Kimkim Trip Reviews

Our 12-day trip to England and Wales was absolutely spectacular. All 6 of us had a delightful time, and I credit Aleksandra with helping us work out the details on logistics, and also for choosing 4 charming bed and breakfast locations. Each location was excellent yet each was different. The owners and staff were helpful from beginning to end, and the locations were convenient but infinitely more enjoyable than a boring, cookie-cutter hotel. Aleksandra worked with us patiently as we asked questions and made suggestions. In the end, she recommended the best itinerary for our needs. It was truly the trip of a lifetime, and we are so grateful for Aleksandra and KimKim helping to make it all happen.

Our group of 6 (3 couples) just returned from an unforgettable 10 night trip to Morocco! I probably would never have attempted to organize a trip for the 6 of us to Morocco, but with Hassan's great communication and expertise in putting together an excellent itinerary and Khalid's help (our driver) in executing that itinerary, it was possible for us to see this beautiful country. And I'm so grateful we did.
Our trip took us from Tangier to Chefchouen, then to Fes and Merzouga, the Dades Valley, Skoura and finally Marrakech. The landscapes were much more varied than we had imagined and watching the scenery, and how it changed, from the inside of our car as we drove was incredible. I'm thankful we got a glimpse of the ways of the nomadic people in this region during our time. If we had only visited a big city like Fes or Marrakesh, we would have missed this. For example, we saw shepherds moving with their sheep or goats, the temporary homes they use, and some collecting water at a spring to be carried back by their donkeys.
Khalid, our driver, made sure to point out everything that was noteworthy so we didn't miss anything as we drove. He was a well of knowledge and taught us so much. And thanks to him we could relax and enjoy our time as he managed all the navigating and timing, as well as facilitating the hotel check-ins and city guides. He did a superb job and anyone getting him as their driver is very fortunate!
The highlight of our trip was our 2 nights in the desert staying at Tiziri campsite (which we rode camels to). Other highlights were the walking tour of Fes and the meals we spent with locals - both a dinner with a family in Fes and a lunch with Mohammed in the Dades Valley (after a very enjoyable 3 hr hike). L'ma lodge in Skoura had one of the most peaceful and beautiful gardens I have visited and by the time we arrived there (around day 8) we were thankful for this restful 'oasis'.
I would say our least favourite part of the trip was Marrakesh. It was our last stop and the busyness of the city felt a bit overwhelming. We did really enjoy our hotel, however - Maison Arabe. And we did a cooking class and Hammam in it which we'd definitely recommend.
If I could add a night or two I'd book a second night in Chefchouen, to enjoy the quiet tourist-free mornings and evenings, and a third night in the desert because it's simply amazing!

Hotel Reviews

Riad Nila

Chefchaouen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

They held on to our passports for several hours the first night which made us a little uncomfortable. When we asked for them after a couple hours, they said they weren't done with them. This never happened at any of the other hotels so I'm not sure what caused the delay.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Lma Lodge

Skoura

Authenticity & Character

Location

Sadly the palm trees in Skoura (around the hotel, not on its property) are all dead looking right now because of the drought. It was not how I imagined this lush oasis to be and I think travellers may want to know this in the future before deciding to visit this city.

Staff

The owner comes to each table at the first dinner to introduce herself and tell some of the story of the history of the property.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The gardens are probably the most beautiful gardens I've seen. There are countless areas set up to sit amidst the garden making it a very peaceful and quiet stay.

La Maison Arabe Hotel

Marrakech

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beds were the most comfortable of all our hotels (finally a softer bed!)

Dar Rihana Dades

Douar Aït Ouffi

Authenticity & Character

Location

View of river and mountains was lovely

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Riad Salam Fes

Fes

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Villa Pomme d'Or

Midelt

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Chefchaouen Walk and Sunset

Chefchaouen

The Monkey Trail (3M Squared Loop Trail)

Midelt

Really just a place to stretch your legs. Not a noteworthy hike. Seeing the monkeys on the side of the road with their babies was fun though!

Transfer to Fes, Volubilis & Meknes

Morocco

This day was very long so I think driving straight to Fes and not stopping at Volubilis and Meknes would have been a better choice for us. Volubilis was interesting but it was just too much for a day.

Guided Tour of Volubilis

Volubilis

Fes: Exploring the Imperial City

Fes

Saw a panoramic view of the city, wandered the markets, and visited a mosaic workshop and tannery. Would recommend all of it!

Dinner with a local Family in Fes

Fes

Merzouga Area Desert advanture

Merzouga

Did the ATV tour which was fun. Again, I would have loved a little introduction before we set off. Our guide did not speak English, so that was a bit challenging too, especially since there had been no intro.

Camel trek to your luxury camp

Merzouga

No instructions given. Just walk up to the camel and get on and off you go! I would have appreciated a little intro in order to feel more comfortable.

Lunch with a Moroccan Berber Family in Sahara Desert

Merzouga

We had berber pizza and a berber family owned restaurant. It was delicious and I'd recommend travellers go there for a great meal and nice hospitality. However this was a little different than we had expected. We thought we were going to a berber family's home and eating with them.

Guided Hike for 3 hours with your local treking guide No Drive

Skoura

Loved this hike. A bit of miscommunication as we thought we had asked to reduce it to 1.5 hrs and it ended up being the full 3 hrs. It was all beautiful and we were glad we had gone that long in the end, but would have brought more water/sunscreen if we knew the length. It also ended with a meal at our guides home which was fantastic and we were thankful for. However, again the communication was a bit off on this morning. We didn't realize we were having this lunch until right when we were leaving for the hike. And as we were asked after to pay for the lunch, it seemed odd we weren't made aware of it before hand. I still don't see it in our original itinerary either. So it felt like a bit of a surprise.

We had a very good time in Norway. Ethel and Jacob worked with us and delivered a very well planned vacation. We had no issues with any of the reservations.

Julio met us at the CR Airport in Liberia and transported us to Penas Blancas to cross the border. He was very helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Very glad to have his assistance crossing the border. Ariel met us at the Nicaragua Immigration/Border Crossing. He was very helpful in navigating all the lines, safety checks and ID checks. He was to drive us thru to Granada. He realized that we'd been on a "red-eye" flight and were probably Hungary. He asked if we'd like to stop in the little town of Rivas. There he guided us to a wonderful little cafe - where we had very needed coffees and breakfast. FABULOUS homemade pastries, hearty breakfast burrito and terrific iced coffees. He located our Airbnb in Granada and made sure we and our luggage were safely inside and starting to settle before he left. We felt very "taken care of and safe". Next day Oscar met us with a horse-drawn carriage driven by Wilburn. They took us around to different historical and interesting locations including a beautiful cemetery (which Heather loves seeing cemeteries around when we travel). Oscar then lead us on foot to the heart of the city, into little shops, tasting rooms, and the daily "Marketo" where we were very grateful to have his guidance thru all the little vendor stalls, fresh meat/fish market, tortillas stalls, spices, household goods, cakes/candy, clothing, jewelry, etc. etc. He took us a Chocolate Tasting, up a Cathedral staircase to the bell tower (where the views were AMAZING). Next morning we were taken to a 4x4 Tour onto the Volcano Mombacho. There Agustin was a very informed and enthusiastic "naturalist and environmentalist" with all kinds of details on the plants, geography and history of the volcano, animals and rainforest. The same day around 3:30PM Oscar returned to guide us on a Kayaking tour on Lake Nicaragua. Peaceful, beautiful, full of nature, monkeys, egrets, cranes, herons, trees and little islands. Gorgeous sunset!!! Before we got back to the Airbnb, Oscar took us to a street vendor he was familiar with and helped us pick out an authentic Nicaraguan Dinner with fried plantains, rice/beans, vinegar coleslaw, char-grilled pork & chicken - it was sooooo good! Thankful for Oscar's thoughtfulness and willingness to share his time, knowledge and energy with us.

Next day we transferred from Ferry to the island of Opemete. Horacio met us at the Ferry Dock and the A/C in his car was very welcome!!! He had very good English and was very eager to share with us about his Ingenious history with the island. Got us to our Hotel - Villa Parasio - VERY nice environment and view. Staff were very attentive, friendly and nice. Rooms are a bit "out-dated" and sorta "old school" for Western standards - but CLEAN, safe, had everything you need. A/C worked in room. Were able to use existing plugs/outlets to charge our devices - shower had custom tile. Hotel is on slight hill, over looking the shoreline - WATER views. Dining area provides unbelievable views. At the included breakfast we were visited by Blue Crested Jays we were not shy... but not aggressive. It was an unexpected animal encounter.

Eric greeted us for our daily experience. First stop was Antonio's home - were he helped teach us how to make "Maca - Tamales" from scratch. Very impressive, welcoming and informative. Needed time to cook the food, so we went on to our next stop and planned to return when the meal was fully cooked.
Next stop was Puesta del Sol - a community for women and children surviving domestic abuse. They are self-sufficient, eco-friendly and give tours to educate the public about their program, island, culture and how to help support recovery, healing and safety for their community. AMAZING experience, so encouraging and inspiring!!!
Then back to Antonios to EAT the Maca-Tamales. Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Nothing like the tamales we are used in Southern California. Such a hospitable, knowledgeable and gracious Host Antonio and his assistance were.
Then on to Ficas Madgelena Coffee Plantation (used to be one of the islands first Hostiles). Shorter tour, short little hike up to Petrogliths carved into the volcanic rock.
Last stop was Ojo De Aguas - a natural mineral spring that can be enjoyed. Little restaurant and bar to get some snacks, and enjoy all the beautiful, clear, mineral water. So peaceful and relaxing. GREAT day of different kinds of experiences.

Had to wrap up Nicaragua - Horacio drove us back to the Ferry - then Oscar was there to get us to the Costa Rican Border. So nice to see familiar faces and to have friendly/personal interactions. Both gentlemen were very impressive.

Overall our planned tours, drives and guides were perfectly planned by Emily and her crew. Had fairly good communication thru What'sApp - and had fairly timely responses considering the internet/wireless availabilities. If there were any minor clarifications or alterations to our plans - Emily was right on it and provided the necessary information.

LOVED our trip - would book and plan with KimKim and Emily again in the future.

We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Costa Rica, organized by Kimkim in collaboration with Serendipity Adventures—and we couldn’t be more impressed.

From the very beginning, the planning process was smooth and highly personalized. Bryan was amazing! He truly listened to what we were looking for—adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation—and crafted the perfect itinerary.

Serendipity’s attention to detail and local expertise shone through at every stop. Our guides, Alex and Mauricio, were incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly. Every drive with Alex felt like a fascinating history lesson, and we loved that he took us to his favorite local restaurants. Pulling over to see sloths was an unexpected and unforgettable treat! Our final stop at Vista Mar was the perfect way to end the trip—watching the sunset while enjoying delicious food.

With Mauricio, our hikes and adventures were equally enriching, filled with history, personal stories, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. His local recommendations were also fantastic—we’re still dreaming about the smoothies at Red Frog!

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and want a customized, immersive, and stress-free experience, I can’t recommend Kimkim and Serendipity Adventures highly enough. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!

We really enjoyed the 21-day trip in Spain that Raquel arranged for us. We are two active older adults that have lived and traveled in Europe a number of times. We like making our own adventures.
We ask Raquel to arrange two long stays, one in Granada and the other in Leon, plus a several day car trip in the Basque country. From each location we ask Raquel to suggest several day-long adventures and make arrangements for a few special ones. All the hotels were beautiful and well located, the train tickets were spot on common and the individual car arrangements were perfect. I don't think we could have wished for anything better.
We recommend Kimkim travel and Espiritu for your next travel plans in Spain

My husband and I have been travelling together since 1967 and have travelled all over the world. Usually we traveled independently and I booked everything myself; even when there was no internet. However, as we have aged and are disabled we recognized the need for a private tour. I was amazed at how Anita, our local travel specialist, listened to our needs. She understood our needs and she came through with a fabulous trip that went off without a hitch. All our hotels were small boutique hotels(3-5 stars) near many restaurants so that we could access them ourselves for dinner. All hotels had elevators or were ground level. The ones in the old city centres had some old world charm but had beautiful modern bathrooms, comfortable beds and were fairly large for European hotels. I got to approve them before we finished the trip planning.
As my husband and I can't walk more than 200 metres, Anita arranged private drivers and private guides for all our site seeing and city transfers. All the cars were luxury Mercedes. All the drivers were well dressed and exceedingly polite and helpful. We had lots of interesting and fun discussions with them on long drives but that was our choice. We enjoyed talking with Luca from Palermo to Agrigento and with Stephano who took us to Modica. Piero who took care of us in Taormina was superb, a real professional. He added a lot to our trips to Mount Etna.
Our tours were all sensitive to our capabilities and our likes and dislikes. The highlights were the cooking classes outside Palermo and in Ortigia. The chefs were very knowledgeable and we had a fun time and wonderful food that we actually made! The best site seeing was at the Cathedral in Monreale and the Roman Villa Del Casale in Piazza Armerina.
The most disappointing plans were the Ape Calessino rides in Ortigia and Taormina. We thought they would be able to go in areas that cars were not allowed, but it turned out that was not the case. They were fun and unique to ride in but did not fulfil our purpose which was to go to pedestrianized areas without having to walk.
The Trip Plans app was great. We always knew who was coming to pick us up, their name and phone number and we were able to easily communicate through WhatsApp. I highly recommend KimKim and Espiritu for excellent service. Thank you for a very memorable trip.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Casa Adele

Taormina

The room we had was very large with many windows. We had a king-size bed that was very comfortable. Our room had a very large private outdoor furnished terrace with a wonderful view. The bathroom was beautiful and very modern. There was a private garage which our drivers could pull into. This was very helpful as the street was very narrow with lots of traffic. There were many good restaurants in close proximity. The managers were very helpful and provided us with a shower seat upon request. They also had a cane to loan us. My only criticism would be to get a smart TV that we could either use Mirroring or something that would allow guests to sign into Netflix.

Authenticity & Character

The room decor was elegant

Location

Close to restaurants and pedestrianized shopping street

Staff

They were always happy to help. The breakfast staff was also very cheerful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

If you don't get the room with the private terrace there is another rooftop terrace for everyone to enjoy.

Doric Boutique Hotel

Agrigento

This hotel is world class. The grounds were exquiste. The view of the Temples and the sea were extraordinary. The restaurant had an interesting menu. The room itself was small, but attached to the room is a private plunge pool so it is hard to complain. The staff was very happy to pick us up in golf carts if we found it too long a walk. There is nothing nearby so you have to eat at the restaurant or take a cab elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character

Modern hotel focusing on being sensitive to the environment.

Location

Amazing for the view and the gardens. Not so good if you want to be independent.

Staff

Friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Prepare to be wowed.

Activity Reviews

Private guided visit of the Roman Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina

Italy

Without the private guide we would not have truly appreciated this site. We have seen mosaics in other places but this villa was so impressive. Each mosaic told a different story and our guide explained them all to us and put them in context for the time. She pointed out many details that we would never have noticed.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit to the Old Family Oil Mill

Italy

This was one of the highlights of the trip. We actually made cannellonis including the shells and filling. My husband is lactose intollerant and Carlo had lactose free ricotta cheese and also lactose free buffalo mozzerella for his lunch. I was able to take the walk through his farm garden but unfortunately it was too difficult for my husband . there was another couple there and we had a lot of fun with them. We made pasta as well and then we had a magnificent lunch. Carlo was a good teacher and has a beautiful home and setting for this experience.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Loved, loved, loved the trip Marija planned for us. We felt well taken care of each step of the way. Marija arranged for transportation and tours in Hvar and Split and through the Peljesac Pennisula and Cavtat. The hotels she selected were charming and centrally located so we could easily walk to restaurants and local attractions. She arranged a birthday dinner for my husband in Hvar, and the restaurant treated us like a queen and king. We so enjoyed biking around the back side of the island of Hvar where we were free to explore in an unhurried way yet always having local support just a phone call away.

All of our drivers and tour guides were also well versed in the history of this wonderful country -- especially Ivana who showered us with history and antidotes of Split and all of Croatia. Ivana was a powerhouse of knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm for her country.

Marija planned the perfect holiday for us -- especially given that we had just spent the previous seven days in busy Dubrovnik with our family. Her thoughtful selections of food, tours, and transportation times allowed us to relax as well as take in the best that these areas offer. Thank you, Marija!

Hotel Review

Piazza Heritage Hotel

Split

Comfortable and beautiful hotel centrally located in Split. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

So helpful and kind.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Beautiful hotel.

Activity Reviews

Private Walking Tour of Split

Split

OMGosh! Ivana was amazing! She brought the history of Split to life in an energetic and enthusiastic way. I had been to Split before yet I learned so much more from Ivana than from any of my other guides. Great recommendations for dinner, too.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private transfer from Split to Cavtat via the Pelješac Peninsula, with a stop for wine tasting

Croatia

Wonderful winery. Met some great people from Norway there.

While planning our Norway trip there were a few things we knew we’d like to do but decided we could use knowledgeable assistance for the details on hotels, in country travel, airport transportation, etc as well as other ideas on what to include.

I’d read about KimKim and contacted them just to see what it was all about. I was connected with Alex, a country specialist. He laid out a proposed itinerary based on our input that we could change however we liked. We found the cost to be reasonable and well worth it. Everything was booked and paid for before we started, which was a pleasure. We travelled three times between cities (air and train) and airport transportation were was waiting for us each time. Except for things we did on our own all events were set, we just needed to show up. We stayed in 4 hotels, all were perfect and wonderfully located. Alex and Nick explained how things work in Norway such as paying for things, making connections, directions and time from hotel to boat, etc. Alex’s personal experience with Norway and some of what we did was invaluable (eg “consider doing the hike in Rosendal to the waterfall, and bring swim stuff! (he had done this).

I am certain if I had planned this out myself we would not have had the wonderful ten days we had in Norway. One example, we wanted to be in Oslo for Norway’s Constitution Day celebration and Alex put us in a nice hotel directly on the parade route; I would not have thought to do that.
Definitely recommended!

Truly an amazing trip!! We visited many towns and villages from North of Porto to Southwest of Lagos. Spectacular views of natural beauty and friendly knowledgeable guides and people! Rita from the KimKim team was great to work with to get our literary set up. She provided quick communication and coordinated our trip. All our hotels were great with amazing breakfasts which were included.

The Trip Plans app was excellent to reference and all necessary trip details, directions, and information were readily available at our fingertips. We were able to use the "chat" function to message the Espiritu Travel team and they were very quick and helpful to respond. We had very minor issues and they addressed and expedited resolve via the "chat" function. Our guides and drivers were excellent, friendly, and over accommodating.

Guides that we worked with, all were knowledgeable, accommodating, and excellent! Natalia - Lisbon Culinary Tour, Marta David - Lisbon Tour, Emanual Maia - Porto Tour, Elana - Peneda-Geres National Park Tour (breathtaking trails and views...amazing waterfalls and small village in the National Park).

Renting a car was easy and an excellent way for us to see so many cool places! Evora, Coimbra, Alvor, Carvoeiro to name a few! Our visit to a local winery and group lunch setting under an Olive tree was wonderful! The food and hosts were excellent!

This was truly and amazing trip of a life-time and I highly recommend it to anyone one who loves history, adventure, scenic beauty, and views!

Our trip was very well planned by our KimKim team! We hit all the high points and they did a great job of mixing both mine and my husband's interests. Their guidance with trains and excursions was very comforting to have!

Activity Review

Summer Kayaking Excursion

Flåm

I can't remember our guides name but she is from Argentina and did an AMAZING job at engaging with us and also enjoying the history and nature of it all! She was fantastic and so what this activity!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

All of our guides did a wonderful job and were very knowledgeable and helpful. We loved Aurland and our Gide there. The place we stayed was in a beautiful, tranquil spot called 21/2 Aurland.

Hotel Reviews

29|2 Aurland

Aurland

This was the most beautiful place we stayed in Norway. From the owner to everyone working there you made our stay so special. We can’t wait to come back and stay longer.

Authenticity & Character

Fits lovely into the mountains and tells a story about Norway in every direction.

Location

After the larger cities this was such a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the true beauty of Norway.

Staff

The staff are special because each love and appreciate their country and take care of the land around them with organic farming.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room and the lodge made you feel right at home.

Karl Johan Hotel

Oslo

Perfect location for Oslo stay.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to everything

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel

Oslo

Very modern hotel and clean

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right by train station

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Det Hanseatiske Hotel

Bergen

Amazing location in Bergen

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Experience Aurland with a Local Guide

Aurland

Our guide was a very special person and we felt like friends in just a few minutes with him . As a small ground 4 he would pick us up and take us wherever we wanted to go and some places we didn’t know about.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The best

Transport

1. Our guide Pedro for the Biklas y Triklas bike tour in Porto was outstanding and deserves 5 gold stars. He was very knowledgeable, articulate, and expressive.
2. In Porto we might have wanted to go to the Livraria Lello, but we learned about it too late to arrange tickets. Wishing Hector had given us a list of popular destinations enjoyed by KimKim clients for each city. The website and app suggestions are vague discussions of parts of the city, not super helpful when you are in the middle of a trip.
3. All the arrangements of hotels and transportation were very good. We were happy will all the plans except maybe the TukTuk tour which we could have arranged on our own. Our guide was perfectly qualified, but I would just prefer some other way of learning about the city, probably at a slower pace. On our last day in Lisbon, why would we want to learn about the beginning and end points of each tram and each elevator?
4. Remind travelers to put their airpods or earbuds into the purse at the beginning of each day!! Some old people like me are still expecting audio tours to have head sets.
5. Put the travel agent emergency number into your phone contacts with the proper country code, etc, so that if there are any problems with a scheduled transfer, such as an early or late transfer from the airport outside of working hours, there will be someone to call.

Hotel Reviews

Pestana Lisboa Vintage

Lisboa

If you are expecting twin beds, mention it immediately at check in. The default sheet arrangement is to unite the beds into one large bed.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Vela Guesthouse

Cascais

Really pretty hotel. Breakfasts very good, very good service.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Get to know Porto by E-bike

Porto

Loved it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer {{start_location}} to {{end_location}}

Portugal

It worked. As you know, the transportation that gave us a headache was the train from Porto to Lisbon. Fortunately the strike was over, but we wasted a lot of time going early to the station. Nothing anyone could do about it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Foodie Experience in Porto

Porto

This was very enjoyable. Guide was very good.

Quality of Experience

Food

Great variety. Well presented.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We walked.

Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Portugal

Lisbon is a very large and fascinating city. Also very congested with cars and tourists. After taking the TukTuk tour I realized that I needed a slower pace and more information about each historical site. I guess it would be fine for an amusing ride and overview.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets

Portugal

Our guide was very personable and knowledgeable. I think his name was Felixberto, but now I find that my Trip Plan has disappeared from the app, so I am not sure of the spelling. We enjoyed the hike and the beautiful park. The crowds in Pena Palace were pretty bad. Our guide did cut the day short, however, since we started heading back to the hotel at 1pm. Fine with us since it was raining a bit.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The trip and individual guides were excellent.
1. Camino passports: it would have been nice to have been referred to a website to obtain these in advance. Several of our fellow travelers did this. We were able to get passports in Porto from the cathedral after doing some research.
2. Hotels: In general, they were quite acceptable with those in Lisbon and Santiago de Compostela being exceptional. The hotel across the tracks from the train station in Padron was our least favorite as it was well out of the way of the Camino and understaffed. We opted to go to town as a group for dinner.
3. Trip planning: I would most strongly recommend adding a day after the arrival in Santiago de Compostela to attend the mass and tour the town on the day after completing the walk. That was a big missing part for Sidney and me.

Activity Reviews

Lisbon Fado Dinner Experience

Spain

Touristy

Quality of Experience

Hard to find since cabs can't get to the entrance.

Food

Get to Know Lisbon with a Local

Lisbon

Guide was extremely knowledgeable and shared his personal experience without overloading us with facts.

Dinner With Locals at a Local Home

Lisbon

The best experience in Lisbon. Our host opened her home to us as if we were family, and her dinner and wine selections were excellent.

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

I don't remember anything in particular that stands out.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Excursion to Douro Valley: Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Porto

Good tour of the wineries. Great lunch at the last one on the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pauline was a dream to work with. Helping us revise and squeeze in destinations we were interested in.
Holister who picked us up at the airport after a delay was informative and very professional
Our trip around Skye was amazing and Stewart was a fabulous driver— he managed our trip expertly and avoided crowds. Timberbush Tours

The sequencing of our self guided yours allowed us ample time to fit everything in

The hotels and our rooms were fabulous

None of the above would have happened without Paulines attention yo our needs and attention to detail

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Colessio

Stirling

Great location great amenities

Authenticity & Character

Location

O

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Great hotel. Cute and charming

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

P

Rusacks St Andrews

St Andrews

Perfect location — roof top nar exceptional— pub and dinning was awesome

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Oban Bay Hotel

Oban

Great location- cute bar overlooking the bay

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mercure Inverness hotel

Inverness

Centrally located

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets

Inverness

Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle

Scotland

Isle of Skye Daytrip from Inverness

Inverness

So much easier to have a driver for the day so we both could enjoy the amazing island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Stewart was amaxing

Transport

Stewart was a great driver

Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery

Pitlochry

Edinburgh Castle Tickets

Edinburgh

Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull

Oban

Oban Distillery Tour

Oban

Stirling Castle Tickets

Scotland

Shona was wonderful! She was always responsive and we really liked the itinerary she planned. Shona planned a great trip that my husband and I and our kids age 5 and 8 enjoyed.

We had two exceptional tour guides this trip. Fumi in Kanazawa and Nao in Osaka. Highly recommend these guides.

Trip was one of a lifetime! Planning including transportation and guides were really good. Will mention a couple challenges later. Appreciated the planning by Angela to have our group of six mostly to ourselves. The only time we have a larger group was at Athens, Kronoss and Corinth but was only 14 folks usually. Guides all very knowledgeable and catered to any slight changes or provided options.
The individualized boutique hotels were absolutely wonderful. Only challenge from time to time were the steps to get to the enjoyable hotel rooms. Santorini biggest challenge. But oh, the reward of the Elite Rooms! The tours of Athens and Corinth were wonderful, local food suggestions from hotels or local folks were all wonderful.
The hotel in Athens was nice and quiet but was so isolated on small street our transportation vans had a hard time getting down the street. Glad we didn't have to drive.
Got to experience the Sahara sandstorm one day! Fun but for the Cretans a challenge.
Wonderful experience the final evening with the Greek Cooking class and eating the food and tasting the wine! And oh, the wine, cheese, yogurt, baklava, figs, olives - What can we say! Thanks Angelia!! Would let you plan our next trip somewhere in this world!!

We contacted KimKim for our 30th anniversary trip to Portugal, and we were connected with Pedro. From the beginning, Pedro offered us so many options for our trip, and after we selected our likes, and let him know our dislikes, he crafted an itinerary that perfectly matched our criteria. From the private walking tour in Lisbon with Nadia (who was wonderful), to the Fado dinner, which we truly enjoyed, to the private driver Rui, who kept us entertained on our day trip to Sintra, all of it was just wonderful. Rui also drove us to Porto with stops along the way and we were happy to have the same drive for both days. Pedro and his team checked in with us often, ensuring we were enjoying ourselves and answering any questions we had. We had a small issue upon check-in in Porto and we contacted Pedro and his team and the issue was resolved in less than 10 minutes. Our walking tour in Porto with Andres was great, and all of the little anniversary surprises along the way were so incredible appreciated. Pedro also provided us with a self-guided itinerary for Sao Miguel and the sights we saw were truly amazing. There is not enough praise we can heap on Pedro and his team for taking care of us and truly making our 30th anniversary truly spectacular.

This was an awesome trip. As I’ve been telling people since we are home “my heart is full (everything went very smoothly), my head is full (many historical details/dates, Greek mythology etc.), my belly is full ( loved the Greek food) but my body is tired! (Good tired). I would echo Keith/Phyllis's review concerning the guides. Four of us wear hearing aids which at times was difficult to hear, especially women’s voices which are higher pitched making it more difficult to understand. But overall just an amazing trip. Thanks for accommodating our requests. You’re the best!

Hotel Review

SanSal Boutique Hotel

Chania

Beautiful view of the water and very homey.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

The Real Cretan Cooking Experience

Chania

When I initially saw this scheduled I wasn’t real excited about this. But the experience was wonderful and I’m glad I got to do this. Our driver/guide was very good and the family as well. And we had fun getting to know and interact with the other people.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

See Phyllis’s comments about the one guide.

Transport

Tatiana was fantastic - very responsive and able to help with issues that came up during the trip. Would recommend her and KimKim to everyon