Kimkim Trip Reviews

Decided to go to Portugal with about a month's notice. João listened to my rambling because I was unsure about anything other than when we would arrive and depart Portugal. João patiently adjusted the plans as I added people, removed people, added requests, and changed my mind. Once our group finally arrived, we really appreciated João's daily report on what to expect and the details for the following day. João arranged for Richardo to drive us from Lisbon to Porto and around, and back to Lisbon. Ricardo was a wonderful driver and guide over the few days we spent with him. Ricardo was so kind and made many wonderful suggestions. We also spent time with Carlos as we toured from Lisbon to Sintra to Oeiras. My husband, who always sits in the front passenger seat, really enjoyed the discussion and the perspective on Portugal's history and current events. Carlos made food recommendations that were spot on. We also spent most of one day on a walking tour with Claudia. We loved learning about a day in the life of the average Portuguese living in the capital city, surrounded by so much history and beautiful structures. We laughed so much with Claudia as her sense of humor aligned perfectly with ours. Everyone with Kimkim proudly shared their beloved hometowns and country with our group, making our time in Portugal feel like more than just a spur-of-the-moment getaway. I highly recommend and trust Kimkim to make all of our trip arrangements in the future, including when we, one day, return to Portugal.

Activity Reviews

Immerse Yourself in the Portuguese Culture by Experiencing a Fado Dinner

Portugal

The food was delicious. The performance was moving. The venue was incredible. I would have liked the venue to provide some history of the establishment, the performance, and the artist, as well as a timeline of the evening.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dropped us off at the front door

The Essence of Douro - A River, Wine, and Gastronomy Experience with a Private Driver

Portugal

Everyone loved the drive, the boat ride, and the lunch at the winery.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ricardo was amazing

Transport

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour with Ginjinha & Pastel de Nata

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Claudia was amazing

Transport

We walked and rode the public elevators.

We stayed in San Jose, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo. Each accommodation was exactly what I was looking for, it had local flare but enough accommodations and food choices for my children. I saw lots of wildlife, had great guides, the transports were on time and friendly, everything was as I expected. The kimkim team was very easy to work with and had great recommendations to guide me to what I wanted. It was a great planning experience with Kat in particular, she revised our plan like 6 times until it was exactly what I wanted!

Review: Exceptional Service with One Major Location Flaw
I recently completed a trip to India organized through kimkim, and I wanted to share my feedback on the experience.

The Highlights: Transport, Guides, and Dharamshala
Overall, the logistics were excellent. The midday pickups and the long-distance transfers—including the drive to the Taj Mahal in Agra—were very comfortable and well-managed. The guides were professional and friendly throughout the journey.

However, I want to give a special mention to the team in Dharamshala. The taxi driver and the guide, both named Sono, there truly went above and beyond. Their efforts to ensure I was comfortable exceeded all expectations. Not only were they incredibly competent, but they were also genuinely kind and attentive. They made that part of the trip unforgettable.

The Accommodations
The hotel in Dharamshala was fantastic—it had a beautiful atmosphere and a stunning view. I felt completely at home there.

Regarding the hotel in Delhi, the property itself was good in terms of facilities and breakfast. However, the location was a major issue. After an exhausting 18-hour journey, I was checked into a hotel on a main road in an area that felt very unsafe for a solo Western woman to walk around. There was no possibility of stepping out for a meal or a short walk. I felt "locked in." There are many wonderful areas in Delhi where a tourist can safely walk around, and I was disappointed that such an inconvenient location was chosen for my arrival.

Breakfast and Planning
One point of frustration was the breakfast logic. Although it was discussed otherwise, I missed breakfast for two days because of early departures (e.g., leaving for Agra at 6:00 AM). Instead of being provided with a lunch box—which is standard practice in many other countries like Turkey, Egypt, etc., I was told we would "stop on the way," where I then had to pay for my own meal. I expected better coordination regarding included meals during early excursions.

Final Verdict
The human element of this trip—the guides and drivers—was a 10/10, especially in Dharamshala. If the company improves its hotel selection in Delhi regarding safety and walkability, and fixes the "breakfast box" logistics, it would be a perfect service.

Hotel Reviews

Surya Mcleod, Mcleodganj,

The Experience My stay in Dharamshala was wonderful. The room was absolutely beautiful and very tastefully decorated. What truly took my breath away was the fantastic view of the nature surrounding the hotel—it was truly amazing and made me feel completely at ease. I felt very comfortable and at home throughout my stay.

Authenticity & Character

The hotel is very well-located, providing a peaceful atmosphere while still being accessible. It was the perfect place to relax.

Location

What truly took my breath away was the fantastic view of the nature surrounding the hotel—it was truly amazing and made me feel completely at ease

Staff

Service and Dining The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I also want to highlight the breakfast, which was excellent. There was a very generous variety of options, and everything was delicious and high quality. The Location The hotel is very well-located, providing a peaceful atmosphere while still being accessible. It was the perfect place to relax.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beautiful room and breathtaking views – a wonderful stay The Room and View The room was absolutely beautiful and very tastefully furnished. I felt incredibly comfortable there. The highlight was definitely the fantastic view of the nature; it was breathtaking and created such a peaceful atmosphere. Service and Breakfast The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. I was also very impressed with the breakfast—it was a huge spread with a great variety of delicious options. It was a perfect start to each day. The Bathroom (Areas for Improvement) The only real downside was the bathroom. It didn't quite match the high standard of the rest of the hotel. Some of the fixtures were broken, and the toilet was very low, which made it a bit uncomfortable to use. Overall, the bathroom lacked the comfort and quality that was so evident in the living area and the rest of the property. Conclusion The hotel is very well-located and offers great hospitality. If the bathrooms were updated to match the beautiful rooms, it would be a 10/10 experience!

Deventure Sarovar Portico

Here is a review for the Delhi hotel: Great facilities and staff, but a difficult location for solo travelers Rating: 3/5 stars (Recommended for the interior, not the location) Pros: Amenities: The hotel itself is well-maintained. The rooms are well-equipped, and the overall decor and facilities are of a high standard. Breakfast Quality: When I was able to eat there, the breakfast was excellent with a good variety of options. Cons: Location: This was the biggest drawback. The hotel is situated on a busy main road in an area that does not feel suitable for tourists. After an 18-hour journey, I wanted to be able to walk around or find a local spot to eat, but it felt unsafe and inaccessible for a solo Western woman. I felt "locked in" and unable to explore the neighborhood at all. Logistics/Service: I was disappointed by the lack of flexibility regarding early departures. Despite leaving at 6:00 AM for excursions, the hotel did not provide a packed breakfast or a lunch box. In my experience traveling to other countries, this is standard service. Having to buy my own breakfast on the road because the hotel couldn't provide a box was quite frustrating. Final Thought: If you only need a place to sleep and will be picked up at the door by a driver, the hotel is very nice. However, if you value walkability and a safe-feeling neighborhood to explore on foot, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character

Great facilities and staff

Location

Location: This was the biggest drawback. The hotel is situated on a busy main road in an area that does not feel suitable for tourists. After an 18-hour journey, I wanted to be able to walk around or find a local spot to eat, but it felt unsafe and inaccessible for a solo Western woman. I felt "locked in" and unable to explore the neighborhood at all.

Staff

Great facilities and staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The hotel’s interior and room amenities were excellent. The bathroom was perfectly fine—clean, modern, and everything functioned well. The room itself was very well-equipped and comfortable. However, I found the mattress to be far too soft. While bed preference is subjective, it was quite difficult for me as I have back issues and require more support.

Activity Reviews

Arrival Dharamshala and transfer to Mcleodganj

Dharamshala

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-day tour of New Delhi and visit Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

India

Last Day in Delhi I am unable to provide a review for my final day in Delhi because I never got to experience it. My flight from Dharamshala back to Delhi was canceled without a replacement. As a result, I had to be driven four hours to a different airport and did not arrive back at the hotel until very late in the afternoon. Because of these travel complications, I had no time left to see any of the city before my departure. It was a shame to miss out on the final part of the itinerary due to these logistical issues.

Free Day to visit The Monasteries

Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit to BhagSunag Temple and Waterfall

Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day trip to Agra

India

The Drive & Logistics The trip to the Taj Mahal was a comfortable drive, and the transportation was high quality as usual. However, the start of the day was frustrating. After an 18-hour journey from Germany and arriving late the previous afternoon, I had to leave at 6:00 AM without any breakfast. Even though it was planned differently, no breakfast box was provided. The Experience at the Monument The Taj Mahal itself is beautiful, but the experience was a bit exhausting. I was approached constantly by people wanting to take photos. While I am perfectly capable of saying "no" myself, after the 100th time, it becomes draining. I would have appreciated it if the guide had been more proactive in shielding me from these interruptions so I could enjoy the monument in peace. The Food Situation I want to clarify that I handle heat and spicy Indian food very well—I ate street food in Dharamshala with no issues at all. In Delhi, I was told I should eat at the hotel because the food "outside" is too spicy, yet the restaurant I was taken to after the Taj Mahal served food that was nearly inedible due to the spice level. It felt like a test rather than a meal. I prefer to choose where I eat myself, as I know my own limits best. Final Thoughts While it was a nice excursion and a comfortable trip, it simply did not compare to the magic of Dharamshala. It was a good experience to see the Taj Mahal, but the logistical hiccups and the food situation made it less than perfect.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kora Walk- Visit to Dalai Lama Temple

Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj Sightseeing!

Dharamshala

Dharamshala was an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life. Everything we did there was absolutely magnificent. The temples, the local villages, the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and the Kora walk—it was all simply spectacular. I have captured so many wonderful photos, but the memories are even better. This part of the trip was perfect in every single way; it was a true highlight that I will cherish forever.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They were amazing

Transport

Comfortable ,clean car with climatic.

Free Time in Delhi

India

Feedback on "Free Time": Regarding my free time in Delhi, it was unfortunately impossible to utilize or enjoy. Due to the hotel's location, I felt completely restricted. The hotel was situated directly on a chaotic and dirty main road with no sidewalks or pedestrian access. Stepping out meant being immediately in the middle of heavy traffic and pollution, which was an absolute imposition. As a result, I could not leave the hotel at all during my free time. I had hoped to explore the local area or walk to a nearby restaurant, but the surroundings were not suitable or safe for a solo tourist to walk around. I ended up spending my entire free time confined to the hotel. I have since learned that there are many beautiful hotel complexes, especially near the airport or in other districts, that offer safe green spaces and walkable surroundings. I am very disappointed that I was placed in an area that made it impossible to experience the city during my downtime. It felt like a missed opportunity to see Delhi.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The transportation throughout the trip was excellent and very professional. The cars provided were modern, high-quality, and equipped with great air conditioning, which made the long drives very comfortable. It was also very important to me that there was always fresh water available in the car. The drivers were wonderful and very respectful of my space; when I was tired and wanted to sleep, they let me rest in peace instead of making forced conversation. I want to give a special mention to my team in Dharamshala—my driver and my guide, both named Sonu. They were absolutely fantastic, incredibly friendly, and went out of their way to accommodate all my wishes. They gave me brilliant tips for my free day, and their competence and kindness truly exceeded all my expectations.

Transport

Regarding the transport, every effort was made to get me from A to B in total comfort. I was very impressed and truly enjoyed the experience

This is my second time using the KimKim service for my family vacation. Cannon was very responsive to all our questions and had provided many activities and planned free days where the whole family was able to enjoy. We really liked the hotels picked and convenience of locations for all of them. The itinerary went very smooth and fell in love with the country. I definitely would love to visit again.

Our driver/guide was very professional, helpful and friendly. He helped make the trip great.

We came to kimkim to get the guessing work out of planning. Hamza was able to curate an intricate itinerary that fully incorporated the must-see places within our dates and budget perimeter, without feeling rushed. The process was efficient and seamless. Our driver, Soufian, did a remarkable job in keeping us on schedule and having all our needs met. Those long drives, in 12 Days, became a major highlight of our trip. The memories will be unforgettable. I will be back!

Hotel Reviews

Barceló Casablanca

Casablanca

First and only 'hotel' during our 12 Day journey, enjoyed the modern comforts and extensive services/amenities. Very comfortable stay.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Nila

Chefchaouen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Braya

FesfE

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

we were spoiled when a staff member personally escorted us to the nearby restaurant on our first night in Fes.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Orient Desert Camp

Merzouga

Took glamping to another level, with the backdrop of the Sahara! What an experience...had the most breathtaking sunset and sunrise during this stay. Evening drumming/dancing made the desert nights cinematic!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dar Rihana Dades

Douar Aït Ouffi

Tranquil mountainside retreat that provided a big contrast to the hustle of Medina. Stunning place, amazing views, gourmet meals. Their special blend of aromatic tea was a personal favorite.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Diamond of Marrakech

Marrakech

Gorgeous property, very centrally located. Comfortable stay. LOVED our welcome mint tea and homemade cookies!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Transfer from Fez to Chefchaouen via Meknes and Volubilis

Morocco

THE best drive of my life. The landscape during this section of the drive is breathtaking. Our driver made a rest stop along the way for lunch, a worthwhile experience in and of itself.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

ATV Ride in the Dunes of Merzouga

Merzouga

The ride through the dunes on a motorized vehicle is like nothing else on earth. Liberating and exhilarating!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sand-Boarding in Erg Chebbi (Free of Charge)

Merzouga

Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Sunset Camel Ride via Tinerhir & Rissani

Morocco

Quintessential activity while in Morocco, did not disappoint. Our guide ensured our safety and comfort. Definitely one of the most unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Marrakech to Boumalne Dades: Through Atlas Mountains, Aït Benhaddou & Rose Valley

Morocco

Valuable stop in Ait Benhaddou for its history and cinematic accreditation. Our driver Soufian made the 6hr drive as enjoyable as having coffee with an old friend!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hike through Berber Villages

Morocco

Best hike of my life! Having tea with a nomad in a cave, enjoying a meal in the home of Berber family (one of the best tajines in Morocco), hiking through the different terrain of the mountain, feeling the spirit of the mountain and the people....It touched my soul.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Marrakech Evening Food Tour

Marrakesh

We tried foods we otherwise wouldn't have attempted or been aware of. Everything we tried were 10/10.

Visit Majorelle Gardens

Morocco

The bookstore is worth exploring!

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

Guided tour became essential when we had limited time in Marrakech. Our guide took us thru the various sections of the medina, gave great recommendations to restaurants and shopping tips. The history lesson at the mosque was a highlight.

We had such a wonderful time on spring break in Italy! Luca was a pleasure to work with and did an amazing job arranging our tours. His communication was perfect and timely when we were planning. Everything was perfect, and we didn’t have a single issue on our travels. He booked some great hotels, and the kids had a blast while everyone was fully engaged on all the tours. It was truly an experience of a lifetime! This was our 4th trip with KimKim, and will certainly use them again. It makes traveling so easy!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Continental

Sorrento

Great hotel with amazing views. So close to main Sorrento. Very comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Quirinale

Rome

Great location. Great rooms for family. A little dated, but still very comfortable. Huge rooms for European hotels.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Capri self guided day-trip with hydrofoil tickets

Sorrento

Great experience. A little more info in navigating Capri to get to the top of the mountain on the chairlift would've been helpful, but it was still easy to figure out.

Quality of Experience

Transport

Amalfi coast discovery tour with Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello

Italy

We went early in the season, so I feel we missed some of the beauty, especially with the weather. The tour guides were ok, not the best, not the worst

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pasta and Tiramisù lovers workshop

Rome

Lots of fun. Great experience. Lots of fun had by all. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Vatican & Sistine Chapel - Small Group Tour

Rome

Great tour with a great guide. Great history and explantation. Wish it included St. Peter's Basilica since we had come so far, but that was an extension on our own.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

PANTHEON SMALL GROUP GUIDED TOUR

Rome

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Colosseum, Roman Forums and Palatine Hill

Rome

We got delayed by other members of the tour who showed up late, which then delayed our tours. We then got stuck in line for security. Wish there was a skip the line option. This then made us cut short our experience in the Roman Forums.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

GOLF CART TOUR ROME (Rome Highlights)

Rome

lots of fun, a great way to see Rome and move around the city quickly. Our guide Patrick was great. We covered a lot of Rome in a short period with great views

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica experiencing so much wildlife and different places. It was very daunting planning the 2 week trip ourselves with so much we wanted to pack in so we are very grateful we used kimkim to help. Yuliana put together a great plan and we worked through some options to make it even better. Responses were very fast including last minute adjustments during the trip. Will definitely use kimkim again!

My friend and I have incredible memories from the wonderful places and experiences we had in Japan, thanks to Leny and her team! From Tokyo walking tours to cooking class in Takayama to Jun driving us from Kanazawa to a small mountain village with 400 people, to the beautiful cherry blossoms at the Bamboo Forest and a garden built by a famous actor from the 1920s, then onto the beautiful Riverwalk OMG so gorgeous! Leny and her team even found a lovely Reiki person to provide a session for me last minute! The dinner with Maiko at a private upstairs room was remarkable. Osaka tour brought us to the Times Square of the city. So many people, great shopping-bought my first vintage bag there! Overall a fantastic time! Thank you Leny and team!

We had a great experience booking our trip to Japan with Yeny and her team. With two teenagers in the mix we had a wide range of interests to satisfy. Yeny and team were able to provide a balanced schedule.. meeting all our must sees! From riding in a drifter car through Tokyo and winding up at a car meet, to wandering around all the anime, manga, and arcade places you could ever want, to MASTERING the train systems in Japan (thanks to the excellent instructions from Yeny and team), to Sumo wrestling, Cup Noodle museum, hiking up a mountain to feed monkeys in Kyoto, to everything else that was strategically placed into each day…. We so enjoyed our time… and plan to book again.

They even helped us find restaurants that catered to our dietary restrictions.

The only thing that we felt was missing.. was planned transportation to the airport when leaving. Although I am sure others would have enjoyed the flexibility to spend every last minute in Japan.. I wished we would’ve talked through the last day.. check out time.. transportation to the airport, luggage storage.. etc.

I had no interest in being herded around on a group tour on and off buses and being told where and when to eat and shop yet needed guidance as this trip would have taken hundreds of hours to plan properly. Kim Kim was the perfect compromise. The trip was customized for us after an initial conversation and then a two hour zoom with Leny. We had 5 private guides in different areas each one better than the next. We were reminded each day of our next day’s plans with specific instructions if we wanted to take the train. For full day tours the guides picked us up at our hotel. The cooking class with Bob in Takayama was so great and authentic, as was the tea ceremony and the dinner with Maiko who is like a Geisha in training. We also got amazing deals on vintage designer bags in the Namba area of Okasa which is like a combination of Times Square and the San Genaro feast on steroids. We ran the gamut with a visit to Mt Koya to be in touch with our spiritual side. This was a trip of a lifetime and we could have never done it without Leny and her team who were on call and immediately responsive throughout the entire trip when we had questions or needed clarity. Absolute kudos to them. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Lucy was wonderful, and helped us plan a trip that was perfect for us. She was available during the trip as well for quick answers to questions that came up.

This was truly amazing. Zehra organized the most perfect trip. Everything was seamless, from the airport pickup to flight arrangements. I could have never put together a trip with this many moving parts so flawlessly. Zehra was always quick to respond and incredibly patient, no matter time of day or how spastic/indecisive I was. And a special shout out to our amazing guides: Eda, Uraz, Ghokan & Tolga. Brilliant guides & I feel like I made new friends. Will be using KimKim again!!!!

Our trip was amazing!! Monika did such a fabulous job. Every detail was thought through and planned meticulously. She recommended and booked the most fabulous accommodations for us across the North and South islands- our favorites were Delamore Lodge on Waiheke Island, Opito Bay Lodge in Coromandel and Hulbert House in Queenstown! The service was incredible across the board and we are already wanting to go back. Monika took the stress out of planning a trip across the world- she was so great to work with and I can’t recommend her enough! It was the trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews

Olive Rabbit B&B

Turangi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Hotel Britomart

Auckland

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Headwaters Eco Lodge - Glenorchy

Glenorchy

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hulbert House

Queenstown

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

On The Point

Rotorua

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Opito Point Lodge

Whitianga

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Delamore Lodge

Waiheke Island

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Milford Sound heli/cruise/heli express (helicopter flights plus cruise)

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wai Ariki Spa "Chiefly Waters" restorative experience

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Wai-O-Tapu

New Zealand

Quality of Experience

Glowworm Kayak Tour

Rotorua

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimkim organized an Amazing trip to Iceland for us. We had lots of input and even had a zoom call with Noga and our own Travel Agent.
From the moment we got on our plane to the moment we landed back home everything was Perfect.
What was most perfect was our Tour Guide Gummi. Kimkim matched us up perfectly. Gummi made a couple of unexpected stops that only added great moments to our trip.
We loved every hotel and the food was very fresh.

Hotel Reviews

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland

Grindavik

Well we got to see the Northern Lights while we were there. The staff directly alerted us. Made it fun.

Authenticity & Character

Beautiful spa with geothermal baths.

Location

Staff

Friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very comfy robes and slippers and all the incidentals in the room

Hotel Rangá

Hella

Very Uniy

Authenticity & Character

Unique

Location

Great location to view the Northern lights

Staff

Friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Food was fresh and unlike other hotel in the way of decor.

The Reykjavík Edition

Reykjavik

Centrally located. Clean and all the employees were very friendly.

Authenticity & Character

It was on the water

Location

Central

Staff

Everyone was friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

All

Activity Reviews

Private Northern Lights Experience in Super Jeep

Reykjavík

I can only say our guide through Sarah truly tried to find spots in the sky hoping to see a glimpse of the Northern Lights. I for Mother Nature had its own ideas.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Retreat Spa at Blue Lagoon

Iceland

If you like a spa retreat this is highly recommended. Extremely relaxing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Lava Tunnel Activity

Iceland

This was a great experience. Our guide through the tunnel made it special

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Sólheimajökull Glacier Walk

Iceland

This glacier walk was one of our favorites. Exhilarating

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Brúarfoss

Golden Circle

This was a favorite. Very Blue clear water

Quality of Experience

Just an amazing place!

This trip was amazing. I was not sure what to expect going through KimKim and the local specialist, Serendipity Adventures, but was thoroughly pleased with everything. Our tour guide during the Turrialba Volcano Hike, Gloriana, was amazing, well informed and an absolute delight to hike along side. Living in the community brought real stories and experience to our hike. She was most accommodating. We had a tour of the National Monument with Manuel and he was extremely knowledgeable as well. He informed us of the history and brought his scope and found a sloth for us to see. I was so excited as I have never seen a sloth up close. Our next adventure was a night tour at Catie Botanical Gardens. I was amazed at the amount of Costa Rican wildlife. Jorge and Gato were exceptional guides. Our accommodations were outstanding and all the support staff were friendly and most spoke English. We moved from Turrialba to San Geraldo de Dota and had amazing views at the Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge... loved the weather. Early in the morning we went birdwatching with Carlos, an extraordinary guide, who grew up in the area. His knowledge about birds was amazing and he knew the Quetzal patterns which allowed us to see our first Quetzal. The horseback riding is a must to the waterfalls. We are avid riders and loved every minute. Our last visit was to Uvita.... the weather was just like Louisiana, hot and humid but we're very used to it. The view from Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge and Spa was breath taking. We added spa treatments for us 4 and it was incredible. Tired after 7 days of hiking, horseback riding and tours, we were soooo happy the Mangrove & Wildlife tour was in a boat. It was so peaceful and we were able to see all the birds we wanted to. Exceptional as well.

Booking through KimKim and Serendipity was the BEST decision we ever made and will most assuredly be recommending this group to everyone. As a retired military member, I like order and punctuality and that is exactly what we had... no hiccups. The only way to visit going forward. I can't wait to book my next country visit with them.

Hotel Reviews

Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa

Uvita

EXCEPTIONAL!! Amazing view, massages in room when purchased and great ambiance.

Authenticity & Character

Fantastic pool and view..... EXCEPTIONAL.

Location

Very close to tours and beaches.

Staff

Friendly and accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Excellent king size beds and very cool outside shower and bath. MUST STAY AGAIN.

Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge

Copey

Amazing views, wonderful spa bathtub and great restaurant.

Authenticity & Character

Incredible views and walking paths.

Location

Location near our tours which was awesome and a great cafe for birdwatching and a pizza cafe too.

Staff

Fabian and Selena were fantastic.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great support staff and very clean.

Casa Turire

Turrialba

Great lodging, friendly staff and wonderful location

Authenticity & Character

Lush landscaping

Location

Beautifully tucked away but close to the city.

Staff

Very friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean and spacious.

Activity Review

Private Hike Turrialba Volcano

Costa Rica

Our guide was Gloriana who lived around the tour area which made the hike even more interesting as she was able to share her childhood experiences along the way. The hike was the perfect amount of exertion and exercise and the view was amazing.

Quality of Experience

Knowledgeable tour guide

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Gloriana was exceptional.

Our one week trip to Dublin and Northern Ireland was amazing! In Dublin, the Jeanie Johnston Famine ship was very interesting and the Celtic Nights show was the perfect first night activity. Newgrange and Giant's Causeway were absolutely incredible and I cannot recommend them enough. Additionally, our stop in Bushmills (both the distillery and the town) was a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. It was such a relief to have all of our tickets taken care of and not have to worry about managing booking times. One of the restaurants recommended in our guide for Belfast - Mourne Seafood Bar was AMAZING! The seafood was so fresh, the staff was kind and accommodating, and the atmosphere was great. Adrian was very helpful and open to feedback, and made sure to incorporate our must see's!

This really was an amazing trip for us and I will absolutely use Kim Kim again. Having the whole tripped planned ahead of time with multiple Riads, private tours, private driver - Zaid who was so awesome, really made all the difference.

We flew into Marrakesh and spent a day shopping through the Medina. The next day we made our way to Ait Ben Hadood for a private tour and stayed in another Riad - this one was Dar Rihana Dades which uses radiator heating. It was very cold and service was awful here. You have to pay extra for water and alcohol, which is fine, but no one said anything until after.

We then made our way to Merzouga where we stayed for 2 nights - camel trekking, sandboarding and a private ATV tour on the dunes. However, our guide for this was a young 20-something who seemed annoyed and bored. The glamping site was fine. Bathrooms in the tent. They don't turn on the a/c or heat until after 10:30 so depending on the temperature that could be an issue. It was cold one night for us, but after that it was fine. The team at Merzouga were super friendly and accommodating. The main guide went by "Desert Fox" and we loved him. I think we learned his name was Hakim. So friendly and helpful - made all the difference. We met a bunch of people from all over the world at the bonfire where music was played and it was just really nice and relaxing.

On our way back towards Marrakesh we stopped in Ourzazate for more shopping and exploring. The Riad here had a pool and great views, but location was not desirable at all. Our last day back in Marrakesh we had a Hammam and Spa Session. I would add a longer massage for next time.

A few things to note: never take a first offer when buying anything in Marrakesh. They start WAY high - expect to pay about a third of their starting offer. Marrakesh is fun but there are so many motorbikes that you will probably get bumped a few times. We also had a tour the same day we landed -- I wouldn't do that again as we were exhausted and cut the tour short just to get some sleep from the long flight.

The shower in Merzouga is just a handheld and doesn't have something to hang on so you can't stand under it handsfree. Not a big deal, but just an FYI.

Our driver Ziad was fantastic. Highly recommend. He's super friendly, funny, and really helped us with so many things. Singing in the car during our road trips was an unexpected bonus.

The communication at the beginning was a little off. We didn't know who/when/where we were supposed to be meeting people and how to get in touch with them and I kept having to call to get the information. Having that upfront would have been helpful.

Overall though, one of the best trips I have taken. Highly recommend.

Hotel Reviews

Elegancia Riad Boutique & SPA

Marrakech

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

smallest room of the whole trip

Sahara Sky Luxury Camp

Merzouga

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Chergui

Marrakech

The room opened into the courtyard and everyone else's room so you can hear everything. The didn't have clear information when we first arrived and thought we were there a day yet, so that wasn't great on our first day.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dar Rihana Dades

Douar Aït Ouffi

It was very cold and the service as awful.

Authenticity & Character

Cute atmosphere.

Location

Once you're there you really can't walk anywhere else.

Staff

Our waiter didn't say anything, didn't explain anything, and didn't seem to understand anything.

Cleanliness & Comfort

When its cold outside, turn the heat on!

Activity Reviews

Hammam & Spa Session 5 Pm at your Riad Accommodation .

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Camel trek to your luxury camp

Merzouga

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Aït Benhaddou

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Quad Bike Ride in Merzouga Sahara Desert.

Merzouga

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I created a specialized itinerary and Kim Kim agent Angel was able to coordinate beautifully. Japan is a lovely country with so many great sites not to be missed. We hit the highlights of Tokyo, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. What I like most was working in partnership with KimKim to have the type of experience we wanted: a little hustle, a little laid back, key historical sites without being overwhelmed with too much, and lots of fun activities.
Pros:
1. Angel is an absolute gem to work with. She was responsive to my needs, listened carefully, alway with kindness, humor and professionalism.
2. The itinerary was affordable, considering we did not want to be on a tour bus with 20 others each day, allowing us independence while able to join in group activities on some days.
3. Each day, Angel would check in with the daily itin and schedule, including all tickets, maps, timing. Loved that.
Cons:
1. With the exception of Tokyo and Hakone, the hotels in Kyoto and Osaka were located far away from anything...more like office park areas, not walkable to anything. As this was my first time to Japan, hotel locations are essential to enjoyment, and this was dissapointing.
2. Due to those 2 hotel locations, we had to use uber or public transport to get anywhere, costing a lot of money and time that I didn't expect. I would suggest KimKim to review hotel locations that are tourist friendly and walkable to restaurants, stores, etc.
3. I was quoted a price for my initial itinerary, complete with hotels. Two weeks before departure, I was reviewing the itin and realized I needed more transportation built in, like train to hotel transfers, pick up/drop off from tours. I requested this and was quoted a huge amount, which was then negotiated down as we discussed the actuality. However, in the last quote, included was the price for my first hotel stay of 3 nights. This was odd and unexpected, I thought this was included in the initial quote, which it appeared to be. Confusing and not good.
Overall experience:
Loved this trip and Angel was a delight to work with.

My trip to Antigua, Guatemala was an experience I will never forget. I had reached out to Alex to help me fulfill a bucket list item--spending Holy Week in Antigua, to see the carpets of flowers and the religious processions. He designed a custom trip for me that included the religious aspects and so much more. During my five-day stay, I took a boat ride on Lake Atitlán, saw the preparations for the processions and the process of carpet-making up close, visited a coffee farm, a family chocolate factory, a macadamia nut farm, and had a textile lesson. I attended Mass on Easter Sunday, including yet another procession. I was booked at the beautiful resort-like hotel, La Porta. All the while, I had a personal guide, Diana, who explained the history and customs of everything I saw. Our driver, Manuel, skillfully drove us everywhere we needed to go. Alex was always available for questions and help. He even met me at the airport when I arrived to introduce himself. All in all, it was a beautiful, meaningful experience. As a solo traveler, I felt safe and cared for. I am so glad I did this. I definitely recommend KimKim for special trips like the one I just enjoyed.