Kimkim Trip Reviews

We booked the trip to Japan in April 2025 during cherry blossom season with Kimkim. Olivia did a great job helping us with the planing before and during the trip. She responses promptly whenever we had questions or issues to resolve.

Hotels in Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto were nice and centrally located. Hotel in Osaka were below our expectation. I wish we could stay longer in the Hakone ryokan hotel as it was raining from the time we arrived in the afternoon until the next morning (not even one day) so we did not have time to view and enjoy the beautiful surrounding as well as to spend more time in the onsen.

It was a bit short of time to check in the hotel in Kyoto and then go for the tea ceremony right after that. Thanks Olivia quickly provided us with the driver so we could get there in time for the event. Much appreciated!

The guides were kind and friendly, however, I wish they could tell us more stories during the travelling to and at the historic sites like other guides we were with in the past. We had some minor communication issues with the drivers as well at the airport and in Kyoto. We heard that it is more difficult for Japanese to learn English than people from other nations.

Overall we had a great time . Thanks Kimkim and Olivia for helping us with our memorable family trip to Japan!

Activity Review

Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku

Tokyo

Excellent food tour, enjoyed the food and the city tour!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

All of the sites, hotels and tours that we did were great. Our driver was very skillful dealing with the Bali traffic. We would not recommend driving a car or motor bike in Bali especially in the more urban areas. Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive. We could tell that he knows English well but his thick accent made it difficult for us to always follow his conversation. Overall a great well planed trip and a good value.

Activity Reviews

Visit Komodo Island

Indonesia

The visit to Komodo Island was a bit disappointing because I expected to see the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, but instead, it felt staged. It was part of an all-day trip, and while seeing the dragons was exciting, I wish it had been more authentic and in-depth.

Snorkeling in Kanawa Island

Indonesia

The snorkeling at Manta Point was not as impressive as I had hoped. The location just didn't live up to my expectations for a great snorkeling spot, but the surrounding islands were beautiful and cruising around them was quite enjoyable.

Sunrise Hiking at Mt. Batur

Indonesia

The sunrise hike up Mt. Batur was definitely a highlight of our trip. The climb was challenging, but the view from the top was worth every step.

Our trip to Morocco was terrific...we loved the diversity of venues, cities, and activities. Our driver/guide, Reda, was highly professional, informed, courteous, and caring. He went out of his way to ensure the highest quality trip possible.

Specific highlights include:

The quality of hotels was excellent and provided a genuine sense of the Moroccan culture.

Reda was incredibly sensitive to our comfort and drove with care and attention to our needs.

Local tour guides were competent and informative.

Overall, we found the people of Morocco to be culturally sensitive, historically informed, and curious about our own experiences.

Our vegan diet was accommodated quite well, and we were pleasantly surprised by the vegan options available throughout the country.

Hotel Reviews

Barceló Casablanca

Casablanca

This hotel was adequate. It was perfectly located for our needs given nearby access to two vegan restaurants and on hte walking route we had designed. The furniture is dated and in need of repair but it was fine. We did have a problem with no reservation on record for our first night but it all worked out.

Authenticity & Character

Unlike other hotels we stayed in, this seemed more corporate.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

It seems that comfortable furniture is at a premium in Morocco.

Dar Jasmine

Chefchaouen

I would recommend that Original Travel be clearer up front about the 150-step hike to the hotel. Reda did ask, but only when we were en route to the property. I understand that alternate arrangements would have been made if needed (fortunately, it wasn't) but that's something clients might want to consider well in advance of the drive. Once there, though, the property was lovely and the meals there exceptional. We did request a room change since the one assigned to us was essentially windowless.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Braya

FesfE

We loved all the riads since they offered authentic Moroccan tourist experiences.

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

A perfect two nights in the desert! The size (just 8 tents) was great...the food was wonderful...and the service was exceptional.

Ksar El Kabbaba

Skoura

The perfect resort experience at the perfect time in the trip.

Location

Skoura was a quiet hamlet but quite peaceful

Staff

Very attentive to our vegan needs. Exceptional dinners and breakfasts!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Again....lack of comfortable seating in our room seems to be a norm in Moroccan hotels. The two chairs on the patio were unusable. But there was great seating around the pool.

Palais Sebban

Marrakech

We stayed at Elegancia... it was lovely as were the staff. The vegan breakfast prepared by their chef exceeded all others and they actually found almond and soy milks for us!

Riad Mimouna

Essaouira

Same comment about the uncomfortable seating in the room....otherwise great view of the ocean. At breakfast, they prepared dishes that we requested.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Chefchaoeun to Fez via Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes

Morocco

We never stopped at Moulay Idriss. Not sure we missed anything. The quick visit to Meknes was interesting,

Transfer from Fes to Merzouga via Erfoud & Camel Ride

Morocco

No camels for us... isn't the 'vegan' thing to do. The dates we bought in Erfoud are delicious!

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

It was fantastic to have a female guide to get her perspective as a women in Morocco.

Architectural Elegance: A Journey through the Hassan II Mosque

Morocco

As expected...

Quick Tour of Casablanca with your Driver-guide

Morocco

Saw all the key sights....walked for a full afternoon as well. Half a day is adequate for Casablanca

Casablanca to Chefchaouen via Rabat

Morocco

Would loved to have spent more time in Rabat. Chefchaouen looks better from afar than within.

Guided Tour of Fez Medina

Fes

Good guide who seemed to know everyone and was very informed historically.

Desert Adventures around Merzouga

Merzouga

Our local guide never showed up and the last minute replacement wasn't very well prepared. But, it turned out ok... We enjoyed our dune buggy ride

Guided Tour of Essaouira

Essaouira

The least useful of the guides...mostly silent on our walk. He answered all questions but otherwise had little to say.

Guided Tour of Skoura Oasis and Lunch with a Local Family

Morocco

It wasn't really a lunch with a local family as billed. Our lunch was at a kasbah owned by a family but catering to tourists. The meal turned out fine after a mistaken beginning. We really loved the guided walk through the oasis.

Guided Tour of Majorelle Garden

Marrakesh

Not guided...self-guided

Antonia is outstanding!
The most organized tour with excellent attention to detail and careful thought to activities and local tours. Every hotel, driver and tour guide went above and beyond. Antonia gave us incredible insight into the overall culture while her local tour guides - Jake in Plitvike, Ivana in Split, Grgr in Hvar and Ivan in Dubrovnik - provided fascinating insights in history, local culture and challenges of present and future. The included meals were outstanding, giving us flavors of the regions, from veal and fish in Zagreb to Vila Velebita in Korenica to a seaside restaurant in Ston. As a nature lover, the tour of Plitvike and expedition to Hvar were my highlights. Our guide in Hvar went above and beyond in coordinating a lunch with fresh caught fish stew and then wine and homemade cookies and citrus wines at his family's home. The generosity of spirit was felt in each interaction.
I would highly recommend Alivia Travel run by Antonia. The most accommodating, friendly, kind tour guide I could have ever wished for. Thank you for the memories and all the experinces I am still processsing.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Dubrovnik

Zagreb

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Time Boutique Hotel

Split

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel

Dubrovnik

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Walking Tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Croatia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour of Split

Croatia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hvar Day Trip from Split

Croatia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hector's advice and assistance planning the trip was spot on. The itinerary and excursions were excellent. The accommodations were very good and a couple exceeded expectations. I would definitely look to Kimkim and specifically Hector to plan future trips.

Hotel Reviews

Parador de Aiguablava

Begur

Loved this hotels location, room quality, beautiful view from the room and elswhere, lovely gardens, excellent restaurant

Authenticity & Character

Beautiful modern architecture and finishing.

Location

Ocean view

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was very clean.

ICON BCN by Petit Palace

Barcelona

The ICON BCN is a very nice boutique hotel The

Authenticity & Character

It has the unique characteristics of an older building with modern updates and decor. Nicely done.

Location

Very central. Walking distance to the historic districts in central Barcelona.

Staff

The staff was excellent. Very attentive and helpful. I arrived early after an overnight flight and they did there best to check me in early so I could get some rest before my evening excursion.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was very clean.

Palafox

Zaragoza

A comfortable hotel in a good location. A little dated in its decor. Breakfast was excellent - similar to all the hotels we stayed at this trip.

Authenticity & Character

A basic downtown hotel. No view.

Location

The hotel has a convenient and central location. Walking distance to the historic districts.

Staff

Efficient and helpful - met expectations

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cleanliness was good but there were a few stains/watermarks on the bathroom tile floor indicating the floors may not have been washed in a while.

Els Jardins De La Martana

Besalú

The Hotel is right next to the historic Medieval town which we explored. This is the reason for visiting this place. The rooms are comfortable but since it is an old historic building I sense there are restrictions to how they can renovate. Having said that the bathrooms and HVAC are modern upgrades.

Authenticity & Character

The building is over 100 years old and the renos reflect the historic nature of the building. The bathrooms and HVAC in the rooms are modern.

Location

The Hotel is right next to the historic Medieval town which we explored. This is the reason for visiting this place.

Staff

The hostess was very nice and accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

We requested two beds. They accommodated us with a sofa bed. The room was clean.

Activity Reviews

Tapas Walk in Barcelona

Barcelona

I would suggest this for anyone new to Spain/Barcelona. This was a small group and we were able to get to know each other as we walked between tapas bars. A very pleasant experience.

Quality of Experience

The Guide was excellent and knowledgeable. The group was very congenial. The guided walk was fun.

Food

Wine was great. The Tapas was good to great.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Guide was excellent and knowledgeable.

Wine Tasting and Tapas in the Ancient Town of Zaragoza

Zaragoza

This was an individual tour so we got to know and converse with our guide Marta who was great.I think a food and wine tour is a great way to get introduce to a new city.

Quality of Experience

Food

You get to choose the. They were quite good.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Marta was friendly and knowledgeable.

Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

Sagrada Familia is an amazing must see experience. It was busy so the excursion allowed the small group to skip the line. Our guide was excellent and the walking tour is a great introduction to the historic areas of Barcelona.

Quality of Experience

The Sagrada Familia may be the most amazing building I have seen.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide/driver was just right. Knowledgeable, friendly, not overbearing or intrusive

Transport

It was exactly on time

Our trip was fantastic and could not have been more perfect! Our guides, accommodations, and excursions were all wonderful! This was our second trip with kimkim and we are already looking forward to our next trip! Thank you so much!!

Hotel Reviews

Torel Palace

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Oh

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Costa D’Oiro Ambiance Village

8600-544

Authenticity & Character

Z

Location

lol

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

4WD Day Trip to Sintra & Cabo da Roca

Lisbon

Wonderful trip! Both guides were wonderful!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening Food Walk

Lagos (Algarve)

This was a wonderful experience!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pastel de Nata Pastry Class

Lisbon

This was wonderful! Diogo was excellent!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ponta da Piedade by Boat Excursion

Lagos (Algarve)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

All the private guides were amazing. We really liked our time with them, usually they would pick a restaurant for lunch that included a local dish, which was very enjoyable.

Hotel Review

Hotel Fukinomori

We booked a private onsen under the stars... The authentic dinner experience was marvelous.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

A Fun-Filled Cooking Class in Tokyo - Wagyu Beef and More

Tokyo

Excellent food and instruction

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour (Join-in)

Kyoto

We were unable to go on the boat ride, which took away a lot from the tour. Too many shrines and gardens

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

One Day Miyajima Island and Hiroshima Tour

Japan

Really liked this island tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half Day Rural Bike Tour

Takayama

Beautiful location to bike. Guide was very enjoyable to work with.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Overall, the trip was good. We found Mieke very responsive during the planning stage and when on the trip there was 1 hotel issue on a Sunday Kim Kim's 24 hour hotline worked well. I think the error was more on the hotel's side and was resolved reasonable quickly. We found Amsterdam extremely crowded due to its overall destination desirability, Tulip season and travel right before Easter. In hindsight would have spent 1 less day in Amsterdam and another in Belgium.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel des Arts

Amsterdam-Centrum

Overall good. Location is nice being on a canal, however that comes with a lot more noise. Staff at the hotel were very accommodating, breakfast was good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel FranQ

Antwerp

Had an issue checking in which I believe was the hotel's system issue as reservations were booked around 9 months prior. Along with responsive communication with Kim Kim's team we were able to resolve the issue without wasting too much time. Nice location, lovely hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Pand Hotel

Bruges

Excellent location, friendly staff, nice breakfast,

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel des Galeries

Brussels

Only stayed for 1 night but was very nice. Excellent location but very poor signage meant it was difficult to find the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right next to the Galeries, hence the name and just a couple blocks from the main square.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Ghent - Gravensteen - Castle of the Counts

The Netherlands

Bruges - Hans Memling Collection at Sint-Janshospitaal

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Public Transport Pass Amsterdam

The Netherlands

Very convenient, worked as expected.

Quality of Experience

Transport

Amsterdam - Canal cruise (join in)

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

About a 25 minute walk from the hotel.

Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum

The Netherlands

Ghent - Adoration of the Mystic Lamb

The Netherlands

This was perhaps the best experience of our trip. We had the high tech experience which was simply mind blowing, it was like having a personal art expert with you.

Quality of Experience

Amsterdam - Day trip to Haarlem

Amsterdam

Enjoyed the city much less crowded than Amsterdam. The flower garden was massively crowded, made Disneyland feel empty by comparison. Go early!

Quality of Experience

Transport

Better signage for the bike route.

Bruges - Halve Maan brewery visit

The Netherlands

Excellent quality beer.

Quality of Experience

Haarlem - self-guided cycling route to Keukenhof & through tulip fields

The Netherlands

Signage was poor.

Quality of Experience

Transport

Better signage.

Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Transport

Close to the tram line.

Amsterdam - Walking Dinner private guided tour

The Netherlands

Excellent experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was great we enjoyed this experience a lot.

Amsterdam - Daytrip to Marken, Volendam, Edam and Zaanse Schans

Amsterdam

Enjoyed the drive and ferry crossing. Zaanse Schans was extremely crowded and felt like a tourist trap. Did enjoy the museum however.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bruges - Private guided walking tour

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was overly focused on architecture, did not show us some of the churches.

Antwerp - Chocolate Nation

The Netherlands

Pretty much as expected, nice chocolate samples. Good experience.

Quality of Experience

Antwerp - Private guided walking tour

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was 15 minutes late.

Brussels card 48h

The Netherlands

Did not fully utilize. Actually converting the voucher to a card was somewhat difficult.

Quality of Experience

Brussels - Private guided walking tour: food

Belgium

Expected to hit more places for beer.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide Hamza, totally made this trip for us. He was interesting, thoughtful, steered us clear of any uncomfortable situations. Made good recommendations and always looked out for us. He is an excellent driver, careful and skilled. He shared much information about the country, its history and its culture. His English was great. He is warm , intelligent, and honest.

Mariana (McDermott's Travel) was amazing!

I am a self-planner for trips and this is the first time in decades I use a travel agency to plan a trip. Even further, this was a trip to my native country! My requirements were unique as I was combining a family visit with some tourism. Mariana suggested great ideas for local travel and she worked with me through multiple versions of a trip to Cataratas de Iguazu. The hotel she recommended was amazing and one of the best hotels I haved stayed at; all flights and transfers were flawless, and the private guide and adventure excursions were second to none.

The travel agency support was also spotless with immediate responses as needed.

I also would like to highlight the fact that when we had to make a last minute change in our schedule, Mariana was not only very responsive but also very creative in her solution which allowed us to work around the issue by re-arranging the tours without any cost impacts. We are so happy that she was able to do this for us, allowing us to enjoy our trip fully!

I look forward to booking my next trip to Argentina with Mariana!

Muchas Gracias!!!!!

Andres and Family

Activity Reviews

Tour to Iguazu National Park Argentina

Puerto Iguazú

Cataratas are Amazing. Leandro was a great private guide. We really enjoyed the experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Safari in the jungle followed by a boat trip to the Devil's throat

Puerto Iguazú

This was quite a unique experience, which allowed us to experience Cataratas to the fullest!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Absolutely magical! Our Christmas trip to Italy with KimKim was truly the experience of a lifetime. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully planned by Caterina and perfectly executed by Martina and all the team.
Gianni was our guide in Naples. It was the perfect balance between iconic sights and hidden gems. His knowledge in Naples and Pompeii made it so much more interesting. Stefano was our guide in Mt Vesuvius. He went far and beyond with our son Lukas, making it the experience of a lifetime for him!.
We were received by Beatrice in Rome and did the Colosseum with Livitaly. Maura was our guide for all the historical monuments and made the day a very special one.
Beatrice escorted us to the train and Marta was waiting for us in Florence where Martina guided us through this wonderful city showing her knowledge and experience. How can we forget our day with Alessandro in Pisa! He made it more interesting since he is originally from there and knew all the stories!
Our last stop was Venice, where Beatrice met us and escorted us to the espectacular hotel! She also went with us to Murano and Burano for a magical day. We met Alessia for a wonderful tour around the city and spent New Years with fireworks overlooking the water! What a wonderful way to enjoy the season!
I want to mention our drivers, Carmine, Flavio, Giulio for being so nice and professional.

We spent 11 wonderful days with wonderful people. Every guide we met was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing their love for Italy. Special thanks to our drivers and guides-your enthusiasm, stories, and recommendations made each day unforgettable. The restaurants and gelato shop suggestions were spot on, and the private tours allowed us to skip the crowds and make the most of every moment.

What truly set this experience apart was the personal touch and flexibility. When we had a last-minute change or request, the team accommodated us with a smile, making us feel like family.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved-from the planners behind the scenes to our wonderful guides and drivers. You gave us a Christmas we’ll never forget and memories we’ll treasure forever. We can’t wait to return and explore more of beautiful Italy with you!

If you’re considering a trip, look no further, KimKim will make your Italian holiday dreams come true

Our trip to Spain was well planned and Coraima was very patient as we worked through many details. Our guides were outstanding and our hotels centrally located. The KimKim app was incredibly helpful and it made a huge difference for this trip. The only hitch we had was with the apartment rental in Granada. I would not recommend an apartment and unsure why we were booked into an apartment and not a hotel.
Thanks to Coraima and Lea for all their expertise and help.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Mandarin Oriental Ritz

Madrid

A historical and luxurious hotel, centrally located. Staff was outstanding!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Áurea Convento Capuchinos by Eurostars Hotel Company

Segovia

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

We requested a queen bed. They provided what they called a Double as two twin beds (made up as two separate beds) but then pushed together. I asked about to have a different guestroom but they said that was all they had left at our 4pm check in.

Hotel Abad Toledo

Toledo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kimpton Vividora Hotel, an IHG Hotel

Barcelona

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Las Casas de la Judería

Seville

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Staff was not helpful and I noticed many other guests being frustrated with their requests. If you stay here don't expect the hotel to offer suggestions on where to eat.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel

Ronda

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

U-Sense Granada Catedral

Granada

We were put in an apartment with no information for check in or other logistics. Our driver could not drop us off close to the apartment. We had to walk a few blocks with our suitcases and once we found the door to the apartment, it was just that, a door. Through the KimKim app we quickly found the USense phone number to call, they walked us through and remotely helped us enter the apartment building. Our key was located in our unit! they also told us we would be charged an early check in fee. I thought that was odd, since KimKim knew we were arriving early and we had a tour at 2pm. The apartment was in a good location, but it wasn't necessary to have an apartment and unsure why an apartment was provided and not a hotel guestroom. The thermostat wouldn't work either.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Alhambra & Generalife Gardens with a Historian

Granada

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Flamenco & Tapas Experience

Granada

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Day Trip to Ávila & Segovia

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private City Walk & Royal Palace Experience

Madrid

The guide was great, but we were unsure if she knew what we booked. The tour ended much earlier than the KimKim itinerary stated. All we toured was the Palace.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Ronda & White Villages Day Trip

Seville

Carlos was fantastic! He was passionate, fun and a great guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Highlights of Toledo Walk

Toledo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Gaudí Experience with La Sagrada Família & Park Güell

Barcelona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private History & Culture Walk

Seville

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Gothic Quarter Walk

Barcelona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Visit to Seville’s Cathedral & Alcázar

Seville

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I recently returned from a trip organized by Caterina, and I cannot recommend the service highly enough!
From the very first inquiry through my constant changes until the moment I returned home, the whole team provided outstanding service and attention to detail.

The planning process was seamless. Caterina listened carefully to my preferences and crafted an itinerary that perfectly matched my interests and budget. Every aspect was thoughtfully arranged. I especially appreciated the personalized touches, like restaurant recommendations and insider tips for each destination.

During the trip, everything went off without a hitch. We were met in Milano by our driver Alessandro and by Roberta who was always super responsive. Our tour guide Barbara was awesome! Her knowledge of the city and her personality made our day with her a very enjoyable one! Our transfer to Torino with our driver Michele was smooth and fast, same as the one from Torino to MIlano with our driver Francesco.

Transfers were punctual, guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and each activity exceeded my expectations. Once again It is clear that KimKim has strong relationships with local partners, which made the whole experience feel authentic and special.

I will definitely be booking my next adventure with them and recommending their services to friends and family!

Thank you for another unforgettable trip!

Activity Reviews

Private tour of Milan Highlights with La Scala theatre

Milan

Barbara was great! Lots of history and fun facts about the city.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private tour of Milan - Cleary Family

Milan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Catherina, Esteban and their team did an almost superhuman job of organizing an incredible day trip from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Belize, to Guatemala's ancient Maya centers of Uaxactun and Tikal. Knowing that we were staying so far away and that we had only a day, they put together an itinerary that maximized the time we had on the ground by deploying planes, (almost trains), and automobiles...and a helicopter!!! Our chartered plane took us to the Belizean border, we were driven to customs, crossed over on foot, picked up by car and flown by helo to Tikal. Our plane pilot team--Trevor, Constantine, and Duane--were amazing. But best of all was our incredibly knowledgeable and personable guide, David Reyes. Able to speak to Maya history, archaeology, birding, ecotourism, and everything in between, it was a true pleasure to spend an afternoon with him at one of the most extraordinary places on earth. To stand on top of one of Tikal's pyramids and see temples piercing the jungle canopy, accompanied by forest sounds was something I'll never forget. Thank you!!!! It was a dream come true.

the recently completed a trip to South Africa including Capetown, Klaserie reserve in Kruger national Park, Victoria Falls and Chobe national Park.

right from the start Annamarie at Kim Kim was extremely attentive and knowledgeable. She even scheduled a Facetime call to make sure that she understood what we were wanting. Her recommendations were excellent and exactly what we were looking for. (in terms of accommodations). The only small part of the trip we regretted was Victoria Falls - it was a surprise to us that we had to pay $75US each for an entry VISA (we had been told $10) and the area was too touristy for us.

I would say the highlight was our safari in Kruger -we stayed at Ivory Wilderness Lodge and their accommodations and food were excellent. Most importantly our guide Wienand made the trip spectacular. He was extremely knowledgeable and put a lot of effort into making sure we got the most out of our Safari experience.

Hotel Reviews

Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge

Hoedspruit

top-notch lodge. Set in a very quiet area almost 2 hours from the airport. He will barely see another person. the accommodations are extremely comfortable and food was excellent. Most importantly their guide Wienand made the safari drives amazing - his knowledge and attention to detail were superb

Authenticity & Character

A very true African Lodge experience. We will definitely go there again when we are lucky enough to go on Safari in the future

Location

set far from any other lodges-you are in the middle of the bush

Staff

Great personal attention

Cleanliness & Comfort

rooms are just lovely

Tree House Boutique Hotel

Cape Town

Great location and very quiet. Easy walk to harbourfront and no issue getting an Uber to go out at night.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shongwe Lookout

Victoria Falls

We just didn't love Victoria Falls - too touristy

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives

South Africa

Absolutely amazing - we saw huge variety of wildlife

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wienand is amzing

Transport

Boat life on the Chobe River

Chobe River - Namibia Side

We didn't love the river safari as much as the driving one - saw less wildlife

Quality of Experience

lodge amazing - awesome lodge staff

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

guide was not great - pointed out animals but had very little knowledge about the wildlife

Transport

We had an issue with our transfers both ways - had to wait over an hour to get picked up in Botswana and then again 90 minutes when boat driver from lodge took us back (there was no airport shuttle to take us to airport)

Kayak with Penguins

South Africa

Didn't get to do this due to rain

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dinner at GOLD Restaurant

Cape Town

Touristy and loud but good food and enjoyed the dances

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

we arranged our own Uber

Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise

Victoria Falls

we didn't end up getting to do this-we had a very long wait at the airport and the timing was just tooo tight. Sadly this was nonrefundable

Dusty Road Township Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team

Victoria Falls

Dinner was fairly good and Sarah is trying to do a good thing. It just lacks entertainment I think. There was a short dance done by some local kids which was very sweet. Otherwise there was too much time to just eat dinner - everything went fairly slowly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our transport was arranged for 3 hours after drop off - this is really a 60-90 min experience. And we couldn't get ahold of Transport to pick us up early. Sarah was very kind and arranged for one of her workers to take us back early to our hotel

Our friend did all the planning throu Kim Kim so we're not certain what criteria he selected (standard /premium, etc....) but everything was very well done.....no hicups and the overall quality of each and every accomodation was excellent. A good mix of experiences as well. Overall we're impressed with the level of expertise and planning that Kim Kim provided and are considering using the services again.

Hotel Reviews

DFDS overnight cruise

Great cabin with ample space. Food was Ok, not exceptional. Access to the prvate lounge was nice but there were no views from the lounge....a little unfortunate. Overall a great experience.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Karl Johan Hotel

Oslo

Great staff and the quality of the facitiy was excellent. Location does not get any better.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clarion Hotel Admiral

Bergen

Great location and excellent food both breakfast and dinner. The rooms and hallways were a little tired / worn looking. Our room was quite small (no room for 2 bags) as oposed to our traveling partners who has sufficient room for the four of us to sit together.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Flåm Marina

Flåm

For one, you can't beat the location. Having the extra sitting area in the room was very well appreciated. Breakfast selection was OK but the dinner was excellent. Walking through the houskeeping service area to get to the room as a litle awkward. The staff was cordial ovreall but not as welcoming as other placed we visited in Norway.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Overnight Cruise

Bergen

Small cabin but had a nice view. Food was great. As was the common area seating. Felt like a commuter ship as things were being cleaned while we were boarding / sailing / disembarking.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Norsk Folkemuseum - The Open Air Museum (museum tickets included)

Oslo

Quality of Experience

Transport

Viking Day in Gudvangen

Gudvangen

Learned a lot of details about viking life and culture. Good hands on demostarations but all were not staffed at the time of our visit.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nærøyfjord Cruise by Electric Boat (one way)

Gudvangen

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Past & Present City Walk

Bergen

Eirik did an excellent job....being a lifetime resident with a great understanding of the history and culture.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fløibanen Funicular Experience (tickets included)

Bergen

Tons of hiking opportunities at the top. Food in the cafe is limited and not very satisfying, We did not try the restaraunt but it looked amazing, as did the bar.

Quality of Experience

Overall, a great trip, with guides who were personable and helpful. We experienced a few logistical hiccups that could be corrected for future travelers:
1. Wrong info for train from Kyoto to Nagoya. Told car 10 then had to move to car 15 when traveling.
2. Needed more info for first train trip to Hakone.
3. Kyoto - would have preferred a hotel in better location - closer walking distance to train station, restaurants and shops
4. Arrived at flower arranging late but loved it
5. Hakone hotel and experience was excellent. Loved the Onsen.
6. Sushi making activity was great fun - very enjoyable
7. Instructions on how to find Hakone hotel would have been helpful, for example “the hotel is walking distance from the station. Walk up the hill from the train station. Entrance is via a gated path and signage is in Japanese only”
8. Takayama - not enough time to visit the museum and do sake tasting without paying driver and guide overtime. Not sure why that happened?
9. Takayama - long drive for 1 hour monkey visit.
10. Loved the tea ceremony and sushi making class.
11. Hotel in Tokyo in great location.
12. The guides who were provided were all good, and Johnny, who accompanied the Tokyo leg of our trip, was outstanding.

Hotel Review

Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka

Hakone-machi

Great onsen and room accommodations.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tsukiji Outer Market Visit and Sushi Making Lesson

Tokyo

Our favorite experience in Tokyo! Teacher/chef was delightful! He was both expert and very funny, communicating in Japanese but making things clear by demonstrating the steps involved. We ended up laughing our way to a delicious sushi dinner!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kenrokuen Garden

Kanazawa

Definitely a worthwhile experience to walk through this beautiful park and gardens.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Tokyo Tour by Private Vehicle and Guide

Tokyo

Guide Johnny was great. Only note is make sure arrival to classes is timely.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nagamachi Samurai District

Kanazawa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Kyoto Tour by Private Vehicle and Guide: Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony & Show Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle

Kyoto

Well organized, interesting and beautiful experience with a geisha. Enjoyed the hands on tea ceremony and the Q&A session with the Geisha.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Japanese Kado (Ikebana) Experience

Tokyo

We were very interested in this activity and the hands on opportunity it offered. The instruction was excellent, and the individual feedback on our arrangements much appreciated.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Micaela's help was wonderful!!! We are so greatful for her guidance in our decision making and thoughts on each question we had.

Activity Reviews

Half-Day Buenos Aires City Tour

Buenos Aires

Our guide, Ramania (unsure of spelling) was amazing! Each place she took us helped give us a better understanding of the depths of BA history. Such a beautiful city.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Oscar was the best chauffeur ever!!!

Half Day Milonga with private tango lesson in studio

Buenos Aires

So fun! Hubby was hesitant, and it turned out great! Wish it were two hours so we could have felt a little more ready for the dance floor later.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Martin is a true professional and amazing at what he does.

Transport

Full-Day Perito Moreno Glacier

El Calafate

Wow. Just wow. We traveled all over Argentina in our two weeks visiting, and this was one of our favorite site seeing experiences. Talk about amazing! We also were here in April, so there was not a lot of tourists. Great time to go!!! We visited the town as well. It was a great time. Go to Mi Vijeo for dinner!!!

Quality of Experience

The picutres don't do it justice!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pablo and Franco were great tour guides and chauffeurs. Fun and good humor!

Transport

Pristine Iguazú Luxury Camp | Full Pristine Program Day 3

Puerto Iguazú

Wow! So amazing to see this force of nature.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pamela is a GREAT tour guide. She is so knowledgeable and friendly.

Transport

Nautical Safari tour

El Calafate

Stunning to see the glaciers from both views of above and below. Worth the time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Iguazu's Pristine Luxury Camp! | Full Pristine Program Day 1

Puerto Iguazú

How do you say perfect and have it give justice to the experience? Everything here was amazing. Staff, food, location, activities. Wow!!!

Quality of Experience

Food

All of it! They even made a special birthday dessert and sang to my husband. So sweet!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

So kind, so wonderful, so full of willingness to help us at any time.

Transport

Carlos is the best!

Pristine Iguazú Luxury Camp | Full Pristine Program Day 2

Puerto Iguazú

David's share of the cultural way and why of the Mate' was great. It was so fun to hear and expereince.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Goodbye Pristine Camps! | Full Pristine Program Last Day

Puerto Iguazú

Sad to leave, but an amazing time. Thank you so everyone here for making it so special.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wine & Cheese Tasting at Palacio Duhau

Buenos Aires

This place was BEAUTIFUL! Wow. The staff was amazing, the wine and cheese were a great pairing, and the seating was great outside with the beauty of the location.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kimkim arranged a ten-day tour of Portugal for our family of six. They did an excellent job of selecting, and organizing, site visits and activities, as well as providing transportation, lodging and dining recommendations. During the trip we were in frequent communications with our in- country agent, João, to make sure everything met our needs. We also worked with a team of exceptional guides and drivers who make every moment pleasurable. Our drivers, Renaldo and Carlos, were always on time, in good spirits, and filled every day with stories about the history, culture, and people of Portugal as well as many other topics. They made every day interesting and enjoyable and often went beyond expectations. A good example of this was when Carlos took us to the Lisbon airport to return home. We expected to be dropped off outside in front of the airport, but instead he took us to underground parking, then up an unused elevator directly to check-in where he worked with airline representatives to efficiently move through the check in processes leaving us only when we reached Security where he could go no farther.

South America Journey 2025

We are back in California after our two month journey in South America. Kimkim and Marcela assisted us during our first segment of the trip, Patagonia, and during our last segment of the trip, Peru. In between Patagonia and Peru, my wife and I completed a 30-day self drive trip from Puerto Natales to Santiago ..... 5,000 km. The entire experience was stunning, our weather was fantastic and we have returned with a lifetime of memories.

Marcella organized great adventures and accommodations for us during the 14-day Patagonia segment. We collaborated with her easily prior to this trip so that our plan was suited to our travel standards. She was most patient, knowledgeable and available during the planning process. There were no glitzes in this self-drive Patagonia excursion which included Torres de Paine, the El Calafate area and the El Chalten region. The glaciers, trekking, boat excursions and accommodations were wonderful. Marcela made it happen!

Our 30-day driving trip through Argentina and Chile was exciting. Though we planned and executed this part of our journey independently, Marcela was available to provide ideas for our "Carratera Austral" road trip. Additionally, we had the pleasure of having a rendezvous with Marcela in Puerto Varas and enjoyed a coffee together before we continued our journey to Constitucion and Santiago. She was very nice to meet after soooooo many planning communications.

Janice and I added Peru to our South American trip rather late during the planning stages. Marcela stepped up and did an awesome job at organizing our trip. The Cusco experience was epic and our guide, Mega, during those days was most wonderful. Her knowledge, organization, patience and grasp of Inca / Quechua history was so very impressive. We also just fell in love with her care for us as we traveled around Cusco, Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. Our guide at Machu Picchu was Darcy and he really took care of us on that trip and had a wealth of knowledge regarding the site.

Iquitos and our stay at Pacaya Samiria Lodge was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us. Again the weather was beautiful ... we were very fortunate for our 2-months of good weather! We were picked up in Iquitos by Josiah and he was our guide for three memorable days at the lodge and on the water. We felt very fortunate to have such a scholar of wildlife as our guide. Josiah knows the birds and and environment ... and we felt very comfortable with him. The lodge was beautiful.

Our last segment in Peru was in Lima and again we had a very complete city tour with Lily (sp). Our free day in Lima was filled with many sights and again .... food.

The entire Peru experience assisted with great communications from Manuel, Ximena and Jennifer. Manuel Gordillo was particularly helpful with communicating our daily activities, planning for the next day and confirming our transportation.

Another big thank you to Marcela for helping us while we explored Argentina, Chile and Peru!

THANK YOU KIMKIM!

Bill and Janice Rolfing
South America 2025 Trip

Hotel Reviews

Sueños del Inka Hotel

Cusco

Hatun Inti Classic Machupicchu

Machu Picchu

Ava Spot Sacred Valley

Urubamba

Ikonik Miraflores

Lima

Casa Morey

Pacaya Samiria Lodge

Activity Reviews

Cultural City Tour in Lima

Lima

City Tour

Cusco

Iquitos Adventure Day 2

Iquitos

Sacred Valley Tour: Cusco - Chinchero - Ollantaytambo

Peru

Machu Picchu Excursion: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu

Peru

Iquitos Adventure Day 3

Peru

Pisac Market & Surrounding Ruins

Peru

Iquitos Adventure Day 4

Peru

Iquitos Adventure Day 1

Iquitos