Kimkim Trip Reviews

Lizbet was great. She understood our preferences and tried to accommodate them.

The first accommodations were perfect. I challenged lizbet on the second accommodations and she said we were booking late and that was all she could get. I would not recommend the Stracta Apartments. There are no restaurants nearby, no host or anyone to talk to, not sure about the safety there, so I did not go out to run by myself, and, very frustrating, it is not on Google maps. Making it difficult to... read more

Lizbet was great. She understood our preferences and tried to accommodate them.

The first accommodations were perfect. I challenged lizbet on the second accommodations and she said we were booking late and that was all she could get. I would not recommend the Stracta Apartments. There are no restaurants nearby, no host or anyone to talk to, not sure about the safety there, so I did not go out to run by myself, and, very frustrating, it is not on Google maps. Making it difficult to navigate.

Kayaking was cancelled due to wind.

Missed hot pools due to baggage delivery system breaking at the airport causing a 2 plus hour delay.

Ice cave tour was outstanding
Food recommendations were very helpful.
Maps and turn by turn guide got us to all out destinations.
Lizbet, thank you for the descriptions of all the nearby waterfalls and other tourist attractions. Extremely helpful.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Eldhestar

Ölfus, Hveragerði

Very quiet, clean and it was so much fun to see and hear the horses. Sorry we did not have time for a ride. They recommended a wonderful hike for us. Thank you.

Authenticity & Character

Great to hear and see the horses

Location

No road noise. Did hear the wind though

Staff

Loved yhe hike they recommended

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bath room was quite large

Stracta Apartments

KIRKJUBÆJARKLAUSTUR

No host. Not sure about the safety there. I did not go out to run by myself.

Authenticity & Character

It was clean. Had a full kitchen

Location

Get your road on Google maps. Grade the road more often. 7 km of potholes!

Staff

Never saw any one

Cleanliness & Comfort

There are only 2 kitchen chairs to sit on. There are no chairs with soft cushions.

Aurora Hotel at Reykjavik-Keflavik Airport Terminal KEF

Reykjanesbær

Excellent dinner there. Lots of vegetables with main course.

Authenticity & Character

Had an exercise room. Bikes worked, never got tread mill to work.

Location

Could walk to rental car return and terminal. Wonderful location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shower was small

Activity Reviews

Katla Ice Cave

Iceland

Best part of the trip. Hawk, our guide , was so enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun to be with.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Enthusiasm of guides. Each vehicle group is kept separate so small groups, easier to hear.

Transport

Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure

Iceland

Very disappointed, cancelled due to wind. When is it not windy the there? Provided full refund

Quality of Experience

I had a pleasant experience planning my family’s trip to Morocco using KimKim and working with Majid. Majid made great suggestions about an itinerary and places to stay which were all amazing.

Our driver and guide Youssef was friendly and fun. He was always available and on time and a pleasure to spend our time with. When my son got a stomach issue ( dont eat pizza!!) Majid and Youssef worked together to alter our trip and assist in adjusting our hotel stay.

The local tour guides... read more

I had a pleasant experience planning my family’s trip to Morocco using KimKim and working with Majid. Majid made great suggestions about an itinerary and places to stay which were all amazing.

Our driver and guide Youssef was friendly and fun. He was always available and on time and a pleasure to spend our time with. When my son got a stomach issue ( dont eat pizza!!) Majid and Youssef worked together to alter our trip and assist in adjusting our hotel stay.

The local tour guides that Majid arranged and that Youssef worked so well with were very knowledgeable. We learned so much and covered a lot of ground.

Our trip was truly fantastic. Thank you Majid and best regards to our dear driver Youssef!!!

Hotel Review

borj-des-cascades-ouzoud

ouzoud

We were unable to stay due to change in itinerary due to illness. We were very disappointed when the hotel did not reimburse us anything.

Activity Reviews

Dinner with a local Family in Fes

Fes

Fes: Exploring the Imperial City

Fes

Fantastic and full day. We saw and experienced it all. Our local tour guide was amazing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to Meknes & the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

Fes

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our guide was engaged. Spoke very fast so we missed things.

Transport

Youssef always the best !!!

My wife and I have been dreaming of a trip to Morocco since 2020. When we got married earlier this year, we knew right away where our honeymoon would be. Our to do list was long- we wanted to see all of the sights and cities but didn't know where to begin with planning.

There are hundreds of travel agencies in Morocco and we are so incredibly lucky to have found Kimkim, along with Original Travels. Said and his team helped plan our entire weeklong itinerary, taking all of our requests... read more

My wife and I have been dreaming of a trip to Morocco since 2020. When we got married earlier this year, we knew right away where our honeymoon would be. Our to do list was long- we wanted to see all of the sights and cities but didn't know where to begin with planning.

There are hundreds of travel agencies in Morocco and we are so incredibly lucky to have found Kimkim, along with Original Travels. Said and his team helped plan our entire weeklong itinerary, taking all of our requests into account. In a weeks time, we've seen the blue city of Chefchaouen, the imperial city of Meknes, the historic medina in Fez, spent time in the desert by Merzouga, Aït Benhaddou and Marrakech.

Each city has brought with it a unique and individualized experience, and memories that we know will last a lifetime. Our driver Faisal has been incredibly accommodating and hospitable, he is the reason why our trip has been so memorable. From his firsthand knowledge of Morocco's history, to making sure I had enough caffeine to make it through the early mornings, Faisal gave us a truly authentic experience.

It was evident from the minute we met Faisal that he has a deep love for his country and Moroccan culture and is eager to share it with his clients. This is clearly not just his job, but his passion. He played a pivotal role in the trip of a lifetime for us that we will forever cherish.

Having never used a travel agency before, I had reservations about putting my vacation in the hands of others. But I can say without any hesitation, this has been the best vacation we've ever had and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Said and Faisal for anyone planning a visit to Morocco.

Eduardo was very helpful on the planning of our trip. We are very thankful of his help and all the help of the driver Arturo as well all the guides , Diana, and Esmeralda. read more

Eduardo was very helpful on the planning of our trip. We are very thankful of his help and all the help of the driver Arturo as well all the guides , Diana, and Esmeralda.

My husband and I did a 10 day trip to Athens, Naxos, and Santorini and had a blast. Angela was the absolute best! Anything we needed she made it happen and made sure our trip was stress free. We would highly recommend her! read more

My husband and I did a 10 day trip to Athens, Naxos, and Santorini and had a blast. Angela was the absolute best! Anything we needed she made it happen and made sure our trip was stress free. We would highly recommend her!

Organized, friendly and knowledgeable guidance

I thoroughly enjoyed planning a family trip for four adults with Lisa and her team. I had loads of questions when I started planning and plenty of last-minute annoying questions, each time Lisa and her associates answered them quickly and accurately. Lisa helped me lay out an itinerary, then suggested activities based on our interests.

Sea kayaking in Ålesund with Daniel at Uteguide, Bergen Past and Present with Magda and the walking tour... read more

Organized, friendly and knowledgeable guidance

I thoroughly enjoyed planning a family trip for four adults with Lisa and her team. I had loads of questions when I started planning and plenty of last-minute annoying questions, each time Lisa and her associates answered them quickly and accurately. Lisa helped me lay out an itinerary, then suggested activities based on our interests.

Sea kayaking in Ålesund with Daniel at Uteguide, Bergen Past and Present with Magda and the walking tour of Copenhagen were standout experiences.

The hotels they booked were all very comfortable and when hotel that I requested was unavailable, they put me on a wait list and we ended up staying there. They also obtained a last-minute upgrade for our hotel in Copenhagen.

Their work was excellent all around.

Hotel Reviews

Augustin Hotel

Bergen

This is a good location because you are within a ten minute walk to anything you would want to see or do but it's a quiet street. We were there the weekend the local football team won the Norway cup and the town was going nuts but we couldn't here any of it from our hotel. Staff is helpful if not overly friendly. The lobby is nice to hang out in with tea and coffee available and the breakfast was high quality with lots of selection and good food. They do need to do a little bit of work on their rooms. The furniture is in noticeably poor shape and there are no black-out shades which can make sleeping in the summer months a bit difficult.

Authenticity & Character

Location

A quiet street that is a ten minute walk from most areas of interest.

Staff

The staff is very professional and can answer any questions you may have.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Britannia

Trondheim

Hotel Britannia is a luxury hotel that really lives up to its reputation. The rooms are beautiful. The facilities--gym, pool, sauna and spa--are well-appointed. The whole place smells good. The staff is friendly and professional. The breakfast is out of this world good.

Authenticity & Character

The breakfast, especially the herring.

Location

It's down the street from the royal residence and a ten minute walk from the Cathedral.

Staff

The staff remembered me when I returned with a follow-up question.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Everything was in impeccable condition.

71 Nyhavn Hotel

Copenhagen, Denmark

This hotel is a located in Nyhavn which is a very busy area. The hotel is near the sound, just around the corner from the theater and Ofelia Plads, a five minute walk from a pedestrian bridge that crosses the sound and about an eight minute walk from Kongens Nytorv, where the Royal Ballet is. The area between those points can be packed but it's about one of the prettiest areas in the city. We were in junior suites on the top floor, each had a sitting area or desk with a sleeping area upstairs under the eaves. The rooms were very comfortable, pretty and sunny. They can get warm from the sun and being at the top of the building but there is a window that opens and air-conditioning. The staff were EXTREMELY helpful, going out of their way to make sure we were aware of issues with road closures the day of our departure and helping us strategize the best way to get to the airport. The breakfast is very nice with lots of options and good coffee.

Authenticity & Character

The decor is beautiful in a warm and welcoming way.

Location

It is very close to the sound and an easy walk or bike ride to various attractions.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

MS Richard With

Tromsø

We are not people who go on cruises so we were pleasantly surprised with our over all experience. The MS Richard With is a working cargo ship as well as a cruise ship so it's a pared down cruise experience is my impression. Lots of folks sitting with their knitting looking out on the fjords as we sailed by. As for food, we only opted for breakfast, which was excellent. We were very comfortable and had a very nice time. The best part was when a crew member spoke about certain islands we were passing and their history.

Authenticity & Character

I mean, it's the Hurtigruten, it doesn't get much more authentic than that.

Location

Sailing up the coast of Norway is a special experience.

Staff

Friendly and safety oriented.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Rooms on a cruise ship are small, generally, but these were very well laid-out and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

Bergen: A Walk Through Past and Present

Bergen

Madga did an excellent job of explaining the history of Bergen and Norway. Her comments on Byrggen and Hanseatic heritage were especially enlightening. We covered a fair bit of ground, but the pace is gentle and she took care not to exhaust the members of the tour.

Quality of Experience

Sea Kayaking In Ålesund

Ålesund

I would recommend this for people who have some familiarity with kayaking. You don't need much experience but there are some tricky spots where it helps to know how to handle the kayak. That said, our guide did an excellent job of covering the basics, getting us geared up and in the kayaks.

Quality of Experience

There is nothing like seeing any part of the Norwegian coast from the water. We saw lots of fish and a habor seal up close.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Daniel was knowledgeable, had an easy and accessible instruction style and was a calm and low-key presence.

Private tour Copenhagen walking tour

Copenhagen

We loved this tour and the tour guide. It is a two and a half hour walking tour that is worth every minute so wear comfortable shoes and maybe do some extra miles at home before your trip. Our guide had lived in the US for many years so her English was excellent. Her knowledge of the history of Denmark and Copenhagen is extensive but she is such a good story teller that she makes it come alive in interesting a surprising ways. She was able to customize the tour on the spot according to our interests which she picked up on through conversation.

Quality of Experience

Smart and engaged tour guide.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day at the Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens is the 19th century prototype for our modern day theme parks. It is smaller than modern ones but it is so well designed that it feels much bigger than it is. The rides are fun, there is excellent food to be had and the landscaping is incredibly beautiful. We were there in spring when the flowers were in early bloom. We went on a Friday night when they have free concerts. The concert area was packed with locals coming to hear a very popular Danish rock band. There's also a laser show, a philharmonic and panto. Or if shopping is your thing, there are tchotchke shops galore.

Quality of Experience

Copenhagen Card

Copenhagen

We used the Copenhagen card to travel out to the Louisiana Museum, it covered both the train and entrance to the museum. We also used it for the Rosenberg Castle and the metro. The number of attractions are staggering. We were biking around the city, but if you are relying on trains and busses or want to take day trips this is must have.

Where do we even begin.. our trip to Morocco that was put together by Original Travels couldn't have gone any better. We worked with Mohamed during the planning stage. He was very knowledgeable and patient. We were all over the place in terms of trying to see everything in a short amount of time. We kept changing our minds and without hesitation he made the adjustments to our itinerary and kept reassuring us that we would be able to see everything we had hoped for.

Once we arrived in... read more

Where do we even begin.. our trip to Morocco that was put together by Original Travels couldn't have gone any better. We worked with Mohamed during the planning stage. He was very knowledgeable and patient. We were all over the place in terms of trying to see everything in a short amount of time. We kept changing our minds and without hesitation he made the adjustments to our itinerary and kept reassuring us that we would be able to see everything we had hoped for.

Once we arrived in Morocco we were greeted by our driver, Soukayna. We cannot say enough good things about her! She truly made our trip spectacular. She always had a smile on her face, personable, funny, professional, safe and an amazing driver, calm, always early, resourceful, and went above and beyond to make sure we had the most memorable vacation. She even made sure that our 5 year wedding anniversary was not forgotten and surprised us with a cake she was able to source from a local family in Merzouga. We couldn't imagine seeing and experiencing Morocco with anyone else. Soukayna started off as our driver and ended as our family she was truly the hardest goodbye of our trip!

Our group could not have been happier with our two week trip to Portugal and Sao Miguel Island! The hotels, transfers, and guides were all excellent. In Lisbon, our guide was Filipa for two days and she was very good. I would definitely recommend Palacio Ludovice Hotel as well - great location, rooms, and customer service. We loved the day trip to Sintra, Estoril and Cascais as well - another great guide and Nortada restaurant for lunch was a great recommendation. Evora was lovely but I... read more

Our group could not have been happier with our two week trip to Portugal and Sao Miguel Island! The hotels, transfers, and guides were all excellent. In Lisbon, our guide was Filipa for two days and she was very good. I would definitely recommend Palacio Ludovice Hotel as well - great location, rooms, and customer service. We loved the day trip to Sintra, Estoril and Cascais as well - another great guide and Nortada restaurant for lunch was a great recommendation. Evora was lovely but I would not necessarily recommend the Pousada de Evora, Convento dos Loios hotel. The rooms were generally sparse and they had very limited staff. However, Telma (our guide for two days) was outstanding and we loved the Olive Oil Estate tour and lunch - definitely a high point. Quinta Nova Winery House was in a spectacular location - but the trip up and down the mountain was nerve racking for those with fear of heights! Our dinner at their restaurant was delicious and the boat trip down the Douro River was wonderful. Would not recommended the picnic lunch at Quinda da Roeda Winery and it was a LONG, uphill walk from the dock (not 10 minutes - more like 30 minutes). Torel Palace in Porto was another high point - beautiful rooms and excellent service in a great location. The trip to Sao Miguel went as planned. However, we did not need the two rental cars. The hotel was only 10 minutes from the airport, so a taxi would have worked fine and we didn't use them the rest of the trip (I think we would have needed them if we stayed in the original hotel at the botanical gardens and probably should have rethought them after we moved to the waterfront). The Hotel Marina Atlantico was nothing fancy but nice with a great view and central location. We loved the Sunset Boat ride, the whale watching trip, and the Food and Wine Walk was wonderful. Natacha for Sete Ciudades and Furnas could not have been better - please recommend her for all of your clients; they will not be disappointed! All in all, we had a fantastic trip and were so happy with Marta and the Kimkim team as always. Thank you again! Karen Friedrich and Team!

Dalia organised a fantastic itinerary which covered all of the sites/places we were keen to see across northern Spain. The tours and hotels were all very good, and made for an enjoyable holiday.

I had a great time on the trip that Terry helped set up for me throughout Iceland. She was very responsive to my questions, had a lot of insider knowledge of the locations and activities, and made the process very easy. I'm generally an independent traveler, but having someone with local knowledge is invaluable. I got to see many sights that I would never had known about otherwise. The hotels selected by Terry and KimKim were very comfortable and, as much as possible, conveniently located.... read more

I had a great time on the trip that Terry helped set up for me throughout Iceland. She was very responsive to my questions, had a lot of insider knowledge of the locations and activities, and made the process very easy. I'm generally an independent traveler, but having someone with local knowledge is invaluable. I got to see many sights that I would never had known about otherwise. The hotels selected by Terry and KimKim were very comfortable and, as much as possible, conveniently located. Here are a couple of tips from me for future travelers: If possible, spend more than one day in Akureyri. It's a great small city and a jumping off point for other activities in the area. Also, be prepared for any kind of weather at any time - pack accordingly. The whale watching tour was great and Husavik is beautiful town to visit. Definitely partake in the nature baths in any part of the country; they are very soothing after driving (and some days driving will be long and tiring). Overall, this was a great trip and kimkim made planning so much easier. I will use them in the future for other travels.

Activity Reviews

Bjórböðin Beer Baths

Iceland

This was a cool experience. It was fun and the place is very nice. I didn't eat at the restaurant but the menu looked good. The room with the beer bath and tap is private, clean, and you should definitely try it out, since you came all this way anyway.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Myvatn Nature Baths

Lake Mývatn

This was a nice large natural bath. It was very soothing and had a swim up bar that was very convenient. It has great views overlooking the water like an infinity pool. Viewing the sunset from the water was very nice.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Husavik Whale Watching

Iceland

I highly recommend this activity. But check the time of year vs whale populations in the harbor. I was there when the whales were in abundance and got to see many. But it may be different at other times of year. The boats can accommodate many people and even though there were lots of people, I never felt crowded. There was always room to move about the vessel. Also, they were nice enough to give everyone hot chocolate and a cinnamon roll on the way back to port.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The boats felt safe, sturdy, and fit lots of people comfortably.

The Geothermal Vok Baths

Iceland

This is a very nice facility and the staff was great. They have the main pools, plus 2 floating pools in the river. It is possible to jump into the freezing river and then climb back into the pools. It was a unique experience. A nice touch is also a corridor where you can walk right into the pool without having to brave the cold outside air. Of course, I learned that too late.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Cannot say enough about the entire experience. Enjoyed every aspect of our amazing adventure in Greece. Christos, is a wonderful person and experienced which really helped us on our travels. His team is top notch. He connected us with so many delightful people to numerous for me to mention today. Everyday was well planned for me and of particular note the Argolis day trip, catamaran cruise on the Caldera Lagoon, lovely Naxos it truly was all wonderful. It was also a delight to meet... read more

Cannot say enough about the entire experience. Enjoyed every aspect of our amazing adventure in Greece. Christos, is a wonderful person and experienced which really helped us on our travels. His team is top notch. He connected us with so many delightful people to numerous for me to mention today. Everyday was well planned for me and of particular note the Argolis day trip, catamaran cruise on the Caldera Lagoon, lovely Naxos it truly was all wonderful. It was also a delight to meet Christos in person. Thank you all once again!!Sincerely, Dorothy

Hotel Reviews

Four Streets Athens

Athens

Very clean, centrally located, safe. Near all things you might want in Athens. The Placa, restaurants, groceries, Acropolis, shopping, kitchen well equipment. Very nice experience!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The owner met us and helped us with whatever was needed.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mykonos Theoxenia Boutique Hotel

Mykonos

Location

Staff

All the staff were outstanding!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Scala de Faro

Chania

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Christina went above and beyond! They are very lucky to have her!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Delphi Day-trip

Athens

Quality of Experience

Food

Ok, stopped for pit stop.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Athens Food Tour

Athens

Quality of Experience

Very nice woman who led the tour. Helpful and knowledgeable.

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Olive Farm Visit and Traditional Greek Lunch at Archanes

Heraklion

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Morning Catamaran Caldera Cruise

Santorini

A lot of fun, we’ll worth it!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Rave reviews for Christos and the Travel 12 team. They were there any and every moment of the way during the 30 days in Greece. Every detail went as planned… well, almost. One private tour had a misunderstanding with the guide which was resolved quickly. We also had to extend our trip by 5 nights and they came through within 48 hours, booking everything from accommodations to cooking class and drivers. I can’t thank you enough for the professionalism from you and your entire team. read more

Rave reviews for Christos and the Travel 12 team. They were there any and every moment of the way during the 30 days in Greece. Every detail went as planned… well, almost. One private tour had a misunderstanding with the guide which was resolved quickly. We also had to extend our trip by 5 nights and they came through within 48 hours, booking everything from accommodations to cooking class and drivers. I can’t thank you enough for the professionalism from you and your entire team.

Hotel Reviews

Electra Palace Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki

Great location, nice hotel. Good value for the money.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Four Streets Athens

Athens

Wow, love this apartment! Direct view of the Acropolis out the beautiful living room windows. Clean, newly and beautifully remodeled. Owner/manager was available anytime. Bedding and bed was great. Kitchen well appointed. Location wonderful, in the heart of the Plaka district.

Authenticity & Character

Old building totally remodeled in a modern way, but still authentic.

Location

In the heart of Plaka district.

Staff

Available anytime!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great bedding, and very comfortable beds. The entire apartment was clean as a whistle.

Mykonos Theoxenia Boutique Hotel

Mykonos

Great location, right next to the windmills. Old hotel that’s been renovated. It was very luxurious yet not stuffy. Beautiful pool area with views of the sea.

Authenticity & Character

Modernized but with character in the choice of materials.

Location

Just on the edge of town, so very quiet yet a short walk into the cute town.

Staff

Over the top hospitality! Aimed to please at every turn.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great bedding, great mattress, clean as a whistle.

MONTANA VILLA NAXOS

Naxos

Did NOT like this ‘Villa.’ The word villa is an overstatement. Odd layout of the house for bedrooms. Leaking living room roof and bathroom floor. The owner was defensive over issues when we had to call him to fix the electricity that went out in the living room (probably due to water in the ceiling). He suggested we overloaded the system. Really????? We were out the entire day!!! It was not very clean in the cabinets and too much evidence of someone living there. Yuck. The oven was not set up so no way to use it. No toaster… when we asked about it 2 days later, the comment back was “you can’t expect me to make sure everything is working.” Really??? Beds were not comfortable, bedding in downstairs bedroom didn’t fit, exposing the mattress, yuck. I slept on the blanket. Downstairs tub was so high it was dangerous to get in/out. Towel bar was rehung at about 6’, impossible to reach. The holes were remaining from being moved up. The best thing about the property was the pool and view. That’s it!

Authenticity & Character

A remodeled mess.

Location

Very far from town. A 20 minute walk to a small beach restaurant area down the hill.

Staff

Explained in description

Cleanliness & Comfort

Explained in description

Volcano View Hotel

Santorini

Great view of the sea. Nice and friendly staff. Quiet location 10 minutes ride into Fira. Beautiful breakfast and restaurant services. Room was clean and well appointed.

Authenticity & Character

Location

10 minutes outside of Fira. Made for a more private and quieter place. Amazing views of the caldera.

Staff

Very nice and friendly. Made last minute spa reservations for 2 of us at their sister hotel across the street. GREAT hot stone massage!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Great bedding, great bed, small room but had a lovely balcony overlooking the caldera and sea.

Aquila Atlantis Hotel

Heraklion – Crete

Just okay. Adequate. Good location to walk to the square and close to the port.

Authenticity & Character

Just okay.

Location

Close to the port from the ferry. Quick walk to the square for restaurants and shops.

Staff

Just okay.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clean. Just okay on comfort.

Scala de Faro

Chania

LOVED this cute boutique 9 room hotel. Staff was GREAT, location was GREAT, the rooms were all unique in a historic 16th century building. Beautifully done!

Authenticity & Character

Totally remodeled 16th century building. So authentic in the choices of materials and design. No elevator from 1st to 2nd floor. Cars cannot drive up to the front door, but drivers figure out how to help.

Location

Right in old town!

Staff

Thank you thank you for all your help with everything from airline issues to restaurants, to early breakfast box!

Cleanliness & Comfort

FABULOUS! Great bedding and beds. I had the jacuzzi room and used it one day… perfect! Everything clean, very clean!

Activity Reviews

Private Acropolis Hill & Museum Tour

Athens

Be prepared to be among 1000 people touring at the same time. It was like Disneyland. BUT, it was the amazing Acropolis! The tour guide was professional and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Professional and knowledgeable.

Transport

We walked.

Jewish Monuments of Thessaloniki Walking Tour

Thessaloniki

Well, we realized 1/2 way into the tour that it was NOT a Jewish tour but a Classic Tour. They did their best to make up for it and added extra time. We let the Travel 12 know….handled very well. Next day on the way to Pella, the driver took us to an amazing old Synagogue to make up for the goof.

Quality of Experience

Make sure and confirm the tour you’re on before starting.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Make sure you’re on the right tour and going to the right place.

Transport

Comfortable Mercedes car, friendly and accommodating driver and guides, even with the initial tour issue.

Private Naxos Food & Culture Tour

Naxos

Loved this tour with our local guide. We had an authentic Naxos meal at a family restaurant in her village. Food was lovely.

Quality of Experience

Friendly and knowledgeable guide, as local as you can get.

Food

Local wonderful lunch.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

She was great!

Transport

Comfortable car.

Hiking Naxos Paths

Naxos

One of my favorite experiences of the 30 days through Greece. Walking through 4 villages was a special experience. I highly recommend doing this! It’s not difficult, but it is 4 hours (or a bit more).

Quality of Experience

Local knowledgeable guide…friendly and personable.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

GREAT!

Transport

All on foot.

Overall, the trip was wonderful and amazing. The experience of a lifetime.

Angel was great to deal with from start to finish. In planning the trip, listening to my wants and needs, and then providing tours accordingly. During the trio he was readily available and responsive whenever a question came up or problem occurred.

The big thing for me which would have made the trip go more smoothly and be more enjoyable as a result is more communication ahead of time about what’s next. Whether... read more

Overall, the trip was wonderful and amazing. The experience of a lifetime.

Angel was great to deal with from start to finish. In planning the trip, listening to my wants and needs, and then providing tours accordingly. During the trio he was readily available and responsive whenever a question came up or problem occurred.

The big thing for me which would have made the trip go more smoothly and be more enjoyable as a result is more communication ahead of time about what’s next. Whether that would be in the form of a much more detailed itinerary before departure, or at the very least, detailed information the evening before each tour. This should include vouchers for lodging and tours, tour operator names and contact information, pick up times and locations, what to bring, required park admission fees, etc. I felt like I was flying blind on several occasions throughout the trip. Maybe this is not unusual, but it hasn’t been that way for me on other international trips, including ones to Chile.

The other thing which could have really been a problem but fortunately wasn’t, was the lack of advance information provided to me about the border crossing from Chile into Bolivia for the Uyuni Salt Flats tour, where I was notified late of some requirements and not told about $160USD tourist visa (which I did don't have when I arrived at the border). As my travel agent, KimKim should have known necessary requirements for a client who is a US resident who is traveling between Chile and Bolivia. This problem could and should have been avoided.

There were other smaller missteps along the way, including problems with transportation to and from SCL to my hotel, some inaccurate tour descriptions (for example, the hike to Puribore Hot Springs - they’re not really hot springs and the water is not even hot), concern for safety as well as comfort on the ride back from Uyuni to San Pedro, miscommunication or lack of communication from individual tour operators about pick up times and/or what to bring. I have provided Angel with detailed explanations of all of the above.

In the end, despite the fact that this was without question the trip of a lifetime, and Angel was there whenever I needed him and responded right away, I am not sure if I would book another trip with KimKim as I definitely feel many of the problems I encountered along the way could have easily been avoided. If I were to book again with KimKim I would at least know going in what potential problems to be on the lookout for.

Hotel Reviews

Hostel Villamar

Uyuni

By US Hotel standards this would probably be considered a one-star hotel. It is a hostel, though, and was clean and comfortable with hot water and decent food. That's all we really needed.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Diego de Velazquez

Santiago

Hotel was fine. It was clean and centrally located in a good neighborhood.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Diego de Almagro San Pedro

One should not go to San Pedro expecting 5 star accommodations. This hotel was fine. It was clean and spacious and located only minutes from the center of town. It is a big property with a pool (though water was cold and I didn't see any one swim during my 6 day stay). Food in restaurant was good. Staff helpful and generally bi-lingual.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Colcha K hostel

Salar de Uyuni

This hostel was actually nicer and seemingly newer than Villamar. It was clean and comfortable with a nice dining room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Astronomical Tour - Atacama Desert

San Pedro de Atacama

One of the highlights of the trip. Highly recommend.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guides were very knowledgeable and spoke good English for those who didn't understand Spanish. Only reason I didn't rate this a 5 is because the driver got lost en route to the desert while trying to locate guests who weren't where they were supposed to be. We wasted a lot of time (like about 30 minutes) driving around at night on narrow dirt roads in a bus.

Transport

Goodbye Atacama transfer to Rea National Park - Uyuni Tour Day 1

Bolivia

The tour itself was great and the sites along the way to Uyuni amazing. The reason for my lower rating is because of border crossing issues which I detailed in my general review comments.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

David Cruz, our driver and guide, was fantastic. Especially at the Salt Flat. He knew exactly how to set up "perspective" pictures and brought a lot of toys along which made the experience extra special.

Transport

As noted in my general trip comments, transportation from Uyuni back to San Pedro was cramped and was the only time on the trip where I felt somewhat unsafe due to driving off road at night in the middle of nowhere with no cell service.

Petrified City and Altiplanic Lagoons - Uyuni Tour Day 2

Bolivia

Felt like we were building and building to the climax of reaching our final destination - the salt flat itself. Sights along the way were all good.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Uyuni Saltflat and Cactus Island - Uyuni Tour Day 3

Bolivia

This was the reason for the whole trip. It was pretty great. We spent too much time in Cochoni Town at the end of the trip and would have liked to spend more time in Uyuni itself. Train Graveyard was fine, though nothing special.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Uyuni to San Pedro Atacama Day 4

Bolivia

This was really just about the return trip, sitting in the back of a Toyota Land Cruiser and a two hour border crossing. It would have been great to have more information ahead of time to know what to expect.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Very cramped, no AC in our vehicle.

Visit the Tatio Geysers - Morning tour

Chile

This was one of the highlights of the trip. Our guide, Carolina, was terrific. Very knowledgeable, moved people along so we could get to the "best spot" just as the sun came up, spoke good English for those who did not know Spanish.

Quality of Experience

I've been to Yellowstone Geyers and this was better!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Carolina A+

Transport

Guatin Trek & Puripobre Hot Springs

Chile

This tour was a bit of a letdown. I've done a lot of hikes in the US and around the world, and as a hike it was fine, but nothing special. The description made it seem like a real great place - a "must do" type of activity. It was not. Also, the hot springs were not hot. They not really even hot springs, but rather pools in a river that is a combination of a thermal and a mountain river, which is why the water is only Luke-warm. For my needs on this day, a regular hike was fine. But I had expected it to be much more.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The guide didn't really offer any insights into the region. He seemed to be there only to tell us where to go.

Transport

Half Day Tour - Baltinache Hidden Lagoons

Chile

This was a nice tour at an off-the-beaten-path site. It is definitely not a "must do" but I'm glad I got to see it. The water was very cold, and it was a cool morning, so I (and many others on the trip) did not end up floating in the salt water.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Visit to "Valle de La luna "

Chile

Valle de La Luna was a highlight of the trip. It is a "must do" if you are visiting Atacama, but I found the tour (as did everyone I spoke to) to be a little bit of a tourist trap. You are on the bus most of the time. You stop, get off the bus, snap pictures and move on. While on the bus you are driving past amazing spots. I could have spent an hour at any one of them taking pictures and enjoying nature. The tour was described as 6 hours. It was 2 1/2 start to finish, including a snack break. I wish it had been longer. Felt like a little bit of a rip off. Tour guide Carolina, who was also my guide for the Geyser tour, was very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Trip- Red Rocks, Lagunas Altiplanicas & Atacama Salt Flats.

San Pedro de Atacama

This was a great day. I wish it had been sunny (we had overcast/cool weather) but the tour was good in spite of the weather. Only complaint is that I did not get any advance text or information from the tour provider about pick up time or what to bring. I (and others) had to purchase hat and gloves along the way, which I would have brought with me had I known we might encounter snow at the higher elevation.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Thank you for being quick to respond at every moment. We appreciated all your advice and checking up on drivers and guides.

H10 hotel and the cooking class in Sevilla was our absolute highlights. We could not have found either without your help so thank you!! The improvements - The hotel at Las Ramblas and Ronda was a let down in comparison. I think we would have appreciated more preparation in what to expect. Ronda staff were very rude- maybe they really dislike Americans? And Las... read more

Thank you for being quick to respond at every moment. We appreciated all your advice and checking up on drivers and guides.

H10 hotel and the cooking class in Sevilla was our absolute highlights. We could not have found either without your help so thank you!! The improvements - The hotel at Las Ramblas and Ronda was a let down in comparison. I think we would have appreciated more preparation in what to expect. Ronda staff were very rude- maybe they really dislike Americans? And Las Ramblas…it felt like a budget motel. Clean, but lacking in amenities or style. Perhaps you picked it for the convenient location- I think I would have been fine if our documents said that.

That being said, there was overwhelmingly more good than not so good. Pacing was great, places visited were awesome and the detailed itinerary gave enough info for me to plug in a few items from my own research. It was an amazing experience and we appreciate all that you did to help create it.

Hotel Reviews

7 Islas Hotel

Madrid

Excellent and welcoming staff and an amazing location that is close to everything yet still quiet and intimate. We loved this hotel and highly recommend it it!!

Authenticity & Character

Nothing. This has lots of authenticity and unique personality, but it isn’t (and shouldn’t be) a old world Spanish hotel

Location

It is just enough off the Main Street to be quiet yet still very convenient

Staff

They were warm and had great suggestions.

Cleanliness & Comfort

So clean!! Well designed room. Our only complaint- we had to sign into the Wi-Fi every single time, and sometimes even multiple times during a session.

Hotel H10 Casa de la Plata

Sevilla

I can’t say enough good about this place. We loved everything and every one. The front desk person even made a restaurant recommendation “off the list” which I know is not common- and it was outstanding! Also, the room was incredibly well designed- lighting furniture placement, amenities and bathroom… every detail was intelligently thought out and we appreciated it. On top of this they delivered iced Cava and a desert tray?! We felt like royalty for a day.

Authenticity & Character

So much character. And, we appreciated the playful art

Location

The view from our room was amazing

Staff

The best. Really.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spotless.

Catalonia Ronda

Ronda

Not the best experience. The parking was ridiculously complicated, the staff never seemed to have what we needed (and didn’t care) and the restaurant staff was beyond insulting- claiming they had no way to seat us until 10 pm… it was 7 pm and the place was completely empty. A senior staff took pity on us and sat us (with no apology or explanation ) and we proceeded to order and eat… and the restaurant never got more than 30% full during the entire meal. I’ve never been so insulted in my entire life. The room was as dark as a cave. Very unpleasant. We do not recommend.

Authenticity & Character

Rooms are like dark caves. Aweful.

Location

It is what it is

Staff

They seem to hate tourists (or Americans, or non-Spaniards?). Every request was impossible and no indication they were sorry about the denial. Really rude people.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Super dark room was like a cave- not sure that could be changed.

NH Collection Victoria

Granada

Great location and charming view.

Authenticity & Character

Loved the view and the breakfast

Location

Close to everything

Staff

Friendly and helpful

Cleanliness & Comfort

The room was not clean- the tub had not been cleaned and there were hairs under the sheets. Management seemed responsive, but we were too tired to complain.

Arc La Rambla

Barcelona

A serviceable place that is clean but feels like a budget motel. Zero amenities but a vending machine on every floor. Active jackhammering just below our room when we checked in. Management did try to help out but 🤷‍♀️ what can you do?

Authenticity & Character

Budget is budget, I guess.

Location

Might be great for the young interested in the action on Las Ramblas. Not so much for us.

Staff

They were mostly occupied with watching to 12 surveillance screens so… 🤷‍♀️ they were nice.

Cleanliness & Comfort

I disliked the noise- both construction noise and general location noise, but I don’t think it’s bad. Just not my preference.

Activity Review

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

Madrid

It was informative.

Had the most wonderful 2 weeks in Peru! Would highly recommend booking through Miski Travels - the whole itinerary was incredible. Definitely a trip of a lifetime! read more

Had the most wonderful 2 weeks in Peru! Would highly recommend booking through Miski Travels - the whole itinerary was incredible. Definitely a trip of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews

Palacio del Inka Cusco

Cusco

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Camping XT

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

Puerto Maldonado

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

El Albergue Ollantaytambo Boutique Hotel

Cusco

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Antigua Miraflores

Lima

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Lima Food Tour - Savoring the Best of Peru's Culinary Delights (PM Tour)

Peru

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Winery Tour, and Desert Adventure Day Trip from Lima

Peru

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Just wanted to say Hara did an Excellent job in helping plan out trip to Greece. So many fun sights and activities that we’ll never forget. Truly thankful to Hara and kimkim. Will certainly use the service again. Thanks! read more

Just wanted to say Hara did an Excellent job in helping plan out trip to Greece. So many fun sights and activities that we’ll never forget. Truly thankful to Hara and kimkim. Will certainly use the service again. Thanks!

Everything about my experience with kimkim was perfect. They designed the trip with what I liked, and adapted it to my liking. Anna Maria was the perfect guidance through everything. I was traveling alone, and being a young woman in a foreign country with a foreign la guage was scary, but having all my tours and transport beforehand made me feel very safe and able to just enjoy. Communication was great. One of my flights was cancelled and Anna Maria was able to rearrange my itinerary so I... read more

Everything about my experience with kimkim was perfect. They designed the trip with what I liked, and adapted it to my liking. Anna Maria was the perfect guidance through everything. I was traveling alone, and being a young woman in a foreign country with a foreign la guage was scary, but having all my tours and transport beforehand made me feel very safe and able to just enjoy. Communication was great. One of my flights was cancelled and Anna Maria was able to rearrange my itinerary so I would not miss anything.

I have no words to describe my trip. Whatever you see in the photos, it is way better. Overwhelmingly beautiful country, beautiful people and beautiful memories.

The full day boat trip from Hvar to the Blue and Green Caves was the best. Our captain Joseph and guide Mario made sure we got even more than we signed up for, avoided crowds and even signed up to dance the Macarena with us on the boat.

The food tour in Split was also great, you get to know a lot about Croatian culture and have a delicious meal as well. Definitely recommend.

All my tours were small groups which is a good thing since you get to see more things and get the most out of the experience.

All in all, this trip exceeded my expectations. Definitely want to come back. Eternally grateful with Anna Maria, kim kim and all my tour guides. 🤩

Hotel Reviews

Splendida Palace

Split

Splendida Palace has the nicest staff I have ever met. They even give you a cellphone i case you need any advice or help while touring the city. Breakfast is delicious, the rooms are huge and comfy bed. And the welcoming Rakija was the best I had.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Walkable

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel

Hvar

Nice staff. Arrived early jut they let you use facilities and guard luggage until room is ready. Wonderful views and perfect location. Friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel More

Dubrovnik

Good hotel, but not a great one. Has wonderful amenities, the cave bar is awesome and the restaurants as well, delicious food. Rooms are small and bed not so comfortable for a 5 star hotel. Staff was friendly and helpful, everyone in Croatia was 😅

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Split food tour

Split

Delicious food, small geoup made it way better. Everything was very organized and it helped save time. They made adjustments in case there were food intolerances or allergies.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Plitvice Lakes full-day visit from Split

Croatia

Photos do not do this place justice. Our guide was very nice, explained evrything and made sure we got the pest pictures and spots. Going with a larger group sometimes ir hard, but our guide managed to respect everyones’ wishes while still being on time. Would definitely recommend.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue and Green Caves: Full-Day Speedboat Tour from Hvar

Hvar

The best tour in my whole trip. I will just upload the photos, they speak for themselves. 20/10

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Nice tour. It seemed quite fast paced, but the tour guide made sure I got some nice info and pics. Lasted less than 2 hours probably because it was only me, and I had no questions. Very interesting stories and tips.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

All the trip was amazing. The places were incredible and unbelievable. I’ll book again from kimkim

Extremely satisfied with KimKim Travel for our trip to Italy. Maria Grazia was fantastic throughout the entire booking process. Before departing for our trip Maria had us download an app to keep all of our trip details, train tickets and tour vouchers readily accessible on our phones. The app also allowed us to message each other and our local travel representative, Jessica. Jessica always replied promptly to our questions and requests.

The hotels in Rome and Florence were well... read more

Extremely satisfied with KimKim Travel for our trip to Italy. Maria Grazia was fantastic throughout the entire booking process. Before departing for our trip Maria had us download an app to keep all of our trip details, train tickets and tour vouchers readily accessible on our phones. The app also allowed us to message each other and our local travel representative, Jessica. Jessica always replied promptly to our questions and requests.

The hotels in Rome and Florence were well located and although our Sorrento hotel was not walkable to the city center they did provide a shuttle. Our tours of the Vatican and the Colosseum in Rome were fabulous as was our Pompeii tour and e-bike trip through Tuscany.

We did experience a couple of rainy days in Sorrento which resulted in our boat excursion being cancelled. Our credit card was refunded for the cancelled tour within 48 hours.

I highly encourage you to use KimKim Travel for your next worry free vacation!

We recently returned from a fabulous trip to Croatia which was arranged by Sarah and Ivan Cosic of Royal Croatian Tours.

We are seasoned senior travelers who have been on all kinds of vacations and excursions around the world with many types of travel companies and travel specialists. Sarah and Ivan arranged a complete tour of Croatia built to our specifications while fulfilling all of our requests and requirements.

Sarah was very responsive and helpful throughout the entire planning... read more

We recently returned from a fabulous trip to Croatia which was arranged by Sarah and Ivan Cosic of Royal Croatian Tours.

We are seasoned senior travelers who have been on all kinds of vacations and excursions around the world with many types of travel companies and travel specialists. Sarah and Ivan arranged a complete tour of Croatia built to our specifications while fulfilling all of our requests and requirements.

Sarah was very responsive and helpful throughout the entire planning process. Her expertise was evident as no details of our experience were overlooked. Every part of our personalized itinerary was executed to perfection.

We would recommend Royal Croatian Tours without reservation.

Hotel Review

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik

Great hotel. Good location. Excellent accommodations.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Easy access to the old town

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Visit a family farm for an authentic Croatian meal + visit small town of Cavtat

Croatia

Authentically cooked traditional Croatian meal in a wonderful farmhouse setting. Divo Vukorep was the perfect chef and host.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport