Kimkim Trip Reviews

Our local specialists on this trip to Greece we absolutely invaluable. We were so impressed with every service and the level of detail, availability, and promptness. We would definitely recommend KimKim/Be a Greek to anyone traveling to Greece. We met with Effie at the airport upon landing in Athens and she gave us such a warm welcome after a long travel day. Getting to speak about with her and ask her all of our questions was very reassuring and she was generally such a delightful person to get to meet. Thank you Effie! And thank you Konstantina for your help.

We really loved every hotel chosen as well as the activities planned, especially the sailing cruises. Having transportation available to every activity was also extremely helpful. We had a wonderful trip with no issues whatsoever. Thank you, team.

Hotel Reviews

Athens Flair

Athens

The room we stayed in for one night was sufficient and the decor/location beautiful, but I think it would have been trickier for a longer stay. The shower was not separate from the main room so I would not recommend for people who are not a couple. The staff were helpful and kind, but the ambiance was a bit strange, it felt like we were the only ones staying there and the clientele were a bit cold. The breakfast we had on the terrace was lovely!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The George Hotel

Mykonos

Heliotopos Hotel

Santorini

This was a lovely stay and a great location. We loved being away from the more tourist areas of Oia and Fira town. The employees were lovely and helpful and the breakfasts on our porch were incomparable. I would recommend this hotel to any of my friends going to Santorini.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

The Acropolis & Athens Old City Private Guided Tour

Athens

Obviously this experience was not the best, as the Acropolis was closed the day we went due to heat. This is not anyone's fault but definitely was not what we were hoping for. We so appreciate our guide's efforts to get as much out of the tour anyway.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Free Day in Santorini

Santorini

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Santorini Caldera Small-group Sunset Cruise with BBQ on board and Open Bar

Santorini

This was by far our favorite day. The small boat was absolutely perfect, the sunset and ocean was beautiful, and the people were amazing. Also, the food cooked on the boat was some of the best we had the entire trip!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Concierge-Class Small-group Sailing Cruise to Delos & Rhenia islands

Mykonos

This was also a highlight of our trip. The archeological site on Delos was incredible and our stop at Rhenia was made very special by our new friends aboard the boat, and the staff of the boat. They went above and beyond when they found out it was my birthday, and we had so much fun.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Santorini Cultural Highlights Guided Tour with Wine Tasting

Santorini

We loved our trip and it was a once in a lifetime experience! However, I wish that communication would have been better before booking. We had to rush and choose new hotels after we paid our deposit because the ones we thought we were getting got booked. That was a damper on our experience.

The secondary hotels did not meet our expectations 100%. The hotel in Athens was amazing and all of the hotels had great customer service.

We enjoyed our excursions but some of the ground transportation was not properly setup.

Hotel Reviews

Impressiveone

Nice rooms, restaurant, and customer service. Poor location. It's on a busy road with no sidewalks. You should rent transportation if you stay here.

Authenticity & Character

Location

If your room is near the street you will hear cars all night. You will also hear this if you're lounging by the pool.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Adonis Hotel

Mykonos

Excellent service and great location. The bathroom needs some renovations as it was very dated.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

xenodocheio Milos

Athens

Great hotel with wonderful customer service. I would stay here again.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very walkable area.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Santorini cooking classes Miss Anna

Santorini

This is a must do. Miss Anna was amazing and she made us feel right at home. I would do her class again if I went back.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Again no transportation was setup by Dimitris we had to get there on our own.

Cruise to Mykonos South Beaches (5 hours)

Mykonos

This was such a relaxing excursion. We truly enjoyed it. The staff on the boat were wonderful and the lunch the chef cooked was excellent.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our ground transportation was not setup beforehand by Dimitris. We were told to walk 30 minutes to get there. He did setup the vehicle after we brought it up the day before.

Our trip to Portugal was exactly what we hoped for. João was extremely helpful and responsive throughout. He made the planning process so simple. João seemed to understand exactly what we were looking for as a family and set up the perfect trip for us. Throughout our time in Portugal he made sure that we were taken care of and ready for all of our activities.

Matilde was our guide in Lisbon for the first day of the trip. I was amazed at her knowledge of absolutely everything relating to Portuguese history and the city of Lisbon. She answered all of my many questions, and I had a lot. Matilde was also very kind and friendly. She got our trip off to the perfect start.

Eduardo was our driver while we were in Lisbon. We were very thankful for him. He expertly maneuvered our van all throughout the city and was great to talk to. He was happy to make all of our silly detours and helped us find everything we were looking for. He even found us a music store so I could get a Portuguese guitar!

All together the trip was awesome and the people were so nice! While we hope to explore more of the world, we are definitely planning to return to Portugal!

Thank you Dean and everyone we worked with. This was a trip that was a long time in the making. It was to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, my 50th and my hubby's 60th birhdays. We had a wonderful time in Ireland. We drove ourselves, well, my husband drove and I navigated, lol. He's braver than me. We went to Dublin, Cork, Kinsale, Kilarney, Dingle, Doolin, Westport, and back to Dublin. The last 3 days in Dublin, we took a tour with Wild Rover to Belfast, Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway. The "Black Cab" tour in Belfast was really emotionally moving and gave me a more broad view of Northern Ireland. We stayed at a mixture of B&B's and hotels. Cork was interesting learning the history of where my husband's family came from, only 3 generations ago. There is so much more history to everything in Europe than there is here in the states. Especially in Washington state, where we are from. Most everywhere we visited was very clean. Dublin, was the exception. Our hosts at Fernroyd B&B in Cork, Tony & Avril, were so welcoming and were excited to tell us some history about Cork and what would be most important to see during our short stay. There is so much to see and do in Ireland, 2 weeks was barely enough time to scratch the surface. We are already beginning to plan for the next trip.

Andrea and the KIMKIM team was amazing to work with. I came across them while trying to plan my trip to Italy online and I am so glad that I did. They took over the entire process and made things simple. Andrea created the person itinerary to include everything my husband and I were interested in and omit things that that not matter to us. He was prompt to answer all of our questions prior to the trip. Our trip started off in Venice, with car service that brought us to the hotel. We had a tour guide for the evening who did a great job of showing us the off the beaten path look at Venice which we loved. We then traveled to Florence and again met with a knowledgeable tour guide. As the weather was getting hot, Andrea checked in and often changed times of our tours so that we would find it more pleasant. While leaving Florence, there was a train strike. Our trip to Pompeii was canceled. Andrea was super helpful in trying to get us to our next destination. He also refunded us the money as our plans had to be canceled. Every time we could not locate a guide or find a place, Andrea responded to our messages quickly and helped every step of the way. The guides were all knowledgeable and very professional and helpful. The drivers were also great. I will most definitely be using kimkim in the future and recommending them to everyone.

Jenny was fantastic and did a great job of putting together our Iceland vacation. The trip itself went off without a hitch. It was easier than I could have dreamed to rent a car and get around in a country none of us had been in before. Our guest houses were so hospitable, it felt like we were saying goodbye to old friends when we checked out. The hotels were comfortable and safe. Our only tour guide was Bardi from Your Friend in Reykjavik. He was our guide on the walking food tour and he was so knowledgeable about the city, the food, and the history of Iceland in general it created a unique and unforgettable experience. We started out the tour with the Krauma geothermal baths and ended it with the Blue Lagoon private retreat experience and did so much hiking and adventuring in between, it truly was an unforgettable experience. When I return with my husband and son, I'll definitely go through KimKim again!

We had a really lovely experience in Colombia, and can't wait to return. In hindsight, we may have not moved from place to place quite as often, but given the amount of time we had in the country, I think Michael did an excellent job of maximizing our time while there. There were amazing things in every area, but the magic of El Dorado Nature Reserve and Venecia House cannot be overstated. Fred, at El Dorado Nature Reserve is one of the kindest and most lovely people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His energy was so calm, warm, and sweet. Everyone at El Dorado works so incredibly hard, and it did not go unnoticed and was so appreciated by my partner and I. The food was delicious, the rooms were lovely, and we really enjoyed sitting out on our balcony in our downtime. It's truly one of the most beautiful places, if not the most beautiful place, I have ever been to. The view from the restaurant is jaw-droppingly beautiful.

Though Tayrona National Park was very hot and humid, our day exploring with our guide had lots of rewards. From the beautiful park itself to the birds, to the adorable monkeys. It was a really incredible place, and our guide, Juaren, was very knowledgeable, friendly, and even went above and beyond to help us find one of our favorite birds! He was also our guide the previous days in Minca, where we went to a beautiful waterfall and on a morning birding hike with him.

Cesar, our guide for our Santa Marta city tour was also excellent. He braved a very very hot day in Santa Marta with us and made it enjoyable despite the scorching sun. (Which was no easy task!) We learned so much from him and really enjoyed our time with him and getting to know more about Colombia's history.

Heading to Manizales and the Venecia Coffee Farm House was a welcome respite from the heat of Santa Marta. We instantly felt relaxed upon arriving to the house. From the beautiful open rooms to the beautiful views from the wrap-around porch. Hammocks can be found in various spots around the porch, perfect for a nap and relaxing. The ladies who work at Venecia are so incredibly kind, and make some of the most delicious food. I am still dreaming about one of the soups we had while there.

While in Manizales we really loved our amazing guides at the Tinamou reserve. Another magical experience. The place was beautiful, and we saw many species of birds while there. The breakfast and lunch were very tasty and our guides were very knowledgeable and kind.

We also visited Finca Romelia which was also really nice. The owners, Jose and Marisa, were so welcoming. Jose's passion for the orchids, his home, and the nature around him was infectious. We loved getting to chat with him about his beautiful plants and home and felt inspired by the passion he has for this amazing place. Marisa prepared a fabulous lunch and breakfast for us, and easily accommodated us being vegetarian. Adrian, our guide, and his brother Juan, were the sweetest. We had a really nice time walking the property looking at birds, but also just chatting with them and getting to know them and the family more. It was a more relaxing day which was welcome and treasured.

The very minor issues we did have (and they were very very minor, such as not being able to locate our driver at one spot for a few minutes) were always quickly resolved by Michael. He was very responsive and helpful to any questions we had, though everything ran very smoothly and we didn't need to reach out very often. All of our drivers were great as well. We were very sad to leave Colombia and can't wait to return for even more adventures.

Hotel Reviews

Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm

Manizales

Heading to Manizales and the Venecia Coffee Farm House was a welcome respite from the heat of Santa Marta. We instantly felt relaxed upon arriving at the house. From the gorgeous open rooms to the beautiful views from the wrap-around porch. Hammocks can be found in various spots around the porch, perfect for a nap and relaxing. The ladies who work at Venecia are so incredibly kind, and make some of the most delicious food. I am still dreaming about one of the soups we had while there. Everything was very clean, and we loved being surrounded by such amazing nature and wonderful people.

Authenticity & Character

The house itself is really beautiful, and I love that they have preserved and maintained the property from it's original design. The colors are cheery, and look so lovely against the greens of the plants surrounding it. The people who work here are so kind and wonderful.

Location

Absolutely beautiful house, gardens, and views.

Staff

Some of the kindest people ever. The ladies are so incredibly kind and talented.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfy beds and very clean rooms.

El Dorado Nature Reserve

Minca

The magic of El Dorado Nature Reserve cannot be overstated. Fred, at El Dorado Nature Reserve is one of the kindest and most lovely people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. His energy was so calm, warm, and sweet. Everyone at El Dorado works so incredibly hard, and it did not go unnoticed and was so appreciated by my partner and I. The food was delicious, the rooms were lovely, and we really enjoyed every minute of our stay at El Dorado. It's truly one of the most beautiful places, if not the most beautiful place, I have ever been to. The view from the restaurant is jaw-droppingly beautiful. We saw so many amazing birds, creatures, and plants during our stay. Our balcony provided a great bird-watching post, as did the restaurant when we wanted to take a break from hiking and relax. I definitely would love to go back!

Authenticity & Character

The people that work here, and the nature that surrounds you is absolutely magical

Location

It's one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I like that it's hidden up in the mountains away from everything.

Staff

The entire staff was so lovely. Fred was absolutely amazing and made us feel so welcome and cared for.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was very clean and the beds were comfy. Loved our balcony!

Activity Review

Santa Marta City Tour

Colombia

Cesar, our guide for our Santa Marta city tour was also excellent. He braved a very very hot day in Santa Marta with us and made it enjoyable despite the scorching sun. (Which was no easy task!) We learned so much from him and really enjoyed our time with him and getting to know and see more about Colombia's history.

Quality of Experience

Cesar was very friendly, knowledgeable, and entertaining.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone was so friendly and kind. Both the driver and Cesar were so nice.

Transport

Comfy car, with cool air conditioning, and always ready to pick us up to move on to the next spot.

The guides in Atacama and Puerta Varas were outstanding. The transfers went smoothly and the drivers were all helpful and informative.
I loved the north and south. Petrohue was probably my favorite but the flamingos and salt flat tours were out of this world!
I love Chile!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Torremayor Providencia

Santiago

The room I had was lovely and clean. The only negative is that it was incredible noisy. I couldn’t sleep for the road noise underneath. If I had a different room it would have been great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Location

Convenient

Staff

Helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Weisserhaus

Puerto Varas

Quaint hotel, great location

Authenticity & Character

Old character

Location

Walk to everything in town

Staff

Helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

If you like old world charm this is for you

Hotel La Casa de Don Tomás

San Pedro de Atacama

Outstanding staff and location

Authenticity & Character

Location

Location

Close to town

Staff

The desk help and general staff amazingly kind and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bed!!

Activity Reviews

Explore the Atacama Salt Flats & Lagoons

San Pedro de Atacama

Roger the guide gave our tour the most amazing information and experience. Thoroughly enjoyed everything. Take warm clothes, hats, gloves etc as it’s cold at the high elevations

Quality of Experience

Food

Breakfast in the desert was awesome

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Roger so knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions

Transport

Valley of the Moon Tour

San Pedro de Atacama

Amazing guides, knowledgeable and very welcoming

Quality of Experience

Carla and William were great

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Terry did an excellent job in planning the Ring Road Trip for us. She communicated important information , offered suggestions, and was always quick to respond to our questions and requests. We had a lot packed into a short amount of time and enjoyed every minute!

Activity Reviews

Vatnshellir Lava Cave Experience

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Short tour but definitely worth seeing!

Dettifoss

Iceland

Cold, windy, heavy rain but worth the experience. Dressing for the weather is a must!

Horse Riding on Black Sand Beach

Iceland

Enjoyed the ride and the trotting experience!

Katla Ice Cave

Iceland

Incredible experience!

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Touristy but fun to do,!

We had a very enjoyable visit to Norway. We had a rough idea of where we wanted to go and some of the hotels we wished to stay in. Mathia helped us fine-tune our suggested itinerary and suggested several adjustments. He was in touch with us several times during and after our trip. Thank you! Walks to Preikestolen and the glacier at Buerbreen, stave churches at Røldal and Ørness, and the many waterfalls were highlights of the trip. We also enjoyed our two nights in Bergen and our stay at Walaker Hotell in Solvorn. Our first visit to Norway but definitely not the last

The Paliomylos Hotel was amazing the short walk to the beach was perfect and having a pool was so close was perfect. The staff there was so helpful and the breakfast was super good. They also recommended this place called archipelago for food which was incredibly fresh seafood.

The Manos hotel had a great view but the AC was tough and there were some cockroaches that kept coming into the room.

Hotel Reviews

Mosaikon

Athina

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Manos Small World Santorini

Santorini island

Great view, room was hot and we had some issues with cockroaches.

Authenticity & Character

Location

great view but a 10 min walk into thira while it was hot was tough

Staff

The guy working to bring bags and breakfast was hilarious

Cleanliness & Comfort

There was an issue with cockroaches

NLH Monastiraki

Athens

Authenticity & Character

Location

nice downtown and easy access to locations

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Paliomylos Spa Hotel

Naoussa

Best hotel on the island, the staff, the food, the view, and the rooms were fantastic.

Authenticity & Character

people were so genuine and helpful

Location

Super close to the beach and downtown

Staff

The people at the front desk were so kind and all the ladies in the kitchen at breakfast made everything amazing.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

All Time Classic Santorini

Santorini

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I really appreciated the efficiency and thoughtfulness of the recommendations for our family of 4. We were traveling with our young boys ages 8 and 11 and Audrey and team helped with booking tickets to sites, lunch and transfer.

Activity Reviews

Lunch at Madame Brasserie Eiffel Tower with Paris view

Paris

We were not sure if this meal would be worth the investment but we have to say, absolutely! Post Pandemic, a visitor cannot even stand under the base of the tower without a ticket, and the whole place was mobbed. Luckily, with our tickets to lunch and level 1, we were able to go through expedited lines. Must do this if in Paris!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Rodin museum

Paris

A must see for its gardens alone.

Quality of Experience

Afroditi and her team made our first trip to Greece a trip of a lifetime! She was accommodating, thoughtful and detailed. We wanted a trip that would keep our 2 boys, ages 8 and 11 engaged while bringing their passion of Greek Mythology to life. She curated the perfect itinerary across Athens (Acropolis/Delphi), Santorini (Lost Atlantis, Akrotiri) and Crete for us. We got the perfect balance of rest and relaxation with adventure. Despite the really hot days, the hospitality of everyone we came into contact with, our tour guides Anastasia, Penny and Sara, we fell in love with this vibrant and spirited country! We will be back for the Cyclades and much more time on Crete!

Hotel Reviews

Rhenia’s Suites Santorini

Santorini

We got the deluxe suite for our family of 4. It provided ample space right in the center of the caldera. Superb location, loved the concierge Sofia too. She was sweet, caring and attentive. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Epic views of the caldera !

Staff

Sofia is 10 stars!!!!!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Royalty Hotel Athens

Monastiraki, Athens

The hotel was right in the city center, rooms modern/clean and upscale. Loved the breakfast and views!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Day Trip to Delphi

Greece

If you or your kids have any interest in Greek Mythology or history, this is a must see. It is one of the top 3 historic sites in Greece and really gives you a perspective into the incredible ingenuity and skill 3,000 years ago. Delphi is truly a wonder of the world and the guides provide you with the historical and philosophical significance of this place.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Penny was superb with our kids!

Transport

Where to begin?

When Laila and I decided to take a trip to Greece, we had no idea how exactly to plan our vacation. We were looking for a trip that balanced history and culture with fun ideas. Laila loved seeing the sites such as the Acropolis and Akrotiri. Additionally, I was looking for points of rest and relaxation on the beach, and having prior experience and love for scuba diving, I knew that was something I wanted in my vacation plan.

Thanos went out of his way to create a phenomenal plan and itinerary for us to achieve everything we had hoped for on this trip. Additionally, we had a wonderful time with our guides; everyone was absolutely delightful to us from Athens to Santorini. Would strongly recommend the Acropolis and Flavors of Athens if it is your first time visiting Athens. The scuba group in Paros, X-ta-sea diving, was very helpful in getting Laila comfortable with scuba gear and allowed her to enjoy the expedition. In Naxos, Maria Daphne was a wonderful and informative guide during the cultural tour and ensured we had a wonderful time.

Throughout our trip, Thanos reached out to ensure we reached our destinations and everything we needed. He was absolutely marvelous as a coordinator, and I would strongly recommend/encourage him to guide anyone trying to navigate a trip in Greece!!

We usually plan our own travels and this is the first time getting help . And using Kimkim was the best decision we ever made. Irene our local specialist was phenomenal! She was really a pleasure to work with. She is patient, very responsive and was honest in her opinion. Together we discussed what I wanted in the trip and she helped us craft a perfect itinerary.
We had both guided and self guided tours. She gave great insights into the places we visited, where to go, what to look out for and even restaurant recomendations.

We packed a lot into our trip. We visited 4 cities and Irene helped plan the visits to each city/area. I can't decide which is the best because they are all different with different things to offer. Irene's plan was well thought out.

Throughout our trip, we felt truly cared for. The Travelcare team which is like a "virtual concierge" is really god-sent. They were available to answer any questions, help you if you have problems or encounter any problems. We truly felt that everyone on the team is there to make sure your trip runs smoothly and that we have the best travel experience.

I posted my travels on social media and had lots of my friends asking who helped me plan this amazing trip. I told them about Kimkim. I will definitely use Kimkim in my future travels!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel L'Orologio

This is a 5 star hotel! It felt very luxurious. From the moment you walk into the lobby till the room. Everything was exquisite! It’s just a 6 min walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station and a 4 min walk to the Duomo. Super convenient!

Authenticity & Character

Very classy hotel

Location

Near Duomo and train station

Staff

Friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Luxurious hotel

Hotel Antigo Trovatore Venice

Venice

Location was fantastic. Very near the water taxi station and San Marco Basilica. Rooms were clean. Bfast was adequate. Only reason I gave it a 4 star is bcos the air conditioner’s location was not ideal. It had cool air blown on my face the whole night which made it difficult to sleep . Otherwise the hotel is great!

Authenticity & Character

Location

3 mins walk fr San Marco square

Staff

Friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms were clean

Hotel Modigliani

Roma

Hotel was conveniently located near the Spanish Steps. Don’t let the entrance fool you. The rooms are very clean, updated and we had a really good rest there.

Authenticity & Character

It’s a cute and quaint hotel

Location

5 mins fr Spanish Steps and the shopping area

Staff

Very friendly and efficient

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were comfy and rooms felt updated and clean. AC was cool. Bathroom was a little tight but we didn’t mind

Activity Review

Amalfi Coast Boat Tour From Sorrento

Sorrento

This was the most relaxing tour we had for our trip. We were glad we chose the boat tour rather than going buy car/bus as we were able to enjoy the scenic coastline up close!You wouldn’t hv had that experience if we traveled on the road. The captain of the boat was good. He made sure we were safe. The highlight was that we were able to swim in the sea. It was just breathtaking!

Quality of Experience

Very well planned tour. We got to visit Positano and Amalfi town n also get to enjoy the ride on the boat

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Captain of boat made sure safety comes first. He also told us what to look out for, places to see etc

Transport

Enjoy the sea rather than stuck in a car or bus going thru windy roads

Fabio was fantastic to work with from start to finish. Fabio worked with me to create a very memorable trip. I had a few ideas, but he gave great suggestions from excursions, restaurants, and money saving tips. I ended up taking two weeks spread amongst Rome, Florence, Sorrento and Venice with a few day trips to Capri, Cinque Terre, and Pompeii. That's a lot to coordinate by yourself so Fabio took all of the hassle out. All drivers and guides he booked for us were knowledgeable and friendly as well.

During the trip, Fabio was quick to respond to some issues that arose with our trains and Capri ferry, which was a huge help since we don't speak Italian. There was a massive train derailment outside of Florence, which would have made us lose a day of our trip - Fabio found a driver so we could keep moving within 30 minutes.

All in all, when you visit Italy you'll really appreciate Fabio as your agent.

Overall, KimKim was an excellent choice for us in planning our trip to Jordan. We are confident in recommending KimKim to friends and associates, and will look to KimKim in the future when planning trips. In addition to the professionalism and expertise, KimKim was also a good value for us, and simplified the complexity of international travel.
Driver / Guide: Bader Halaiqa
As a mom and daughter traveling as a “group of two” in an unfamiliar, foreign country, Bader Halaiqa made us feel welcome, safe and appreciated. He went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. We felt more like family than clients, and he treated us to little surprises along the way, such as eating Arab Bread and dates after a gas station stop, and sampling unfamiliar Jordanian “treats” while walking through the market. Bader always made sure we made plenty of water, and when we were driving between locations he pointed out many cultural sights that enhanced the trip. For example, on the last couple of days of our trip, we saw sheep and goats in pens in unexpected places and he explained the religious customs associated with an upcoming major holiday. He also showed us how camel owners identify their herds. On longer trips, he played music in the car that fit the scenery, or videos to provide history and context to an upcoming site. It was reassuring to know that after he dropped us of at our hotel each evening, he lodged close by overnight to make sure he was there to pick us up on time the next morning. Occasionally Bader accompanied us on excursions to help us find our way and avoid making “touristy missteps.” He steered us clear of saying “yes” to an offer by random locals offering unscheduled “guide services” and explained that could actually turn into an obligation to provide a generous gratuity. When we wanted to go shopping he guided us through the market, speaking to shopkeepers to ensure we purchased the best item for a fair price. From the exceptionally tasty and fresh watermelon while we waited for our camel ride, to serving as our “photo journalist” when we explored and experienced the wonders of Jordan, we can’t imagine this trip without the contributions of Bader. His love of country, culture, family, and profession shone through in every encounter we had with him.
Pre-tour Contact: Samanta Neroli
Months before our trip to Jordan, we were introduced to our local specialist, Samanta Neroli. Samanta never tired of answering questions as she helped us make the most of the five days we planned to spend in Jordan. She was prompt in her communications, and creative in the suggestions she made. Samanta was flexible as we developed our trip and it was helpful to have a female representative tell us what we needed to know about local customs. Samanta was very knowledgeable about the sights and features of the places we planned to visit, and made certain our lodgings were relaxing and comfortable. She also explained the process of crossing the Border, and assured us that all the documentation would be in order and prepared for us ahead of time. Thankfully, the Border crossing went smoothly for us – just as she predicted.

Julia did a great job on our 11-day tour. The highlight was our time on the Fjords in Ballestrand and Fjærland. Fishing with Tor on his boat was wonderful. The Rib boat was spectacular and the people were a joy. Norway was beautiful and Julia was always helpful and kind.

My husband and I had an amazing two-week trip to Turkey. We like to plan our travel but were so happy that we made the decision to have Berat plan our trip. We gave her a rough itinerary, along with our interest and she took it from there. Recommending additions, and taking care of all of our in-country travel, hotels, transportation, and arrangements with the BEST tour guides. We can't say enough about how knowledgeable our tour guides were, our friendly drivers, and the attentiveness of Berat at every step of our trip.

Hotel Reviews

Nisanyan Houses

Selçuk

A lovely small hotel on the hillside overlooking the town. An easy walk into the town to explore the market. Great views, attentive staff, and excellent meals. They were kind enough to offer to make us breakfasts to do when we had to depart at 4 am!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Gül Konaklari Sinasos (Rose Mansions Sinasos)

Nevsehir

The Gul Konaklari in Sinasos is a special property to stay at while in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It is a beautiful former Greek Mansion that is quiet and beautiful. The staff is attentive and as friendly as they come. We enjoyed both the sumptuous breakfasts, as well as the delicious dinners. What we also appreciated about the hotel is its location, away from the touristy section of the region. The town of Sinasos is a lovely location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

It's quiet and in a lovely town to explore.

Staff

So attentive, genuinely kind, and always a big smile.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul

İstanbul

Quality of Experience

A very depth tour of the heritage of the region and it's relict buildings.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our tour guide Damla was terrific

Transport

Gummi was an absolute pleasure to work with!!! We saw everything we wanted to see in Iceland, experienced the true culture, and ate at the best restaurants! Gummi gave us great insights into each place that we visited and gave us the best tips and tricks. He was always available whenever we had a question (both prior to and during our trip) and was always super quick to answer. We honestly had the most wonderful trip to Iceland and wish that Gummi could plan more of our trips. We can't recommend him enough!!!