Kimkim Trip Reviews

Wonderful trip, Olman found us the best guides for all our experiences. Mariso who was our guide on the volcano walk was fantastic. All the children gave him a “20 out of 10” and still talk of how much they learned from him. Transport provided was always on time and very curtious.
I will use KimKim again and recommend them to everyone

Hotel Review

Hampton by Hilton San José Airport

Alajuela

Excellent service, food and location

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to airport

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968

Arenal/La Fortuna

Mauricio was exceptional. Best guide ever. Wonderful with children and kept them entertained the entire time. Educational and fun!

Quality of Experience

Mauricio best guide ever

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Gave us plenty of time, stopped for bird sightings

Transport

San José - Arenal - Visit to La Paz Waterfall & Gardens

Costa Rica

Amazing animals, butterfly pavillon was like being in another world. Waterfalls were incredible. Lunch fantastic

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Volcano Extreme Zipline

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Great guides, understanding the needs of children and made it a fantastic experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Helpful and fun. Everything felt very safe

Transport

Our guide Rudy was awesome! His knowledge about history, art, culture, landscape and great places to eat was invaluable. He was fun and interesting too! Also, he was adept at tweaking the itinerary on the fly to ensure to maximize time spent at locations with the least amount of driving times. Beret was responsive to our requests and kept us updated on logistics. Amazing trip start to finish!

Hotel Reviews

Kempinski Hotel Bodrum Barbaros Bay

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was outdated and dark, no character at all and the shower was darn right dangerous to get in and out of.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel

Istanbul

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Museum Hotel

Nevşehir

Super location. Interesting to stay inside a cave, but all the comforts available. Great food and atmosphere in a beautiful atmosphere.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Boat Tour on the Bosphorus

İstanbul

We took our guide with us which made the sunset trip even better - learning about the areas by water and the development of the port area was interesting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sightseeing Around Uçhisar and Discovering the Cappadocian Valleys

Cappadocia

Cool areas and interesting history. The valleys with the chimney fairies are must-see places. Special places!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Boat Tour at Bodrum

Bodrum

The boat tour and swimming opportunities were wonderful, but what it special was the Captain and crew that were warm and friendly. The lunch was simple, but fantastic - one of our favorite meals of the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Istanbul Archaeological Museum Tour

İstanbul

One of the best curated museums. Fascinating, a definite must!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise

Cappadocia

It’s an early morning start for an incredible adventure. Be advised, there is down time waiting for groups to assemble at a breakfast area. It wasn’t so warm and inviting at 4am, but once the balloon pilot and crew take over it’s an amazing experience that was top-notch!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunset Wine + Romance in Cappadocian Valleys

Cappadocia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Rudy was the best guide we could have asked for - fun and knowledgeable. His logistical sense made it an easy trip to see all of the important sites.

Transport

Linda did a great job planning our trip. She was always very responsive and was able to address all issues. If we do this again, we will certainly ask for her.

Activity Review

Fjordcruise on Nærøyfjord Gudvangen | Bus and Train to Bergen

Norway

Were able to show the grandchildren the beauty of Norway.

Quality of Experience

Transport

On the last day of a 2 week trip to Spain , I joined a group tour to Montserrat. The tour was operated by We Barcelona. While I can’t point to any one thing about this tour that was bad, it was different than expected. For example, I was under the impression it would be a small group tour but it included 36 people. I’ve taken group tours before but they have all been for small groups and we traveled by minivan style bus versus a large bus. Additionally, although the meeting point was super convenient to where I was staying, once all 36 people checked in, we walked 5 -6 blocks to the bus. The meeting time was 10:30 am but by the time we got to the bus it was 11 and our arrival to Montserrat was about 12:20-12:30. Two young professional women were with us and provided us factual info about Barcelona and Montserrat via microphone during the bus ride. Upon arriving at Montserrat, we split into 2 groups of 18 and our short tour began. The tour lasted about 20-25 minutes and then we were on our own for 75 min. Other travelers who visited Montserrat in years past mentioned how much they liked hiking around there so I originally thought I would do that but it was 1 pm when we had our free time and it was very hot. Our 2 groups of 18 reconvened at 2:10 and we waited to take the funicular down the mountain. Montserrat is spectacularly beautiful so this ride was very scenic. At the bottom of the hill, we met the bus and then we’re driven about 30 minutes to a farmhouse for lunch. I believe the tour advertises having and outdoor lunch on the far, but we ate inside which made sense given the heat. It was a lovely lunch which included a few tapas, a green salad, bread, grilled meats, wine and sorbet. Coffee and tea were offered at the end but were not included in the prepaid tour price. We left the farmhouse around 4:30 and we’re back to Barcelona an hour later. I’m glad I went to Montserrat but would probably do it differently if I had to do it again.

Activity Review

Day Trip to Montserrat & Lunch at a Farmhouse

Barcelona

Montserrat is a scenic wonder and a beautiful place, however this was a large group tour so my review of it is significantly impacted by that fact. I’ve never taken a bus tour so my expectations might be skewed by my tendency to take small group tours or explore on my own. Originally this tour appealed to me because I heard many great things about the hiking. Additionally the fact that I started at 10:30 (versus 8) was originally a bonus but in retrospect the start time and large group size meant we didn’t get free time at Monstserrat until 1 pm and I found it too hot to hike. As someone with no large group tour experience I found a lot of time wasted with just the logistics and transport. For example, our meeting time was 10:30 and everyone was on time but each party had to sign in on 1 tablet and fill out a bunch of information so that took about 15-20 minutes. Then we had to walk 5 or 6 blocks to the bus. So we didn’t actually get moving until at least 11. We arrived at Montserrat at about 12:20 but all the bus parking spots were full so we waited another 5-10 minutes before getting off the bus. There were 2 guides with us so we broke into smaller groups and out tour began. The tour did not include getting close to the Black Madonna but instead included about 2-3 stops outside the monastery where information was given and one stop before the Basilica where info was given. This part of the tour lasted about 15 minutes then we were in our own for 75 minutes. At 2:10 we gathered to take the funicular down the mountain. Then we met our bus and drove about 30 minutes to the farmhouse for lunch. We had lunch inside the farmhouse between 3:15-4:30. We were served a few tapas, bread, a green salad, grilled meats, wine and sorbet. Coffee and tea were offered but not included and had to be paid for separately. The meal was good and I enjoyed the company of the other travelers. We got back to Barcelona at 5:30.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Helena, did an amazing job creating an active and full vacation based on what my family likes and enjoys. Costa Brava was exactly what we wanted. We did enjoy Barcelona but we really crave the locations off the beaten path. My girls ages 16 and 9 favorite parts of the vacation differed. While my 16 year old thought the kayaking in the Mediterranean was such a unique experience my 9 year old was over the moon about the Flamenco Dancing. Curating a vacation like this takes a special talent. Hotel Aiguablava was truly a special place. Begur was a cool town with lots of fantastic restaurants. Closing out our stay with a sail on Med from Barcelona was the perfect ending to a magical vacation.

Hotel Review

Hotel Aigua Blava

Costa Brava · Girona

A special family friendly boutique hotel with amazing views of the Mediterranean. The breakfast was a great selection. The dinners and way above what I expected. Nice bar and comfortable lounge areas. Stunning views from the rooms on even on the far end of the resort. Wish we could have stayed longer.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The staff did a great job making my 16 year olds birthday special after learning about it at the last minute.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Barcelona Sailboat Experience & Spanish Guitar Concert

Barcelona

The only way to closeout your vacation is to say goodbye from a boat. So much fun.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Flamenco Night

Barcelona

This was my daughter’s favorite experience on this trip. Don’t miss this.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sagrada Familia & Park Guell for Kids

Barcelona

Only do this as a private tour. So worth it to skip the line and a fantastic way to learn about the amazing monument.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Snorkeling in Costa Brava - Begur

Spain

Well operated. Wet suits offered to everyone. Absolutely necessary. The water was cold. The snorkeling is not like being in the Caribbean but still a unique experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Coastal Hike, Kayaking & Lagoon Dipping in Costa Brava

Spain

A fun unique experience. Very professional and appropriate for my girls ages 16 & 9.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Thank you, Chris, for an amazing Italian adventure! From the beginning planning stages all the way through the end, Chris was highly communicative, very accessible, and really understood what I was looking for on this trip (namely, a mix of planned tours and free time, plus seamless transportation that I didn't have to think about). Chris checked in with me regularly and when one of my tours in Venice fell through, Chris worked behind the scenes to secure a refund. Each of my hotels was homey and boutique and in fantastic locations, and all of the tour guides were an absolute wealth of knowledge. Working with Chris took all the stress and anxiety out of planning my first vacation in five years, and I would work with him again in a heartbeat!

Isabelle planned a great trip for us, taking into consideration our family's requests. Lizbeth was available via whatsapp during the entire trip. She had great suggestions for places as well. We had a situation where we left one of our bags in one of the cars and Lizbeth managed to connect with the cab company immediately and within 5 minutes we got it back. We even received a refund for one of the payments we made which was included in the package however we had ended up paying for as an entry fee. Lizbeth arranged that one of the other operators would deliver that refund to us. Overall we had a fantastic time in Mexico. Thanks Lizbeth, Isabelle, rutopia team and kimkim team.

Hotel Reviews

The Fives Oceanfront Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Mesón del Marqués

Valladolid

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Villas Margaritas

Holbox

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Snorkeling in the beautiful marine park of Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dining recommendations in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Chichén Itzá: A Wonder of the Mayan World

Chichén Itzá

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dining recommendations in Valladolid

Valladolid

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dining recommendations in Holbox

Holbox

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I started working with Kimkim and Tamer 8 months in advance of our trip - as we were trying to decide if visiting the Galapagos Islands was what we wanted to do for our family vacation. It was not until the spring that we started to get serious and make commitments on dates, days and what we wanted to do. Tamer was very patient with me as we went back and forth quite a bit. We are a family of five, include three 'kids' (20, 17 and 12). We opted for land based which we loved. We did two nights in Quito and had an all day tour one day. That was fabulous. If you have the oppt to do that go for it. We had our tour guide from 9a to 6p - Danny was great. He knew soooo much about Quito and the history of the city and country. Favorite part of the tour for the kids: middle of the earth and the cooking class (fabulous).

We then spent three nights in Santa Cruz and three nights in San Cristobal. We really enjoyed Santa Cruz because it was bigger and offered more things in town, and after a day out on excursions it was nice to come back, relax a bit at the hotel and then walk the town to visit stores, see the people and eat at a local restaurant. We learned that when you are land based, the money one spends goes back directly to the people of the town and their local economy. Also, from the moment we landed n Santa Cruz everything was perfect: our guide (naturalist) Astrid met us, we went to a Tortoise farm and had a wonderful lunch, walked around before going to our hotel. It was a great introduction to the Galapagos Islands. Astrid was an A+ guide. My kids really enjoyed her. We also enjoyed our naturalist on our excursion to Bartolome Island (Candy). She was definitely interested in making sure everyone on the boat was safe - and took time to speak with everyone. Our boat (a yacht with a motor) served a three course lunch (and wonderful sit down breakfast - you can't beat that!). Our other guide on Santa Cruz was Viviana. Also great and someone who knew so much. Our trip to Tortuga Bay was fantastic.

Our trip to San Cristobal did not start on the right foot - literally. The speedboat between the two islands is not faint for the heart. We knew that and everyone took anti-nausea medication but two people in the family still got sick. So when we landed we were definitely a bit "off" and it didn't help that our guide had sent in a backup guide - but that was not clearly communicated (and the backup guide did not know English as well) and immediately she wanted us to drop off our bags at the hotel and get wetsuits for our next boat excursion - the idea of getting boat after that ride was certainly NOT something my family wanted. Thankfully we we were able to check into our hotel, get our bearings for a few hours before going on the next excursion (and that boat ride was like being in canoe on still water compared to the speed boat!). By this time we also had our booked guide; unfortunately because of the confusion at the start (we didn't even know we had the backup guide until one time they both showed up to switch up!) we never clicked with this guide as well as the others. However that did not mean we still did not enjoy our visit, our tours, etc. Just interesting that when you click it does make a difference. My kids can probably name the three guides in Santa Cruz but not the one on San Cristobal for example.

Overall it was a great trip, despite the rough seas. We loved learning about Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. We loved the people we met. Also, we were told that this would not be a culinary trip of sorts but we had some great meals! The islands have some good restaurants and the food on our excursions were always great. So much fresh food: fruit and fish certainly!

Hotel Reviews

Galapagos Sunset

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Nice hotel. You cannot beat the location: right there in the middle of it all! Our balcony faced the water and every time someone walked by they would check out the hotel. Small, boutique like. The rooms were a bit stark: nothing on the walls and we noticed there were no chairs. The beds were also full size (vs. King at the two other hotels). Clean. We had an issue with the hot water and water pressure was not the greatest. Oh, and no lobby - if you are into that sort of thing. We went to Hotel Indigo up the street one afternoon for drinks as they have a really nice lobby/bar area.

Authenticity & Character

Location

We liked that it was accessible to the shops and restaurants.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The water pressure, hot water, chairs in the rooms + the only hotel that did not have a pitcher of water in the bathroom for us.

Ikala Galapagos Hotel

Puerto Ayora

This hotel was GREAT. It may be located 'right downtown' and on a side street, but once you enter the outdoor area it's like a resort. The rooms very spacious, clean. They had a nice pool area and very close to the downtown shops and restaurants. Also close to the dock where you catch the speedboat to San Cristobal. Make sure you have breakfast on their rooftop. Not only is it nice but the breakfast is GREAT. I wish we could have eaten there more than just once but we had early departures on two mornings - and they do provide breakfast to-go so ask for that if you have an early excursion (except if you are getting on the speedboat!!).

Authenticity & Character

A bit authentic ~ maybe? More like a mini resort feel.

Location

It is located off the main street, a side street across some urgent care.

Staff

Very friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Patio Andaluz

Quito

Really glad we stayed here. The location was perfect for our tour of Quito the next day: the guide met us and we started walking! The hotel is traditional so that was nice and different. The inside reminded my family of the house in Encanto. The staff was also very nice and helpful. They met us when we arrived at 1 am, helped us with our bags and explained things. The food at the hotel was also good. We had breakfast two day. We also ate dinner there after our tour of Quito - we were too tired to leave. Everyone liked what they ordered.

Authenticity & Character

Not your typical hotel that you would stay at in the US.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean. They also provide a water jug for you in the room - liked that!

Activity Reviews

Explore San Cristobal Island! Visit the Interpretation Center, Tijeretas Hill & La Lobería

Galapagos Islands

Our last activity on the last full day. It was nice not to have a packed day and to take it easy. We took a shuttle to the interpretation center and then walked back via trails. It was great to hear more about the wildlife, the land and the impact of El Nino and climate change - it is an issue for the people and the islands. For example, even though it is winter, the weather has been warmer than usual - yes, good for us tourists because we can swim in the water but bad for the wildlife this continues. Plus our guide pointed out that trees that should be bare have leaves and are blooming because it is warmer than usual.

Quality of Experience

Food

We had an amazing lunch at Del Mar Bar and Restaurant.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Embracing Nature: Discovering Wildlife on Española Island

Isla San Cristóbal

We almost skipped out on this. The family was hesitant to get back on a 2+ hour boat ride after the speedboat, however, everyone said it would be more like the excursion we had on our first day and that Espanola is just beautiful. So we did it - and we are glad! When we landed we did a two hour hike and then snorkeled. Our guide John was great - knew a lot about birds. And we did see birds including the blue footed boobie

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wildlife Encountering at Lobos Island

Galapagos Islands

Our first activity on San Cristobal. My oldest missed out because he was still trying to recover from the speedboat ride :) This was an ideal boat excursion though: short (20 min?) and very calm and peaceful. It was great! We did a hike and then went to the beach. We had a good group with us.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning at leisure - Afternoon kayaking

Galapagos Islands

This was also a family favorite: we did five mile round trip walk/hike to Tortuga Bay. The water was beautiful! The beaches pristine! We enjoyed the leisurely morning followed by the leisurely kayaking.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Vivian was our guide for this and she was fabulous! Another guide that our family will remember.

Transport

Experience the Pristine Beauty of Galápagos Islands: Discovering an Uninhabited Island

Puerto Ayora

Our first excursion was to Bartolomé Island and it was wonderful. The boat ride as GREAT. The staff so friendly (and so hard working). My kids really liked being served a full breakfast and a three-course lunch on the boat. The hike was nice and not strenuous. The views were beautiful!! We also snorkeled and that was a lot of fun - the water is so blue.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands & Charles Darwin Research Station

Puerto Ayora

Landing at the airport, being met by Astrid and then going to the farm + the research station was a perfect way to be introduced to the Galapagos Islands. (We also liked that someone took our bags to the hotel!)

Quality of Experience

Food

The food at the farm as wonderful. Fresh! Just what we wanted after our flight.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Astrid was fabulous! I think she might be some sort of celebrity on the islands given her family's history :)

Transport

Loved being picked up by a driver with our guide!

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

Quito

This was a fabulous experience. I am so glad we opted to do this. I think if we had not, I would be very disappointed. We saw as much as one can in a nine-hour day. Everyone in the family loved it. It was a good mix of going into buildings and churches and just walking. We did drive to the middle of the world - the 'museum' there was great. Highlight for the kids. I think we enjoyed having our own guide and going at our (and his) pace. The cooking class also turned out to be a highlight of the entire trip. My 17yo and 12yo were skeptical of a cooking class but it was so much fun - and the food was so good! I would not miss this. I think next time we do a trip I may have to look for a cooking class.

Quality of Experience

Food

The cooking class! Dinner at the hotel was also great.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Danny was great! Also the driver, we had the same person for our tour and for the ride to the airport.

Transport

We had a wonderful time traveling through France on a jam-packed itinerary. We are itching to do so again.

Some thoughts on our 7 night trip:
Day 1) The first day in Paris was great with a museum because we had some time to relax after the flight and get recuperated. We finished the evening with some local friends at a bar which was nice to catch up after many years apart.
Day 2) The walking tour of Montmarte was amazing. Our guide, Sonali, was really kind and helpful. We wished it was about an hour longer so we could see and sample a few of the best cafes but we spent some time afterwards sitting down with a cappuccino. We enjoyed the free time in the afternoon and night to explore and meet up with friends.
Day 3) The train was simple and went on without a hitch. We were lucky enough that our hotel was ready when we arrived an hour or so early. We loved having the afternoon to explore Aix-en-Provence and the hotel was in a great location that made it very easy for us.
Day 4) This was my favorite day in France. Gilles was an amazing guide and we had such a good time. Our cooking class ended up being about 7 hours. We toured two markets in Aix, plus got to stop at the fish monger, bakery, and butcher, where he showed us what to look for in all the specialty items. The wine tasting was also great, especially since we got to pick out the wine we shared during the meal. The cooking was amazing being in his home in the hills. Such an amazing experience and I would 100% recommend everyone do it. We were slightly full for dinner, but it worked out as we could eat a little less but still be fully satisfied.
Day 5) The train was good, if possible, I would book on the opposite side of where we sat so you have ocean views. Kind of tough since the train turns around after leaving Aix. Hotel was nice but we had to wait to check in, so we dropped off our bags and walked the city.
Day 6) The van tour was good to get out, but there were issues with communications between the company and Kim Kim. It was ultimately resolved so no big deal. The tour guide Alex was a bit mean to some of the people on the tour, and it was a little tense to start. The locations were great and we liked seeing the different areas nearby.
Day 7) Nothing too eventful. We were able to do an hour late checkout so we could go to the beach in the morning and freshen up for the afternoon.
Day 8) Another amazing walking tour with Faye. The food was really great! The wine was really great, and the small group made it really fun. Timing was a bit tight with our departing flights but everything worked out really well.

So things that weren't the best:
- Our driver in Paris, Thanusan, sent other drivers a few times with not super nice cars. It was kind of odd, especially on the last day.
- The van tour in Nice had a few hiccups, but turned out okay.
- My fault, but I would probably do a town other than Nice. We really enjoyed the city but it was a bit touristy for our taste (even if the tourists were mainly from Paris).

Overall, we had a great first time in France and learned a lot about what we should do in the future! Thanks Kim Kim team for helping set everything up and we can't wait to be back!

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel A La Villa des Artistes

Paris

It was a cute hotel and in a great location. The beds were uncomfortable but everything else was great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Les Jardins d'Eiffel

Paris

This was a great little hotel. The location is quiet, although we would have liked more things to do in the neighborhood.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Comfy beds!

Hôtel La Villa Nice Victor Hugo

Nice

Really great location, 5 minute from the beach, 10 from Old Town. Free beach towels. Good A/C and dehumidifier in the room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel Rotonde

Aix-en-Provence

Great hotel with a good breakfast. Perfect location for Aix. Beware that the A/C sometimes doesn't work.

Authenticity & Character

This is not really what I would consider an authentic French hotel in my opinion.

Location

5 minutes from the main square, but in a quiet location.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Cheese and wine tour in Le Marais

Paris

Our guide, Faye, was fantastic. The shops we visited were some of our favorites in Paris. The Boulangerie was amazing and we are still dreaming of the baugettes. The wine shop and tasting was the best part, and we had a lot of fun with our new friends and eating the cheese and charcuterie while sipping on French wines. A perfect way to end the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Provençal Market visit and Cooking Class in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence

This was our favorite experience and we 100% recommend it for everybody. It is about 6-7 hours long. Includes visits to the markets and local shops to pick up fresh food and ingredients. Then a visit to the winery for a tasting and purchasing a few bottles for the lunch. Finally you travel to the chef's home and cook for 2 hours and finally get to eat and drink wine with your new friends. Gilles is an amazing host and so friendly, we will be back.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full-day excursion to Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Nice

It was great to go to the other towns, we enjoyed being able to get out and explore. The guide, Alex, was a little bit cranky and it made for some awkward engagements, especially at the beginning of the tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dear Rachel and Team ,
Thank you so much for making our trip to Brazil ( Rio de janeiro, Iguazu and Amazon )such a memorable. We really appreciate all your dedication and hard work you put into make it so easy for us. Our guides were incredible and made the experience much more enjoyable. You did a fantastic job and you definitely know how to take of your clients. You can be sure that we will be recommending your service to family and friends alike.
Sandya and Prasad

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Bogari

Foz do Iguaçu - PR

Windsor Martinique Copacabana

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

Hotel Saint Paul

Manaus - AM

Amazon Eco Park Jungle Lodge

Manaus

Activity Reviews

Nocturnal tour with animal spotting

The Amazon

We did not participate . We are unable to rate

Forest of the Monkeys

The Amazon

Jungle Walk

The Amazon

Visit to the native's house

The Amazon

Meeting of the Waters

The Amazon

Transport

Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian Side

Foz do Iguaçu

Iguaçu Falls - Argentinean side

Foz do Iguaçu

Christ the Redeemer & Sugar Loaf Mountain

Rio de Janeiro

AMAZING !! is the one word to express our trip to Costa Rica. We just returned from one of the most memorable trips we've taken in years - my wife and 2 kids (19 and 14 yrs).
And it all started with KimKim and Gustavo. I have never used a travel agency for any vacation before -- and after this trip, I'm already recommending my family and friends - this is the way to book your travel.
The team at KimKim was very knowledgeable, and i'll have to say very patient with all the changes i'd made in our itinerary over the couple weeks of planning. The trip from the start of the pickup at the Airport, with our private transfer from San Jose Airport to Arenal - was very professional, the car was very clean, and the overall trip felt very safe and comfortable.
We spent 8 nights, with 3 in Arenal, 3 in Monteverde, and 1 in San Jose. We loved both Arenal and Monteverde - completely jam-packed the 1st half of every day with activities -- well, you have to do that with young boys ;-).
We did Canyoning and White Water rafting with the Defasio team - and none of us had done either activity previously. The Defasio team was great - they picked us up at the hotel. took absolute care in the safety of the activities, without sacrificing the fun !!! we had great local food - delicious. On the White Water rafting activity, we had fresh fruit as part of our activity, lovely fruit along with all the amazing sights all around. We were a group of 6 on the raft. Lots of fun!!
We did the guided tour at the La Fortuna Waterfalls - and our guide was great !! he was very knowledgeable and patiently let us stroll around and took all the wonderful pictures for memories and we were swimming there with the fishes ;-). The water was great !!
In Montevede, we did the Zip Line - wow - amazing fun -- the team at SkyAdventures was super. They were so much fun !! And again our ride back from Monteverde to San Jose was comfortable in a nice clean vehicle and our driver was very courteous and safe driver - which is important given the roads ;-).
Our 1 day in San Jose was ok. Maybe because we were so pumped with action, a rest day did not align with our mindset. However, our resort in San Jose made up for the lack of activity there - we stayed at the Marriott Hacienda - an absolutely lovely property.

And KimKim helped us manage all of this via their planning site - i could always quickly get to my itinerary and the daily details. Looking to have KimKim help us with our next vacation.
Note, we did not book everything via KimKim; they had the flexibility for us to book directly with a hotel if we wanted - which i thought was quite helpful.

Activity Reviews

Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure

Arenal/La Fortuna

This was so much fun !! My 14-year-old son said this was the best activity for our entire trip -- and we did a lot of activities. We had never done White Water Rafting before -- so this was a true highlight. The team at Defasio was awesome - very professional, safety oriented and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch

Arenal/La Fortuna

The falls were so majestic - and the hike down was pretty easy - although some folks took time climbing back up -- We also did swim in the bottom of the falls -- and next to the falls, there is a smaller area where the water is more suitable to swim - we were literally swimming with the fish it was so clear. At one time we did see a Toucan so that was a bonus ;-).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure

Monteverde

This was such a lovely waterfall -- the sights are just amazing !! We also did swim in the bottom of the falls -- and next to the falls there is a smaller area where the water is more suitable to swim - we were literally swimming with the fish it was so clear.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lost Canyon Waterfalls & Rappelling Adventure

Arenal/La Fortuna

This was amazing !! We had never done Canyoning - like rappeling - but I'd not done that either. Everyone in the family loved this activity. I would definitely recommend it to anyone active.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We heard about Kimkim on recommendation from a friend who used them for a trip to Portugal and are so happy we used their services on our first trip to Spain!! Usually my husband does all aspects of trip planning, including hotels, rental cars, event/tour tickets, etc. and has to do the requisite amount of research beforehand, in addition to making all of the bookings. Kimkim set us up with Marta, a local expert, and she planned every aspect of our 2 week trip in Southern Spain and made many specific recommendations based on our interests and budget. Everything was planned and coordinated with her online - we never even spoke on the phone because we didn't have to - and she would get back to me with answers, additions, changes and recommendations right away. The communication was top notch every step of the way, even after we were in country....response time was practically immediate and the app with the trip plan is so user friendly and contains all information needed, including time tables, tickets, directions, names, meeting points, etc. We were so lucky in that we have absolutely no issues to report, everything went so smoothly which says so much about the attention to detail Marta and Kimkim delivers! This trip was full of planes, trains, automobiles and miles and miles (kilometers and kilometers!) of walking all over Southern Spain. Highlights included our private tour of the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens with guide, Marta Sanchez. Her English was excellent and her passion for and knowledge of the history of Spain, Granada and the Alhambra were so extensive and contagious. Her expertise definitely made this not-to-miss attraction come to life for us and set us up with historical context right at the beginning of our trip, which was perfect. We climbed the Caminito del Rey which reminded us so much of the Grand Canyon and was beautiful - but HOT. Please be warned that it is much longer than you think because you have to walk to the meeting point from the bus and walk from the end back to the bus which adds at least a few kilometers onto the climb and on a hot, sunny day wearing the required helmet - it is HOT. Bring lots of water. Another highlight was the hotel we stayed in while in Sevilla, Las Casas de la Juderia. It is located in the Old Jewish Quarter and consists of multiple historical homes and buildings that are interconnected by a maze of gardens, patios, passageways and courtyards. All the rooms were unique and historical but modernized and comfortable. The rooftop pool was beautiful and the architecture in the old part of town was gorgeous and steeped in history. We had a private tour of Sevilla with Jose, which gave us the ability to pick and choose areas we wanted to return to but included a detailed tour of the Alcazar. He brought us to a wonderful local restaurant at the end of the tour, and we particularly enjoyed the conversations we had with him during our tour and the food and conversations with others at the restaurant. We rested in the resort town of Marbella, spending a day lounging ocean/poolside, which was much needed with the heat and pace of our trip! Highlights there also included a day trip to Malaga, another beautiful city - our daughter is an artist so we visited the Picasso Museum there which was fantastic - don't miss the architectural finds located in the basement! Madrid was lovely - the private tour we took with Antonio took us by many of the important neighborhoods, buildings, markets and plazas and gave us the much needed knowledge of Madrid to be able to pick and choose the places we wanted to return to and explore in more detail. Again, being interested in art - specifically Modern Art - our daughter visited the Reina Sophia and had a fantastic day there. The last highlight was our day trip to Toledo. Again, our private tour guide Daniel Cano perfectly bookended our trip with his knowledge, passion and love of Toledo and its' incredible history (thank you for telling us he origin of the saying "Holy Toledo"!). From the Old Jewish Quarter to the Toledo Cathedral - the attractions we visited had amazing artworks by El Greco and Carvaggio among others - but also modern art as well. The architecture and history of Spain and specifically the "City of Three Cultures" that guide Daniel Cano shared were easily recognizable to us from the historical context that Marta Sanchez, our guide at the Alhambra, provided at the very beginning of the trip. And again, he. made a wonderful recommendation for a restaurant which was a terrific and restful way to end the day.

The time we saved on trip planning, the insider knowledge of the local experts at Kimkim and the support before, during and after the trip made this vacation so enjoyable and smooth for us. We definitely recommend Kimkim and specifically Marta - and will definitely use them for trip planning in the future.

We had an amazing trip to Croatia! Nikola had everything so well organized and planned! From our first arrival at the airport with our driver to our last airport delivery it was smooth sailing! We were met in Split by Mario who carried both our bags and led us to our hotel and helped orient us to our room and the area. The next morning Mario showed up extra early to escort us to our ferry to Hvar. We were met there by our biking guide, JJ, who was so patient and knowledgeable about the area. Such a fun day! The following day was a highlight with an oyster and wine tasting. On the way home I accidentally left my bag in the van and our driver very kindly drove it back to the hotel the following day. The hotel in Dubrovnik was gorgeous and spacious. The next day we went on a private boat cruise which was amazing and again with a knowledgeable skipper. Our last day was once again amazing where we were picked up by Katarina and driven to her home for a culinary experience and delicious lunch. We were so impressed with our local guides and all the special care we were given from everyone associated with Nikola and KimKim travel.

Hotel Reviews

Villa Malo More

Dubrovnik

We loved the spacious room and the ocean views !

Authenticity & Character

Location

It was right on the ocean and away from the crowded town center.

Staff

We were hungry after a long day and I went down to see if we could get some food. The staff were very helpful and even delivered the food to the room although they said they did not have room service.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Makarun Heritage Rooms

Split

The service we received here was five stars. From the moment of our arrival until checkout we were treated like royalty! The room itself was very small and there was no space to open up our suitcases. There was also a lot of noise upstairs, however, by the time we were ready for bed it quieted down. The location was excellent and right near the palace. The breakfast was made early for our convenience and delicious.

Authenticity & Character

Very charming location above a courtyard restaurant

Location

Right in the center of all the main tourist attractions

Staff

Mario treated us like royalty and attended to all of our needs

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was clean and the bed comfortable. The room was very small and there was no room to open suitcases or hang a towel. We also heard a lot of noise from upstairs, however, it quieted down when we were ready to sleep.

Activity Reviews

Konavle Region Morning Culinary Experience

Croatia

This was a very enjoyable day at the home of Katarina. She was very gracious and picked us up from our hotel and delivered us to her home. There we were given a tour of the garden and helped prepare a delicious lunch.

Quality of Experience

Food

The soup, chicken stew and dessert were all delicious!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Katarina picked us up and delivered us to the airport after the lunch.

Elafiti Islands - Private Half Day Speedboat Tour

Dubrovnik

this was an enjoyable day on the sea. Our skipper was knowledgeable about the area and took us where we expressed an interest. We stopped at an island and walked around, enjoying some of the local sites. We also took a couple dips in the ocean which was so lovely!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ston Oysters Experience & Wine Tasting

Croatia

This was such a fun day! The oysters were the best we have ever had! The wine tasting after was also a lot of fun and it was great to see where they store the wine and learn a little about the process.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our driver graciously pulled over when I wasn't feeling well. He also returned a bag I left in the van the following day.

Day Trip to Hvar from Split & Half Day Biking Tour

Croatia

Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. He grew up there and even shared some childhood memories. The end of the ride was a slow incline and he even helped me along by putting a gentle hand on by bike while I road. We also enjoyed the delicious and authentic lunch provided!

Quality of Experience

Food

The lunch prepared at a local restaurant was delicious!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our recent trip with KimKim was nothing short of amazing! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a team that went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and enjoyment throughout the entire journey. Let me tell you about some of the exceptional individuals who made our experience truly unforgettable!

Ms. Belle, our tour guide for our first day, left a lasting impression. Despite her limited time with us, she made herself available on WhatsApp to assist in coordinating our drivers for the following days. Her warmth and helpfulness were evident from the start, always greeting us with a cheerful "Good Morning." Ms. Belle's dedication and willingness to go the extra mile made us feel welcomed and supported throughout our trip.

And then there was Ms. Aurora, who accompanied us for an entire day in Bangkok. Her commitment to our comfort and satisfaction was evident from the moment we met her. Despite the scorching sun, she had wipes ready for us and ensured we stayed hydrated with refreshing water. Ms. Aurora's flexibility was truly remarkable, as she effortlessly adjusted our itinerary to accommodate our preferences, even managing to fit in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. Her expertise and knowledge as a tour guide were apparent, making our time with her educational and enjoyable.

One of the aspects that impressed us most about KimKim was the consistency in their services. The drivers were punctual, always arriving within a 10-minute window.

We wholeheartedly recommend KimKim to fellow travelers seeking a professional and reliable travel agency!

We had a wonderful trip to Brazil! Chadya and Rachel helped me tremendously from the beginning to an end to plan this trip. They helped me with all the logistics and had great suggestions. There was a couple hiccups here and there and they were available right away to fix any problems that we had. It was nice to have the assurance that I could always rely on them if we ran into a problem. Highly recommend to use them for your next trip to Brazil! It will make your life much much easier and more enjoyable.

First Anne has been so exceptional in getting this trip organized for me. She and I have been communicating for 3 yrs. She even took time out to meet me at the airport. I couldn't of asked for a better organization person on my team then Anne. Then there is Nancy, who not only explained details of Lima and the historical aspect of this wonderful city. She also accomplished me t get my first Peruvian tattoo. I will never forget her. My buddy Guido, who showed me Cusco in a person touch. By giving me details of the churches that I'm sure most will never know, to introducing me to Cusco beer and spending incredible amount of time just making me feel at home. None of them will ever be forgotten... My team to hike Ausangate and rainbow mountain were incredibly patient and so professional with me. Always made me feel like family without a question. I want to thank everyone including Jesus in making dream come true. For making my bday one for the books with the warmth I felt all through my journey.

Such a wonderful trip! Rene was super helpful in putting together our itinerary. Lizbeth was responsive to questions the entire week (answers within minutes!) and proactive about notifying us of any changes and updates. We never had to stress about anything (other than what yummy food we wanted for dinner ;) ). Every place we went was a new adventure, and we even got a whole gorgeous cenote to ourselves - clearly a place somewhat off the beaten path. Thank you to the whole team for helping us through this adventure!

Hotel Reviews

Villas H2O Tulum

Short walk to shops and restaurants. The pool is an excellent reprieve from the hot Tulum days. Staff making breakfast every morning are friendly and helpful, breakfast is simple - fruit, cereal, eggs, and pancakes (the pancakes are deliciously fluffy). Rooms are comfortable and clean, if somewhat sparsely decorated. The courtyard is lush - a little oasis.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Jacinta Guest House

Del Carmen, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México

Short walk from the main square of Coyoacan. Homemade, authentic breakfast every morning. Friendly, helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Adventure in Tulum

Tulum

The Tulum ruins were beautiful, overlooking the sea (and there were iguanas hanging out everywhere!). The ziplines and jumping into cenotes were a fun diversion at the end of our trip. Definitely snorkel in the Cenote Azul - there's a chance to see turtles. We also saw a bat hanging out in a cave at the end of another cenote. Be brave and do the zipline jump into the cenote when you get the chance - so fun!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rio Secreto: The Mayan underworld

Cancún

The caves are gorgeous and the guides were knowledgeable. Our guide, Felipe, made the experience entertaining for everyone. The only drawback is that it's more tourist-y than some other tours and the photos are waaay too expensive (and they don't let you bring in your own cameras). Had some trouble with the download link for the photo I purchased and had to reach out to customer support.

Quality of Experience

Great experience in the caves. Photos were too expensive and had trouble with the download link (customer service was helpful and responsive in fixing it, though)

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Immerse Yourself in the Peaceful Yokdzonot Cenote

Mexico

Absolutely the best cenote we got to visit. Seemed like it was somewhat off the beaten path because we had it entirely to ourselves. Probably the most beautiful place we visited, with birds flying overhead and the walls of the cenote towering above us as we laid back in the water and just took in the view.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Chichén Itzá: A Wonder of the Mayan World

Chichén Itzá

This is a more restored site and felt somewhat more "touristy" than Teotihuacan. The more restored state means some great photo ops.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discover the flavors and colors of the exotic San Juan Market

Mexico City

One of the best tours we went on. The guide was personable, and we learned a lot about how the downtown markets developed. Don't eat too much beforehand because you will eat a LOT - and you won't want to miss a single bite!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the archaeological site of Teotihuacan

Mexico City

Very friendly and engaged guide. He was excited to teach everything he knew and gave us plenty of time to walk around and enjoy ourselves. Learned more history on this tour than almost any others.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tour the famous and picturesque neighborhood of Coyoacán.

Mexico City

We were staying near the center, so we had walked around the area before, but our guide was able to give us some history and point out local food spots and photo ops that we wouldn't have seen walking around on our own.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Be amazed by the pre-hispanic beauty of the chinampas in Xochimilco

Mexico City

Interesting to see a smaller farm operation. Our guide let us stop for fresh tamales, which are my absolute favorite Mexican food, and I was super excited to get them from an authentic source. There was some confusion over whether we had a row boat or a motor boat, so double check if you wanted a more leisurely paddle through the canals. This is a beautiful ecological tour, not a party tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a hugely successful and wonderful trip to Brazil with lots of help with Lia. We had an entirely customized itinerary to see high points including main sights in Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, and in the wildlife area of Pantanal. Our pick-ups, transfers, were all prompt, and we have very little wasted time due to using a tour company and small group tours (some private). We had real-time communication about add-on tours at the end of our trip and very prompt, knowledgeable local guides in Brazil. Accommodations were excellent (especially Ipanema Inn in Rio) and I would highly recommend using KimKim for customizable tours to maximize sightseeing and for stress-free travel.

Hotel Reviews

UeSo Pantanal Lodge

Incredible, small guesthouse in the heart of Pantanal. Local food prepared by local staff was fresh and prompt. Room with A/C was extremely comfortable, with mosquito nets provided. Staff was kind, courteous, and accommodating. Would highly recommend a stay here!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Pietro Angelo

Foz do Iguaçu - PR

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ipanema Inn

Rio de Janeiro

Wonderful service, including on arrival. Prime location, one block from Ipanema Beach, and great access to local restaurants and shops. Room had A/C and was extremely comfortable, with hotel-provided toiletries, bidet, and very clean bathroom. Wonderful amenities including free bike rental for biking around town and nearby Lagoa and included a la carte gourmet breakfast. Restaurant on site with Happy Hour was a plus.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tijuca Forest and Botanic Garden private tour

Rio de Janeiro

Wonderful trip to Tijuca, stopping at main vistas and high points. Enjoyed the botanical gardens but the forest more.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bye bye Pantanal

North Pantanal

Morning Torre walk was calm but nothing exciting.

Quality of Experience

Food

included a bonus lunch prior to departure. Incredible food at UeSo lodge.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We were getting a bit nervous about timing of airport transfer, waiting for other guests

Jaguar Safari

Brazil

Perhaps the highlight of our time in Brazil! A full day of driving and boat safari to see the big cats! Incredible guides, and close-up photos. Not to miss!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

North Pantanal

North Pantanal

Horse safari was interesting.

Quality of Experience

Food

Amazing breakfast and lunch provided by UeSo lodge.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to North Pantanal

North Pantanal

Prompt pick- up and sighting of animals along the Transpantaneira.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Argentinian Side Falls Tour regular

Foz do Iguaçu

Incredible day seeing the falls via private car/tour. Guide, Fouad, was very knowledgeable about the pacing of the walk and high points. He also accommodated an add-on trip to see Paraguay!

Quality of Experience

Food

Our itinerary reported lunch was included in our day trip but guide told us we were "on our own" expense.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Parque das Aves - Birds park

Foz do Iguaçu

Was a nice park but would skip if allows more time (at least 3 hours) at the Falls!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Brazilian Side Falls Tour regular

Foz do Iguaçu

Incredible viewing experience of the falls and experienced guide, Fouad. Our day seeing the Brazilian side falls from the walkway was rushed due to the plane's (on-time) arrival time, trip to Parque das Aves, and the (optional but which was encouraged) boat tour. We had less than 2 hours at the park, which was not enough time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Prompt pick-up.

One day in Rio regular tour

Rio de Janeiro

Loved hitting the high points of Rio in this well-planned tour. A bit disappointed to not see Christ the Redeemer during morning sun (was saved until afternoon, when weather was very foggy). A good amount waiting for pick-ups and for other guests. Wish that drinks (even just water) could have been included with the included lunch meal (which wasn't until after 3 p.m.)

Quality of Experience

Food

Include beverages (even if just water!)

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Eight family members traveled to Costa Rica with three generations ranging in age from 5 to 70. Brittany and Jessica helped us craft a terrific itinerary, We spent four wonderful nights at Hotel Arenal Springs. The hot springs were enjoyed by the adults and the kids loved having lunch at the swim-up bar. The food was tasty and reasonably priced at all the restaurants and the breakfast buffet was plentiful with many options to choose from.

The grounds at Xandari Resort were stunning. We enjoyed the hike to the waterfalls on-site and stumbled upon a bamboo grove that was spectacular. Food was excellent, but a bit more expensive. Spa services were enjoyed by yhe adults.

Tours were great. At Hanging Bridges the naturalist Helen from Jacomar Tours spotted wildlife that we would never have found on our own. She was exceptional. She placed her camera up to her scope so even the youngest in our family could get a close-up view when they could reach the scope itself. We were thrilled to see her again for our Sloth and Bird Walk.

Our Rainforest Chocolate Tour was both educational and entertaining. And the samples were delicious.

The LaPaz Waterfall Park was a wonderful way to see Costa Rican animals up close and the waterfalls were stunning, with fewer steps than the la Fortuna waterfall!

The younger adults in our group were daring enough to zipline through the tree canopy at Arenal Adventures. Those that chose not to, were able to watch them leave from the first platform which was an unexpected surprise. The staff there were numerous and appeared to be very well trained which helped to quell any fears about the experience.

However, the best service received from KimKim was unexpected. Two of our family members had flights cancelled and did not arrive in San Jose until two days later at 1am. With one email from us, Adam was able to communicate updates to RideCR. The driver monitored the flight, met them at the airport and safely drove them to the hotel in Arenal. A foggy ride that took 3 hours! It was comforting to know they were in good hands.

Despite the heat, humidity and rain we created memories that will last a lifetime.

Activity Reviews

Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk

Arenal/La Fortuna

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pointed out animal and gave details about fauna we did not know. She 'airdropped' photos that she took through her scope that were amazing.

Transport

Private Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Hike

Arenal/La Fortuna

We booked this tour to learn more about the volcano's eruption, but it was more rigorous than we expected. Due to the heat, and fatigue from other activities, we chose the one-hour walk which was easy, but not very interesting. To get the full benefit from this activity one must be an in-shape, frequent hiker.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The booking process was easy w the help of Irene. We loved the guide Giorgia in Siena. We didn’t know the back story of the horse race and it was fascinating. She also got us right into the thick of the parade. All of the drivers were excellent. We really liked Guillermo who drove us to Siena from Terre di Baccio. We loved all the hotels. The service, breakfasts and locations were all great. Our favorite experience was the private boat ride in Sorrento. I think the skipper’s name was Luigi and he was perfect. I highly recommend using Irene and the kimkim team for a vacation.

Hotel Reviews

Grand Hotel De La Ville

Sorrento

Great location near center of Sorrento. Great staff. Loved the pools. Rooftop bar and a rooftop pool w great views.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

VOI Donna Camilla Savelli

Rome

Great location for Rome. Excellent staff. Great breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Terre di Baccio Hotel Tuscany

Greve in Chianti

Great staff. Amazing food. Gorgeous views. There are alpacas and dogs to pet at breakfast. Are you kidding me?!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Splendid Venice - Starhotel

Venice

Authenticity & Character

Location

It was an easy walk to shops and the pier. A water taxi pulls up to the hotel

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Sorrento Sea Kayak Tour

Italy

This was quite an adventure, especially for my 13-year-old who found the waves challenging. The guide helped by tying his kayak to hers and we managed to reach a small cave area where we took a break. We took some beautiful pictures there. The experience was a bit challenging but still enjoyable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amalfi Coast Boat Tour From Sorrento

Sorrento

The family absolutely loved this tour. Our boat driver was great and the stops at two towns were enjoyable. The highlight was when he stopped and threw some fish food into the water, attracting beautiful blue fish. The kids were thrilled to snorkel among the fish. The views were breathtaking and the overall experience was unforgettable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Vatican Guided Tour

Rome

Our tour guide, Matteo, was exceptional. He was very good at navigating us through the Vatican, even skipping the line of the skip line people. He was quite knowledgeable about the history and explained things very well about the Sistine Chapel and the shrines. His expertise ensured we had a thorough tour without it taking too long.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tuscany Tour & Lunch

Italy

This tour was a favorite, especially for Christina. We visited a winery where we had the pleasure of interacting with an older gentleman who was a painter. The winery visit was followed by a delicious lunch. Our driver was knowledgeable about wines. The lunch wasn't a full meal but it was enough to eat, and we enjoyed wine throughout.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Siena Walking Tour

Italy

Giorgia was an excellent guide. She’s lived in Siena for 25 years and gave us lots of great insight into the town, culture and horse race, which we were lucky enough to catch as it is only twice a year.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guillermo the driver has a wonderful personality. He was a pleasure.

Transport