Kimkim Trip Reviews for Iceland

This trip, with my adult son, would not have happened without Emanuela and KimKim. Even as a seasoned indie (including a full year of independent travel) + business traveler, I did not have it in me to plan another trip that might get cancelled and unwound due to the ups and downs post-pandemic. So, for the first time ever I decided to seek out a travel agent and thank goodness I found KimKim.
The process is straight forward. Emanuela asked for our dream trip, and then proposed an agenda and set expectations given our very late decision (less than 2 weeks). We focused on our work and then an agenda arrived with cars, hotels, excursions (many off the beaten path) and restaurant recommendations. We were particularly amazed by the fact that Emanuela checked in daily and helped make requested changes along the way. Her restaurant recommendations were so amazing, particularly given my son is a vegetarian trying to eat in Iceland, that we became dedicated to her recommendations exclusively. We would have never found “one of the best chief in Iceland”@ Otto Matur og Dryldkur on our own.
In closing, I look forward to using KimKim for my next, less rushed trip.

Activity Reviews

Drive to Grundarfjordur via Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Iceland

I will return to the Peninsula -- it is the whole of Iceland compressed into a smaller space. Don't miss the Cave experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I bought the auto insurance for the first time (for window shields and tires) and we used it on Day 2 when we had a flat tire. Enterprise sent a repair man who fixed the tire while we had dinner in a nearby restaurant. Totally worth it! we saw many people with flats in Iceland.

West Iceland

Borgarnes

Forest Lagoon

Akureyri

We had a week long trip along the southern part of Iceland and the golden circle. The process with KimKim was very efficient and the trip really was catered to our needs. Francesca was very helpful and knowledgeable. David from our ice cave tour was fabulous.

Iceland in 11 days was magnificent!

Too bad we couldn't stay longer. Rinolda helped us well with planning our entire trip. We were pretty last minute (booked 1 month before departure) and she managed to book everything we needed. I started doing it on my own, because that's what I usually do, but this time I didn't have the time to do that. We loved the country! The only minor part was that we absolutely wanted to see and do everything, but that's just not possible in 11 days. So we did less hikes than we would have liked. So one day, we'll have to go back!

Activity Reviews

Fimmvorduhals Hike

Iceland

Too bad we were in a cloud for this hike. We got a glimpse of the magnificent views we should have had. It's a long trip, but when the weather is not that bad, it's completely worth it. And doable might I say for someone with vertigo!

Quality of Experience

The weather, nothing to improve by people

Transport

Everything was taken care off. We would have liked to have the possibility to take the bus earlier in the morning, because we lost a morning of waiting on the bus. With a tight travel schedule like ours, we felt like we lost a lot of precious time.

Glacier hike on the Vatnajokull glacier

Iceland

It was nice, the staff was nice and experienced. But it was a group of all people: good hikers, amateur hikers... All together. Because of that, it's a simple walk to the first part of the glacier, you don't get very far. For me it felt like I could 've done it without a guide, and would have wanted to go further in with a guide.

Quality of Experience

I wanted to go higher up on the glacier

Guides, Drivers and Staff

My family and I returned from an 8 day Iceland vacation a little over a week ago. This was our “big” vacation that was long overdue. With so much information available on Iceland, as well as talking to friends that had previously visited, the task of planning seemed a bit daunting. How was I going to plan an engaging, memorable experience for 2 teenage boys and my husband? When I finally decided to use KimKim, my specialist Emanuel communicated with me and we began a lovely rapport immediately. I know it’s hard to get to know someone via email and I don’t know how Emanuela did it, but she figured out our travel preferences and created an itinerary that delivered. We began our trip with Wake Up Reykjavik walking food tour (we’re foodies) and it was a great introduction to Iceland, the culture, history and meet other travelers (highly suggest this as an introduction to Iceland) Alma, our food/tour guide was knowledgeable, engaging and funny. By the end of the tour she had a bunch of strangers talking as though we were all friends traveling together. What a way to start our vacation! Our itinerary was full as we wanted to see and do so much in 8 days and Emanuela made sure we weren’t overwhelmed from the get go as she started us off with the most beautiful areas of Iceland, the Snaefellness Peninsula which was a hit for my boys. Our trip culminated with a breathtaking (figuratively speaking) Glacier Hike with Arctic Adventure with Barbara, our guide. This tour was the family favorite, the hike was not difficult and it took a few minutes to adjust to walking with crampons, however once you start the hike, see the beauty of the glaciers and the clear flowing water you’ll be glad you did it. There were many wonderful highlights we enjoyed and I could write an essay about each. The only thing we wish we would have done was spend more time at Thingvellir National Park, we could have been here all day walking appreciating its beauty. Our last day in Iceland ended at the Sky Lagoon…the view from that cliff is spectacular especially if you get lucky on a clear day as we did. It was the perfect ending of our time in Iceland.

Emanuela definitely got it right when it came to accommodations with The Black Pearl Apartments and Hotel Husafell as our favorites, if you wish to splurge on accommodations, which is something we wanted. Hotel Husafell provides you with breathtaking views of mountains and a vibe that is relaxing and grounding with exceptional service. The Black Pearl Apartments are in the heart of Reykjavik, spacious, clean, modern apartment with excellent service.
Although we never met Emanuela, she took the time to communicate with us in Iceland and it felt like we were traveling with a friend who wanted us to feel at home and enjoy our time. Thank you Emanuela for creating a memorable experience that my family and I will remember for years to come.

Activity Reviews

Blue Lagoon and departure

Reykjavík

Alma our guide was not only knowledgeable and funny but she managed to get a bunch of strangers together talking like friends by the end of the tour.

Quality of Experience

The quality and diversity of the food choices

Food

Mouthwatering, savory and excellent presentation of each plate served.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Alma was engaging, friendly and funny.

Transport

The ease of walking to each place

Sky Lagoon

Reykjavík

The spectacular view from the cliff is breathtaking and humbling especially on a clear day (how lucky were we to have excellent weather). It’s definitely a pampering moment to be appreciated.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Staff is very professional and helpful

Inside a volcano and back to Reykjavik

Vík

With an actual mini volcanic eruption occurring in another part of the country, as we were about to made the inside the volcano tour all the more special and you appreciate the wonders of nature. It is mind blowing to know how deep inside you are and words will not be enough to describe the colors you see inside this volcano.

Quality of Experience

I

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

When the guides share the history of how this cave was found and you see the untouched rocks that have fallen it blows your mind that you are inside a lava cave.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Extremely knowledgeable and engaging which made the tour all the more interesting

Transport

Nice hike to the lava cave

My son and I just returned from Iceland. It was beautiful. The waterfalls, the animals, the landscapes, and the people were all wonderful. I have never seen so many different landscapes especially in a single country. I would love to go back and visit places we didn’t have to see and others we didn’t have enough time to fully explore.

I want to mention that Preeti helped me so very much and was understanding of all my problems and questions. She walked me through two postponements with so much patience. I thank her and the other team members for making our trip one of a lifetime.

Terry spent almost 9 months helping us plan a 7-day and a 6-day trip, before and after 18 days in Norway and Svalbard. We were involved as much as we wanted, providing feedback on the numerous options available. We made our way through the various COVID restrictions put in place by Iceland last year and earlier this year and all of them were thankfully lifted a month or two before departure.

We’ve travelled a lot, having spent almost 30 years living overseas, but this trip has us totally convinced that Iceland is the most beautiful country in the world. Around every bend in the road and from the top of hills and peaks, there were spectacular views. Terry planned a diverse set of stops and activities for us, from incredible waterfalls, to a glacier hike, snorkeling the Silfra Fissure, hiking in Porsmork, a boat trip and tour to a bird sanctuary on Vigur Island, and a five-hour spa retreat at Blue Lagoon.

The rental car process was easy and with the daily link to Google map directions Terry sent that easily connected to the car’s nav system, we never missed a turn and the the timing between places was amazingly accurate. The hotels were comfortable and varied, but always to a good standard.

I have always planned our elaborate trips myself, but took a chance on KimKim, because I didn’t know Iceland at all. I hate to admit it but Terry surpassed my extremely high bar and we had a an incredible trip. All that’s left is going through the thousand photographs!

Sigurður put together a great itinerary for our 2 week road trip through Iceland. I am a professional photographer, so he recommended many great locations for epic photos and some that were off the beaten path like the Westfjords. He also recommended several great tours like snorkeling the Silfra Fissure and the Katla cave hike. Sigurður was also great about communication before, during and after our trip. We were very pleased with the entire experience!

Francesca put together the exact Itinerary that we had envisioned. We saw and experienced Icelands wonderful sights and experiences so easily with the guidance given by Francesca’s daily itinerary. The Lodging selected was in the perfect locations to complete the exciting days travels.

Duncan was a fantastic guide. He listened to our preferences and clearly tailored a trip to our desires. He spaced the hotels well to keep the driving very manageable each day, but at the same time we covered a lot of ground and felt like each day we still saw a lot! His food and hike recommendations were great. He was responsive and helped give us options to adjust our trip if we needed based off how the day was going.

Our favorite moments of the trip were:

Glymur waterfall hike
Blue Lagoon
Driving around the perimeter of the Snaefllsnes Peninsula checking out the recommended stops and coast hike along the way
Reynisfjara black sand beach
Fjadrargljufur canyon
Hjorliefshofdi Cape and Cave hike
Staftafefell Glacier Hike
Diamond Beach
Reykjavik walking culinary tour

It was a truly amazing and memorable trip that my wife and I will cherish!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Geysir

Bláskógabyggd

Location is excellent. Hotel is new and modern. The dinner at the restaurant was an excellent meal as well!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshotel Stykkisholmur

Stykkishólmur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hótel Geirland

Kirkjubaejarklaustur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel was kind of dingy compared to other hotels we stayed in

Hótel Klaustur

Kirkjubæjarklaustur

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Apótek Hotel by Keahotels

Reykjavík

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Vatnshellir Lava Cave Tour

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Was interesting and an hour is definitely enough. Not a must do stop, but was nice

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Secret Lagoon

Iceland

I would skip if you have the chance to do Blue Lagoon. It was crowded when we went and was just less relaxing than the Blue Lagoon

Quality of Experience

Skaftafell Glacier Hike

Iceland

Truly special experience, was fascinating to learn about the glacier structures and changes over time. I would opt for the 5 hour tour to get to explore further on the glacier

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Reykjavik Food Walk

Reykjavík

Our guide was knowledgeable about the Icelandic culinary scene and culture. Learned a lot, got to see more of Reykjavik and the food was excellent!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Everyone involved was very helpful and patient. Any problems I had during the trek were easily corrected, communication was very good Eve while on the hike.

Thanks for an amazing journey to Iceland 🇮🇸

Jason Karahalis

We had an amazing trip in Iceland! Thanks to the kimkim team (Preeti and Halldor) for planning an amazing trip. Our tour guide, Bjarni Gaukur was a real highlight of our trip. He is kind, knowledgeable and made our trip unforgettable. I would highly recommend him !

Thanks Rinolda, for a trip of a lifetime! We appreciated all your expertise and recommendations..Helping us change our itinerary to make whale watching possible on a day with good weather and meeting you during our trip were such thoughtful additions! Every activity was well suited to our interests and the variety was perfect!
The only improvements might have been larger showers in the rooms and a bit larger car for the second half of the trip...the car you reserved for us was very tight for 4 adults plus luggage...also, in several of the hotels, it was not cool enough in our rooms at night with one tiny window being the only ventilation in the rooms...(maybe a fan could be suggested).
Overall, we all came home very thrilled with our trip with a lifetime of amazing memories from Iceland!

Thank you again SO much Rinolda!

Warmly, Elizabeth Koster

Othman was EXCELLENT! Very responsive and helpful. He was super knowledgeable about Iceland and had great recommendations specific to our family's interests. The accommodations were unique and really great. Othman found unique outings for us and handled all bookings, confirmations and any small issue that arose. We will definitely book with KimKim again!

Hotel Reviews

Dís Cottages

Grundarfjordur

WOW! This cottage and the VIEW blew us away!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fosshótel Rauðará

Reykjavík

The hotel was definitely very dated - not sure the interiors have been updated in 15+ years. But, it was clean. A bit far from interesting spots in and the center of the city. The breakfast was really excellent.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Holiday House

Kirkjubaejarklaustur

WOW this cottage and view were SO GREAT! It was perfect for our 4-person family. The kitchen was well apportioned. The view and the front porch are uncompromised. Loved it!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Vatnsholt Hotel & Guesthouse

Selfoss

We had a family room in a larger guest house. It was very clean and well-appointed. It was quiet and the beds were very comfortable. The restaurant had a good breakfast and dinner. Very nice and helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Saxholar Crater

Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Quality of Experience

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Gerduberg Basalt Cliffs

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Whale Watching Ólafsvík

Iceland

Folklore Walking Tour

Reykjavík

Quality of Experience

Solheimasandur beach & Plane wreck

Iceland

We didn't go to this sight.

Horses and Hotsprings

Iceland

SO AMAZING!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Thingvellir

Iceland

Quality of Experience

Kerid Crater

Golden Circle

Quality of Experience

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour

Iceland

Secret Ice Cave

Iceland

WHOA was this SUPER COOL!

Quality of Experience

Thank you for an incredible trip! Our tour guide was phenomenal and so knowledgable and thoughtful. The itinerary was perfect and the hotels were great. We really enjoyed this family vacation.

We had such an incredible trip to Iceland. Even though it was short we managed to squeeze in so many fun activities. We ended up going to the sky Lagoon instead of the blue lagoon because There was no availability as our trip was planned so last minute. It was so beautiful and peaceful it was a great way to start our trip after a exhausting overnight flight. The hotel we stayed in were all clean and well located. We loved the glacier hike and the ATV towards the best and we also appreciated the thorough itineraries that Emanuela created for us so that after each Excursion she gave us a path back to our hotel that involved beautiful stops and hikes on the way. It was a perfect five days.

Activity Reviews

South Coast and Icelandic Lava Show

Vík

This was only an hour shower but it was super informative and really interesting. They talk about the history of one of the major recent volcanic eruption‘s and then they actually do a demonstration on how the magma comes out of the earth and flows. Even my kids loved it

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Snowmobile tour on Langjokull Glacier

Iceland

It was a great trip and everyone had a lot of fun but it definitely felt a teeny bit dangerous. One of our snowmobiles did fall over at some point when we hit a sharp slope and I did hurt my shoulder a little bit but everyone had a ton of fun. A few other people also fell over but nobody got hurt.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

ATV tour

Vík

This was definitely one of the coolest things we did on the trip. The ATVs felt very safe and we were able to go fast through the black lava sand and through rivers and we also got to go to one of the plane crash sites in Iceland. It was very beautiful and surreal. We really enjoyed it

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Food Walking Tour

Reykjavík

This was a very interesting tour. The food was unique and interesting to learn about. Our tour guide was very nice no didn’t have a huge personality. Everybody did enjoy the tour and we like to try and all the different kinds of foods

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We are an adventurous family. My wife and I have been hiking over 50 years and we still work together so time away still requires packed vacations within a 2 week time frame. We had been to Iceland 10 years ago and were desirous to return. We hit the “Golden Circle and nearby iconic activities and in 5 days we packed in spelunking, white-water rafting, the Blue Lagoon, kayaking and hiking up Glymur falls, snowmobiles on glaciers and the essential Thingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir and Reykavik. This time around, we wanted to be off-the-beaten path”. Google photos hit the right buttons; challenging day-hiking, glamping and experiencing Kjolur, Landmannalauger, Thorsmork, the Skogafoss canyon, glacier hiking, crossing glacial rivers, zodiacs among the icebergs, venturing on our own and a private understanding of the “out-back’s”: volcanos, vents, glaciers, canyons, culture (the poets of Hali) and the hard scrabble life of the Icelander (sheep, wool, geothermal, green houses, simple / efficient structures, helping each other). We had used other travel services which provide the “90%” tourist agenda but Kimkim, recognized our needs and hand-selected us with a most incredible self-adventurer herself, Rinolda Juodvirsyte. We wished to explore deeper into the volcanic-glacier physically changing land of a remarkable people who’s days change with weather, lava flows (Vestmannaeyjar islands , glacier melts, light/dark and personal isolation when their towns and dwellings are separated in floods and landslides). Rinolda puzzeled together a wonderful and exciting day-by-day roadtrip; even spending time with us exploring different Icelandic iconic locations at site and over dinner. Each day a challenging hike many times with a personal guide (chains and ladders), interpreting the culture, geology, directions and further recommending out-of the way treks, food surprises and explorations. We experienced how this constantly challenging island-nation is surviving climate change (carry your essentials and layered clothing with you, you never know what comes next), surprising volcano eruptions and lava flows, humongous glacier melts destroying roads and bridges (berms of volcanic rubble and single lane bridges, quickly and simply rebuilt), isolation between far-away towns, light-dark mood changes and always extending a happy, smiling, “can-do” attitude of “thetta reddast” (it will be okay, what will be, will be). I cannot recommend KimKim enough to pair you with the right expert to create the individualized experience for you.

Our trip to Iceland was well planned and we had a great time! Jenny was responsive and made sure her recommendations were consistent with our needs. We completed the entire Ring Road in a week and really enjoyed the Blue Lagoon, whale watching, and the Reykjavik Food Tour. The South of the island has more sights to explore than the North and you could easily spend a week only in the South. I recommend kimkim’s service. It made planning easy!

Activity Reviews

Akureyri Whale Watching

Akureyri

Great tour with knowledgeable guides. We were lucky enough to see whales breach, dive, breathe, and slap their tales!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Myvatn Nature Baths

Lake Mývatn

Ok experience. The hot springs were Luke warm. The Blue Lagoon is better.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Reykjavik Food Walk

Reykjavík

Great, knowledgeable guide. Interesting Iceland history and a sampling of foods you wouldn’t have tried otherwise. Highly recommended.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blue Lagoon

Iceland

Amazing experience. The best hot spring I’ve been to. Worth the time and money

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Emanuela did an incredible job organizing our trip to Iceland, from start to finish! Her itinerary was perfect for our family, easy to follow and we appreciated her checking in with us periodically as well. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

Emanuela was great in planning our trip. The provided itinerary was highly detailed, easy to follow and very helpful. We appreciated all her dining recommendations and places to stop off the beaten path. Emanuela was very responsive and communicated with us during the planning process and checked in with us throughout the trip! Thanks for a great adventure

Activity Review

A Day at the Westmann islands

Vík

Enjoyed seeing the puffins! Less busy than other places. It was nice to get away from the crowds. The island was beautiful!

This is an overdue review for a trip completed pre-pandemic. Pauline did an amazing job planning the trip. We loved driving around and exploring the waterfalls, black sand beaches and cliffs. The natural springs were great too. Looking forward to planning more trips through kimkim now that traveling is more accessible!