Kimkim Trip Reviews

Location!

Thank you, Nadia!

Thank you, Bernardo!

Outstanding hotel in a very convenient location across from the train station and within easy walking distance of the city harbor area. Staff was attentive and accommodating. The hotel was able to hold our luggage until checkin so we could begin exploring the city. When checkin was a bit delayed, we were given an upgraded room. The hotel was decorated with items reflecting the history of the American Line in Oslo. Comfortable beds! The sumptuous breakfast was a real treat. On the day we departed before the regular breakfast hours, we were offered a packed breakfast. The hotel bar was very stylish with unusual cocktails. We stayed here for a total of three nights; two as we arrived in Norway and the night before we departed.

Very welcoming and comfortable accommodations for lodging and dining. Extensive grounds with trails to the river. And, best of all, huskies! This location is convenient to activities in the Alta area. It is a great location for watching the Northern lights. The breakfasts were delicious. The evening is devoted to fine dining. A unique offering.

A smartly converted Cold War Era military barracks with the outstanding view. We enjoyed the northern lights from the outdoor balcony every night of our stay. The complimentary breakfast was very nice each morning. The hotel does not offer food other than breakfast, but it has several beers on tap.

We loved the very stylish custom cabin. Each detail was carefully considered and beautifully crafted, mostly from natural materials. It is a perfect spot to cocoon in nature in any season. We enjoyed the opportunity to ride along on a husky training run through woodland trails out to the river and back, and to visit with the latest litter of huskies.

This cruise was an easy introduction to Oslo. It was very peaceful to view the city from the water. The tour guide's narrative was just right, informative while giving space to enjoy the cruise.

Easy to find. A choppy day did not deter our enjoyment of this trip. We were the only two on the cruise on this day. We learned about World War II in Alta, viewed a fjord waterfall, and looked for seals with high quality binoculars. The fjord was in full fall color.

This was a perfect adventure to conclude our time in northern Norway. Glød means ‘glow’. We were the only tour members that evening. Starting with a delicious fish soup and an introductory film, Gard took us out to the best spots for catching the lights. With light rain and clouds, it took patience and a few locations before the lights were visible. Alta claims to be the home of the light for good reason, the local skies seem to be a node for the lights. Not only were the flickering beams dancing, but less common forms directly overhead morphed in forms that resembled fish or flowers. Gard even took our photo with the lights in the background. It was the perfect highlight to our trip!

The Electra Metropolis Athens Hotel was fantastic. The room was exactly what we liked, and the location was spectacular. The restaurant overlooks the Acropolis and the Paragon, which was just magical. Absolutely wonderful experience.

The Myconian Ambassador in Mykonos was a great experience. The people were wonderful, and we loved the spa treatment and the service. Although it was a bit further from the old town, the location was peaceful and quiet, which suited us well. There was plenty to walk around, and we just took a taxi for tours into the old town. The hotel itself was cool and modern.

Avgoustos Suites Naxos had a cool vibe and felt very local. The people running the place were incredible and hospitable. The rooms were beautiful, the bed and showers were amazing, and the breakfast was a delight. We loved the local feel and the connections we made here.

Homeric Poems Santorini was stunning. We spent a good amount of time just sitting on our overlook watching the sunset and the water. Even though there are stairs, it didn’t bother us. The walk along the trail nearby was beautiful and the tours were great. Very hospitable and helpful service.

Front desk staff was awesome!

The Scandic Bakklandet in Trondheim was just okay. The rooms were very basic. Initially, we had to move rooms because the one we were given was small and musty. I was hoping for a better experience with this particular stay.

The summer kayak trip in Lofoten was fantastic. I was very happy with the entire experience. The surroundings are incredibly beautiful, making it truly memorable.

Kayaking on the Seven Sisters Kayaking Excursion was an absolute delight. The entire experience was well worth it and I would highly recommend it to other travelers.

The Flåm Railway, Zipline & Cycling Adventure was such a great fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole activity and would definitely recommend it.

The location was perfect - very walkable to everything. The room was lovely - having a balcony to sit out and enjoy the marina was my favorite part. The only thing I wasn't impressed by was the breakfast. It was pretty basic and the same thing every day. So if breakfast is important to you, I would simply plan to go to a local cafe.

The location was the best part of this hotel. The front desk staff was lovely but the staff running breakfast were not terribly friendly or helpful. There was one exception - a gentleman who I only saw once. Every other morning seemed to be the same women. The only other downside was the rooms had one-ply toilet paper. At a hotel of this quality I would expect better.

This was my least favorite hotel. It feels like it's trying too hard to be cool. The location is nice and central and the staff was cordial. But the room was extremely small, there was not near enough storage and the pillows were awful. Having everything electronic removed a lot of the character.

This tour also felt like something I could have booked myself. The guide was fun and the places we went lovely, it just didn't feel special.

This might have been my favorite experience of all. We got a late start due to traffic and the forest fires impacted one of the places I was to visit but Paulo most definitely made up for any snafu with his warmth and above-and-beyond generosity with his time. I even got to visit the family restaurant and meet his wonderful wife. If I'm able to go back I know I'll have friends to meet up with for a Pastel de Nata and cappuccino.

I was unable to do this one due to the driver getting in an accident. They would have rescheduled but it was my last night in Lagos so we weren't able to do that. I got a refund instead.

The caves themselves were beautiful but I was hoping for something a little smaller. This tour felt like something I could have booked myself through Viator. The caves were also very touristy - we were never in one alone.

This was one of my least favorite tours. The driver was late and I was unable to reach him to find out if I was in the wrong place or where he was. He was lovely and knowledgeable but it didn't start out good. I also felt very rushed in the village. I wish there'd been more time to explore. The winery was beautiful but a few slices of cheese and meat doesn't equal tapas.

This was a lot of fun. My driver was very sweet and made the best of modifying his original plan due to a marathon that kept us from exploring along the river. I feel his company should have done a better job preparing him for that - a marathon is scheduled months in advance and he was totally unaware. He felt bad he couldn't provide the experience he wanted and was very apologetic. I didn't feel jipped though - he showed me lots of fun nooks and crannies of Porto.

My driver was wonderful. He went out of his way to tailor my experience and ensure I experienced Port the right way. The lunch we had with Rafael was very cool. I tried a lot of foods I never would have on my own and Rafael is an absolute jewel. The river cruise was wonderful but this is another experience I could have bought on my own via viator. I would have preferred something smaller. My driver, Rafael and the gorgeous scenery made up for it.

Julia was lovely and clearly loves her city. This was obvious in the time she took explaining the history. She showed me areas I certainly wouldn't have found on my own.

A perfect way to end my trip! Sofia and Carlos were just wonderful. It is clear they don't host these dinners to make money - they truly want to meet people and make them feel welcome in their country. There were issues with both my booking and the booking of the couples I ate with but Sofia and Carlos went out of their way to make sure we all still had a wonderful time. I will go out of my way to reach out to Sofia and Carlos if I make my way back to Lisbon. They could not have been lovelier.

Their rooms and service were great.

Juma's guide Anna was great and their service was end to end from Airport to Hotel, from Hotel to historic adventures and personal assistance with onward travel.

Authentic boutique style local hotel with helpful staff. There was twin beds in our room they upgraded us to a great room with double bed.

Nice Hotel

Good hotel for a short stay. Good breakfast with paid parking on the street. Room was comfortable. Located in the city close to the port close to the departing ferries. Good breakfast.

Very nice hotel with individual cabins next to the water an excellent location close to the port. Breakfast is ample but not as varied as with other hotels. A good place to stay for a few days to visit Lofoten and learn about the fishing tradition of the stock fish trade. The hotel is not one building and it’s pleasant to walk to the main reception and restaurant from the cabin.

The hotel is on the port with nice room views. Ample space in the room and in the common areas. The hotel has a contemporary character. Helpful staff and easy to walk to. The hotel does not have a dedicated parking and paid parking is available in surrounding parking lots. Street parking is free between 4pm to 8am. Breakfast is very good and varied.

A super nice hotel with a Norwegian character by the sea. Nice room, quiet with a view and great breakfast. The hotel has a small lounge and a nice architectural character. Family owned the staff was very helpful.

A centrally located hotel good for a short stay. Paid parking available a couple of blocks away from the hotel. Decent breakfast. The room was rather small but clean.

The hotel is close to the main Oslo rail station which is a few minutes away walking. The hotel has small rooms but clean and tidy. Breakfast was good.

Very nice hotel close to the fjord. Depending on the room the view is nice. Very quiet hotel with a comfortable room. Good breakfast, free parking. Small lounge. Near the hotel there is a nice trail to walk by the river and a rental place with kayaks and other local guided tours.

An authentic farm close to a lake with a view and animals (sheep, pigs, horses, chicken, rabbits). The individual cabin was great, roomy and comfortable. They do not offer breakfast or meals but there is an equipped kitchen if you with to buy ingredients and cook your own meals. A special location with lots of walking to do nearby and a beautiful nature.

Very good hotel by the water with views to the sea and the mountains. Comfortable with a room that had a great view. Free parking with good breakfast. Recommended for a short or longer stay.

The culinary and culture tour in Oslo was a bit disappointing. The guide was nice and knowledgeable about the city and its architecture, but the food stops were underwhelming. We only visited two places, and one was even closed. The food we did try, like a hot dog with shrimp salad and a pancake, didn't live up to the expectations of a "gastronomy tour."

The kayaking tour in Valldal was quite enjoyable. Initially planned as a five-hour tour, it was cut down to three hours, which was actually sufficient for us. The guides were not local but were knowledgeable and made the experience interesting by explaining different aspects of the fjord and aquaculture. There were about eight or nine kayaks, making it a pleasant small group experience.

Nice hotel

Very nice hotel and convenient location.

We had the best experience at the Lodge from the location, ambiance, food and staff.

Beautiful historic building located in a historic district. View of the bay from the dining room windows was magnificient

An historic building converted to a hotel but looks like a beautiful lodge. The entire ambience is so beautiful that we spent significant amount of time walking in and around the hotel. Dining hall is an open air pavilion with an 180 degree view of the nature. Birds simply sit next us while we eat our morning breakfast. We could hear the bird chirping every morning.

Nice hotel

We were impressed with the rich history, medieval architecture and amazing culture in Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763 . Salvador is one of the major points of convergence of Portuguese, African and American Indian cultures of the 16th to 18th centuries. It was also, from 1558, the first slave market in the New World, with slaves arriving to work on the sugar plantations. But today, Salvador is deemed a historic city by UNESCO because of innumerable number of historic buildings. The city has uniquely built defensive upper city upper city with administrative and residential buildings which overlooks the lower city where port activities are centered. Among the places we visited, the one that impressed me was Church of Saint Francis , also known as Golden church

Our driver was very friendly and helpful. Our stay in Paraty was short but we appreciated and enjoyed the time we spent in the Historic Center District

Tijuca One of the best botanical gardens I have seen in a while. The extensive selection of plants and trees are labelled. Many of the species were brought from different parts of the world and plated and grown in this garden. There were many that I hadn’t seen before. I was amazed at how they were able to grow so much in the garden. Tijuca Forest is actually largest urban forest in the world. Also, it is growing on steep mountains located adjacent to Rio. We were told by our guide Alberto Cardoso that Tijuca forest was actually created by the reforestation efforts in the late 1800s. The view of Rio from the top of the forest is amazing. Also, the Christ the Redeemer , a colossal statue of Christ is located at the top of one of the mountain peaks in the Tijuca Forest.

One of the best experiences I ever had visiting this Telegraph Stone . Our guide was Andre Van Berg. He picked us from our hotel in Copacabana in the morning and drove to village in Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca. I just turned 65 and the hike takes about an hour to reach the top of the mountain with an elevation gain of 1100 feet.. It was a little harder going up hill in the first-half of the hike and then it becomes moderate . But our guide and my son kept a slow to pace to help me climb the mountain. The view of the surround area from the top of the mountain was breathtaking and we have spectacular views of mountain ranges with the broadleaf forest and beautiful beach at the bottom

Today we visited Christ the Redeemer, a colossal 38-meter (approximately 127 feet) tall concrete statue of Christ, which stands on the top of a mountain peak by Rio at 710 meters. It is truly one of the wonders of modern world because of the technological difficulties the builders have to overcome to build this colossal monument, with arms outstretched in a gesture of blessing and embrace at an elevation of about 2364 feet above sea level. Experience at the statue is beyond explanation. We saw Maracana stadium (exterior) with famous Pele statue in the front and climbed the famous Lapa Steps or Selaron staircase, one of the most loved attractions in Rio, the work of the Chilean artist Jorge Selaròn, Going to Sugarloaf on a cable car is another enjoyable experience. Overall, tour of Rio as arranged by Sara was truly remarkable. Also, we visited a very uniquely built Cathedral known as Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian. The cathedral was designed in a modern style Mayan architectural style with a taste of pyramids. I have seen so many cathedral s throughout the world but have not see this architecture in a church or cathedral .

We have seen numerous water falls in the US and Canada including Niagara Falls but Iquacu falls is one of the most spectacular falls we ever seen in the world. Niagara pales in comparison to Iquacu falls. There are over 300 falls across 2 mile width of the Iguacu river over the rocky cliff. We saw many of the these water falls from the Brazilian and the famous Devils throat from the Argentinian side. The power and fury of Mother Nature in the falls is incredible and awesome on both sides but we experienced that power of the falls from the Brazilian side when our boat ride took us directly under one of the mega falls. The experience under the power of falling water is incredible and amazing.

Our guide Luis drove us from Brazilian side to the Argentinian side of the National Park where another portion of the Iguacu falls is present. We did not take the Macuco ride to the bottom of the falls instead we took a mini train ride close to the Devil's Throat which is located on the Argentinian side of the falls and walked nearly 2 kilometers over a steel pedestrian bridge built over the Iguacu river to reach the Devil's throat falls. The water falls in Devil's throat is so powerful that mist created by the falls constantly hung in the air and making it a wet conditions throughout of stay on the viewing deck. The fury and power of Mother Nature is at full display at the top of the Devil's throat where the rocky cliff is cut to steps by the constant erosion of rocks from the falling water. .

Second day we had rowing canoe in the Juma river/ lake as well seeing the wildlife on the banks of the river which was a wonderful experience. Lunch was at a local outdoor restaurant. The food was delicious. After noon piranha fishing did not go well as no one able to catch a piranha despite stopping our boat at different locations in the lake. In the night our guide took us on a boat to watch alligators, frogs and birds. The Leon only used a flashlight to focus on the animals in the Amazonian darkness, making the ride very exciting. He was able to catch a baby caiman (crocodile) from the lake in the darkness with a flash light and hand. We were able to hold and touch the baby caiman. This was one of the best experiences I ever had in the past.

Transfer from Manaus to Juma lodge is a unique experience. First, we were on a speed boat and traveled across a vast area of meeting of two rivers, Amazon and Negro from Manaus to an interior land port where Shuttle bus waiting for us to travel on the road to another port where another boat picked us up to travel along a winding river and into the Juma River with a large lake where Juma Lodge is located. The meeting two rivers, Amazon river with off-white color water and Negro river with black color water at Manaus is one of the enchanting natural spectacle one can see. These two rivers flow together with two distinct color for next 6 kilometer on the downstream side of Manaus. Our boat driver drove the boat parallel to the meeting line of these two rivers for distance and circle back to the point where we needed to travel.It is a beautiful phenomenon for mesmerizing distance where two disparate waters touch, bubble and dance, cheek-to cheek, This natural spectacle truly showcases the culturally rich country and the talented, burgeoning peoples that comprise the Brazil nation. First day in Juma Lodge was to acquaint ourself with the lodge facilities and walking tour of Amazon rainforest with our wonderful guide Leon Courtman. Leon is very knowledgeable and has good grasp on the plant species in Amazon rainforest. He gave us a ton information about the plants of the Amazon that have hundreds of potential medicinal uses. The forest tour was an invaluable experience to gain knowledge of plant species that provide ingredients for fighting cancer to soothing asthma and reducing anxiety to treating gallstones. The time in the forest was well spent with Leon

The third day began with a viewing of the sunrise from a 100-foot tall viewing tower built next to Juma Lodge. The changing of color of the Amazon sky over the lakes and forest is amazing. Leon showed us the waste water treatment system at the lodge which actually removes the contaminants to a level of drinking water before being discharge to the lake. The sludge that remains in the treatment tanks will be hauled away in the boat for treatment at facility near Manaus. Rest of the morning was spent in the Amazon forest full of Amazonian palm trees which are huge and tall. Palm trees in the Amazon forests are totally different than what I have seen in the US. Afternoon was spent at a native Amazonian farm known as the House of a caboclo (native) which was located where Juma river meets the main Parana river. Leon was very good explaining how native Amazonians perfected the methods to extract edible food from cassava vegetable (like potato) which contains dangerous levels of cyanide. The food that people can make using cassava include bread, French fries, mashed cassava, cassava chips, cassava cake.

This day was our return journey back to Manaus airport. So we said goodby to our guide Leon and two tourist from Germany and two from Rio who become our good friends during three day stay in Juma Lodge. It was hard to say goodby to them and leave the lodge. With heavy heart we returned to Manaus airport and caught our flight to São Paulo and then to Salvador.

The hiking through the Gruta cave from an entrance at the bottom of the valley and climbing up the steps to an exit hole was a fantastic experience. The numerous stalactites and stalagmites creations are unbelievably beautiful. Visit to blue water cave at Pratinha river and snorkeling in the cave water is an experience my son and I will never forget. Blue cave at Gruta Pratinha in Chapada National Park ( locally know as Chapada Diamentina in recognition of diamond mining in the region) is the most beautiful cave I have seen. The Pratinha River water in the Blue Pool of the cave so perfectly clear that you can see all the rock formations and the numerous fishes in the water bottom below. The snorkeling in the cave was definitely the highlight of the tour. it's an unforgettable experience.

Today, I did not go to Vale do Capao for 12 km walk to see the famous water falls Fumaca. But my son did that expedition and was was very impressed with majestic mountain and falls. He said he had wonderful time there with guide Maco and other tourists who were with him. I went on my own hiking of the Lencois municipal park that was located next to Hotel de Lencois. Definitely a MUST visit Park in Lencois. Full of waterfalls, jaw dropping views, wildlife, pretty caves, rocks, water holes, and so much more. The park has an entry fee of 20 Reals. Also, you cannot hike to water falls without a guide. It helps a lot to have a guide with you to show you the trials so you don't get lost and take you to the interesting spots. There is always more to explore in this park depending on how much time you have

Our guide for São Paulo was Rocco Belletti. He was exceptionally good with great command over English language as well as the history of São Paulo. I was impressed with him. We walked the Paulista Avenue, visited Ibirapuera Park and Batman Alley. Everything was fantastic. The night ended by watching the football game between Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers at Corinthian Stadium in Guarulhos. Ice on the cake was our beloved Philadelphia Eagles won that game

Our guide was informational and fun!

The boat crew was outstanding and they did a great job of finding animals and habitats for us to see. Unfortunately the snorkeling reef was unimpressive--just coral rubble (none living) with algae overgrowth. Saw a variety of fish but not what would be expected on a tropical snorkeling experience. The rest of the excursion met or exceeded expectations.

Out guide, Mauricio was outstanding

Wide diversity of animals seen.

Very limited parking and literally NO parking within the walls so you had to go a LONG way with luggage on cobblestone.

The voucher provided little details regarding meeting place. When I called the tour providers number on our voucher, I was told we did not have a tour that day. Very frustrating. Then Kim Kim offered us a half day tour to Sintra, which we took. We still had to pay the full day tour price and did NOT get to go to Pena Palace. The tour itself sucked. Didn't care for the guide. All we saw was Sintra palace and then we had 20 minutes to 'explore' before we had to get back on the bus. At Cascais, we had 40 minutes to explore. We were extremely disappointed and wish we had NEVER agreed to accept this tour.

We loved this activity

This was one of the highlights of our trip! And since it as our first event, I was very excited to experience the remainder of our events.

We enjoyed the horseback ride very much but had no idea it was going to take almost 2 hours to get there and back.

Loved our guide. Very enthusiastic and provided just the right amount of history and humor to hold our interest throughout the tour.

We had to cancel this tour because the Kayaking tour was rescheduled for the same day. My husband was not able to kayak and dive on the same day due to rotator cuff injuries. Kim Kim would not reimburse us.