Kimkim Trip Reviews

We have had a wonderful time in Costa Rica and want to thank Olman for making it possible. Olman was very helpful in getting our trip together by offering lodging, guided activities and transportation from one place to the other. He adjusted to our wishes and budget and was quick in answering any questions we had.

Everything generally worked out smoothly: we got picked up on time, the transportation vehicles were very comfortable and modern, the groups were small as advertised and and the guides were ready to guide us.

We had four excellent guides:

One women (name?)in the bus driving from San Jose to Guapiles..

The Guide (name?) for the “Garden Walk” at the “Mawamba Lodge”

“Kendall” for the “Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hike” and

“Werner” (real name?) at the Manuel Antonio National Park.

We want to acknowledge their deep knowledge and expertise!

So overall the trip was a very good experience for us.

Since we we can imagine that you are interested in learning more about the details, we will mention the following.

It was disappointing that we couldn't stay a second night in Tortoguero especially when we learned there that the pick up for La Fortuna was at 9:00am instead of 1:35 pm as listed . The itinerary said 1:35, but not where or when, so it was an unpleasant surprise when we were picked up at 9:00 after a hurried breakfast, then went by boat to the dock and then by bus to Guapiles and then at 1:35 to La Fortuna.

The Lodging in La Fortuna “Hotel Campos Arenal” was excellent,and we highly recommend it especially when you stay a few days there. With the swimming pool and outside area it makes a wonderful place.

The El Silencio hike was cut short. It was planned to be a 1 km hike followed by another 1.5 km hike. But the guide skipped the second one saying he didn't have the order to do a second one. That was quite disappointing. We felt that he and the driver just wanted to go home. Arranged by “North Adventures”.

The owners of the “Dreams Lodge Monteverde” are very accommodating and helpful to their customers. But the rooms we had were very small and there is hardly an outside area to sit. If you spend more then one night, it would be better to have another accommodation.

The other accommodations were very good .

In advertising: it would be better to recommend good ponchos, not just rain coats. We had quite a few rainy days in the beginning. The raincoat doesn't protect the pants and the backpack as a poncho would.

So thanks again for making it possible for us to have a memorable trip!

Brigitte and David

Hotel Reviews

Park Inn San José by Radisson

San José

Authenticity & Character

Location

Closer to downtown

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mawamba Lodge

Tortuguero

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dreams Lodge Monteverde

Santa Elena

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

See our written review

Karahé Beach Hotel

Manuel Antonio

Make sure to get a Beach Front room ( and not one next to the road). Our pickup time for San Jose got delayed. For one hour. The staff of the hotel helped to find out where the driver was. They arranged for a driver who took us a few miles and connected us to a van who drove us to San Jose. The driver of the van was an excellent driver!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Campos Arenal

La Fortuna

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hampton by Hilton San José Airport

Alajuela

Unfortunately: when we arrived we learned that the Hotel was booked for the following night ( the wrong night!). But the Hotel staff was helpful in arranging a room ( one of two rooms left to book for the night!). So it avoided a situation which could have been very disastrous for us since we had to leave at 4 am the following morning for the airport.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Guided Hike

Monteverde

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Hanging Bridges Hike

Monteverde

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

San Jose - Tortuguero

Costa Rica

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

See. Our review

Wildlife Boat Tour in Tortuguero

Tortuguero

See our review

Quality of Experience

El Silencio Hike & Visit to Ecotermales Hot Springs

Arenal/La Fortuna

See review: second hike was cancelled. Guide was little motivated. Ecotermales was very good: better at daytime to see the environment

Quality of Experience

Better guide and coordination which hikes were scheduled

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

Costa Rica

Wonderful place, but too many tourists and groups

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Celeste River and Tenorio National Park Hike

Arenal/La Fortuna

Rainy day, hike cut short: just to Laguna.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Best trip ever thanks to Catherina, Esteban, Mario and David. Our Guatemala trip was flawless, beautiful, and had so many once in a lifetime memories. Thanks to kimkim and Columbus Travel for your kindness, the care we felt every step of the trip, and for sharing your beautiful country with us. Mario, thanks for showing us the amazing Mayan culture right in Guatemala City. David, you are a philosopher and we appreciated all we learned from you about the Mayan and Guatemala. Esteban, thanks for taking us to Lake Atitlan and spending part of Semana Santa with us away from your family. We will never forget the Mayan Good Friday processions we saw on the way to Antigua.. and of course sharing your hometown with us! Much appreciation. We wish we could stay another week. Guatemala is one of the most beautiful places we have traveled, the history, nature and people are special.

Hotel Review

El Convento Boutique Hotel

Antigua Guatemala

Beautiful hotel!

Authenticity & Character

Gorgeous room, location and character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Yaxhá Sunset

Guatemala

David is so knowledgeable and was an amazing guide to the Mayan sites. We appreciated his humor, his deep thoughts, and his willingness to share his knowledge with us. Great guide to to an out of this world place.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kaminal Juyu Pre-Columbian Archaeological Site

Guatemala City

Mario and Esteban took us from the airport to see the Serpent Mound and then the Kaminaljuya a pre classic Mayan site right in Guatemala City. Mario was so knowledgeable about the site and city.. we got to see a Mayan ritual while there. We then went to the site museum. So many amazing artifacts! Was a great first introduction to Guatemala. Mario and Esteban were so kind and welcoming!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Top notch kind and friendly.. both Mario and Esteban.

Transport

Villages Around Lake Atitlán by Boat

Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is stunning ringed with mountains, birds and gorgeous green forests and flowers. Esteban took us across the Lake in a wave cutter boat.. and to San Pedro. We got to go see a colonial church and the floats ready for Good Friday. Also the market while the city was built into the cliff surrounding the Lake. Stunning! We then too a tuk tuk to San Juan.. and to a few women’s cooperatives.. one for hand dyed clothes. They use natural dyes and the women on the coop are supported through their craft. Beautiful textiles! Then to a medical coop.. where we learned about Mayan medicinal practices. And finally to a chocolate factory.. and an amazing art gallery. Was such a beautiful place with amazing people. What an amazing memory. Appreciate Esteban.. who knows everyone in these cities 😊 taking us to meet these incredible people.

Quality of Experience

Esteban!!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Esteban made each moment special!

Transport

Boat ride was an adventure

Travelling as a solo 63 year old woman was at first daunting, but with having Marina (or Maria on weekends) at my finger tips for advice/recommendations or help, made the trip a wonderful experience. Prior to departure, the itinerary was suggested and worked through with myself and Carmen, and from there I felt I had a solid plan for my trip to Spain. The hotels were all good, with helpful staff and well located. I had the autonomy to navigate my way to train stations, meeting spots, and hotels, which provided me the right amount of free time and organised time.

I didn’t keep a record of all the guides names, but highly recommend the chocolate walking tour and tapas tour in Barcelona and flamenco dancing in Seville.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Alcázar

Seville

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Andante Hotel

Barcelona

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Palacio de Santa Inés

Granada

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba Hotel

Córdoba

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid

Madrid

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Visit: Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

Granada

Very experienced and knowledgeable tour guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tapas Walk in Barcelona

Barcelona

This was really fun!! Great choice of restaurants and lovely wines.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Barcelona Chocolate Experience

Barcelona

This was fun. Our guide, whose name I’ve forgotten was great. I had this guide for the tapas and chocolate walking tours!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

Our guide Adrian was very professional and super organised. Great tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exclusive Seville Walking Tour

Seville

Loved Seville and loved this walking tour with Alejandra of White Umbrella Tours.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tapas & Flamenco Experience

Seville

This was a stand out. Only mend the guide, but we had a ball and the flamenco dancing was memorable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Guided Visit of Córdoba

Córdoba

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ninh Binh was the highlight and Ha Long bay was also amazing except for all of the trash floating in the waters. Hanoi and Saigon were both amazing cities that were very different from one another. All together it was a well rounded trip that gave you a taste of many different aspects of Vietnam.

Hotel Reviews

Bespoke Trendy Hotel Hanoi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ginger Cruise (from Heritage Line)

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Silverland Ben Thanh Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tam Coc Retreat

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Cycling to Mua Cave

Ninh Binh

Fantastic!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hanoi Half Day City Tour & Water Puppet Show

Hanoi

The guide was not very informative. Just kept repeating the same few sentences.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hoa Lu And Tam Coc Exploration

Vietnam

Our favorite part of the trip! Our guide was wonderful. The scenery was stunning. We loved it!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ba Vi Eco Tour - Visit the Countryside of Hanoi

Hanoi

Loved the cooking class.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Franck was able to plan the perfect vacation for us. We took the quiz and everything he recommended was spot on! We had plenty of down time to choose our own adventures along the way. When our flight to the South Island was delayed, Monika messaged us and gave us options. Everyone was so helpful and we made memories that will last a lifetime!!! I will definitely book through KimKim again!!!

Very satisfied with services from driver, airport pickup/drop off, tour guides in Cairo and Nile Cruise.

Fabio did such a fantastic job for us. The hotels, drivers and tour guides were first class, and the itinerary was excellent; we were busy, but not overwhelmed. Although we were in a country that has a reputation for tardiness, everyone was right on time and they all cared. Plus, during our trip Fabio was more than available to answer any questions or address any issues. Him, the hotels, tour guides and drivers went above and beyond. It was our first time using a travel agent and Kimkim set the bar high. Thank you!

We had a wonderful time on our Italy trip. Both Chris and Maria went above and beyond to make sure that all of the details of the trip were perfect. We really loved the authentic nature of our hotels, and our guides throughout the various activities could not be beat. We also appreciated the recommendations for restaurants and other activities. We would definitely recommend Chris and Marina for anyone’s upcoming Italian holiday.

Sharon did a fantastic job and helped us create an incredible trip plan. Hicham is not only a great guide, he is a kind, gentle and patient person who we enjoyed being with very much. He is also a careful and skilled driver.
We are a family of four with two kids, ages 12 & 14. We took the ferry from Spain to Tangier and then travelled to Chefchaouen for a night. We then spent two nights in Fes before traveling to the desert. After that we went to Boumalne Dades and then to Marrakech.
Along the way we were able to stop at many souks, historic sites, and other points of interest.
Although the distances are long, even by Canadian standards, it was so full of beauty and diverse landscapes, along with the stops, that it never felt like too much.
Thank you for everything! We all had a fabulous time.

Hotel Reviews

Riad Hicham

Chefchaouen

This is a nice spot with beautiful people and delicious food. It's a perfect location. The beds were very comfortable and we slept well.

Authenticity & Character

This is a traditional riad. I'm not sure they come more authentic. It was very special.

Location

You can't get a better location. In the middle of the medina but quiet at night.

Staff

Everyone is so kind and warm. We felt very welcome.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The beds were very comfortable. The room was adequately spacious. The only issue was that the drain in one of the bathrooms had an odour.

Riad Salam Fes

Fes

This is an absolutely stunning Riad. I can't say enough about its beauty and opulence. It was a big treat.

Authenticity & Character

This is a historic building with so much character and beauty.

Location

This Riad is very close to the Medina. There is so much to look at in the Riad that I could have spent the evening there, but it was easy to go out for dinner.

Staff

All the staff were brilliant.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was squeaky clean. Amazing job.

Merzouga Dunes Luxury Camp

Merzouga

This was a great experience. It's incredible that they can do so much in the desert. The staff, food, tents and overall experience completely exceeded our expectations.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Sahara desert!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were very comfortable. Thank you for everything.

Maison d'Hôtes La Vallée des Figues

Boumalne

Such lovely people who welcomed us into their beautiful home. It was a very nice stay. The beds are comfortable and the food is delicious. Thank you for having us.

Authenticity & Character

This is a family home. They made us feel like their personal guests.

Location

This is a beautiful valley. So green and gorgeous.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Diamond of Marrakech

Marrakech

This is a beautiful Riad in a great location. Everything is right outside the door but it was very quiet at night.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was perfect except for the odor from the shower drain. We had to cover it with the trash bin and leave the fan on, which is fortunately quiet.

Activity Reviews

{{start_location}} to {{end_location}} via Volubilis and Meknes

Morocco

This was a nice drive. So much to see along the way. It went by quickly, even for the kids.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Hicham is very knowledgeable and open to sharing so much history and culture.

Transport

Great van. Very comfortable.

Guided Tour of Fes

Fes

We packed so much into this day. It was one of my favourites. All the experiences were rich with information. Hicham and the other local guides we worked with for tours of the tannery, etc were such a pleasure to spend time with.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fes to Merzouga via Ifraine and Azrou - Camel Trek to Desert Camp

Morocco

This was so fun! Everything was perfect. The hosts, the tent, drivers, camel guides, food, entertainment and even the brief sandstorm were impressive. We had a great time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We were very impressed with the ease of working with Steve and his quick response to our needs as he put together a 3 week trip through Cambodia. Our guide in Siem Reap Sokin was great. She was knowledgeable, energetic and flexible to our needs. The temples of Angkor of course are amazing!
The next section of our trip took us to Koh Ker which was beyond words. We progressed east to Stung Treng and the Mekong River activities to the most memorable morning. We had breakfast floating down the river on a bamboo raft. Definitely a surprise and delight event!!!
The next stop was treking to see gibbons and walking with an elephant in the jungle, also fantastic although a very hot hikes. Our guide from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh was Mr Tea who was willing to adapt to our changing needs due to the heat. Our final leg was from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Van Sreylen was our guide for this final portion. She was fun, informative and flexible with the itinerary as we toured Phnom Penh and Battambang. A final highlight was the bamboo train!
Our lodging varied from beautiful Farmhouse Resort to a minimalistic Bambu hotel. We loved the Aviary Hotel in Siem Reap with its location, facilities and wonderful staff.
And a final word about our driver Mr. Ya who went above and beyond to make our trip as safe and comfortable as possible and always did it with a great big smile. We can't say enough good things about him! He's a gem!

Hotel Reviews

The Aviary Hotel

Siem Reap

Great facilities and a wonderful, attentive staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Soriyabori Resort

Koh Trong

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nature Lodge

Sen Monorom

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Phnom Penh Katari Hotel

Phnom Penh

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Farmhouse Resort & Spa

Sameakki Mean Chey

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bambu Hotel

Battambang

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were hard and had loud music next door in the evening

Koh Ker Temples Garden Hotel

Srayang

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mekong Bird Resort

Stung Treng

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

The Artisans of Satcha

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Traditional dance performance and dinner

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Angkor Balloon (morning)

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day temple exploration by remork (with lunch) (Angkor Wat a.m/Angkor Thom p.m)

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Siem Reap to Srayang via Beng Mealea & Koh Ker

Cambodia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayaking late afternoon on the Mekong

Stung Treng

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Koh Trong to Sen Monorom with dolphin spotting and local lunch

Cambodia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset at the Sea Forest

Sen Monorom

Quality of Experience

Transport

A full day at Elephant Valley Project (ELIE)

Sen Monorom

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ta Phrom, Banteay Samre, Noodle Village, Banteay Srei,

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Grand Circuit morning tour

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phare, the Cambodian Circus (Seat B - open seating in the rear half of the middle seating area)

Siem Reap

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sandbank breakfast

Stung Treng

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day visit to Jahoo with zoologist

Sen Monorom

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Royal Palace

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dinner at Farmhouse Resort

Kampong Chhnang

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hill temple visit

Kampong Chhnang

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bamboo train ride

Battambang

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half day countryside local industries cycling

Battambang

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dinner at Jaan Bai

Battambang

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Champey Academy of Arts

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Short cyclo tour to Wat Phnom

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Central Market

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Phnom Penh to Farmhouse Resort via Udong

Cambodia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset cruise, Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour of Farmhouse Resort & Spa

Kampong Chhnang

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a wonderful trip to Portugal!

Our guide Rita, in Lisbon, was one of the best guides I've ever had. She was so knowledgeable and warm, and made it somewhat easy to follow the history of the country.

Coimbra was a nice stop, as was Aveiro, with it's lovely canals .

Porto was my favorites city, so much going on and so lively. I hope you return!

Activity Reviews

FD Tour of Sintra

Portugal

Highly recommend this day trip - amazing houses and castles, and a lovely little town

FD Tour to Batalha, Nazaré & Óbidos

Portugal

Batalha Monastery was amazing, probably my favorite monastery we visited Nazare was warm and lovely, a fun little beach town And Obidos was really interesting. It was very crowded on the day we went, so avoid the Chocolate festival!

Fei has planned a great trip for us, Jennifer was cool like a good friend, Ho was very professional. He also has good photography skills. We had a great time there. We experienced all the major attractions . It was exciting participating the tea ceremony, To watch the sumo wrestling live was an all together different experience .Onsens in Hakone were great.Great trip and made wonderful memories

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Tokyo

Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU

Hakone

Laforet Ito Onsen Yunoniwa

atami

MIMARU SUITES KYOTO SHIJO

Tokyo

MIMARU OSAKA SHINSAIBASHI EAST

Osaka

Activity Reviews

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi Tour with Whisky Tasting

Tokyo

Meet Blossoming Pink Cherries in Atami: Acao Forest and Itogawa Promenade

Atami

Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji Temple Tour

Kyoto

Gion Geisha Show and Walking Tour

Kyoto

Half Day Samurai Ninja Museum and Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya

Kyoto

Half Day Osaka City Tour

Osaka

Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Tokyo

Transport

Full Day Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji Tour

Tokyo

Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Fushimi Inari-Taisha

Kyoto

Full Day Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine Tour

Osaka

Erini and all of the KimKim team who helped us were excellent! We had a wonderful trip and didn’t have to worry about the details because the trip was so well organized. All guides were personable and seemed to really enjoy sharing their country with us. The Axus app provided all of the information we needed to easily get around. We will definitely utilize KimKim again. Thank you!

Activity Review

Pizza School at Agriturismo

Italy

Quality of Experience

Food

The entire experience was great!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Another amazing trip from Kimkim.Perfectly organised with attention to minute details and great guides.Jennifer has become a part of our team ,a friend who was cheerful ,bubbly and very helpful.Our 2nd guide Ho was a thorough gentleman and went out of his way to show us places and experiences and took a lot of beautiful pictures of us.Fei our coordinator did a great job curating the perfect itinerary showing us the quintessential Japanese experiences in our short trip.Thanks once again Kimkim and looking forward for trip to SouthAfrica.

Joao provided so much support before and during our entire trip. Any time we had a question, he was so responsive. I would recommend Joao to anyone who wants to visit Portugal!!

Hotel Reviews

The Noble House

Evora

This hotel is so unique. Beautiful with interesting architecture. Room was large with a unique floor plan. The staff was lovely and so helpful. Perfect location within the walls of Evora.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Lagos

We loved this hotel. Wonderful staff and delicious food. The rooms were large and beautifully decorated. Great central location for Lagos.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Dom Carlos Liberty

We liked this hotel. The room was small but clean and comfortable. The staff was great and helpful. The location is central but a bit of a walk to old town Lisbon.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Legendary Porto Hotel

Porto

This hotel is in a great location for Porto. Parking is a bit of hike from the hotel. The staff was great and the breakfasts were delicious. Rooms were just OK.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Sunset Cruise in the Tagus River

Lisbon

We loved our evening sail in Lisdon. Mary and Hele were so sweet and gave us lots of history of Lisdon. Really enjoyable way to see the sunset.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kelly arranged a wonderful trip for us. She was extremely helpful in making sure everything was perfect. She was very responsive to all requests. Our tour guides throughout our trip were great. They all had a very good knowledge of the history of the area we were seeing and spoke very good English. Thong on our northern Vietnam portion of the trip went above and beyond what we expected, and he always had a wonderful smile on his face. Tommy on the central Vietnam portion of our trip and Vuong on our southern Vietnam portion of our trip were also very good. Savy in Cambodia made sure we saw everything in a way that was comfortable for my older husband with some mobility problems and encouraged me to visit some to the areas impossible for my husband to manage while he remained him. He was always waiting for us when we came down from our hotel room no matter how early we were. The drivers were also very good throughout the trip. In central Vietnam our driver always had ice cold water waiting for us when we returned to the van and in Cambodia they had ice cold water and ice cold towels every time we returned to the van. The trip was everything we expected and more.

Alex was extremely responsive and came up with solutions to cancellations that occurred with our initial plan. Great job!

Hotel Reviews

NLH Monastiraki

Athens

Absolutely gorgeous and so conveniently located to all the historical sites.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cyano Suites

Naxos

I wish I could add another star. The room was beautiful and perfectly located. There was nothing like watching the sunset from our room over Apollo’s gate and be within a five minute walk from all the restaurants and shops. The hotel has been in the same family for generations and they are always there to meet your every need. The owner’s wife and grandmother still make every Greek breakfast dish by hand which were all phenomenal. A must stay!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kastro Suites Santorini

Santorini

So.. the location of the hotel was very good but there were some issues. You are on the cliff looking over the crater and coast and a short walk down the hill to the Fila city center but the hotel desperately needs a makeover. The rooms were stuck in the 1970s in terms of fixtures and bed accompaniments. The bedspread seemed dirty and thin, the old shower head kept falling, the bathroom door knob almost fell off, and the closet dresser was missing handles. There were other issues as well such as the hot water tank capacity. Our room had a small hot water tank under the bathroom sink that seemed to only be able to hold five minutes of hot water capacity. Our master bed which was really the size of a full sized bed was extremely hard because it had no cushion and padding. Again, great potential but there are nicer hotels in the immediate area that are more updated.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Acropolis & Athens Mythology Tour

Athens

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Athens City and Sea Bike Tour

Athens

This was by far my daughter’s favorite experience in Athens. A great time. The electric bikes absolutely make a difference on the hills!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Useful Information

Greece

Although this as a last minute tour it was very disorganized where the guide kept asking us what we were supposed to be doing… she was very knowledgeable and passionate but needed a better plan.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Naxos Food & Culture Tour

Naxos

Our guide was amazing and extremely knowledgeable about Naxos. Although we couldn’t do the olive press because they were not ready, the guide quickly flexed for a visit to the oldest pottery shop on Naxos where we got a first hand demonstration on how they made their products for centuries. Dry, very cool. Although it was characterized as a “food tour”, we only stopped at one restaurant. We did try multiple dishes and the food was amazing but it was more of a site and culture tour with a lunch in the middle than a “food tour”.

Quality of Experience

Food

The restaurant was amazing. Believe it or not, the best pizza I’ve ever had. Sorry Italy….

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Santorini Highlights with Wine

Greece

This tour was the highlight of our entire Greek vacation. The guide was so knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate and he took the extra time to make sure we truly understood all aspects of the Greek history, culture, and even wine making. He took time out of his off time to help construct a self- tour for us the day after the tour and even offered to come along and help us no charge if he wasn’t busy. Amazing service.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Car Rental Pick-up and Drop-off

Greece

This was shady.. a couple of dudes picked me up in a car on the side of the street and were smoking heavily and arguing with eachother. When I dropped the car off in the giant parking lot where they instructed me to go they refused to come to the location and meet me and merely told me to “leave the keys in the car”…. This made me extremely uncomfortable as this made me financially vulnerable. Needless to say I took a ton of pics….

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our guides were wonderful. Charming, informative and flexible. The whole team created an unforgettable experience.

We have spent 3 weeks in total in Costa Rica together with my wife - travelling and exploring and thanks to Olman we have made itinerary in accordance with our wishes and we have enjoyed a lot.
We have been recommended to visit several different places across the country (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Arenal/La Fortuna, Rincón de la Vieja, Sámara, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio) together with some activities at each location and everything went very well.
No issues at all with car rental, accommodation, pick-ups etc., everything was perfectly organized - and Olman or Graciela were always available for any help or fine-tuning.
Thanks for making great holidays for us.

Activity Reviews

Enjoy the Beauty of Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero

We love wildlife and Tortuguero is full of animals. Our guide was also great and could spot animals which we would hardly spot by ourselves.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

El Silencio Volcano Hike

Arenal/La Fortuna

We have enjoyed the hike, unfortunately weather was not really on our side, so we could not see the Volcano peak for our entire stay in La Fortuna. Nevertheless we have enjoyed it a lot.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Peñas Blancas River Floating Safari Adventure by Raft

Arenal/La Fortuna

It was interesting experience, but due to rainy weather we didn't enjoy it as much as we could in case of good weather - but as our guide said - this is a rain forest and rain is good for nature :-) Because of weather, I also think we have not seen so many animals as we could see under different weather conditions. At the end of the tour there is half an hour session about the chocolate production with chocolate tasting. Since we have been visiting chocolate plantation already with really dedicated guided tour including tasting, this half an hour could not compete with proper chocolate tour, which we highly recommend.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

San Jose - Tortuguero

Costa Rica

It was a transportation from point A to point B with the lunch on the way, but due to very good guides (Lars in bus and Freddy on the boat) we have learned a lot about the country and nature and they have made the trip very interesting. Without them this would be a bit boring.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Night Excursion at the Wildlife Refuge in Monteverde

Monteverde

We like Monteverde a lot - it was not so hot in comparison with other locations, however mist and rain can occur at any time. Night Tour was a little bit overcrowded, but we had a great young guide who was able to keep distance from other groups by selecting different trails and was able to make this tour very pleasant. He could spot animals we would not be able to spot at all and he was also making pictures for us using his telescope - so overall great experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Hike

Costa Rica

We were surprised by heavy crowds in the park - especially at the entrance. It took us at least 30 minutes to get through the gates and if we would not have a guide with us who knew what to do, we would spent there 1 hour easily. One of the reasons is that park rangers are checking backpacks and confiscating prohibited items (food, single used bottles, knifes, plastic, etc.). Park itself is great and despite of the people crowds, we could spot a lot of animals, which was the main purpose of our visit. Our guide was making pictures and videos through his telescope and he was sharing these pictures with the rest of the group. He was also able to spot animals which we wouldn't have chance to see - so I very recommend to have local guide there. There is one official place (in the big cage) where you can buy some meal and drinks, but everything has to be consumed inside of the cage. Unfortunately they are not very organized there and there is long queue to the cashier. Fortunately there are several spots in the park with drinkable water from the tap. There is also nice beach in the park, so it's possible to bring swimming suit and spend some time there.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Kimkim as a platform first of all was a revelation as you can plan your trips all over with selected local specialists all over the world specifically planned for you and your friends and feeling extra safe! Especially if you don't like group vacations but you want to visit a country that you don't have local contacts.
Having selected to start and end our trip in Marrakesh in between we planed a tour including Boumalne Dades via Ouarzazate with a guided walk at the mountains, Merzouga desert including a camel trek to the camp, Fes, Chefchaouen the amazing blue city and Rabat.
The whole tour was made by a private van and our driver Said was discrete, professional, always on time and very helpful with anything we needed. Both guides suggested to us for a small introduction to Fes and Rabat were very helpful and informative.
Nawfal proposed to us several option before we chose the one that suited us and everything rolled smoothly so no further help was needed during the trip! We also had all the tips and informations needed for all the locations.
Both highly recommended! Nawfal and Orion Trek Voyages and the platform!
Will definitely recommend it and use it again.

Hotel Review

Hôtel New Mars Dades

Boumalne Dades

So helpful and kind staff! Excellent food made with extra care!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Marrakech to Boumalne Dades via Ouarzazate

Morocco

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Sunset Camel Ride via Tinerhir & Rissani

Morocco

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Merzouga to Fes via Rissani, Midelt, & the Atlas Mountains

Morocco

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour in Fes

Fes

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Rabat to Marrakech

Morocco

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Camel trek to your camp

Merzouga

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Guided Tour in Rabat

Morocco

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport