Kimkim Trip Reviews

The trip was exceptionally well-organized, with Chris and the team always available to answer any questions or to make suggestions. The roundtrip itinerary was thoughtfully planned, making perfect sense for exploring the best of Guatemala. Our guide for the first part, Diana, was incredibly motivated to accommodate her guests. She has extensive knowledge of the culture and a deep love for her country. We enjoyed a very active and sporty vacation, just as we had wished for.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Panchoy

Antigua

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Acatenango Campsite

Guatemala

Best location on the campsite!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Isla Verde

Santa Cruz la Laguna

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

no warm water for showers; bathroom not very clean and with spiders; running water which made the bathroom constantly wet area

Ramon's Village Resort

San Pedro

Authenticity & Character

Location

divecenter at the hotel

Staff

overall friendly staff but sometimes a bit too pushy

Cleanliness & Comfort

food is not the best food on San Pedro; rooms were very clean !

Jungle Lodge Tikal

Peten

restaurant staff not very welcoming and a bit impolite; you always have to pay every single bill and no possibility to have one check-out bill. Even different billing between bar and restaurant. Therefore incurring creditcard costs for every single transaction. Water needed to paid for. No water offered at breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class

Antigua

Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano

Guatemala

Sunrise on Acatenango & Descent

Guatemala

Boat Tour of Lake Atitlán Villages

Guatemala

Explore Tikal National Park

San Ignacio

Valley Ride - Bicycle Tour of Antigua's Villages, Farms, and Ruins

Antigua

Biking very dangerous because of traffic. we were expecting a ride in nature but this was more of a road ride. So would rather do this tour by quad for example because the biking itself is not pleasant. The tour was great! Chocolate factory, Macademia nuts etc!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hike Acatenango Volcano & Camp Overnight

Guatemala

Kayaking & Hiking Lake Atitlán

Guatemala

The hike had to be cancelled because of a miscommunication with Mundo hotel. Also the hike would have been at noon which is the hottest period of the day. So not very convenient timing. The kayak was great fun!!

We had KimKim ( and Julia and Sara) make ALL the arragnemtns for our Ireland trip. though I typically enjoy and do my own planning, I got busy with other things and had KimKim do it all. Amazing job.

Great tours arranged, and all the personal touches worked out perfectly. The ONLY issue we had was we could not do more. Our days were packed! We wish we had added more days to the southern and western coasts. but just could not.

Kimkim truly lives up to its tagline as "the new way to plan and book travel with the help of a local specialist." With their assistance, I was able to plan the ultimate vacation to Greece for my 40th birthday. Every detail was meticulously planned and executed, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. From hotel bookings to excursions and transfers, everything went as smoothly as possible. The flexibility to make adjustments upon arrival added an extra layer of convenience. The payment plan option was also a great help in managing the expenses.
Thanks to Ioannis for helping me plan and Lea for minimum troubleshooting that I experienced during the trip when I needed some help. My birthday trip was unforgettable, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to plan a perfect getaway. I'm looking forward to planning more trips with them.

It was amazing. The attention we received along with knowledgable guides was incredible. Most of the tours were amazing but a couple were not that great but all the guides were great.

Although we had limited time we were able to see so much and really have an understanding of the sites. Everyone was really kind and helpful. And we always felt like they had us covered.

Hotel Reviews

Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport

Lima

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Posada Amazonas Lodge

Puerto Maldonado, Madre de Dios

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Machu Picchu

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca Puno

Lago Titicaca, Puno

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Flight to {{end_location}}: Rainforest Posada Amazonas Lodge 1/4 - A la carta

Peru

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Freet was so knowledgeable and organized. He was truly amazing and even helped us take amazing photos.

Transport

Rainforest Posada Amazonas Lodge 2/4 - A la carta

Puerto Maldonado

Quality of Experience

Food

It varied most days but some days they ran out of food so you didn’t always get the item you wanted

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The boat tours and hikes were at a great pace

Transport

NV Private Sacred Valley tour & Observatory Train to Machu Picchu Town: Pachamanca Experience

Peru

This was so festive. There was live music and dancing and a snack. We had the best time.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cusco (Private Guided tour in Machu Picchu)

Peru

Javier was incredibly knowledgeable and he even came to our hotel the night before to prepare us for our busy day. He was really great.

Quality of Experience

Food

The dinner and breakfast were incredible and included along with a welcome drink. This hotel was really amazing.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Titicaca Train from {{start_location}} to {{end_location}}

Peru

We arrived very early for the train which could have been delayed at least another 15 minutes. It started great but the train had an accident so we were delayed approximately 5 hours so we didn’t arrive at Puno until around 1am. Both conductors had to make a police report so another conductor had to come from Cusco and we couldn’t see half the sites since it was dark. Everyone was exhausted especially the workers on the train but luckily no one was injured.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private tour to Llachon & The Uros by boat

Puno

Visitin mg the Uros was great. The people were warm and welcoming. The Llachon were very nice but we think we got a little sick from the water we drank there. Also many of the locals are very private people so when we walked around it was a little awkward.

Quality of Experience

Quality of Experience

Food

I think we got sick from the water.

Food

I think we got sick from the water.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was super sweet and helpful. Because we arrived so late the night before he adjusted our trip to start at 9am instead of 7am.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was super sweet and helpful. Because we arrived so late the night before he adjusted our trip to start at 9am instead of 7am.

Transport

The boat driver was great but it the overall experience was basically a meal and a mini hike.

Transport

The boat driver was great but it the overall experience was basically a meal and a mini hike.

Transfer to a Restaurant & San Francisco Catacombs

Peru

Max was great and knowledgeable. The only issue was the timing as this was the first time our flight came in early but then we had to wait for the driver and our restaurant did not have seating until later and then the guide showed up early to pick us up after the meal so we were rushed at the restaurant. Once we started our tour with max it was good. I didn’t realize there was a cat park so that would have been a welcome but overall this was a good tour.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We recently returned from an amazing family trip to Costa Rica, all thanks to Priscila. Her meticulous planning and attention to detail ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience. When unexpected events arose, Priscila swiftly handled them, keeping our trip stress-free. She was always available to answer questions and provided invaluable tips throughout our journey. Her dedication and local knowledge made our adventure truly unforgettable. We highly recommend Priscila for anyone looking to create lasting memories.

Our recent trip to Ecuador was an unforgettable adventure, and we are thrilled to share our experience.
We spent three incredible nights at the Napo Wildlife Center in Yasuni National Park. The lodge, nestled deep in the rainforest, was nothing short of spectacular. The surrounding nature was breathtaking, and we enjoyed numerous canoe rides, which provided an up-close look at the diverse wildlife. Each excursion was an exciting journey, offering sights of exotic birds, playful monkeys, and other fascinating creatures. The pristine beauty of the rainforest left us in awe.
Following our rainforest adventure, we embarked on a seven-night cruise aboard the Montserrat in the Galapagos Islands. This part of our trip was extraordinary. Seeing so many animals up close was a dream come true. We snorkeled with marine iguanas, sharks, and even penguins! Our guide, Javier, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making every excursion informative and enjoyable. The Galapagos Islands truly felt like a paradise, teeming with unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.
We also had the pleasure of exploring Quito. Our walking tour was informative and engaging, allowing us to soak in the city's rich history and culture. A highlight was the cooking class with our guide, Sebastian. It was a delightful experience learning to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes and enjoying a delicious meal we had made ourselves.
A special thanks to Tamer Obeid, who expertly organized this fabulous trip for our family. His prompt communication and attention to detail ensured everything went smoothly from start to finish. Tamer’s dedication made our vacation truly memorable, and we highly recommend his services to anyone planning a trip to Ecuador.

For my sister and me this was a trip of a lifetime returning to France where we lived for several years when we were young. Lise worked very closely with us to plan out everything we requested in addition to adding in some activities we had not thought of such as the side trip to Monet's home and gardens. From the time we arrived at CGD airport to the moment we were dropped off for our flight back to the United States, everything went like clockwork! This included private transfers, all tickets to activities and tours, as well as train tickets and stays at wonderful boutique hotels. There were a lot of highlights to this trip but my sister and I loved our Seine dinner cruise on Bastille Day with incredible fireworks over the Eiffel Tower. Frankly we were amazed at how little stress we had with this trip. When visiting France again I will definitely work with Lise. Thanks so much!

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Tardif Noble Guesthouse

Bayeux

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Le Clos d'Amboise

Amboise

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Discover Giverny along the way

France

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private guided tour to Azay-Le-Rideau and Chinon

Amboise

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Eiffel Tower Summit Ticket

Paris

Quality of Experience

Nighttime Seine River Cruise with Dining Experience

Paris

Quality of Experience

Fantastic I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the meal. The Bastille Day fireworks were quite a wonderful experience

Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre

Paris

Enjoyed with whirlwind tour of the Louvre.

Quality of Experience

D-Day U.S beaches tour

France

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mont-Saint-Michel day Tour

France

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Saint Germain des Prés Food Tour

Paris

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Chartres guided tour

France

Although this guided tour was good I believe that my sister and I would have done just as well with a personal guided tour on our own with our driver just giving us a set time for us to visit Chartres before we traveled to our next destination.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A pretty fast driver but we had no mishaps

Chambord, Chenonceau & Lunch at the Château - Full Day

France

The private lunch at the Chateau was fantastic! I loved the marriage museum at this small Chateau.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Medieval Paris - St Chapelle, Notre Dame & Conciergerie

Paris

Although our guide was very nice her command of the English language was limited. Since I speak some French it was not as much of a problem for me as it was for my sister. We would have been better off to take the English audio guide and tour on our own with the guide just dropping us off for the allotted time.

Quality of Experience

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

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

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

Activity Review

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

Quito

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

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Fantastic Tour of the highlights of Eastern China

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

Hotel Reviews

Sunrise On The Bund

Authenticity & Character

Location

Nice hotel, but a little far from the Bund

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Novotel Peace Beijing

Beijing

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

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

Shanghai

Quality of Experience

Food

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

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Beijing

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Xi'an

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Walking tour through the Hutongs

Beijing

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Temple of Heaven

Beijing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full day with Great Wall and Changling Tomb in Beijing

Beijing

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Hotel Reviews

Palazzo delle Grazie

Sorrento

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

Authenticity & Character

The rooms were beautifully decorated!

Location

Walking distance to everything you want to do!

Staff

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

Cleanliness & Comfort

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

Salotto Monti Rome

Rome

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

Authenticity & Character

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

Location

Great location!

Staff

Everyone was so kind!

Cleanliness & Comfort

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

Activity Reviews

Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour with Roman Forum

Rome

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Rome

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

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

Italy

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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

Transport

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

Exclusive Capri Boat Tour from Sorrento

Italy

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pizza School at Agriturismo

Italy

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

Quality of Experience

Food

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

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

Hotel Reviews

The Guardian Hotel

Rome

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

Authenticity & Character

Nothing fancy

Location

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

Staff

Helped pack takeout breakfast

Cleanliness & Comfort

FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli

Firenze

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

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Venice Times Hotel

Venice

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

Authenticity & Character

Very vanilla

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Rome - 2h Gladiator School

Rome

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hard to find taxi from the location

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

Rome

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Comfortable bus

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

Rome

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Have to take taxi

Pizza and gelato making class

Florence

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

Quality of Experience

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

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Fun and knowledgeable staff

Transport

Near city center

Private Gondola Ride

Venice

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A better interactive ride would be ideal.

Half day tour Pisa and the leaning tower

Florence

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

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

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

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

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

Thank you Lorenza!!

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

Hotel Reviews

Maranello Palace

Maranello

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

Authenticity & Character

Location

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

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco

Florence

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

Authenticity & Character

Lots of art and antiques!

Location

Close to the center of Florence

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Foodie Excursion to Parma

Italy

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Excursion to Tuscany: Chianti Winery Visit & San Gimignano

Florence

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

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

She was extremely communicative before/during the trip!

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

Hotel Reviews

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción

Puerto Maldonado

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

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Casona de Yucay

Cusco

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

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The reception staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Los Portales Cusco

Cusco

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Reception Staff was rude

Cleanliness & Comfort

Innside Lima Miraflores by Melia Hotels International

Miraflores

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

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

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

Cleanliness & Comfort

La Hacienda Bahía Paracas

Paracas

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

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

Cleanliness & Comfort

Holiday Inn Lima Airport

Lima

Very comfortable pillows and delicious breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Literally walkable from the airport. (5 min walk)

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Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Pachamanca: Traditional Andean Underground Cooking

Peru

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

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Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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

Peru

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

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

Transport

Chocolate Workshop in Cusco

Cusco

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

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Ballestas Islands

Paracas

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

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Second day at Hacienda Concepción: Sandoval Lake & Canopy Walkway

Tambopata

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Food

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First afternoon at Hacienda Concepcion

Peru

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personalized Itinerary and Seamless Planning

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

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

Exploring the Wine Regions

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

Captivating Cape Town

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

Exceptional Customer Service

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

Hotel Reviews

Tintswalo Atlantic

Cape Town

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

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Babylonstoren Wine Estate

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

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Mhondoro Lodge

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

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City Lodge Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport

Convenient location, convenient rooms, and nice service

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Staff

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Hotel Verde

Convient location, friendly service

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Activity Reviews

Activities at Babylonstoren

Paarl

Quality of Experience

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

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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

Transport

Comfortable car

Welcome to South Africa!

South Africa

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Restaurant at City Lodge O.R. Tambo

Johannesburg

Quality of Experience

Visit Table Mountain by Cable Car

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Learn about South African History on Robben Island

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

African Dinner Show & Drumming Experience

Cape Town

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport