Kimkim Trip Reviews

Highly recommend! My friend and I planned a multi city trip through Italy in 9 days and Melanie and her team were amazing! She was very accommodating and responded quickly to any questions and requests we had. She set up an amazing trip for us. She and her team were very responsive and had great communication throughout our trip. I would absolutely have her plan my next trip!

We had an amazing two week trip with our 18 year-old son to visit the highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka/Nara and the Kumano Kodo trail. Our local specialist Winnie did a great job coordinating the complexities of transportation so that everything went smoothly, and her choice of guides, hotels, and activities were excellent. She checked in with us regularly, and I found the kimkim app to be very helpful with regards to communication and itinerary review. I was especially impressed with our local tour guides- all were outstanding/highly recommended (Yumi in Tokyo, Yoshiko in Kyoto/Nara, and Wada from the Wakayama local guide association for our hike of the Kumano Kodo trail). Can't wait to get back to Japan!

Activity Review

Full Day Tokyo City Tour

Tokyo

We had an exceptional guide (Yumi). Since this was our first visit to Japan, we really appreciated her expert knowledge and review of Japan's important history and culture as we visited all of the main historical/cultural sites in Tokyo. She also gave us additional very helpful suggestions for places to see later on our own in Tokyo.

Quality of Experience

the quality of the guide was outstanding

Guides, Drivers and Staff

highly knowledgeable, went above and beyond to explain things and offer additional suggestions for things to see and do

Transport

driver and guide were always punctual and notified/confirmed everything in advance (via whats app, which was easy)

Team is super easy to work with and super responsive!! Everything worked out super well!

Emilie was absolutely amazing!! She helped me create the perfect adventure for our family and everything was beyond my expectations! Also, my husband got sick in the middle of the trip and had to be hospitalized and she was so helpful at trying to help us figure out future accommodations and work work with the circumstances we are dealing with. We are now back home and my husband is safe and we are so grateful for the opportunity to work with Emilie and KimKim.

The 1 day trip to Golden circle was a great experience. It was worth viking experience and guide was Greter. It was only 3 of us and intimate and informational.
The 2 day South coast was very long driving in the van. I don’t think there is any other way to have done it tho.
Overall the suggestions of what to see and do were spot on. Thank you Emanuela for planning a wonderful adult mama/daughter bonding

My three daughters and I thoroughly enjoyed our recent trip to the Netherlands. Mieke from the kimkim travel agency was wonderful to work with; she designed an itinerary that perfectly met our needs, as well as our budget, and was always available to assist us throughout the week.
We visited many areas of interest, savored wonderful local dishes, and especially enjoyed a spa day at the Blooming Hotel in Bergen. We highly recommend Mieke and her team at kimkim for anyone planning travel to the Netherlands.
Sincerely,
Terry
Lori, Stephanie, and Carrie

Hotel Reviews

Ambassador City Centre Hotel

Haarlem

Convenient location and amazing amenities. Excellent breakfast!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Friendly and accomodating

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms could be a little more updated

Heavens Hotel

Hoorn

Loved the renovations from being a church!

Authenticity & Character

maintaining as much of the church as possible while accomodating guests well.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Blooming Hotel

Bergen

Awesome setting and amenities

Authenticity & Character

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Schiphol

So very convenient to the airport, especially with early morning flights!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Bergen - Hiking in the area

Bergen

We used this day for rest and spa. We walked into town for a delicious dinner.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Marrten was wonde3rful! Very patient and knowledgeable!

Transport

We managed to figure out transportation readily!

Bergen - Day trip to Marken, Volendam, Edam, and Zaanse Schans

Bergen

Would have enjoyed more time here but we did see everything we planned!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Haarlem - Day trip to Amsterdam by public transport

Haarlem

Quality of Experience

Transport

Explore Hoorn

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Public transport pass Netherlands (OV chip card)

The Netherlands

Haarlem - Canal cruise

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hoorn - Private boat tour historic harbor

The Netherlands

This was my favorite! Loved the snacks and drinks on board. We enjoyed a lovely bottle of champagne compliments of our agent Mieke!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amsterdam - Van Gogh Museum

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Transport

Amsterdam - Anne Frank House

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Transport

Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Van Gogh Museum

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The entire Kkmkim Team exceeded our expectations . Bella took care of us with planning and scheduling , Both , Ryuji and Yuya, our Japan guides did an excellent job . Each had a unique style and went out of their way to accommodate last minute additions to the schedule . They were a lot of fun to spend some of our vacation with .

Hotel Reviews

Shiba Park Hotel

Tokyo

Very nice hotel and excellent service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to restaurants and sightseeing

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto

Clean and comfortable .

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring

Osaka

Very unique hotel. Clean and comfortable Best breakfast if you like authentic Japanese food

Authenticity & Character

No shoes past the lobby, grass type mats for flooring . Unique and cool

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi / Tokyo Station

Clean and comfortable. Center of tyoko so that was cool

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Tokyo City Highlights & Cocktail Experience（Private Guide & Public Transportation）

Tokyo

It was an activity rich day ! 4 temples, quick stop for a haircut and shave , public transportation, etc .

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Take taxi’s

Tokyo Market & Sushi Experience with Flexible Afternoon Exploration（Morning Guided Tour By Public Transportation and Afternoon Self-Guided）

Tokyo

Tokyo market was a visually exciting and interesting. Sushi class was a lot of fun and delicious

Quality of Experience

Food

Fresh sushi is always great

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Take taxi’s

Kyoto Highlights before taking a Train to Osaka (Private Guided Day Tour)

Japan

We did a saki brewery tour that was informational and the tasting was helpful for future saki experiences

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Osaka Highlights, Kuromon Market Experience & Dotonbori Cruise (Private Guide& Public Transportation)

Osaka

The market was interesting and a must do . It’s touristy but a must see . The boat tour was simple but entertaining

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mt. Fuji Scenic Ropeway & Gotemba Whisky Experience (Private Guide & Vehicle)

Tokyo

Sadly Mt. Fuji was clouded up and the tram was closed for some reason - having said that the drive gave us a different perspective from city hustle and bustle. The udon noodlelunch was and experience as well as tasty .

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kyoto Arrival & Fushimi Culinary Experience（Private Guide & Public Transportation）

Kyoto

The bullet train was a nice way to see some country side and take a rest . The ramen making class was fun and the staff was great . The ramen was excellent as well

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our guided trip through Portugal was truly unforgettable. We traveled from Porto to the Douro Valley, Évora, Lagos in the Algarve, and finally Lisbon. Each destination offered something unique, from breathtaking landscapes and historic cities to charming villages and beautiful coastlines.

The hotels were all four- and five-star properties, each with its own character. Every hotel was comfortable, clean, and staffed by friendly, welcoming people. Our favorite was Quinta do Pego in the Douro Valley. The peaceful setting, surrounded by vineyards, and the spectacular views overlooking the Douro River made it an incredibly special place to stay. Our dinner here was exceptional!

One of the highlights of our trip was having lunch each day with our guide, Tiago. Rather than stopping at tourist restaurants, he introduced us to locally owned restaurants that reflected the true flavors of Portugal. Every meal became an opportunity to learn more about Portuguese cuisine, wines, traditions, and history.

One memorable stop was the beautiful hilltop village of Monsaraz in the Alentejo region, overlooking the Guadiana River. Another favorite was a small family-owned restaurant tucked away in the basement of an old building in Guimaraes. These are the kinds of places we never would have found on our own, and they became some of our favorite memories.

Walking through the historic streets of Porto and Lisbon was another highlight. We wandered along centuries-old cobblestone streets, explored magnificent churches, castles, and palaces, and enjoyed spectacular views of rivers, beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean. Everywhere we traveled, we gained a deeper appreciation for Portugal's rich history and culture.

The Portuguese people were incredibly warm, welcoming, and proud of their country. Their kindness made us feel at home throughout our journey.

This trip exceeded our expectations in every way. It was the perfect combination of history, culture, incredible food and wine, stunning scenery, and authentic local experiences. We returned home with wonderful memories and a genuine appreciation for Portugal. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to experience the true beauty and hospitality of Portugal.

Tiago was an exceptional guide—knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about sharing Portugal’s history, culture, and traditions. His thoughtful planning and genuine love for his country made this trip even more meaningful.

Hotel Reviews

Quinta do Pego

Tabuaco

Quinta do Pego was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip. With only ten rooms, the hotel has an intimate, peaceful atmosphere that makes it feel like a private retreat in the heart of the Douro Valley. Our room was spacious, beautifully appointed, and exceptionally comfortable. The bed was one of the most comfortable we slept in during our travels, and the bathroom was equally roomy and well designed. Both breakfast and dinner were outstanding, but dinner was especially memorable. Enjoying an exceptional meal while overlooking the breathtaking Douro Valley, the vineyards, and the Douro River made for an unforgettable evening. The views from the dining room are simply spectacular. The large swimming pool was another favorite. Poolside service was effortless—just ring a bell, and within minutes a staff member would arrive to take your order and return promptly with drinks. It was a wonderful touch that made relaxing by the pool even more enjoyable. The combination of outstanding hospitality, exceptional food, luxurious accommodations, and breathtaking scenery made Quinta do Pego one of our favorite hotels in Portugal. We would gladly stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Douro Valley.

Authenticity & Character

Outstanding staff, exceptional food, and breathtaking views!

Location

In the heart of Douro Valley this hotel had exceptional views.

Staff

The staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely committed to providing excellent service. During our stay, there was a brief interruption in the water service. The staff responded immediately, working diligently until the issue was completely resolved. Their professionalism and dedication were truly appreciated..

Cleanliness & Comfort

From the beautifully manicured grounds to the immaculate interior, every detail of the hotel reflected exceptional care and attention.

MouraSuites Hotel

Largo da Porta de Moura, 7000-647 Évora, Portugal

Our stay at the MouraSuites Hotel in Évora was comfortable despite the small room size. The king-size bed was a positive surprise, and the room was cozy even though we didn't have much space to move around. Having a pool right outside our door added to the convenience, and the staff treated us wonderfully. While the room was a bit snug, it was typical for Europe, and the overall experience was pleasant.

Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Lisbon

We truly enjoyed this boutique hotel. The staff was exceptionally nice and friendly. The room was comfortable it would have been nicer to be a bit larger space for our suitcases but we managed. The cleaning staff amazed us by cleaning our room everyday while we were at breakfast❣️

Authenticity & Character

Location

We were able to walk to nearby restaurants, shops and touring the parts of the city without a taxi or uber.

Staff

We were treated very nice by the entire staff at Hotel Lisboa. We especially enjoyed Thomas sending us off with a cheer for Lisbon’s Sporting team which we became fans of while visiting Lisbon and Portugal.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

Porto

When we arrived, we were greeted very cordially with the hotel employees. The room was exceptionally clean and comfortable. We really enjoyed coming back to the hotel after touring the city and able to relax by the pool and enjoy a drink at the patio bar. The breakfast was exceptional as well!

Authenticity & Character

Location

It was a perfect location for us as we could walk to almost all the areas of interest. There is a gelato restaurant across the walk way from the entrance of the hotel! Was a favorite spot for us to end the day with a sweet treat.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room and bed were clean and comfortable.

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Lagos

Our stay at the Belmar was exceptional. The room was very nice. It was clean and roomy. The bed was very comfortable. We enjoyed sitting on the patio and enjoying the view of the pool and the access to the bar near by as well as an easy walk to the beach.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy access to the beach.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Óbidos visit

Portugal

Our visit to the medieval town of Óbidos was one of the highlights of our trip. Walking through this beautifully preserved walled town felt like stepping back in time. The panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside were well worth the climb. We enjoyed strolling the charming cobblestone streets, browsing the many unique shops, visiting beautiful churches.. Our favorite was Livraria de São Tiago, a remarkable 12th-century church that has been transformed into a bookstore. A must do when visiting Óbidos is sampling the town's famous Ginjinha drink. Ginjinha a delicious cherry liqueur they serve in a traditional small chocolate cup. It was a fun and uniquely Portuguese experience. Before leaving, we also admired the impressive 16th-century Aqueduto da Usseira, another reminder of Óbidos' rich history.

Quality of Experience

Our experience was amazing and what made our experience was the friendly and enjoyable people we met along our travels, the beautiful views of Portugal the wine country hills and valleys, the cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, churches and castles. The history and gastronomy of Portugal. And just experiencing the things we don’t have where we live and being able to experience the things that existed centuries ago and today in Portugal. We got to experience a lot of Portugal from Porto to Douro to evora, Algarves and Lisbon and we look forward to returning to Portugal again!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We were fortunate to have several guides during our trip, and every one of them was exceptional. Our first guide, Manuel, took us on a walking tour of Porto on our first full day in Portugal. He was friendly, engaging, and shared the city's history while showing us many of Porto's most beautiful sights. What we appreciated most was how thoughtful he was. As we walked through the city, he pointed out landmarks that would help us find our way back to our hotel later. Knowing we had a tile-painting class that evening, he also made a point of showing us exactly where it was located during our tour. Those small gestures made us feel comfortable and confident exploring Porto on our own. Every guide we met throughout our journey was knowledgeable, personable, and passionate about sharing Portugal's history and culture. Our main guide, Tiago, traveled with us for nine days, and by the end of the trip, he truly felt like family. His knowledge of Portugal's history, architecture, gastronomy, wine, and local traditions was remarkable, and he shared it in a way that was both fascinating and easy to understand. More than anything, Tiago's warmth, sense of humor, and genuine care for our group made this trip extraordinary. He introduced us to wonderful local restaurants, hidden gems, and experiences we never would have discovered on our own. He made us feel less like tourists and more like friends experiencing his beautiful country alongside him. Tiago is truly one of a kind. His passion for Portugal and his dedication to creating an unforgettable experience made this trip more special than we could have imagined. We left Portugal not only with incredible memories but also feeling that we had gained a lifelong friend.

Transport

Transportation throughout our trip was excellent. We traveled in a spacious, comfortable van that provided plenty of room for the four of us and made even the longer drives enjoyable. We were continually amazed by Tiago's driving skills. He expertly navigated the narrow streets of Portugal's historic towns and cities and somehow managed to park the large van in places we would have thought impossible. When parking wasn't nearby, he would conveniently drop us off at our destination and then pick us up afterward, making every excursion easy and stress-free. His thoughtfulness and attention to detail made us feel like VIPs throughout our journey. We never had to worry about transportation or logistics, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the beauty of Portugal.

Portuguese Cooking Lesson

Portugal

The Portuguese Cooking Lesson in Lisbon was a fantastic experience! The chef was incredibly friendly and organized. We participated in preparing a full meal and dessert, including a potato mix soup, roasted chicken, carrot salad, and a delightful meringue dessert. Although I wished we could have tried making the pastel de nata for dessert, the entire experience was enriching. We sat together around a big table, enjoying the delicious meal and getting to know the other participants. Adding wine and cheese tasting to the activity elevated the entire experience. It was fun, educational, and absolutely delicious.

We are flying back now but rest assured we will provide reviews…. Marc was amazing. He “got” us and created the most amazing vacation we’ve ever been on. My only complaint literally, is that you don’t have a way yet for us to use him for all our vacations he’s amazing Kim Kim is amazing. Thank you.

Eirini planned an amazing trip to Greece. I have never used a travel agent before and will always use one again. She made everything so easy, no detail was overlooked--from the hotels, private drivers, to the tour guides and excursions she planned. We started in Athens and stayed in a lovely apartment right near the Acropolis. We had a private guided tour with Elena of the Acropolis and the agora. She really knew the history and the mythology and made it interesting for the entire family. We moved on to naxos and stayed at boutique hotel that was with an easy walking distance of several restaurants and the beach. We had another tour of the village of chilaki, and visited a small farm with a petting zoo that might kids loved. The following day we did a hiking tour of several villages and got to eat more of the local cuisine. Finally we did a full day catamaran tour that included diving off the sailboat and to the Aegean and snorkeling. Finally we visited Santorini with a tour of the island, visiting a monastery a museum about the lost city of Atlantis, and another sailboat excursion. I have already highly recommended Kim Kim and Eirini to several of my friends. I can't wait to visit Greece again. We plan to use Kim Kim again next year when we plan our next trip abroad.

Hotel Reviews

Urban Stripes Athens

Athens

Very comfortable apartment with sleeping for six. Within walking distance of the Acropolis in several restaurants and grocery stores.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Several restaurants, grocery stores nearby. Within walking distance of the Acropolis.

Staff

Check-In was very easy and the staff were reachable with WhatsApp

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean

Cosmos Boutique Hotel

Naxos

Boutique hotel with several villas. Our Villa slept 6. Small kitchenette in nearby supermarket made it easy to feed the kids. Nice pool area with a bar made relaxing easy. Breakfast every morning was great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

With an easy walking distance of the beach and several restaurants and a small grocery store

Staff

The breakfast staff and bartender were very helpful and friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

This place was spotless.

El Verano Suites

Santorini

We stayed out El verano hideaway which was a small private house with a small pool with a breathtaking view.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Hiking Naxos trails

Naxos

Stella was a fantastic tour guide that guided us through several villages on a few hours hiking tour. She was very knowledgeable about the local plant life and history.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Catamaran day cruise

Naxos

This is one of the highlights of our trip. The kids love the sailboat and jumping off to go swimming. The provided lunch was actually very good.

Quality of Experience

Food

They served us a fisherman's stew it was actually fantastic

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Alex and Thanos were great very patient with my young children and made the day really fun and easy

Once upon a time in Naxos tour

Naxos

Quality of Experience

The visit to the farm was my kids favorite part of our trip. They loved George and playing with his animals.

Food

We had a fantastic lunch-- vegetables and cheese on nexo's are so much better than what you can get in America. We also got to try some local honey

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Athens highlights mythology tour

Athens

We had a private walking tour of the Acropolis and agora. Our guide Elena was very knowledgeable about the history of Athens and the Greek mythology. She kept it interesting for my family with kids ages 6 to 17.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Ms. Tang planned my trip from, so from beginning to the end her presence was there checking in with me. All the guides fantastic. I am grateful I chose this company.

Activity Reviews

Hanoi city sightseeing- Hanoi street food tour

Hanoi

Quality of Experience

Food

Transport

Hanoi - Sapa – Tram Ton Pass – Love Waterfall - Sapa (Limousine Bus, Private Tour)

Sapa

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing time on our trip and logistically it was perfect! Erica did a great job tailoring the trip based on what we were looking for. I would use KimKim again for future trips!

We had such a memorable trip from start to finish! It’s really hard to pick out favorites! Our walking tour through Edinburgh was fabulous. It was just the two of us with our guide Garreth. He goes by The Edinburgh Expert which is fitting. He was knowledgeable, funny, and loves the city which he does conveys so well. We also enjoyed our drive to the Fife area and all the coastal towns. The fish and chips were maybe the best we’ve ever had and the stop at Dunino Den was fun and surprising. We drove just under 1000 miles from the east coast to the west. All for us on the “wrong” side of the road! Lots of narrow, curvy roads and roundabouts of all sizes. Getting to see so much of the beautiful landscape is probably what we remember fondest.

Hotel Reviews

The Scott

Edinburgh

Great location with beautiful rooms and delicious breakfasts.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Highland Club

Fort Augustus

Activity Reviews

Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide

Edinburgh

One of our favorite experiences from our trip!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Meet the Highland Cows

Scotland

This was a great experience. The owner is very passionate about the cows and the environment. Plus, you get some homemade ice cream at the end!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

St Andrews Walking Tour of the Old Course

St Andrews

Edinburgh Food & Drink Tour

Edinburgh

I'm happy to share some thoughts about our trip. But first, you, Maria and Nick did a wonderful job in planning our trip and arranging all reservations. THANK YOU! I will recommend KimKim to my friends for sure. Your app was so informative and easy to use, too.

Favorite Activities - tied for 1st place was Puffins @ Borgarfjordur Estri and Inside The Volcano tour. Both were AMAZING and highly recommended! We also enjoyed the many waterfalls, especially Hengifoss, Seljalandsfoss (walk behind), Gljufrabui (nearby hidden one) and Gullfoss. We also enjoyed exploring REK very much, both on our arrival and departure days.

The Glacier Ice Cave tour and Kayaking the Glacier Lagoon trip were fun, but a bit overrated. Geysir was disappointing, especially for those of us who have visited Yellowstone. We did a self-tour of the Geothermal Exhibition, which was very interesting. But I wish the Exhibition would offer tour guides for small groups, as we would have gotten more out of it.

Favorite Restaurants - Messinn in REK, Hotel Alden Restaurant in Seydisfijoudur, Ylja Restaurant at the Laugaras Lagoon and of course Frioheimar. BTW - it looks like the Tomato Place recently opened a wine bar/bistro for walk-ins. On our last day, we stumbled upon Cafe Loki in REK (near Cathedral) and wish we had eaten there - highly rated with lots of very interesting traditional Icelandic food.

Hotels - Our favorite was Glacier Lagoon Hotel - incredible. Tied for second place was Vio Lonio Guesthouse (recently refurbished, owner very nice and love the town) and Exeter Hotel (great location, lockers for suitcases prior to check-in, tasty breakfast buffet. We didn't get harbor view rooms as promised, but did get to check in 1 hour early without charge.) Hotel Grimsborgir was ok, but did not seem like a 4-star hotel. Also, some of the nearby buildings are privately owned as we learned when a rager of a party woke of from a sound sleep at 12:30am. To their credit, the front desk person asked the partiers to quiet down, when we complained. Hotel Laekur was ok, good breakfast and friendly dog.

Miscellaneous:
- REK airport does not open check-in until 45 mins before a flight. So 2 hr advance arrival unnecessary.
- Europcar - nice, but we were surprised by the new tax of 7 cents per kilometer that just started in 2026.
- Gas pumps were very confusing. You need to tap your chip card (no pin requested) AND insert your card AND put in your pump number. All the instructions were in Icelandic, so thank goodness for helpful locals.
- Hopp app redirected us to Bolt scooter rentals. I'm glad you recommended we have hotels call taxis for us - that worked well.
- Parka app only worked at some locations. In remote spots, phones didn't connect and we had fumble for our credit cards. It was a bit confusing, but we managed.

Take good care! Edie

Hotel Reviews

Hótel Lækur

Hella

Hótel Lækur was a small farm hotel that served its purpose well. Although we were there just to sleep and have breakfast, the casual atmosphere and friendly service were appreciated. It wasn't as fancy as other places, but it was just what we needed for the night.

Hótel Grímsborgir by Keahotels

Ásborgir

Hótel Grímsborgir was a bit disappointing. We struggled to see why it was rated four-star. The amenities seemed lacking, and we faced discomfort due to the heat wave and a noisy private party nearby. However, the staff took action and addressed the situation, and the dining experience was pleasant.

Við Lónið Guesthouse

Seyðisfjörður

Við Lónið Guesthouse provided a lovely stay with its newly renovated and clean facilities. We loved the charm of the small town and enjoyed our interactions with the friendly owner. Although a bit out of the way, it was well worth the stay for the scenic surroundings.

Exeter Hotel by Keahotels

Reykjavík

Exeter Hotel by Keahotels in Reykjavík was excellent. The convenience of having programmable lockers for early check-in was a lifesaver. The location was great for exploring, and the breakfast was delicious. Definitely a top pick for comfort and convenience.

Hótel Jökulsárlón - Glacier Lagoon Hotel

Hofn

Hótel Jökulsárlón by the Glacier Lagoon was simply breathtaking. Its remote location and beautiful design, surrounded by nature, made for a relaxing stay. The hot tubs and saunas offered stunning views, and even though we arrived too late for dinner, we had a splendid meal at the bar. Highly recommend it!

Activity Reviews

Vök Baths Experience

Iceland

The Vök Baths offered a unique setting with its three large pools and the option to jump into the lake. It felt magical despite the lack of privacy. The experience was topped by a delightful bite at the café, where the chef made special treats and engaged with us.

Inside the Volcano (Meet On Location)

Iceland

The 'Inside the Volcano' tour was an unforgettable day. The guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and descending into the volcano was an awe-inspiring experience. The lamb stew served afterward was delicious, making the whole experience perfect.

Glacier Ice Cave Experience

Iceland

The Glacier Ice Cave Experience was interesting and our guide was entertaining, but it felt a bit short and underwhelming. We only explored a couple of small cave areas and the journey there was long and rugged. While it was good to have done it, it wasn't a top highlight of the trip.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Kayaking Excursion

Iceland

The kayaking excursion on the Glacier Lagoon was fun but shorter than expected. We only paddled around one iceberg before heading back, which left us wanting more time on the water. It was still a unique experience, but could have been more fulfilling.

Sky Lagoon Experience - Saman

Reykjavík

The Sky Lagoon was a really nice experience with its seven-step ritual offering various wellness activities. The privacy aspect was appreciated, but showering in an open space might not be for everyone. Overall, it was a pleasant and enjoyable visit.

Explore Borgarfjörður Eystri

Iceland

Visiting the estuary where the puffins were was an incredibly special experience. Being just a couple of feet away from them, watching them in their natural habitat was mesmerizing. We also saw the harvesting of eiderdown, which was fascinating to witness firsthand. Truly a highlight of the trip.

Lorenza made the experience of planning our trip to Italy so easy. She always responded right away to any questions or concerns that I had. Having the day by day itinerary was great, with all the times and meeting points and tickets included. Would absolutely plan another trip using this service!

Hotel Review

Corte dei Sogni Boutique Hotel & Spa

Florence

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Pizza Making Class

Italy

We had so much fun learning to make pizza. The staff was so friendly and knowledgeable, and our pizza was delicious!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It has been a wonderful adventure. We have many many pictures that record all our travels.

Our personal agent was Emerson and he answered all our questions during the planning stages and some small issues during the actual trip. In the planning stages, he worked to schedule what we wanted to do, what we wanted to see, with our preferred travel times, the kinds of hotels we like, and the types of tours that became very meaningful as the 10 days progressed. We had a phone meeting which really helped the backs and forth, about a month before all the details were finalized, and was always responsive to messages sent through the website. He gets an A+!!!!!

During the trip, we were in regular touch by text with Emerson, and again he was SO responsive and we applaud him for helping us like that. All those small issues related to drivers not being in the location given to us in our instructions. That is the only area of planning that needs improvement. For example, we were told to be at the door to the lobby of our hotel, but the driver was around the corner at the restaurant entrance, making us almost late for an inner city bus.

The tour guides were excellent in explaining history and culture and answering numerous questions we had. We enjoyed hearing from the diverse group of people who guided us on their experiences too, as not all were Finnish and one had lived in the US. That made for great conversations and we loved that the tour guides shared their stories with us, plus gave us all kinds of information on Finnish history.

We would definitely work with KimKim in the future.

Hotel Reviews

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone

Turku

Breakfast was lovely and the restaurant had great choices when we didn't go out for dinner. The room was clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lapland Hotels Tampere

Tampere

Breakfast was amazing and the restaurant had great choices when we didn't go out for dinner. The room was clean and comfortable, although a bit small for Americans!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Apartment with Sauna in Kluuvi

Helsinki

The apartment was really nice. We didn't expect 2 full bathrooms, a nice addition since we were traveling with our adult son. The primary bedroom was roomy and the bathroom nicely setup. Our only issue was the pre move-in process, which we had to complete more than once as our data submitted before we left the US wasn't there when we needed to get our keys. We also found it difficult to find some information, and luckily our travel agent stayed in touch with us to guide us and get the info we needed.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy walk into the middle of Helsinki and to the National Cathedral where we were attending a wedding.

Staff

Issues with the pre move in process.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Helsinki City Walking Tour (3h)

Helsinki

Our guide was Ruslan. He took us all around the center of Helsinki, meeting us where expected at the train station and then ending the tour with recommendations for authentic food! He was knowledgeable and fun to talk to, including my brother and his wife who were in Helsinki at the same time although not touring with us for the duration of our vacation. He planned the tour to meet our request to show us the history, which we learned was not as many years as that of other parts of the country, being the capital only about 200 years.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

All walking....!

Rauma City Tour

Rauma

Riina was our guide and despite a constant drizzle, she showed us the old city of Rauma. We wandered the narrow streets, saw lace being made by a small shop run by women who do this all by hand, toured a small church and saw many old buildings that explained the history of the old town.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

all walking....!

Tallinn Day Trip

Helsinki

Our guide was Christopher Robert. We liked our tour so much we referred my brother and his wife, who were in Tallinn a few days after our trip there, to him. Christopher took us to many different areas of the town, which we didn't realize had such a mix of old and new. We navigated a meeting of heads of state which blocked some streets but didn't interfere with our walking, very different from the US security around such events. We loved that Christopher shared his background including time in the US, and how that played into the tour and his expertise on the places he showed to us.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

all walking....!

Towers of Tampere Tour

Tampere

Liked our time in Tampere with Peter but the tour was laid out oddly so we lost some time in getting around via bus and tram. Being at each of the 3 towers gave us a great opportunity to see different areas of Tampere. It made less sense to us that we went from our hotel, across town via tram to tower #1, a long walk back to the observation from a hotel only a block from where we started, then a bus ride to tower #3 at the amusement park. That bus ride was so long because lots of riders were going to the park and traffic was backed up. Each location was good to see, and the walk across town gave us a feel for the city, but the transport took away from the experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

We ended with a lovely lunch.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

See above comments.

Unveiling Turku: History, Culture, and Culinary Gems

Turku

Laura from Magni Mundi was our guide for a 5 hour walk and lunch throughout Turku. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the town, and the current conditions. We liked how she blended history with today.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great tour guide.

Transport

We walked, Laura picked us up promptly where we were told to be.

Magical Taiga Forest Hike

Helsinki

SO SO much fun. Quintos was our guide. He shared his story of being an environmentalist and working to show the national forests in both the Helsinki and Lapland areas to folks like us. He really loved showing us where all the goodies (fruits/berries/mushrooms) would soon be growing, making our lunch of salmon soup, and walking through different areas of the forest. He seemed extremely knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

We enjoyed hearing of his move to Finland and what made the country special to him, while we shared a bit of ourselves.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Quintos was our driver and guide, and made the trip easy.

Wow! Morocco was incredible! Made more incredible by the team at KimKim, Original Travels in Morocco, and our incredible driver. KimKim got us hooked up with Original Travels in Morocco, and they handled the logistics of our trip, which included hotels and tours in Marrakech, the High Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert, Fes, and Casablanca. We had a driver, Reda, who picked us up at the Marrakech airport, and he basically looked after us and our stuff until we said goodbye at the Casablanca airport. All of our accommodations were fabulous, and the nicer ones were quite nice, indeed. All were clean, comfortable, and safe. Our arranged tours were uniformly excellent, other than a misunderstanding with one guide revolving around payment for entrance fees, but that was handled internally, and no hard feelings were left. Food was incredible! All suggested restaurants were outstanding, although we ate many of our meals (especially breakfasts and dinners) at our hotels, which proved to be both wise and worthwhile. We did not have any hotel/riad confirmations prior to the trip, but they weren't needed as all accommodations and reservations were 100% taken care of. Should mention we all got a little GI bug, so bring your Cipro and be careful what goes down the hatch. Our guide, Reda, however, absolutely made the trip. Not only did he get us from place to place and make sure our bags did as well (this even included transport by mule when necessary!), he was quite interested in talking to us about his country, answering questions, providing guidance, always on time, always pleasant. Even when our questions could have been taken as probing. So, off you're reading this wondering if KimKim is the way to go to Morocco, our group would uniformly endorse it. Pull the trigger. Go. Use KimKim. And I hope your trip is as wonderful as ours.

Hotel Reviews

Palais Sebban

Marrakech

A little hard to find, but worth the effort. Very nice spot in the medina. Good food, treated well.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kasbah du Toubkal

lmlil

Took a mule ride from town up to the kasbah (along with our bags), and it was so worthwhile. Nice rooms, incredible views, nice people.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le Berbere Palace

Ouarzazate

Really nice. Excellent food and assistance.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Le Casablanca Hotel

Casablanca

Beautiful hotel in the midst of Casablanca chaos (meaning we were back in the Big City after a wonderful time in smaller places), great service and food.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

Incredible experience, much nicer than I had imagined. Our tent (and camp) was quite nice, clean, and safe. Food was good. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

Fès

Very impressive, beautiful property. A little out of the way if you're walking somewhere or getting an Uber/taxi, but we really enjoyed it.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Visit Majorelle Gardens

Morocco

Interesting. Not entirely necessary for your vivid tot Marrakech, but it was still nice.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Marrakech Evening Food Tour

Marrakesh

This was fun, although I'm pretty sure I got my bout of diarrhea from the snail soup. Maybe I'm wrong. But the experience was amazing, with good food and good guidance. We had several stops as "appetizers" before going to a rather out-of-the-way restaurant for an excellent meal on their rooftop.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Half-Day Guided Tour of Marrakech

Marrakesh

The tour was interesting and worthwhile, but we had a different sort of issue. We were under the impression that the tour was completely paid for, but there were two places we had to pay entrance fees to enter. Our guide apparently forgot to bring money. So, we paid, with the understanding that he would reimburse us after the tour. Then, when the tour was completed, we reminded him of the reimbursement, and he said he would give the money to our driver. I let our driver know of the situation. But then the guide showed up, quite upset that we had informed the driver of the situation. He then hesitatingly reimbursed our 800 dirhams (about $80), saying something about a tip, despite the fact that my traveling partner had just handed him a generous tip. It all ended well after a few more uncomfortable moments, mostly because I gave him another tip, but this interaction turned an otherwise enjoyable visit into something that left us scratching our heads.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cooking Class at Amal Non-Profit Center

Marrakesh

Outstanding experience. Our hosts were professional, funny, fun, and gave excellent guidance. We did all of the prep and cooking ourselves, which added to the fun. And the food was yummy!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morocco Last Nomads Experience: Tea, Tales & Desert Adventures

Merzouga

Shocking. Of all the places in Morocco to create a community, this would seem to be the least likely. Harsh, remote, no water, etc. But I guess that's what tire looking for. Anyway, quite insightful look at an incredible situation.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ouarzazate to Merzouga via Todra Gorge, Erfoud & Sunset Camel Ride

Morocco

The drive was interesting and fun, but the camel ride out to our luxury desert camp was the highlight. Fabulous experience, even if it took a few days for my rear end to recover!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Merzouga to Fes via Rissani, Midelt, & the Atlas Mountains

Morocco

Fun drive. Beware the monkeys on the side of the road and the men who give you peanuts to feed the monkeys with, while grabbing your phones to take pics, all for the one-time low-low price of a tip. No evidence of anything being taken, but it was an unsettling experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tour of Fez Medina

Fes

Outstanding. The Fes medina is a maze of wondrous sights and smells, but I wouldn't wander in there without a guide, even though you have GPS on your phone.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer from Fes to Casablanca via Rabat

Morocco

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our family of 6 (including two sets of twins ages 9, 9, 12 and 12) spent the month of April 2026 in Nepal trekking from Ringmo/Taksindu to Everest Base Camp and return to Lukla. It was our first time at elevation, however we are no strangers to challenging backpacking trips and adventure travel. This was our second international trip with Kim-Kim and I highly recommend their services to connect you with the best guides in a region and to reduce the stress of coordination and language barriers. In particular, this trip to Nepal was so phenomenal that this review cannot convey the level of connection and respect that we gained for our trekking team, their families, and the villages that we travelled through. You can find a break down of our journey at miller-6 dot com through the eyes of our kids.

What truly set this experience apart was the incredible dedication of our organizer, Ngima. We came to Nepal with a specific desire to give back to two community schools and two monasteries. My children purchased and delivered smart boards, uniform supplies, delivered postcards from our hometown and distributed 400 hand sewn school supply bags during the first 5 days of our trip. Ngima put immense effort into organizing the logistics and seamlessly weaving the school visits into our itinerary. It was a profound, beautifully managed experience that our family will treasure forever, and it wouldn't have happened without Ngima’s passion and hard work.

Our lead trail guide, Nuru Jangbu Sherpa, was a true master of his craft. Knowing his impressive guiding achievements and the massive expeditions he has led, we were humbled to trek with him. Yet, he had a remarkable way of making our family’s journey feel just as monumental and impressive as any world-class summit. His son, Pemba Sherpa, who runs the family tea house in Paiya with his wife, joined us for the trek as a second guide and added a youthful maturity to the trip. He was always eager to play soccer or build a tower out of playing cards with our children and was an excellent role model for them to look up to.

The team’s attentiveness to our health and safety was world-class. They monitored our well-being constantly, ensuring everyone felt strong and secure at every altitude. Each day we would fill out a table of metrics for each family member, including blood oxygen monitoring. When health fluctuations and altitude sickness required us to pivot our plan, the team adjusted our itinerary flawlessly on the fly, never making us feel like a burden or that we had fell short of an achievement. They replaced the original plan with something that was equally (if not more) incredible.

The kindness, warmth, and constant smiles of Nuru, Pemba, and our incredible team of porters completely stole our hearts. Their strength is unmatched, but it is their gentle kindness that we will remember most. As a family that has travelled all over the world, including sailing across the Pacific Ocean on our catamaran for 2 years, this is the trip that our kids want to repeat over and over again.

Final Thoughts
If you are planning a trip to Nepal and want an experience that combines flawless logistics, unparalleled safety, deep cultural connection, and a team that feels like family, look no further. Ngima, Nuru, Pemba, and the entire crew gave us more than just a trek—they gave us a lifelong bond with the Himalayas and its beautiful people. Five stars doesn't feel like enough but I hope that this review encourages you to take your own adventure to Nepal, specifically taking the time to explore communities that are on the fringes of high tourist areas. This is where the experience reached a elevated level of connection for our tribe of 6. Good luck!

Two beautiful weeks in Croatia

My wife and I spent two amazing weeks in Croatia. Thank you Sarah and Ivan for the meticulous planning of the trip. Our hotels were just what we were looking for, and all of the trips - wine and olive oil tastings, city tours and the truffle hunt were informative and well presented. All of the drivers - Zoran, Ivan, Mato and Marija (I’m sure I’m forgetting a few others) were friendly, professional and very informative. We’ve learned so much about Croatian history and culture that I can’t really pick any one place that I like more than another, although Plitvice lakes was probably the prettiest place we’ve ever visited. Our particular thanks to all the folks in Dubrovnik who made our five nights stay there unforgettable.

Hotel Reviews

Amadria Park Hotel Capital

Zagreb

Beautiful hotel in the middle of Zagreb

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Porto

Dubrovnik

Great location, very good breakfast and a large comfortable room

Authenticity & Character

Location

It’s five minutes away from the old town by bus, and the bus stop is right next to the hotel. Perfect location for both the exploration of the old city and having a driver pick up for day trips

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Splendida Palace

Split

Wonderful location and service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Steps from Diocletian’s Palace and the port

Staff

The staff at this hotel was simply amazing

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tesla's Gastro House

Prijeboj

Lovely B and B with wonderful hosts

Authenticity & Character

Location

Five minutes drive from the park in a beautiful country setting

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Melegran

Rovinj

Great location inside the city. The rooms are somewhat small

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Day Trip to Cavtat & Sokol Grad

Dubrovnik

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Boating Excursion to the Elaphiti Islands

Dubrovnik

Great day on the boat with Simon

Quality of Experience

The three islands we visited were all beautiful, each in their own way.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Game of Thrones Tour

Dubrovnik

Ivona was very knowledgeable and passionate about the city and the filming process for Game of Thrones

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day trip to Hvar for a private wine tasting excursion (to and from Hvar by ferry)

Split

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Oyster Tasting & Farming Experience in Ston Bay + Wine Tasting (Peljesac Peninsula) - Day trip from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Great selection of wineries and a nice tour of the oyster harbor

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Kastela for olive oil tasting + seeing the beautiful old olive tree

Split

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Truffle Hunting + Exploring Motovun

Croatia

One of the highlights of our trip. Great truffle hunting, and a wonderful lunch to follow.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Olive Oil Tasting + visit Porec

Rovinj

This was a great olive oil tasing. Bembo is a wonderful small olive oil producer, and both owners were friendly and generous with their knowledge of details of every aspect of the olive oil production.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Walking Tour of Split

Split

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Privately Guided Tour of Rovinj

Croatia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We booked 4 days in Norway, split between Bergen and Balestrand. We had a lovely time in both places, and we appreciated the travel recommendations made by our Kim Kim agent. Our two favorites were the Dragvik Fjordhotel and the cider tour at Ciderhueset, both in Balestrand. Our room at the Fjordhotel had big picture windows looking right out on the fjord, a truly spectacular view! The Hotel is family run and you can see the pride of ownership, and the staff was personable and attentive. The food was also excellent. We ended up eating dinner in the Hotel two nights and both meals were delicious. The tour at the Ciderhueset was run by the owner and he was very informative, and the lunch and cider tasting were lovely. We had a very positive experience on our trip, and we enjoyed the travel recommendations from our kimkim agent.

Hotel Review

Dragsvik Fjordhotell

Balestrand

Our room at the Fjordhotel had big picture windows looking right out on the fjord, a truly spectacular view! The Hotel is family run and you can see the pride of ownership, and the staff was personable and attentive. The food was also excellent. We ended up eating dinner in the Hotel two nights and both meals were delicious.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Cider Tasting with Food Pairing

Norway

The tour at the Ciderhueset was run by the owner and he was very informative, and the lunch and cider tasting were lovely.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff