Kimkim Trip Reviews

Reviews from actual kimkim travelers. We publish all reviews.
4.8
(4,793 reviews)
Read 4,793 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim.

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Croatia adventure · Croatia - Jun 19 - Jun 27, 2022

Traveler: Johann W. - Local specialist: Anna-Maria Frid

We had an amazing time in beautiful Croatia. Anna-Maria put together an great adventure for us tailored to our wishes. Throughout the process she was extremely helpful, friendly and very responsive. We can´t thank her enough for all here assistance and give her our best compliments. Johann and Maria read more

We had an amazing time in beautiful Croatia. Anna-Maria put together an great adventure for us tailored to our wishes. Throughout the process she was extremely helpful, friendly and very responsive. We can´t thank her enough for all here assistance and give her our best compliments. Johann and Maria

Activity Review

Elaphite Islands Day Trip with Lunch from Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Anna-Maria Frid profile photo
Anna-Maria Frid, local specialist, responded to this review:

Dear Johann,
thank you for your kind words, it was my pleasure!
It is very fulfilling to know that I played a part in a nice experience that you had.
Hope to see you in Croatia again!

Kind regards,
Anna-Maria

Elise

Incredible first trip to Colombia! · Colombia - Jun 19 - Jun 27, 2022

Traveler: Elise A. - Local specialist: Wendy Romero

We just returned from a magnificent vacation in Colombia planned by the amazing local specialist, Wendy. Wendy planned the perfect itinerary for us in Medellin, Zona Cafetera (coffee region) and Cali. She was so easy to communicate with leading up to the trip and checked in all the time during the trip to make sure all was going well. She coordinated amazing tours for us with local guides Samuel and John who had so much passion as guides me helped us truly appreciate the beauty of Colombia.... read more

We just returned from a magnificent vacation in Colombia planned by the amazing local specialist, Wendy. Wendy planned the perfect itinerary for us in Medellin, Zona Cafetera (coffee region) and Cali. She was so easy to communicate with leading up to the trip and checked in all the time during the trip to make sure all was going well. She coordinated amazing tours for us with local guides Samuel and John who had so much passion as guides me helped us truly appreciate the beauty of Colombia. I have to admit I was a bit nervous using an unknown specialist on the internet but after this trip and everything Wendy planned for us I would 100% definitely use KimKim again for future travel! Thank you for a truly memorable trip!

Hotel Review

El Cielo Hotel

Medellin

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

A beautiful, artistic and elegant hotel which was a perfect start to our trip. The staff was amazing and so friendly and the rooms were so well designed and beautiful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Very clean and well kept.
Staff

Super friendly staff and accommodating to any request!
Authenticity & Character

Location

In a beautiful location of Medellin.

Julia was great in planning our trip. Sonia, ... · Norway - Jun 8 - Jun 21, 2022

Traveler: SEAN M. - Local specialist: Julia Plaschke

Julia was great in planning our trip. Sonia, as our guide, was also great. Always available to help with questions. read more

Julia was great in planning our trip. Sonia, as our guide, was also great. Always available to help with questions.

Hotel Review

292 Aurland

Aurland

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Awesome experience! Service was great and food was absolutely wonderful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Doting
Authenticity & Character

Views from all areas.
Location

Quiet setting away from any city activity.

Fabulous trip to Paris and Barcelona!!! · Spain - Jun 3 - Jun 11, 2022

Traveler: Annette S. - Local specialist: Marina Courtaut

How lucky we were to find Marina!!! I was not familiar with kimkim prior to this trip but it was a blessing to find and work with Marina. She has a lot of first hand knowledge of both cities and she was patient as we worked through organizing various groups of family members in both places.

Our time in Paris was exceptional. In addition to seeing the usual sites we had a day trip to Versailles and Giverny. The tour guide was wonderful and the driver gave us a nice stress-free ride... read more

How lucky we were to find Marina!!! I was not familiar with kimkim prior to this trip but it was a blessing to find and work with Marina. She has a lot of first hand knowledge of both cities and she was patient as we worked through organizing various groups of family members in both places.

Our time in Paris was exceptional. In addition to seeing the usual sites we had a day trip to Versailles and Giverny. The tour guide was wonderful and the driver gave us a nice stress-free ride during a very busy traffic time. Our accommodations were fun and different - the hotel was actually a barge on the Seine River. We would not have found that ourselves.

The bullet train to Barcelona was fantastic - totally the way to go. It was comfortable and a good way to see the countryside. Our accommodations just off Las Ramblas were top notch and the tapas tour for our group of eight was delicious and fun.

Thank you, Marina!! We look forward to many more trips in the future and will look first to kimkim for planning.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel OFF Paris Seine 4*

Paris

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Comfortable accommodations and convenient location. It was a fun place to stay and very different from the large impersonal hotels.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

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Hotel España Ramblas

Barcelona

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Very comfortable rooms, excellent breakfast and terrific location.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Seine Cruise

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Marina suggested taking this tour around sunset, 10 PM when we were there, and I concur. To see the Eiffel Tower lit up a night is fantastic!!!

Private Walking Tour of Paris

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Highly recommend a guided tour of the area surrounding Notre Dame. We learned a lot about the history of Paris and saw parts of the city we would not have seen on our own.

Guided tour of Montmartre

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Terrific tour and wonderful guide. There was a mix-up on the timing and she ended up coming back later in the day. Recommend having a guide for the section of Paris - so much history around the artists and of course the beautiful Sacre Coeur!!

Day Trip to Versailles & Giverny

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Wonderful guide and terrific driver. Perfect day for our group of four. Loved both Giverny - truly a highlight for Monet admirers - and, of course, Versailles is amazing. Many of the fountains were running and the palace was crowded but beautiful. Our guide navigated us through expertly!!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Tapas Culinary Experience

Barcelona

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Wonderful three hour tour with four stops. The food was fabulous, the restaurants all had a different ambiance and no one left hungry!!! Highly recommend.

Food

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Eleni was very responsive! She made sure we h... · Greece - Jun 15 - Jun 21, 2022

Traveler: Jamie L. - Local specialist: Eleni Koropouli

Eleni was very responsive! She made sure we had all the tickets we needed for travel and followed up with us after our travels. Highly recommend using KimKim and Eleni as your travel agency and agent! read more

Eleni was very responsive! She made sure we had all the tickets we needed for travel and followed up with us after our travels. Highly recommend using KimKim and Eleni as your travel agency and agent!

Lisa

Fabulous trip · Morocco - May 16 - May 25, 2022

Traveler: Lisa M. - Local specialist: Mohamed El Asely

What a fabulous trip to Morocco! KimKim was an excellent company to work with. Great advice throughout our experience with KimKim. Perfectly organized trip with lovely accommodations, professional guides and activities! read more

What a fabulous trip to Morocco! KimKim was an excellent company to work with. Great advice throughout our experience with KimKim. Perfectly organized trip with lovely accommodations, professional guides and activities!

Hotel Review

Tiziri Luxury Camp

Merzouga

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Tiziri Camp is amazing!! I loved everything about our experience at the camp. The fabulous food, outings during the day, music at night! Perfect

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Walk in Skoura oasis, visit a traditional pottery factory & lunch with a local family

Morocco

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Skoura is a wonderful area! I enjoyed the interaction with the local family that opened their home to us for an amazing lunch.

Food

Transport

Mohamad is so kind! He stopped for me to take photos along the way and gave us interesting information about all of the areas we visited!
Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Half-Day Guided Tour of Fes Medina

Fes

Overall Rating
Activity Review

We loved having a personal guide for this area as there is so much to see and it would be so easy to miss highlights or get lost without a guide.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

mike

Robert did an amazing job planning our trip! ... · Croatia - May 24 - Jun 2, 2022

Traveler: mike S. - Local specialist: Robert Pinčević

Robert did an amazing job planning our trip! He listened to our interests and set up the perfect combination of breathtaking nature and interesting, historic cities. His directions to our planned destinations were spot on. He was readily available to provide followup directions and answer questions. The guides he chose for us for city tours and a boat excursion were knowledgeable and friendly. We had an amazing trip, largely due to Robert's hard work, familiarity with his country and care. read more

Robert did an amazing job planning our trip! He listened to our interests and set up the perfect combination of breathtaking nature and interesting, historic cities. His directions to our planned destinations were spot on. He was readily available to provide followup directions and answer questions. The guides he chose for us for city tours and a boat excursion were knowledgeable and friendly. We had an amazing trip, largely due to Robert's hard work, familiarity with his country and care.

Hotel Review

Grand Villa Argentina

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Hotel facilities (room, pool, view, balacony) were beautiful. Location was wonderful. Special care from staff at all times.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Went out of way to provide assistance.
Location

Near enough old city, but quiet. Breathtaking views.
Activity Review

Dubrovnik Old Town and the City Walls

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Guide clearly loved city. She knew the city's history inside and out. Her english was impeccable. Very warm and friendly

Quality of Experience

Prasad

A brilliant first time in Morocco · Morocco - Jun 20 - Jun 24, 2022

Traveler: Prasad P. - Local specialist: Mohamed El Asely

Let me just start off by saying that this was arguably the most fuss-free, curated tour arrangement I've ever made. The platform was brilliant, and the team was so warm and professional.

Karim who was our driver (and unofficial guide) during car rides was beyond fantastic. He himself has such an inspiring life story, speaks perfect English and coming from a nomadic Berber family himself has wonderful insight into the country.

I had a couple of experiences planned and they were done with... read more

Let me just start off by saying that this was arguably the most fuss-free, curated tour arrangement I've ever made. The platform was brilliant, and the team was so warm and professional.

Karim who was our driver (and unofficial guide) during car rides was beyond fantastic. He himself has such an inspiring life story, speaks perfect English and coming from a nomadic Berber family himself has wonderful insight into the country.

I had a couple of experiences planned and they were done with quality partners. Our guide for exploring Marrakesh, Hanan, was excellent as well.

At no point on the entirely trip were we brought to any tourist traps or made to feel like we had to buy something.

It was my first time in Morocco and I'll certainly be back and arranging something with these guys.

Karim - see you in the real desert soon!

Hotel Reviews

La Maison Arabe Hotel

Marrakech

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Inara Desert Camp

Marrakech

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa MGallery

Essaouira

Overall Rating
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Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Review

See goats on trees and visit Argan women cooperative

Morocco

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

I

The Best of Norway · Norway - Jun 11 - Jun 25, 2022

Traveler: Kenneth G. - Local specialist: Tom Christer Larsen

We are back home in Maine with our two cats, the gardens are in late Spring bloom and we have many, many photos to be edited and posted.

We sincerely thank Tom Christer and the KimKim team for their guidance throughout the trip, from framing our itinerary to our final days in Oslo. Tom was not only a guide but a friend in times of uncertainty when we tested positive.

Times and technology have altered the nature of travel on many levels and a new set of challenges often await at every... read more

We are back home in Maine with our two cats, the gardens are in late Spring bloom and we have many, many photos to be edited and posted.

We sincerely thank Tom Christer and the KimKim team for their guidance throughout the trip, from framing our itinerary to our final days in Oslo. Tom was not only a guide but a friend in times of uncertainty when we tested positive.

Times and technology have altered the nature of travel on many levels and a new set of challenges often await at every turn, not the least a global pandemic.

Tom and KimKim offered not only a link to some of the best things to do, places to visit stay but also connected us to excellent guides, Stig in Oslo and Fartein in Bergen, who both added so much to our understanding and appreciation of each city.

Our personal tour up the Esefjjorden with Capt. Thor remains a highlight of our trip.

The hotels were exceptional. No one serves a better breakfast buffet that the Hotel Bristol, they set the standard.

On our next trip KimKim will be our first consideration and we will highly recommend KimKim to anyone looking to travel.

We personally and sincerely thank Tom Christer and the KimKim team for a great journey and travel
experience and wish you all continued success.

Kenny and Sally Gilbride

Hotel Reviews

Bristol Hotel Oslo

Oslo

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Their morning buffer sets the standard, there is no better, the rooms have everything you expect, the location is prime, the attached Bristol bar is perfect for a nightcap.

Tips for future travelers

No

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Thon Hotel Maritim

Stavanger

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

An excellent location, the room we had was on the street, literally, not a place we would like to hang around.

Tips for future travelers

n0

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Grand Hotel Terminus

Bergen

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

This is an authentic hotel from the 1930's. We expected to see Nick and Nora Charles walking down the stairs with their dog Astor, it a film noir set. The room felt old except the bathroom which was updated nicely. Nice small bar to hang out and absorb the nostalgia.

Tips for future travelers

No

Cleanliness & Comfort

perhaps new carpeting and a little color in the rooms
Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

easy access to transportation and restaurants and the center of town

Dragsvik Fjordhotel

Balestrand

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

We had a separate cabin/cottage which has an amazing view through large windows, it felt brand new, very comfortable. The diners were excellent but probably the most expensive of the trip.

Tips for future travelers

We did not know the location was as remote as it was and would have been nice to have a car if we were staying longer

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Our cabin
Authenticity & Character

Location

Kehinde

Highly Recommend · Colombia - Jun 13 - Jun 18, 2022

Traveler: Kehinde D. - Local specialist: Andrea Morita

I was skeptical at first, having never heard of KimKim before but Andrea was very reassuring and responsive to all my questions throughout the planning. Oscar was a phenomenal guide! He is so knowledgeable, interesting, and not boring at all! We had an awesome time. The activities were also really great. Colombia is such a beautiful country and the food is magnificent! We also had an awesome and relaxing time at Punta Faro, everyone was so attentive and accommodating. I was especially glad we... read more

I was skeptical at first, having never heard of KimKim before but Andrea was very reassuring and responsive to all my questions throughout the planning. Oscar was a phenomenal guide! He is so knowledgeable, interesting, and not boring at all! We had an awesome time. The activities were also really great. Colombia is such a beautiful country and the food is magnificent! We also had an awesome and relaxing time at Punta Faro, everyone was so attentive and accommodating. I was especially glad we didn't have to worry about food there. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Will definitely be back!

Hotel Reviews

Sofitel Santa Clara

Cartagena

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Excellent service. Beautiful accommodation. Awesome staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything.
Staff

Everyone was super nice and accommodating.
Authenticity & Character

Loved they kept the original structure. Made you feel like you were part of history.
Location

Close to pretty much everything.

Hotel Punta Faro

Isla Mucura

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

The perfect relaxation spot. Awesome food. Amazing staff. Excellent service.

Tips for future travelers

Brush up on your Spanish - although, Google Translate saved me.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything.
Staff

Amazing people. Made some great friends.
Authenticity & Character

Felt like an islander.
Location

The isolation. It was perfect for quiet relaxation.
Activity Reviews

Afternoon-Night Walking Tour

Cartagena

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Oscar is such an excellent guide! He was intentional about changing misconceptions about Colombia but was also very honest about some of its brutal past. I learned a lot and enjoyed touring the City.

Transport

We walked. It was perfect.
Guides, drivers and staff

Oscar was amazing.
Quality of Experience

The beautiful city.

Discover the Magical City of Cartagena & Getsemaní

Cartagena

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Getsemani was a dream! I mean the murals, the colors, the art! So beautiful!

Transport

Very comfortable.
Guides, drivers and staff

Oscar was amazing.
Quality of Experience

The art everywhere.

Drum Safari - Sounds of Cartagena

Cartagena

Overall Rating
Activity Review

We had the absolute best time!!!!!! We drummed, we sang, we danced! Whoo! What an experience!

Food

PHENOMENAL.
Transport

Comfortable.
Guides, drivers and staff

Oscar was amazing.
Quality of Experience

The school.
Andrea Morita profile photo
Andrea Morita, local specialist, responded to this review:

Dear Kehinde,
Thank you so much for your lovely and kind feedback. Your words, feelings, and generous comments are the ones that make us love our job and work for our country and people.
I let Óscar, the drum school, and the hotels your experience. They all say hi and are very happy to hear your thoughts. Thank you, thank you so much for your time letting us know your feelings after visiting our country.
Please, we would love to welcome you back to Colombia, it will be an honor to have both of you here again.
Colombia waits for both of you with open arms,
Andrea

Lawrence

Norway grand tour · Norway - Jun 16 - Jun 23, 2022

Traveler: Lawrence G. - Local specialist: Sonia Correia

Our trip was indeed AMAZING and we got what we wanted from it. We had a wide experience of the main highlights that Norway has to offer.......including the calm of Oslo, the history of Bergen, and why or what is Trondheim. We had a "great railway trip" from Oslo to the Flam, met up with over peopled Cruise Ships (not for us), cruised the coast and the fjords through rain and sun, fell in awe at Geiranger fjord, and got very wet on the Atlantic Highway.
The wide selection of hotels KimKim... read more

Our trip was indeed AMAZING and we got what we wanted from it. We had a wide experience of the main highlights that Norway has to offer.......including the calm of Oslo, the history of Bergen, and why or what is Trondheim. We had a "great railway trip" from Oslo to the Flam, met up with over peopled Cruise Ships (not for us), cruised the coast and the fjords through rain and sun, fell in awe at Geiranger fjord, and got very wet on the Atlantic Highway.
The wide selection of hotels KimKim booked us into were all fascinating and we enjoyed the quality and of course the breakfasts at each one.
We found our way around quite well and most of the arrangements clicked into place easily.......however there were some inevitable hiccups that always occur on these trips: 1. Anyone going to Bergen via the Flam must be on the 6.25am train (KimKim nearly had us on a later train that wouldn't have worked) (TIP ALWAYS CHECK EVERYTHING THAT KIMKIM ARRANGE) 2. The Hurtigertun boat is not a cruise ship and we found it overcrowded and uncomfortable particularly given KimKim couldnt get us beds/cabins (We feel strongly that KimKim should have shared the email they received from the shipping co on 3rd May: if we had seen it we would probably have changed the itinery (TIP TO KIMKIM IF THERE IS A PROBLEM THEN SHARE IT WITH THE CUSTOMER : THE EARLIER THEY KNOW ABOUT IT THE BETTER).

Hotel Review

Hotel Union Geiranger Bad & Spa

Geiranger

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Perfect at the end of a long ferry ride/day. The view from our bedroom was one of the best we have ever had.

Tips for future travelers

If you arrive via ship then call ahead for a taxi. The hotel is at the top of a hill (hence the views) but it wont send a car down the hill to collect you. Its a steep climb up a dangerous road, and will not be for everyone.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Molly

Amazing Experience with KimKim · Italy - Jun 15 - Jun 25, 2022

Traveler: Molly S. - Local specialist: Valeria Arcangeli

I can't state enough how happy I was with my KimKim experience. From start to finish, I was thrilled with our interaction and experience with KimKim. Vale, our trip planner, was thorough, friendly and extremely responsive. Lucia, our contact while in Italy, was amazing and always available whenever we needed her. All of our private transfers and coordinators (Lucia, Deborah and Daniela) were on time and knowledgeable, our tour guides were amazing and friendly (Gianluca, Deborah), and the... read more

I can't state enough how happy I was with my KimKim experience. From start to finish, I was thrilled with our interaction and experience with KimKim. Vale, our trip planner, was thorough, friendly and extremely responsive. Lucia, our contact while in Italy, was amazing and always available whenever we needed her. All of our private transfers and coordinators (Lucia, Deborah and Daniela) were on time and knowledgeable, our tour guides were amazing and friendly (Gianluca, Deborah), and the entire experience was made seamless because of the trip that was planned for us. Traveling is amazing but it can also be stressful, and KimKim took all of the stress away. Thank you KimKim (ans especially Vale) for a truly perfect trip.

Activity Reviews

Wanna be Italiano - Florence cooking class and market tour

Italy

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Loved this experience. Our trip to the local market and the things we cooked were awesome!

Food

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Day visit to Siena and San Gimignano

Italy

Overall Rating
Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Guide was knowledgeable and friendly and we loved our driver!
Quality of Experience

Private golf cart tour

Rome

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Gianluca was the best guide we had. Funny, friendly and showed us things that were off the beaten path, which is exactly what we wanted.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private Full day Tour Amalfi coast

Italy

Overall Rating
Activity Review

loved our driver and the experience

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Free Day in Rome

Rome

Overall Rating
Activity Review

we were given great recos for our free day in Rome!

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Valeria Arcangeli profile photo
Valeria Arcangeli, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi Molly,
thanks for your kind review.
Has been a pleasure being your trip planner and I am glad you could spend your birthday as you wished and dreamed.
I hope I can organize, many more vacations here in ITALY,
ciao vale.

Howard

A Fabulous 13 day trip to Norway · Norway - Jun 14 - Jun 26, 2022

Traveler: Howard B. - Local specialist: Linda Veråsdal

We had great guides. Stig was incredible in Oslo. Torstein was great in Aurland. John was superb in Bergen and went out of his way to help. Linda was the best - responsive, courteous, helpful - even got us refund from hotel due to difficulty leaving US. Linda was creative in planning the trip and with me all the time, thru kimkim, very fast responses. Our 13 days in Norway was everything we could have imagined. Even the weather cooperated!!

Croatia ..great experiences, masterfully organized. · Croatia - Jun 8 - Jun 19, 2022

Traveler: Anne P. - Local specialist: Sarah Cosic

each individual who assisted us in our tour of Croatia was great...in Dubrovnik, we were assisted and guided by Ana, who showed us the old city from a local's perspective...our drivers, Josef, Ivo, Mario...all intelligent and helpful...Our boat captain Mario (Fish and Fun) showed us a great time and cooked for us on his boat. Our hiking guide ..not positive of the spelling of his name..Tivo...maybe?...just terrific...all the hotels that were booked for us were beautiful and suited our needs... read more

each individual who assisted us in our tour of Croatia was great...in Dubrovnik, we were assisted and guided by Ana, who showed us the old city from a local's perspective...our drivers, Josef, Ivo, Mario...all intelligent and helpful...Our boat captain Mario (Fish and Fun) showed us a great time and cooked for us on his boat. Our hiking guide ..not positive of the spelling of his name..Tivo...maybe?...just terrific...all the hotels that were booked for us were beautiful and suited our needs perfectly. At the Hotel Lero, we got a chance to hear some musicians playing who we got acquainted with...very memorable and enjoyable.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Lero

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Top notch

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Korsal

Korčula

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Beautiful..great location overlooking the water....

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Heritage Hotel Dea

Hvar

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

the only aspect that would make it tough on some travelers is that there are a few steps in and out to get to the hotel...otherwise, it was great...nothing bad to say. Great service.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Heritage Hotel Fermai

Split

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

architecturally fascinating....beautiful...very well run. front desk folks were delightful

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Privately guided walking tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Ana gave us the "insider's" tour....just spectacular.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Boating Excursion Around Korčula's Archipelago

Korčula Island

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Mario was fun, interesting, and a great cook....took us to some spots to swim, and to our pleasant surprise, had a grill off the back of the boat where he prepared a fresh fish lunch for us...

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Hiking Through the Lost Villages of Hvar + an Authentic Croatian Peka Meal

Hvar

Overall Rating
Activity Review

our guide was an energetic outdoorsman with boundless energy and terrific knowledge of the area and its history, plants, herbs, ..we met a woman who gave us information of the use of these herbs and plants in making of essential oils and natural remedies. The peka lunch was a real treat too.

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Krka National Park + Lunch

Split

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Our driver Ivo was particularly interesting, incredibly educated and experienced and well traveled. He dropped us at the park, where we enjoyed a walk through the waterfalls and great views. He picked us up promptly and took us to a fabulous restaurant for lunch.

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Peljesac Wine Tasting Excursion + Ston

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Our driver Mario was very professional and charming, giving lots of interesting comments during our drive . The winery was a real treat, where we tasted several varietals, olive oil and cheese. The owner had lots of valuable experience and knowledge, We brought some wine and olive oil back with us from there.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Amazing family trip to Greece · Greece - Jun 12 - Jun 26, 2022

Traveler: Ranga R. - Local specialist: Eleni Koropouli

We are a family of 4 and just completed a phenomenal trip to Greece. Eleni was our local specialist and she was awesome. The trip was a great mix of historical sites, beach/water activities, food, wine, culture and people. All trips, transfers and activities were perfectly arranged and we just needed to show up with a smile. I'd recommend a trip to Greece arranged by Eleni for everyone - we visited Athens and 3 islands and the logistics can be complicated without a local expert.

Jordan & Turkey · Jordan - Jun 12 - Jun 20, 2022

Traveler: Huyen C. - Local specialist: Samir Bishara

We had a great guide in Jordan. He was a true historian. Our driver was also super nice- The car was a bit tight but did not dampen our enthusiasm. We also had excellent guides in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
In retrospect our itinary was quite packed and our children were a bit tired of moving almost everyday.
Thank you for an unforgettable trip. read more

We had a great guide in Jordan. He was a true historian. Our driver was also super nice- The car was a bit tight but did not dampen our enthusiasm. We also had excellent guides in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
In retrospect our itinary was quite packed and our children were a bit tired of moving almost everyday.
Thank you for an unforgettable trip.

Hotel Reviews

Sultania Hotel Istanbul

Sirkeci, Istanbul

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Very attentive staff. We live breakfast- the best in our entire trip. We also love the boutique feel

Tips for future travelers

Can walk easily to pier to catch ferry

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Gamirasu Cave Hotel

Ayvalı/Ürgüp/Nevşehir

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Unique setting- such wonderful surprise! We had the biggest room and wish we had more time to enjoy

Tips for future travelers

Have to eat dinner at hotel since it’s far away from town

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Sulaf Hotel Suites

Amman

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Our room had intense smoking/cigarette smell despite it being a nonsmoking room. At 6am- someone walked into our room and quickly excused himself and left. We brought the issue to the front desk who did not take it seriously. Breakfast was terrible

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Petra Moon Hotel

Wadi Musa

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great location. Very attentive staff. Close to restaurants and Petra

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Mazayen Rum Camp

Al Dissi

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Amazing experience. Dinner was fantastic

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Holiday Inn Dead Sea Resort

Sweimah

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Hotel was very busy and service was so so. We had to go down to reception 3 times because we keep waiting for notification that it was ready to move in but the front desk never called. Then they forgot to install an additional bed despite acknowledging twice. Food was indifferent Appreciate the private beach

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

ISTANBUL Full Day City Tour

Istanbul

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Perfect full day tour

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

CAPPADOCIA Tour

Cappadocia

Overall Rating
Activity Review

It was very fun and informative. We wish we knew some of the tour included a sale- heavy portion where the presentation was followed by a heavy , pressured sale pitch

Transport

Courteous. Ontime
Guides, drivers and staff

Our guide bd a lot of energy and was very personable
Quality of Experience

Samir Bishara profile photo
Samir Bishara, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi Huyen
great to know that i participated to give you a nice trip. thank you so much for yoru kind words.
looking forward to see you and your friends in Our Region.
Be well
samir

Laurie

We had the most wonderful trip to Croatia and... · Croatia - Jun 9 - Jun 19, 2022

Traveler: Laurie B. - Local specialist: Nikola Vojvodić

We had the most wonderful trip to Croatia and that’s because we used Kimkim and our amazing trip designer Nikola. This was a no stress, safe, and fun vacation and would highly recommend the Croatian expertise we were fortunate to leverage with this company. Thank you for an amazing trip! read more

We had the most wonderful trip to Croatia and that’s because we used Kimkim and our amazing trip designer Nikola. This was a no stress, safe, and fun vacation and would highly recommend the Croatian expertise we were fortunate to leverage with this company. Thank you for an amazing trip!

Hotel Reviews

Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia

Split

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Heraclea Luxury Heritage Accommodation

Hvar

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Villa Malo More

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Croatia Cavtat

Cavtat

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Fantastic Experience! · Italy - Jun 6 - Jun 21, 2022

Traveler: Dale V. - Local specialist: Andrijana Kovacevic

We had such a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for your help. The trip you designed for us checked all of our boxes. Additionally, the service you provided was excellent. When there was an issue (i.e., train delay), you informed us immediately and made sure all impacted plans were rescheduled. You were easily accessible whenever we had questions.

All of our guides and drivers were very kind and helpful. We did have one driver (the one that received us in Rome the first time) that was not... read more

We had such a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for your help. The trip you designed for us checked all of our boxes. Additionally, the service you provided was excellent. When there was an issue (i.e., train delay), you informed us immediately and made sure all impacted plans were rescheduled. You were easily accessible whenever we had questions.

All of our guides and drivers were very kind and helpful. We did have one driver (the one that received us in Rome the first time) that was not very nice. The train was delayed and he seemed upset. He's the only driver that did not offer to help us with our bags. Additionally, he dropped us off at the wrong hotel (thankfully, the correct hotel was only a few doors down the street). Other than that, everything and everyone was excellent.

Thank you very much for a memorable experience. We look forward to planning another trip with you soon.

Hotel Reviews

Grand Hotel Cavour Florence

Florence

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Very nice and modern hotel. Great location.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Giorgione

Venice

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Very nice hotel in a great location. Very kind staff and nice rooms.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very central to everywhere we wanted to go

Hotel Modigliani

Roma

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great location, but not the best hotel. Breakfast was not very good. The flight of stairs at the entrance made it difficult to transport our bags.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Residence

Amalfi

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great location with beautiful views. Loved having a balcony. Breakfast was great and staff was very friendly.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Caruso Place Hotel

Naples

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Very nice location. The staff said we were in a "bad neighborhood" but we did not experience anything bad. Staff was extremely helpful and the room was extremely nice. Getting into the hotel was challenging at first but, once inside, we just used the back door when we came and went.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Aenea Superior Inn

Rome

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Nice hotel, but seemed more like a hostel. We did have a terrace which was nice. There was a lot of stairs and the available elevator was extremely small.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Tuscany by Vespa

Florence

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Great experience. For someone who has never ridden a Vespa, the instructors were very helpful and kind. Went to a very nice winery afterwards for food and wine.

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private Gondola Ride

Venice

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Very fun! Driver was very friendly and the experience was everything we'd hoped for.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Florence Food Tour & Dinner

Florence

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Great food with a very friendly guide!

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private Colosseum & Roman Forum Tour

Rome

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Fantastic experience! Loved having the private guide who was very knowledgeable and friendly. Afterwards, she even gave us recommendations of where to eat.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Trastevere Afternoon Aperitivo & Food Tour

Rome

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Our favorite food tour! Very friendly guide with amazing food and wine. We conveniently finished the night at a gelato place right next to a taxi line, which was very nice.

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private Vatican Guided Tour

Rome

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Was nice having a private tour. Our guide was nice.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Sunset Amalfi Coast Boat Tour

Amalfi Coast

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Wonderful way to see the Amalfi Coast. Our train into Amalfi was late which caused us to be about an hour late for this ride. However, the driver was extremely nice and waited. He took us to some amazing places. Very romantic!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private Amalfi Coast Driving Tour

Sorrento

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Nice tour, but a lot of driving. Wish we had the chance to get out more. When we DID get out, the driver gave us plenty of time to explore.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private Transfer with Self-Guided Pompeii & Mt. Vesuvius Hike

Italy

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Vesuvius hike was very cool. Very windy at the time and the hike was very steep, but it was nice and the views were incredible. Pompeii was incredible. We do wish we had a guide for Pompeii to tell us more about it (we just walked around ourselves) Driver was incredibly kind!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Naples Street Food Tour

Naples

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Guide was very nice and provided great information about the city and its history. Food was good.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Robbie and Bruno were amazing guides! Robbie... · Croatia - Jun 7 - Jun 16, 2022

Traveler: Robert B. - Local specialist: Robert Pinčević

Robbie and Bruno were amazing guides! Robbie organized the entire trip and he did a great job. We loved how Robbie personalized the entire tour. Two highlights of the trip were when Robbie organized a meal to eat the traditional dish peka at a Croatian couples home!! We had a wonderful meal and were able to see their gardens, how they made the food and wine. We also got an entire explanation of how the husband of the household is a marksman and saw his collections of stuffed animals. We... read more

Robbie and Bruno were amazing guides! Robbie organized the entire trip and he did a great job. We loved how Robbie personalized the entire tour. Two highlights of the trip were when Robbie organized a meal to eat the traditional dish peka at a Croatian couples home!! We had a wonderful meal and were able to see their gardens, how they made the food and wine. We also got an entire explanation of how the husband of the household is a marksman and saw his collections of stuffed animals. We also loved going into Dubrovnik via boat and being able to visit several small islands. Robbie was so easy to work with. He made the trip completely seamless. Robbie organized another tour guide, Bruno to work with us the first part of the trip. Bruno also was very good.

Hotel Reviews

Villa Radić

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

We loved the personal experience of this hotel! We ate at the owner's restaurant every night. Only one thing they could work on is that the towels need softening agents. Also would have liked a few more towels in the room.

Tips for future travelers

Maybe

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great air conditioning and newly renovated.
Staff

All the family members were easily available
Authenticity & Character

Location

Right in the middle of town.

Hotel Degenija

Rakovica

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Clean. Nice staff. Excellent location. Blum Cafe food amazing!!

Tips for future travelers

Definitely eat in the Plum Cafe////11

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Dubrovnik

Zagreb

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great breakfast meal!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Good location just a bit loud at night from outside bar

Hotel Pasike

Trogir

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Very warm staff. Cute hotel in good location. Excellent food!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Grand Villa Argentina

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Beautiful views, stunning and great location. Rooms a bit dated but nice anyhow. Most excellent breakfast of the entire trip!!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Skradinski buk

Skradin

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Understated hotel but lovely local option. Staff very nice and accomodating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Explore Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Loved how Bruno our tour guide understood timing of when we should go into the park!! We avoided the crowds so it really felt like a personal experience.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Bruno was easy to be with and quite humorous
Quality of Experience

It was great to be alone with our tour guide and family for much of the experience and not with big crowds!!

Zagreb - Arrival Day & Sightseeing

Zagreb

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Loved the walking tour with Bruno. He took us to the museum of Broken Relationships. Very patient with us and totally flexible!!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Visit to Zadar and Skradin overnight

Plitvice Lakes

Overall Rating
Activity Review

This was a laid back day since it rained. Bruno let us explore the city on our own.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Krka National Park -Trogir

Skradin

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Didn't love this park as much as the Plitvice Park. It was a bit more touristy.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Explore Split ,Ston & Pelješac penisula

Trogir

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Loved walking the walls on our own!! Wonderful way to really understand how local people live in Ston!! Robbie did a great job in touring us around and explaining the history of the area. Would have been nice to have more time to explore Split, but it is a more touristy area.

Transport

Robbie has a wonderful van we were in the entire time!
Guides, drivers and staff

Robbie is completely an exceptional tour guide. He knows exactly when to join us and give us our own space as a famiy!!
Quality of Experience

Explore Pelješac penisula - multiactivity

Croatia

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Loved the biking and paddle board experience. Robbie took our time with everything and was very patient with us if we wanted to change our plan!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Cycling Mljet island and National Park

Croatia

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Robbie dropped us off with his bikes which were in excellent condition!! He arranged for a wonderful meal for us with a local family.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Dubrovnik and Elaphiti islands - Lopud and Koločep private boat trip

Croatia

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Robbie absolutely did a tremendous job in touring us around on a boat, had water snacks and clean towels for us!! He brought us to many caves and islands. This such a highlight of our trip!!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

AMAZIMG!!

Dubrovnik Old Town and the City Walls

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Robbie set up a tour with a local guide he gave us an amazing walking tour. She also took us into the old synagogue and had a plethera of knowledge of Dubrovnik.

Transport

N/A
Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Goodbye Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Travel to Paris, Bordeaux and Cassis in June, 2022 · France - May 30 - Jun 10, 2022

Traveler: Mark M. - Local specialist: Joël Massé

Joel did a great job helping us plan our trip to France in early June. We were a little late getting started and had a number of changes and complications on our end (adding my son and his friend to the trip mid-way through) and Joel was very helpful and patient with us. We hade great experiences in Paris, Bordeaux and Cassis. Joel arranged great guides and experiences and arranged the travel in a manner that worked perfectly. He seemed to think of everything and made the trip stress... read more

Joel did a great job helping us plan our trip to France in early June. We were a little late getting started and had a number of changes and complications on our end (adding my son and his friend to the trip mid-way through) and Joel was very helpful and patient with us. We hade great experiences in Paris, Bordeaux and Cassis. Joel arranged great guides and experiences and arranged the travel in a manner that worked perfectly. He seemed to think of everything and made the trip stress free and wonderful!
Thanks to Kim Kim and especially to Joel!
Mark and Debi

Hotel Reviews

Best Western Aramis Saint Germain

Paris

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great location! Very helpful people at the front desk! Comfortable and they provide a very nice breakfast. Just steps away from the Metro stop and an easy walk to the Luxembourg Gardens (and just a little further to the river and Notre Dame.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Met or exceeded our expectations
Staff

The people working at the hotel seemed very happy to be helpful.
Authenticity & Character

We had a small balcony where we could sit and watch people coming and going to work and school. Charming!
Location

Easy access to the Metro, and within walking distance of a lot of downtown Paris.

Hôtel Majestic

Bordeaux

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great location, very nice rooms and a great breakfast. You really felt you were somewhere else while you were staying there (it was much more authentic that being at a standard chain-hotel). The room was very comfortable and just a short walk from the main square area of the town.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Met or exceeded our expectations
Staff

Everyone was so friendly and helpful.
Authenticity & Character

Its not a chain-style place. The rooms have character and our was very large!
Location

Its just around the corner from the Opera House square - easy walk to the main parts of the town and the riverfront and the metro line.

Une Terrasse sur la Mer

Cassis

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Fantastic view! This is a private apartment, not a hotel, but the main room has fantastic views of the bay.

Tips for future travelers

It is located on a hillside above the town - which results in fantastic views but also some significant stairs/hillside walks.

Location

The views of the bay.
Activity Reviews

Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Our guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable, and seemed very interested in sharing what she knew about the locations we visited.

Guides, drivers and staff

Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
Quality of Experience

We saw a number of things we would otherwise have missed, and learned a lot!

Skip the line visit of the Louvre with audioguide (tickets only)

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Obviously any trip to the Louvre is fantastic, but calling this a "skip the line" visit is a bit of an overstatement. Even with these tickets there was a significant line, but it was much better that if we just tried to get tickets that day. We found the audio guide to be cumbersome at first, but that may just be our inexperience with this type of technology.

Paris Macaron Baking Class

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Just a fantastic experience! Fun, and instructive, and the other participants were all so friendly!

Guides, drivers and staff

Very friendly and also very informative!
Quality of Experience

A nice break from the usual activities of a Paris vacation.

Landmarks of Bordeaux

Bordeaux

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Very pleasant and informative. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. In just a few hours we learned so much about the city and its history! It really improved our whole stay in Bordeaux!

Quality of Experience

Our guide so knowledgeable and nice, and provided so much information on the city and its history.

Saint-Emilion Afternoon Wine Tour

France

Overall Rating
Activity Review

A wonderful tour of the Sant Emilion city and the surrounding vineyards and very nice stops at two Chateaus/wineries! Travel in a comfortable van with a very friendly and knowledgeable guide.

A kayak trip in the Calanques (inlets)

France

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Beautify location! The experience of paddling into the calanques and taking a little swim in one of them was great!

Incredible Greece! · Greece - Jun 18 - Jun 25, 2022

Traveler: Lauren B. - Local specialist: Yvonni Xenofontos

First of all Yvonne, with Curated Greece in Athens, was outstanding. Kim Kim put us in touch with her 2 1/2 years ago when we first planned our trip. Then Covid happened and everything stopped. Yvonne stayed with us through the delay and helped us prepare an amazing tour of Athens, Crete and Santorini, about a week total. She arranged all of the transfers, tours, hotels and flights/ferries while abroad. The last morning in Santorini there was a knock on our door and our luggage removed and... read more

First of all Yvonne, with Curated Greece in Athens, was outstanding. Kim Kim put us in touch with her 2 1/2 years ago when we first planned our trip. Then Covid happened and everything stopped. Yvonne stayed with us through the delay and helped us prepare an amazing tour of Athens, Crete and Santorini, about a week total. She arranged all of the transfers, tours, hotels and flights/ferries while abroad. The last morning in Santorini there was a knock on our door and our luggage removed and boarding passes handed to me. Took all the worry away... We visited the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon, and Knossos Palace. Had a wonderful walking food tour in Athens as well as an outstanding authentic Cretan cooking lesson at a farm in the hills. Wine tasting in Santorini delicious, and our last maybe best day was spent on a sunset fishing trip where we ate the fish we caught right on board. Best vacation ever!

The really good. and not so good. · Iceland - Jun 11 - Jun 25, 2022

Traveler: Mark K. - Local specialist: ANDRÉS ÚLFUR HELGUSON

Everything was good. Recommended place were very good.

The best: Waterfalls, Whale watching in Husavik, the canyons, Iceberg Lagoon, Jeep tour (terrific.) Also -- the Blue Lagoon. Touristy? Yes. But fun and worth seeing. Good experiene. Good way to start the trip. And.... Rejkavic restaurants..... Pricy, but very good. Skal, in partcular. Very good.

The not so good: Geysir: Touristy and boring. Skip it. IcelandAir hotel by Rejkavik marina. Noisy and not so good.... read more

Everything was good. Recommended place were very good.

The best: Waterfalls, Whale watching in Husavik, the canyons, Iceberg Lagoon, Jeep tour (terrific.) Also -- the Blue Lagoon. Touristy? Yes. But fun and worth seeing. Good experiene. Good way to start the trip. And.... Rejkavic restaurants..... Pricy, but very good. Skal, in partcular. Very good.

The not so good: Geysir: Touristy and boring. Skip it. IcelandAir hotel by Rejkavik marina. Noisy and not so good.

Service from Andres Ulfur: 5-star. Super. Responsive. Always available.

Overall: Very good. Expensive. But, if you can afford it, worth it.

Andres Ulfur service.

Hotel Reviews

Alda Hotel Reykjavík

Reykjavík

Overall Rating
Tips for future travelers

Don't go there if you have a car! Otherwise, hotel is good.

Cleanliness & Comfort

"Happy hour." Overpriced crap. Poor service. So bad that hotel management should do something about it.
Staff

Hotel staff great. "Happy hour" staff terrible. Didn't know drinks. Came across as stupid and non-caring. Hostile, which was so unlike the normally friendly and helpful Icelander. The "hostess" should instead clean rooms. Job as a maid may be too difficult for such a person, but it may be only job she's qualified for.
Authenticity & Character

Hotel staff friendly, talkative, and helpful.
Location

Hotel is good. Location great. Could improve or make available PARKING. Many guests have cars!!

Fosshótel Mývatn

Myvatn

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Fosshotel Nupar

Kálfafell

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Non-caring staff.
Authenticity & Character

Location

Hótel Lækur

Hella

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Small, funky hotel with great staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

small rooms. But breakfast space good.
Staff

Staff talkative and friendly. Accomodating.
Authenticity & Character

Location

Breakfast and overall service.

Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Reykjavík

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Noisy, no parking. TV didn't work! Staff no help.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Blow it up and start again.
Staff

No TV!!
Authenticity & Character

Location

The bar.
Activity Review

Fjallabak Nature Reserve- Superjeep tour in the highlands

Iceland

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Jeep driver and guide.

Food

Transport

$-wheel drive vehicle with 48 inch wheels. Necessary for the places we went.
Guides, drivers and staff

The driver was great. "Tate" Ulfarsson. Friendly, knowledgeable, and brought us to unusual and awesome places. Only a Jeep could get there. Snow, waterfalls, hot springs. etc. Great day. Picked us up and dropped us off at hotel. From 9:30 to 4.. One of the highlights of the whole trip.
Quality of Experience

Wonderful experience. Chris did a great job p... · Greece - Jun 15 - Jun 24, 2022

Traveler: Rachel A. - Local specialist: Chris Leontopoulos

Wonderful experience. Chris did a great job planning a trip for our family to Crete and understood the types of trips we like and lodging we like. Lina who gave us a tour of Knossos was excellent The hospitality at our lodgings in Archanes and Milia was superb. This is my first time using a travel agent. I usually plan all of our trips but due to my busy work schedule I used an agent for the first time which turned out to be a good thing. My husband had an injury hiking and this required a... read more

Wonderful experience. Chris did a great job planning a trip for our family to Crete and understood the types of trips we like and lodging we like. Lina who gave us a tour of Knossos was excellent The hospitality at our lodgings in Archanes and Milia was superb. This is my first time using a travel agent. I usually plan all of our trips but due to my busy work schedule I used an agent for the first time which turned out to be a good thing. My husband had an injury hiking and this required a last minute change to travel plans (we rented a car with stick and my husband is only the only person who drives stick but was unable to after his injury). Irene from the travel agency promptly helped come up with a solution. I would have spent hours on the phone trying to make changes with a language barrier but fortunately she was able to make adjustments for me with a few texts exchanged between us. It was worth the use of travel agency.

Hotel Review

Milia Mountain Retreat

Kissamos

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Beautiful remote location. Fantastic food. The staff is beyond great.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

In a word.....PERFECT · Spain - Jun 19 - Jun 25, 2022

Traveler: Matt C. - Local specialist: Patricia Marques

Patricia put together an amazing trip! Everything was literally perfect. Every hotel was amazing, every guide was polite, knowledgeable, and punctual, and every excursion was an awesome experience.

I cannot give a stronger recommendation for her services.

What a trip!

Portugal was sensational and Beatriz was an amazing specialist! · Portugal - Jun 17 - Jun 24, 2022

Traveler: eric b. - Local specialist: Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

Beatriz was SENSATIONAL planning every part of the trip and no request was too difficult for her to accommodate...and she always did it with a smile. She stayed in touch with us via text throughout the trip and was able to make some helpful suggestions. She was always responsive to our questions and concerns. Most importantly, the tours she arranged were memorable and the team she established made the trip memorable. For example, the Fada experience in Lisbon was awesome and the restaurant... read more

Beatriz was SENSATIONAL planning every part of the trip and no request was too difficult for her to accommodate...and she always did it with a smile. She stayed in touch with us via text throughout the trip and was able to make some helpful suggestions. She was always responsive to our questions and concerns. Most importantly, the tours she arranged were memorable and the team she established made the trip memorable. For example, the Fada experience in Lisbon was awesome and the restaurant gave us front row seats. The Lisbon walking tour with Maria was perfect-she was fully prepared, arrived on time and provided a fascinating history of the Jewish Portuguese experience that we had requested. Likewise, our guide Paula led us on a Portuguese food tasting tour that was so much fun with a few other couples. All the hotels Beatriz suggested were great, particularly the Penha Longa Ritz Carlton where we enjoyed a fabulous round of golf-and all the arrangements tee times, for clubs and cart were perfect. At the beautiful Yeatman Hotel, overlooking the Douro in Porto, we experienced first class treatment along with a tasting experience that was "beyond beyond. " We ran into some rain in Douro but our guide brought us inside to the winery where we had a wonderful learning (and drinking!) experience. Finally, Porto was both beautiful and charming and our guide Daniel was charming and knowledgeable about history and in particular, the history of the Jewish people in Porto. All in all, a fabulous and memorable experience and Bea was with us every step of the way. Obrigado! Eric and Susan

Hotel Reviews

Penha Longa Resort

Sintra

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Fabulous staff, beautiful rooms and gorgeous golf course.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel

Lisbon

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

MW Douro Wine & Spa by TRIUS Hotels

Santa Marta de Penaguiao

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

The Yeatman Hotel

Vila Nova de Gaia

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Evening of Fado

Lisbon

Overall Rating
Food

Food and wine!
Transport

Transport was fine. Our driver to pick up at the airport in Lisbon was a half hour late as was the driver who picked us up in Lisbon to go to Sintra.
Guides, drivers and staff

Our guides Maria, Paula, Daniel were outstanding. Rai was good but we had bad weather in Douro, no fault of his
Quality of Experience

Get to know Lisbon with a Local

Lisbon

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Lisbon Culinary Experience

Lisbon

Overall Rating
Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Lisbon

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Tour of the palace with a guide who is knowledgeable of the palace. our guide dropped us off at the park and we got somewhat lost on our way to the palace and. had no guide for the palace itself.
Quality of Experience

Arrival on time to our hotel in Lisbon to go to Sintra. Driver was a half hour late.

Transfer from {{start_location}} to {{end_location}}, via Belmonte

Portugal

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Porto

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Privately Guided Tour of Porto

Porto

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Beatriz De Pablo Rocha profile photo
Beatriz De Pablo Rocha, local specialist, responded to this review:

Eric and Susan, thank you SO much for your kind words to the entire team and for taking the time to write this amazing and detailed review! As I already mentioned to you, it's been truly a pleasure to work with you before and during this trip, you made it so easy and I'm so glad you enjoyed every part of your trip, that's definitely the best reward for us! Thank you again, and I really hope we can work on a future adventure soon :) Best regards! Bea

We had a great time on our trip! Our vacation... · the United States - May 20 - Jun 4, 2022

Traveler: John S. - Local specialist: Leo Cuesta

We had a great time on our trip! Our vacation guide was very well put together and was full of information. We really appreciated not having to worry about bookings.

Leo Cuesta profile photo
Leo Cuesta, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi John, I'm glad you guys had a great time! Thank you for working with me, it was a pleasure helping you put together your trip. Thank you for your review and for sharing the wonderful photos of your Southwest adventure!

Great hotel locations and suggestions — looki... · France - Jun 17 - Jun 25, 2022

Traveler: Aparna W. - Local specialist: Ode Ledet

Great hotel locations and suggestions — looking forward to the next one!

Rinolda at KimKim did a great job in planning... · Iceland - Jun 13 - Jun 24, 2022

Traveler: Gaby A. - Local specialist: Rinolda Juodvirsyte

Rinolda at KimKim did a great job in planning our trip. We had a wonderful trip because of the suggestions and the itinerary that Rinolda did for us, Hikes, restaurants, fjords, hot baths, ice lagoon in zodiac all were excellent. thank you Rinolda!

Eleni was amazing and responded to changes in... · Greece - Jun 15 - Jun 21, 2022

Traveler: Regina L. - Local specialist: Eleni Koropouli

Eleni was amazing and responded to changes in our itinerary even during our trip. She strongly recommended the Mythology Tour in Athens and our guide Alex was phenomenal. We made some great memories, ad really enjoyed our trip. read more

Eleni was amazing and responded to changes in our itinerary even during our trip. She strongly recommended the Mythology Tour in Athens and our guide Alex was phenomenal. We made some great memories, ad really enjoyed our trip.

Hotel Review

The George Hotel

Mykonos

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Gorgeous views and amazing service.

Cleanliness & Comfort

very clean and comfortable
Staff

excellent service
Authenticity & Character

beautiful scenery
Location

quick walk to the beach

Our guided tour of the acropolis and the acr... · Greece - Jun 10 - Jun 20, 2022

Traveler: Dianne T. - Local specialist: Chris Leontopoulos

Our guided tour of the acropolis and the acropolis museum was wonderful. Also enjoyed our time in Naxos with Speros hiking through some parts of the more remote parts of the island and seeing the marble mines. And, of course Santorini was very special even though we felt like mountain goats with all the steps. Our hotel at Above Blue Suites overlooking the caldera with our own private pool was fabulous. read more

Our guided tour of the acropolis and the acropolis museum was wonderful. Also enjoyed our time in Naxos with Speros hiking through some parts of the more remote parts of the island and seeing the marble mines. And, of course Santorini was very special even though we felt like mountain goats with all the steps. Our hotel at Above Blue Suites overlooking the caldera with our own private pool was fabulous.

Hotel Reviews

AVA Boutique Hotel

Athens

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Galaxy Hotel Naxos

Naxos

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Above Blue Suites

Santorini

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Size of the Villa and the private pool.
Staff

Woman at front desk was very helpful.
Authenticity & Character

Location

Location overlooking the Caldera!

From beginning to end, KimKim did an amazing job · Greece - Jun 17 - Jun 24, 2022

Traveler: Cathy I. - Local specialist: Tasos Mylonas

From beginning to end, KimKim did an amazing job. Tasos was knowledgeable, helpful, patient (with my many questions), and spot on with his suggestions. He truly listened to our wants and provided much information.

As soon as we were picked up from Athens, our journey began…and on time. Our drivers were always on time, and we had many. They were friendly on every island. Especially Manos in Santorini.

The boutique hotels were great. NLH was comfortable and in a hip area. Antoni... read more

From beginning to end, KimKim did an amazing job. Tasos was knowledgeable, helpful, patient (with my many questions), and spot on with his suggestions. He truly listened to our wants and provided much information.

As soon as we were picked up from Athens, our journey began…and on time. Our drivers were always on time, and we had many. They were friendly on every island. Especially Manos in Santorini.

The boutique hotels were great. NLH was comfortable and in a hip area. Antoni from Bay Bees, In Mykonos, was a fantastic host and extremely welcoming and helpful. The location was walking distance to the best beach. Kastro Suites had amazing views and welcoming staff. All hotels were clean with great views.

Our Athens Food Tour with Pavlina was spectacular. We tried many different foods and walked the many unique neighborhoods.

Tatiana and Thomas were the best Captains for the South Beach Cruise. Again, super friendly. They brought us to a few beautiful beaches. We swam as they cooked up a yummy Greek lunch.

We also had a highlight and wine tour in Santorini with Vasiliy. He was spectacular. It was like walking with a history guide, as he had so much knowledge and was so courteous and nice.

While we relaxed and played, the KimKim Greece 12 Travel Team worked behind the scenes. Answered our questions, sent our tickets to us and the hotel for printing. I never had to ask for anything, everything just appeared in my in box. One of our travelers was a day delayed due to a canceled flight and the KimKim team worked to get her transportation to pick her up and bring her to us!

I put all our trust in the KimKim team to create a memorable vacation and they did not let us down. They are truly the best and I will use their services again.

Cathy

Hotel Reviews

NLH Monastiraki

Athens

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Hotel staff was pleasant and helpful. Our room was clean and well setup for a family of 5. And the location was central to all we wanted to see

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Bay Bees Suites and Homes

Mykonos

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Antoni was the best host! So accommodating, friendly and helpful. The location was amazing! Walking distance to the best beach and many restaurants. The views were spectacular and our rooms were clean and comfortable! Great to have a kitchen! The air conditioner was strong and much needed!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Antony was spectacular
Authenticity & Character

The hotel is built into the rock. It was amazing
Location

Views and distance to beaches

Kastro Suites

Santorini

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

The staff is friendly and the location is central to everything in Fira. You can walk to the shops and the views are breath taking.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Views and shops

A most magical adventure! · Peru - Jun 6 - Jun 20, 2022

Traveler: Jen L. - Local specialist: Anne Godoy

I'm deeply grateful to Anne for arranging our beautiful trip including a couple of extra-special homestay experiences while we traveled a fairly typical route through gorgeous Peru.

We had wonderful local guides including Gaby who shared her passion and knowledge in the Sacred Valley. Eddy, in Machu Picchu was very accommodating to my bad knee, and patient as we navigated the terrain there. Richard, who was our guide on and around Lake Titicaca was also very thorough and passionate as a... read more

I'm deeply grateful to Anne for arranging our beautiful trip including a couple of extra-special homestay experiences while we traveled a fairly typical route through gorgeous Peru.

We had wonderful local guides including Gaby who shared her passion and knowledge in the Sacred Valley. Eddy, in Machu Picchu was very accommodating to my bad knee, and patient as we navigated the terrain there. Richard, who was our guide on and around Lake Titicaca was also very thorough and passionate as a guide. Our drivers were all amazing--I always felt safe! One thing that stood out on this trip compared to others I've taken is that our guide was allowed and interested in participating in our adventures. I really appreciated and enjoyed that they broke bread with us, as I wanted to know our guides as much as the places they were teaching us about.

I would happily work with Peruvian Soul in the future! Thank you, Anne for showing up at midnight when we arrived in Lima to welcome us and make sure we made it to our hotel!

As a super-planner, I wish that especially toward the end there was daily communication about how plans were coming along. I was nervous at times as our trip was coming near and I wasn't sure if hotels or train were confirmed, for example. A bit of reassurance would have been helpful. That said, it all worked out, so I know I can trust Peruvian Soul going forward. :o)

There were some problems with the Kimkim platform sending me alerts that I had a new message which hampered communications with Anne, so I tended to rely on Whatsapp. I hope Kimkim can work through this bug/experience issue.

If I had one wish, I would wish that I had some guidance on shopping. I didn't ask for any upfront, so I don't know what information might have been offered, and as such it's not a ding on Peruvian Soul by any stretch. I learned the hard way that there are a lot of touts selling "original" art, that is not original. I also should have saved every bit of money to spend on Taquile island where there are gorgeous, authentic textiles at fixed prices. I see an opportunity for a shopping guide to be added to the other helpful guides provided for the trip.

Thank you for facilitating such a memorable trip! <3 <3

Hotel Reviews

Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion

Puerto Maldonado

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Beautiful. Considering the remote location, the experience was wonderful. We spent 3 nights and the food selection quickly became repetitive. The lack of electricity during certain hours wasn't a problem until the last day when it was pouring rain and as mostly had to sit in the dark. Our guide was stellar! And we had a small group of folks from around the globe who we bonded with and are connected with as friends. :o)

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport

Lima

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Serves it's purpose as an easy place to stay after a late-night flight arrival with an early morning departure. Staff was very friendly, especially considering how much turnover there is in folks staying there.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Andenia Sacred Valley

Calca, Valle Sagrado

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Lovely, small hotel in the Sacred Valley. Gorgeous gardens! Rooms were clean and very comfy. Every morning the doves came to the tree outside our window presumably out of curiosity. So sweet. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. Dinner menu was limited, and understandably so, but some variety from night to night would be appreciated given there aren't other restaurants within walking distance. One caveat is to bring earplugs in case there's a concert across the street, which there was when we were there. With earplugs not a problem at all, but if I didn't have some, I would have had a hard time sleeping.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Machu Picchu

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Swankity Swank! The nicest of the Inkaterra properties we stayed at. Worth a splurge if staying in Aguas Calientes FOR SURE. Built on a former tea(?) plantation, the location is gorgeous. We saw so many different types of orchids and birds. Take advantage of the free walking tours (tip your guide!). Dinner menu was extensive and delish.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel

Cusco

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Really lovely hotel super close to the main square. They have an amazing art collection. The rooms are gorgeously over the top with heated marble bathroom floors. We stayed in two rooms and neither have direct sunlight, but rather face into a corridor, but not the end of the world since we were generally waking up before dawn anyway. The restaurant is DELICIOUS! I don't understand why more people didn't dine in for dinner. Even when we were the only customers, the food was amazing and very reasonably priced. Honestly, better food than we had at the Inka Grill for example. Staff was wonderful. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Sonesta Posadas del Inca Puno

Puno

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Not sure how this place is rated a four-star hotel. I'd rate it a 2-star. The hotel is super well located for Lake Titicaca with a private pier making it excellent for embarking on a lake tour; but not close to anything else. Also, alpacas and wild guinea pigs grazing outdoors was pretty cool. Staff was super responsive, but also felt a little desperate for tips. The hotel rooms are meh. Concrete walls with outlets poorly situated for practical use. Tub didn't drain. Wall heater fired heat at one bed and not the other. The dining room completely lacked ambiance and smelled weird. Food was awful all around from breakfast to dinner. Had to pay for drinking water. Wouldn't stay here again unless I had no other options. Thankfully, it was only a 10 soles taxi ride into Puno proper for a yummy dinner, and staff was kind to call the cab for us.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

All in all good experience. · Portugal - Jun 12 - Jun 17, 2022

Traveler: Rebecca B. - Local specialist: Marta Trzeciakowska

All in all it was a good experience. The trip was all booked for me and all i needed to do was show up.
I liked the insider tips provided. read more

All in all it was a good experience. The trip was all booked for me and all i needed to do was show up.
I liked the insider tips provided.

Activity Reviews

Porto Culinary Experience

Porto

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Very good tour guide. Knowledgeable and passionate. Good tour

Food

The places we went to
Transport

Walking tour
Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Service

Get to know Porto by E-bike

Porto

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Too many people on the tour

Transport

The Ebike was not properly maintained. Seat too high for female rider
Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk

Portugal

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Nice was to see Lisbon

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

The lady driver was lovely however her English wasn’t good so I couldn’t understand her well
Quality of Experience

Sunset Sailing Cruises in Traditional Boats

Lisbon

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Couldn’t go on this trip due to rain and winds

Sintra Heritage Hike

Portugal

Overall Rating
Activity Review

My personal guide Susana was fantastic.

Food

The guide cooked a Keto meal for me which was delicious
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Marta Trzeciakowska profile photo
Marta Trzeciakowska, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi Rebecca, thank you for taking the time to write the review. I am very happy to hear you enjoyed your time in Lisbon and I hope for better weather when you decide to visit Portugal again in the future. It was a pleasure to organize these activities for you and feel free to contact us for future adventures :)

My husband and I had an amazing trip to Greec... · Greece - Jun 11 - Jun 18, 2022

Traveler: Molly S. - Local specialist: Tasos Mylonas

My husband and I had an amazing trip to Greece. This was our honeymoon and we could not have been to a more beautiful destination to celebrate. We had a tour of the acropolis with our awesome guide, Alex who did a great job explaining the history of Athens to us. We did a food and wine tour in Santorini where our guide, Ana helped us cook traditional greek cuisine and explained the history of wine making on the Island. For a trip so far from home we only had a few hiccups. Our seats for both... read more

My husband and I had an amazing trip to Greece. This was our honeymoon and we could not have been to a more beautiful destination to celebrate. We had a tour of the acropolis with our awesome guide, Alex who did a great job explaining the history of Athens to us. We did a food and wine tour in Santorini where our guide, Ana helped us cook traditional greek cuisine and explained the history of wine making on the Island. For a trip so far from home we only had a few hiccups. Our seats for both trips on the Ferry to and from Santorini were not next to each other, since we were on our honeymoon we were hoping to be together on such a long trip (6 hours), we also were late to one of our pickups for a tour, the time listed on our itinerary was 15 minutes later than the actual pick up time. This is not to take away from the other seamless transitions and pickups, which if we had planned this on our own would have been much more chaotic! Overall, we had a 10/10 experience and would go back and use Kimkim in a heart beat! Will definitely be using for future trips abroad!

Laura

Go For It! · Spain - May 28 - Jun 3, 2022

Traveler: Laura W. - Local specialist: Marina Courtaut

My mother wanted to see the Rolling Stones in Madrid. I stumbled upon kimkim online trying to figure out how many days to spend in Madrid if we decided to go. I was feeling overwhelmed with work and other commitments and did feel like I had time to plan a trip. I looked at the reviews and thought this sounds a little too good to be true. Then I looked at reviews of kimkim overall. I thought I'll fill out this questionnaire and see. Much to my surprise I got an immediate response from... read more

My mother wanted to see the Rolling Stones in Madrid. I stumbled upon kimkim online trying to figure out how many days to spend in Madrid if we decided to go. I was feeling overwhelmed with work and other commitments and did feel like I had time to plan a trip. I looked at the reviews and thought this sounds a little too good to be true. Then I looked at reviews of kimkim overall. I thought I'll fill out this questionnaire and see. Much to my surprise I got an immediate response from Marina.
I appreciated Marina setting up 2 calls prior to the trip to discuss the itinerary and make some slight adjustments. The calls also helped clarify a couple of potential mistakes we might have made with regards to pick up points, trains, etc.
Our driver, Ivan reached out to me before we left the U.S. with details on where he would be in the airport to pick us up. I thought that was very nice.
We arrived at Hotel Oscar and the staff was so friendly and helpful. The hotel room was much larger than we expected. It was clean. The breakfasts were wonderful. It seemed to be in a great location. It was perfect for us.
We did a Tapa's tour the first evening. We had a bit of trouble getting to the meeting location. However, it was our first time in Madrid and in hindsight we should have taken a taxi. We were late, but between Marina and our fabulous guide, Lindsey we caught right up with the group. We had such a fun group. It was the perfect introduction to Madrid. Not only did we enjoy great tapas and drinks we got to visit with other tourists. Lindsey was full of useful information about Madrid. I feel like she really went out of her way to show everyone a good time.
We had the good fortune of being in Madrid the night Real Madrid became the champions!!!
The following day we had a walking tour of Madrid with Geza. Geza was outstanding. He was exceptionally knowledgeable and such a wonderful person. He told us about Saint Isidro, the Patron Saint of Madrid. Since it was a Jubilee Year marking the 400th anniversary of the canonization of the patron saint of Madrid his remains were on display in the Collegiate Church.
He said the lines to see him would be long, but he checked on them anyway. Much to our surprise the line was not bad, and we decided to go into the Cathedral and see him. This was such a treat and the last day he was to be on display. Later we walked upon a breathtaking procession for St. Isidro. It was something special. Geza suggested a restaurant for us that was wonderful at the end of the tour. Later that afternoon we were lucky enough to see The Real Madrid show the winning cup at Plaza Mayor. Geza told us they would be there later in the day. We did not think we would make it back there, but when we got out of Mass we were in the heart of the celebrations. It was very exciting.
The next day was our day trip to Toledo. We fell in love with our guide, Manuel. He was a wealth of information. Having grown up in Toledo he added a personal touch. I am glad we toured the Royal Palace and went to the Prado later in the week because Manuel’s history made those come to life when we went there. We did the zip line which I highly recommend.
We went to an olive grove for an olive oil tasting. Honestly, I expected this to be a small store with them “selling us” superior olive oils. The olive grove excursion could not have been more different. This is a truly authentic experience. Laura is amazing and we certainly have a greater appreciation for good olive oil now.
I sound like a broken record when it comes to our guides, but they were truly incredible.
Unfortunately, we could not make our trip to Segovia. We let Marina know and she invited us to a rooftop bar for a drink for my mother’s birthday. It was a beautiful evening, and we appreciate Marina’s thoughtful gesture. Marina also assisted us in insuring we got the right Covid tests to return to the U.S.
I could continue, but I will never get this posted.
I have recommended kimkim to friends and family. I look forward to returning to Spain and hopefully Portugal using kimkim.

Hotel Review

7 Islas Hotel

Madrid

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

We stayed at Roommate Oscar.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Day Trip to Toledo

Spain

Overall Rating
Activity Review

We had a wonderful day. Lunch was delicious. The Cathedral is a must if you are anywhere close to Toledo. See my full review for more commentary.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Manuel is the best!!!
Quality of Experience

Madrid Tapas Gastronomic Experience

Madrid

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Fun night out and great start to trip. Enjoyed learning about the different tapas and how to order them.

Food

Quality of Experience

Privately Guided Visit of Madrid: History, Culture & Architecture of the Capital of Spain

Madrid

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Geza was a delight! He is extremely intelligent and fun.

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Visit to an Olive Grove & Tasting

Spain

Overall Rating
Activity Review

This is an authentic working olive grove. We found it very interesting. We have a whole new respect for quality olive oil.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

From Paris to Provence through Alsace and Burgundy · France - May 16 - May 29, 2022

Traveler: Megan B. - Local specialist: Joël Massé

We had an amazing trip to France and are so glad we used KimKim to help plan. Joel took into account everything that we wanted to try to do while we were in France and planned a truly incredible trip for us. While we lost a day due to flight delays on the front end of our trip, we were able to get a wonderful taste of Paris and Versailles. Our favorite tour while in Paris was the Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre tour with David. The next stop was the Alsace region and we can’t stop telling... read more

We had an amazing trip to France and are so glad we used KimKim to help plan. Joel took into account everything that we wanted to try to do while we were in France and planned a truly incredible trip for us. While we lost a day due to flight delays on the front end of our trip, we were able to get a wonderful taste of Paris and Versailles. Our favorite tour while in Paris was the Murders and Mysteries of the Louvre tour with David. The next stop was the Alsace region and we can’t stop telling people about how much we enjoyed the area. With Ana and Erik of Alsace Safari, we toured the adorable towns in the region along the wine road, tried some wine at a couple wineries, visited a castle, and drove up into the Vosges mountain range. The Alsace region is a must see! Dijon and Beaune were our next stops and we enjoyed trying the wines in the region, seeing the vineyards, and taking in the beauty of the area. Our final stop was Aix en Provence where we took part in an amazing cooking class experience with Gilles of Provence Gourmet and have been sold on trying cooking classes whenever we travel from here on out. We also loved seeing the villages and countryside in the Luberon region near France. This trip was filled with so many positive memories and we will not hesitate to use KimKim in the future.

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Le Saint-Grégoire

Paris

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

James Boutique Hôtel

Colmar

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

The breakfast was excellent. The room was modern and comfortable. The hotel was walking distance to quite a bit in Colmar.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Philippe Le Bon

Dijon

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Boutique Hotel Cezanne

Aix-en-Provence

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur Walking Tour

Paris

Overall Rating
Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Dinner cruise on the Seine (Privilege Service included)

Paris

Overall Rating
Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Half day guided tour of the Palace of Versailles with priority access in a small group (1 to 15 people)

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

We got stuck in traffic on the way there, so our half day was rushed. We also expected the tour to be a small group but it was more like 30 people. I enjoyed our guide. Knowing what I know now, I’d rather have done a full day at Versailles so that we could take our time on the grounds and in the town.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Mysteries of the Louvre

Paris

Overall Rating
Activity Review

This was such a fun tour. David was an excellent guide. It was definitely a fast walking tour to the various spots within the museum, but we got to see a lot and David provided us with a lot of interesting and cool information.

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Walking tour in the old town of Strasbourg

France

Overall Rating
Activity Review

I enjoyed our walking tour of Strasbourg and we really were able to make the tour our own since it was just us and our guide. I enjoyed learning the history of Strasbourg.

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Iconic Full day Tour in Alsace from Colmar

Colmar

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Loved, loved, loved this tour. The towns along the wine road were incredible. I’d never seen a stork until we traveled to the Alsace region and they were everywhere. The castle was incredible and the wine tasting was fabulous. Highly recommend.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Munster Valley Full-Day Tour

Colmar

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Fun day in the Vosges mountain range. We got to see the villagers in the area herd the cows up the roads of the Vosges Mountains. We enjoyed tasting wine and having cheese from the region.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Exceptional wines & a stroll through Beaune (Passion Day)

France

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Picturesque Villages & Countryside in Burgundy

Dijon

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Cooking Class, Provencal Lunch and Local Market Tour in the Alpilles

France

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Such a fun experience and I highly recommend it.

Food

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Luberon Markets & Villages

France

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Lisa

Trip was wonderful. Christos picked great hot... · Greece - Jun 12 - Jun 17, 2022

Traveler: Lisa D. - Local specialist: Christos Mylonas

Trip was wonderful. Christos picked great hotels with perfect locations. Drivers waiting for us made things so easy! Bike trip in Athens was very fun and we got to see so much!

read more

Trip was wonderful. Christos picked great hotels with perfect locations. Drivers waiting for us made things so easy! Bike trip in Athens was very fun and we got to see so much!

Hotel Reviews

Sweet Home Boutique Hotel

Athens

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Ippokampos Beachfront Hotel

Naxos

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Avra Hotel Rafina

Rafina, Athens

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Review

Athens Sunset Electric Bike Tour

Athens

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Christos Mylonas profile photo
Christos Mylonas, local specialist, responded to this review:

Dear Lisa
Thank you very much for your review! We are very happy that you had a nice trip.
Greetings from Greece
Christos

Amazing Trip · Ecuador - Jun 9 - Jun 17, 2022

Traveler: Eric S. - Local specialist: Jackeline Valarezo

I loved our trip to Quito! Our guide, Dario, and our driver, Ivan, were excellent and took good care of us. Jacqueline went above and beyond to help us have a safe and memorable trip. read more

I loved our trip to Quito! Our guide, Dario, and our driver, Ivan, were excellent and took good care of us. Jacqueline went above and beyond to help us have a safe and memorable trip.

Jackeline Valarezo profile photo
Jackeline Valarezo, local specialist, responded to this review:

Dear Eric,
Thank you for your feedback on our services, guide, and transportation. I hope you return to Ecuador and have an even better time.
Have a wonderful time on your future tours.
Best wishes from Quito.
Jacky!

Jessica is a wonderful specialist with whom t... · Italy - Jun 14 - Jun 23, 2022

Traveler: Gretchen C. - Local specialist: Jessica Proietti

Jessica is a wonderful specialist with whom to work. She was flexible, adaptable, knowledgeable, and planned a great trip. We had a whirlwind time in Italy--visiting 5 cities in 8 days--so a lot of the exhausting parts were based on our own desired itinerary, not something Jessica suggested. We lost a half-day in Venezia due to a late train out of Verona, so please be mindful of tight connections (we had a 22-minute window, but the train was 15 minutes late, meaning 7 minutes to de-train and... read more

Jessica is a wonderful specialist with whom to work. She was flexible, adaptable, knowledgeable, and planned a great trip. We had a whirlwind time in Italy--visiting 5 cities in 8 days--so a lot of the exhausting parts were based on our own desired itinerary, not something Jessica suggested. We lost a half-day in Venezia due to a late train out of Verona, so please be mindful of tight connections (we had a 22-minute window, but the train was 15 minutes late, meaning 7 minutes to de-train and run through throngs of people, literally to the furthest possible platform away...train pulling away as we arrived). Cost an extra $250 to rebook a later train. Had a less than ideal tour guide for the Colosseum and Forum in Roma (hard to hear, very difficult to follow), but that is the fault of the tour company, not KimKim or Jessica. On our food tour of Napoli, we were asked to purchase food and drinks, which we did not even want. When doing KimKim tours previously in Greece and Croatia, the guides covered all expenses, including tips, so we hadn't planned for that in Napoli. The guide was good, and we had been delayed to meet her, so we didn't complain about paying for the food.

Best parts of Italia adventure were: (1) in Napoli, the Hop On Hop Off Bus is a great resource; the panoramic line is beautiful and takes you to a lot right next to the Nuevo Castle. Highly recommend taking a tour of the castle. We ate at Antonio y Antonio in Napoli and hadca fantastic experience. (2) Roma--the private tour of the Vatican was incredible, but be absolutely certain you report to the Museum area! We were responsible for finding transportation to the tour that started at 830AM that morning. We couldn't get a cab for almost 25 minutes and then were dropped off a full mile from where we were supposed to be...we were a full hour late to the tour, and thought we'd missed the opportunity, but fortunately, another guide was available. Our 87 year-old father is very mobility challenged, but the Vatican gave him a wheelchair and wonderful treatment, so he could experience his lifelong dream. Also, highly recommend a golfcart tour of Rome! We left at sunset, and saw the majestic city with a fantastic guide in the cool evening air, with the lights illuminating the hostoric sights. (3) Elba's Hotel Fabricia. Take a boat tour with Claudio and relax inside a secluded, lushly tropical, historic resort. Paradise once you arrive. But, please note that ferries are not ADA accessible and all luggage must be carried by passengers up and down multiple flights of stairs. This part of the trip was harrowing for the mobility-challenged member of our party and I ended up very injured by a terrible fall, trying to manage both the bags and my father-in-law. (4) Verona. Everything about Verona is magical. We managed our own tours while there and recommend the cathedral package which allows you access to several stunning historic buildings, including the Duomo. Dining at Osterio il Bertoldo with Italian family was the highlight of our stay. Also, the room at Hotel Mastino wss a superb choice for anyone traveling with a child(ren); they get their own room and TV in the suite. (5) Venezia- We were again responsible for making our own way to the Hotel Carnival Palace, which quite a way from the train station. A porter transited over bridges and cobblestone streets with our bags ($30), but for the mobility-challenged, water movement is easiest. We used water taxis and a gondola (both very costly ($70-180), but necessary) to do most sightseeing and to get to the airport.

All-in-all, a trip of a lifetime. Although sometimes harrowing, over-budget, exhausting, and while still sporting some serious bruises from my fall on the ferry, I would do it all again in a minute.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments

Naples

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Absolutely perfect for families. Our teen son had a loft with his own bathroom, table, fridge and AC. Our room had a large bed, bathroom and balcony. Breakfast was excellent. Location is not great. Would rather have been near the water, but overall lovely experience.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Windrose

Rome

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Very average. Located right near the train station, the room was very small, bathroom was inadequate for three people's belongings, and AC leaked excessively. Breakfast was okay. Best part was the staff.

Tips for future travelers

If you are a couple or solo traveler, this might better suit your needs

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Fabricia

Portoferraio

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

If you don't have a car, plan to be here 24/7.

Tips for future travelers

You will have to eat all meals at the hotel. Budget accordingly. They have an exceptional laundry service.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Mastino

Verona

Overall Rating
Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Hotel Carnival Palace

Venice

Overall Rating
Tips for future travelers

Not great for mobility-challenged unless water transport is booked

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

City Sightseeing in Naples

Naples

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Naples Food Tour

Naples

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Family Friendly Rome By Golf Cart

Rome

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Vatican & Sistine Chapel Tour - Visit itinerary without barriers

Rome

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Rome in a Day: Skip the Line Vatican Tour & Colosseum

Rome

Overall Rating
Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Private excursion by boat

Elba island

Overall Rating
Transport

Everything
Guides, drivers and staff

Claudio was superb
Quality of Experience

Jessica Proietti profile photo
Jessica Proietti, local specialist, responded to this review:

Dear Gretchen & Family, thank you very much! It was a great pleasure to design your family trip throughout Italy :) Thank you for your feedback and, again, for choosing our company and for helping us to accomplish our goal to create truly wonderful experiences for all.

All best wishes to you and yours
Jessica

We did a 15 day tour of Spain:Madrid- The H... · Spain - May 14 - Jun 1, 2022

Traveler: Catherine H. - Local specialist: Karin Eckhard

We did a 15 day tour of Spain:
Madrid- The Hotel Regina was well located, had a pleasant room, and great staff. They were very friendly and helpful to new tourists.
May 16: Arantxa -tour of Prada and Madrid- Prada was rushed- it needs a tour by itself. The stroll and food part of the tour was very good, especially the stop for Vermouth and Tapas. Arantxa is very personable and down to earth. She was willing to answer any questions and was excited to see us when we ran into her a few days... read more

We did a 15 day tour of Spain:
Madrid- The Hotel Regina was well located, had a pleasant room, and great staff. They were very friendly and helpful to new tourists.
May 16: Arantxa -tour of Prada and Madrid- Prada was rushed- it needs a tour by itself. The stroll and food part of the tour was very good, especially the stop for Vermouth and Tapas. Arantxa is very personable and down to earth. She was willing to answer any questions and was excited to see us when we ran into her a few days later.
May 17: Beatrice- guided walking tour of Madrid- was very good, the pace was good and she was flexible to our needs and wants. She explained lots and answered questions well.
The evening of Flamenco was not as good as we hoped for; while enjoyable to some degree, it felt like an amateur production.
May 18: we had a free day to explore on our own and we enjoyed the break and some down time. It's a good idea to work some down time into the tour.
May 19: David, who drove us from Madrid to Segovia and then Salamanca, then to Burgos the next day, was very good, he showed us some good sights along the way and was very personable and answered questions well.
Elena in Segovia was also good and very thorough, she didn't hurry us and again answered questions well. The restaurant Meson de Candido was very good, and the view of the aqueduct was spectacular.
The NH Palacio de Castellanos was very good with good rooms, great location, and a nice restaurant on the patio.
May 20: Carmen's tour of Salamanca was mixed- parts of it were very good, such as the glimpses into the university grounds and cloisters, but she seemed distracted and spent a lot of time checking her phone.
The NH Palacio de Burgos was outstanding, with a large room, beautiful eating area next to an old cloister, comfortable lobby, and a great location.
May 21: Johan the young driver to Atapeurca was very sweet even with limited English. He did a great job.
Atapuerca was a highlight- it was fascinating and the archeologist who gave us the tour was really interesting.
The tour of Burgos with Rosalia was also fascinating- she showed us many highlight of the city's interesting history and was very engaging, asking us question and checking our knowledge.
May 22: The transfer to Bilbao was quiet and good.
The Hotel Sercotel Coliseo was good, with a good location and nice rooms.
Tour of Bilbao and Guggenheim with Ana was also good- she explained the museum well and her walking tour of the old city was interesting but not very comprehensive. It did feel rushed at the end. She did suggest a very good restaurant, though, which we really enjoyed. It was unfortunate that the tour was later in the day and we didn't get a chance to go back to Guggenheim on our own. It would have warranted a whole day just for that.
May 23: Diego won all our hearts- he was down to earth; he didn't know all the historical details, but he knew the local area and great places to take us. He took his time with us, let us explore at our own pace, and showed us all kinds of local spots. He joined us at meals and got to know us and let us get to know him and his perspectives on the local culture and history. His input was very valuable.
Patxi the sheep farmer (and his sheep dogs) were a highlight for us.
May 24: Diego took us to San Sebastian through the coastal route which was again spectacular.
The Hotel Zenit San Sebastian had great staff and a good restaurant, but was in a bad location for tourists on foot (especially an older lady) - it was a half hour brisk walk to the old town where our tours started, and also where the sights and good eating places are.
May 25: The e-bike tour was fun with a great guide, Pelayo. It's a great way to see different aspects of a good sized city.
The evening food tour with Imano was good, but felt abbreviated- we stopped for 4 Pintxos which were very good, but it felt like Imano was in a hurry and he didn't give a lot of detail about the history of the area and the food.
May 26: This was another good day with Diego exploring the local area- Pasai Donibane was a highlight, even in the rain. Diego picked out a good lunch of Pintxos for us in Hondarribia. We then went to the winery Hiruzta, which had lovely Txakolli wine.
May 27: The train from San Sebastian to Barcelona was lovely- the train was comfortable, had good coffee and tea, and the scenery was gorgeous. The transfer to the hotel was prompt and courteous.
The Hotel Ciutat de Barcelona was not good- it felt more like a North American college dorm room than a nice hotel- the rooms were small, there was no kettle, cups, or fridge, the safe was difficult to use and on the floor so hard to get to, the bathroom was outdated with a very slippery shower. The bed was uncomfortable and the mattress felt like it was covered in rubber. There were only sheets and no blankets on the bed. While we expect some street noise, the building itself was noisy and it felt like there was a youth party going on. Any one of these things would have been tolerable, but the accumulation of them was too much. In addition, there was no restaurant and the provided breakfast was not good- with little selection in food. By then we had decided to move and were glad we did.
The Hotel Icon BCN (Petit Palace) was very nice- the room was small but pleasant, with the expected amenities such as a kettle, tea, coffee, and cups. The staff (including Alicia the manager) were very pleasant and the lobby and restaurant were excellent with good food and drinks. The breakfast was very good with lots of variety and eggs cooked to order.
May 28: The Barcelona city tour with Gemma was interesting with some good insights into history of the area and we got see parts of the city we would never have found ourselves. However, it did feel rushed, especially around the churches downtown and when we got to La Sagrada Familia.
May 29: La Costa Brava was gorgeous where Shilo took us along a path on the shore which was lovely. He adapted his plans to accommodate Aunt Mary's abilities. The tour of Girona was also very enjoyable and Shilo shared some good insights with us.
May 30: Guy took us to Montserrat which was spectacular. He was both informative and very nicely easy-going, allowing us to tour the church on our own while he took Mary up the funicular. (My fear of heights prevented me from going). Then we went to Felix winery, which was another highlight for us. Christina, the owner (with Felix of course) was delightful, and explained the wine making process in wonderful detail. Their wine is very good! Guy also took us to one of their vineyards with its gorgeous old grape vines. We would highly recommend this winery for future tours.
This was really the end of our tour, although we stayed in Barcelona for three more days, which was a pleasant end to the holiday. One improvement i would suggest is a day with no tours in the middle of the trip, just to provide some rest. We were tired from learning so much by that time!
Thank you, Karin, it was a great trip.

Karin Eckhard profile photo
Karin Eckhard, local specialist, responded to this review:

Dear Catherine and Mary-Jo, thank you very much for taking the time to make such a detailed review. I enjoyed reading it. I am pleased to hear that you had a great trip and was such a pleasure to work with you ladies. Just one little comment, some of the activities might have seemed rushed because you had a lot of activities packed into your itinerary so, in order for it to go smoothly, the guides had to be quite strict with times. :-). Again, thank you so much for this amazing review. Karin

Working with Marina Courtaut of Espiritu Trav... · Portugal - Jun 4 - Jun 11, 2022

Traveler: Michael B. - Local specialist: Marina Courtaut

Working with Marina Courtaut of Espiritu Travel was an absolute pleasure. During all the planning she was responsive and very helpful. She listened will to our interests and planned a vacation to match our needs.

During this vacation there were a couple of mishaps related to transfers, however, having Marina and Espiritu Travel on the other end of What’ App was very helpful. We simply advised Marian of the issues and she worked to get them corrected.

The first situation was that upon... read more

Working with Marina Courtaut of Espiritu Travel was an absolute pleasure. During all the planning she was responsive and very helpful. She listened will to our interests and planned a vacation to match our needs.

During this vacation there were a couple of mishaps related to transfers, however, having Marina and Espiritu Travel on the other end of What’ App was very helpful. We simply advised Marian of the issues and she worked to get them corrected.

The first situation was that upon arrival in Portugal the car to transport the 5 of us to Porto fit only 2. It took about an hour, but the transfer vendor returned to the airport with a van to accommodate us all. The second situation occurred when the vehicle to transfer 5 of us from Lisbon to Lagos was also only for 2 people. While it took more than 2 hours to fix this, eventually a van arrived to transport all of us. Through out all of this Marina was engaged and provided information. Additionally, she took responsibility for the mistakes and accommodated us financially. I adhere to the wisdom that “people remember how you made them feel” and Marina made us feel that she deeply regretted the problems and worked very hard to rectify them. That approach left our family feeling satisfied and not unhappy with the service.

May 28
Due to the delay leaving Lisbon airport the pre-arranged plan for lunch in Coimbra no longer worked (too late in the day) however our driver found us a place to stop for lunch and that worked out well.

The Hotel Teatro in Porto was very nice. Upon arrival they did not know one of the rooms was to be configured as two twin beds however the were easily able to fix that; our 2 sons were sharing the room.

We had dinner that night at one restaurant recommended by Marina – DOP – and it was lovely.

May 29
Bluedragon Bike Shop did not know that we had prepaid for 5 for a guided bike visit of Porto. However, we put them in touch with Espiritu Travel and that was communicated. The Bike Shop charged my credit card and refunded the money in Euros. Our bike guide, Ana, was young and not very knowledgeable about the city. While very pleasant and nothing “went wrong,” she did not know as much as we have come to expect from city guides. FYI, the itinerary lists “water” as one of the things provided; it was not.

May 30
Our guide Pedro was terrific and our day trip to the Douro Valley was very nice. The boat tour wasn’t overwhelming, but not a problem either. Not sure I would recommend it to others. Pedro took us to a lovely restaurant for lunch and we all enjoyed the experience, however it was not, as the itinerary said, “”at a famous Quinta.” We also visited just one winery; the itinerary says, “visit traditional wineries.” We thought we would visit more than one.

May 31
The Lisbon hotel Duque de Loule was very nice. Turns out not as centrally located as we might have wanted, but as I recall that was due to the 3 rooms we needed, and another hotel being fully booked.

While we were making the 3-hour trip from Porto to Lisbon, at 10am, a person called me to say we were late for our 10am guided tour of Lisbon. However, we had no such tour scheduled; in fact, our tour was for 2:00 pm that afternoon. Marina was again very responsive. She learned that the company had mixed two tours and moved ours to 10am. Marina reassigned us to another tour vendor with a guide named Daniel at 2:30.

Daniel was a lovely young man, age 23, and while he did his job, it was clear he did not really know enough about the city and its history. We enjoyed him and our 21-year-old son and he had lots of conversation, but he was not the most informative tour guide. Daniel also provided us with 2 restaurant recommendations, and we ate at both places. It was nice of him to do so and helpful to us.

The pre-arranged Fado dinner this night was a very good choice.

June 1
Our day trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril was with a guide named Marta. She was very good; our family felt she was our best guide of the trip. We enjoyed both the pace of the day and the information. Unfortunately, the next day Marta shared she tested positive for COVID. None of the family tested positive, however, one should expect guides test themselves daily before taking a group out for a day in an enclosed vehicle.

June 2
As mentioned, the transfer to Lagos was not smooth, however Marina got it all fixed and made the offer to buy the family dinner in Lagos, which certainly made us all feel like she really cared about our experience.
The Cascade Resort did not have our rooms ready upon arrival however they shortly did, and the property and our stay there was terrific.

This night we had the Sunset Experience tour, not with Pedro as noted, but rather with Luis. We all very much enjoyed him and the tour. He was clearly passionate about the Algarve and his home area. Just to note, the itinerary mentioned binoculars however he did not offer any.

June 4
Our transfer from Lagos to Lisbon airport was fine. We left an item at the Cascade Wellness resort and Marina was very helpful in efforts to retrieve it and have it sent to our hotel in Lisbon upon our return a week later. Side note: the package did not arrive in Lisbon in time for us to take it home with us to the US. However, the front desk at Hotel Portugal was very helpful. When the package did arrive, 2 days after we left the country, the Hotel communicated this to us by email and connected us to a shipping company that is mailing us the package.

Our rental care pick up at the Valencia airport with Sixt went very smoothly.

Marina booked us at the hotel Hospes Palau De La Mar at my request. This boutique hotel was fine for us. It was in a nice neighborhood on a busy, but pretty street, and within walking distance of the Old City. When they brought us to the room they had for us the staff could not get the air system to work so they immediately moved us by their own choice to a different room. The hotel breakfast was very nice and they had outdoor seating.

June 5
We drove to Albufera easily but did get lost looking for the meeting spot for our boat tour. With a phone call to the boat operator, we received directions and we found the meeting spot. Our guide Anna was delightful, and she recommended a restaurant for paella. She made the 1:30pm lunch reservation for us and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal at El Redoli. Also, she led us to the bird preserve (flamingos), and we walked the paths, very nice. We drove a bit and walked to the beach.

This afternoon we chose on our own to do an historical walking tour of Old Valencia with GuruWalk (no fee; gratuity only). This 3-hour walk was excellent, and we learned about Aqua de Valencia (as a bonus); a drink we thoroughly enjoyed.

June 6
This morning we experienced our Local Market and Paella Cooking Class with “My First Paella” and it was very well done. While the attendees are obviously all tourists, the guide/cooking team was very funny, thoughtful, and instructive. We had fun and would recommend it.

This afternoon we had a private bike tour of Valencia with Jose. Bikes were provided by DoYouBike Rental. Jose was very nice and informative. We visited some of the places we had seen on our walking tour the day before but enjoyed the repetition, and we went inside to some places we really wanted to visit, including L’Almonia (archaeological artifacts), La Lonja and climbing one of the city’s old towers. We rode through the Turia Gardens (very nice) to the Science and Arts center, also very nice but we did not enter any buildings by our own choice.

June 7
We visited the Valencia beach and then drove at noon to Javea, stopping for lunch along the way. The Nomad Hotel was wonderful. The room had a beautiful view; Marina chose this hotel, and it was an excellent choice. The service as very good. Breakfast was delicious. We had dinner the first night at the hotel restaurant outdoors on the promenade and it was very nice.

June 8
We spend the day at Cala Grandella, beautiful beach spot 30 minutes away. As the beaches are mostly rocky, we chose to purchase 2 inexpensive beach chairs (which we left behind). A really nice hotel amenity would be to loan beach chairs to guests.

June 9
We chose to return to Cala Grandella having booked a 2.5-hour kayak tour with Siesta Advisor. We found the service and the kayak tour excellent. That afternoon we explored the nearby town of Moraira, for lunch and sandy beach. Great services (restroom and changing) at this public beach; very family friendly (lots of young children) and mostly European vacationers.

June 10
We drove to Valencia mid-day, stopping in the morning to see the castle in Cullero and then lunch near port in Valencia. Car return and flight to Lisbon were fine. We flew Vueling Air and had to pay quite a lot to check our luggage. While this was a surprise, it is understandable. The taxi from Lisbon airport to Hotel Portugal was on our own, which was fine. The Hotel was well located near the old district of the city and lovely.

June 11
The hotel room and the breakfast were very nice. They stored out luggage. They arranged to help us with our missing package. We would recommend this hotel due to location. Our transfer to the Lisbon airport was pre-arranged, on-time and fine, as was our flight home.

Hotel Reviews

Hospes Palau de la Mar

Valencia

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Marina booked us at the hotel Hospes Palau De La Mar at my request. This boutique hotel was fine for us. It was in a nice neighborhood on a busy, but pretty street, and within walking distance of the Old City. When they brought us to the room they had for us the staff could not get the air system to work so they immediately moved us by their own choice to a different room. The hotel breakfast was very nice and they had outdoor seating.

Cleanliness & Comfort

well appointed and cared for rooms
Staff

Front desk and porter very pleasant and helpful
Authenticity & Character

its very modern in style
Location

Depends on how near beach or near old city you want to be

Nomad Xabia Port

Javea

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

The Nomad Hotel was wonderful. The room had a beautiful view; Marina chose this hotel, and it was an excellent choice. The service as very good. Breakfast was delicious. We had dinner the first night at the hotel restaurant outdoors on the promenade and it was very nice.

Tips for future travelers

While it is very eco-friendly (and the room lighting not great) there were both couples and families and it is right on the promenade so well located

Cleanliness & Comfort

room and common areas very nice
Staff

very helpful front desk and restaurant personnel
Authenticity & Character

Lots of character which appealed to us
Location

beautiful view of Med

Hotel Portugal

Lisbon

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

The Hotel was well located near the old district of the city and lovely. The hotel room and the breakfast were very nice. They stored out luggage. They arranged to help us with our missing package. We would recommend this hotel due to location.

Cleanliness & Comfort

very nicely cared for
Staff

very helpful front desk
Authenticity & Character

it is modern and that appeals to some; we enjoyed it
Location

very close to old part of city
Activity Reviews

Panoramic Albufera Cruise

Valencia

Overall Rating
Activity Review

We drove to Albufera easily but did get lost looking for the meeting spot for our boat tour. With a phone call to the boat operator, we received directions and we found the meeting spot. Our guide Anna was delightful, and she recommended a restaurant for paella. She made the 1:30pm lunch reservation for us and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal at El Redoli. Also, she led us to the bird preserve (flamingos), and we walked the paths, very nice. We drove a bit and walked to the beach.

Transport

we drove ourselves and got a bit lost
Guides, drivers and staff

as noted, very helpful
Quality of Experience

the guide was knowledgeable and helpful, the experience unique

Local Market Visit and Paella Cooking Class

Valencia

Overall Rating
Activity Review

This morning we experienced our Local Market and Paella Cooking Class with “My First Paella” and it was very well done. While the attendees are obviously all tourists, the guide/cooking team was very funny, thoughtful, and instructive. We had fun and would recommend it.

Food

great fun participating in the cooking and then eating what was made
Guides, drivers and staff

very friendly
Quality of Experience

the staff

Valencia Seightseeing Bike Tour

Valencia

Overall Rating
Activity Review

This afternoon we had a private bike tour of Valencia with Jose. Bikes were provided by DoYouBike Rental. Jose was very nice and informative. We visited some of the places we had seen on our walking tour the day before but enjoyed the repetition, and we went inside to some places we really wanted to visit, including L’Almonia (archaeological artifacts), La Lonja and climbing one of the city’s old towers. We rode through the Turia Gardens (very nice) to the Science and Arts center, also very nice but we did not enter any buildings by our own choice.

Guides, drivers and staff

our guide was excellent
Quality of Experience

It is a very nice way to explore and feel the city
Marina Courtaut profile photo
Marina Courtaut, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi Michael,

Let me start by thanking you for taking the time to write such a detailed review from your trip. I appreciate your kind words and I will pass your comments to the team.

It has been a real pleasure helping you plan your family trip and I am glad that you could finally enjoy it after having to postpone the trip.

The incidents with the transfer from Lisbon to Porto on the first day and the transfer from Lisbon to Lagos were a big mistake by the transport company. We tried to give... read more

Hi Michael,

Let me start by thanking you for taking the time to write such a detailed review from your trip. I appreciate your kind words and I will pass your comments to the team.

It has been a real pleasure helping you plan your family trip and I am glad that you could finally enjoy it after having to postpone the trip.

The incidents with the transfer from Lisbon to Porto on the first day and the transfer from Lisbon to Lagos were a big mistake by the transport company. We tried to give you a solution as quickly as possible so that you could continue your trip as planned but I am very disappointed on how the transfer company handled the error. I apologize again for the inconvenience this has caused your family during your trip.

I am glad that over all you have enjoyed all your visits and that the guides have contributed in one way or another to add value to your trip. I am happy to know that you liked the gastronomic recommendations that your guides and I gave you!

It is good to know that your stay in all the hotels has been as expected and I appreciate your comments about each hotel.

Again, thank you, Michael for taking the time to write such a detailed review of your trip and all your comments about each activity, service or hotel. Warmest regards, Marina

Nadia helped us plan our trip to Greece for 6... · Greece - Jun 8 - Jun 22, 2022

Traveler: Sylvia S. - Local specialist: Nadia Pithara

Nadia helped us plan our trip to Greece for 6 people. She was fantastic! We went for 2 weeks to 2 islands plus Athens. She planned everything for us. We did a cooking class in Paros that was lovely and we really enjoyed getting to know some local people on a more personal level. Nadia also arranged for a walking tour of the Acropolis and a food tour in Athens. It was really fun and we loved our tour guide, Joanna! Nadia also arranged for an all day tour to Delphi that was great! It... read more

Nadia helped us plan our trip to Greece for 6 people. She was fantastic! We went for 2 weeks to 2 islands plus Athens. She planned everything for us. We did a cooking class in Paros that was lovely and we really enjoyed getting to know some local people on a more personal level. Nadia also arranged for a walking tour of the Acropolis and a food tour in Athens. It was really fun and we loved our tour guide, Joanna! Nadia also arranged for an all day tour to Delphi that was great! It was an all day excursion with a drive through the mountains. Our guide for this was also so interesting and informative. Nadia arranged all of our car ride to/from the airport and to/from the ferries to the hotels. Everything was so detailed and organized which allowed us to relax and enjoy beautiful Greece!! I highly reccommend Kimkim and Nadia and will use this service again in the future. It's so convenient and makes planning a trip to a place that you are not familiar with very easy.

Hotel Review

Capetan Giorgantas

Milos

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

We loved this small, family owned hotel. It's right in the middle of the town, you can walk everywhere including to the ferry. It's very clean and has a super breakfast every morning. We will stay here again for sure!!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Activity Reviews

Welcome to Milos

Milos

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Milos is a small island and very walkable and you can get around on the bus. The towns are lovely!! It's truly beautiful, friendly and we would definitely want to visit again. It was our favorite island of our visit!!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Greek Cuisine Cooking Class

Paros

Overall Rating
Activity Review

This cooking class was really fun! The owner of the restaurant, Maria, is so lovely and warm. The rest of the staff was also super friendly and made us feel so welcome. Marina, one of the assistants, took tons of pictures for us and was super fun to chat with. We had a lovely time learning some Greek recipes and we got to take some food back to our hotel for later. Everything was so delicious! I highly recommend taking this class! It's great for older kids and teens as well!

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Graciela

An amazing trip - one of a kind · Argentina - Jun 6 - Jun 15, 2022

Traveler: Graciela P. - Local specialist: Emilce Alonso

This trip was everything I hoped for and much more. Emilice was a dream to work with. She went above and beyond to make this trip magical. She came up with activities that we loved and would have never thought of doing. All of our drivers and guides were great, but our driver for most of the trip, Fabio, was pleasant, knowledgeable, very friendly, and professional. We miss him. Our favorite guide was Hernan, our guide for the half-day city tour such knowledge and friendly mannerism. All of... read more

This trip was everything I hoped for and much more. Emilice was a dream to work with. She went above and beyond to make this trip magical. She came up with activities that we loved and would have never thought of doing. All of our drivers and guides were great, but our driver for most of the trip, Fabio, was pleasant, knowledgeable, very friendly, and professional. We miss him. Our favorite guide was Hernan, our guide for the half-day city tour such knowledge and friendly mannerism. All of the hotels were centrally located and comfortable, not a fan of the hotel in Mendoza though. The dinners and lunches that Emilice planned were stellar. We couldn’t have dreamt of a better trip. My husband and I are seasoned travelers but I would have never been able to plan a trip as good as this one. Thank you KimKim, Emilice, and all of our drivers and guides. Will definitely use this company again and will recommend to my fellow travelers. Gracias por todo!!!

Hotel Review

Cordon del Plata

Mendoza

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Although we were moved to Hotel M, across the street and it was newer, it was noisy and bathroom was super small similar to a bathroom on a cruise ship. You could hear everyone in the hallway and street noise was pretty bad. It was centrally located which was very nice. Also, I requested a little later check out and they asked for 50% of daily rate. Unbelievable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Centrally located in heart of city, easy to walk around.
Activity Reviews

Half day City Tour

Buenos Aires

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Activity Review

Hernan our guide was fabulous.

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Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience

Criolla & Winery Horseback Riding

Mendoza

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Activity Review

Very rustic place and home cooked lunch was delicious. Enjoyed riding in the Andes.

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Transport

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Tango Show and Dinner at Café De Los Angelitos

Buenos Aires

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Food

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"Fileteado" Class in San Telmo

Buenos Aires

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Activity Review

The tour of San Telmo was great but too much emphasis on Fileteado. The class was very enjoyable.

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Guides, drivers and staff

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Buenos Aires: Culinary excursion "The Argentine Experience"

Buenos Aires

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Activity Review

So much fun. Food was delicious and met other travelers.

Food

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“Santa Susana” Fiesta Gaucha Excursion

Buenos Aires

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Iguazú: NATIVE GUARANI COMMUNITY

Puerto Iguazu

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Guides, drivers and staff

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Brazilian Falls

Puerto Iguazu

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Activity Review

This was phenomenal. See the Brazilian side before you see the Argentinian side.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Guide was just ok.
Quality of Experience

The Birds Park

Puerto Iguazu

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Activity Review

Not a bird lover but truly enjoyed the experience.

Transport

Our driver was very nice.
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Quality of Experience

Argentinean Falls

Puerto Iguazu

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Activity Review

Wow, it was breath taking. The Iguazú Falls should be on everyone’s bucket list.

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Great Adventure

Puerto Iguazu

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Dinner at "Fogón, Cocina de Viñedo" - With antique cars

Mendoza

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Food

Transport

It was fun riding in a 1928 Model T car but it should not be used to go such a long distance. Took us an hour to get to the restaurant and 20 minutes to get back in a regular car.
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Mendoza Vino y Oliva

Mendoza

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Fatima

Amazing and memorable adventure for new parents and 6 month old · Morocco - Jun 3 - Jun 14, 2022

Traveler: Fatima J. - Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely

We had an amazing time in Morocco. My husband and I travelled with our 6 month old for 12 days. Throughout the trip planning Abdellah was very accommodating and gave us a wealth of events, activities, and recommendations to create an amazing itinerary. Abdellah was also taking care of my brother who was traveling on overlapping dates to Morocco. He made sure to maximize the overlap of our itinerary with that of my brother's to make both of our trips memorable.
We were well taken care of from... read more

We had an amazing time in Morocco. My husband and I travelled with our 6 month old for 12 days. Throughout the trip planning Abdellah was very accommodating and gave us a wealth of events, activities, and recommendations to create an amazing itinerary. Abdellah was also taking care of my brother who was traveling on overlapping dates to Morocco. He made sure to maximize the overlap of our itinerary with that of my brother's to make both of our trips memorable.
We were well taken care of from the start till the very end of the trip. Our guide Karim was terrific. He was knowledgeable about landmarks, local customs, and the historically significant sites which made the adventures even more enjoyable. He was remarkably patient with us while we attended to our young one. Karim always accommodated our requests to change our daily plans. There was absolutely zero pressure to stick to a plan and we always comfortably moved at our own cadence which made the traveling effortless.
Unfortunately, due to my brother's flight delay our itineraries no longer overlapped. However, at our request Abdellah gracefully changed a significant part of our itinerary during the trip. Within the span of an evening he rebooked hotels in the different cities, rescheduled activities, and events to overlap our itinerary with my brothers itinerary. We were beyond grateful with how well he took care of us!
We are absolutely looking forward to our next adventure in Morocco and can't recommend our local specialist Abdellah and our guide Karim enough!

Abdellah El Asely profile photo
Abdellah El Asely, local specialist, responded to this review:

Hi Fatima,

Thank you for giving us a perfect rating and for recommending our company to other travelers.

We are thrilled that you had an amazing time in the magic kingdom of Morocco and found our service to be remarkable, accommodating and friendly. Our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your stay. It really makes our day to hear such valuable feedback from you and learn that your journey was a memorable one with your driver Karim. At Original Travels, we... read more

Hi Fatima,

Thank you for giving us a perfect rating and for recommending our company to other travelers.

We are thrilled that you had an amazing time in the magic kingdom of Morocco and found our service to be remarkable, accommodating and friendly. Our entire staff enjoyed catering to your needs as much as you enjoyed your stay. It really makes our day to hear such valuable feedback from you and learn that your journey was a memorable one with your driver Karim. At Original Travels, we always work hard to craft great trips for our guests and make them fell home as members of family, not as strangers or outsiders. We were more than excited to serve you and your brother and we are really unfortunate that your trip didn't overlap with your brother's even if we did our best to do so.

Our entire team would be happy to welcome you and your brother back to Morocco and hope your next visit to be scheduled on overlapping dates.

Wish you safe travels always!!

Best,
Abdel

Lindsey

Amazing! Amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ · Greece - Jun 11 - Jun 22, 2022

Traveler: Lindsey J. - Local specialist: Rebecca Skevaki

Rebecca was amazing!!! I consider myself pretty good at planning trips and I usually don’t outsource to a 3rd party but this Greece trip seemed like too much for me to handle on my own. So happy we found Rebecca via KimKim. Every single detail was perfect and the hotels and excursions she picked out for our family of 5 were perfect! Traveling with 5 is hard since hotels usually are geared for 4. But Rebecca not only found hotel rooms that fit us but spectacular rooms that fit us comfortably!... read more

Rebecca was amazing!!! I consider myself pretty good at planning trips and I usually don’t outsource to a 3rd party but this Greece trip seemed like too much for me to handle on my own. So happy we found Rebecca via KimKim. Every single detail was perfect and the hotels and excursions she picked out for our family of 5 were perfect! Traveling with 5 is hard since hotels usually are geared for 4. But Rebecca not only found hotel rooms that fit us but spectacular rooms that fit us comfortably! This trip called for transportation to and from airport/ports, ferry tickets, private tour guides, group tours and 1,000 other details and Rebecca handled it all perfectly. She exceeded our expectations. Amazing bucket list trip that was successful because of Rebecca. She knew places to go/stay that American travel agents wouldn’t know about because she is Greek. I cannot say enough good things about her!!!

Most memorable places: our room (Santorini Mansion) in Santorini with the beautiful view of the Caldera, private walking tour of the Acropolis and Naxos beaches!

Hotel Reviews

Liana Beach Hotel & Spa

Naxos

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Hotel Review

Beautiful hotel and great location!

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Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to the beach and restaurants

Athens4 Hotel

Athens

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Hotel Review

Great place! Loved it! Hotel staff was so friendly and accommodating. My son has severe sesame allergies and they went above and beyond to ensure he was safe with the foods served for breakfast. Great room, great location.

Tips for future travelers

N/A

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Friendly
Authenticity & Character

Modern and clean
Location

So close to everything

Santorini Mansion at Imerovigli

Santorini

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Hotel Review

Beautiful million dollar view. Kostas was the best and so helpful. Gorgeous rooms and great space for a family of 5. Loved the jacuzzi and eating the amazing breakfast on our outdoor porch.

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Activity Reviews

Athens - The City

Athens

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