understaffed especially when a big tour group came in. Doors to the room were a challenge to lock.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In between two cities which made it very convenient
Staff
Seemed understaffed and one employee seemed very confused
Cleanliness & Comfort
Heated floors were nice!
Vogafjós Farm Resort
Myvatn

Loved the farm to table experience here. Rooms were a bit smaller and rustic. We were not able to open windows due to the very prominent sulfur smell from the geothermal areas which made the room hot. Shower pressure was great. Restaurant was great and we loved being able to see the cows as we ate. You can also go pet the cows and the dogs!

Authenticity & Character
We loved the farm experience
Location
Hotel is in an area like a national park so not much around
Staff
Everyone was very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maybe including some fans in the room due to the outdoor smell making it hard to open windows
Hótel Kea by Keahotels
Akureyri

This hotel was a bit of a maze to get to our room but the rooms were spacious. They don’t have parking spots for guests which was a bit annoying and could be an issue on weekdays when parking is not free. Rooms were spacious and breakfast was good!

Authenticity & Character
Weird layout
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur

Room was a bit dated but was spacious. Weird fold out shower doors were different. Breakfast was above average with a fair amount to choose from. We love the hotel cat!

Authenticity & Character
We loved the cat!
Location
Small town is near by but a far walk
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skuggi Hotel by Keahotels
Reykjavík

Pretty average hotel. Beds were comfortable and they provided a fan which was nice because it was on a busier street so we didn’t want to open windows. Location was great. Breakfast was average.

Authenticity & Character
Average hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable beds
Activity Reviews
Geysir Geothermal Area
Geysir Geothermal Area
Iceland

A bit smelly but so fun to wait for the geysir

Quality of Experience
Explore Stykkishólmur
Explore Stykkishólmur
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Small town but went to a great restaurant recommended by kimkim

Quality of Experience
Hike to Múlagljúfur Canyon
Hike to Múlagljúfur Canyon
Iceland

We went on a rainy day. First part was easy. After first lookout point it gets moderate-hard.

Quality of Experience
Explore Vík
Explore Vík
Iceland

Went to the famous crepe hut which was great

Quality of Experience
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufellsfoss
Iceland

Easy to get to from parking lot. Looks like a monitor background

Quality of Experience
Dyrhólaey Arch and Cliffs
Dyrhólaey Arch and Cliffs
Iceland

We didn’t get to see puffins due to the weather

Quality of Experience
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by Zodiac Boat
Iceland

Very cool experience. They gave us very warm overalls. Got to see some wild life!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vök Baths Experience
Vök Baths Experience
Iceland

Felt more exclusive than the blue lagoon. Facilities were really nice. Jumped in the lake for some contrast bathing!

Quality of Experience
Vatnshellir Lava Cave Experience
Vatnshellir Lava Cave Experience
Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Fun to walk through the caves and see how lava created these tunnels.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Just had to walk outside.
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Seljalandsfoss & Gljúfrabúi Waterfalls
Iceland

Was fun to walk around the waterfall.

Quality of Experience
Reynisfjara Beach & Reynisdrangar Columns
Reynisfjara Beach & Reynisdrangar Columns
Iceland

Cool experience but we had some of the strongest winds we all have ever experienced.

Quality of Experience
Stuðlagil Canyon
Stuðlagil Canyon
Iceland

Very cool to see in person. Walk is easy but long to get there

Quality of Experience
Explore Akureyri
Explore Akureyri
Iceland

We did our most favorite hike of the trip in this town called “Hraunsvatn”. So beautiful

Quality of Experience
Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss
Dettifoss, Selfoss, and Hafragilsfoss
Iceland

Europes most powerful waterfall. It is crazy to see all the mist that comes from it.

Quality of Experience
Hidden Waterfalls E-Bike Experience
Hidden Waterfalls E-Bike Experience
Iceland

We had some bad weather on the way back but this was a ton of fun and a great way to explore and stay active

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bikes were great quality
Skogafoss Waterfall
Skogafoss Waterfall
Iceland

Definitely the most crowded waterfall but so worth it. It is really something everyone should see in person

Quality of Experience
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Glacier Ice Cave Experience
Iceland

45 minute rough ride but the experience is cool. Guide was great with all his stories

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Long drive crammed in a car
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Iceland

Diamond beach is a bit underwhelming in the summer.

Quality of Experience
Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn
Geological Wonders of Lake Myvatn
Iceland

Very different experience than other parts of Iceland. VERY buggy and a bit smelly but very worth it.

Quality of Experience
Glaumbær Farm & Museum
Glaumbær Farm & Museum
Iceland

It was cool to see how the Icelandic people lived once but overall not our thing.

Quality of Experience
Blue Lagoon Premium Admission
Blue Lagoon Premium Admission
Iceland

This was a great thing to do post plane ride. Super easy and relaxing

Quality of Experience
Sólheimajökull  Glacier Walk
Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk
Iceland

This was an awesome experience. We had amazing weather and a great guide who really explored with us. Our group was about 1/4 of the size as the other company which allowed us to see a lot more. Our guide even found us an ice cave!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
About 1 mile hike to get to the glacier
Explore Seyðisfjörður
Explore Seyðisfjörður
Iceland

Town is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and mountains. The town itself is small so you really need about 30-40 minutes to walk around the whole thing

Quality of Experience
Goðafoss Waterfall
Goðafoss Waterfall
Iceland

Pretty waterfall. Can drive to two different parking lots. One side you can climb down and get on the rocks which makes for a good photo! All the options for paths makes it accessible to all ages

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Noga Heyman

Èric was fantastic. He provided very quick an...
Iceland | Aug 29 - Sep 6, 2026

Michael
Michael G.
Albany, NY | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
Èric was fantastic. He provided very quick and accurate responses. He built itineraries that were customized to my needs and had the right balance of open time and new, unique activities. Read more

Èric was fantastic. He provided very quick and accurate responses. He built itineraries that were customized to my needs and had the right balance of open time and new, unique activities.

Activity Reviews
The Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon
Iceland
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Skaftafell Glacier Hike
Iceland

Highlight of the trip. A long hike that includes ice climbing and seeing a lot of a magnificent glacier.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Katla Ice Cave
Katla Ice Cave
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Tour
Iceland

A must do if you want to kayak around icebergs and see seals.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
GeoSea Geothermal Baths
GeoSea Geothermal Baths
Iceland
Reykjavik Food Walk
Reykjavik Food Walk
Iceland

A great way to start your trip to orient yourself around Reykjavik. Lots of food! Come hungry.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Silfra Snorkeling
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland

Unique and one of a kind!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Geothermal Vok Baths
The Geothermal Vok Baths
Iceland
Husavik Whale Watching
Husavik Whale Watching
Iceland

A must do in the north of Iceland. We saw dolphins and tracked a humpback whale who was feeding.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Horse Riding in the Geothermal Valley
Iceland

Super fun and the guides were helpful for new riders. The scenery could not have been more impressive.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Sep 08, 2026

Thank you Michael for your kind words and beautiful pictures! It was a pleasure creating an itinerary tailored to your needs, and I’m delighted that the balance of free time and unique experiences worked so well for you.

All the best,
Èric

We had a fantastic time in Winelands. The com...
South Africa | Aug 29 - Sep 6, 2026

Tatiana
Tatiana C.
Australia | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
We had a fantastic time in Winelands. The communication leading up to the trip and whilst on tour was excellent. We wanted to make a few last minute changes and nothing was an issue. The wineries we visited were second to none. Thank you to Anna Marie and team. Read more

We had a fantastic time in Winelands. The communication leading up to the trip and whilst on tour was excellent. We wanted to make a few last minute changes and nothing was an issue. The wineries we visited were second to none. Thank you to Anna Marie and team.

Hotel Reviews
Lanzerac Wine Estate Hotel
Stellenbosch

Outstanding hotel! Would come back to South Africa just to experience this hotel again. Exceptional service, we upgraded our room to a suite which was just stunning however I believe their standard rooms would be perfect as well. Staff amazing, food and beverage service was next level

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
THE CELLARS-HOHENORT
Constantia

Stunning hotel in Constantia. Excellent staff and beautiful decor. Breakfast was wonderful. We would consider a room upgrade next time. The standard room was lovely with an expansive bathroom but a little more room in the actual bedroom would have been nice. Beautiful welcome drinks and chocolates. Centrally located. Will def stay here again

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visiting Babylonstoren
Visiting Babylonstoren
South Africa

Outstanding lunch and service. The weather was horrendous so we didn’t stay around to look at the farm but it was one of the best lunch experiences we had

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ryan Boon Steak & Chips @ Invincible
Ryan Boon Steak & Chips @ Invincible
Franschhoek

Great dinner and wine list. Excellent service. Put this on the list!

Quality of Experience
No
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boekenhoutskoof Wine Tasting
Boekenhoutskoof Wine Tasting
Franschhoek

Exceptional farm and tasting. Whilst we were there with 10 others it felt very boutique. Their wines are amazing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Groot Constantia
Discover Groot Constantia
South Africa

A must do when in Constantia. Whilst a little on the touristy side it’s def worth a visit. Lunch was so so but the tasting experience was great

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Constantia Wine Route with a Sommelier
Constantia Wine Route with a Sommelier
South Africa

Must do when in Constantia. We went to some boutique wine farms and were treated like royalty because we had Freda out sommelier with us. 4 tastings turned to 10! Freda was knowledgeable and this was a highlight of the trip

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke

Trip of a lifetime!
Japan | Aug 31 - Sep 6, 2026

Mark
Mark C.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2026
Judy did an outstanding job arranging my trip. I emailed him the specifics of what I wanted to do in Japan, and he arranged everything for a flawless trip. I was able to summit Mt. Fuji, ride the Shinkansen and attend a formal tea ceremony. They cover all the small details that I wouldn't have thought of, such as sitting you on the side of the Shinkansen where you can observe Mt. Fuji.
This trip was a dream come true for me. I will definitely use KimKim again for my future adventures. Just...
Read more

Judy did an outstanding job arranging my trip. I emailed him the specifics of what I wanted to do in Japan, and he arranged everything for a flawless trip. I was able to summit Mt. Fuji, ride the Shinkansen and attend a formal tea ceremony. They cover all the small details that I wouldn't have thought of, such as sitting you on the side of the Shinkansen where you can observe Mt. Fuji.
This trip was a dream come true for me. I will definitely use KimKim again for my future adventures. Just outstanding service all around!

Hotel Reviews
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to shopping
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mt. Fuji Mountain hut

For what it is, it's great

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Groove Shinjuku
Tokyo

Great staff and beautiful hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
9h nine hours Hamamatsucho sleep lab

Great capsule hotel. I don't think I would stay in one again. Great experience but I prefer regular hotels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to anywhere
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
2-Day Hiking the Mt. Fuji Subashiri Trail (Sep.~Oct.) - Day 1
2-Day Hiking the Mt. Fuji Subashiri Trail (Sep.~Oct.) - Day 1
Japan
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
2-Day Hiking the Mt. Fuji Subashiri Trail (Sep.~Oct.) - Day 2
2-Day Hiking the Mt. Fuji Subashiri Trail (Sep.~Oct.) - Day 2
Fujikawaguchiko
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo Day Tour with Tsukiji Outer Market & Senso-ji - East & Central
Tokyo Day Tour with Tsukiji Outer Market & Senso-ji - East & Central
Japan
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Tea Ceremony
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Tea Ceremony
Kyoto
Local specialist: Judy Zhang
Judy
Judy Zhang
Local specialist in Seoul and Japan | Replied on Sep 07, 2026
Hi Mark, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an amazing review! 😊 Your kind words truly mean a lot to me. I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that your Japan trip was a dream come true and that you enjoyed everything from climbing Mt. Fuji and riding the Shinkansen to experiencing the traditional tea ceremony. I always try to take care of the little details that can make a trip even more special, so I’m especially happy that you noticed them! And I have just one small... Read more

Hi Mark,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such an amazing review! 😊 Your kind words truly mean a lot to me.

I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that your Japan trip was a dream come true and that you enjoyed everything from climbing Mt. Fuji and riding the Shinkansen to experiencing the traditional tea ceremony. I always try to take care of the little details that can make a trip even more special, so I’m especially happy that you noticed them!

And I have just one small correction… 😂 Judy is actually not a “him” — I’m a pretty cool girl! 😄 But I’ll happily forgive you because your review was so wonderful! ❤️

It was truly a pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I’m so happy everything came together for a flawless trip. I would absolutely love to help you plan your next adventure whenever the time comes!

Thank you again for your trust and support. 😊

Warm regards,
Judy ❤️

Our guides in Spain!
Spain | Aug 25 - Aug 30, 2026

Paul
Paul K.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2026

Our guide in Madrid - Jose - was excellent. He really balanced telling the history of Madrid with his communicating his life experience as a local resident. He could tell when the jetlag was hitting us and it was time for a cappuccino!

Raquel is a very knowledgeable guide in Seville. She is very passionate about her city and Andalusia in general.

Local specialist: Alfonso Nuñez
Alfonso
Alfonso Nuñez
Local specialist in San Sebastian - Spain | Replied on Sep 07, 2026

Thanks for your kind words.
We hope to see you again.
The best!

This family roots visit was fantastic.
Norway | Aug 27 - Sep 3, 2026

John
John A.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2026
The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. They also took extra steps to make our handicapped group members feel comfortable. The van driver from Farsund to Arendal went above and beyond to take some small detours at our request which permitted us to see some sights otherwise would be missed. The extra effort to coordinate with family in Farsund and the guide making sure that their reception of us went very well made our group very very happy that we had made the journey. Read more

The guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. They also took extra steps to make our handicapped group members feel comfortable.

The van driver from Farsund to Arendal went above and beyond to take some small detours at our request which permitted us to see some sights otherwise would be missed.

The extra effort to coordinate with family in Farsund and the guide making sure that their reception of us went very well made our group very very happy that we had made the journey.

Hotel Reviews
Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardemoen
Gardemoen

The best airport hotel that a frequent traveler could hope for.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clarion Hotel Tyholmen
Arendal

Everything was better than expected. However, as we were a large group and had planned a year ahead, not being prepared for our arrival was disappointing. However, the staff did rebound quickly saving the day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
When the hotel is not fully booked and our arrival was planned ahead of time, while technically early for check-in it took away from an otherwise great experience.
Farsund Fjordhotell
Farsund

The staff was excellent and prepared for us. The faciity and rooms need updating.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, Stavanger
Stavanger

Our visit was brief, but the accommodations and food were excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sommerro
Oslo

The hotel was great in every respect except in staff communications. We had arranged with the hotel for a private room for a dinner for our Norwegian family members. When those guests arrived at the hotel, they did not know how to find us and the staff was not aware of the dinner being held by the hotel for us on the 3rd floor. This lack of information to the reception staff and lack of a lobby sign took away from an otherwise perfect dinner experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Linda Veråsdal
Linda
Linda Veråsdal
Local specialist in Norway | Replied on Sep 07, 2026

Hi John, thank you so much for your review, and thank you to you and your family for travelling with us. It was a pleasure working with you and planning your trip together. It was so great to meet you all in person in Arendal. I hope to see you back in Norway another time! All the best. 😊

Spectacular level of planning, flexibility and in-trip service! We had a fabulous time.
Spain | Aug 30 - Sep 5, 2026

T
Thomas B.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2026
kimkim and Hector did a fantastic job organizing our trip to Barcelona and Madrid. My wife has some medical issues that made her extremely anxious about such a long (11 day) trip. So a big thanks to kimkim and their local partners for being so good about crafting schedules for trips, tours and meals that did not overwhelm our schedule. Your flexibility in trip planning, easily usable website, detailed instructions and, most importantly, your regular communications while were were on the... Read more

kimkim and Hector did a fantastic job organizing our trip to Barcelona and Madrid. My wife has some medical issues that made her extremely anxious about such a long (11 day) trip. So a big thanks to kimkim and their local partners for being so good about crafting schedules for trips, tours and meals that did not overwhelm our schedule. Your flexibility in trip planning, easily usable website, detailed instructions and, most importantly, your regular communications while were were on the trip were greatly appreciated. It all made my wife and able to relax and really enjoy such a beautiful country.

So many things to comment on
1. Ticketing for trains and site visits. These were all done clearly and correctly. It was great to have them all easily available on the kimkim app. And, when we decided to take an earlier train back from Toledo to Barcelona (temperatures neared 40 degrees C in the afternoon!), it was no problem because kimkim bought the tickets directly from the train system, not through a third party and Natalia worked it out with the station agent.

2. The hotels in Barcelona and Madrid were well chosen, given the price range and interests we identified on your app. Great locations and very welcoming staff. We spent the longest time at Hotel Meninas in Madrid, and would particularly recommend that anyone.

3. The Tapas & Tradition tours was so much fun. And delicious. We were part of a group seven, plus our guide Andres. Andres had chosen and prepared the 3+ restaurants well. So we enjoyed the tapas, drinks and learning about the traditions around this wonderful way of eating with friends. It helped a lot that everyone in the group was wonderful and fun to hang out with. What a great start to our first night in Madrid. Thank you Andres!

2. Walking tours of Madrid old town and Toledo. On separate days, two engaging and extremely knowledgeable guides really gave us a sense of the history, beauty and life in these two very different cities. Because it was a private tour (just me and my wife), Geza (Madrid) and Natalia (Toledo) made sure to build in plenty of stops along the tour so my wife could rest her legs and still enjoy the trip. I think both of them know the location of every bench along the tour route! That would not have been possible if we were in a larger tour group that we would have had to keep up with.

Thank you Geza and Natalia!

And it was funny to run into Geza leading a larger group two days later near our hotel! And a special thanks to Natalia for thinking to thoroughly explain El Greco's painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, initially using a picture on her phone, while my wife could remain seated at the back of the room and then later go up to look at it closely. Very thoughtful guide work.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Meninas
Madrid
Authenticity & Character
The hotel and street seemed very much a part of and older area of Madrid, which we liked very much. We felt very much in the middle of the city, but on a quiet street.
Location
Easy walk to the Royal Palace, Plaza Major and the Opera. Interesting neighborhood to walk around. As it was on a small, narrow street, but super easy to get to the places we wanted to visit.
Staff
Oh, the staff here were so nice, helpful and welcoming. And no-one laughed at my poor attempts at Spanish (just kidding, they would never do that). We felt very much at home here.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very well designed and maintained. The lobby was comfortable to hang out in. And the breakfast on floor -1 was delicious.
H10 Art Gallery
Barcelona

Beautiful artwork in a modern setting. Love the patio area out the back of the lobby and the included breakfast. The staff were very welcoming and helpful. Great location in central Barcelona.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Nice neighborhood to walk around in. Easy cab ride to El Sagrada Familia, Gothic Quarter, the beach and all the other sites. I like the pool and exercise room as well.
Staff
Super friendly and helpful with anything we asked for like taxi arrangements, dinner recommendations, etc.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very modern feel, but also welcoming and comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Spain Important Trip Information: Please Review Before Departure
Spain Important Trip Information: Please Review Before Departure
Spain

As we noted earlier, the H10 Art Gallery was a great choice. We loved the amenities, patio, art, lobby, but especially the helpful staff.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We arranged for a private care to the airport and that worked out seamlessly.
An Excursion to Toledo by Train, Guided Walk
An Excursion to Toledo by Train, Guided Walk
Madrid

Natalia was the best! I gave details earlier, but we really did learn a lot and enjoyed her company around this amazing city.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Walking Madrid’s Old Town
Walking Madrid’s Old Town
Madrid

I didn't know these individual pages were coming, so I put my details on the first page. Geza was fantastic.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tapas & Tradition: A Madrileño Evening
Tapas & Tradition: A Madrileño Evening
Madrid

I shared to details of this on the first page of this review. Andres, the restaurants and the whole group were great.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
As I said in the first page of the review, Andres was a perfect person to learn from and share tapas with.
Transport
We took a taxi to the meeting point
Local specialist: Hector Molina
Hector
Hector Molina
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Sep 07, 2026
Hi Thomas,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to the entire team and to me.
It was a pleasure helping you and your wife plan your trip to Spain, and I’m especially happy to hear that the pacing, flexibility, and personal attention helped you both relax and fully enjoy the experience. I’m also glad that everything came together smoothly, from the hotels and train tickets to the tours. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with... Read more

Hi Thomas,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to the entire team and to me.

It was a pleasure helping you and your wife plan your trip to Spain, and I’m especially happy to hear that the pacing, flexibility, and personal attention helped you both relax and fully enjoy the experience.

I’m also glad that everything came together smoothly, from the hotels and train tickets to the tours. I’ll be sure to share your kind words with Andrés, Geza, and Natalia—they will be delighted to hear how much you enjoyed their work.

Thank you again for trusting me with your trip. It was a pleasure having you in Spain, and I hope you take home many wonderful memories!

Warm regards,
Hector

Austria - on steroids!
Austria | Aug 24 - Sep 5, 2026

J
Jeff K.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2026
We arrived at Avellera through Kim Kim, a platform we have used a few times now. We were immediately partnered with Clemens and his team who were very responsive every step of the way. The communication during the planning phase was excellent, and my questions were typically answered within hours, or over night, as I am in North America. The responses were professional and detailed. An initial Zoom meeting with Clemens also helped, as it puts a face to the communication and personality... Read more

We arrived at Avellera through Kim Kim, a platform we have used a few times now. We were immediately partnered with Clemens and his team who were very responsive every step of the way.

The communication during the planning phase was excellent, and my questions were typically answered within hours, or over night, as I am in North America. The responses were professional and detailed. An initial Zoom meeting with Clemens also helped, as it puts a face to the communication and personality that made me feel comfortable that he cared about our trip.

After two Zoom meetings and around 7 or 8 different versions, we set out on our trip.

We stayed in 5 different hotels during the 12/13 day trip. Each one had a different personality and if I was planning the trip myself, I would have never found them, or been comfortable enough with the area (since I knew nothing about Austria) to book myself.

This is perhaps the biggest benefit. When using a travel agent, my goal is to save time and have a fantastic experience and make zero decisions. I knew nothing about Austria when setting out, so I wouldn't know one area from the next. You pay for this - the trip was not cheap - but for us, it was worth it and we knew that going in. If you could fix your own teeth, you wouldn't need a dentist. But we all need dentists and pay accordingly. This is not different.

A BBQ high in the hills in Obergail complete with accordion player and his family follows by the most magnificent hike with views that will fill your camera, is something I would have never found on my own.

Breakfast in Austria (at one of the most jaw dropping and insane hotels we have ever stayed at), lunch in Italy and zip lining in Slovenia - all in the same day - is something else we never would have found.

Tour guides, who were all mostly some of the nicest and friendly and excited to show us their country is something else we never would have found. When a tour guide doesn't look at their watch the entire day and even towards the end of the day asks "would you like to go see that?" means alot to us.

When we show up at a hotel and they say "your tour guide called us 10 times with questions" that is a WOW moment for me, since it showed that the team at Avellera truly cared about us and making sure all would be to our satisfaction.

Planning and executing a trip is never perfect. There are always things that come up and hiccups along the way. How a company handles this is what sets the tone and decides whether we would recommend them and use them again.

When we arrived in St Gilgen, it was late, we were hungry and we didn't realize restaurants close at 8 or so. There was one shower for the 4 of us and we didn't have the code to access our hotel and there was no air-conditioning. (Ironically this ended up being one of our favourite hotels of the trip, as simple as it was). Naturally I was "less then friendly" in my What's App messages to the team. I was pretty upset. The response from Avellera (looking back when i had a clear head finally) was a lesson in customer service. They apologized profusely, called around to many restaurants in the area to ensure we would have somewhere great to go (our second best dinner of the trip) and never, at any point treated me like I was treating them. They put the customer first and solved the problem.

The next day we had a professional report delivered to us with ALL future dinners reserved at the best restaurants in the area. It was very impressive. Days later we also had the codes we needed to check in to the hotel in Obergail a day in advance. Another very nice touch and showed that they were listening to my complaints from the day before.

On another location, our guide was very poor for a long full day hike. I'll spare the details, but he couldn't have tried harder to show how disinterested he was in taking care of us on a very difficult (but spectacular full day hike). Avellera sprung into action and they are working even now (after we are home) to make it right. Dealings with the guide were poor but Avellera was clearly on our side.

Overall, there were a couple of things from the itinerary that we would change, but that happens with every trip we've had planned for us, but this truly was an exceptional trip to Austria and we would enthusiastically recommend Avellera to anyone considering using them. The team will take care of you and plan a trip of a lifetime.

Local specialist: Clemens Sengwein

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