Kimkim Trip Reviews

Hola
Este viaje fue increible , muchas experiencia juntas y toda la familia las disfruto mucho, especialmente nuestra nieta Olivia, para ella fue especial , no esperabamos estan ta cerca de la fauna de galapagos, y Quito muy bonito y muy limpio , Los guias fueron muy atentos a nosotros y nos llevaron a nuestro paso. Gracias por compartir su bello pais con nosotros , se los agradezco , esperamos volver.

Gracias

Hotel Reviews

Ilatoa Lodge

Quito

Unas cabañas bien Lindas, y comodas , una vista preciosa

Authenticity & Character

Lo sencilla y bonita que esta presentada

Location

La belleza y originalidad

Staff

Son super amables con nosotros

Cleanliness & Comfort

No, todo con un detalle especial , y muy tranquilo

Casa Opuntia Galapagos Hotel

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Un lugar muy bonito y cerca de todo

Authenticity & Character

un lugar muy especial y original

Location

cerca de todo, caminando llegas a todos lados

Staff

muy amables

Cleanliness & Comfort

lo recomendaria a otras personas , exelente hotel

El Barranco

Santa Cruz

Cercano, comodo, justo al lado de la Iglesia, muelle, y de todo nos encanto

Authenticity & Character

muy comodo, y centrio

Location

en el centro de todo

Staff

muy amables

Cleanliness & Comfort

todo muy limpio y ordenado

Mercure Alameda Quito

Quito

exelente Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

super centrico

Staff

super

Cleanliness & Comfort

perfect

Activity Reviews

Explore Tortuga Bay & Charles Darwin Station

Puerto Ayora

Fue un lugar hermoso y lleno de vida, mucha vida marina , increible

Quality of Experience

Lo Hermoso que es esa Isla

Food

todo

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Muy atentos a nosotros

Transport

El personal muy amables y atentos

Embracing Nature's Giants: Exploring Santa Cruz Island's Highlands

Galapagos Islands

Fue algo muy especial para nosotros

Quality of Experience

nunca habiamos visto algo asi

Guides, Drivers and Staff

el trato, muy especial

Transport

muy atentos

Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Private Transfer to Puerto Ayora

Puerto Ayora

Todo exelente

Quality of Experience

lo diferente que es el lugr

Guides, Drivers and Staff

exelente y pacientes

Transport

muy amables

Family Colonial Quito City Tour & Mitad del Mundo - Middle of the World

Quito

fue increible y facinante

Quality of Experience

Es un lugar bien organizado y hermoso

Food

De las mejores comidas de sur America

Guides, Drivers and Staff

exelentes

Transport

fue exelente

Welcome to Ecuador: Let Your Adventure Begin! (Transportation Service)

Galapagos Islands

Grandiosa , No me imaginaba que seria así.

Quality of Experience

Quito y Galapos son hermosos y la gente muy amable

Guides, Drivers and Staff

nuestro guia , Fue muy amable y gentil

Transport

muy comodo y complaciente

This was our first trip to Japan and my wife and I were looking for an active and immersive cultural experience in addition to exploring the traditional tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto. I had read about the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail network in the Kii Peninsula and thought that would be the perfect choice combination of a challenging activity within a more rural area of Japan. It was quickly apparent that I would need a travel specialist to help me understand the options, logistics and booking of accommodations while on the Kumano Kodo. I heard about Kimkim through a Condé Naste article no thought to give them a try. What a great decision to contact Kimkim! I was connected to Stefaan in their Kyoto office and it was an easy and enjoyable experience to plan and book the trip from that point on. We were on the trail for six nights and Stefaan booked a selection of small hotels/onsen ryokans and guesthouses which were each an amazing experience in Japanese hospitality and cuisine. Kimkim partnered with Oku Japan to book and organize the hiking trail maps, transportation logistics and accommodations and everything was exactly as promised and exceeded our expectations. We hiked a total of 72 km and 3,600 m of vertical elevation gain over five days on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo and it was a fantastic experience. I unreservedly recommend Kimkim and Oku Japan to as travel specialists to explore this unique and special part of the world!

We started to plan our trip to Pagaonia in April, 2024. We had been to this area before, and I thought it was one of the most beautiful places we had ever been. Having used Kimkim to plan our 2023 trip to South America and other trips, I wanted to use their services again. Having Riwal as our advisor was a wonderful experience. His communication was stellar! He responded quickly and was sensitive to our needs and requests. When our son, Justin, decided to go with us muh later inthe process. we were able to add him to the tours, and Riwal was absolutely wonderful in helping with his hotels and transfers. When a tour was cancelled, Riwal immediately gave us other options and then processed a refund when we decided to spend the afternoon on our own.

We had a fantastic local coordinator named Jose Luis who was so instrumental in making things work. When our morning tour to Magdalena Island to see the penguins was cancelled and then commenced without prior notice(except for a 7am knock on our door when we were sound asleep), Jose arranged for us to join the afternoon tour and to take the 8:00 pm bus to Puerto Natales. It all worked out perfectly-actually better than the original plans.

Probably one of the most determining factor of our trip enjoyment was our private guide and driver, "Nacho". Late in the planning process, Riwal suggested having a private guide on our full day tour of Torres del Paine. This is what I wanted to begin with, so I was happy to do so. Nacho was so good, that we continued to forego the group tours and have us as our private guide and driver the next two days. He was knowledgeable, personable and flexible with our needs and requests. He and our son Justin forged a tight bond and lasting friendship. We absolutely loved our trip to Punta Arenas and to Puerto Natales. Thank you Kimkim, Riwal, Jose Luis and Nacho for making this happen.

Hotel Review

Best Western Patagonia / Hotel Borde Glaciar

Puerto Natales

Our room was beautiful with a stunning view. It is out of town a bit, so a taxi was needed each time we decided to go into Puerto Natales. The cost is only around 5000 pesos($5 USD)

Authenticity & Character

T

Location

The view is beautiful

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Torres del Paine National Park - Panoramic Tour

Chile

The most beautiful place on this earth! Get Nacho as your guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nacho is wonderful!

Transport

Magdalena Island - Penguin Encounter Half Day Tour

Chile

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tierra del Fuego - King Penguin

Punta Arenas

Absolutely worth your while to go see the King penguins.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip was spectacular. Jesse did an amazing job shepherding us through each step of our adventure. She accommodated a number of last minute requests for documents promptly and she made a series of changes to our itinerary as the trip was unfolding with a great "can do" attitude. There is no way we could have coordinated all of the connections on our own. Thank you Jesse!

Can you do it by yourself? Maybe, but if you work with kimkim, you KNOW they'll get it right.

This was my second assisted trip. I didn't have the time to plan my own itinerary, and having gotten myself to the other side of the world, I knew I didn't want to mess around bumbling around and going to beaches that weren't the right vibe. Bella put together the perfect itinerary for me, combining some excursions for snorkeling, rock climbing and sea kayaking with some planned downtime. Without Bella, I never would have known about Koh Yao Noi as a possibility. She was able to troubleshoot minor issues as they arose during the trip and was always there to make sure I got to my next stop safely.

I consider myself a fairly competent and confident traveler and still, it was really comforting to know that Bella was there to backstop me if I needed help with last minute arrangements (like when my solo climbing excursion turned into a two- then three-person outing) and that the people they're connected with are reliable and reputable. As a solo woman traveler, it was reassuring to know that I wouldn't end up with some untried guide.

I think there was a lack of communication once our trip plan was transferred to Emmanuelle.

Hotel Reviews

Cascada Boutique Hotel

Lucerne

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel Tandem Strasbourg

Strasbourg

Great location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was very small. It seems it might have been the smallest room in the hotel.

Karl August - a Neighborhood Hotel

Nürnberg

Wonderful Hotel. Great Staff. Excellent location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Size if the rooms were good. Separate toilet room was a plus!

Activity Reviews

Private transfer to Airport

Lucerne

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

History Walking Tour w/ Chocolate & Cheese Tastings

Lucerne

What a wonderful experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private day tour of Alsace

France

This was a disappointment. I don't think it was the guide's fault. I think there was miscommunication between what was originally told to us by Fanny and the tour that was excecuted. We thought we would be touring a Vineyard Estate and instead ended up in yet another town with a Christmas Market. The castle tour was wonderful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private tour of Strasbourg

Strasbourg

Very knowledgeable guide!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Privately Guided Walking Tour of Nuremberg

Nuremberg

Our guide was very knowledgeable and showed us interesting things in Nuremburg.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing time visiting Japan. Cory was fully present and extremely helpful from start to finish of our trip. I appreciate her organization of paperwork, bullet train tickets, chronological order of documents, and specific instructions on using each. This made getting around easy. We loved our guides, especially Pam. She is generous and kind and took us to places not on our itinerary. All the food tours were unique and enjoyable. Cory tweaked our itinerary based on our requests and offered unique experiences. I will recommend her services to friends. I appreciate having to ways to see Mt Fuji since Hakone gave us a foggy day when the ropeway wasn’t running. Along our journey people we met often asked about our favorite experience, a question I could not answer because each moment offered something special. That’s a credit to Cory. I do think it would be helpful to tweak itineraries a bit based on seasons as December days are shorter than spring and summer.

Hotel Reviews

Shiba Park Hotel

Tokyo

Authenticity & Character

Love the library decor and display of paper products.

Location

An easy walk to a station to catch the train.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Suiun

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima-ekimae

Authenticity & Character

This hotel is part of a high rise and has exceptional views but is very modern.

Location

Great location in relation to Hiroshima Station but a ways from attractions.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle

Kyoto

Authenticity & Character

Location

A bit off the beaten path.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy to walk to major attractions.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Miyako City Tokyo Takanawa

Even though the room was small, it was organized well and offered a good view and seating. Love the wet room and efficient use of space.

Authenticity & Character

Location

A good place to start given the Gateway across the street.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Japan

We were the only ones in this tour, and it felt as though the guide was going through the motions. The entire experience was rushed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

Kyoto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Nara Day Trip with Half Day Walking Tour (Lunch included)

Japan

The deer are aggressive!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Kimono Wearing (Higashiyama)

Japan

Quality of Experience

You might discover you like matcha tea.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our host was fascinated by the size of my husband’s hands. 🤣

Private Kyoto Temples & Gion Tour

Japan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pam is an amazing guide. She knows all the best photo spots.

Transport

Discover the secret gems of Kanazawa - Private Walking Tour

Kanazawa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Izakaya food tour in Shinjuku (14 small tastings)

Tokyo

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Max was very knowledgeable and personable.

Meiji Jingu Shrine with Private Guide

Tokyo

Our guide knows a lot about the Shinto religion and made it possible for us to attend a service offered only a few times a year. This was a special day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sumo Show with special, sumo nabe lunch included

Tokyo

Tons of fun and laughs w/ excellent audience participation. Very good food and service, too. They give you a photo and a gift bag.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Dori with Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Tokyo

Loved visiting the temple but felt a bit rushed by our guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide needs to know the exchange rate. I think he gave me the Euro or British pound rate when I asked. I should have checked the rate myself.

Transport

It’s hard to know where to start about the wonderful time we had on our trip to Costa Rica. First it was a pleasure working with Olman to plan our itinerary. We listed the top attractions we wanted to see with lodging and transportation at a reasonable price and Olman really delivered.

The weather was mostly sunny and the landscape was lush and green from the previous wet season. On our well organized tours we saw a wide variety of wildlife and our guides were informative and helped us take amazing pictures we could not have gotten on our own. Our accommodations were clean and comfortable with pools and easy access to townsites and beaches. Transportation to all areas of the country was mostly on time and fairly pleasant. We also had ample down time where we could plan our own activities or just relax. Any issues we had with scheduling were not disruptive or affect our itinerary negatively.

Overall it was a fantastic experience and I would recommend this service to everyone.

Emanuela was extremely helpful - we had multiple tours cancelled because of bad weather but she managed to reschedule everything without disrupting our trip and we ended up seeing everything that we wanted to. Thank you so much Emanuela for helping us plan an unforgettable trip and making sure we had the best time!

I had a wonderful experience with Omar, our guide. We are a family of four with two young children and he accommodated all of our needs. While there were some long drives so that we could see as much of the country as possible in a short period of time, Omar made us completely comfortable, was an incredibly safe driver, and provided us with incredible context for all that we saw. Our kids had a wonderful time and we really enjoyed our time in the country. Really incredible country and worth the effort. Highly recommend this tour group and experience.

My trip to Chile was a blast! Every tour guide I met was so friendly and helpful. They really made my day trips exciting and educational.
My coordinator, Jesse, in Santiago was very knowledgeable and patient. She listened well to my needs and questions; together we worked out this fantastic 14 day itinerary in Chile from north to south, from land to island, from desert to ocean,… I had a great time! Thank you, Jesse and Kimkim, for making my trip fun and productive!

What a great trip! All of the logistics were seamless and made our travel simpler. Kathrin is fantastic. We didn’t have to focus on the little details (like how will I get from the airport to the hotel or from the hotel to town), that was especially great in the moments when we were the most tired and disoriented. Poof! You’re settled in your hotel room and you have time to get your bearings, figure out what you’d like to see and do, maybe even take a moment to relax and enjoy the view. I’ve never had a vacation like that before. All of our activities were curated based on our interests, with tweaks in the planning phase to be sure we made the most of our time in this new place.

Things weren’t perfect, I don’t think that’s possible. Some locations or activities didn’t match our expectations and some events were cancelled due to weather. In retrospect, it’s easy to see where some details were lost in communication—on both ends—but this was a brand-new experience for everyone. We’ve never been to New Zealand and we’ve never travelled like this, meaning we’ve always managed all of our plans and arrangements. There’s a lot of information and preferences in my head that I didn’t think to communicate. And, even though you do this for a living, you’ve never done it for us before. You don’t know us or what we like, but you sure tried really hard to figure us out and accommodate our requests. We’re very grateful for that.

Even when things went wrong or were mildly disappointing, it was still an amazing adventure. How could it be otherwise? We were exploring a new place that is absolutely stunning and is home to really kind and friendly people. Rainy day? Cancelled hike? Time to go for a drive and enjoy the scenery, maybe get a cup of coffee and people watch.

We really appreciate everything you did for us. You were so thorough and thoughtful. Thank you!

Some highlights:

Doubtful Sound. The sound is gorgeous but we also enjoyed the bus ride there. There were so many rainbows!

TranzAlpine Train. Every bit of that day was outstanding. We were booked at the Scenic Plus fare which meant our own table with lots of delicious local food and drinks. The attendants were delightful. After a couple of hours of luxury travel we got off the train and hiked around Arthur’s Pass, then more food and drink on the ride back to Christchurch.

Waiheke Island. The hop-on/hop-off bus was good. We chose to go to a winery that was off the main route so we had to use a local bus and walk for a bit. It was totally worth it. We were the only people there. We sat on a deck with a beautiful view (including highland cows!) and enjoyed yummy wine and cheese.

Glowworm cave and kayak trip. Tom was our guide. He was really personable and patient, he had to deal with three inexperienced kayakers and it was pretty windy. He cooked for us, told us stories and kept the conversation going. We were treated to an enormous, orange moonrise. Spectacular! And the stars. Then we got to see the glowworms, so cool. We were soaked to the bone and really tired, but we loved it.

Lupines. They’re beautiful. It’s a shame they’re an introduced species.

Driving. There are views everywhere! It was nice taking it all in.

Hotel Reviews

M Social

Auckland

Super modern and clean. Very attentive staff. But everyone was very helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Staff was too attentive for our tastes. We realize they were doing their jobs the way they've been told to, but we don't like being asked by everyone we pass--every meter or so--if we're okay.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Regal Palms Resort

Rotorua

Decor and some of the amenities (no USB outlets) are dated, but everything is spotlessly clean and the staff are really helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Adina Heritage Christchurch

Christchurch

Decor and some of the amenities (no USB outlets) are dated, but everything is spotlessly clean and the staff are really helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Lake Tekapo

Decor and some of the amenities (no USB outlets) are dated, but everything is spotlessly clean.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Heritage Queenstown

Queenstown

Decor and some of the amenities (no USB outlets) are dated, but everything is spotlessly clean and the staff are really helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Waiheke Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

New Zealand

The ferry to Waiheke was relaxing with pretty views. The hop-on hop-off tour was cute and allowed many opportunities to explore the island.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Zipline Canopy Tour (Ultimate)

Rotorua

Terrifying and fun all at once.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Starlight Gourmet Kayak Tour - Glowworm Caves

Rotorua

Really beautiful nighttime adventure. The glowworms were cool, but just a small part of it.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hell's Gate Experience (Geothermal site and Mud Bath and Sulphur Spa)

Rotorua

The mud baths were soothing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We didn't really interact with staff, it was mostly self-guided

Transport

I drove myself

Te Pā Tū - Maori Cultural Experience

Rotorua

We had a nice time and we enjoyed learning about the Maori culture. The entire experience felt a little exploitative to us. We were glad to support the Maori.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Christchurch - Scenic train to Arthur's Pass return (TranzAlpine) in Scenic Plus class cabin

Christchurch

Great! Luxurious. Really lovely attendants and absolutely delicious food.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tekapo Springs - StarGazing

Lake Tekapo

Hard to rate the experience because it was cloudy, which is obviously not their fault. They provided a VR experience instead of stargazing, it wasn't very interesting to me.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I drove myself

Dart River Funyak Safari

New Zealand

Fun, but a little too long. The boats were fun and so was the rafting, but taking an extended lunch break wasn't necessary. Maybe it would have been more enjoyable if the weather was nicer, but it was raining and I think most people would have preferred to end the trip.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Doubtful Sound Day Cruise from Queenstown

New Zealand

Staff and guides were super communicative. We knew exactly what to expect and where to go and they provided a lot of information about NZ history and culture

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Everything was so easy. All of my transportation was arranged. Every guide I met in each location was helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. They went out of their way to help me get plenty of pictures on our tours. When I ran into a flight delay due to weather, Bella immediately helped rearrange my ground transportation and room accommodations and really helped turn it all into a minor inconvenience rather than a major travel setback. The location choices and excursions were thoughtful. I had a wonderful trip and it couldn't have been easier to arrange all of it.

I would like to thank the Kim Kim team and Responsible travel, especially Riwal, Angel, Eduardo and Jenny. We just spent 10 days in Santiago, Valparaiso, and Cascada de las Animas and had a wonderful experience. The wine experiences were fabulous especially Aconcagua Farms. Santiago is a modern and vibrant city and our City tours with Angel and Jenny were great. The empanada, ceviche and Churro cooking class that Jenny did for us was really well done. We felt as though we had been invited into their home. The street art tour that Angel did for us in Valparaiso was one of my favorite experiences. Angel's knowledge of the artists and the history was inspiring. We finished our week at Cascada de las Animas, in the Andean foothills, Horseback riding and ziplining. The place was beautiful the food was great and the people so warm and helpful. I highly recommend the Kim Kim team for anyone considering international travel.

Hotel Reviews

Cascada de las Animas

San Alfonso

What a fun stay, the staff and experiences were great. Some of the best food we had in Chile, Highly recommended

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Higueras Hotel

Valparaiso

Fabulous hotel, the staff and food were great. Highly recommended

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Quintero Coastal Experience + Visit to Aconcagua Farms

Chile

Swimming in the Pacific, visiting the local fish market and having the best Clams ever this was a great day, it was topped off with a visit to Aconcagua Farms, which has to be one of my favorite winery experiences ever and we live in California.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chilean Food Tour & Picnic with a View of Santiago

Santiago

I really love visiting local markets like this and Angel was an excellent guide and very knowledgable.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sandy planned and supported our family trip to Japan (a food-focused itinerary with Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido), and I can honestly say she made the whole experience feel effortless — even when it wasn’t.

From the planning stage she was proactive and transparent: she flagged when hotels were selling out, offered alternatives quickly, explained things like ryokan room sizes and shared bathrooms, and matched accommodation to the kind of “Japanese experience” we wanted (inns, futons, breakfasts, onsen where possible). She also gave practical advice that genuinely mattered on the ground — luggage rules for the Shinkansen, what to expect at onsen (and tattoo limitations), and what we needed for arrival procedures.

What impressed me most was her care and problem-solving once we were travelling. We changed plans and added an extra night in Tokyo; she immediately worked through options and locked in rooms for all five of us. We hit payment limits and she offered solutions (split payments / alternate options) so we could keep moving. When a booked cooking class had to be cancelled due to a genuine emergency at the host’s home, she reorganised our day and processed the refund quickly. When we spotted an airport mix-up in the itinerary, she corrected it straight away. When we asked last minute about extra luggage for a flight transfer, she upgraded us to a van so we weren’t stressed or late. She also helped with special requests (including securing rugby tickets and train travel) that weren’t part of the original plan.

Throughout the trip she checked in, sent clear day-by-day details, and made sure we had contacts and instructions — so we could relax and enjoy being together rather than constantly troubleshooting. Sandy made our first organised tour abroad a genuine breath of fresh air. We’d use her again in a heartbeat and recommend her to anyone who wants a trip that’s well planned and well supported.

Melanie was a fantastic agent! She was flexible in the planning, switching things around to best accommodate our needs, and had many suggestions about how to make our first trip to Italy a seemless and memorable experience! We would not hesitate to use Kim Kim (and Melanie) again as Melanie communicated at every step, from the initial contact, to the planning of the itinerary and she also organized everything we needed while in country (drivers, guides, tickets, etc). Melanie was extremely professional and responsive and a special thanks also to Agota who was there to keep us up to date on the itinerary, changes and logistics of our travel in and around Venice, Florence and Rome. Thank you!

It was truly an amazing trip. Ravi and his team ensured we didn’t have to worry about a thing — everything was taken care of from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in rich culture, vibrant colours, and incredible history. Each city offered something unique, from stunning palaces and impressive forts to bustling markets and beautifully detailed architecture.

Activity Review

Jaipur Sightseeing Tour

Jaipur

This was the trip of a lifetime. I would recommend anyone to book using Nariku Travel Experiences and Joseph could not have been more accommodating or helpful. He put thoughtful intention into every detail and made every request of ours come true, making our ability to be present each moment of our trip. We stayed in some incredible places - I couldn't recommend them enough. Attentive staff, lovely accommodations, wonderful food, and thrilling sights. I especially enjoyed Naivasha Sopa Resort where zebras and giraffes were right outside my door. The Neptune Palm Beach Boutique Resort & Spa was another favorite of mine in Diani, and then the cultural enrichment of spending time in Maji Moto Maasai Cultural Camp was one of the most special experiences. Joseph found another winner in Maasai Mara at the Mara Kimana Luxury Camp. There is not anything we could change except go back and do it all over again. Thank you to Joseph and team for a most incredible and unforgettable time in Kenya.

Blenheim / Christchurch / Lake Tekapo / Queenstown Trip

We had an unforgettable trip from start to finish - we kicked things off in Picton, where we did a combo tour of the Marlborough wine region and seafood cruise in the Marlborough Sounds. Both expereinces saw a great balance of stunning views, calm waters (on the cruise), and nonstop photo opportunities.

Christchurch surprised us with its charm, walkability, and mix of historic and modern vibes. We did a self-guided walk of the town, including a stop at The Church Pub for food and drinks.. It made a great transition point before driving deeper into the South Islands natural beauty.

Lake Tekapo featured unreal turquoise water, open skies, and peaceful atmosphere. It may have been one of the most photogeneic places we visited on this leg of the trip.

Wanaka was a wonderful lake town, where it featured one of the most photographed trees in the world. I wish we could have spent another day here to experience the town more.

we wrapped up our trip in Queenstown, where you could easily spend a week there and not do everything. While there though we did get a chance to do a number of excursions, including a plane ride, horse-back ride, jet-boat ride, and river funyak excurions, where we were able to see the snow-capped mountain ranges known famously in many Hollywood blockbusters, including Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and Misson Impossible!

Between the scenery, activities, and unforgettable moments captured, our NZ trip exceeded expectations, it is purely a magical country, and the itinerary provided by KimKim was the perfect way to experience it.

As a kimkim employee, I recently traveled through France with Kimkim’s guidance, visiting Paris, Strasbourg, Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille. From start to finish, the trip was seamless, thoughtfully planned, and full of memorable experiences.

The accommodations were comfortable and well-located, making it easy to explore each city. The guides provided excellent insights, and the self-guided information from Kimkim ensured we didn’t miss hidden gems along the way. Their recommendations for key stops enriched our journey and gave us a deeper appreciation of the regions we visited.

Transportation was flawless. Train travel was smooth, with transfers to and from stations handled seamlessly. For exploring at our own pace, the rental car was perfect. Following Kimkim’s advice to choose a small car proved invaluable—it made navigating narrow streets, parking in tight spots, and enjoying efficient gas mileage effortless.

The olive oil, wine, and cheese tastings were unforgettable, offering an authentic taste of French culture. Stopping at ruins along the way broke up longer drives into enjoyable segments. At the same time, hikes and outdoor explorations gave us the freedom to connect with nature and stumble upon unexpected treasures.

The flow of the trip was exceptionally well planned, maximizing our time without feeling rushed. The balance of guided experiences and self-guided flexibility allowed us to make the journey truly our own. Every detail—from logistics to local tips—was handled with care, making this trip both enriching and stress-free.
Thank you, Kimkim, for expanding our knowledge of France and helping us discover all that it has to offer travelers. This was a trip we’ll cherish for years to come.

Hotel Reviews

Maisons du Monde Hôtel Marseille Vieux Port

Marseille

This hotel is ideally located right on the Old Port. It was quiet, parking was close, and the staff was very kind. The rooms were very nicely decorated and clean. The beds were comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Aquabella Hotel & Spa

Aix en Provence

This hotel offers excellent amenities for the warmer weather in the summer. The pool looks very inviting. The spa has a large hot tub, heated lounge chairs, and a steam room. The rooms were spacious, there was an elevator, and the staff went out of their way to provide us with a box to help us take things home instead of buying more luggage. The breakfast was extensive and delicious.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Maison Volver

13200

This hotel is just inside the hotel and in walking distance of a store if you need to buy anything from the French version of "Target." The breakfast we enjoyable and can be a brunch on Sundays. If you are taking the train this is a great option.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel La Muette

Arles

This hotel is inside the city walls. It's within walking distance of the theater and coliseum. The only access upstairs is to use the stairs. The room was comfortable, but the space was limited for luggage. The shower was nice, but the space for toiletries was limited—good value for the money. Parking is available nearby, but it needs to be reserved in advance.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bastide de Bellegarde

Avignon

This was our favorite hotel of the trip. It was so personalized. The dinner and breakfast were unmatched. The character of the Bastide comes through in every detail. The comfort of the different sitting rooms makes this location perfect for family gatherings or group events. It's also ideal for a romantic getaway. Brian had bikes on site for people to ride around the island or into Avignon. The beds were the most comfortable of the trip, and the bathroom had a walk-in shower and bathtub. This night will stay with me for years to come. I hope to go back sometime.

Authenticity & Character

There are numerous trinkets and pieces of artwork to admire. We needed more time to enjoy all this Bastide had to offer.

Location

An opportunity to be a little bit outside of the city but close enough to visit and enjoy all it has to offer.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel d’Europe

Avignon

The hotel is situated right inside the city wall. It is in proximity to the Pope's Palace. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The hotel had a classic feel with an inner courtyard.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel & Spa Régent Petite France

Strasbourg

This hotel was located right on the outskirts of the city center, perfectly situated for the Christmas markets. We had limited luggage, so it was easy to walk to the hotel. If we had more luggage, it would have been ok as there were not very many cobblestone streets between the drop-off location and the hotel. The hotel has a spa that has a suna, steam room, hot tub over lokking the river. The breakfast in the morning was delivered to the room and excellent. The rooms were spacious with a walk in shower. Getting to the spa you can walk by the pump room where the old pumps are on display. The building was originally a 17th-century mill that housed the Glacières de Strasbourg, an ice factory. The pump room is where the original, historic ice-making machinery, including gigantic cast-iron wheels and transmissions, has been preserved.

Authenticity & Character

The pump room was cool to see

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Arok

Strasbourg

This hotel was a surprise. I loved it. The location was perfect. We walked from the train station, left our luggage, and went to the Christmas markets. In December, the city center is closed to traffic, which means taxis can not get as close to the hotels as they do at other times of the year. This made the convenience of the Arok all the more impressive. It was clean, spacious, and the breakfast was authentic. The Christmas decorations were carefully selected with a touch of fun. The hotel offers luggage storage for those exploring other areas of the Alsace region, using Strasbourg as a base. The Le Dix restaurant at 20 Place de La Gare, next to the hotel, serves great food that reflects the French-German region.

Authenticity & Character

The room is basic but offers all that is needed.

Location

Staff

The staff helped us organize luggage storage and went out of their way when someone was trying to get in touch with us.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel Adèle & Jules Paris

Paris

This hotel is very centrally located. It's on a quiet side street on the right bank. We enjoyed Montmartre, the Opera district, and could ride bikes down to the Seine and to the Arc de Triomphe. The room was spacious and had great character. The bathroom was spacious, featuring a bathtub and a walk-in shower, with plenty of room for toiletries. We had a couch and room for our luggage. There was a small elevator that helped to transport the luggage. The specific room we had was located on the top floor, featuring a slanted ceiling and unique windows. When you look at buildings in Paris, you wonder what the top floors look like with the smaller windows, and this hotel allowed us to stay in the city and experience all the characteristics of France.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Self-guided Art & History Tour in Marseille

Marseille

Visiting the Old Port, Notre Dame, and Longchamp Place provided a variety of experiences that helped shape our perspectives on the city and its culture. The art museum and natural history museum at the Longcamp Palace offer a great way to experience some traditional art if you don't have time to visit Paris. The Longcamp fountain is massive and impressive to see.

Quality of Experience

Marseille at Dusk: Eat Like a Local

Marseille

This tour provided us with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the city's cultures and the diverse offerings of ethnic foods. While exploring the local establishments, we gained a deeper understanding of the graffiti and appreciated the murals.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Self-guided day to Cassis and Calanques National Park

France

Beautiful views, opportunity to walk on the trails, and enjoy nature.

Quality of Experience

You will have the opportunity to enjoy over looks, time on the water, or exploring the Fjords.

Self-guided Exploration of Arles

France

The Roman Ruins in this city are well preserved. The market is fun to walk through. This is a good base for the Camague, Pont du Duct, and other cities in Southern France.

Quality of Experience

Self-Guided Discover the Secrets of Ancient Provence: Glanum & Montmajour Abbey

France

This is a prominent example of an Abby surrounded by the rolling hills and agricultural fields of Provence.

Quality of Experience

Free time in Saint Rémy de Provence and its surroundings

France

Fun to drive through and stumble upon random Roman Ruins.

Quality of Experience

Painted Paths: The Van Gogh Trail

France

Worth the stop.

Quality of Experience

Private Full-Day Christmas Markets Experience in Colmar and other Alsacian towns

Strasbourg

Laurence did a great job combining the Christmas Markets with wine tours. His knowledge was evident, and she did a great job balancing free time to explore and providing key information to help us better understand the history of the towns we visited.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Well kept and in good condition vechiles

Private Guided City Centre History & Architecture Walk

Strasbourg

Our guide, Gabriel, did a great job painting the picture of the relationship between the Germans and the French over time. The architecture of the city reflects this intertwined past.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Self-guided Historic Wine Cellars Exploration

Strasbourg

Self-guided Cathedral Viewing Platform Climb

Strasbourg

This provides a beautiful view of the city. You ascend quickly and have the opportunity to get above the buttresses.

Quality of Experience

Private Notre-Dame & Sainte-Chapelle Visit

Paris

We learned a great deal from the guide. The buildings are truly amazing, and the history behind them adds significant meaning to the experience of visiting them.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

we walked to the Notre Dame and met our guide

Iconic Paris Views from Galeries Lafayette Terrace

Paris

Highly recommend taking time to enjoy the view and the store.

Quality of Experience

Photoshoot in the Heart of Paris - Eiffel Tower

Paris

We were not sure about doing this activity, but the photographer put us at ease and made it very fun. We now have pictures to remind us of our time in France. I would strongly recommend this to any travelers who want a nice photo of their time in France.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The photographer did a great job putting us at ease

Transport

There was not any transfers included