Kimkim Trip Reviews

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica thanks to the team at Serendipity Adventures. This was our first time using a travel agency to help us plan a trip, and we loved it! We worked with Bryan to identify a great itinerary for our 10-day honeymoon in Costa Rica. Bryan and the team did not disappoint! Nancy and Bryan took care of everything before the trip and worked with Wilman once in Costa Rica. He even popped over to say hi and meet us after our coffee tour!

Everyone on the team was communicative and easy to work with. They answered all of our questions and were happy to help with everything. We didn't experience a single problem with our reservations or with the quality of hotels/activities the entire time we were there.

It was clear that they work with some of the best locals and local businesses in Costa Rica and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again for another trip to Costa Rica!

We loved our trip to Ireland/Scotland. Aleksandra was very responsive to our questions and receptive to our suggestions and requests. We especially enjoyed the accommodations, which were all so different but equally impressive. We would not have been able to create this bucket-list experience on our own! We have already decided to use kimkim the next time we travel! Thank you so much for facilitating a great trip.

Hotel Reviews

Iveagh Gardens Hotel

Dublin

I wish we had gotten to stay here longer. We flew in a bit later than expected and just stayed one night. But we really enjoyed our rooms, the lobby, the bar and the breakfast. It was fun to stroll the neighborhood, too!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Edinburgh

This was the first time we have stayed at a Virgin hotel, but it will not be the last! The three nights we spent in Edinburgh were top notch, and the hotel had a lot to do with it. The beautiful rooms made us feel very pampered, and it was as though the owners thought of every little detail. We also frequented the bar and got to know the friendly staff there.

Authenticity & Character

Location

In the middle of everything!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were fabulous down to every little detail.

Another Place, The Machrie

Port Ellen

We couldn't believe how gorgeous this place was! Seeing and hearing the sheep when we woke up was magical -- as was the expansive and private beach. Loved the restaurant and the hot tub as well as the beautiful rooms and lobby. The only downside of the community was a lack of transportation, but that is not the fault of this hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Corriegour Lodge Hotel

By Fort William, Letterfinlay

Of all our accommodations, this felt most like home. Other hotels were more updated in decor and amenities, but this one exuded local character. The owners interacted with us as though we were friends, and the location could not have been more beautiful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Scotch Whisky & Artisan Food Tasting Tour

Edinburgh

This tour was just as good as the Old Town tour. Our guide was also great at adapting to last-minute changes in the restaurants we visited. The food was very tasty, and we loved all the backstory about the whiskey. I would recommend this tour and our guide wholeheartedly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Edinburgh Old Town Tour

Edinburgh

This tour was amazing and what we SHOULD have had in Belfast. We learned so much about Edinburgh -- all the statues, history, interesting side stories and more. I would definitely recommend this tour and our guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wildlife Tour

Scotland

This experience was way better than expected! We had requested an alternative to the three distilleries tour, and the wildlife tour did not disappoint. We were able to see dolphin, stags and birds, etc., and chat with the knowledgeable crew on the boat. The setup with tables and stools made it very comfortable, and it was not crowded at all.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Belfast Food Tour

Belfast

Very disappointing. It was as if the guide were a last-minute substitute for the real guide. He had nothing planned really (the restaurant he suggested for burgers was closed) and mostly chatted in general about stuff we already knew. The only good part was a seafood soup we had at a pub. Wish we had seen the Titanic museum instead.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dublin Private Walking Tour

Dublin

I reviewed by accident. Sorry! Please delete. We were not able to take this tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I usually do not write reviews, but I have to make an exception because this was a big trip for my family. We just returned from a great 2 week trip to Italy. (Rome, Florence and Sorrento). I found KimKim from an internet search and decided to give it a try. So glad I did because I was lucky enough to find Melanie. From the very first contact with her, she made me feel comfortable with the KK decision.

Over the course of 2 to 3 weeks she and I crafted the perfect itinerary for our family. From accommodations, tours, transfers everything was thoughtfully arranged to meet our preferences.

What really made me write this review was the great communication. She responded quickly to all of our questions, gave recommendations, even while we were in Italy, making sure that everything was going smoothly. Having this comfort made our vacation completely stress-free.

The trip itself was flawless—every detail was taken care of, and every recommendation hit the mark.

If you're looking for a travel agent who genuinely cares, listens, and creates a tailor-made experience, you will not be disappointed with Melanie. We can't thank her enough for giving our family memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommended!

Hotel Review

Relais Le Clarisse Rome

Rome

This was our favorite hotel on our 2 week vacation. Rome, Florence and Sorrento. We had rooms in the courtyard area which might be the reason we like it so much. The rooms themselves are nothing great but they had everything you needed. The hotel was clean and the staff was very friendly. The location, Travestere, was a nice break from all of the crowds in Rome center. Added bonus was that there are a lot of restaurants within walking distance.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Appian Way by E-bike: Tour with Catacombs, Aqueducts, and Food

Rome

Not having high expectations, our family of 4 booked this e-bike tour of aqueducts/Appian/catacombs. We’ve been in Italy for 2 weeks and this was one of the top highlights of our trip. Alex was exceptional, everyone in our family connected with him and had a fantastic time. We wish we could’ve taken him for the rest of our trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Alex was great!

Transport

We had a great time on our trip. It was very well organized by KimKim and we will use it again for sure.

Special shout-out to our organizer, Amandine. She was great. So too was our guide in Grindelwald, Sabrina.

Thanks again, it was a truly great trip.

Our trip was great and everything that was planned provided a wonderful introduction to Spain. All our drivers and guides were on time and easy to connect with. We meet Dalia for a wine and olive grove tour, we really enjoyed it, thank you Dalia. Both the train and air travel was uneventful, something that we really appreciated given we were not familiar with using the trains in a European country. We will definitely use Kimkim again . This is our second trip planned with this company and neither disappointed.

Hotel Review

Hotel Gran Via

Barcelona

The room was very large and very clean. Even though our room was located on a busy street , there was no road noise. The hotel is centrally located, we walked everywhere. Lots of restaurants and tapas bars nearby. The breakfast selection was all inclusive.

Authenticity & Character

I like the dining room with all the molding.

Location

Close to everything

Staff

The hotel has an agreement with doctors that visit , no charge. Not something you want to have to access but good to know if you need to see someone

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very large room with good closet space

Activity Review

Sevilla Guided Tour

Seville

It was interesting to learn that the statues are paraded in the street during the Easter season.

Quality of Experience

Our guide told us about the Easter celebration, it sounded like a wonderful experience. Makes me want to visit here during Easter

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide shared info about beer and olives.

Transport

Everyone was always on time.

Adam planned a wonderful trip on relatively short-notice (2 weeks before departure). The hotels chosen were in fantastic locations both with unique and calming vibes. Activities that were of particular note - Off-roading sunset tour in Menorca and Mallorca Catamaran & Snorkeling Trip. I will likely use KimKim again for other locations.

Holden and the Serendipity Adventures team were great. Everything we asked for in the trip was included. Our trip included many transports of various kinds and we were amazed that it was so well coordinated.
We very much enjoyed the Arenal Moana and the Koora Hotel in Monteverde. The river rafting trip in La Fortuna was the favorite activity of all three generations in our group.
Thanks Holden and Serendipity!

All of the guides and drivers were outstanding. The hotels were very nice and comfortable and the hotel staff in all three hotels were friendly and helpful. The trip planning and communication were excellent and you were terrific at meeting the individual needs and interests of various group members - such as my wife and I staying for an additional day in Lisbon. Well done - would use your services again without hesitation.

I cannot say enough great things about Aggeliki and the trip to Greece she planned for me and my childhood best friend. My friend and I had been talking about doing this trip for 40 years, since we were just barely teenagers and finally were able to do it at 54 and 55 years old!

That being said, you can understand why I needed this trip to be exactly what we imagined and Aggeliki nailed it! I interviewed four different travel agencies and Aggeliki really listened to my vision of what we wanted to see and do as well as the vibe and pace of the trip.

We had four locations (Athens, Milos, Santorini and Crete) so four different hotels, and they were all perfect in their own way from location to amenities and more. Every time we arrived at a hotel we were so happy and I would say, “Wow! Our travel agent really knows the best places in each area!” She was communicative throughout the whole trip making sure we got our ferry transfers and had the drivers communicate with us and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever had a trip go more perfectly.

We even had to change plans at one point and she handled that seamlessly! I have already referred her to a few of my friends and will continue to do so!

Activity Review

A Dazzling Day Trip to Hydra Island from Athens

Greece

Our guide, Leo, was the best! So fun to hang out with and made for a great day! Definitely want to revisit Hydra another time!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tiago was an outstanding guide throughout our trip. From the initial booking stage, he conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. He not only planned a well-curated itinerary but also drove us across the country, offering insightful commentary and sharing his extensive knowledge along the way.

A particularly commendable aspect of Tiago’s service was his genuine care and support. When I experienced a back issue during the trip, he went above and beyond by arranging a medical appointment at a reputable hospital in Porto and connecting me with an excellent doctor.

More than just a tour guide and driver, Tiago has become a valued friend. He made sure we returned home safely and has continued to stay in touch.

We had a truly memorable experience, and I highly recommend booking your trip with Tiago for a seamless, thoughtful, and enriching journey.

Hotel Reviews

NH Collection Porto Batalha

Porto

Very rude front desk. AC was not working reliably

Authenticity & Character

Location

Center location

Staff

Front desk people can be more accomadative nicely

Cleanliness & Comfort

Thomar Boutique Hotel

Tomar

Great location and d place

Authenticity & Character

Location

Center of the city. Close to many places

Staff

Very kind and nice

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Lisbon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Coffee machine in the room

Activity Reviews

Explore Porto (Half-Day Guided Walking Tour)

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Batalha Monastery visit

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Óbidos visit

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Belém and Cascais guided visit

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lisbon (Old Town) guided visit

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We recently traveled to Portugal with a custom itinerary arranged through KimKim. While the trip had some highlights, overall it fell short of expectations—especially considering the premium price we paid.
The hotels were consistently well located and comfortable, offering a good base in each city. Having breakfast included was a plus. Our main guide/driver was flexible, and we appreciated his willingness to adapt the schedule slightly when needed.
The price felt high for what was delivered. The inclusions—hotels, a car, a driver/guide, and two modest experiences (a boat ride and a Port tasting)—didn’t add up to the cost. The "guide" functioned more as a driver, with very limited insight or commentary about Portugal’s rich culture, history, or landmarks. This was particularly underwhelming given KimKim advertises guided tours, not just transportation. The guide's engagement varied—at times seeming unmotivated or disinterested in the role. Our first day was very disappointing: the assigned driver arrived extremely late, was rude, and even threatened not to complete the job. Thankfully, they were replaced the next day by someone far more professional. Compared to platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, where guides are not always exceptional but at least consistently informative and friendly, this felt like a significant downgrade. Finally, communication with KimKim felt impersonal and opaque. We found it difficult to fully understand what we were getting until after we had paid in full, which left us with little recourse once the trip started.
This trip had enjoyable moments, and Portugal itself is a beautiful country worth exploring. However, KimKim's execution did not justify the price or promise. For travelers seeking more informative, engaging, and transparent service, there may be better options out there.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Melia Lisbon Airport

Lisbon

Practical location to catch early flights. Unusually good for an airport hotel. Nice swimming pools, although the staff could be more attentive to keeping the area clean. Very convenient restaurante and good food. We dinned there twice, but the second night the service was surprisingly unqualified, including not speaking English. The option to take a boxed breakfast for early departure was a joke (1 apple, 1 bottle of water, 1 small juice).

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lagos Avenida Hotel

Lagos

Very good location and modern hotel, but the glass doors separating the toilet and shower from the room created lack of privacy. Very nice continental breakfast and additional options. The hotel's entrance is not prepared for people with limited mobility and even getting large pieces of luggage up the steps (without any help from the staff) was unusual. The staff was not particularly helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Albergaria do Calvário

Évora

Excellent location and service. The staff was outstanding!!! They provided information and help and there was always someone at the front desk. The outdoor area was very nice.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Thomar Boutique Hotel

Tomar

Excellent location and very responsive staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

NH Collection Porto Batalha

Porto

Excellent location, but rooms were very small and not very functional. The breakfasts were very good but started late and the space was crowded. No coffee was available in the lobby before 8 AM - no exceptions.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Lisbon

Excellent location and service. Nice rooms and breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Cave Boat Tour

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

With short notice, a fabulous trip was planned and executed for us. Especially liked guided tours of the city on the afternoon/evenings that we arrived. That helps a lot to get the lay of the land. Barcelona tapas tour, Gaudi architectural tour were both great. Rioja full day wine tour with private guide was outstanding. Hotel choices were spot on. They were quick to answer messages and make changes on the fly. You can trust this group.

The entire week was well done!

Natacza for the Furnas Volcanic experience was amazing. Knowledgeable and easy to understand.

Freddie the Culinary Trip did an excellent job engaging with the entire group.

Francisco and Bae for the Epic Canyoning Trip were very easy to understand and made you feel very comfortable and safe during the activity.

Hotel Review

Vila Nova Hotel

Ponta Delgada

Comfortable bed, front desk staff a little abrupt at times, probably due to language differences.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy walk to all the restaurants and shops.

Staff

A little more friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was clean and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

Whale Watching Experience

São Miguel Island

The dolphins were fun.

Quality of Experience

Fun to see aquatic wildlife

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Spoke three languages so we could all understand what was going on.

Epic Canyoning Adventure

São Miguel Island

Friendly guides and made everyone feel safe and expertly explained what we were going to be doing and to steps to keep you safe.

Quality of Experience

A fun adventure.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides were great. Made an attempt to get to know us and made it fun and safe.

Azorean Culinary & Wine Experience

São Miguel Island

Staff was nice and friendly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Volcanic Experience: Furnas Lake Full Day Adventure

São Miguel Island

Natacza did an excellent job educating us, taking care of lunch reservations and engaging with each one of us.

Quality of Experience

Very educational and amazing views.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Knowledgeable and friendly

Transport

Safe and comfortable.

We had a great trip! All went smoothly from start to finish.

We would like to share the positive experience we had with Kimkim Tours. We typically like to make our own travel plans and steer away from group tours and/or cruises that have preset “boiler plate” itineraries. Yet, with the choice to go to the Galapagos Islands during our semi-retirement years, as well as the realization that there might be a language barrier, we decided to research tour options. Kimkim seemed like a good choice for us.

We were impressed with the time that Alvaro, and especially Steven, took to understand our individual needs. The interaction started with us filling out a detailed questionnaire detailing our interests, how we preferred to travel, what we wanted to see, our preferences on lodging (from simple hostels to premium hotels) as well as our ages, physical abilities and budget considerations. Kimkim put together a suggested itinerary, We were able give them input on the plan and they made adjustments given our feedback. After a few iterations, we finally agreed our itinerary! Kimkim then went to work on booking our hotels, transportation (including transfers) and daily tours.

We cannot say enough about the exceptional service both during the planning process as well as “on the ground” during our travels. Kimkim provided exceptional service, well-planned itineraries, and smooth travel experiences. We received personalized attention, experienced a helpful and responsive staff, and a seamless booking process. Communications both before and during the trip were efficient and reliable. The local guides and contacts were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and provided valuable insights and direction.

It is also notable to mention that late in the planning and payment process, we experienced a personal health issue that might have affected the trip and excursions we had planned. Steven and Alvaro were understanding and allowed us some extra time to tighten our plans and pay our deposits while always communicating and check-in in on us. In addition, we needed to make a few changes to our plans during the trip and Steven/Alvara/Rita worked together to accommodate our unique circumstance. We appreciated this personal attention and professionalism!

We thouroughly enjoyed our trip to Norway. The itinerary put together by Kimkim allowed us to have both planned excursions to the best sights, but also gave us time to explore on our own. When things unexpected happend, our Kimkim team of Alex and Nick stepped in to help out. We started in Bergen at the Raddison Blu. Rooms were simple but confortable and the breakfast was wonderful. We stopped by Flam on our way to Oslo. In Flam we enjoyed wonderful hking and a cruise thru the fjords with our charming guide Nathan. Alex and Nick made the trip easy to plan and the itinerary had all the details needed to make transfers easily. Thank you Kimkin for a great trip.

This trip was wonderful. The work that the KimKim team put into everything showed. The tours were well planned. The hotels were better than I could have hoped. Everything worked seamlessly. Our advisors were great about quick responses to questions and provide helpful suggestions. The tapas tour was exceptional. That along with the tour of Seville were our favorites. I would definately spend more time in both Seville and Malaga and incorporate more down time as the tours were so informative the downtime was a must. I would certainly plan another trip with this group!

Hotel Reviews

Sleep´N Atocha

Madrid

This was extremely convenient getting off the train and to the hotel. I would not stay here more than one night. It is definately for a younger crowd who plans to be out every night.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Palacete de Alamos

Málaga

We stayed in the related apartments for this location. There was a little confusion initially as the apartments are not adjacent to the hotel, but a little walk. However, the location of the apartment was better than the hotel. Everything was very nice here and easy to use.

Authenticity & Character

Location

City center, great location to go through the city and get to the beach or the sites.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Joya del Casco Boutique Hotel

Seville

I loved this hotel. The rooms, the food, the staff, the rooftop patio…..everything was so great!!!!!! Our only downside was the air conditioning was not working one of our nights. Otherwise this is definately the best place to stay. I would have stayed longer if possible.

Authenticity & Character

The rooftop patio is a hidden gem. We spent each evening there looking at the city, relaxing with dessert from nearby shops.

Location

Located near city center and all activities.

Staff

Incredibly nice and accommodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Petit Palace Posada del Peine

Madrid

This hotel was a little hard four our taxi to get to / find, but perfectly located for all tours. It enabled us to be in the middle of everything going on.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Guided Visit of Seville

Seville

This was our best tour! The guide was a native to Seville. You could tell he knew everything about his city which made the tour even better. He was extremely thoughtful and helped us with taking group photos and ensuring that we got the best experience. Highly recommend this tour and this guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tapas Culinary Experience

Madrid

A must do. This was one of the best tours of our trip. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. She took us places and had us try so many things that were special to Spain. I would highly recommend this tour. I would make sure to take pictures of the signs for the restaurants so you can go back. They were top notch.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was wonderful!!!!!

Transport

We have used KimKim for our travel before, and loved it. This time, however, was not what was expected or described. We took a trip to Italy and Spain. While a glitch or two happened in Italy that part of the trip was great! The guides were informative and helpful. The Pantheon guide, Franchesa, was exceptional and recommend the best gelato we had the entire trip- Gunther Gelato. Florence and Venice were great. Kudos to the Mama Florence Cooking School and Market tour, and the Venice Mystery Tours in Venice-Nico. Caterina, who showed us the Old Town and La Segurada Familia was fantasticUnfortunately, if you are going to Spain, I would suggested a tour company that better describes the activities. From confusion regarding the taxi to the airport in Mallorca, to the extremely poor description of the Costa Brava tour. The guide, David, was good, but the tour was basically 3 hours at the beach, sunbathing. The description was see this castle, walk around this town etc. Would have been easier to rent a car and go to Costa Brava on our own. The tour to Monsarret was nice and our guide, Javier was super, however if you are not a hiker or really religious the tour could have been shortened by 45 minutes.

Hotel Reviews

Praktik Vinoteca

Barcelona

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The desk staff recommended 2 great places for food.- Don Villo and Vinitus

Cleanliness & Comfort

Melia Palma Bay

Palma de Mallorca

Great hotel. It is designed with a large center atrium, which could be extremely loud at all hours.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Saturnia

Venice

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Great recommendations and very helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Solo Experience Hotel

Florence

Great location

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Half-Day Excursion to Montserrat

Barcelona

Monsarret is beautiful and the chuch is very nice. If you don't hike or aren't very religious, this tour is a little long

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Javier was excellent.He was super helpful and recommended the best paella place-7 Portes

Transport

Costa Brava Day Trip: Tossa de Mar and Panoramic Boat Ride

Barcelona

This tour would be better described as a beach daysunbathing- on a scenic route with a boat ride. 3.5 hours of an beach with nothing else was not very exciting. My daughter sunbathed for an hour while I spent 2.5 hours on my phone. We should have spent an hour there and the three hours in Tassa de Mar, where there was a a small shopping are, restaurants and a castle.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

David was very nice and very knowledgeable about the area

Transport

Guided Visit of Barcelona & Sagrada Familia

Barcelona

The La Segurada Familia was absolutely spectacular and should not be missed. The old part of the city was beautiful and interesting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Katerina was one of the best guides were had the whole trip. She was informative and knowledgeable. She was also very kind.

Luxury Catamaran Tour with Tapas & Swimming

Mallorca

Lots of fun. Fabulous crew. Overall a great time! Would highly recommend.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Legends & Mysteries: Venice By Night

Venice

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Gondola Ride with Cicchetti & Wine

Venice

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Florence Market Tour & Traditional Tuscan Cooking Class

Florence

Market tour was great and the cooking class was fantastic. It was a wonderful bonding experience with my daughter and lots of fun. One of our favorite experiences of the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guided Visit of Florence Including David and Duomo

Italy

Paola was a great guide. The tour was interesting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

KimKim was not the first source we tried to make the arrangements. Thank God, we did turn to KimKim ultimately. We loved each of our four local guides. In Buenos Airs, Enrique was hardworking, knowledgeable, and always well-prepared. For the Sao Paulo part, it wouldn't have been a pleasant trip without Alex who was proud of his city and because of his enthusiam, consideration and willingness to go the extra mile, we came to love this city as well. In Iguara Falls, Mario was professional, could sing and whistle very well in addition to being a good photographer. When it came to Rio, Marcello provided a balanced view of the great city, its beaches, beauty beyond words, and its struggling residents.
We finished our journal without any disappointment and would be happy to utilize Bruno's services again and recommend it to friends.

We spent an unforgettable 18 days in China with thanks to Lisa and KimKim, as well as our exceptional guides along the way. Queena, Johnson, Shirlene, Jason, Faye, and Ran. We never experienced the common stress of travel (making it to the train station/airport on time or coordinating transportation, activities, etc.). Instead, we were always taken care of and we simply enjoyed our adventure to the fullest. We would highly recommend Lisa, KimKim, and all of our individual guides to anyone who is traveling to China. We hope to return soon to China and will certainly use their services again.

Hotel Reviews

Sunrise On The Bund

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Longji One Art Hotel

Extremely charming lodge owned and operated by very welcoming local family. Wonderful location and absolutely stunning views from the bedrooms and common areas. Felt right at home instantly and would love to return.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Li River Resort

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel

Guilin

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Zhuanjiacun Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tibet Hotel Chengdu

Chengdu

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Beijing

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Full Day Shanghai City Tour with the Yu Garden , Jade Buddha Temple,the Bund

Shanghai

Beautiful sites in the city. Perfect for one day in Shanghai.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We were nearing the end of our trip and energy was running low, but our guide, Ran, was able to inspire excitement for the city of Shanghai and easily met our needs as we weren't as ambitious as we were earlier in the trip.

Transport

Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Old Town

Shanghai

After a few peaceful days in the countryside, we were a bit skeptical of returning to a big city such as Shanghai, but it was great to find a smaller place outside the city that wasn't too overwhelming. Zhujiajiao certainly lives up to the title of the "Venice of China".

Quality of Experience

Food

Our guide, Ran, directed us to a local dumpling place that was one of our best meals in Shanghai.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hike through the breathtaking Terraced Fields around Ping'an Zhuang Village

Longji

Perhaps our favorite activity of our entire trip. The rice terraces and surrounding villages are a gem to be discovered in the mountains. We walked several trails through the fields and villages, each one more beautiful than the last.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We were happy to connect on a personal level with Faye, who gave us a truly great experience in these days. She taught us how to play Mahjong and we spent each day in interesting and effortless conversation. We learned a lot from her and would recommend her to anyone traveling to this area.

Transport

Visit to Qixianfeng Tea Plantation and Tea-Making Experience

Yangshuo

We learned a great deal about tea and tea production. It was truly special to make our own tea from picking the leaves to drying and toasting them. The tea plantation is very nice and also serves great food at its restaurant. We were treated to several local teas and bought plenty to bring home.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Countryside Tour in Yangshuo by bike

Yangshuo

We really loved the bike trails through the village, surrounded by mountains, rivers, farms, and gardens. The ride is easy and beautiful. We would have been happy to bike around the area for a couple of hours more.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Marvel at China's Most Picturesque River - Li River

China

Stunning scenery and a pleasant journey. The boat is spacious and comfortable, and serves good tea, coffee, and food.

Quality of Experience

Food

It's difficult to serve special or high quality food on a river cruise buffet. The food was good but not spectacular.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A Relexing Bullet Train Journey from Guilin to Zhangjiajie

China

The trains across the country are always comfortable and on time. The journey was very picturesque and we found some time to relax.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Revel in the Splendor of Zhangjiajie - Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain

Zhangjiajie

The bridge is certainly a sight to see, but the real beauty lies in the canyon below along the river. Unlike the bridge, which was very crowded, the walking path in the canyon was hardly touched. We discovered true beauty and peacefulness here.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Marvel at the Picturesque Landscape in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie

One of the most beautiful places we have ever seen in our lives. Truly captivating and breathtaking.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jason guided us through a full-day itinerary in only 4 hours, and we never felt rushed. We perfectly timed the shuttle buses and avoided several long queues thanks to his experience. We very much enjoyed his company and had fun together for our short time in Zhangjiajie.

Transport

Enjoy a Spicy Sichuan Hotpot Meal

Chengdu

We love to experience new local foods when traveling and this was certainly a highlight. We found it much better than the Beijing-style hotpot. Extremely rich in flavor. Shirlene taught us how to hotpot properly!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Panda Encounter in Chengdu

Chengdu

Experience Chengdu's Leisurely Lifestyle: Visit Wenshu Monastery and People's Park

Chengdu

We were very impressed by Chengdu's laid-back vibe and lively charm. Local people playing music, dancing, and drinking tea in People's park, and the Wenshu monastery was both peaceful and beautiful. Great food in both areas.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We enjoyed connecting with our local guide, Shirlene, and had the pleasure of her acquaintance for our few days in Chengdu.

Transport

Ancient City Wall with Cycling Experience

Xi'an

The well-preserved ancient city wall was our favorite part of Xi'an. At night the lanterns and houses light up to create a magical atmosphere. We cycled all the way around the city wall in 1 hour at a leisurely pace and would highly recommend the activity. I would have preferred solo bicycles but was able to fulfill my wife's dream of riding a tandem bike...

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Chinese dumpling dinner

Xi'an

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Tang Dynasty Show (1hour)

Xi'an

Excellent dining experience. Delicious dumplings in a beautiful theater. The show does a great job of replicating Tang dynasty music, fashion, and stories while using lights, screens, and modern technology.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

See the Terracotta Army

Xi'an

The museum and archaeological site are located in the serene countryside outside of Xi'an. It was fascinating to learn, in such detail, about the first emperor of China and what remains to be discovered around his burial site.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Muslim Quarter

Xi'an

A logical first stop of any tour in Xi'an. Conveniently located in the center of the old city. Plenty of options for delicious street food.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We were able to spend some quality time chatting with our guide, Johnson, to learn the history of Xi'an and gain insight into local life in the city.

Transport

The center of Xi'an is small and walkable. Very convenient.

Visit the Picturesque Summer Palace

Beijing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day with Great Wall and Changling Tomb in Beijing

Beijing

The Great Wall and Changling Tomb are a great stop for a tour in Beijing, not only to see the impressive sites, but also to escape the big city and enjoy more serene landscapes and tranquility.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Peking Duck Dining Experience

Beijing

A truly authentic experience in one of the best local restaurants in Beijing. It was difficult to secure a table and we had to wait for a few hours, but it was absolutely worth it.

Quality of Experience

Food

The DUCK!!! And everything else ;)

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our lovely guide, Queena, went to the restaurant early to wait for a table and ended up waiting for several hours. This is just one example of her exceptionally professional service that we enjoyed in Beijing.

Transport

Full Day Tiananmen Square and the Fobidden City with Chaowai Morning Market tour

Beijing

Tiananmen square is incredibly impressive and contrasts modern Chinese power with historical/imperial power on the other side of the gates to the Forbidden City. It's fascinating to see the past and the present connect in such a beautiful way.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lama Temple — Biggest Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Beijing

Beijing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Temple of Heaven

Beijing

A must-do for Beijing. We were unfortunate to visit at one of the busiest days in the year but still had a great experience at the temple and surrounding park.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Queena effortlessly explains the history and modern context of all sites in Beijing with great detail.

Transport