Kimkim Trip Reviews

I have a lot to say about the month of July spent in Italy - it has been hard to put into words in my review of the services I received and the coordination that Anita Matijasevic provided. The communication was clear and very suited and tailored to my style - Anita was open to listening, and accommodating to my train of thought, let alone my requests. I revised an itinerary with Anita until it was basically perfect and encapsulated everything I had in mind to do and see. She also arranged with perfect rooms for me as a solo traveler, in great locations either super convenient or in prime locations or, basically always.. Both! All of which was excellent situated into my budget. Everything about the stays had their charm and I appreciated where I stayed in every city I settled down in for adventures and experiences.
In a summary of my travel; I landed in Italy for my first stay in Venice. I traveled onward for Florence where a Cinque Terre day trip was also part of that trip. My next stay was in Rome. And from there I visited Naples which included the Amalfi Coast AND Pompeii! Transportation from city to city was effortless with train tickets all in order prior to travel.
Everything worked out. Everything exceeded my expectations.
That is all due to Kimkim, to Anita, and to being a traveler ready for excitement, adventure, and receptive of everything that comes in being somewhere new.

I have been asked many times now, "what was my favorite part of the trip?"
I do not have a favorite, I have favorited each in my mind and journals each part of my travel having individually and respective appealing aspects. There was literally no complaints I have and that is rare, but genuinely true when I say it here.

We had a memorable trip on the Montserrat boat for 8 days. Very clean and on time withe the schedule every day. A lot to do. Enjoyed a lot the snorkeling experience. The crew was adorable and professional. Our guide was EXCEPTIONAL! Javier PICASA, has a lot of knowledge about the islands, flora and fauna. Made our experience great! He is an exceptional snorkeler and we saw a lot of animals, turtles, sharks, iguanas, sea lions and pinguins. We can only recommend him warmly!

Activity Review

Colonial City Tour, Cooking Class & the Middle of the World Monument

Quito

We had an amazing city tour with Sebastian. The cooking class was a good way to enjoy equatorian cuisine

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I am very grateful to Adam. Everything was perfect and I would gladly recommend it because of how well the trip was.

Fantastic Tour of the highlights of Eastern China

My husband and I took a one-week tour of Shanghai, Xi-An, and Beijing and I can't recommend enough. First, China is not an easy country to navigate if you don't have the local apps or speak Chinese, so we felt very comfortable being guided and having someone else figure out our ticketing, lines, etc. I honestly don't think we would have figured out how to see the Terracotta Warriors without them! The guides were all fantastic, and I was particularly touched by Edward's help in finding great vegetarian restaurants for us in Beijing. The hotels were all very nice and comfortable. Heidi is super responsive and communicative and I felt very supported and comfortable throughout the entire trip end to end. Next time I would love to go to Western China with Kim Kim!

Hotel Reviews

Novotel Peace Beijing

Beijing

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sunrise On The Bund

Authenticity & Character

Location

Nice hotel, but a little far from the Bund

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full day with Great Wall and Changling Tomb in Beijing

Beijing

This was my favorite tour. I especially enjoyed the Changeling Tomb as the museum is very nice and it was not so crowded. And of course, the Great Wall!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Temple of Heaven

Beijing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walking tour through the Hutongs

Beijing

Though it was nice to meet a local community, I wouldn't have selected this tour. I found it a little boring.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day with Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Street in Xi'an

Xi'an

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Glimpse into China's Imperial Past: the Fobidden City

Beijing

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Shanghai City Tour with the Jade Buddha Temple, Jin Mao Tower and the Bund

Shanghai

Quality of Experience

Food

Lunch stop was not part of the tour, so had to request it when we got hungry

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

10/10 I def recommend using this service for your next Italy vacation! The whole process ran so smooth. The tours, guides, and drivers that they set up for us were amazing and so friendly and kind. Arianna listened to what we wanted and planned a wonderful trip. Jessica and Barbara stayed in touch with us daily to provide reminders for times and meeting points and were available to answer any questions. I couldn’t imagine going back to Italy without using this travel team again! We had such a great time!!

Hotel Reviews

Salotto Monti Rome

Rome

Def recommend this hotel! It’s in a great location, about a 15 min walk to the Trevi or 20 min walk to the colosseum. The room was cozy and the bed was so comfortable. The breakfast every morning was so good- def recommend taking it on the terrace!

Authenticity & Character

It is situated on a quieter street and is on the third floor of this building, but no fear there are two cute elevators for caring up luggage!

Location

Great location!

Staff

Everyone was so kind!

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were cleaned daily and fresh towels given daily, it was awesome!

Palazzo delle Grazie

Sorrento

We loved our stay here! It is in the perfect location, easy access to the shops and great restaurants. The breakfast every morning was fabulous. The room was large and the bed was so comfortable. Everyone was so kind. We had an early morning checkout and they prepared us a box of pastries to take on the road! 10/10 would def recommend!

Authenticity & Character

The rooms were beautifully decorated!

Location

Walking distance to everything you want to do!

Staff

They provided us with a box of pastries for the road on our early morning checkout, so kind!

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bed was so comfy and they cleaned daily and provided fresh towels daily, it was awesome!

Activity Reviews

Pizza School at Agriturismo

Italy

This activity was one of my absolute favorites. We were driven to this beautiful farm up a mountain. The family of the farm was so incredibly charming and funny and very clearly loved what they do. They taught us how to make pizzas like pros, and we had an absolute fantastic time. Anna was incredible!!! I also loved being able to enjoy the pizzas at a communal table and talk to other people in the group who were from all over. Def recommend this to everyone!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Oh my gosh the wine was amazing. The pizza was fabulous. the pana cotta was so good!!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exclusive Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento

Italy

This activity is a MUST. It was phenomenal. We were picked up at our hotel, taken to the marina where us and three other couples got on a boat and were taken to Capri. Our guide was fabulous, the driver was awesome. We got to go around the island by ourselves and then get back on the boat and swim. They provided snacks and sandwiches and wine!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Naples to the Amalfi Coast or Amalfi Coast to Naples - Pompeii en Route

Italy

This was one of our favorites!! It was a private walking tour around Pompeii for 2 hours and it was absolutely fabulous. Our tour guide, Mary, was so knowledgeable and very clearly loved the history, she made it so much fun!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our driver was amazing. He picked us up from the airport and took us here, and then to our stay in Sorrento. He gave us great recommendations for restaurants!

Transport

Our driver was there waiting for us at the train station, and when we arrived at Pompeii he called our tour guide to let her know we had arrived, and waited until we had finished with our luggage!

Vatican Tour with Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica

Rome

I def recommend going in a tour group for this experience! We really were able to enjoy it so much more than if we just walked around by ourselves, the guide was so knowledgeable. It also allowed us to skip a lot of the lines which was fabulous given how busy and hot it was!

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum

Rome

This was so fun!! Def would not have been able to take in the full experience without having a fabulous tour guide to lead the way.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Francesco was fantastic in planning and executing our Italy trip. He accommodated our interests in the timeframe we had. Rome was very interesting with all the history. Loved the pizza making in Florence. Venice was little underwhelming.
Francesco and his team were available on WhatsApp as needed. They were proactive about a train strike and made sure our trip went smooth.
Only critical feedback would be to also suggest places other than what client wants.

Hotel Reviews

VENICE TIME HOTEL

Venice

Close to train station and boat. Small with almost non existent lobby.

Authenticity & Character

Very vanilla

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli

Firenze

Fantastic location, minutes from Uffizi gallery. Comfortable room and very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Guardian Hotel

Rome

Located somewhat close to city center. Would have preferred closer. Rooms were smaller. Staff was helpful. They packed a takeout breakfast when we needed.

Authenticity & Character

Nothing fancy

Location

Was a good 15-20 min walk for most trips. Would prefer closer.

Staff

Helped pack takeout breakfast

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half day tour Pisa and the leaning tower

Florence

Very convenient half day tour that takes you to Pisa and even climb on top! Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Gondola Ride

Venice

Very underwhelming experience. Took forever to get there. We got on a Gondola that was very vanilla. The guy rowing wasn’t super friendly. It was just 30min of sitting with not much info.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A better interactive ride would be ideal.

Pizza and gelato making class

Florence

Fantastic activity that is so much fun for adults and kids. Highly recommend. Great instructors. Clean kitchen and good quality ingredients. Best Pizza and gelato we ever made. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience

Great staff, instruction, small group, quality ingredients and results.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fun and knowledgeable staff

Transport

Near city center

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums guided tours

Rome

Good tour to finish Colosseum, Forum and Vatican City in a day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Have to take taxi

GUIDED TOUR OF THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF ANCIENT POMPEII FROM ROME WITH STOP IN NAPLES

Rome

Very comfortable tour and fantastic tour of Pompeii! It’s very short stop at Naples and so wish was longer. Lunch was delicious but few more options would have been good.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Comfortable bus

Rome - 2h Gladiator School

Rome

Fun activity for kids. You learn the history and actually get to do some sword techniques.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hard to find taxi from the location

Nathalie worked closely with us to plan the perfect Provence trip for our three generations! The day trips with A la Française were wonderful. Remy was a wonderful guide for the Aix-en-Provence Historical and Gourmet walking tour...informative and good pace. We LOVED the morning lavender fields tour, also with A la Française. Stunning photo opportunities. The Villages and Markets of the Luberon, also with A la Française, was also enjoyable, although maybe a bit too long? Or, maybe the heat just made us cranky by the end of the long day? Boutique Hotel Cezanne was clean, comfortable and well-located. Breakfast was excellent. Aix-en-Provence is a special, special city.
The train from Aix-en-Provence to Marseille to Nice was a bit of a nightmare, although we maybe should have assumed that it would be during the height of the summer season. We had great difficulty finding seats on the second leg of the train trip, but eventually managed to find three seats in three different train cars, just hoping that we all knew when to disembark.
Nice is bustling compared to the laid back vibe of Aix. Our hotel, La Villa Nice Promenade, was also clean, comfortable and well-located. Breakfast was tasty. Our first day trip was a private tour with Liven Up to Grasse, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, and St. Paul de Vence. The Fragonard perfume factory in Grasse is a must. Great, informative factory tour with shopping at the end! Beautiful city...wish we could have spent more time exploring. Tourrettes-sur-Loup was as lovely as we had remembered, although our stop was short here as well. St. Paul de Vence was as picturesque as we had remembered. We loved wandering along the alleys; however, the crowds made it less charming. It seems as though this is now a much more popular destination than it was in 1997! Our city tour of Nice with Michel (Liven Up) was special as he was born and raised in Nice! Our tour was fast-paced, but packed with special lookouts, sweet anecdotes from his childhood, and of course, the main attractions of the city. I wish we had scheduled a few more days in Nice!
Overall, we ALL truly enjoyed the trip...not an easy feat to please an 18, 48 and 78 year old with the same itinerary!
Merci Beaucoup, Nathalie!

Emily made the best itinerary for me! And from the day I got there, I knew I was in good hands. I was able to do the volcano boarding, have some relaxation time, and go ziplining. I was very happy with my accommodations. I would def recommend Emily if you plan on going to Nicaragua!!!

All of our guides were amazing and we are pleased we paid the extra for the private guided tours. Lorenza picks for our family hit the mark on our needs and everything was amazing. Lorenza was available when and if needed on our travel days and all the guides and drivers were knowledgeable on our location and needs. We felt like we were taken care of which was amazingly comfortable for family travelling together with various needs.

Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome were perfect balance for two week trip. Italy is so Beautiful we would definitely return.

Thank you Lorenza!!

We recently returned from a fantastic family trip to Italy, all thanks to the incredible planning by our travel agent, Rita Pagano. Our trip was to visit our ancestral home with 3 generations and 12 family members ages 17 to 84. We started in Milan and ended in Florence, with several stops along the way. Rita efficiently planned everything from booking our hotels, renting cars, and making transfers to organizing tours in Parma and Tuscany. The tours in Parma With Ricardo and wine tasting in Tuscany with Andrea were informative, fun, and delicious, adding a great touch to our Italian adventure.
The hotels we stayed in were not only comfortable but also conveniently located, making it easy for us to explore the cities. Rita was always available when we needed to make additions to our itinerary and handled our needs in a timely fashion, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Our family had a fantastic time, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations.
We are deeply grateful for the beautiful memories we made during this trip, and they're all thanks to our travel agent's meticulous and thoughtful planning. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and highly recommend their services to anyone planning a trip.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco

Florence

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco was an excellent place to rest our heads when we visited Florence. The hotel is within walking distance to the Piazza Del Duomo, Pitti Place, and the Ponte Vecchio. The hotel had lovely rooms decorated with style and comfort in mind. The daily breakfast included fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, and bread. The staff was eager to make our stay enjoyable and recommended a great restaurant. We will definitely stay again.

Authenticity & Character

Lots of art and antiques!

Location

Close to the center of Florence

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Maranello Palace

Maranello

The Maranello Palace in Modena was the perfect stop on our way to Florence. The hotel accommodated our large family traveling together. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The buffet breakfast was a great start to the day. The hotel was conveniently located near the Ferrari Museum and the Pagani factory. I highly recommend a visit.

Authenticity & Character

Location

It is a great place to stay to visit the local car museums!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Excursion to Tuscany: Chianti Winery Visit & San Gimignano

Florence

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Foodie Excursion to Parma

Italy

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Anne was awesome!! She worked with me for 7 months to build the best vacation I've ever had! Anne and the KimKim website were incredibly flexible to create our dream vacation, including multiple cities and excursions!

She was extremely communicative before/during the trip!

She planned for us to:
-Go to the Amazon (as well as excursions for our time there)
- The Inca Trail and surrounding areas (HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THE "Traditional Andean Underground Cooking Experience"
-Machu Picchu
-Cusco (HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THE "Chocolate Workshop")
-Paracas (HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THE "Ballestas Island Boat Tour")

Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Lima Airport

Lima

Very comfortable pillows and delicious breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Literally walkable from the airport. (5 min walk)

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Hacienda Bahía Paracas

Paracas

This is an incredibly beautiful hotel!! Nothing but luxury. Staff was so kind, including all reception workers and waiters. It made travel to the Little Galapagos and the Nazca Lines incredibly easy. The hotel also offered free usage of bikes and kayaks! Forewarning, there are gates all over this community (all homes and hotels), giving the impression that it's not safe to travel outside of the walls of the hotel. If you're hoping to lounge at the hotel, it's perfect! If you're hoping to explore the city, I would recommend visiting another town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The receptionist starting with a "Y" was incredibly kind!!! Everyone in my family loved her.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International

Miraflores

Beautiful hotel with fun bar on top, making it easy to mingle with other guests! The staff was also incredibly kind, as they made us a "To-Go Breakfast" to make our stay more enjoyable, while preparing for an early flight (you need to give them 24+ hours of notice).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The staff was also incredibly kind, as they made us a "To-Go Breakfast" to make our stay more enjoyable, while preparing for an early flight (you need to give them 24+ hours of notice).

Cleanliness & Comfort

Los Portales Cusco

Cusco

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Reception Staff was rude

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Casona de Yucay

Cusco

Very beautiful hotel. Beautiful Spanish influence, surrounded by views of the mountains. There is also a restaurant on site that is very delicious.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The reception staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción

Puerto Maldonado

This is the most beautiful and memorable hotel I have ever been to in my entire life! Every room is a beautiful private bungalow, only accessible by canoeing down the Amazon River. The meals were not only included, but Michelin Star equivalent. They also offered excursions every day to make the trip more memorable (canopy bridges, boat rides, exploring the rainforest, etc.)

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

First afternoon at Hacienda Concepcion

Peru

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Second day at Hacienda Concepción: Sandoval Lake & Canopy Walkway

Tambopata

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ballestas Islands

Paracas

This was a surprising experience, as I assumed it was a walking tour of the islands. In reality, it's a beautiful boat tour around the islands, finding penguins, star fish, birds, and sea lions. Absolutely incredible experience!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chocolate Workshop in Cusco

Cusco

This was one of the coolest travel experiences I have ever been on!! Gabriel was the best guide as he made it very fun and interactive. Incredible sense of humor.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Machu Picchu Excursion: from Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco

Peru

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fredi was literally on his phone while giving us a tour of the site

Transport

Pachamanca: Traditional Andean Underground Cooking

Peru

Incredible experience all the way from welcome-drinks to the dinner. Absolutely wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We truly had such an incredible trip. Thank you to our specialist, Lorenza, for packaging up such an amazing trip!

We started our trip in Milano. We only had a day and a half there, but we were able to see the duomo and shop/eat in the Galleria. The hotel? It was okay and nicely located but the owner of the hotel is not nice.

Our next stop was Siena, as we really wanted to see the Palio. Lorenza arranged a rental car so we could drive to Siena. Siena is such a beautiful, medieval town and the place was hopping since the Palio was happening. We were going to go to the actual race on July 2nd but we didn't get back into town in time. And luckily we didn't. (You have to stand in the sun for 4 to 5 hours the day of the race). After 3 false starts, it started to rain and the race was called off! It didn't happen for another 2 days. We had a nice tour of the town with our guide, Barbara. And we toured a cheese farm outside of Pienza where we had a cheese and wine tasting. It was gorgeous there and the experience was incredible. We stayed at the Hotel Athena within the walls of the town. It was a very nice hotel with very accommodating staff. It was on the edge of town so it wasn't so crazy around the town....and luckily they had parking!

Next stop was Firenze (Florence). We stayed at a very cool (and a little creepy) hotel called Garibaldi Blu. It was in a great location where we could base out of for 4 nights. We had a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery with our guide, Lucia, who also happened to be our guide for our food tour the next evening. Everything about Florence was stunning. I'm glad we dropped off our rental car in Florence before checking in to the hotel. Florence is NOT a city you want to be driving in!

From Florence we were supposed to take a train to Manarola in the Chinque Terre region. On the day we were scheduled to leave Florence, there was a scheduled train strike in Italy. Lorenza was on top of it and hired us a private transport to Chinque Terre. (Thank you, Lorenza!!). Manarola is a very cute town in the Chinque Terre region and we stayed at this cool little boutique hotel call Marina Piccola (small marina). When we opened our window we were looking at the Mediterranean Sea. Beautiful! We explored 4 of the 5 towns, including a challenging 6 mile hike from Corniglia to Monterroso al Mare. When we arrived in Monterroso we headed straight for the beach. We rented chairs and an umbrella, bought a bottle of white wine from the region, and ended up meeting some really fun people from the US. Lorenza arranged a 2-hour kayak trip that was really fun. When we got back we ended up eating lunch at a little restaurant right on the beach. Mixed salad, bruschetta, and an amazing pesto dish!

We took a train out of Manarola to Genova (Genoa) and stayed at yet another super cool hotel, Hotel Melia. We had a really fun (and fiilling) food tour in Genova with our guide, Valentina. The tour was over 3 hours long and we ate, drank, and learned a lot about Genova. The hotel had a room that had an indoor pool, Turkish bath, tropical shower, and regular shower. You had to make reservations in advance as the capacity was limted to 4 people. It was SO cool!

We traveled by train from Genova back to Milan where we met our driver, who took us to Bellagio on Lake Como. What a way to end the trip. We had a top floor, corner room at the Florence Hotel. Floor to ceiling doors opened up on to small balconies overlooking the lake. We had a private tour with a guide, Robbie, where we took a boat over to Villa Carlotta (beautiful gardens), then over to Varenna, where we had a nice lunch. We visited the gardens at Villa Melzi, and on our last night we went back to Villa Melzi and watched a men's chorale group perform outdoors on their 60th anniversary.

Unfortunately it was back to Milan for 1 night before we flew home. Such a beautiful trip so such a beautiful country. I can't believe I am half Italian and this was my first time there. We will definitely be back. Thank you to Lorenza for such an incredible itinerary with incredible accommodations. Couldn't have done it without her!

Outstanding Travel Agent for South Africa Adventure
We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, meticulously planned by Esther and Lucy. From start to finish, our experience was nothing short of exceptional, and we owe it all to the expertise and dedication of our travel agent.

Personalized Itinerary and Seamless Planning

From the moment we reached out to Esther, Eco travel -Boutique, we knew we were in good hands. They took the time to understand our preferences, interests, and budget, crafting a personalized itinerary that included everything we hoped for and more. Their in-depth knowledge of South Africa was evident in the carefully selected destinations and activities.

Our safari experience was the highlight of our trip. Esther arranged for us to stay at Mhondoro Lodge, which provided luxurious accommodations and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. The safari guide was incredibly knowledgeable, ensuring we saw four out of the Big Five and many other incredible animals. Every game drive was a new adventure, and we felt safe and well-cared for throughout our stay.

Exploring the Wine Regions

The tour of South Africa's wine vineyards was another highlight. Our travel agent arranged a tour of Stellenbosch. Wine yard/ resort Babylon Toren was charming and perfectly situated, with many interesting activities on the Wine Yard including a Water buffalo tour.

Captivating Cape Town

Our time in Cape Town was equally impressive, Esther recommended and booked Tinswalo Atlantic with stunning views of Table Mountain . They also organized guided tours of the city, including visits to Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope, and Boulders Beach to see the penguins. Each excursion was well-planned and provided deep insights into the history and beauty of Cape Town.

Exceptional Customer Service

Throughout our journey, Eco Travel -Boutique remained attentive and responsive. They provided us with detailed travel documents, including a comprehensive itinerary, contact information for local guides, and emergency contacts. When we had questions or needed assistance, they were just a phone call away, ensuring our trip went smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Our South Africa adventure was truly a trip of a lifetime, thanks to the exceptional planning and service provided by Esther. Their attention to detail, local expertise, and commitment to creating a memorable experience were evident in every aspect of our journey. We highly recommend Esther and Lucy, Eco Travel -Boutique to anyone looking to explore South Africa. They exceeded our expectations and made our dream vacation a reality.

Thank you, Esther and Lucy, for an unforgettable adventure!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Verde

Convient location, friendly service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

City Lodge Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport

Convenient location, convenient rooms, and nice service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mhondoro Lodge

From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. Jakes (our guide) was exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, providing us with fascinating insights into the wildlife and ensuring we had amazing sightings. The accommodation was luxurious and comfortable, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, making our stay both relaxing and memorable. The food was a highlight in itself. Each meal was a culinary delight, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared by skilled chefs. The variety and quality were outstanding, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. Overall, this resort lodge exceeded all our expectations.

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Babylonstoren Wine Estate

Our recent stay at Babylonstoren was an incredible experience that exceeded all our expectations. Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this exquisite farm offers the perfect blend of luxury, nature, and gastronomy. Here are some highlights from our memorable visit: Outstanding Accommodation The accommodations at Babylonstoren are truly remarkable. We stayed in one of the beautifully designed farm cottages, which offered a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern luxury. The rooms were spacious, impeccably clean, and equipped with all the amenities one could need. Waking up to the serene views of the gardens and vineyards was a delight. Exceptional Food and Wine Babylonstoren is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts. The food was simply outstanding, with every meal showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown right on the farm. The breakfast spread was extensive and delicious, and the dinners at the farm's restaurant, Babel, were a culinary highlight. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The wine was equally impressive, with a fantastic selection of Babylonstoren's own wines to enjoy. Wine Tasting Experience The wine tasting at Babylonstoren was one of the best we’ve ever experienced. The knowledgeable staff guided us through a selection of their finest wines, providing insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. The tasting room itself is gorgeous, with stunning views of the vineyards, making the experience even more enjoyable. It's also a great place to purchase some excellent wines to take home. Water Buffalo Tour One of the unique highlights of our stay was the water buffalo tour. This fascinating tour allowed us to learn about the farm's water buffalo herd and the process of making buffalo mozzarella. The tour was informative and fun, and we even got to sample some delicious mozzarella at the end. We highly recommend trying a "buffalocino" – a cappuccino made with buffalo milk – it’s a delightful twist on a classic drink! So Much to Do There is no shortage of activities at Babylonstoren. From exploring the extensive gardens and orchards to hiking in the surrounding mountains, there’s something for everyone. We also enjoyed relaxing at the farm’s spa and walking around. The farm shop is a great place to buy unique gifts, fresh produce, and, of course, excellent wine. Conclusion Our stay at Babylonstoren was a perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure. The exceptional accommodation, fantastic food and wine, unique activities, and beautiful surroundings made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a food and wine lover, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a luxurious escape, Babylonstoren has something special to offer. Thank you, Babylonstoren, for an amazing stay!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tintswalo Atlantic

Cape Town

Review: Tintswalo Atlantic – An Unforgettable Experience Stunning Suites with Spectacular Views The suites at Tintswalo Atlantic are simply breathtaking. Each room is individually decorated with a unique theme inspired by various islands around the world, adding a touch of exotic elegance to the luxurious accommodations. Our suite featured panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing us to wake up to the sight and sound of waves crashing against the shore. The room was spacious, impeccably clean, and equipped with all the amenities we could need, including a private deck where we enjoyed our morning coffee while soaking in the stunning scenery. Exceptional Service The staff at Tintswalo Atlantic went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. From the warm welcome we received upon arrival to the personalized service throughout our stay, every interaction was marked by genuine hospitality and attention to detail. The team was incredibly attentive and helpful, always ready to assist with any request, whether it was arranging transportation, recommending local attractions, or accommodating dietary preferences. Their commitment to making us feel special truly enhanced our experience. Memorable Dining Experience The dining experience at Tintswalo Atlantic was a highlight of our stay. Each meal was a culinary delight, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. The breakfast spread was extensive and delicious, and the dinner was nothing short of gourmet. Dining on the deck with the ocean as our backdrop made every meal even more special. Little surprises, such as complimentary snacks and drinks, added to the overall sense of luxury and care. Conclusion Our stay at Tintswalo Atlantic was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all our expectations. The combination of luxurious accommodations, stunning natural beauty, exceptional service, and attention to detail made it a truly unforgettable getaway. Thank you, Tintswalo Atlantic, for an incredible stay!

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Activity Reviews

African Dinner Show & Drumming Experience

Cape Town

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Learn about South African History on Robben Island

South Africa

Quality of Experience

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Transport

Visit Table Mountain by Cable Car

South Africa

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Restaurant at City Lodge O.R. Tambo

Johannesburg

Quality of Experience

Welcome to South Africa!

South Africa

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope & Penguins with the City Sightseeing Bus

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Allen was an great guide, very knowledgable with lots of experience

Transport

Comfortable car

Activities at Babylonstoren

Paarl

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tiago was great and this service was great. I really appreciated not having to look at bills each step of the way, and especially enjoyed not having to choose and book anything. That part of vacations is not fun for me so I was happy to try outsourcing it for the first time-- It was cool how Tiago provided several daily excursion ideas but we could opt in or out of these which worked well for my family. Sometimes, we are not all ready to move and explore in jam-packed fashion. The experience of answering the questionnaire, then reviewing draft itineraries and making adjustments was perfect. We enjoyed the help and accessibility of Tiago and also the few booked local guides/experiences. All in all, the trip exceeded our expectations and was a good value for us. I can't wait to do another one!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Lisbon

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Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Lagos

huge suite but views were only ok.

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Location

Staff

for example, regarding getting laundry done, I got mixed info from different staff, and there was the issue of my 13-year old son not being allowed to go to gym with his Dad. Service was not particularly warm. Oh, also the am breakfast buffet guy was a big judgemental when i came down to get coffee to go every am.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Albergaria do Calvário

Évora

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Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta

São João da Pesqueira

great location again, beautiful views, nice pool, and great meals.

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Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

Porto

great location. good food. cute room. nice service. no complaints whatever!

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Activity Reviews

Cascais & Sintra Guided Visit

Portugal

Our guide was very nice, helpful, and good company for the day!

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kayaking or Stand Up Paddling in the Algarve

Portugal

very fun and great way to see the scenic coast, caves, etc., in an active, participatory way

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

the main talking guy talked a bit too much...

Transport

Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience

Porto

fun, learned a little history, drank a little wine, enjoyed other patrons, and providers alike

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

we transported ourselves-- walking there and were slightly late, and then we got a tuk tuk back which was fun

Our honeymoon exceeded all our expectations! Everything that was planned for us was incredible. We were recommended Tinos by Irene and we were so happy with our experience there. The driving tour of the island and the food tour by Sofia were major highlights for us on this trip. The accommodations that were booked for us were in fantastic locations keeping us in popular spots, but not in super busy areas, which we really appreciated. The sunset catamaran outing in Santorini was so worth it. The visit to a local farm and hands on cooking class with our local guide, Anna, in Santorini was another amazing highlight. We will remember this trip forever!

Activity Reviews

Santorini Farm Tour: Food & Wine

Santorini

We loved that this included a tour of the village that the winery was located in. We wouldn't have explored it ourselves, and our local guide, Anna, was so knowledgeable and kind. Being able to visit a farm was such a unique experience. Getting to hear about a local production was special. The food we cooked together was amazing!

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Food

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Food Tour of Tinos Town

Tinos

We loved the variety of food that we got to taste on this tour. It was really great that every place had plates ready for us to try. Sofia was again so knowledgable and helpful to have on this tour with us. We were happy and full by the end of the tour!

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Tinos Villages Driving Tour

Tinos

We had no idea Tinos had so many beautiful villages. With this tour, you also get to see a lot of the island which definitely would not have seen on our own. Sofia was so knowledgable and kind. We had the best time with her!

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Food

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Wine Tasting in the Heart of Athens

Athens

Wine with Eleni was a perfect way to be introduced to different Greek wines. She had so much knowledge that she shared with us. We also really enjoyed that it was a place were locals in Athens gathered with friends.

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

I am so thankful that I found Kim Kim whose service connected us with Joao in Portugal. He and his team planned our fabulous trip. Joao was responsive and attentive to our desires for the trip and he was so easy to work with. He planned the perfect itinerary for our 13 day trip which included walking tours, wine tastings, boat trips and personal drivers for our day trips to Sintra, the beautiful Douro Valley and for the long drives from city to city. Each person Joao connected us with were passionate and professional in the service they provided. They gave us extra history and knowledge of the beautiful Portuguese culture as we drove from town to town. In addition, the Hotels Joao chose for us were fantastic! Joao and his team's attention to detail and the daily check ins and reminders of the next day's events truly made our trip stress free and fun-filled. Thank you Kim Kim and Joao for coordinating such a magical vacation!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Cascais Miragem

Cascais

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Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Good get away hotel for relaxation

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

hotel is a little dated- needs updating

Maison Albar - Le Monumental Palace

Porto

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PortoBay Liberdade

Lisbon

Great location and service in a beautiful setting. The breakfasts were amazing!

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Activity Reviews

To Eat Suggestion: Mar do Inferno

Cascais

Fabulous and large selection of fresh seafood from which to choose--all cooked to order. Beautiful view

Quality of Experience

Exclusive Panoramic Boat Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves

Portugal

A fun filled boat trip to the Grottoes. A wonderful way to see them and to photograph them.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They were fun ad knowledgeable---Bruno and Catarina

Transport

Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch

Portugal

We loved our tour, lunch and tastings in the beautiful setting of this Winery. Carlos was a fantastic tour guide and teacher.

Quality of Experience

The setting, the food and the wine!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat

Portugal

We loved our boat tour with Nuo Nu...... the champagne was icing on the cake! We only wish it was longer!

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service

Portugal

A wonderful day trip to be immersed in the beauty of Douro Valley and its history. Not to be missed!

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour

Porto

We had a fabulous guide who was passionate about Porto and the history of Portugal. He gave us a thorough tour of the city

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Bernardo was a fantastic and passionate Walking tour guide!!

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

This was a great day trip. However, we chose to skip the Pena Palace, which is new, and instead toured the National Palace which dates back to the 1300's. We also toured Regalaria and enjoyed the beautiful gardens. We also toured the town and the various shops. A wonderful day trip not to be missed

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nelson, our driver, was a highlight of this day trip. The service he provided was exceptional and his knowledge of the area very deep.

Transport

Nelson

The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover

Porto

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings

Lisbon

Anna was a great guide who immersed us in the history and culture of Lisbon. and then it was followed by a delicious wine tasting. This was a highlight of our stay in Lisbon

Quality of Experience

A great way to get acclaimated to the city

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Anna was a fantastic guide- very knowledgeable and fun to be with

Transport

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Luzern, Switzerland and Paris France. The excursion to Lindt Chocolate factory, Mount Rigi, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and MountMare, was worth every minute and very enjoyable. Travel Directions and Places to Visit Instructions provided by KimKim while visiting these countries were clear, concise and worthwhile. Having a designated driver to the airport was a convenient and useful perk. The hotel in Switzerland did not have AC which was an inconvenience and the bathroom was small. The Paris hotel was very small and breakfast food was sub-par.

I cannot say enough about the exceptional service provided by Kimkim Travel Agency for our recent family trip to France. From the initial stages of planning, they went above and beyond to factor in our specific needs, wants, and the ages of our children. The customized itinerary was perfect, ensuring we had a balance of activities that catered to everyone's interests.

One aspect that truly stood out was the dedicated support we received while in France. Despite minor hiccups that occurred during our trip, Kimkim was there every step of the way to provide assistance promptly and efficiently, giving us peace of mind knowing we were in good hands.

The only slight concern I had throughout the process was that we were initially informed that we would receive our vouchers and final travel guide two months in advance. However, these documents were provided closer to one month before our departure date. While this caused a brief moment of worry, it did not detract from the overall positive experience we had with Kimkim.

Looking back at our amazing adventure in France, we would not hesitate to use Kimkim again for our future travels. Their attention to detail, personalized approach, and excellent on-ground support truly set them apart as a top-notch travel agency. Highly recommended! ✈️🌍 #KimkimTravel #FranceExploration

Hotel Reviews

Citadines Bastille Marais Paris

Paris

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Hotel Escaletto

Aix-en-Provence

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Hotel Carlton Lyon - MGallery Hotel Collection

Lyon

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Mercure Paris CDG Airport & Convention

Roissy-en-France

The hotel smells like an old bus, the food at the buffet was not great. Everything felt grimy and dirty. Would not stay again. The one positive was that there were many activities for children to play in the lobby to keep busy giving you our way from the city center.

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Hôtel Apollinaire

Nice

Beautiful hotel, exceptional service!

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Activity Review

Louvre Museum Treasure Hunt

Paris

This activity was a family highlight of the trip. Our tour guides catered to our children's interests and it was still highly informative and interesting for the parents. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

What an unforgettable trip Colombia was! I don’t normally get help when planning travel, but I’m so glad I did. From the moment we arrived, our tour guide, Lee, took incredible care of us. We learned so much from her about each place we went, but it didn’t *feel* like learning, it felt like a fun conversation! She was full of surprises, ducking into a store and emerging with local chocolates for us to try, bringing my husband and I a local cocktail, etc. You could tell it was a joy for her to share her country with us. The biggest endorsement- three teenagers loved the trip and had a ton of fun!
My kids loved riding ATVs and playing soccer with the locals, my husband and I loved visiting the coffee farm and having lunch in the kitchen of an amazing mountainside organic farmer/chef. Medellín blew us away. It felt so safe and was quite beautiful. Cartagena was a vibrant (and hot!)
There is no way I could’ve found the hidden gems that Kim Kim took us to without their help. Thank you for memories that will last us a lifetime!

Our guide in Hue and to Hoi An via Da Nang was great (Quinn). He had a lot of knowledge about Viet Nam and its history and his English was good. Really an asset. He also wanted us to get the most of our trip and our experience, it was genuine.
He could also answer most of our questions.
Our guide in Hoi An (Bao) had so-so English skills and was not super responsive in our questions. The trip to Cham Island was a turist trap and we had a tough time getting over the pollution in plastic and the bad use of the island. Tourists should be limited and there should be better protection of Cham Island. Also the diesel fumes in the harbour area of Da Nang was awful. Lots of cheap sellers, too many tourists and very hard to breathe from the fumes.
Last guide in HCMC was fine (David). English skills was fine and he was a good guide. The trip to the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre) was a good taste of what the delta is and what is possible. For a next trip we would love to go deeper into this, perhaps on an overnight trip if possible to be able to explore more. Our day was good.