Kimkim Trip Reviews

Thanks to Ngima and his team for putting together an itinerary and experience that worked for my schedule and abilities. It was clear during the planning process that Ngima has great experience in the Everest region and working with clients to design a personalized trip. Once the trip began, Ngima's team was terrific in providing information and support to be sure I was ready to begin the trek. My guide and porter were wonderful, full of local knowledge and expertise that added to my overall experience. It was great learning from them and having them along for support, and after spending 17 days with them, it was hard to say goodbye. Thanks Ngima and team!

Activity Reviews

Trek from Gokyo to Marlung (17,585 feet / 5360 m) via Renjo La Pass

Marlung

Trek from Dzongla to Gokyo (15,584 feet / 4750 m) via Cho La Pass

Gokyo

Trek from Gorak Shep to Lobuche (16,207 feet / 4940 m), Sunrise from Kala Patthar (5644m)

Lobuche

Trek from Chukhung to Lobuche (16,210 feet / 4,940 m) via Kongma La Pass

Lobuche

I can't say enough about my local specialist, Liz! She was wonderful to work with. Always responded timely, patiently answered my many questions, was full of helpful information and put together a wonderful itinerary. Our airline made major changes to our flight (mid flight during our first leg) and it was so comforting that Liz was working on all the many things it caused us to need adjusted. Really took the stress out of an already stressful situation. I look forward to working with her on another trip in the future!

Hotel Reviews

Clarion Suites Gateway

Melbourne

We were luck to have a corner room with all windows where we could see the River Walk. In the evening beautiful to look at. Only disadvantage was you can hear some of the street noise.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Surry Hills

Surry Hills, NSW

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Reef Retreat

Palm Cove, QLD

Loved the Reef Retreat. Great location and loved the atmosphere.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day Trip

Australia

Well run and very organized. Staff was lovely.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Trip was great and planned well

I really enjoyed working with Othman. He helped me create an itinerary that worked with my requirements- no driving more than 4 hours a day - he provided advice on restaurants and other activities. We really appreciated the step-by-step driving directions, too. Othman responded quickly to all my questions both before and during the trip. Excellent service that I hope to use again!

Our trip turned out to be one of the best we’ve ever taken! The kimkim team switched team members mid planning but after a “get to know you” period all was good! Covid also played a major roll in getting this trip from planning to execution. So even though we had some hiccups, all turned out well.

Daniel Larrea, our travel planner, put together an amazing itinerary. Learning about my passion for art, he created an Art day for me. From touring museums to wandering through the street art fair, I saw amazing Ecuadorian art. Our guide, Daniel Silva, was engaging, honest and a joy to be around. He guided us for two days around Quito. From the Art day to the City walk day, our days were filled with stunning churches, an engaging cooking class and lots of knowledge about a city I knew little about. It was a wonderful experience.

Daniel Larrea also provided us with seamless transfers between airports and locations. Upon our arrival in Baltra, we expected a driver to our hotel. What we got was an incredible naturalist, Vivianna, who took us to a land tortoise preserve, giving us a first class tour and background of this incredible animal. Then we were taken to our hotel for the evening. The morning transfer from the hotel back to Baltra to meet the cruise team was seamless. My husband, who typically avoids tours and having people meet us at the airport and guide us to a our hotel, actually really saw the value and agrees this is the only way to travel from now on!

Thank you kimkim for making our trip to Ecuador and its natural wonders one for the ages!

We got to see so much ONLY because KimKim set up such an amazing itinerary. The accommodations, food and tours were top notch. Will definitely use again. Thanks, Julia

Our family of four recently enjoyed the best trip to Columbia, planned and facilitated by Felipe and team. Upon deciding to visit this part of South America, I discovered KimKim and was impressed by the reviews. I sent a message and very quickly received a warm and helpful response from Felipe. While the initial itinerary was beyond our budget, he was more than happy to work with us.

Columbia is a tremendous destination, rich in history, culture and otherwise. The people are kind, welcoming and helpful. The trip itself was flawless in its planning and execution. We had just the right amount of time in each destination, excellent guides (a special shout out to David Suarez), tours, hotels, restaurant recommendations etc. When there was a slight hiccup, Felipe and team couldn't have been more helpful and beyond working hours. All in all, it was exceptional.

In short, I very highly recommend KimKim, Felipe and team. We hope to have opportunity to work with this tour company again!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel San Pedro de Majagua

Isla Grande

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nacar Hotel Cartagena, Curio Collection by Hilton

Cartagena

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection

Bogotá

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Half-Day City Tour of Bogotá with Local Fruit Market and Monserrate Hill

Bogotá

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The perfect 40th wedding anniversary trip to France!

Isabelle was incredible - patient with us as we worked through every detail of our trip, responsive when we ran into a snag, thoughtful in arranging both transportation and hotels that exceeded our expectations. Every request was met! At the end of a long day how wonderful it was to seamlessly check in to our hotel or walk to a fabulous restaurant all arranged in advance by Isabelle.

We thoroughly enjoyed an emotionally moving tour of the D Day beaches in Normandy led by our private guide Valentin. On another day, a precious young man from Bretagne met us at Mont St Michel and kept us out of the crowds for an excellent tour leading up to the abbey.

From small group tours in Champagne with Thomas to biking through the vineyards of St Emilion with Remy, every day was an adventure. We saw the sunset over the Seine in Paris, the full moon rise over Le Marais, dined on a four course luncheon at LaCaronne in Rouen, gathered sand on the hallowed beaches of Normandy, tasted Grand Cru Classe A St Emilion wines, strolled the Blvd St Germaine, rode the metro in Paris to the St Ouen flea market, rented a car, rode the train, toured and tasted champagne from a boutique family vineyard. Just one fabulous moment after another!

Thank you, Isabelle, for taking care of each detail so we had no stress. You made this 40th anniversary trip one of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel des Saints-Pères

Paris

Fabulous location. Attentive and personable staff.

Logis de la Cadène

Saint-Émilion

Spacious and historic. Beautiful view over St Emilion. The staff could not have been more accommodating and personal. We were very pampered!

Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection

Tours

Spacious and modern. What a treat! The staff was friendly and so kind!

Relais & Châteaux Hostellerie La Briqueterie

Vinay

Well appointed with an extremely attentive staff.

Hotel D'Argouges 3*

Bayeux

A little bit rustic but with charming and entertaining hosts.

Activity Reviews

Guided Wine and Bike Tour in Saint-Emilion

France

Absolutely the most fun! Thomas was exceptional. Our group of international guests was delightful. Thomas made sure we were ok on the bikes as we rode from one vineyard to another. He never hurried us along. So relaxed and so so much fun!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Self-guided visit of Chateau de Chenonceau

France

Short day-trip to Champagne: Family Growers & traditional Lunch

France

Thomas was the most easy going guide. Super knowledgeable. Let us go at our own pace. We were never rushed.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mont-Saint-Michel day Tour

France

Our guide kept us out of the crowds. He was with us for the first two hours. Guided us up to the abbey. From there we had a self guided audio tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tour of D-Day Sites

Bayeux

Valentin gave us an excellent tour!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had such an incredible time in France. Isabelle was highly accommodating in our booking needs and we ended up with a near perfect itinerary. Every excursion was something we had no idea of what to expect, and we always left feeling quite impressed. We had just the right amount of time of self-exploration and leisure time with structured activities. My wife and I could simply focus on ourselves. It was much needed and want to thank Isabelle and rest of the kimkim team for the experience.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel West End

Nice

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose 5*

Gassin

Just stunning, the view, the service, the pool. Best hotel we've stayed at so far.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Aquabella Hotel & Spa

Aix en Provence

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hôtel Baume

Paris

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Monaco, Eze and La Turbie Tour small group tour

France

Quality of Experience

We wish we had more time in Monaco and Eze (vs 30/40 mins). Maybe reduce by one stop to spend more time in the other areas?

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Art, Architecture & Wine: A Provencal Journey at Chateau la Coste

Aix-en-Provence

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

A great trip perfectly planned for our budget and preferences! Jessica was also readily available via WhatsApp whenever we needed her while in Italy. Definitely recommend!

Hotel Reviews

Piazza del Gesù Luxury Suites

Rome

Great location, but that's about the best it offers. Room wasn't particularly clean, things like the hair dryer didn't work and the room was a weird layout that made getting your things awkward.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Caruso Sea View

Sorrento

Can't beat the view and location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Naplesuite B&B

Naples

Great B&B next to all the best sites and restaurants in Napoli! The breakfast was also amazing and the staff was super helpful.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Boutique Hotel Galatea

Rome

Extremely friendly staff and perfectly situated to see all that Rome has to offer tourists.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Rome in a Day Tour with Vatican, Colosseum & Historic Center

Rome

Absolutely fantastic tour, seeing everything we "needed" to see in a single day. Our tour guides (Maria-Teresa and Jan) were great and very informed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Angela was great and super responsive and easy to work with - even when we changed our flight to Crete last minute. Also our guide through the Acropolis was spectacular! She was super interesting and informative and kind! Drivers were always on time and made us feel safe!

Hotel Review

Urban Frame Hotel

Athens

Hotel was nice. Great showers. Front desk was super helpful and kind!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Acropolis Afternoon Tour

Greece

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I recently used Kimkim to plan a very last minute trip to Egypt. I did have a list of sights to see but not much else. Sharif did the rest! He planned a very detailed itinerary that included everything on our list (and then some!) and did it in less than two weeks, accommodating some even more last minute date changes. What resulted was private door to door service to and from all airports, hotels, and tours, with private escorts and guides throughout the entire trip. The level of professionalism was extremely impressive. No detail was left undone; 5 stars in every respect. If you are considering travel I highly recommend using Kimkim. Sharif and everyone else involved, and my sincere apologies if I have unintentionally left out anyone, - Ahmed, Mustafa our wonderful Egyptologist in Abu Simbel, Mohammed who was one of our drivers, Mohammad our escort in Aswan, Mohammed our wonderful Egyptologist who accompanied us on our Nile River Cruise, Waleed, Adile, and Nesrine our wonderful Egyptologist in Cairo, along with all of the other incredibly warm and welcoming Egyptian people we met along the way created an amazing experience with memories that my family and I will never forget. We have taken many trips as a couple and a family all over North and South America, the Caribbean, and Europe but this just might rank as number 1. Many, many thanks to you all!!

Activity Reviews

Tour to Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Cairo

It was amazing to be driven through Cairo, which was very helpful given the traffic. The Egyptian museum was extremely interesting and the mosques were both beautiful. The bazaar was a lot of fun and we had a delicious lunch there, at a restaurant that Nesrine recommended.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We were in very good hands with Nesrine! And Abile is a wonderful driver and very able to handle the chaotic Cairo traffic.

Transport

Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor-Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples - Overnight in Esna

Egypt

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor-Philae Temple / Unfinished Obelisk/ High Dam - Overnight in Aswan

Aswan

The was a favorite of the trip. The Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan was absolutely lovely and steeped in history. The cruise was beautiful and the staff and service were amazing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Mohammed was excellent, a definite highlight! Our driver Mohammed was excellent as well. He was with us in Aswan, Luxor, and all the way to Hurghada.

Transport

Fly from Cairo to Abu Simbel via Aswan, visit Abu Simbel Temple then fly back to Aswan

Egypt

This was an amazing thing to see, a must do if you can.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Mustafa was excellent!

Transport

Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor-West Bank - Overnight in Luxor

Luxor

I believe this was the day we did the Valley of the Kings, another highlight.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Mohammed again was excellent with his very detailed explanations.

Transport

I had been to Antigua 23 years ago as a backpacker and I couldn't wait to take my family there, but in a more structured way. Edouardo streamlined the whole process and I felt safe and taking care of. As early as the first email (which came in very quickly), he had taken the time to organize a trip with a variety of activities (from challenging to informative) based on our likes and dislikes. We had to tweak it a bit and within 2 weeks, we had a plan and we were booked. Our driver Vinni was full of energy and radiated positivity. His English was surprisingly good and we got a ton of information about the area. Our Guide Pepian (which is a nickname based on the most delicious food ever!) was very kind and patient with us and our kids. He checked on us multiple times during the activities and was participating like it was his first time. His enthusiasm and love for his country were contagious and we had the best time. They also were very good at accomodating our diet restrictions (GF, DF). After a couple of days, we all agreed that to hike Acetenango was maybe too challenging for our daughter, so at that point, Eduardo, with the help of Pepian, pivoted quickly, booked us a hotel (we were originally supposed to camp on the volcano) and found other activities for us to do instead. We don't feel like we wasted time at all. It was amazing and I don't regret using kimkim and we feel like we now have friends in Guatemala.
If you go to Guatemala and you can only do ONE activity, do the coffee farm from De La Gente. But honestly, I would rate all activities above a 9/10 (hike, bike, kayak, tours). We will be back for sure!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Casa del Parque

Antigua

This hotel is right in the middle of a couple bars and it is very loud until 1230. We didn't sleep much even with earplugs. The WIFI was good. The layout is weird as the shower opens directly in the room so there is little privacy. It does have a pool but its cold. We enjoyed the sauna though. The fountain is missing so it makes it look run down. We enjoyed the breakfast and the staff was kind and helpful. Our room had amazing views of the volcanoes.

Tips for future travelers

Make sure you don't require a lot of sleep or a lot of quiet time.

Authenticity & Character

Location

too many bars/parties close by

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

beds were hard and no privacy to change

San Buenaventura Hotel

Panajachel, Sololá

It was damp and there was no sheet on the couch/beds for our kids. However, they were quick at bringing some. There was a lot of cobwebs and spiders in the beds. It's kind of expected given its Guatemala but still... Water came through the door upstairs during the rain. I am glad we were there for only one night. Also, make sure you shower at night because there is no hot water in the morning.

Tips for future travelers

People with pretty much low expectation

Authenticity & Character

it seemed old and dingy

Location

We had to have our driver to take us to a restaurant

Staff

very responsive but their English was limited

Cleanliness & Comfort

clean cobwebs and seal doors, also insure beds are made

Casa Antigua

Antigua

It was nice and clean. The breakfast was great! The internet wasn't very good however. The beds were super hard, but I think that is just how mattress are in Guatemala.

Tips for future travelers

Choose a room towards the front to get the best WIFI.

Authenticity & Character

Loved how pretty it is in the courtyard

Location

Close to everything and fairly quiet

Staff

Their English was very good

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds had sand on and were very hard and WIFI was very spotty

Activity Reviews

Aguacate tour in Finca Paseo de las Nubes

Guatemala

Day Trip to Earth Lodge & Nature Hike

Guatemala

Kayaking & Hiking Lake Atitlán

Guatemala

Mountain Biking at Lake Atitlán

Guatemala

Spa day at Santa Teresita

Guatemala

Antigua Chocolate Museum Tour

Guatemala

Antigua Coffee Tour by Bus with De La Gente

Guatemala

By far, the best experience of our trip. Eating with them in his house and getting to grind our own cup the artisanal way is something we will remember forever.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Hike to Pacaya Volcano

Guatemala

The marshmallow and the pizza toped it off nicely. Because its rainy season, we didn't have the best views, but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Zipline Tour at Santo Domingo del Cerro

Antigua

Very cool views and the guides were nice. They could have loosen up, but we liked it anyway.

Antigua Walking Tour

Guatemala

Marybel was knowledgeable and very kind.

We had a great time in Portugal! Marta was fantastic in helping us plan everything and was extremely responsive throughout our entire trip. The hotels she chose for us were in perfect locations in Lisbon and Lagos. The tours she booked were also great! We really enjoyed the walking tour of Lisbon with our guide Baptise and tuktuk tour with Claudio. In Lagos, the tour of Sagres was beautiful and highly recommended. I definitely will use this service for my next trips.

Thanks!

Hotel Reviews

Carvi Beach Hotel

Lagos

Can’t beat this location! Minutes walk from one of the nicest beaches in Lagos!

Casual Belle Epoque Lisboa

Lisbon

Great hotel in a perfect location!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Group Excursion to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Lisbon

Kind of a let down, for 2 reasons: the weather which is obviously no one’s fault but the tour guide herself was not good! Not a pleasant experience being with her for over 9 hours. Also this tour isn’t a small group, it is a huge tour bus

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Lisbon by Electric Tuk-Tuk

Portugal

Great tour to see harder to walk parts of Lisbon!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Claudio was great!

Transport

Lisbon Roots: A Food & Cultural Walk

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Janel and team were great. I had a few changes during the trip and they were there to help and coordinate. The trip was well thought out. We had a lot of coordination/ hotel accommodations to make and I felt everything went according to plan.

Hotel Reviews

Hótel Grímsborgir by Keahotels

Ásborgir

Great place. My son and I shared a 2 bedroom suite which was perfect. A little outside of town but great.

Tips for future travelers

I would definitely upgrade to a suite / apartment if traveling with family or just need a little extra room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Vík í Mýrdal

Vík

I think this is part of a chain of hotels - I saw at least three different hotels with the same brand name. This one was "earthy". It was well done And very nice

Tips for future travelers

Restaurant was great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Laugarbakki

Laugarbakki

The outside needs a little care but it looks like the interior was update not too long ago. I think this structure was an old dormitory Al that was converted over. The rooms were fine.

Tips for future travelers

Give it a try and I don't think there are many other options (better options) in the area.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Borg by Keahotels

Reykjavík

Great location. Very central to the active part of Reykjavik. Hotel was well appointed and the rooms were typical European style (smaller - which is to be expected in a city) and nice.

Tips for future travelers

Parking and can be tricky- there is a parking garage maybe two blacks away. I didn't feel 100% comfortable leaving the car on the street so I used the garage. The garage was more expensive but probably worth it.

Authenticity & Character

Great character - fit in with the city/ area

Location

Proximity to city center / activity

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Berjaya Hotel Mývatn

Mývatn

Great place-

Tips for future travelers

Restaurant was ok- there is a bar / pub right next to it which actually shares the same kitchen but food prices are lower. I would just go there for dinner. Same menu...just less expensive.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Katla Ice Cave

Iceland

It was ok- thought it might be a bit bigger and longer in the ice cave- it was more of a mountain trip than a cave trip but it was good to see - wouldn't do it again but glad I did it-

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Grábók Crater

Iceland

Great but all the sights in Iceland are great - not sure I would make a special trip for this but it was cool.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Great - it is worth a few hours of your time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Every facet of the trip was organized and executed in the most professional manner possible. Most importantly we loved the agenda, tours, and tour-guides. We will absolutely be using KimKim again.

Our trip to Romania has been a beautiful surprise. We had no expectations but we were totally blown away by the beauty and diversity of Romania. Our guide Bogdan was exceptional in his knowledge and enthusiasm for what has become his dream job. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he strove to fit in so much more than we had anticipated . From Bucharest to the painted monasteries in the north it was an ever changing landscape. Romania should be on everyone’s bucket list. Thank you Florin for organizing our itinerary and our great guide Bogdan

My husband and I had an AMAZING trip in Ireland for our ten year anniversary! The kimkim team and Ireland walk hike bike did such a fantastic job. The B&Bs we stayed at were all wonderful and they provided a very detailed day to day itinerary for our hiking adventure!

We just finished the most amazing family trip to Rio. We were travelling with our two young sons (ages 3 and 10 months), so we needed significant attention, special needs and flexibility. Camille made great recommendations on the tours to book. Our specialized guide, Daniela, was an absolute superstar. She adapted each tour and day to our specific needs and tastes, and was very flexible as the needs of the boys evolved over the days. They absolutely adored her and were excited to see her each morning. Pere and Dayane were also integral parts of our trip and made sure our whole family was well taken care of.

I would recommend this team to anyone looking to take a trip to Rio. Just let them know your interests and they will put together something special and maximize your trip to this beautiful and wonderful country. We hope to come back to visit you all again soon.

Activity Reviews

Walking through the Bohemian Neighborhood of Santa Teresa

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Corcovado & Christ the Redeemer Tour

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Boteco Tour of Rio

Rio de Janeiro

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip to Greece was fabulous! We toured Naxos, Santorini, and Crete with the help of Angela. She was always very responsive whenever we had questions. Our day on the farm on Naxos was especially memorable. We also loved our tour of Akrotiri on Santorini. Due to weather conditions we did not get to spend the time on Crete as we had hoped. Ferries were cancelled due to high wind conditions. But Angela made sure we were compensated for our last minute cancellations. All in all, it was an amazing trip that I would highly recommend.