Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 19,781 ratings
Read 19,781 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

The Fabulous Baltics
Finland | Jul 2 - Jul 21, 2023

Debbie
Debbie W.
Australia | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023
Moonika planned a perfect trip for us through Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Every detail was covered with awesome guides and drivers. Our itinerary allowed us to experience the beauty of the Baltics as well as give us time to relax and explore by ourselves. A fantastic time in magical places, everything we asked Moonika gave us. Read more

Moonika planned a perfect trip for us through Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Every detail was covered with awesome guides and drivers. Our itinerary allowed us to experience the beauty of the Baltics as well as give us time to relax and explore by ourselves. A fantastic time in magical places, everything we asked Moonika gave us.

Activity Reviews
Day Trip to Trakai and Darguziai Community Centre
Day Trip to Trakai and Darguziai Community Centre
Vilnius

We had a great time with the ladies at the Darguziai Community Centre cooking and learning about different artisans. The day was topped off with a visit to the must see Trakai castle.

Vilnius Walking Tour
Vilnius Walking Tour
Vilnius

Jelena gave us a very extensive tour of Vilnius, taking us off the tourist path and providing us with a wealth of knowledge.

Discover Beautiful Curonian Spit
Discover Beautiful Curonian Spit
Klaipeda

Curonian Spit was truly beautiful. Minda our guide was extremely friendly and had a great knowledge of the area especially about the folklore.

Riga - Klaipeda Private Transfer with a Stop in Kuldiga
Riga - Klaipeda Private Transfer with a Stop in Kuldiga
Latvia

Gadis was a great guide and driver, as he was born in Kuldīga he had some tales to tell about growing up in this area.

Rundale Palace Day Trip
Rundale Palace Day Trip
Riga

The palace was nice to see, our guide was not very engaging.

Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga Old Town & Central Market Walking Tour
Riga

Great guide who showed us the different side of Riga while still capturing the tourist must sees.

Parnu City Tour With a Visit to the Panoramic Cinema
Parnu City Tour With a Visit to the Panoramic Cinema
Pärnu

Great few hours visiting this lovely seaside city, our guide was very good and passionate about her home.

Bogshoe Hiking Tour
Bogshoe Hiking Tour
Tallinn

What better way of seeing the forests and bogs of Estonia than a trip with Marilin. We picked forest strawberries, blueberries and cloudberries before shoeing across the bogs. A must do trip with Marilin.

Walking Tour of Tallinn
Walking Tour of Tallinn
Tallinn

We loved Estonia and our first tour of the city cemented this, our guide was extremely knowledgeable on the history of the city.

Guided Hike in the Archipelago Sea
Guided Hike in the Archipelago Sea
Helsinki

Great walk through the wilderness with Helena with a well organised and tasty lunch provided.

Picnic Cruise Along the Aura River
Picnic Cruise Along the Aura River
Turku

Nice cruise on the river with a light lunch provided. The boat was clean and well equipped with the operator very friendly.

Turku City Walking Tour
Turku City Walking Tour
Turku

Interesting tour of the city, our guide was not as engaging as others we have had.

Ranua Wildlife Park Visit
Ranua Wildlife Park Visit
Finland

Probably a great place for younger children but limited interest for adults only.

Summer Floating (Day or Night)
Summer Floating (Day or Night)
Rovaniemi

What better way to relax than floating in a lake. Fabulous night with a fun guide and small group. Don’t trust Tommy to take a photo though🤣

Amethyst Mine Adventure (Summer)
Amethyst Mine Adventure (Summer)
Rovaniemi

Something that is completely off track but very much a fun activity. Scratching around for an amethyst with a wilderness background was amazing.

Midnight Sun Photography Tour
Midnight Sun Photography Tour
Rovaniemi

Juhani provided us with a great trip out in the wilderness, complete with campfire, to capture the midnight sun.

Cultural e-fatbike Tour
Cultural e-fatbike Tour
Rovaniemi

Great way to overview the city and surrounds with fun guides.

Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Rovaniemi | Replied on Jul 25, 2023

Thank you for your kind words and comprehensive feedback Debbie! It was nice meeting you both in Tallinn and I loved our little chat. I hope to have you as my guests again in the future. Maybe next time in winter then:)

Best,
Moonika

Outstanding Portugal Vacation🤩
Portugal | Jul 14 - Jul 22, 2023

Dawn
Dawn R.
Missouri City, TX | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023
We had an amazing vacation! Working with Joao and his team was great. They planned the perfect hotels for us and we loved every excursion, even every guide. Pedro was fantastic on our walking tour of Lisbon; he was friendly, funny and so knowledgeable. I cannot say enough things about our driver Antony….He was the best. The day trip with Simone, with Inside Lisbon was long but so worth it! She was a great guide and kept us entertained. We just wish we had more time in Obidos and... Read more

We had an amazing vacation! Working with Joao and his team was great. They planned the perfect hotels for us and we loved every excursion, even every guide. Pedro was fantastic on our walking tour of Lisbon; he was friendly, funny and so knowledgeable. I cannot say enough things about our driver Antony….He was the best. The day trip with Simone, with Inside Lisbon was long but so worth it! She was a great guide and kept us entertained. We just wish we had more time in Obidos and Nazare. Not enough hours to really soak it in. I guess we’ll have to come back. Then the grottos tour with George and Fred of Bluefleet- just amazing! George was the best.
Hotels- the Britannia was so lovely. A little out of the way but the room and staff were worth it. Everyone was so kind and helpful. We enjoyed our stay there.
Cascade Wellness was no doubt a beautiful property and well situated to the walkways along the coast. The apartment was so lovely and we appreciated the upgrade Joao arranged for us. If we had been paying more for the apartment however, we would have been upset. There were some issues- ants, the shower didn’t work properly, the door handle fell off, the AC was “out of sync” so we were rather hot the first night until the repair man came (who was very nice and friendly) and we had to request wash cloths the first night as we had none. Also it seemed we were at the end of the house keeping rotation so every time we returned to the apartment at the end of the day, to get ready for dinner (around 4:00), housekeeping was there and it was inconvenient. We sat outside waiting for them to finish. We just expected more with the reputation they have. I will say the informal restaurant was great- the food and staff were fantastic.
The Miragem- WOW! A remarkable hotel and room! We were not expecting the room we stayed in and we were blown away with it. We wished we had more time to stay there. We were so exhausted we ate at the hotel buffet for dinner and it was fantastic. Sitting out by the pool with that view of the water was the perfect way to end our stay in Portugal. We loved Cascais and Joao was so helpful with last minute suggestions of where to go and what to see.
The only thing that was a little bit of a let down was the restaurant with the Fado -Mesa de Fradas; it was just okay. The service was not that good and the food was not outstanding. We kept waiting for the singer to come and we had to wait until after 10:00 pm, well after we finished our meal. She was amazing and we would have loved to hear more but we were just so exhausted after walking all day; we left after her first set.
Other than that I really cannot say enough wonderful things about this trip and Joao and his team. I didn’t think anything could top our Italy vacation last summer (also with KimKim) but I was wrong! Thank you so much for such a wonderful vacation.

Local specialist: João Branco
João
João Branco
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Hey Dawn,
WOW! Thank you so much for your kind words! You have no idea how much it means to our Team!
I will be very happy to share your comments to everyone involved :)
Look forward to welcome you, Doug and Rendon in the future.
Muito Obrigado,
João & Across Portugal Team

This was a once in a lifetime trip and KimKim arranged everything....
South Africa | Jun 18 - Jul 1, 2023

C
Connie B.
Humble, TX | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023
This was a once in a lifetime trip and KimKim made it spectacular. They helped plan everything and had all of the transfers arranged, so all we had to do was enjoy! We started out by going to Sabi Sands and stayed at Sambambilia Lodge, it was amazing! We had a 3 hour safari each morning at 6 a.m. and a 3 hour safari each afternoon at 3:30 p.m. We went when it was winter is South Africa, but they provided hot waterbottles for your hands/lap and blankets for the safaris. Our very first... Read more

This was a once in a lifetime trip and KimKim made it spectacular. They helped plan everything and had all of the transfers arranged, so all we had to do was enjoy! We started out by going to Sabi Sands and stayed at Sambambilia Lodge, it was amazing! We had a 3 hour safari each morning at 6 a.m. and a 3 hour safari each afternoon at 3:30 p.m. We went when it was winter is South Africa, but they provided hot waterbottles for your hands/lap and blankets for the safaris. Our very first morning we saw ALL of the Big 5 and other animals as well. They drive into the bush so that you are up close and personal with the animals. I cannot recommend this lodge more highly!!! Everything was top notch!

From there we went to Cape Town for 4 days and stayed at Noah's House, it was fantastic! It was a great location and Blessing was such a joy to be around - he managed the house perfectly and the food was amazing. He even took us out our last day and we went to a little market place, then to the Cape of Good Hope, and went to see the penguins....

From there we flew to Zimbabwe and then drove to Botswana for a 2 night river cruise. We would never have been able to find or arrange going through the Customs locations in these small areas without KimKim having everything arranged for us! It is well worth having it all arranged, so there is no stress or worries. The river cruise was exceptional... you go out on a tender boat in the evenings and get to be up close and personal with the animals like the elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions..... It was truly a different experience than going on the safari drives at the lodge, but each was amazing in its own way. We also went one afternoon to a village and we got to see how they live and they performed a dance for us and sang.

From there we flew to Johannesburg and drove 3 hours to Sun City. We stayed at The Palace of the Lost Temple....exceptional resort!!! The breakfast was over the top and great! There is a waterpark there (but too cold to get in while we were there) that is huge, has a bowling alley, movie theater, casino, restaurants, etc.... It was a great way to relax and end our trip to South Africa.

Again, I cannot stress how I would use KimKim for this type of trip. We used them when we planned our trip a few years ago to Greece, and everything was flawless then as well. We are thinking of going to Asia next year and I will use KimKim again!

Hotel Reviews
Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport
Johannesburg

Nice hotel located right next to the airport, literally walk across the street. We only stayed one night, but it was very comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Very nicely decorated.
Location
Directly across the street from the airport.
Staff
Very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The bed was very comfortable and the room was clean.
The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City Resort
Moses Kotane

The hotel was AMAZING!!!! There is so much to see there. You have access to a shuttle that will take you to the casino and waterpark. It will also take you to Sun City Central, which has lots of shops, restaurants, movie theater, bowling alley, etc. The hotel itself is opulent and it takes your breath away how beautiful everything is.

Authenticity & Character
Every detail is perfect!!!!
Location
It takes a while to get to it from Johannesburg, but it was well worth the trip.
Staff
Everyone is very friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room is extremely large and very comfortable.
Chobe Princess Small Luxury Houseboat
Kasane, Botswana

It takes a little bit of doing to get to the houseboat, but once you do, you forget about all the other.... Going out on the tender boat and so close to the animals (elephants, crocodiles, hippos, lions, etc.) were a once in a life time opportunity. Seeing the sunset and the animals on the bank was exceptional. We also went one afternoon to a village and got to see how they live, what they eat, and then they sang and danced - which was great fun.

Authenticity & Character
The houseboat was amazing and the dinners at sunset was fantastic. The food was 5 star!!!
Location
A little difficult to get to, but well worth it!
Staff
Everyone made the trip special!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms are small, but you are not really in them very much. The beds were extremely comfortable!
NOAH House
Cape Town

Noah's House was a great place to stay while in Cape Town. Blessing took care of us while we stayed there and provided exceptional service and looked after us.

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully decorated and well appointed rooms.
Location
Great location to walk to restaurants and bars.
Staff
Blessing provided us with the best service and looked after our every need.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The home was very comfortable and clean.
Simbambili Game Lodge
Sabi Sands

I cannot say enough good things about this lodge!!! The whole experience was amazing!! The food was exceptional and the room is fantastic, but the safari's were beyond phenomenal!!! Our driver (Doctor) and guide (Service) were amazing. Our first morning out we saw all of the Big 5 and a whole host of other animals.... They get you up close and personal, without feeling nervous that you are about to get eaten... :) I cannot recommend this lodge enough!

Authenticity & Character
The lodge only had 9 separate rooms, but it made it feel more intimate and not crowded.
Location
It took about 2 hours to drive there from the airport, but once you get there.... it is all worth it!!!
Staff
Stan took care of use while we stayed at the lodge and looked after our every need. Our driver (Doctor) and guide (Service) for the safari's were exceptional and took us out into the bush to find the animals provided an experience I will never forget.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room is extremely large with a king bed, living room area, small bar area, and a huge bathroom! Everything is extremely clean and comfortable.
Activity Reviews
Full Day at Sun City
Full Day at Sun City
Sun City
Welcome to Sun City Resort
Welcome to Sun City Resort
Sun City

It was a great place to end our trip to South Africa! The hotel has everything you can ever need and the resort grounds are beautiful. The waterpark looks like it would be a great deal of fun and Sun City Central has a movie theater, bowling alley, restaurants, etc.

Day two on Chobe Princess
Day two on Chobe Princess
Chobe River - Namibia Side

The river cruise is a must for anyone that wants to get a different perspective from going on a land safari. The accommodations are great and seeing the animals from a tender boat is a must see!!! The food is fantastic and trip is very relaxing....

Robben Island Tour
Robben Island Tour
Cape Town

The prison itself is very interesting and the story is great, but you spend most of your time in a bus on a small island. Not sure that I would do it again.

Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour: Cape Town
Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour: Cape Town
South Africa

It is a great way to get an overview of where everything is and what you would want to go see.

Activities at Thornybush Simbambili Game Lodge
Activities at Thornybush Simbambili Game Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The spa was great! The lunches and dinners are spectacular! We had one of our breakfasts out in the bush, which was very nice. We had dinner one evening by a campfire and they sang and danced for us, it was so much fun. The food was 5 star!!! I even got the recipe to make Malva Pudding, it is fantastic, everyone needs to try it.

On Safari
On Safari
South Africa

Our driver (Doctor) and our guide (Service) made the trip memorable. They made sure that we got to see the animals we were wanting and took us to exceptional locations to watch the sun set. We tracked animals through the bush, which was very exciting and to see how close we were to them..... words cannot express.....

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver (Doctor) and guide (Service) made the trip unforgettable! They were so much fun to spend our time with.
Transport
The jeeps are sturdy, but extremely comfortable to ride in.
Local specialist: Stephanie Louw
Stephanie
Stephanie Louw
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jul 27, 2023

Hi Connie,
Thank you for this amazing and thoughtful review. I hope to welcome you back soon. Stephanie

Can’t say enough good things
The Netherlands | Jul 4 - Jul 16, 2023

Amber
Amber A.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023
This is my second time traveling with kimkim and my first time flying overseas. We couldn’t have asked for a better planner. Mieke was so knowledgeable and helpful, although we never met it seemed she was there every step of the way. Hotels were carefully chosen with wonderful locations to meet our needs. Christien was our guide for a bike tour. She was so kind and shared great tips for getting around Ghent. Martin was another guide whom we can’t say enough good things about either. We came... Read more

This is my second time traveling with kimkim and my first time flying overseas. We couldn’t have asked for a better planner. Mieke was so knowledgeable and helpful, although we never met it seemed she was there every step of the way. Hotels were carefully chosen with wonderful locations to meet our needs. Christien was our guide for a bike tour. She was so kind and shared great tips for getting around Ghent. Martin was another guide whom we can’t say enough good things about either. We came across a hiccup where I lost my luggage and kimkim was kind enough to gift us a wonderful experience at the end of our trip to help soften the loss. I now can’t see myself traveling without kimkim.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Hi Amber
Thank you so much for your kind words and lovely review. You were wonderful guests, and surely made the best of it, in spite the loss of the luggage and summer storm! It's been a pleasure organizing your trip!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

A private tour to the South Coast for Gale and her group
Iceland | Jul 19 - Jul 23, 2023

Gale
Gale W.
Cape May, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023
Our guide was absolutely wonderful, Thomas. He took fabulous care of us. Read more

Our guide was absolutely wonderful, Thomas. He took fabulous care of us.

Hotel Reviews
Hótel Klaustur
Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Odinsve
Reykjavik
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching
Reykjavík Classic Whale Watching
Reykjavík
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
ATV to the Black Beach and Plane Wreck
ATV to the Black Beach and Plane Wreck
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Blue Lagoon
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 27, 2023

Hi Gale!

Happy to hear you had such an excellent time with Thomas! It does seem like all these months of planning your trip finally paid off. I hope you had a safe trip back home!

All the best,
Èric

Unforgettable trip
Colombia | Jul 3 - Jul 15, 2023

G
Gayle G.
Anaheim, CA | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023
This was my first time planning a trip through KimKim. Normally I enjoy doing the travel planning myself, but I thought I'd give KimKim a try. I'm so happy they connected me with Michael and the Chaska Tours team. Planning with Michael was a breeze, and he was very patient with all of my questions and itinerary changes. Not only did they take care of all the mundane logistics (e.g. airport transfers, a driver to transfer us 5 hours to our next hotel, in-country flights, etc.), but they also... Read more

This was my first time planning a trip through KimKim. Normally I enjoy doing the travel planning myself, but I thought I'd give KimKim a try. I'm so happy they connected me with Michael and the Chaska Tours team. Planning with Michael was a breeze, and he was very patient with all of my questions and itinerary changes. Not only did they take care of all the mundane logistics (e.g. airport transfers, a driver to transfer us 5 hours to our next hotel, in-country flights, etc.), but they also set us up with some fantastic guides in each city. Luis Miguel in Medellin was especially knowledgeable about the local history, and our guide in Parque Tayrona jogged in the sweltering heat to find a medic for my husband who had a sudden illness (husband is OK, but it was a little scary at the time!). Michael also suggested activities that I don't think I would've found on my own; for example, in Bogota we did a lovely dinner with 2 amazing ladies who are seeking to build cultural connections over food. The service from everyone they booked us with was top-notch - everyone was on time, super friendly and we had an amazing vacation.

Activity Reviews
Chocolate Workshop
Chocolate Workshop
Cartagena

This was a hit with both myself and my daughters (ages 23 and 16). The air-conditioned environment was a definite plus in the heat. It was a fun experience and one of our favorite activities on the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chocolate & Rum Tasting
Chocolate & Rum Tasting
Cartagena

This was run by the same company that handled the chocolate workshop. The rum tasting was a fantastic experience which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Peñol Boulder & Guatapé Boat Trip
Medellín

This was a great experience. The area was absolutely gorgeous, making me wish we could have spent a night there. Lunch was included at a restaurant in town, which was a nice touch

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Medellín Transformation Tour
Medellín Transformation Tour
Medellín

Our guide was phenomenal, providing a wealth of information about the city's history and politics. The tour highlighted the city's transformation, which was quite fascinating to learn about. Definitely one of the best guides we had on the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guatavita Lagoon & Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Day Trip
Guatavita Lagoon & Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Day Trip
Bogotá

I revisited the Salt Mines on this trip as I wanted to show it to my family. It was worth going back to, although some of us felt a little carsick from the road and exhaust. This was just a minor inconvenience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Rosario Islands Day Trip
Cartagena

Honestly, I wasn't sure that I was going to like this. Many of the videos I'd seen online showed the Rosario Islands as a complete party destination, and that wasn't really what we were looking for. But it was actually quite peaceful and relaxing. We went an hour by boat from Cartagena to a small cove on an island. We were assigned our own shaded lounging bed on the beach. There were maybe 25-30 other beds and lounges, somewhat close together but it didn't feel too crowded. Lunch was included, but snacks and drinks were available to order; while they were more expensive than what'd you'd see on the mainland, they weren't ridiculously overpriced. The biggest drawback was that there were a lot of jellyfish in the water, which really discouraged everyone from swimming. Plus, it was so hot and humid going in the water and braving the jellyfish was the only way to cool off.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cartagena Street Food Tour
Cartagena Street Food Tour
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Tayrona National Park
Hike Tayrona National Park
Colombia

The hike itself is beautiful and we saw many animals along the way - monkeys, iguanas, crabs, lizards, etc. We are all in pretty good shape and hike with some regularity. However, we weren't prepared for the humidity - it was HOT - and that made the trip a bit miserable to be honest. Our guide was great and very patient, and adapted the schedule to our needs. But I would definitely check the weather before doing this hike again.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Social Dinner-Experience: Colombian Food
Social Dinner-Experience: Colombian Food
Bogotá

This was such a great experience and warm welcome to Colombia! We thought we were going to a restaurant, and were quite surprised to be dropped off at an apartment. But we felt instantly at home with a warmest welcome and shots of aguardiente. We learned a lot about Colombian cuisine and the value of food diversity. It was so great to get away from the touristy parts and to meet some Bogota locals. This was one of our most personable, memorable experiences of Colombia and I'd highly recommend it!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traffic in Bogota is no joke! It took us longer to get there than expected (but not the fault of our driver)
Monserrate Hill Tour
Monserrate Hill Tour
Bogotá
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bogotá Walking Tour
Bogotá Walking Tour
Bogotá
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boquilla Mangrove Tour
Boquilla Mangrove Tour
Cartagena
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tubing on Don Diego River
Tubing on Don Diego River
Colombia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee-Culture Tour
Coffee-Culture Tour
Medellín

This was a perfectly fine tour, not a bad way to spend a few hours if you have them. It was different than other coffee farms we had been to, so it was interesting to see the difference in farming methods.

Quality of Experience
The farmer seemed like he really knew his stuff about coffee. However, he spoke quite softly so it was hard to hear and understand him at times. We were grateful to have our local guide there with us as well, as he was able to add in additional commentary
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit the Silletera Culture & The Flowers of Santa Elena
Visit the Silletera Culture & The Flowers of Santa Elena
Medellín
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jul 24, 2023
Hi Gayle,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled that your first-time planning a trip through KimKim was a success. We're relieved to know that your husband is okay after the sudden illness in Parque Tayrona and that the guide went the extra mile to help. I am happy to hear that the suggestions for activities added to your experience, including the lovely social dinner in Bogota. We're overjoyed that you had an amazing vacation with everyone being on time, super...
Read more

Hi Gayle,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled that your first-time planning a trip through KimKim was a success. We're relieved to know that your husband is okay after the sudden illness in Parque Tayrona and that the guide went the extra mile to help. I am happy to hear that the suggestions for activities added to your experience, including the lovely social dinner in Bogota. We're overjoyed that you had an amazing vacation with everyone being on time, super friendly, and accommodating. Thank you for choosing KimKim and Chaska Tours, and we hope to assist you with more adventures in the future!
Best,
The Chaska Tours Team

Magical Croatian Adventure
Croatia | Jul 10 - Jul 16, 2023

Clara
Clara Z.
Charlotte, NC | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023
We just came back from what we think is the best trip of our life. We spent a magical week in Croatia where every single detail was taken care of. Nikola was completely responsive, easy to work with and a great listener. He was able to completely capture the type of vacation we were after, and from day one worked diligently with us to put together a wonderful trip. We started in Split, and went on a day trip to Plitvice National Park. As breathtaking as the pictures of the place are, they do... Read more

We just came back from what we think is the best trip of our life. We spent a magical week in Croatia where every single detail was taken care of. Nikola was completely responsive, easy to work with and a great listener. He was able to completely capture the type of vacation we were after, and from day one worked diligently with us to put together a wonderful trip. We started in Split, and went on a day trip to Plitvice National Park. As breathtaking as the pictures of the place are, they do not come close to what it is like to see it with your own eyes. Our guide, Mario was extremely knowledgeable and fun and was able to show us the most beautiful views of the park. I wish we had longer because the park is worth a longer visit. We proceeded to explore Split and the Diocletian palace in all its glory. The following morning we left to Hvar. The transfers were easy, on time and so well coordinated. Once in Hvar we had the unique pleasure to tour the island and explore it away from the main tourist area. Grgo, our guide was exceptional!!! we had the most memorable experience exploring the lavender fields, vineyards and got to understand a little bit of island life in this fairy tale location. We took a break the following day with a day in the beach. Again the pictures and tourist brochures do not do justice to this place. The following day we left to Dubrovnik. Just when we thought things could not get any better, comes this majestic place with its centennial walls and ages long charm. We did not want to leave! I cannot recommend enough the experience. We are so impressed with how easy KimKim made everything for us, how well selected all the experiences were, how flawlessly everything went, and especially the professionalism, knowledge and service of Nikola. We cannot wait to come back.

Local specialist: Nikola Vojvodić
Nikola
Nikola Vojvodić
Local specialist in Zagreb | Replied on Jul 24, 2023
Hi Clara,
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave me a review! I’m so happy you and your family had a great time. We always try our best to tailor the trips to our guests and to match them with the best suited guides. I want to also thank you for your high praise of my home country and its beauty. It’s such a privilege to be able to introduce people to Croatia and when it turns out the be a perfect match and our guests are excited to come again – there’s no better...
Read more

Hi Clara,
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to leave me a review! I’m so happy you and your family had a great time. We always try our best to tailor the trips to our guests and to match them with the best suited guides. I want to also thank you for your high praise of my home country and its beauty. It’s such a privilege to be able to introduce people to Croatia and when it turns out the be a perfect match and our guests are excited to come again – there’s no better reward! It was a true pleasure working with you and I sincerely hope that you will choose Croatia as your travel destination once more. I’m very grateful that you and your family put your trust in me and Kimkim. Hope you have a lovely summer and wish you all the best!
Nikola

A wonderful trip
Iceland | Jul 15 - Jul 22, 2023

Allison
Allison J.
Charleston, SC | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023

Èric is very kind, communicative, and professional. He helped to put together a very memorable trip to Iceland. For the most part, directions were spot on, and he made some recommendations for activities that a lot of guide books do not.

Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Hi Allison!

Thank you for your review and your kind words! It's great to hear you had such a good time and that you enjoyed the suggestions I made on your itinerary. I did have a feeling you'd love Glymur waterfall, and I'm glad I was right on that one! All the best to you and Jen :-)

Èric

Equador
Ecuador | Dec 29 - Jan 14, 2022

Margaret
Margaret C.
Scottsdale, AZ | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023
I loved every moment except the Amazon. We are from Arizona and used to very dry weather. We were not told that the hotel was not allowed to have air conditioning. Even eating was outside. We were warned about Mosquitos but were not it at all. Hacienda Zuleta ,I think that is how you spell it, was the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life.
We rode horses to the Condor refugee camp and goes down in History as the most of a day I have ever had!!!
I would have scheduled another...
Read more

I loved every moment except the Amazon. We are from Arizona and used to very dry weather. We were not told that the hotel was not allowed to have air conditioning. Even eating was outside. We were warned about Mosquitos but were not it at all. Hacienda Zuleta ,I think that is how you spell it, was the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life.
We rode horses to the Condor refugee camp and goes down in History as the most of a day I have ever had!!!
I would have scheduled another place to stay again, somewhere else in Quito. Maybe the other part of town. Just to be able to see another area.

Hotel Reviews
Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta
Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Napo Cultural Center
Quito
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
no A/C or fans
Local specialist: Mathias Onisseit
Mathias
Mathias Onisseit
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Aug 09, 2023

Hi Maggy,

thanks for your message and your comments on your trip! It was a pleasure to have you and Luke as one of our first guests after the pandemic!
I'm sorry about the issue with the A/C in the rainforest, that's something we should have reviewed beforehand. Happy to hear that you enjoyed Zuleta, it's a truly magical area!

For your next trip to Ecuador (there are other beautiful places to be explored, for example the Galapagos), we could pick a hotel in a different area of Quito, for example in the New Town.

See you again soon in Ecuador,

Always safe travels,
Mathias

Switzerland , a heaven on earth !
Switzerland | Jul 1 - Jul 14, 2023

R
Rajan V.
Cloverly, MD | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023
Switzerland is a wonderful place . Interlaken in particular was the most memorable place I visited . Read more

Switzerland is a wonderful place . Interlaken in particular was the most memorable place I visited .

Activity Reviews
Louvre Museum in Paris: entrance tickets & audioguides
Louvre Museum in Paris: entrance tickets & audioguides
Paris
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palace of Versailles Day Trip with Audio Guide
Palace of Versailles Day Trip with Audio Guide
Paris
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mount Pilatus, Golden Round Trip (Tickets)
Mount Pilatus, Golden Round Trip (Tickets)
Switzerland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon tour to Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein
Afternoon tour to Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein
Zürich
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe (tickets and seat reservation)
Jungfraujoch, Top of Europe (tickets and seat reservation)
Switzerland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Swiss Travel Pass
Swiss Travel Pass
Switzerland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Valentine Julien
Valentine
Valentine Julien
Local specialist in Lausanne | Replied on Jul 25, 2023

Bonjour Rajan,
Thank you so much for your kind review!
You are right, Switzerland is a real heaven on earth :)
I'm glad to read that you had a great stay and came back home with a lot of souvenirs in mind.
See you soon,
Valentine

My trip to Greece went smooth and was magical!
Greece | Jul 11 - Jul 22, 2023

Andreina
Andreina V.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023

My trip to Greece was amazing. Everything went very smooth. The guides where extremely knowledgeable, polite and friendly. I will definitely be using KimKim for my next trip.

Local specialist: Dimitris Zografos

Great time in Columbia
Colombia | Jul 8 - Jul 16, 2023

Alexander
Alexander F.
Tempe, AZ | Reviewed on Jul 23, 2023
Thanks to Michael and his team for planning an amazing trip in Columbia. Communication was excellent throughout and Michael made sure everything went smoothly for us. He did a great job customizing the trip to our interests and finding unique accommodations. The guides and drivers were all very good. Read more

Thanks to Michael and his team for planning an amazing trip in Columbia. Communication was excellent throughout and Michael made sure everything went smoothly for us. He did a great job customizing the trip to our interests and finding unique accommodations. The guides and drivers were all very good.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Akuamarina
Santa Marta

Very clean, friendly staff, good breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm
Manizales

Such a great place. The staff is super friendly, the food is great and the rooms are comfortable. Beautiful views all around. The only downside is the peacocks will definitely make loud noises 24 x 7 right outside your room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Dorado Nature Reserve
Minca

One of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The views are are stunning. The staff is very warm and makes you feel like family.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Dear Alexander,

Thank you for your feedback! We're delighted to hear that you had a fantastic time in Colombia and that we could create the perfect blend of birdwatching and cultural experiences for you. We truly appreciate the pleasant communication both during the trip planning and throughout the journey itself.

Looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Best regards,
Michael

Jane did an amazing job helping three generat...
Wales | Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023

Tom
Tom R.
Libertyville, IL | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
Jane did an amazing job helping three generations of our family explore the region of Wales that our ancestors are from. The highlight of the trip was our 8 hour guided tour. Our guide Roberta and driver Barry were outstanding and very knowledgeable. The surprise of the trip was Gwidyr castle. Such amazing history in this building and just amazing the restoration that the current owners have done. Also our visit to Caernarfon Castle was amazing and the train ride there was relaxing and... Read more

Jane did an amazing job helping three generations of our family explore the region of Wales that our ancestors are from. The highlight of the trip was our 8 hour guided tour. Our guide Roberta and driver Barry were outstanding and very knowledgeable. The surprise of the trip was Gwidyr castle. Such amazing history in this building and just amazing the restoration that the current owners have done. Also our visit to Caernarfon Castle was amazing and the train ride there was relaxing and scenic. I highly recommend Jane and team for any planned trip to Wales!

Hotel Review
Bae Abermaw Boutique B&B
Barmouth

What an amazing location! The view is second to none and Gary the manager was an amazing host. The breakfast was delicious and the accommodations were great.

Authenticity & Character
Amazing building!
Location
Amazing view from atop the hill!
Staff
Gary was so welcoming and friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Amazing historic building.
Local specialist: Jane Davey
Jane
Jane Davey
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Jul 23, 2023

Thank you for sharing your wonderful photographs, and highlights of your trip to the UK and Wales.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with you all.
Hope to see you again in the future.
All the best.

Amazing trip to Australia!
Australia | Jul 7 - Jul 20, 2023

D
Diane H.
Champaign, IL | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
We had an amazing trip to Australia! This is a great way to go if you are unfamiliar with the area you are visiting. Ruth was so knowledgeable and was able to book us on some great tours that were tailored to our interests. She also set us up in apartment-type accommodations in central locations, which was so convenient for our family. Our itinerary was printed out and waiting for us at our first apartment, and it was so much less stressful having all our rides and tour details arranged and... Read more

We had an amazing trip to Australia! This is a great way to go if you are unfamiliar with the area you are visiting. Ruth was so knowledgeable and was able to book us on some great tours that were tailored to our interests. She also set us up in apartment-type accommodations in central locations, which was so convenient for our family. Our itinerary was printed out and waiting for us at our first apartment, and it was so much less stressful having all our rides and tour details arranged and written out for us. We also appreciated the emergency numbers and local agents who could answer questions if needed. Thankfully everything went very smoothly. Would highly recommend!

Hotel Reviews
Clarion Suites Gateway
Melbourne
Authenticity & Character
Location
View of water. Close to everything.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spacious rooms and comfortable beds
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments
Cairns

Great location. Pools were a bonus. Spacious rooms with nice balconies.

Authenticity & Character
Location
close to central station
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Desert Gardens Hotel
Yulara

Updated rooms. Nice patio.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The York, by Swiss-Belhotel
Sydney

Great location. Tastefully decorated. Loved the large bathroom with laundry.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy walk to everything.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Blue Mountains Day Trip with Hike
Sydney

Something for everyone on this tour. Animals at the farm, hiking in the mountains, and exploring the botanical garden - we enjoyed it all.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Taste of Sydney Experience
Private Taste of Sydney Experience
Sydney

Great history lessons and tour of significant areas of the city. Thought it could have included more ethnic foods and more of how the history related to the foods we were tasting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Phillip Island Wildlife Day Trip & Penguin Parade
Phillip Island Wildlife Day Trip & Penguin Parade
Melbourne

Very cool to see the island and its inhabitants.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sarah was awesome! Knowledgeable and fun.
Transport
Long day with lots of driving but broken up with stops.
Depart Australia
Depart Australia
Australia

Left our hotel earlier than necessary. I understand you wanting to make sure we get to our flights on time but more than 2 hours on domestic and more than 3 hours international still left us with lots of downtime at the airports.

Afternoon Food & Culture Walk
Afternoon Food & Culture Walk
Melbourne

Great variety of food and loved that Monique related the history and architecture around us to the food we were tasting. Very fun and filling!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Monique did an exceptional job!
Transport
Discover Melbourne by Bike
Discover Melbourne by Bike
Melbourne

Paul was a great guide and he tailored the tour to what we wanted to see. Loved that we stopped for coffee and a snack!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tailored to us!
Transport
Afternoon/Evening  Adventure & Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Afternoon/Evening Adventure & Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Australia

Loved seeing rare animals - platypus and various kangaroos and opossums. Dinner was great too. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate but even in the rain, it was a fun adventure.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Classic Kuranda
Full Day Classic Kuranda
Australia

Loved the cable car ride and seeing the markets and learning more about the native people. Did not like having to ride a bus for an hour and half before we got to start our day (we were the first ones picked up and it took a long time to pick up people at 10+ stops). I would have like a smaller group pick-up (or have everyone meet in a central location?)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Not a fan of the bus ride to start the day. Cable car and train were great though.
Welcome to Cairns
Welcome to Cairns
Cairns
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day Trip
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day Trip
Australia

Rough waters getting to and from the reef but the snorkeling was amazing. Beautiful fish and knowledgeable staff all contributed to making this a highlight of our vacation.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Uluru Sunset
Afternoon Uluru Sunset
Uluru
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kata Tjuta Morning Walk & Breakfast
Kata Tjuta Morning Walk & Breakfast
Uluru

Beautiful views of the sunrise. Sylvia was fantastic! Enjoyed the hike into the Gorge and breakfast.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sylvia was so knowledgeable and really made the experience exceptional.
Transport
A Night at Field of Light
A Night at Field of Light
Uluru

Amazing Amazing Amazing! Cannot say enough about this experience. From the sunset appetizers to the elaborate dinner to the stars and moonlit walk through the lights. It was truly one of the best highlights of our 2 week Australian vacation.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Awesome to see the inner workings of the Opera House.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Half Day Sydney Classic Tour (Bike)
Half Day Sydney Classic Tour (Bike)
Sydney

Great way to cover a lot of ground and learn about the city. A bit difficult in crowded areas with a large group, especially when some members were less skilled in biking than others.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ruth Grau
Ruth
Ruth Grau
Local specialist in Adelaide, Australia, & Palm Springs, USA | Replied on Jul 23, 2023

Thank you for your kind words Diane. I really enjoyed working with you to design your trip. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your time in Australia!

Angela was absolutely AMAZING! She responded ...
Greece | Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2023

N
natalie w.
Crozier, VA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023

Angela was absolutely AMAZING! She responded quickly when we had any questions and she was very attentive to our own personal needs/wants wile planning our trip. Definitely will have to work with her again for any future trips :)

Local specialist: Angela (Aggeliki) Giannioti
Angela (Aggeliki)
Angela (Aggeliki) Giannioti
Local specialist in Greece | Replied on Jul 23, 2023

Yeia sou, Natalie!

I am truly happy that I was able to help your grandma and you with your trip to Greece and I am super happy that you enjoyed your time here in Greece with us.

I will be here and more than happy to assist you with your trip to Greece. There are so many more awesome places I'd love to show you. 🙂

My very best,
Angela

an absolutely fantastic trip...
Iceland | Jul 2 - Jul 16, 2023

Ron
Ron S.
Lexington, MA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
We had an absolutely fantastic trip, thanks to the dedication and support of Eric and the KimKim operation team throughout the planning process. Their assistance was truly invaluable and made our journey even more enjoyable. What stood out the most were the extra suggestions Eric provided. These suggestions added an Intersting off the beaten path dimension to our trip and enhanced our overall experience. We were thrilled to have followed his recommendations. Though we did encounter a... Read more

We had an absolutely fantastic trip, thanks to the dedication and support of Eric and the KimKim operation team throughout the planning process. Their assistance was truly invaluable and made our journey even more enjoyable.

What stood out the most were the extra suggestions Eric provided. These suggestions added an Intersting off the beaten path dimension to our trip and enhanced our overall experience. We were thrilled to have followed his recommendations.

Though we did encounter a few setbacks with a couple of our hotel reservations, Eric and Michele were there for us during the trip itself. Their prompt and helpful assistance was commendable, and we are genuinely grateful for their support whenever we needed help.

This trip will be etched in our memories forever. We had an incredible time, and we owe a big thank you to Eric and the entire team at KimKim for making it all possible.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Katla by Keahotels
Vík

The Katla Hotel offers rooms that match the standard of a mid-level chain hotel, but they could use a bit of tender loving care and come with limited amenities. The dining experience, both breakfast and dinner, lived up to expectations. Being a larger-than-average hotel, it did get a bit crowded, resulting in lines at the buffet. Nevertheless, the food quality was good, slightly above average, as they pleasantly included a selection of typical Icelandic traditional dishes. The hotel has a small, hot bath area, as well as a compact gym with a limited range of equipment. On the whole, the hotel seems to align with a three-star rating, but what sets it apart are the enjoyable hot bath facilities and the inclusion of typical Icelandic dishes.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A bit outside the center of Vic
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Gullfoss
Tungufell

The Gullfoss Hotel was conveniently situated along the Golden Circle. The rooms were slightly above the average European size, and although there were not a ton of amenities, it was a comfortable stay. Additionally, the breakfast spread had a wide array of options to choose from.

Authenticity & Character
It's a typical 3+ stars hotel
Location
Convienitly located on the Golden circle
Staff
Cordial service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hérað - Berjaya Hotels
Egilsstadir

We spent two nights at Herad - Berjaya Hotel. The hotel room was average, but it pleasantly surprised us with its slightly above-average size and well-appointed amenities, including a nice shower. The location in Egilsstadir, a decent-sized city, proved to be convenient as it had two grocery stores and several restaurants within walking distance from the hotel (or a very short drive). One of the highlights of our stay was the proximity to Vök Baths, just a 15-minute drive away. We indulged in this relaxing experience every night, making it a perfect end-of-the-day treat. Another positive aspect was the availability of an EV charger at the hotel. While you needed to have your own cable, it was a great convenience for electric vehicle . The breakfast buffet at Herad - Berjaya offered a wide selection of items. We particularly enjoyed the good espresso they served, adding a pleasant touch to our mornings. Overall, our stay at Herad - Berjaya Hotel was enjoyable, and the combination of its amenities, location, and EV charger made it a convenient and comfortable choice during our time in Egilsstadir.

Authenticity & Character
Average hotel.
Location
We loved the proximity to Vök Baths
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Holt—The Art Hotel
Reykjavík

Hotel Holt in Reykjavík is conveniently accessible by car. We arrived early and were pleased to find free parking available at the hotel's lot. The hotel's location is just a short stroll away from the city center and Reykjavik's main attractions, including restaurants and bars. A standout feature of the hotel is its original collection of artwork, thoughtfully curated by the owner. This added a charming and unique touch, reminiscent of times gone by (given that the hotel was constructed in the 1960s). The breakfast provided was truly exceptional, ranking among the best we experienced during our two-week trip. Our room was clean and offered nice amenities, including an artistic espresso machine. However, it was evident that the room's was dated, and some maintenance work could enhance the overall experience. The front desk staff were friendly and welcoming, contributing to a positive stay.

Authenticity & Character
Fantastic original art
Location
Easily accessible by car with free hotel's parking (if one arrives early)
Staff
Very friendly and welcoming
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean & comfortable but the room needs serious TLC
Hestaland Guesthouse

The Hestaland Guesthouse is a haven for those with an affection for horses, as the name "Hestaland" implies. Nestled within a horse ranch, it attracted guests who were either on their way to or returning from horse tours – a trend we noticed except for our own group. The porch held a jacuzzi, warm though not steaming hot. Unfortunately, we couldn't adjust the temperature, prompting us to visit the wonderful Krauma thermal spa for a more satisfying soak. Another option was the Borgarnes Swimming Pool, which proved to be a budget-friendly alternative. Inside, an open kitchen served as a gathering spot, providing a limited breakfast and space for some guests to enjoy their takeout dinners. However, our room was particularly compact, and the bathroom mirrored this size constraint. The challenge was keeping the bathroom floor dry, a task that proved rather difficult.

Authenticity & Character
If one loves horses -- this is a place to be
Location
Horse land -- for horse lovers
Staff
We were able to get our cloth washed by the staff which was a plus.
Cleanliness & Comfort
very clean BUT too tight
Guesthouse Storu-Laugar
Laugar

We found the Guesthouse Storu-Laugar to be a pleasant choice for accommodation. The service was friendly and accommodating. The room came with breakfast, which was satisfactory (Dinner could be requested in advance). The only peculiar aspect was the layout – the bedroom was in one building while the breakfast room was 150 meters away in another building , which was inconvenient in the morning . The natural hot tub, while resembling a cement trough with hot spring water, offered stunning countryside views. It provided a delightful way to wrap up the day.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean. A bit awkward design with the bedroom in one building while the breakfast place 100 meter away.
Mork Superior Cottages
Hvammstangi

A stunning guesthouse located slightly north of Hvammstangi, both the interior and exterior are truly captivating. The bed (and the sofa) was exceptionally comfortable, and the cleanliness and spaciousness of the place, including the generously-sized bathroom, were notable. The room and porch offered breathtaking views, adding to the overall experience. We were pleasantly surprised by the breakfast, neatly arranged in the room's refrigerator upon our arrival. The variety and quality of the spread left a strong impression. I wholeheartedly recommend this guesthouse.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshótel Mývatn
Myvatn

Situated in the Myvatn Geothermal area, the Fosshótel Mývatn is a delightful hotel exuding charm. With its mid-century furnishings and decor, it brings a unique touch to the atmosphere. The dining area has been thoughtfully designed to showcase stunning views of the lake. A standout feature is the sauna, adding a touch of relaxation to the stay (unless one would like to experience the Myvatn Geothermal spa) . Moreover, the parking lot boasts a few EV chargers, a definite plus for eco-conscious travelers. The hotel staff, both at the front desk and in the restaurant, consistently provide a warm and helpful experience. The rooms offer sufficient space and comfort, though there's a slight downside – they tend to become overly warm, and regrettably, there's no way to adjust the temperature. Despite this, our stay was thoroughly enjoyable.

Authenticity & Character
The dining area is thoughtfully designed, offering fantastic views of the lake
Location
Nicely situated to blend with the surrounding area
Staff
The hotel staff, both at the front desk and in the restaurant, consistently provide a warm and helpful experience
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Lind
Reykjavík

The Fosshótel Lind boasts a prime location just outside the heart of Reykjavik, making it conveniently accessible to most tourist attractions and shopping areas by foot. One of the highlights of this hotel is its delightful breakfast, which is of exceptional quality. we also liked the espresso / cappuccino . Additionally, the front desk staff are welcoming and amicable, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests. The rooms at Fosshótel Lind are comfortably sized and equipped with amenities that align with the standards of a typical average European hotel. This ensures that guests have a satisfying and comfortable experience during their stay.

Authenticity & Character
It is an average 3 stars hotel
Location
The hotel is in a walking dustance to most Raykjavik'attractions
Staff
Friendly and curtious. Provided helpful advice
Cleanliness & Comfort
One needs to request a daily cleaning service of the room.
Brunnhóll Country Guesthouse
Höfn

This guesthouse was of average quality, and we found out that it was family-owned and managed. Our rooms were tidy and clean, featuring comfortable beds for a good night's rest. However, one downside was the shower /bathroom, which lacked amenities, affecting the overall rating of the hotel. We dined at the hotel for both dinner and breakfast. The dinner options were somewhat limited, but we were pleasantly surprised by the incredibly delicious homemade dandelion ice cream (made from Brunnhóll Country Guesthouse's own cows) . Additionally, we enjoyed the unique VatnaJokull beer, an IPA infused with thyme! As for breakfast, it was average, offering the usual fare without any standout elements. Overall, the guesthouse provided a decent stay with some delightful highlights in the dining experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Conveniently located.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom lacked amenities
Hrífunes Guesthouse
Hrífunes

Our stay at Hrifunes Guesthouse was an absolute pleasure. The apartment we stayed in felt like like the personal residence of the owners, Haukur and Hadda. The breathtaking views from the property added to the overall amazing experience. The staff at Hrifunes Guesthouse truly exceeded our expectations, providing us with exceptional last-minute support. When our friends faced a mix-up with their reservations at a nearby guesthouse and had their accommodations canceled just before check-in, we reached out to Hrifunes Guesthouse in a frantic situation. To our relief, they went above and beyond to accommodate our friends within just 30 minutes, saving the day! On top of that, they treated us all to a delicious homemade dinner, creating a memorable dining experience. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the outstanding hospitality and stunning views, made our stay truly unforgettable. Meals were served family-style. The menu offered a diverse selection of dishes, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers. It's worth noting that Hrifunes Guesthouse is situated quite off the main road, approximately a 15-minute drive on a gravel road. However, the tranquil and picturesque location only adds to the charm of this hidden gem. In conclusion, we wholeheartedly recommend Hrifunes Guesthouse to anyone seeking a cozy retreat with exceptional service, a welcoming ambiance, and the added bonus of mesmerizing views. Our experience was nothing short of fantastic.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful views but off the main road
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Holiday House
Kirkjubaejarklaustur

This hotel messed up our reservations, and instead of July 6th it booked our reservations for June 6th. we did not use this hotel and where disappointed with this mess up

Location
Quite far from the highway
Helgrindur Guesthouse
Grundarfjörður

Describing this place as a hotel is quite a stretch. It is located on the second floor, above a busy road and a bank, with just five rooms. Unfortunately, it lacked any distinctive character or charm. To add to the disappointment, the management misrepresented the room, and despite our efforts to work with them and address the issue, they proved to be highly unaccommodating, and it even left us questioning their honesty. Given our experience, I strongly advise against choosing this accommodation for your stay. There are much better options available that will provide a more pleasant and genuine hospitality experience.

Authenticity & Character
No character whatsoever
Location
Thebtooms are on the second floor of a bank on a busy road . Nothing could be done to improve
Staff
The staff was unacomodating and dishonest
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean and quiet, but we did notice that the bathroom layout was a bit awkward.
Activity Reviews
Reykjavik Food Walk
Iceland

The food tour was delightful, involving visits to several restaurants where we indulged in delicious Icelandic dishes. The explanations provided were informative, and there was an ample amount of food to savor. However, the group turned out to be larger than expected, which made it a bit challenging to hear the guide clearly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Katla Ice Cave Superjeep tour
Katla Ice Cave Superjeep tour
Iceland

This tour was oversold and under-delivered. The promised super jeep was simply two old-fashioned vans, one of which broke down and had to be towed both ways. The tour was overcrowded with 25 people (and not 12-15 as promised), making the tour more cumbersome and slow. However, the tour guide was decent and we somehow got what we expected from him.

Quality of Experience
badly maintained vehicles . Uncomfortable. unsafe
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The vehicles are of poor quality, inadequately maintained, and outdated.
Earth Lagoon
Earth Lagoon
Lake Mývatn

This was another lovely spa experience. Enjoyed the uniqueness of each spa visited.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
The Geothermal Vok Baths
The Geothermal Vok Baths
Iceland

This was one of the four different baths we visited. Each of them was unique and provided a relaxing experience. Really enjoyed these baths.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skaftafell Blue Ice Experience
Skaftafell Blue Ice Experience
Iceland

This experience was fantastic and exceeded expectations. The tour guide was excellent, energetic, and provided informative geological and historical insights. This wasn't just a hike, it was a truly informative experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Fontana Geothermal Baths
Fontana Geothermal Baths
Iceland

This experience was a nice treat after the Rye Bread tour. It was relaxing and fun. Really enjoyed the hot springs.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rye Bread tour (Geothermal bakery)
Iceland

This tour was educational and enjoyable. However, it was a bit crowded, which made the experience less personal. Still, the Fontana Geothermal Baths that followed were a great treat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Èric D
Èric
Èric D
Local specialist in France / Iceland | Replied on Jul 25, 2023
Hi Ron! Thank you so much for your glowing review! It was an absolute pleasure assisting you throughout the planning process and making sure your trip was nothing short of fantastic. I'm thrilled to hear that the extra suggestions I provided added a unique and off-the-beaten-path dimension to your journey, making it even more enjoyable. I certainly hope they opened up some opportunities for painting and photographing! :-) I apologize for the setbacks with some of the hotel reservations, but... Read more

Hi Ron!

Thank you so much for your glowing review! It was an absolute pleasure assisting you throughout the planning process and making sure your trip was nothing short of fantastic. I'm thrilled to hear that the extra suggestions I provided added a unique and off-the-beaten-path dimension to your journey, making it even more enjoyable. I certainly hope they opened up some opportunities for painting and photographing! :-)

I apologize for the setbacks with some of the hotel reservations, but I'm glad that we were able to sort them out. Your kind words and appreciation mean a lot to the entire team, and rest assured we'll take your specific reviews about hotels very much into account for future reservations.

It warms my heart to know that this trip will be in your memories forever, and I'm honored to have been a part of creating such an incredible experience for you.

All the best to you, John, Mary Rose, Brenda, Craig and Zaurie!
Èric

Gummi is the best!!!!
Iceland | Jul 12 - Jul 20, 2023

R
R M.
Weymouth, MA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
Gummi is the best! He is the person you want to organize your trip to Iceland! He is knowledgeable, resourceful, and has an insider’s view on how to enjoy what is a truly remarkable country. And he has a great sense of humor. But, most importantly, he listened to what I wanted for my second trip —- and delivered. I can’t imagine using anyone else when I plan my next trip. Read more

Gummi is the best! He is the person you want to organize your trip to Iceland! He is knowledgeable, resourceful, and has an insider’s view on how to enjoy what is a truly remarkable country. And he has a great sense of humor. But, most importantly, he listened to what I wanted for my second trip —- and delivered. I can’t imagine using anyone else when I plan my next trip.

Hotel Reviews
Skalatjorn
Selfoss

This was our favorite hotel! The proprietor is warm and friendly, the rooms were Nice and clean. Take the goat tour

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fosshotel Eastfjords
Fáskrúðsfjörður

Of all the hotels we stayed at in Iceland this was the worst. By far. The rooms have very low ceilings, the beds had dirt and sand in them, and the front desk staff was cold and unhelpful. Avoid this place

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Guðmundur Pálmason
G
Guðmundur Pálmason
Local specialist in Iceland | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Thank you for the amazing review Ray. I'm so glad to know you and Gillian had such a wonderful trip.
I'm sorry to hear about Fosshótel Eastfjords though. I'm surprised because we do a lot of business with Fosshótel (and I have personally stayed in most of them - but not this one) and they have a very good reputation.
Anyway, I see you didn't let that affect your wonderful time in Iceland, and next time we go even more off the beaten path as we already talked about. I've got ideas, so let's stay in touch!
Gummi

Helsinki and Tallin...
Finland | Jun 28 - Jul 4, 2023

V
V. T.
Middletown, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
We had an amazing trip to Helsinki and Tallinn. Moonika arranged the entire trip flawlessly. She found us a bike tour to Kadriorg Park and Pirita area that was a lot of fun. We liked the hotels she selected for us and the transfer to and from ferry and airports were very reliable and on-time. We had an unplanned emergency that caused us to miss the scheduled ferry. Moonika was there, a click away, helping us get through the episode. I can't thank her enough for her help.
For a...
Read more

We had an amazing trip to Helsinki and Tallinn. Moonika arranged the entire trip flawlessly. She found us a bike tour to Kadriorg Park and Pirita area that was a lot of fun. We liked the hotels she selected for us and the transfer to and from ferry and airports were very reliable and on-time. We had an unplanned emergency that caused us to miss the scheduled ferry. Moonika was there, a click away, helping us get through the episode. I can't thank her enough for her help.
For a family whom always plan the trip ourselves, we won't hesitate to recommend to anyone and we'll use her service if we return to Finland and Estonia. I would give her 10 STARS out of 5.

Local specialist: Moonika Apart
Moonika
Moonika Apart
Local specialist in Rovaniemi | Replied on Jul 24, 2023

Thank you for your kind words V.! I'm glad to hear you had a good time and it was nice meeting you all in Tallinn. I hope to have you as my guests again in the future.
Best,
Moonika

Amazing Greece
Greece | Jul 4 - Jul 13, 2023

X
Xiomara T.
Princeton, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
We recently had the pleasure of experiencing an extraordinary trip to Greece, all thanks to the exceptional trip planning service provided by KimKim Travel. From the moment we made the decision to explore the captivating Mediterranean destination, they took charge of every detail, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure. The planning process was well thought out. Filippa was incredibly responsive and attentive, and tailored the itinerary to our preferences and interests. She... Read more

We recently had the pleasure of experiencing an extraordinary trip to Greece, all thanks to the exceptional trip planning service provided by KimKim Travel. From the moment we made the decision to explore the captivating Mediterranean destination, they took charge of every detail, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

The planning process was well thought out. Filippa was incredibly responsive and attentive, and tailored the itinerary to our preferences and interests. She really listened to what we wanted and created a perfect balance of historical exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and a vast of authentic Greek culture.
Accommodations were a crucial aspect of the trip and the quality and selection were wonderful. The hotels were strategically located and had easy access to attractions. Most of our hotels offered a delicious breakfast, setting the tone for the day ahead.
Another aspect that stood out was the diversity of experiences arranged for us. We savored delectable local cuisine during our cooking class, sipped fine Greek wine at a local winery while watching the sunset and basked in the beauty of the caldera during a beautiful sunset cruise in Santorini.
Transportation was well-coordinated, and we never had to worry about missing a connection. From domestic flights to ferry rides between islands, everything ran smoothly, ensuring we made the most of our limited time.
Throughout the journey Angela, from the KimKim team, maintained constant communication, ensuring that we were satisfied with every aspect of the trip.
If you are considering a trip to Greece we recommend KimKim. Their expertise and professionalism make them a truly outstanding travel service.
Thank you, Filippa and Angela, for making our trip to Greece a wonderful adventure.

Hotel Reviews
14 Reasons Why
Athens

This place was in a great location in the Plaka close to everything. The rooms were nice and the breakfast was amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to everything
Staff
Very nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aeolos Resort Mykonos
Mykonos / Chora

This hotel was not only beautiful but also in the perfect spot in Mykonos. Our room was located in the Sunset part of the hotel overlooking the Aegean. The rooms had a perfect touch of Mediterranean decor. Every morning breakfast had a wonderful array of options to choose from and the staff was incredibly nice and attentive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location was perfect. You were near enough to the town to walk out for dinner or go shopping but far enough that it you could enjoy a peaceful day.
Staff
Staff was kind and very attentive
Activity Review
Reservation at Oia Gefsis (no meal included - only a reserved table)
Reservation at Oia Gefsis (no meal included - only a reserved table)
Greece

We had the best seat in the restaurant to view the sunset, and the food was perfect. The cocktails were a wonderful - very tasty and looked lovely. The appetizers were wonderfully crafted. Every morsel was an explosion of flavors.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nasia Scouteri really was extremely attentive and made this experience wonderful.
Local specialist: Angela (Aggeliki) Giannioti
Angela (Aggeliki)
Angela (Aggeliki) Giannioti
Local specialist in Greece | Replied on Jul 22, 2023

Yeia sou, Xiomara!

Thank you for sharing your feedback and experience with us.
My team and I are really happy that you had a wonderful time here in Greece.
I will be here and more than happy to assist you with your trip to Greece and show you some more amazing places of my country. 🙂
Thank you for trusting us with your trip to Greece.
My best regards,
Angela - the GA Trips team

Great experience!
Scotland | Jul 11 - Jul 16, 2023

Nora
Nora M.
Somerville, MA | Reviewed on Jul 22, 2023
I had a very positive experience booking through Kimkim and working with Luigi! He was very prompt in his responses, which was great given I was working in a time crunch and relatively last minute to book the trip. We were able to work together to put together and book a trip within a matter of days. Luigi was also very mindful of the needs of our party (couple in their 70s) in the activities he recommended and was regularly in touch once the trip started (e.g., to confirm transports, forward... Read more

I had a very positive experience booking through Kimkim and working with Luigi! He was very prompt in his responses, which was great given I was working in a time crunch and relatively last minute to book the trip. We were able to work together to put together and book a trip within a matter of days. Luigi was also very mindful of the needs of our party (couple in their 70s) in the activities he recommended and was regularly in touch once the trip started (e.g., to confirm transports, forward tickets to guides, etc.) He recommended a great tour guide as well! I definitely recommend working with Luigi! My only advice is to have a good sense of your priorities before booking, because while Luigi recommended some great hotels, a couple weren’t close to the activities our party wanted to do, so we opted for less fancy (though still great) hotels that were closer to our desired activities. To Luigi’s credit, he was happy to switch up the itinerary and include the hotels we ultimately wanted to go with. Enjoy your travels!

Local specialist: Luigi Pasiani
Luigi
Luigi Pasiani
Local specialist in Edinburgh | Replied on Jul 23, 2023

Dear Nora

I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your kind and positive review!

Your feedback means the world to us, and we are delighted that you had such a wonderful experience with us.

Your praise regarding our trip plan motivates us to strive for excellence and provide the best possible experience for our valued guests.

Thank you again for sharing your experience with others and for choosing us as part of your journey.
We hope to welcome you back soon and create even more magical moments together!

Warmest regards,
Luigi.

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