Kimkim Trip Reviews

We had a lovely trip to France planned by Liz and the rest of the team! We appreciate all their knowledge, input, and recommendations provided.

Hotel Reviews

Bastide de Bellegarde

Avignon

Personally recommended by Liz and we get the hype! It's quaint, the host is personable, it's the perfect place to get an authentic taste of Provencal life. Dinners were lovely, the pool was a welcome break after our morning activities, and the team is so kind. A couple of things to note-we felt that our stay was uncomfortable due to the heat and mosquitoes. Our room on the top floor stayed warm throughout our stay and we were hesitant to open our window for better ventilation as there are lots of mosquitoes outside. We did mention this to the host, but nothing was done to address it, so we just adjusted for our 3-night stay. At other times of the year we can see how this would be the perfect stay, but during the summer it's a little tough. We also felt some of the pricing wasn't the most transparent. Although there is a sign by the front desk outlining cost of dinners, snacks, wine, etc., we noticed that when we requested a glass of wine during meals, we were poured very large pours that ultimately cost us the entire bottle (even if we weren't interested in this much). Just small things that gave us pause.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Grand Hotel du Palais Royal

Paris

This was our favorite hotel. Amazing service (everyone was so kind and helpful with anything we could possibly need); they even upgraded us to a suite on their top floor when we returned on our last night. The location is fantastic, beds are very comfy, lovely bathrooms, great breakfast, GREAT A/C. Cannot say enough good things. This is where we will stay when we return to Paris.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Louvre Museum Visit

Paris

Excellent private tour of the Louvre highlights. Our guide was very informative!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Afternoon Wine Tour

Avignon

An enjoyable afternoon, our guide was very knowledgeable, we went to two wineries.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Luberon E-Bike Adventure With Visits To Small Provence Towns

Avignon

This was our favorite activity of the trip. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, kind enough to alter our plan for the day to work around the rough afternoon heat without us prompting him, and he noticed we enjoyed shopping at the small villages and took us to another for our last stop! He even offered to drop us off directly at our accommodation at the end of the day, rather than at the Tourism office. We really appreciated his thoughtfulness.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Caves du Louvre Wine & Cheese Tasting Experience

Paris

Rally enjoyed this experience! Informative, included excellent wines and cheeses.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I used the kimkim app frequently during our stay. It was a great reference filled with so much information. Chris placed us at all the hotels where we needed to be. He was quick to respond to all my questions and was soo helpful and courteous. We could not have had a better experience. For hotels, our favorites were Monisteraki and Heliotrope. Monisteraki breakfast was so fresh and delicious. We loked the layout of the rooms with the loft. Heliotrope had such variety and their restaurant was excellent. Balcony rooms overlooking the pool and water were memorable. Skala was lovely on Patmos, within walking distance of shops and the marina. We were not at Avra long enough to appreciate it. The restaurant food was very good and it was ×within walking distance from the beach. Least favorite? Federalis due to mold in the shower and Achilles which had the least of accommodations. The driver who took us from Athens airport twice was not only a driver but a guide as well. He was very courteous and a patient driver. We had him twice for sure. I know he drove us to Achilles hotel. Again, I must say thank you, thank you to Chris who made it easy for this old lady to return to her roots. If you need a review about anything else, just reach out. I will be happy to help the next traveler.

Hotel Reviews

Heliotrope Hotels

Lesvos

Close to the airport, beaches, marina and shops. Balcony rooms overlook pool and water. Restaurant is delicious. Staff is very friendly.

Authenticity & Character

Authenticity & Character

Location

Location

Staff

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cleanliness & Comfort

Skala Hotel

Patmos

Within walking distance of the Marina, shops and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

NLH Monastiraki

Athens

Perfect place to be if you want to be where it is at in Athens. Loved the family loft suites.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Classic Monastery Tour

Patmos

This was truly an experience to remember. The guide was very informative. I could have spent more time there for sure.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Acropolis Of Athens Afternoon Walking Tour

Athens

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was very informative and kept us in conversation

I cannot say enough good things about KimKim and our team at Be A Greek for our recent trip! I have been raving about my experience to anyone who will listen, seriously. We were heading to Greece for a wedding, we had flights and the wedding, and a big dream of building an unforgettable trip around it. This was my first time using KimKim, but i saw the company mentioned in the mags and newspapers i trust (can’t recall if it was NYT and Travel and Leisure, but most likely). The process of getting started was so easy, and within hours I was connected with Marianna at Be A Greek. Ok, the coolest thing about this KimKim process was the access to local experts. She listed to what we wanted, and was so patient with my sometimes inconsistent time to be able to plan. She did it all. She really listened. I wanted to stay away from big groups, no crazy instagram only spots. We wanted history, activity, food, we wanted to be immersed, but also luxurious and romantic. She nailed it. She booked a great semi-private tour guide at Naxos Cultural Tours, she found a private guide who was just as passionate about history and mythology as I am for Delphi, and a delightfully hilarious private guide for the Acropolis. Lovely hotels. And DAILY communication from the KimKim team with reminders about our itinerary for the next day, times, pdf copies our flights or boats, every detail was seen to. For example, when we landed in Athens we had a few hours to kill at the airport before our connecting flight to Naxos. Marianna had a delightful guide meet us at the airport, and Bianca told us stories, took us for coffee, and helped ease us into Greek life all in a layover. That little detail was incredible. I will 100% be using KimKim again, and highly recommend you do too!! Epharisto to Marianna and the KimKim team!

Otham was great in booking exactly what we wanted. Communicated well. Would use Kim Kim again and will recommend to friends.

I couldn't have done any better than to have chosen Kimkim. We had so many transfers, rides, tours, and every one of them was spot on, there on time, and gracious. WE would always call on Kimkim to help us if we return to Costa Rica.

Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport

San Jose

OK for what it is. We regretted staying here as many days as we did, but that was our choice. It's quite a ways out of town, but close to a local call, so easy to get food or just shop a little,w high we had to do before beginning our trip.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cala Lodge

Monteverde

Incredible location - just a short walk to town. There is a butterfly garden there with a few observation decks, and it is a very pleasant place to just hang around. Our room was small, but smelled like cedar, and was efficient for the two of us. The front desk was helpful, and we enjoyed out stay here.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Arenal Paraíso Resort, Spa & Hot Springs

La Fortuna

Our least favorite of the hotels we stayed in. The service was terrible and the restaurant was just OK and expensive. We did get lucky and the clouds cleared long enough to see the volcano, which was visible from our cabin. The cabin was nice enough, but the "hot" pools were not hot, not any of them.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Las Caletas Lodge

Puntarenas

The personalized service was incredible. The hotel itself is awesome and we were in the biggest room, and the only one with a dehumidifier, which acted as an air conditioner. This was great, because we were there in some serious heat! The wildlife is everywhere, and a family of coati live on the grounds. We loved this place.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve

Monteverde

Hands down, my very favorite of the whole vacation! I'm so glad we asked Kimkim for a bird-watching tour. The weather was perfect, the hike is level and not too strenuous, and the guide REALLY knew how to track birds! WE say the elusive Bell Bird, some Toucans, and a list of other birds.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure

Monteverde

We had SUCH a good time on this excursion! WE rode in with a great group, and most of us stuck together during the tour, and afterwards. That made it better. I was surprised at the hanging bridges; they were more than I thought they would be! The zipline!!! What an experience! You are literally IN THE CLOUDS! Not our first, but definitely a memorable one, watching people disappear into a cloud!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Hike

Arenal/La Fortuna

VERY knowledgable guide! We really learned a lot of history about the volcano and surrounding villages. It's really quite a story! We didn't see animals here, but the amazing volcano is entertaining to keep us going! Not over strenuous, either, even though it rained the whole time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Corcovado National Park Hike with San Pedrillo Station Visit

Drake Bay

WE probably shouldn't have started with such a long strenuous hike, but this was a VERY memorable hike! wE say so many animals and birds! The guide was so knowledgeable and great at finding animals! It was essentially two hikes, and they fed us lunch afterward that was probably the best "tour" lunch we ever had! Not deal with some out of the way hole that served us, no. It was a full-on homemade spread for picnic, accommodating carnivores and vegetarians alike! This is a strenuous hike, worth every moment.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jacquie organised a wonderful trip and made sure everything went perfectly smoothly. She kept us updated, ensured we were taken care and came to see us at our hotel in Quito. I normally plan all my trips independently so it was a new experience having someone else do all the organising. But I am so glad I gave it a try - there was a lot of organising to be done and it meant I had no mental load having to double check times or communicating with tour guides when activities needed to be swapped around because of sea conditions etc. I was able to properly enjoy the trip. I highly recommend it!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Fiesta

Puerto Ayora

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nicky Amazon Lodge

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Boutique Hotel Cultura Manor

Quito

Authenticity & Character

Location

It is in a quiet part of town so not much going on in the evening.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Overnight Shuttle from Quito to Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Quito

This was a bit tough - some of the seatbelts didn’t work in the minibus and it is quite a dangerous drive. I think there could be an option available for a private car instead of the bus. Someone at the lodge had done this (of course it is more expensive) but it might be a possible add on, just because the driver is quite tough in the bus.

Welcome to San Cristobal Island! La Lobería

Ecuador

Nice private guide who picked us up from the boat and took us there. Again it meant we could fit more in and was great having someone meet us.

Welcome to Santa Cruz Island: Highlands (Plant a Tree) & Charles Darwin Research Station

Puerto Ayora

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Colonial Quito City Tour

Quito

Mateo was a great guide

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

My son and I just returned home from our trip to Vietnam, planned by Hien at KimKim. She could not have done a better job for us! She listened to our interests and crafted experiences that were a perfect fit for us. We only had a week ( could have stayed so much longer- love Vietnam!) and had a lot we wanted to see and do and she made it happen with great guides and experiences. Our guides and drivers were always on time and were so knowledgeable. This trip would not have been possible without Hien and her team's expertise.

Our guides were so wonderful. Informative, patient, and great with our girls.

Robi planned the most amazing 5 week itinerary. he listened to me, what type of trip I was looking for, how we like to travel, the places we wanted to see and the type of accommodations. he made great recommendations, as I would see something in a guide book or online and he would give honest feedback as to what the place was like and if it made sense. all of the details were handled flawlessly. he created a trip where we really felt like we were local, he gave daily WhatsApp messages for the next days itinerary, hotels, directions and restaurant recommendations of where the locals eat. when we were in country he was always available if we had questions. I felt the pricing was very fair based on the accommodations we stayed in. some of the highlights were Plitvice Lakes, Lake Bled, Mljet, Porec, Ston, Postojna cave and castle and for me as an equestrian the Lipica stud farm. he arranged the itinerary so I could see a performance. but there are so many more incredible places based on how long you have to travel. you will be very happy if you get matched with Robi.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Mangart

Bovec

We stayed at Hotel Mangart in Bovec, which is in a very recreational area popular for rafting, hiking, skiing, and biking. The hotel was not as high-end as some of the other places we stayed, and I was warned about this in advance. While the hotel itself was not perfect for our preferences, the people there were very nice and friendly, which made up for it. Overall, it worked out for the itinerary.

AS Boutique Hotel

Ljubljana

We stayed at the AS Boutique Hotel in Ljubljana. The accommodations themselves were fine, but the parking situation was quite challenging and confusing. We had difficulty finding where to park and eventually had to use a parking garage. It was also hard to find the hotel initially. Clearer instructions about parking would have been helpful. Other than that, the hotel was okay.

Hotel Park Bled

Bled

We stayed at Hotel Park Bled and had an amazing experience. We were upgraded to the biggest room in the hotel, which had a huge bedroom, a large living room with a kitchen table, a balcony, and a private sun-up area. The view of Bled lake with the castle, church, and island was spectacular. We enjoyed sitting on the lanai listening to live music and watching people go by. The location was great, close to the promenade and food booths. We also enjoyed walking around and doing some hikes to get different views of the lake. It was truly a spectacular stay.

Activity Reviews

Cycling Pelješac

Croatia

One unexpected highlight was a two-hour hinterland tour of Ston given by Robbie himself, who lives there. It was not part of the original itinerary, but it was a wonderful, authentic experience. Robbie shared local knowledge, gave us homemade olive oil and honey, and showed us local spots. It felt very personal and genuine, and I highly recommend this kind of local insight for an authentic Croatian experience.

Excursion to Mostar ( Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Ston

We did an excursion to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Honestly, it was just okay. It was during a heat dome, so it was very hot and crowded with tourists, especially cruise ship visitors. The main street felt like a tourist bazaar, and there wasn't much water for the usual activities like jumping off bridges. It felt very touristy and not as authentic as I had hoped. I might not recommend it unless you really want to see it, but I would have preferred spending more time in other places like Zadar or the Istrian Peninsula. This is obviously my personal opinion as many people loved it there.

Explore Split & Diocletian's palace

Split

The city tour in Split was also excellent. The guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating, though maybe a little more time-conscious than the others. The English was great, and the guide was excited to share the history and culture. Overall, it was a very positive experience. if you do this tour make sure to pay for the visit below the Diocletian's palace. it was one of the highlights for us.

Vintgar gorge

Slovenia

This was an unexpected Gem. there are amazing cliffs and the gorge is cut out of the mountain. there is a path way cut right into the mountain. With the most beautiful water flowing below in waterfalls and rapids. And finished with a pastoral walk thru the forest and where the cows graze.

Visit Pula

Croatia

We took a city tour in Pula, which was fantastic. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke excellent English. We felt like we got a lot of value from the tour, and the guide was very accommodating and engaging. It was a highlight of the trip, especially since we had recently visited Rome and the Colosseum, so it was interesting to compare.

Dubrovnik Old Town and the City Walls

Croatia

We did a city tour in Dubrovnik, and it was fabulous. The guide was very knowledgeable, accommodating, and spoke excellent English with little accent. They were enthusiastic about showing their country and made sure not to repeat information we already knew. It felt like we got more than what we paid for, and the experience was very engaging.

Gummi was an absolute gem in crafting an unforgettable journey for us. He meticulously planned private tours during our cruise to four cities in Iceland, ensuring that we found an option that perfectly fit our budget. Gummi’s responsiveness during the planning process was truly remarkable; I’m not sure he even sleeps!

Gummi went above and beyond by personally driving up to be our guide in Isafjordur when the local guide was unable to be our guide. Gummi’s dedication and attention to detail were truly exceptional. And Gummi’s knowledge of the area is unparalleled.

All our guides were native Icelanders who shared their rich history and fascinating stories about the country.

In Seyfjordur, Snorri took us to a waterfall, a basalt canyon, enjoyed a delicious pizza lunch, and even had the chance to see reindeer. Snorri’s stories about trolls, Christmas lads, and more added an extra layer of enchantment to our experience.

In Akureyri, Marta was incredibly accommodating and informative. One of the highlights for my daughter was getting a photo with the iconic heart-shaped stoplights. Marta went out of her way to ensure that my mother-in-law, who had limited mobility, felt comfortable and pampered throughout the tour. We marveled at the incredible natural wonders, including waterfalls, geysers, craters, and even Game of Thrones type lava formations. Marta took us to a delightful restaurant that served geothermal-cooked baked potatoes and geothermal-baked bread, making our dining experience truly unique.

In Isafjordur, Gummi guided us to a breathtaking set of waterfalls, which was undoubtedly my favorite in Iceland. He found an adorable cafe for lunch that had delicious soup and warm bread. We also visited a must-see fishing museum, complete with charming turf-roofed fishing huts and an adorable museum curator dressed as a fisherman. He also took us to overlook where we got to experience how quickly the weather can change! We ended the day at a secluded black sand beach with perfect weather, surrounded by stunning views and unforgettable stories. Gummi’s extensive knowledge of a truly broad range of topics was remarkable.

In Reykjavik, Smari took us on another incredible adventure. We visited a black sand beach, a geyser, a magnificent bird cliff, a tide pool formed by lava, a lighthouse, and much more. But the most unforgettable sight was witnessing a town that had been devastated by lava a few years ago. Smari’s calm demeanor and captivating stories made him a truly exceptional guide. He’s also an avid birder, which added another layer of interest to our journey.

Throughout our trip, Gummi, KimKim, and all our guides demonstrated exceptional accommodation and understanding of our diverse needs and preferences. Their dedication and expertise made our trip truly unforgettable.

The team at KimKim provided a detailed itinerary including links, whatsApp phone numbers and specific instructions for each destination. After arriving in Athens and boarding our flight to Chania, Crete we were greeted by our transport driver who took us to the old port in Chania. As mentioned in our itinerary, we were not able to be dropped off at our hotel, the walk was pretty easy overall, lots of steps to navigate but the views and the area were gorgeous. Our boutique hotel was the Porto Del Columbo, which as it turns out was built during the Venetian occupation of Crete and also served as the French Embassy at one time as well as the Political office for the Greek Prime Minister Venizelos. The property was charming and comfortable. Our daily breakfasts were delicious and exactly what was needed to start the day. Everyone at the hotel was helpful, polite and always willing to assist in any way INCLUDING providing bagged breakfasts if you had an excursion or flight that put you out of the hotel before breakfast service. While in Chania we enjoyed the "Ultimate Food Tour of Chania" which took us to an olive oil mill, a distillery, a cheese factory and a bakery. Our guide Yiannis was knowledgeable and charming and really made the tour feel as if we were out with friends instead of on a tour. We also did a private sunset cruise that was SPECTACULAR! Jumping into the Aegean Sea just before sunset is something you just have to experience in person. The water is sparkling and clear (and so SALTY!). Our captain Mano was so chill and so much fun. He made the experience extremely memorable. One item of note regarding this tour, the photo of the boat that was sent to us by the tour company (not by KimKim) was NOT the boat we were ultimately on, we were in the right place at the right time, but were looking for the wrong boat. It was a minor issue but it did make us late for our pick up, so if you take this tour, ask for the exact boat you will be on. We ate on the waterfront each day and night - the food was all very good, but one restaurant in particular stood out enough that we visited it 3 times, La Bodega - every dish we ordered was spectacular! The owner even had cocktails with us our last night there.
After Crete we traveled to Santorini by SeaJets high speed Ferry. Great experience. The ferry's are well organized, very comfortable and easy to navigate.
While in Santorini we stayed at the Blue Dolphins hotel in Firastefani, the view was spectacular, the rooms were comfortable, well appointed and very clean. Christina on the front desk spoiled us and took care of our every need. Upon arrival, we were advised that we owed a very large balance for the rooms we had booked, which of course wasn't expected. One quick call and text to KimKim and it was all sorted out very quickly. Christina was very accommodating and extremely patient while getting our room situation sorted. A full breakfast was brought to our rooms each day, more than you could eat, eggs, meat, cheese, fruits, juice, coffee, tea, croissants, breads, spreads and honey.
While in Santorini we did a wine tour. Our guide Sabine, was very easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable and generally just fun to be around. She knew the area very well and gave us great recommendations for meals. All were on point. Of course no trip to the islands would complete without a day out on the sea! Our catamaran trip was beautiful, relaxing and again we were doted on and spoiled by the crew. The transport drivers on Santorini are AMAZINGLY talented drivers, navigating the narrow roads, sharp turns and tight spaces. Every transport driver we had was beyond impressive! We visited the capital Fira and enjoyed a lovely meal complete with a spectacular sunset in Oia. There is NOT an unpleasant view anywhere on Santorini but be prepared to walk and climb steps. Our average daily steps were 15-18K. After Santorini we ferried to Mykonos. Wow... Mykonos is a gorgeous island. Our hotel Vencia was my favorite of all the hotels we stayed in. The beds were like clouds, the infinity pool was stunning and the restaurant not only offered spectacular views, but live music through the sunset. On our second day there we participated in a "Chora Food and Culture Walk" our guide Paco was vivacious, funny and really offered a great experience at each of our stops. He just went above and beyond and made our day with him incredible! There are so many shops, restaurants and bars in Mykonos it would take a year to experience them all! The waterfront / harbor is beautiful and being able to sit down for a beverage or meal and stare out at the crystal blue sea was magical on every level. Mykonos was another walk centric location 15K - 18K steps every day!
After Mykonos we were off to Athens, this time by plane. Once in Athens we checked into the Athens Manor Houses. The property is spread out throughout the downtown, but the accomodations were comfortable and secure. Athens is like any other metropolitan city - busy, chaotic and full of anything and everything you could want. We spent our next day exploring the Acropolis and the antiquities of Athens. It is a workout to navigate all the way up to the ruins but well worth it. It is a marvel that ruins of that age coexist in a modern city like Athens. We also took a "neighborhood food walk" while in Athens, I cannot remember our guides name unfortunately (maybe Christine?) but she was super sweet, knew her way around, took the time to show us and share with us so many small details about Greek culture that again, it felt more like a day out with a friend than a tour with a guide. She had a great rapport with all the bakeries, sweet shops, taverns, delis and restaurants that we visited, you could tell she was well liked. We found a really cute "watering hole" in Athens called Louis Bistrot where we visited multiple times for beverages and snacks. The staff was great and by the second time we were there they acted as if we were regulars. I can't list all the restaurants, cafe's and taverns that we patronized but I will say ALL of them were fantastic, from the "holes in the wall" to the extravagant; we didnt have a bad meal or experience.,. Gyros are different all of Greece and should be experienced everywhere you go - in my opinion at least lol. Sardines and fresh fish are also a great dining experience overall everywhere in Greece. In conclusion, KimKim took out all the legwork, guesswork and pressure of planning - our vacation was truly all we hoped for and more. I will most definitely be using Erica and the KimKim team again in the future.

Hotel Reviews

Athens Manor Houses

Athens

In the heart of the city, close to most everything, very secure, modern and comfortable.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vencia Boutique Hotel

Mykonos

Beautiful property overall with everything you would need right there at your fingertips, from a restaurant to spa services.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Blue Dolphins Hotels & Villas

Firostefani, Santorini

The views alone from this property would rate it a 5! The rooms were nicely laid out, comfortable and modern. The in room breakfasts were a real treat and more than you could eat!

Authenticity & Character

Location

You are away from the cruise ship crowds in Fira and able to see for miles

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Porto Del Colombo Traditional Boutique Hotel

Chania

The hotel is both historic and gorgeous. The staff are all friendly and accommodating, the breakfast is delightful and the rooms are comfortable with nice views. One item of note, there are no elevators, and LOTS of stairs! Be prepared to climb.

Authenticity & Character

It is a historical spot and a good bit of its original charm has been maintained.

Location

Staff

Everyone was helpful, cheerful and went above and beyond.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

The Ultimate Food Tour of Chania

Chania

Visiting these stops was both educational and enjoyable. We were given hands on, behind the scenes tours of the locations we visited. The pride and professionalism of each business was displayed in not only the products being presented but in the representatives who greeted, guided and welcomed us.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Eric designed a fantastic trip to Iceland for us. He was easy to work with and responded quickly to our needs and questions. We were able to navigate the Ring Road plus side trips with no problem using the app. Some of our favorite activities were the Katla Ice Cave tour. Our guide (Ondi?) had a wonderful personality and the views were dramatic. On the Húsavík Whale Watching Tour we saw two whales and many leaping dolphins. The zodiac boat tour in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon took us right next to blue icebergs and seals, fun and enjoyable. The mountains, the waterfalls, the lava fields, the dramatic colors of the sky, the puffins, sheep, and horses, there was so much to see and experience. It was a trip full of wonder which I can’t recommend enough. .

Activity Reviews

West Iceland & Borgarfjordur

Iceland

The side trip to see the puffins in Borgarfjordur Rey was a big highlight for us. There were so many puffins and they were so close that we could have reached out and touched one. The drive there was quite scary due to heavy fog, but the experience was totally worth it.

Vatnshellir lava cave tour

Iceland

Very interesting tour. The only light in the cave was from our flashlights. Our guide had us turn off our flashlights to experience the total darkness of the cave and then to see the contrasting colors of the lava when the lights were turned back on.

Katla Ice Cave and Glacier hiking tour

Iceland

This was one of our favorite activities in Iceland. The ride to the glacier is exciting. Climbing up the black mountain that was actually ice covered in ash took some work, but seeing the blue ice cave was worth it, a great adventure!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mega Zipline tour

Iceland

Very fun. I wish it were longer!

Sturlureykir Horse Farm Visit

Iceland

It was very interesting to learn about the Icelandic horses and to be able to meet them up close.

Activity options for Reykjavik

Iceland

We really enjoyed the Lava Show. It was very interesting to see actual lava. The geologist was knowledgeable. Her presentation was fun and informative. We also enjoyed the Fly Over Iceland Show. The first part seemed a bit hokey, but the actual ride part was exciting and beautiful.

Husavik Whale Watching

Iceland

We were excited that we saw two whales and many dolphins. The guide was very knowledgeable and provided helpful information The hot chocolate served at the end was a special treat.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon zodiac boat tour

Iceland

This was a fun way to get close to icebergs and seals.

From day 1 Summer and then Coraima were absolutely great
They personalized our trip to our needs. Gave excellent advise and guidance
Responsive to all communication before during and after the trip
I will ALWAYS reach out to them for any or all vacations in the future
A+. 11/10
Highly recommend KimKim Portugal
And our personal favorites Summer and Coraima

Best wishes and a BIG thank you
Charlene ( Christina) and Francois Aldrich

Hotel Reviews

Exe Almada Porto

Porto

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Eighteen21 Houses - Quinta Velha

Sintra, Portugal

Absolutely lovely

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Armie was the greatest host. Just loved her. Personable. Friendly superb hist

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chalet Ficalho

Cascais

Stunning

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Ana was amazing

Cleanliness & Comfort

So special. One of a kind.

Cascade Wellness Resort

Lagos

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

They told us the hotel is going to close for a year for complete renovation. Would have preferred a room in the hotel and not the villa. Little outdated but still totally fine

AlmaLusa Baixa & Chiado

Lisbon

Excellent staff, location and facility

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Overall very good A+

Activity Reviews

Self-Guided Beach Day

Lagos (Algarve)

Beautiful beach Small tip. Tell future guests to reserve a beach cabana / chairs/ umbrella in advance of beach day They were all pre reserved But we still had a great day. Did half beach day half at resort pool overlooking the ocean

Quality of Experience

Douro River Sailing Trip

Porto

This was more a leisure boat ride. Only did the hysterical area and not much of the inland/ vineyards. But great staff. Made every minute enjoyable

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Porto Highlights Walk

Porto

Very nice. And very well planned and executed Enjoyed it tremendously

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great guide. Super nice lady. Forgot her name ?? Theta?? Very knowledgeable Considerate and enjoyable

Sintra's Royal Treasures - QueLuz, Pena & National Palace

Sintra

EXCELLENT

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Best guide EVER. Tomàs was the best. Fun. Personable exciting and extremely knowledgeable

Transport

Excellent van

Self-Guided Walking Tour: Exploring Lagos Old Town

Lagos (Algarve)

Quality of Experience

Guided Belém Walk

Lisbon

We did the walk ourselves. The guide had to cancel due to family emergency. Which was totally fine for us we still had a great time in Belem. Got great information from a highly recommended TukTuk driver that was recommended by a friend. He helped us with Belem details too

Quality of Experience

Kimkim did a great job organizing our trip in Norway. Activities and local guides were wonderful. We especially enjoyed the rib boat tour from Fløm, the food tour in Bergen, and the walking tour of Oslo! Norway is so beautiful and the people are so kind and helpful.

There were initially some lapses in communication, but these were resolved. Overall the trip was exactly the type of tour we were looking for and all ran as smoothly as could be expected. We learned some things about requests to make for hotel bookings for the next trip we plan with KimKim. For the most part all hotels were in a great location. The company was very responsive to minor issues that crept up along the way. We're very pleased and will travel with the company again. We've also recommended it to many friends.

Hotel Reviews

Scandic Webers

Vesterbrogade 11B

This hotel was not up to the standard we were expecting. It doesn't deserve more than 2 stars. We were very disappointed with it.

Authenticity & Character

There was no character. It was a basic hotel. There wasn't even a coffee making device in the room. Very few amenities. There was a tub/shower, but no place to store things in the bathroom, and the bathroom smelled bad constantly. We had a room on the first floor facing the street to there was a lot of noise. No AC so you had to open the windows sometimes. We just didn't like this hotel at all.

Location

I expect we were booked here due to it's proximity to the train station. However, we didn't end up using the train at all for this part of the trip. We used an Uber 3 times to get us to two of the tours and to the airport. There was no advantage to us to being so far away from most of the important sites in Copenhagen.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

If we'd had a room on an upper floor, which we requested but didn't receive, we would probably have been happier with the hotel. Breakfast was fine. There seemed to be some activities available on the main floor for kids, so it's probably a good fit for families, but it didn't suit us.

Clarion Collection Hotel Packhuset

Kalmar

This is a lovely hotel with a perfect water front location. There is plenty of seating with views of the water and also a courtyard with seating if it got cool on the water. Blankets were provided on the backs of chairs and couches if it got cool. They had live music in the courtyard one night. Providing a dinner meal as well as breakfast was helpful. The dinner food was adequate but not spectacular.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

We were initially assigned to an awful, tiny, dark room that had such a sloped ceiling you could only stand up straight on one side of the room. We couldn't imagine spending 3 nights there so we went back down to the front desk and asked for a change. They were able to move us to a much nicer room with a small balcony. This bathroom also had plenty of storage space and a tub/shower so we didn't soak the floor there. We very much enjoyed this hotel, but if we hadn't been able to move rooms it would have been miserable.

Elite Stadshotellet Växjö

Växjö

Perfectly located and a very large room. The room decor was a bit spartan but it was comfortable. The hotel had a lot of seating areas where you could gather with people who were traveling with you. We saw families playing games and couples chatting together in various locations around the hotel.

Authenticity & Character

a bit dark and tired looking in the public areas

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Again, we had trouble with the shower soaking the floor every time we used it.

Berns Hotel – Boutique Hotel in the heart of Stockholm

Stockholm

this was a perfect location for us, but the room we were assigned could have been nicer. It was VERY small, but at least it was very quiet, which we appreciated. Staff were extremely pleasant and breakfast was good.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

the room was very small and the bathroom was a struggle to maneuver in. We got the floor soaking wet every time we used the shower. There was no place to store your toileteries.

Activity Reviews

Full day with Private Driver

vaxjo

Humdy (spelling?) our driver was outstanding. He was so kind and thoughtful. We had the same driver for both days, which was a surprise and a delight. He spent extra time with us and tried very hard to make sure we had seen everything we wanted to.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Copenhagen Sightseeing Tour

Copenhagen

This was a good tour and included many things we hadn't seen before, but also overlapped a little with some things we'd seen on a previous tour.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was very young and not as experienced as the guide we had for the Hygge tour. I wasn't confident that everything she was telling us was completely correct.

Walking Tour Stockholm (private)

Stockholm

This was a very thorough tour that was tailored to what the guide thought we would enjoy seeing. He did a great job. We were a little late starting because he went to the wrong hotel. We sent a message to KimKim and they got in touch we him. It all worked out fine.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Food tour Stockholm

Stockholm

This was very fun and most food items enjoyed were terrific. Some were a bit odd but we enjoyed learning about them even if we didn't enjoy tasting them.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide showed up exactly at the time for the tour to start, even though we were told to arrive 10 minutes early.

Hygge Tour Copenhagen

Copenhagen

Our guide Caroline was very good. This was truly and relaxing and informative tour that included some wonderful treats along the way.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Kalmar Castle Tour

Kalmar

This was a much nicer tour than we were expecting. There's a lot to see and do at this castle. We took a guided tour with an English speaking guide, and quite enjoyed it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Politically incorrect beer walk

Copenhagen

This was fun. Thor, the guide, was informative and funny but quite full of himself. He was also very unkempt, meaning his clothes were dirty and he didn't smell very good. I think that might be part of the image he's trying to project. We were among the oldest participants, but that didn't bother us any. It felt strange to be following a guy with a rolling cooler full of beer around the streets, but that made it quirky and fun. It was very conveniently located for us since our hotel was right around the corner from where it started, but it's not the greatest part of town overall. The beers were just ok - nothing special.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our trip was magical, but many thanks goes to our travel specialist, Cannon. He provided the perfect amount of advice and planning so that we were able to experience everything we wants and then some. If anyone is planning a trip to Japan and your specialist happens to be Cannon, you are in great hands! Thanks Cannon!

We had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. Serendipity Adventures, the local tour company we worked was, did a fantastic job planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. We highly recommend their services! Everything was so seamless and ran so smoothly. We would love to visit Costa Rica again and would love to use their services.

I have used Kimkim twice now. The first time was for a two-week trip to the Philippines about six months ago, and everything was so wonderful that when I decided to take my two daughters to Bali before one headed off to law school and the other started college, I didn’t hesitate to book through Kimkim again.

For this trip, I wanted something a little different. We were looking for eco-conscious luxury, beautiful nature, authentic cultural experiences, and places that felt a little off the beaten path. One thing I especially appreciated during my first Kimkim experience was being paired with a local travel specialist who really understood the destination and culture. I asked whether I could receive a quote from a different specialist this time, but was told I couldn’t. I decided to move forward anyway even though I would have liked to have shopped agencies. (Since Kim Kim is basically a matchmaker site between local agencies and the consumer of travel).

The itinerary was pretty basic and the activities were primarily “self guided”. The trip was definitely highly marked up.

The planning process was fine, and after a few itinerary adjustments we were on our way from the San Francisco Bay Area to Bali.

The biggest disappointment was the level of communication from our travel specialist. We were only checked in on once after arriving, and during that message she didn’t even remember my name. It lacked the warmth, attentiveness, and thoughtful personal touches that I experienced on my previous Kimkim trip and that friends have also described. It certainly didn’t ruin our vacation, but it was noticeably different from the level of service I had come to expect.

Now for the part that made this trip absolutely unforgettable:
Our driver, Made (pronounced “Mah-Dee”), was extraordinary. I was initially told that he was “just a driver” and that a guide would cost extra. In reality, Made became one of the biggest highlights of our entire vacation.

He consistently went far above and beyond what anyone could reasonably expect. He was incredibly knowledgeable about Balinese culture, history, religion, traditions, food, and daily life. He answered every question we had with patience and enthusiasm, made wonderful recommendations that improved our itinerary, and was always thinking several steps ahead to make our days smoother and more enjoyable.

As three women traveling together, we always felt completely safe in his care. He was professional, respectful, kind, punctual, and genuinely invested in making sure we had the best possible experience. By the end of two weeks, he felt more like a trusted friend than simply our driver. If Kimkim has employees who represent the very best of what travel should be, Made is one of them. He deserves tremendous recognition.

The accommodations were also outstanding. Every hotel was an eco-luxury retreat, beautifully designed, surrounded by nature, and unique in its own way. The prices were very reasonable for travelers looking for this sort of resort . The markup from kimkim was huge and next time I will book these hotels myself and saved a lot of money. I never saw an itemized cost breakdown but did the math and I could have spent 1/2 the price booking myself. Each location had its own personality, yet all maintained the same high standard of comfort and hospitality that was standard for the areas where we stayed.

Even with my disappointment regarding communication from our travel specialist, this was still probably the best trip of my life. Bali is magical, and Kimkim put together an itinerary that allowed us to experience its beauty in a meaningful way. If I could make one suggestion, it would be to ensure every traveler receives the same level of personal attention during the planning process that Kimkim has built its reputation on.

And if you’re lucky enough to have Made as your driver, know that you’re in exceptional hands. He was worth his weight in gold and was one of the biggest reasons this became a trip my daughters and I will remember for the rest of our lives.

Hotel Reviews

Wapa Di Ume Sidemen

We spent our last three nights in Bali here. It was the perfect place to end the best vacation EVER. The staff were so attentive and thoughtful and kind. We attended their “BBQ by the river” which is a must! The restaurant was great. Breakfast was lovely every morning. The room was perfect for me and my two adult daughters. We had such a great time here. The staff really made it special . The views were priceless .

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pondok Santi Estate

Nusa Tenggara Bar.

My adult daughters absolutely loved this resort. The location and staff were phenomenal. We spent 4 nights here and we felt so close to everything but loved being on this quiet southern tip of the island . He could hear the ocean and wake up to a beautiful sunrise every morning from our generously appointed villa. The outdoor showers such a great touch . The perfect amount of nature and luxury. The staff were incredible. I will definitely visit again someday!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Across the street from a beautiful stretch of beach and set back away from the party atmosphere of the island .

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ubud Valley Boutique Resort

We loved this place! The staff was top notch . The room was so beautiful. The craftsmanship of the villas were absolutely breathtaking .

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Elevate by Hanging Gardens Munduk

Munduk

We had a wonderful stay at Elevate by Hanging Gardens Munduk. The property is beautiful, and the views of the mountains and surrounding greenery were absolutely breathtaking. It was such a peaceful place to relax and unwind. The staff were kind, welcoming, and attentive, and our villa was comfortable, thoughtfully designed, and felt like a special place to stay. As a vegan, I was pleasantly surprised to find several great vegan options on the menu, which made dining easy and enjoyable. The cooler weather was a nice change, and we really enjoyed spending a few days in this part of Bali. It felt like a wonderful place to slow down and take in the scenery. We would absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a beautiful, relaxing stay surrounded by nature, and we’d love to return someday

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Sound Bath & Healing Experience

Ubud, Bali

This was just okay. I wouldn’t do it again.

Quality of Experience

Visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Indonesia

Our tour guide was so sweet! This place is beautiful . Take your time and just soak in wonder of this place. Bring money for snacks and buy goods from the people from the village they are so kind and thoughtful.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our tour guide was wonderful. Our driver showed up just as we were finished - no waiting in the hot afternoon sun!

Transport

Sacred Wellness Journey in the Sidemen Valley

Sidemen, Bali

Anandini was wonderful! Surya was so kind wise and patient. Everything about the day for myself and my daughters was such a special gift. We will always remember this place as well as Surya.

Quality of Experience

Such a magical resort restaurant garden and wellness center. I’d love to stay in one of their villas the next time I’m in sideman ! There are the most precious pups on site and it’s all Vegan which meant I could eat everything on their amazing menu!

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our Drive Made did all of our driving and he was knowledgeable of every place we went. Transportation was always exceptional! anandinil Was so close to our resort but he still picked us up drove us and made sure we were good to go at the reception desk. There was torrential rainfall the morning we arrived so the help was so appreciated!

Catamaran boat trip around the Gili islands

Indonesia

The boat “utopia” is a beauty!! We loved this so much. The staff played great music and were a lot of fun! The snorkeling was great with a perfect amount of stops and lots of time to play in the water, paddle board or float around the boat before and after lunch. We had a great group on board with us and everyone had such a great time!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The staff were phenomenal and provided friendly and exemplary service!

Transport

Sekumpul Waterfalls Adventure

Indonesia

If you can make the hike back UP the mountain side, taking the trip down to the rivers and the falls is a MUST. This was such a surprising adventure! Probably our favorite activity on our trip to Bali. The local guides are amazing and the views are awesome inspiring. The sort of beauty that is so difficult to even capture with a cameras I was glad my daughters and guide took pictures because I was speechless and totally lost myself in the magic of this place.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I planned & booked an international trip with Jessica, She made planning & booking of my trip to Seoul stress - less. What I like most about the planning process was that she listened to what I was looking for and what was important to me and just did exactly that. She guided me in the planning without pressure of doing what "most people do".... From day 1, she was interested in my goals of the trip which was - not bouncing from one place to the next and not going one day after another without any rest. Days were flexible where if I wanted a free day, I could have a free day. Her responses were prompt and if they weren't she assured when she would respond.

Here’s a warm, detailed review that reflects how enthusiastic you’ve been about your Norway trip:

Alex was absolutely fantastic to work with from start to finish. He listened to what we wanted, asked thoughtful questions, and created an itinerary that was even better than we imagined. Every destination felt intentionally chosen, and the pace was perfect. We were able to experience Norway’s incredible scenery while still having time to relax and explore on our own.

The hotels were excellent, transportation was seamless, and all of the logistics were handled so well that we could simply enjoy the trip. It was obvious that Alex knew the country and took great care in planning every detail.

What impressed us most was how personalized the experience felt. We never felt like we were following a generic itinerary. Instead, it felt like a trip designed specifically for us, and it showed in every stop along the way.

This was truly one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we’re already working with Alex to plan another trip to Norway. There really isn’t a better endorsement than becoming a repeat customer before we’ve even stopped talking about the first trip.

Thank you, Alex, for helping us create memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime. We can’t wait to see what you plan for us next!