Kimkim Trip Reviews

We had the best time in France. We worked with Vaseem. He was so helpful planning our trip. He had everything planned from picking us up at the airport, taking us to our hotel, to lining up cooking classes and booking our train tickets to wine country. We will definitely use KimKim again for future travels.

The trip has far exceeded any possible expectations from the sights the hotels and the people. Sofia and Carl were wonderful hosts who shared their home and special traditional dishes (one of the best of the entire trip!) that I’ll try to replicate. Luis took us for the day to a private wine tour where Catarina at the winery was delightfully refreshing with vast information on sustainability and the new vs old processes at the vineyards. The tour was fun and the pairings were very nice. We then went to the farm of a husband and wife school teachers at the small 200 tree olive farm told stories of the farm from his grandfather and their love and genuine appreciation of their roots and history was just so wonderful. They have 13 trees that are 2000 years old! We learned how to taste olive oil and purchased a few small bottles that we'll share with our story. And it all just got better! Hard to believe BUT Paulo was simply amazing sharing his knowledge of the castles, the history of the country, and his own personal life taking care to be sure we were okay along the steep hilly hike. He packed a homemade lunch that was so delicious and special. It was a day we all thoroughly enjoyed and was forever memorable. In Porto we started with an e-bike tour through town that was so much fun, racing downhill and enjoying the beautiful neighborhoods. Next, Nuno was very kind, gentle, and conscientious of everyone's well-being as he guided us through the National Forest where we hiked two areas and swam in two different water holes that were secluded, tranquil, and pristine. We took the train from Porto to Lisbon which was simple and comfortable - a nice way to go! Simply spectacular- everything !!! THANK YOU 🙏🏽

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Dom Henrique Downtown

Porto

The hotel was nice comfortable and clean.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

PortoBay Marquês

Lisbon

They made us feel like family visiting! I was very comfortable, clean, and in a good location. The dining room has the best pizza ever!!

Authenticity & Character

the views were wonderful

Location

great location! we were quite comfortable going for a hot dog 3 blocks away at 1:30 am!

Staff

they made us feel like family

Cleanliness & Comfort

very clean and comfortable with great views

NH Sintra Centro Hotel

Sintra

Nice people in the heart of Sintra. Wonderful views.

Authenticity & Character

Location

in the heart of town - accessible to everything

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

They were very thoughtful to have ready an extra bed in the perfect space for our son

Sapientia Boutique Hotel

Coimbra

The rooms are spectacular - very spacious and light. The hospitality was wonderful and the location was perfect!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very fresh, airy, light-filled, and comfortable

Activity Reviews

Peneda-Gerês National Park Experience: Easy Hike & Cultural Experience

Porto

Peneda-Gerês National Park is an amazing nature preserve with a tranquil water pool, secluded and welcoming for a quick soak. We learned about the wolf trap and reviewed the ruins of the trap. Then it was time for a hand-prepared lunch with an assortment of Portuguese foods, soup, and desserts. Finally, on the way back we hiked down to a few more pools and all took a good long peaceful soak. We also saw a working water-powered Olive press that was still revitalized each season by the locals for use. A great memory that we will never forget.

Quality of Experience

The trip into Partugal's natural forest was serene. The soaks in the natural pools are incredible.

Food

The meal they made for us after the hike was authentic and tasty.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

It was Nuno's last day but he was attentive, held a wealth of knowledge, and very caring for each person.

Transport

A bit tight in the very back.

E-Bike Experience Through Historic Porto

Porto

This was our first time on an e-bike and it was great. Our guide knew his stuff and we rode the entire way along the river. We stopped along the way for photos and some history lessons. Then we went through the park seeing the famous Rooster/ chickens roaming about in the verdant flora.

Quality of Experience

Very fun ride!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide was really patient, fun, and knowledgeable.

Transport

Loved the e-bikes! What a great way to see the city.

Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets

Portugal

Sintra was a magical experience made even more so by our fabulous guide, Paulo. He took us on the hidden route up to the castle while many others waited in cars. It was fantastic walking amongst there's ancient walls and then the castle was incredible. After the strenuous ascent, Palo made us a satisfying lunch of Iberian meats, cheeses, and wine. After we descended fully we had a small taste of the local liquor, ginjinha, and of course an espresso. It was incredible.

Quality of Experience

Paulo was an eclectic soul with a fascinating background and his depth of wisdom about Sintra was as breathtaking as the views and hike.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Paulo is truly amazing and his picnic was authentic and delicious. A very caring person.

Transport

Paulo had a nice car and spoke eloquently about the amazing things along the way.

Excursion to Alentejo - Jeep Safari Through a Cork Fork & Visit to an Olive Oil Estate

Lisbon

This was an amazing eco-friendly experience starting with the Jeep ride through the vineyards and then to their nature preserve. It was wonderful to hear how they were training the vineyards to grow deeper roots to access water so that no external watering would be needed. Then on the wonderful Olive Oil farm, where they produce the "Amor e' Cego" olive oil the traditional way eschewing modern mass farming techniques. João's message was inspirational and the tasting was intense. Finally, we went on a Cork tour where we all learned something about Cork and the multitude of products it can be made into. Did you know that the Cork tree is harvestable in 9 to 12 years? It is also sustainable without harming the tree.

Quality of Experience

It was a top-notch exprience unlike any other.

Food

They provided a wonderful cheese and Iberian ham plate and delicious wine from their vineyard.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Luis was personable and incredibly knowledgeable on all of the facets of the multiple excursions. Wonderful guide and driver!

Transport

Luis was great and the vehicle spacious.

Dinner With Locals: A Homemade Portuguese Experience

Lisbon

Sofia and Carlos were absolutely lovely - very hospitable and they shared their wonderful stories of their life in Portugal. It all sounded amazing. Sofia made a home-cooked meal that was the best meal of our entire trip! We won't forget this visit ever!

Quality of Experience

This experience afforded us an authentic view of the culture and food of Portugal.

Food

The food was amazing!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Carlos and Sofia were engaging and informative.

Transport

We too Uber to this destination.

Explore Lisbon by Electric Tuk-Tuk

Portugal

This was a nice start to our visit - a quick tour of the local highlights

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Hugo seemed very knowledgeable

Transport

Our Travel Specialist- Chiara did a great job understanding our plan needs and then creating a plan than covered many needs before and after our cruise from Ravenna to our Milan departure.

Driver-specifically Stefano was excellent in meeting and welcoming us to Bologna and then being our driver for Parmesan Reggiano dairy and full day touring to Milan … he was on time and very professional with his driving.

Hotels — all were excellent and met our needs very well for being close to city centers, 3-4 stars and clean. We especially enjoyed the Bologna Hotel Metropolitan for the balcony/terrace on our room and then the rooftop lounge was wonderful evening spot. Milan Hotel De Spadari was outstanding for service and proximity to all of the key areas of Milan.

Guides— in Ravenna our guide Sylvia was very knowledgeable and comfortable to be with and was helpful about good restaurants in area.
Bologna- our walking food tour guide Mattea was great to walk us through the city area and provide explanations about food and traditions. We appreciated his concern about Gluten Free for Mary and providing options.
Parmesan Reggiano-Franseca was excellent in explaining and answering our questions about cheese making.
Modena Balsamic Vinegar-Magadelena did a wonderful job explaining and her best work was tasting/sampling Balsamic Vinegars.
Milan - Lara was our best guide because of her true passion for the history and helping us understand what and why are seeing the items. She was a genuine person that asked us questions and was enthusiastic along with being engaging.

We enjoyed our work with Storytelling and appreciated the daily check in’s. At first I was apprehensive not to have phone #’s for drivers and guides….but I let go of that concern after I saw how “on time” and drivers/guides show up where and when they were supposed to be!! Big point for us! We hope to use Kim Kim in the future for planning! Thank you!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Spadari al Duomo

Milan

Loved the decor and location. Great hotel close to the city center

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Helpful front desk

Cleanliness & Comfort

Metropolitan Hotel Bologna

Bologna

Excellent location, excellent balcony and great breakfast. Best of all was the Rooftop lounge and service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Very helpful upon checkin

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean bathroom area

Palazzo Bezzi

Ravenna

Authenticity & Character

Clean

Location

Close to City Center

Staff

Helpful with restaurants and reservations

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese tasting tour (private)

Italy

The cheese tasting tour was very cool. It was great to be part of it and see all the processes. I really enjoyed it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bologna Walking Tour - Food & Wine

Bologna

The food and wine tour in Bologna was fantastic. It was great to have those personal experiences and see everything firsthand. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We were going to Morocco for a surfing trip and ended up adding an extra week for sightseeing. We met Sharon from Morocco Immersions on Kimkim. Sharon planned the entire trip considering our interests and available time. Excellent decision!
We saw so much of Morocco and the people there who are hardworking, welcoming, and warm hearted. We started & ended our trip in Marrakesh. Spent the first day visiting the souks by ourselves and then with a guide the 2nd day. It was a nice overview of this busy city with visits to local attractions. Enjoyed our time in the Medina.
We traveled to Boumaine Dades where we visited Alt Ben Haddou and later saw the majestic monkey fingers, large rock formation. It’s a beautiful, natural area with stunning views. Also spent a lovely day in the Valley of Roses. Had a family cooked meal of couscous, vegetables, and chicken all prepared with the food we purchased at the local market. We toured the family farm and interacted with some family who owned the villa there. Amnay was the perfect host. It was such an enjoyable day!
Next, we drove to Merzouga where we rode camels into the Sahara and camped in glamours tents with nice showers. I’ll never forget the camel ride which was such a cool experience. Next off to Agdz. We visited Khamlia and toured Kasbah Tamnougalt. All so educational and provided a glimpse of how many locals live in buildings that from the outside look in disrepair but once inside, you experience the homey quality of the lives they’ve made there.
Our journey continued to Taroudant, little Marrakesh”. We had a long walking tour of the area with a guide who knew so much and had the respect of so many locals as witnessed in their greetings. I really liked Taroudant! It seemed more manageable than Marrakesh. I never got the hang of haggling. We experienced our first major earthquake (6.8) there which was frightening but we managed well, and Sharon’s driver/manager Omar took good care of us. Most of the locals slept outside due to fear but my husband & I returned to the hotel to sleep. We did not feel the aftershock the next morning.
Got dropped off for our surfing camp for one week and then Omar picked us up and drove us to Marrakesh for the last two nights in Morocco. We walked around quite a bit, and I slept quite a bit. It had been a very busy 2 weeks for us 60+ year olds. Marrakesh was hit hard by the earthquake and damage was noticeable, especially around the Medina. Many locals were still camped out on the sidewalks and grass due to fear of staying inside or due to loss of homes. It was a sobering reality of the impact of a natural disaster. The people continued to work and help each other. We witnessed trucks being loaded with blankets for the Moroccans who were in the mountain regions that were hit very hard by the earthquake.
Want to add we visited Souktana in Province de Taroudant where they produce and sell “high quality” saffron. We enjoyed the tour and purchased (all prices marked/no haggling) saffron as gifts for our family and friends at home.

Hotel Reviews

Riad Nesma Suites & SPA

Medina, Marrakech

We enjoyed this last property too. It was located well into the Medina in Marrakesh. We stayed two nights. The room was small but the high ceilings seemed to add space. The bathroom was particularly small. The shower was one of the more modern ones we had with an actual shower door to open and close. The beds were comfortable. The breakfast offered a variety of options and the service was timely and polite. The rooftop where we ate was extremely nice! I had thought we'd be spending our last two nights in Marrakesh in a hotel that was more like Hotel Ryads Barriere Le Naoura, westernized. The previous week we had been in a surfing camp in a villa that was lacking much and a bit light on safety, no armrail on marble stairs, scary with wet feet so was ready for western comforts. But, the stay at Riad Nesma was pleasant and, once we adapted, it proved comfortable and added a cultural touch to our last nights in Marrakesh. I'm grateful for having stayed there.

Authenticity & Character

Felt like a Moroccan hotel with simple pleasures there for the taking.

Location

Great location for quick access to souks/Medina

Staff

Excellent - they were quick to let us in at night after dinner. The doors are locked after you enter and exit so need someone to let you in. The young man quickly rose to help us leave for the airport at 6AM.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and slept great!

Palais Oumensour

Taroudant

Very nice older hotel with a lovely courtyard. It had a quaint, small town feel. The beds were comfortable and the bathroom with shower was located farther away from the sleeping area which was a nice touch. The front desk woman was so helpful, answering our many questions. She spoke very good English. We experienced the 6.8 earthquake at this property, after 11PM. It was scary to feel the room shake, at first felt like a large truck driving down the road, but intensified and we knew it was an earthquake, as other guests starting running past our door to get outside. We followed. The hotel night manager stayed with us in the courtyard. Our driver Omar checked in on us by phone. We stayed outside for 2 hours or so and then went back inside to bed. The pictures on the walls were all skewed and new cracks appeared on many of the walls with plaster/dust on the tile. We heard most of the locals slept outside that night for safety concerns, including our front desk lady. She lived there all her life as did her family and this was their first earthquake. It was truly a devastating event for Morocco and her people.

Authenticity & Character

The hotel felt like a foreign property in a very good way. An experience I thoroughly enjoyed!

Location

Great location for the "Little Marrakesh" town - walking distance to medina was easy.

Staff

Excellent, especially the front desk woman!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean! Food was tasty! Service was excellent!

Dar Hnini

Oulad Yahia Lagraire

Another beautiful hotel! We felt like the only guests there. We had a private dinner and breakfast on the scenic terrace where the pool was located. It was quite posh! The staff was excellent! They truly catered to our needs, and beyond. I slept very well. I will mention that the bathroom, though beautifully tiled and historical in design, was a bit awkward for showering. The tub narrowed on the bottom making it difficult to stand with both feed next to each other. You had to stand as if on a surfboard. I ended up washing my hair and body on my knees. Really not much to complain about. The hotel is lovely!

Authenticity & Character

Another wonderful Moroccan hospitality experience!

Location

Beautiful! The stay was short. We would have stayed another night if possible.

Staff

Excellent! The entire staff was superb!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean!!! They even had a hairdryer!

Riad Madu Premium Camp

Merzouga

Nice glam camping experience! The tent had all we needed including a nice shower. It was very hot in the desert. All the warm clothes we packed were not needed. The service and food were good. There was some musical entertainment that added a bit of fun. The generator stopped working before bedtime but the hosts got it up and running so we had A/C for the night. The morning hike into the desert to watch the sun come up was beautiful! Wow, the stars were amazing too. The camel ride into camp & out of camp was a worthwhile experience. Our camel guide did a lot of walking and took pictures of us along the way. Some other guests rode ATV's out instead of the camels but I'm glad I rode the camel out. My husband & I had separate camel rides in & out from the other larger group of guests so it felt very special as we walked through the desert for ~1.5 hours each way.

Authenticity & Character

Felt like we were in the Moroccan desert! It was truly a unique experience!

Location

Our camp was small, maybe 10 tents for guests which was smaller than other camps we could see from afar.

Staff

The entire staff was helpful, friendly, and accommodating. It was a terrific experience!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tents were clean. I slept extremely well in the tent bed. No complaints!

Hôtel & Ryads Barrière Le Naoura

Marrakech

A very westernized lodging experience. It has all the comforts of home but in a more lavish way. The breakfast bar is amazing! The staff was warm and welcoming. The hotel is close to the souks/Medina. We took a lovely evening stroll from the hotel to the Medina where many Moroccan families were busy shopping and eating. I'd recommend taking such a stroll to experience the Marrakesh night life which is so different than Marrakesh by day. We felt perfectly safe strolling in the evening/night (~11PM).

Authenticity & Character

Though this hotel, of all the ones we stayed, was the most like those in the USA, it definitely has a Moroccan touch.

Location

Great location - easy walk to the Medina and attractions.

Staff

All were helpful and polite!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was clean and well equipped. The welcoming bottled water and the snacks were a lovely touch!

Activity Reviews

Merzouga to Agdz

Morocco

We enjoyed the guided tour of Kasbach Tamnougalt.

Guided Tour of Taroudant

Taroudant

I really liked Little Marrakesh in Taroudant. This was a fun tour with lots of educational information. We learned about many of the reforms that King Mohammed VI made in Morocco including expanding education and raising the marriage age for young girls. We experienced our first major earthquake in Taroudant. The city suffered damage from the quake. I would have stayed more than one night if we had the time to do so.

Dades Valley to Merzouga Camel Trek via Todgha Gorge & Tinghir

Morocco

If you can travel to the Sahara while in Morocco, take the time to ride in the desert. It's a magical and impressive place with awesome stars and beautiful sunrises!

Quality of Experience

Fun experience - An opportunity I'm grateful to have taken!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

All good - felt safe and really enjoyed the ride.

Transport

Camel ride was fun. The van ride out to the desert was a bit rugged. Our driver Omar opted to have a smaller vehicle pick us up on the return and he met us on the paved rode with the van. A really good decision!

Day with the Locals in the Valley of Roses

Morocco

Loved our day with a local family - shopping, cooking, and eating Moroccan couscous. We had a fun and educational tour of the farm and relaxed after lunch with some enjoyable conversations. Amnay was the perfect host. Omar, our driver/manager took us on many adventures as we traveled through Morocco.

Quality of Experience

Lots of fun and a real cultural experience - a must do!

Food

Excellent - the best couscous we had in Morocco!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Amnay was fun to hang out with. Omar was fun as well and also shuttled us all over the place safely and with good conversation. It helped that Omar liked Karl's jokes!

Transport

Excellent - Many Thanks to Omar!!!

Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Ben Haddou

Morocco

This was a fun stop. We walked through a dry waterway to get to the ksar which provided a nice view on approach. It was historical and pleasant, with a much needed breeze because the temps were hot. Lots of uphill walking so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. Several movies have been filmed here. A list of these movies is posted for viewing. There is a nice artist room where paintings and carving are made for purchase.

Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

We enjoyed the tour of Marrakesh. Our guide was knowledgeable and pleasant. He did not help us with haggling which I later learned he was supposed to have done so that was a bit disappointing. I never got the hang of haggling. It always felt overwhelming. We ended up not buying much in the Medina. I think with time, haggling would come. You really need to visit shops and get prices before you decide to purchase so you can determine a fair price. We never got to that stage.

My wife and I just finished a 12 day trip to Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm and Visby (on the island of Gotland). This was a bucket list trip and a birthday celebration. It was an amazing experience - the best vacation we have ever had!

Silvia at KimKim did a phenomenal job - all the way from the initial chats, finding out what we wanted and then making great suggestions. Our itinerary was complex - multiple cities, lots of activities and transfers to be booked.

There were so many highlights - from the scenic sightseeing cruises of the Oslo Fjords, canals of Copenhagen and the Stockholm archipelago. In Copenhagen we also did a very fun Segway tour and a walking guided gourmet tour to sample local delicacies and beers. Silvia suggested we include a trip to Visby on the island of Gotland, and we are so glad we did! Visby is a UNESCO World heritage site with an amazing history going back to the 12th century.

We are foodies and another highlight was an 18 course dinner at a Michelin star restaurant suggested and booked for us by Silvia!

We could never have come up with such an amazing itinerary, nor executed it so well. Silvia’s local knowledge and attention to detail made this vacation extra special.
She was always reachable, responded very quickly and helped us deal with a couple of minor logistical hiccups (which were not her fault). She was our guardian angel who always had our back. We cannot say enough good things about Silvia and this experience with Kimkim. If we could, we would give her 6 stars out of 5!

By the way, this is our second vacation with Kimkim. 6 years ago we used Kimkim and another guide for a week’s vacation in Costa Rica and that was a fabulous experience also.

We would highly recommend Kimkim for your vacation plans, and are so thankful that Silvia was our guide!

Our Mongolian Odyssey - Crystal at Premium Travel Mongolia crafted a bespoke itinerary for our Mongolian adventure, tailored to our unique requests and allowing us to see so much in a short time. Our guides, Zaya and Habak, were knowledgeable and passionate about their country's culture and rich history. The picturesque landscapes, idyllic rolling hills, and sparkling streams created the perfect getaway. Thank you, team, for putting together such an awe-inspiring trip!

Our guide Andrea was helpful throughout the panning process. He was responsive to last minute and on-the-ground changes to our itinerary. His knowledge of local attractions and restaurants was extremely helpful.

This is a long overdue review of a trip we made to Ecuador together with my friend Ewa in April this year. It was one of the best trips I have ever experienced in my life. Our trip was very professionally planned and organised by Mathias, who remained patient and cool even with our very late feedback [SIC!] or constantly changing ideas. Something we are certainly very grateful for.
Our itinerary included Galapagos, Cuenca, Ingapirca, Baños, Cotopaxi, Yasuni National Park and of course Quito and all of this in just … 13 days.
Galapagos is considered one of the world’s wonders for a reason with its beautiful landscapes, exotic creatures big and small, unspoiled nature, all of it makes the visit a once in a lifetime experience. We were staying in the Ikala hotel in Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz. It is a nice, family run hotel, clean with very friendly staff and an excellent restaurant. The hotel offered an early breakfast to go which was a very good idea when heading for day long boat trips to uninhabited islands (Bartolome and Seymour Norte in our case). Exploring Santa Cruz was also an adventure in itself and we were happy to have an extra free day on the island to explore Puerto Ayora and visit the stunning Tortuga Bay. I would also highly recommend a short, half a day visit, to a coffee farm which turned out to be a chocolate farm and aguardiente production site at the same time. Coffee, chocolate, and alcohol in one place, what more could one possibly dream of?
From Galapagos we headed back to the mainland. Cuenca is a unique example of the Spanish colonial architecture with a very vibrant community. We had an opportunity to visit the Panama hat factory, as well as several workshops in the villages nearby, continuing centuries long tradition of local crafts, such as jewellery making, textiles or ceramics. In moments like this you wish you would bring an extra bag or two to be able to bring back home more of those wonders. This was also an excellent opportunity to have a lot of interesting conversations. In Cuenca we stayed in the Hotel Boutique Santa Lucía which has a unique historic charm and a very good restaurant. From Cuenca we went to the archaeological site of Ingapirca, a place to visit if you like history and would like to learn something more about the soul of Ecuador. We visited Ingapirca in rain and fog, but it only added to the experience of mystery and contemplation.
Our next stop was Baños, where we got lucky with the weather, and we could admire the stunning views of the mountains and take advantage of all possible tourist attractions. A visit to the waterfalls is a must. We continued our trip through the volcano road to the bottom of Cotopaxi, again an unforgettable experience topped with a very nice meal at the nearby restaurant. My only regret was that we could not stay longer to do some longer hikes in the area.
The final stop of our trip was visiting the Yasuni National Park and Napo Cultural Center. I would never have thought that I would feel at home in the jungle. Yes, it is hot and humid and there are plenty of insects but the welcome by the local community, its unique hospitality and the unspoiled beauty of the place made an incredible impression on us. The accommodation was simple but clean and comfortable. We made several trips to the jungle (especially a night walk which was an experience in itself) with experienced local guides who were very keen on sharing their knowledge. The eco-lodge provides for the local community allowing it to remain close to the lifestyle of their ancestors and natural environment. It also provides for the local school where children can learn three languages (Kichwa, Spanish and English) which we found very impressive.
As we entered and departed Ecuador through Quito, the guided city tour was an excellent way to end our visit. While in Quito we also had an opportunity to visit the Oswaldo Guayasamín museum, which we would recommend visiting to anyone interested in arts and culture.
On our way back to the airport, a taxi driver asked us what we liked the best in Ecuador, I went speechless, but Ewa brilliantly replied: “gente” – people. We were so very lucky to meet extremely kind and welcoming people all along our journey, proud of their heritage but curious about others. This is why our special words of appreciation go to our two very special guides: Astrid and Milton. Astrid was our guide on Galapagos, and we could not have been luckier! Astrid is very knowledgeable, full of energy and has a sparkling personality; visiting the turtle refuge and the coffee farm with her was a real pleasure. We also haven’t enough words of praise for Milton our guide in Cuenca and further up through the avenue of the Volcanos. Milton is an excellent guide, a great companion, with a sense of humour who is never tired of the strangest question. Even in the most challenging of circumstances, as some parts of our journey were quite difficult because of the weather conditions and heavy rainfall when we had to take a detour around the Pan-American highway through the steep and muddy mountain roads, he kept his cool and we always felt very safe.

Lucie put together a terrific trip for us. Adil picked us up at the airport and was an excellent guide for our 6 day adventure. He shared his knowledge of the area and we learned a lot about Normandy and Brittany. His van was very comfortable for the four of us and he had water available if we needed it. We've been recommending kimkim whenever friends ask about our trip.

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Beaufort

Saint-Malo

Lovely room, ambience and location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right on the boardwalk with a wonderful view of the sea.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le Bayeux

Bayeux

Reception didn’t have a reservation in my name. Thankfully we had asked our guide to wait until we were checked in before leaving. He knew our agents name and that is how the made the booking (the hotel, not the agent). The room was very worn; mold in the shower, extremely soft bed and pillows, thin towels. Air conditioner made a regular banging noise; we asked that it be fixed but we don’t think it was. Breakfast was okay, but a line for the coffee machine and the staff person only came out to ask for room numbers.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel le Dauphin Les Loges

Honfleur

Quaint hotel, narrow stairs. No air conditioning but a fan was provided; still hot. Very nice breakfast and staff.

Authenticity & Character

Great staff!

Location

Easy walking

Staff

Kind, patient and attentive.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Stairs can be challenging.

Activity Reviews

Full-day visit of D-day beaches - U.S. sector (small group tour)

Bayeux

We covered a lot in one day. The guide was friendly and informative. She also gave us free time roy explore.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Celine was genuinely interested in the history of the area.

Transport

Comfortable van.

Visit to a cider mill

France

Charming and interesting but the visit was too long.

Visit of Giverny and Monet’s Garden

France

Just a beautiful way to start our trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Adil was always prompt, had great information and kept us informed.

Transport

Very comfortable van.

It was great. I felt really supported by the team. Our guides Dennis and Roger were really knowledgeable and friendly. Paul checked in with us to make sure we were okay when our flight was delayed without being prompted. I've never used a travel service before but this was a pleasant experience.

Fran crafted the perfect 2 week trip for me and my wife, and along with Kristy (also on the Kimkim team) made sure that everything went seamlessly.
They checked in regularly, and when things went sideways (as they can when traveling, or in our case when an airplane loses an engine shortly after takeoff resulting in [thank goodness only] missed connections) they jumped in to ensure we were looked after.
We also can not say enough good things about our guide and host through the Sacred Valley, Cusco, and Machu Picchu, our friend Valerio. Travel with him if you can!
Our driver in Luma, Jean Carlos, was wonderful too. Please tell him I said to say, "I love you" again!
We will certainly book our next trip with Kimkim.

Hotel Reviews

Tambopata Research Center

Tambopata

This is named the Tambopata Research Center for a reason: it's in the middle of untouched rainforest. If you can't live without a blow dryer, don't stay here. If the thought of a bat flying past you is probably, don't stay here. And yes, there will be bugs, and rain, and heat. But if you want to stay in lovely, clean rooms, and eat delicious food, and experience the rainforest, then this is for you. The staff are great, and there are activities for all tastes. We'd go back again in a heartbeat!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Andina Premium Cusco

Cusco

This hotel positively nails the authentic and character qualifications, plus it has a good location, and all sorts of amenities both in the hotel and right in the neighborhood. There was some kind of misunderstanding when we checked in about a deposit/pre-payment, but that was also quickly resolved. We greatly enjoyed our stay here.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Mapi by Inkaterra

Cusco

Aguas Calientes is a tourist town, but this location felt like a pleasant retreat from the buzz going on outside. It's central to everything, and the rooms and staff were all great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Andina Premium Valle Sagrado

Urubamba

We stayed at three different locations of the Casa Andina family of hotels during our trip to Lima, and they were all GREAT. But this was the best. The grounds were exquisite. The rooms were unique. Best of all, the staff were AMAZING! Gracious and helpful, and most knew our names without an introduction. There's not a ton to do / see by walking off the hotel grounds, but you're in the Sacred Valley: you didn't come here to see the hotel - use this as your home base for your adventures. Stay here if you can.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The entire team were wonderful!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Andina Premium Miraflores

Lima

Could not be more central, and a short walk from countless fun places and great restaurants.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Lunch at Mountainview

Peru

Aptly named for its location, this spot nails the sweet spot for a cool vibe, great food, and a modern but very authentic feel.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I arranged a side trip to Belgium from Amsterdam through KimKim. We went to Amsterdam to attend my son’s wedding. There were three separate ceremonies and a number of additional activities. After all the festivities, our goal was to enjoy some carefree traveling without any pressure and with all the plans made in advance. The travel plans through KimKim started in Amsterdam where we were picked up by an excellent driver with a nice van. The previous night, the driver and I texted and confirmed the pickup location and time. Our first stop was Brussels. The driver was friendly and very accommodating. We stopped along the way for coffee and a snack. We were safely delivered to our hotel, Hotel Dixseptieme, about midday. Our hotel and room were excellent. The daily breakfast was also top notch. In Brussels, we met up with my cousin who gave us a tour of the countryside and the city over the next two days. Nothing like having a local take care of our every need. Our next stop was Ghent on our way to Bruge. A driver was supposed to pick us up 9:30 but no one showed. I had texted the number the night before but did not get a response. I didn’t know I was texting a landline. When the driver didn’t show, I called the taxi company and they were unaware of the booking. I immediately called the emergency line and Meike went to work. Unfortunately a driver didn’t arrive until after 11:00 reducing our time in Ghent and making that day somewhat of a disappointment and hectic. The driver showed up in a little taxi and he was not familiar with Brussels. We were going around in circles trying to get out of town. Just about every road was under construction and we were rerouted at every turn. The driver was trying hard but the trip and miserable. Once we arrived in Ghent, we were met by a most pleasant guide,Christien Batsle, who walked us through the town and gave us history lessons and tales to embellish the beautiful surroundings. Our tour was cut short to make time for our scheduled boat tour. The tour included a chocolatier and a nice box of delicious chocolates. There was no time for lunch. We proceeded to the boat tour and got a different perspective of the charming little town. From there we scrambled back to the taxi where our driver took us on to Bruge in the same small taxi. The same driver and car was scheduled to drive us the final day to Antwerp and Amsterdam on the final day of our excursion. The driver was not happy with the plan and asked if we could find another driver from Antwerp to Amsterdam. I got back in touch with Meike requesting that she sort out the situation. When we arrived in Bruge we were exhausted and glad to have a nice room to relax in and a beautiful little historical hotel, Boutiquehotel ‘t Fraeyhuis, with beautiful grounds and restaurant. I asked the owner and front desk lady to help me find a driver for the final day drive. She and her brother called a couple companies, got prices and gave me the info that I passed along to Meike. Fortunately, the change was made and we had an excellent driver and car for the final day of our excursion. We spent two nights in Bruge. While the hotel was nice and everyone was very accommodating, it was problematic. There was no lift and we were up two and a half flights of narrow stairs which is fine for young able bodied people. My husband is 80 and has two replaced knees. He managed to get up and down, but there was no way for him to manage our luggage. For check in, there was a nice young man that happily helped us out. For our check out there were no men on duty. Two young ladies had to carry our bag down the stairs. We were so thankful for all of their help! The hotel and the staff were excellent and very professional. In Bruge we were met at the hotel for an extensive walking tour of the town. Our tour guide, Roland Schils, was very knowledgeable and happy to show us all over Bruge. Of all of the places we visited, I think Bruge was our favorite. We walked almost 12,000 steps on that tour. The following day we were picked up at the hotel and driven to Antwerp where we visited the Red Star Line Museum. My great grandparents immigrated to the US on one of their ships @ 1900. The museum is very interesting. The driver waited while we toured and then drove us back to our hotel in Amsterdam. Belgium is a delightful country to visit. I’m so glad that we were able to take this trip. With the exception of the transportation issues from Brussels to Bruge, we had an excellent trip. Meike got the problem resolved to our satisfaction. And I have to put a good word in for the poor taxi driver who had to drive from Ghent to pick us up in Brussels and then drive us back to Ghent, wait for us and then drive us on to Bruge. He was a very nice man who tried to do his best under the circumstances. Unfortunately his little hot, older, small taxi car was not his doing. Our knees were up against the front seats. This is maybe ok for a short taxi drive, but not for a long distance drive. His objection to the second drive to Amsterdam was a blessing.
I’m thankful that I asked for the phone numbers of the drivers and tour guides ahead of the trip and added them to my contacts. As Americans we make assumptions that hotels have elevators and cars have air conditioning. If we take another trip to Europe, we’ll be better prepared.

We had Emi as our agent and she was beyond amazing. First, she as patient with us as we had started our planning and we were figuring out our different options. Once we finalized that it looked like she found the best hotels for our needs. We have never gone to Europe and were hesitant about using and agent, but we are SO glad we did. We will be using KimKim for future travel!

Liz was amazing, helping make adjustments to the itinerary as needed.

Activity Reviews

Private Wildlife Habitat Experience

Port Douglas

The one on one tour gave hands on quality time with all the animals all the while learning about their habitats and how they are providing aid to these wonderful creatures.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

My guide was so knowledgeable and such a wonderfully kind person

Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike

Sydney

Highly recommend the option to hike instead of the lunch. Beautiful, breath taking views

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a great time on our trip but there are a few things we feel should be addressed -As far as we knew all the hotel payments were pre-paid -However the first hotel we stayed at told us we never paid and wouldn’t let us leave until the matter was straightened out -finally that was resolved but we almost missed our pre-paid ferry . Each hotel charged us additional fees for city taxes-these should have been prepaid as well but we had to pay them-if we did owe that to them it should have been arranged earlier-Also the guides on our tour to Pompei and Naples were horrible-They spoke English poorly and we got very little out of them -it’s a shame because we may not be back here again and there was a lot to learn -also the limoncello Factory tour was 5 minutes of learning about limoncello and the rest was the owner who marketing his products- In addition our boat tour which highlighted the Blue Grato-should have taken place when the tide was low enough for us to see it-I realize you don’t control the tides but it is well known when low and high tide takes place- Also the boat was not fully equipped for snorkeling and had some but not enough portable floating devices for swimming.

Hotel Review

Hotel Palazzo Murat Positano

Positano

A beautiful hotel. Pool had a great view , breakfast was delicious and the staff was very eager to help.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Always friendly and eager to help

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean

Activity Review

Limoncello Experience & Tasting

Italy

Not much to it. Finished in a short amount of time and then was brought into the store to buy products

Quality of Experience

It’s difficult to know where to begin , since we had nothing but one excellent experience after another. From the first planning sessions with our specialist, Valeria, to each and every local guide, driver, recommendation and suggestion on ways to make our trip a lifetime’s experience.

Barbara in Milan was our first local contact on the ground and set the tone for the 9 days that followed with a wonderful tour that exuded her love for her work. She was then our daily contact who checked on with us each evening to make sure all was going well and to review the following day’s itinerary.

The cooking class in the Tuscan countryside was incredible. Alesia in Venice was fun and shared her love of her home city. Florence was a dream and our driver, Nath, made it a perfect 2 days there. Not that our guide, Lucia, should go without special mention. She had an incredible knowledge of art and architecture in a city that is steeped in centuries of beauty. Jaw dropping insights were continuously shared with us by her.

We loved the small towns of Pienza and Montepulciano, the vineyards, cheese tastings and exposure to small family owned businesses could never have happened without Kimkim resources and expertise.

And then there was Rome- perhaps the culmination of why we appreciate using Kimkim for our trip. Our tour of the Vatican could never be duplicated unless, of course, we had Francesco as a guide again. When I show people photos they marvel at how we were able to navigate such a popular attraction and yet seem to have been alone among the vast, treasure filled halls and rooms of the Vatican Museum. Truly a lifetime experience.

And we were able to share a wonderful goodbye walk with our original tour specialist, Valeria, through local neighborhoods and eat where the Romans eat along the way.

The greatest compliment we can give is the conversation at the conclusion of a vacation that centers around planning our next trip with Kimkim.

Best,
Brian and Melissa

Activity Reviews

Early morning private Vatican Tour

Rome

I can't tell you how impressive this tour was. Our guide, Francesco, was absolutely incredible. His knowledge about the Vatican was outstanding and he managed to guide us around the museum and the Sistine Chapel avoiding the crowd. His dedication and passion about his job and his hometown was palpable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private cooking class at Podere il Casale in Pienza

Italy

This was such a fun experience. The cooking class was a full five hours, but it flew by because we were having such a great time. It was hands-on, and we learned so much about Italian cuisine. The class was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private tour of Milan Highlights with La Scala theatre

Milan

The tour was absolutely phenomenal. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the city, and we learned so much in just three hours. The highlight was definitely the La Scala Theatre. Our guide was passionate about Milan and gave us some restaurant recommendations that turned out to be fantastic.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sarah didn’t disappoint with her travel suggestions and itinerary! The tours were fun and exactly what we were looking for in our first trip in Europe. We met wonderful people on our journey from Paris to Nice! Our hotels and tour guides were amazing. We can’t wait for our next big adventure!

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel de l’Horloge

Avignon

Very very cute hotel. The staff were very helpful getting us settled into our room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le Phénix Hôtel

Lyon

We had a wonderful view overlooking the river!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Philippe Le Bon

Dijon

Amazing staff and quiet location with easy access to the city center.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Rosalie

Paris

Fantastic people and very clean. We especially loved our breakfasts!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy to access to the metro.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private driver transfer

Paris

Private transfer in town

France

Discover Chateauneuf du Pape & the Luberon

Avignon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private discovery the Beaujolais & the Medieval Town of Perouges

France

Julie is the person to see for an incredible experience through wine country!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lyon Old Town Food tour

Lyon

The best of Bourgogne

France

Alex was a great guide! Very knowledgeable. Loved our lunch as well!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience

Dijon

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Moulin Rouge - Big Night Out - Tickets only

Paris

Quality of Experience

Montmartre Local Gastronomy Tour

Paris

Wonderful guide and fun people!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Eiffel Tower Tickets

Paris

Definitely worth seeing if you visit Paris!

Quality of Experience

Transport

Metro is easy to use to get there.

We had an amazing trip made possible by Stephania and her associates!! Stephania customized an itinerary that we requested within the budget we set and picked fabulous hotels and tours. The hotels were all perfectly located to walk anywhere we wanted and were classy, beautiful, with extraordinary staff. The three tours she selected were fun, informative, in spectacular settings. The most amazing part is the convenience of all our transfers and never experiencing any problems or delays. We met other travelers that complained of not being picked up or not being able to find their drivers. When we arrived in Italy, we were given a new set of travel associates (Travel12) to answer any questions or concerns we may have when we arrive. One of our tours changed a meeting point to which I received a text from that organization and within two minutes the travel 12 group texted me to inform me of the change as well! I really can’t say enough about Stephania and her team to be able to arrange a dream trip! The service is very affordable and worth every penny!

Usually, I wouldn't have utilized this service while traveling abroad. But having very little knowledge about Iceland, we decided that a bit of help would make for a more enjoyable experience. 100 percent, we are happy for using kimkim. Kreso was very knowledgeable, asked us what we wanted to see on this 8 day self drive around Iceland. Made reservations for guesthouses and tours we wanted to do. Everyday we had a driving plan link that kimkim had a link to. You can skip a location if time/ interest was an issue. Our car came with a Hotspot box so we had internet everywhere. Even on the whale watching tour, I could and did share pics and videos with family back home. It's like they were there with me on vacation. I can honestly say I will use them again. Great service. Kreso listened to our wants and needs. Iceland should be one of the seven wonders of the world! We were two women over 50 traveling together. Always felt safe. I just can't say enough good things about kimkim. Thank you Kreso 😊

Activity Reviews

Earth Lagoon

Lake Mývatn

Due to extreme high winds, very chilly, we were offered a free drink or a refund. We gladly accepted the free drink. They directed all the geothermal heat to a certain area of the baths. So still warm. This was still amazing, also a more natural Sulphur smell. You shouldn't get your hair wet if it's color treated. Under a small bit of construction because they are improving the facility. Still a wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transport

The Geothermal Vok Baths

Iceland

Wonderful warm baths. All the stories I read about having to shower in front of complete strangers wasn't true. We went in the evening. There were some private changing rooms and showers. And yes, you must shower before going in. But it's not like someone is standing there watching you do this. Wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience

Warm baths, professional staff.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon Zodiac boat tour

Iceland

While the views are amazing, my biggest reason for 3 stars is they try to pack too many people on the boat. Literally sardines. But we were allowed to stand up and walk around once we got out there.

Quality of Experience

Lots of information from our guide

Quality of Experience

Lots of information from our guide

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I wish I could remember her name. But she was great.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I wish I could remember her name. But she was great.

Transport

Transport

Katla Ice Cave Superjeep tour

Iceland

Unfortunately, it was raining hard and the winds were unbelievable. We got all the way to the front of the cave. Due primarily to the high winds we were unable to complete the tour. The jeep ride was exciting. The tour operator, Natalia from Sweden was knowledgeable and made us all feel very comfortable. I'm sure on a beautiful day, this tour is not too challenging for anyone. But with the already melting glacier cave, alot of rain and the extreme winds, this tour was a bit daunting and also excillerating for this 62 year old, not in prime physical shape. Would I do it again under better circumstances? Yes, I would. But this is Iceland. One must expect this can happen. I liked the staff. I probably should have given it 5 stars.

Quality of Experience

Natalia kept us well informed. Jeep was comfortable. Not too crowded. Like 7 of us in very large jeep.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Robert was always prompt in replying during the planning phase and accommodated easily our requirements. All accomodations were top notch.

Our driver Borna combined excellent driving with an enthusiastic nature that made the trip enjoyable. I really appreciated not to have to navigate through Zagreb during rush hour.

Our driver to the airport, Matej, was on time early in the morning and provided all the help to get us off to our flight.

All in all, I couldn't imagine a better experience of Croatia.