Kimkim Trip Reviews

the local guides were wonderful!!!!

Hotel Reviews

JANEIRO Hotel

Rio de Janeiro

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Belmond Hotel das Cataratas

Foz do Iguaçu

The style was not our favorite so almost didn’t select this location. Extremely glad Jason highly encouraged it! The location was incredible and private time without the crowds at the falls was well worth it! Food and service were fantastic.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge

Novo Airão

very unique setting and experience. A must stay place if in the amazon

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Final Day Amazon. Flight to Foz do Iguaçu via Rio and Transfers

Brazil

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Great Adventure (Argentinian Falls Tour Supplement)

Foz do Iguaçu

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Argentine Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguacu

Foz do Iguaçu

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Tour Brazilian Iguazu Falls

Foz do Iguaçu

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Helicopter Overflight Iguazu Falls Brazil

Brazil

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Corcovado & Sugar Loaf with BBQ Lunch

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Yacht Tour of Cotunduba Island

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour & Secrets of Old Rio

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We loved our trip to Iceland. We wanted a lot of flexibility in our travels and KimKim provided what we needed. Othman was great to work with and provided excellent recommendations. He booked us nice hotels and a few tours but also gave us recommended stops along the way of our trip that were great. He was responsive to questions and a pleasure to work with.

Hotel Reviews

Hótel Klaustur

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Great hotel. Very modern and the restaurant was bright with a great breakfast. Staff were nice and helpful when needed, although seemed a bit sparse, playing multiple roles (e.g., front desk and bartender)

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Kvika

Sveitarfélagid Ölfus

They hotel is out of the way of the town. The lobby is really nice, as is the staff. The rooms need to be updated but they were clean and comfortable. Appreciated the black out shades!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Arnarstapi Hotel

Snæfellsbær

Nice clean hotel with good food.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Storm Hotel by Keahotels

Reykjavík

Hotel and breakfast were great, as was the staff. We would have preferred to stay in the heart of the city but it was walkable if you are up for it.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Iceland

Love this hike. Felt safe and guide was terrific.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Katla Ice Cave

Iceland

Great guide but only one cave was available at that time of year and it was small. The guide made up for it by hiking around the area and providing expertise.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

A must see/do.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everything was delightful with the guides extremely wonderful, esp Julio and David

Activity Review

Explore Tintoreras Islet (Private)

Puerto Villamil

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lize
The remoteness of the Okavango was the perfect start to our trip and the attention to detail and quality of the staff at the lodge was exceptional we loved the walking safari and the mojito and when they handed us our hot water bottles on the first night I’ve never seen a happier bunch of ladies.
Our next stop at Chobe lodge felt a little more luxurious in terms of the lodge and rooms and the setting on the river was lovely. Our game drives were early but interesting and in spite of the lion remaining elusive we saw lots of elephant, hippo, giraffe, crocodile, many different antelope species and birds galore. The variety of dining there was excellent and we felt that the experienced so far was the right way round. A tricky transfer to Zimbabwe followed as we had not been alerted by anyone or taken on board ourselves that we were going to need crisp US dollars in cash to pay for our visas. Eventually with help from our driver and a trip back to the cash point and bureau de change we succeeded in getting our visas and passed through emigration.
The setting at the Victoria Falls game lodge was lovely and having the balcony overlooking the waterhole an added bonus. Victoria Falls itself lived up to expectations and we did the scenic helicopter ride which provided us with some amazing photos. Back through the borders and onto the Zambezi Queen which was everything and more. A combination of the excellent food and staff on board meant we had some relaxation time, gentle river safaris in the sunshine, elephants, crocs and hippos in abundance topped off by a rare sighting of a leopard. The perfect end to what was most definitely a very special holiday.
Thank you.

Everything went just perfectly.
We were thrilled with the private tours and the professionalism each guide exhibited.
loved loved the cooking class in Crete.
loved the beach day ...7 villages was just ok along with the 3 island boat ride....
met promptly and all took good care of us ....we walk slowly and they modified the routes...
especially Nic in Rhodes
Thalia was great in Crete at Knosos

got home and our luggage was not there....that's nothing to do with you guys...thanks

Hotel Reviews

DOM Boutique Hotel

Heraklion

just ok bfast not the greatest

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ambassadors Residence Chania

Chania

staff went above and beyond to help us with the stairs and our luggage not really easily accessible clean and unique breakfasts couldn't be redeemed due to tour times boxed bfast delivered but not that great

Authenticity & Character

see above

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rodos Park Suites & Spa

Rhodes

right at the center of Old town

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lango Design Hotel & Spa - Adults Only

Kos, Hellas

hotel was great breakfast superior hour were not good dinner ended at 7 pool was not open past 7 pm as well very inconvenient when touring during the day

Authenticity & Character

Location

loved the view of sea

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

🚲 A Cycling Journey through the Cretan Nature & Culture

Chania

good small group great leader fun down hills

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Knossos Palace & Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

Heraklion

Thalia was wonderful so amazing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Thalia was so sweet and friendly and loves her job made you feel like you were in the most amazing place ever

Transport

Welcome to Crete

Greece

easy went from one tour right to next location

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

🍴 Cooking Class in a Traditional Village

Greece

The best ever most wonderful loved it the location and the service

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

on time

Lindos Private Tour

Rhodes

terrific would have like more time walking in village

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

🚲 Rhodes Town Cycling Tour

Rhodes

liked it great guy very experienced and met our needs

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Medieval Rhodes & the Jewish Quarter

Rhodes

Nic was amazing again

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Rhodes

Rhodes

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

⛵ Cruise to 3 islands with on-board lunch, Full-day Sailing

Kos

lots of time wasted going out to island started late...15-20 min 2 and a half hours later we got to swim for 20 min then next stop even less time in the water lunch was nice but rushed as well

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

more time in water

Transport

🚲 Kos Cycling Tour

Kos

just a rental and rode myself

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Island Kos Tour

Kos

terrific guide one to one attention and met my needs as slow walker

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Kos

Kos

all went smoothly

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Patmos Day Cruise

Patmos

late start not enough time ate each location maybe do 2 and do them the right way less than 15 min to swim

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Athens City Vehicle Tour

Athens

great took time and made sure we got to the right ferry on time helped with tickets too terrific duo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The 7 Villages Of Apokoronas Tour

Chania

slow start but once you met the people it was more enjoyable

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Welcome to Chania

Chania

Transport

The Exotic Tour of Elafonissi Beach

Chania

best location on Earth never wanted to leave so special and forever life changing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was a wonderful trip in a beautiful country. The thing I want to thank Othman for is listening to me when I said we wanted to go somewhere beautiful, nature-focused and away from the main tourist attractions. The itinerary he built for us ended up being nearly perfect. The accommodations were also all really good. We wished we could have spent more time in Iceland and will def use KimKim again for another trip to a country we aren't familiar with. Thank you so much for all your help!
Nancy

Hotel Reviews

Konvin Hotel by Reykjavik Keflavik Airport

Keflavík

Hótel Laugar Sælingsdal

Budardalur

Hotel Ísafjörður Torg

Ísafjörður

Hotel Flokalundur

Vesturbyggð

Fosshotel Hellnar

Hellnar

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Grábók Crater

Iceland

Both the local guides and local drivers are nice and helpful!

Activity Reviews

Visit The west bank then fly to Cairo

Egypt

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Edfu temple & Luxor temple and Karnak temple

Egypt

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Visit Abu Simbel temple and Kom Ombo temple

Aswan

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aswan

Aswan

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day tour to visit Pyramids& Sphinx and Old Egyptian Museum

Cairo

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

All my local tour guides and drivers are very nice. The hotels are clean, cozy, and beautiful.

Hotel Reviews

Recital Hotel

Istanbul

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Alacati Zeytin Konak Hotel

Cesme

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa

Denizli

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nisanyan Houses

Selçuk

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Helike Hotel

Nevsehir

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Public Boat Tour on the Bosphorus

İstanbul

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul

İstanbul

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Pamukkale

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus

Turkey

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kaymaklı Underground City + Light Hiking at Ihlara Valley + Selime Monastery

Cappadocia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sightseeing Around Uçhisar and Discovering the Cappadocian Valleys

Cappadocia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visiting Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage)

Cappadocia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise

Cappadocia

As a foreigner, I was arrange into a ride full of local Turkish people so the pilot only spoke in Turkish throughout the whole ride.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A quick review for your quick reminder. Despite our COVID set-back, we have positive feelings about our trip. In fact, it was having KimKim’s arranging of our need for an altered itinerary that was especially helpful. Both of our guides, Yube and Roberto, were good, but Yube was especially good. We liked the way she talked about a wide range of subjects, something that gave us a sense of Colombia today. And our best day was the one where we went up to the mountains with her (although we never understood why we used a boat instead of tubes).

We had amazing time, everything was arranged to our liking and went without any issues.

We contacted Kimkim to help plan a 10-day stay in Egypt only a month before our departure date. Despite the short notice, it was an amazingly perfect adventure for four adults. Upon arrival in Cairo, Mahmoud Hashem, our local liaison provided assistance at customs and escorted our party of four to our hotel via private transport. We were happy to have such a warm and thoughtful welcome after several long flights.

Our first day, we explored the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx with our charming and well-informed guide Mohamed Abu Elmagd. The following day we spent several hours in the Egyptian Museum before heading to Aswan via plane. We had an amazing three nights at the historic Old Cataract Hotel and explored the Temple at Philae and the remarkable Abu Simbel. A sunset felucca ride on the Nile was a lovely break from the heat of the day. Mohamed was warm and knowledgeable about history, local customs, and geography. His advice and assistance was greatly appreciated on several shopping excursions. He kept us on schedule but also allowed us to modify our plans based on our interests and energy levels. We could not have asked for a kinder or more enjoyable companion.

From Aswan we travelled to Luxor via private van. En route we visited Kom Ombo and learned about the crocodile-headed Sobek followed by a stop at Edfu and the marvelous temple of Horus. At Luxor we checked into the Winter Palace and over the next three days explored the unearthly Valley of the Kings, the monumental Temple of Amun at Karnak, the splendor of the Temple of Luxor, and the amazingly colored temple of Hathor at Dendarah.

We returned to Cairo via plane to attend the conference that was the original reason for our trip. Despite the heat of June, this was a dream excursion. We had a lovely guide, excellent drivers, and KimKim liaisons to meet us at each crossroad to make sure our trip was going as planned. The Egyptian people were warm, easily amused, and engaging. One’s view of history will be forever changed by their monuments, tombs, and temples. The beauty and magnificence of this early and amazing civilization makes an unforgettable impression. Every experience was breathtaking. I say that without exaggeration.

Kimkim’s suggestions and staffing via the local travel agency, Egypt Promotion Travel, were excellent. I would also like to add that this was a very affordable trip in relation to the USD. We stayed at 5-star hotels along with private transport drivers and guides at more than reasonable prices—possibly because we were traveling during the beginning of summer. Both the Old Cataract and the Winter Palace have historic architecture, large rooms, great AC, big pools, amazing service, and views of the Nile. Highly recommended.

Activity Reviews

Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor temple

Egypt

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aswan

Aswan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day tour to visit Pyramids& Sphinx and Old Egyptian Museum

Cairo

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Aswan -Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor

Aswan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Abu Simbel temple & overnight at the hotel

Egypt

Not to be missed. Worth the drive. Redefines monumental.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day tour the West bank and Hot Air Balloon as an Optional activity

Luxor

Imagining the creative artistic wealth and literal wealth in gold and gems once upon a time in this desolate valley boggles the mind!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Dendarah temple

Luxor

I loved the ceiling relief of the goddess Nut giving birth to the sun.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

This was the first time I’ve used a trip planning service and it was a great experience. Austin provided us with the perfect itinerary for our family and gave some great insider tips to make it extra special. Will definitely use KimKim again!

Travelers beware, we experienced many issues using KimKim some of which we have not yet resolved, including refunds.

Background

Our trip to Denmark, Faroe Islands and Noway was over two years in the making. Covid delayed our trip from 2021 to 2022. In 2020 we worked with Julia who was very helpful in designing our overall trip. In April of 2022 (our trip took place in June/July), Julia handed the trip details over to Sonia. We did not hear from Julia again, despite numerous attempts to call her using the call button on the website.

Below is a list of issues we encountered:

We never received a complete itinerary with all trip details including hotel addresses, rental car information or names of the businesses for our activities. Instead, we had to work off of three incomplete documents that often had incorrect information. This happened despite repeated asks all the way to the day prior to our departure (and multiple promises the weeks prior to the trip saying we would have it)

We have yet to receive refunds for activities planned by KimKim that did not happen or were not what was promised. We even spoke directly to some of the businesses who said they would refund us via our travel agent.

In the Faroe Islands our rental car was organized by KimKim. We received no detailed information about which rental car agency it was or how to find the car. We ended up getting help by a gentleman at the airport. To this date we don’t know if we had the right car.

Activities were on our itinerary that were never booked or were canceled.

The hotel booked for us in Svolvaer was booked with no parking privileges – resulting in a long walk to the hotel the first night. As a result we incurred extra expense we weren’t planning on.

What was great:

Julia picked out some areas of Northern Norway we would have not easily thought to go, including towns, lodging and activities.

The delays in getting back to us, mistakes in scheduling, lack of follow-through, and incomplete itineraries created a large amount of stress and anxiety before and during our trip. We were told a few times that Covid and a busy tourist season were to blame. Given the amount of lead-time planning our trip, the fact we asked for no major changes prior to our trip, and that we had already paid in full a year prior to departing, we think it’s important that anyone planning on using KimKim is aware of what we encountered.

We had the most amazing time in Tanzania. Taf had planned the most perfect trip for us, it truly felt like a dream. Taf was great to work with, and was so helpful, kind and patient helping us postpone our trip multiple times due to covid.

We had a great vacation with the help of Sergio and his team.

We had to make changes due to weather and Sergio was able to rebook transfers and added an additional tour. It was so nice to be able to have all this done after a simple phone call.

We also had a medical issue, and Sergio was able to provide support.

Having someone local who can make arrangements behind the scenes was invaluable.

We called Sergio often, and he was always pleasant and helpful.

Thank you Antonis!! We had an excellent time in Greece and will definitely be using these services again.

This was my first time to Europe and it was a wonderful experience!

Craig with Capey Tours in Capetown was amazing he made our trip even better with his knowledge of Capetown and fun personality

Eddy and Adolph at Chisomo went above and beyond to make our safari exciting and packed with a great variety of animals.

Lucy was so easy to work with on our entire trip and was very fast to respond to any query. I will definitely recommend Kimkim to family and friends our trip could not have been better short of staying another week.

Robi was very helpful in planning our family trip to Croatia. He gave sound advice about where to stay along the coast, and arranged two experiences for us: wine tasting on the Pelješac Peninsula, and a catamaran tour of the Elafiti Islands, both highlights of our trip. While Robi was unable to join us, he was available to answer all of our questions via text, and arranged for his colleague, Goran to be our guide. Goran was not only friendly and knowledgeable, he went above and beyond to make our time in Dalmatia special. Both Robi and Goran have my highest recommendation.

Activity Review

Dubrovnik and Elaphiti islands - Lopud and Koločep private boat trip

Croatia

This trip was perfect for our family, whose ages range from 6 to 68. There really was something for everyone to enjoy, and our guide was flexible with our plan for the day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Costa Brava was breathtaking! My kimkim specialist did a great job creating an itinerary that included knowledgeable guides, exciting activities, and stunning scenery! Not to mention, all of the local insights that helped me explore and discover parts of the coast on my own.

The logistics of navigating the Costa Brava without my own vehicle were made easy with private transfers, also arranged by my specialist. All I had to do was to step out of my hotel and be comfortably shuttled to the next activity or destination.

Beyond the itinerary, my kimkim specialist helped out with unavoidable hiccups along the way, making them barely noticeable. The day I had originally planned to go kayaking, the wind was too strong and the tour was canceled. My specialist simply notified me and took care of rearranging my activities and transfers so that I could kayak the next day. It was so nice not to have to think about anything or make any calls or plans myself. I am so grateful that the tour was re-arranged for the following day as it was one of my favorite experiences from the trip! We kayaked in a small group of 7 people (including the guide) who took us in and around hidden coves where we had the opportunity to jump off the rocks and go snorkeling!

The Medieval Villages tour was another highlight of the trip! It was a small group with myself and only 3 other travelers. Our guide Alvaro was great. He was both knowledgeable and engaging. In addition to visiting several medieval villages throughout the day, we also visited a couple of coastal villages and walked along nearby coastal paths which had some of the most spectacular views! We also enjoyed an authentic Spanish meal together along the way.

Another notable tour was the history and monuments tour of Girona with my guide Ona. This was my first time using a guide when touring a city and I was pleased that I did. It was fun listening to Ona explain different local and historical legends. She gave a comprehensive history of the city that did not feel exhausting. On the tour, we also visited the Cathedral of Santa María, the Arab Baths, and the Jewish History Museum. Girona city has such a rich history and I was able to experience the lion's share in just one tour!

The experience I had planning a trip with kimkim was definitely worth it and I was very satisfied with the results! The Costa Brava is gorgeous at every turn! If you haven't visited yet, do!

Activity Reviews

Game of Thrones Walk in Girona

Girona

Sea Caves Kayaking Tour with Private Transfer

Spain

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Costa Brava & Medieval Villages Day Trip

Girona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

History, Legends & Monuments Walk

Girona

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My husband & I used KimKim to plan our honeymoon & I highly recommend their services. Giustino & his team focused on what we wanted for our trip & planned the perfect itinerary. They also provided contacts if we needed anything while in Italy. Our trip was everything we dreamed it would be. We did a wine tour a Le Potazzine in Montalcino & our guide Duccio was great. He was very informative, friendly, & gave us a great local spot to eat at for lunch. In Rome we had 2 guided tours, a walking tour with Lorenzo, & colosseum tour with Maria. Both tours guides were so knowledgeable & extremely friendly. I definitely recommend the guided tours because we learned much more than we would’ve if we did it ourselves. We will definitely use KimKim for our future travels

Hotel Review

Podere Brizio

Montalcino

The staff at Podere Brizio were friendly & accommodating. The property is stunning & peaceful. Will definitely return

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Colosseum and Roman Forum - small group guided tour

Rome

Maria was a fantastic guide. She is very passionate about the subject & we learned so much from her. I definitely recommend the guided tour as you miss out on lots of information without one.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Evening walk in Rome: twilight guided stroll - small group

Rome

Lorenzo was a great guide. He was super informative & friendly. We learned lots of interesting facts during this tour. He even recommended a great local spot for dinner.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Wine tasting in Tuscany countryside (1 winery)

Italy

Duccio was a great guide. He was friendly & informative. We had a great time viewing the vineyard & tasting their amazing wines

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport