Emma Gerards

Emma did an absolutely amazing job planning and organizing our trip to explore the magic of the holiday season in Cologne, Brussels, Ghent, and Bruges! She was extremely helpful and attentive, from our first messages trying to figure out what we wanted to do and where we wanted to go, right up until the days before our trip when she provided suggestions for helpful phone apps and other details, big and small. Emma answered every question we had promptly and thoroughly, and she patiently made numerous changes and "tweaks" so we could shape a trip together that met our particular needs and wishes. Upon arriving at our first hotel, we had a welcome packet waiting for us with our train tickets, city cards, and other helpful information, well-organized and labeled. When we had a question during the first day of the trip, we received a response immediately, and were very impressed. We would use kimkim again for our vacation planning in a heartbeat. Emma truly went above and beyond to create a magical Christmastime adventure for us, and we are so grateful for her! Anyone who works with Emma to plan their trip is in excellent hands.

Emma’s recommendations and trip-planning made this the trip of a lifetime for our family, ages 22 to 77. She thought of every detail, from train tickets and schedules to finding great restaurants and making reservations, to researching specific things we were hoping to see and experience in Holland. She is friendly, thoughtful, and was readily available and quick to respond to questions through the entire process. The KimKim team gave us the ability to ask for help or with questions while we were traveling. We also very much appreciated the transport drivers Maarten, Reuben, and Ibo who were prompt and made airport and Christmas Day transport so easy. Many THANKS from our whole family!

Hotel Review

Accommodation booked by traveler

Activity Reviews

Explore Rotterdam and Kinderdijk windmills

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Amsterdam - Rijksmuseum

The Netherlands

Was an extremely packed place on 12/23, likely lots of families visiting because of the holiday week-

Quality of Experience

Transport

Train transport to/from Gouda was pretty easy all week

Amsterdam - Private canal cruise

The Netherlands

Our tiny boat’s propeller quit working and we were close to having to abandon ship during the cruise. The driver June was hanging over the side repairing it in the dark. Would probably suggest another boat company or bigger boat for future groups. The lights in the canal were pretty. June packed hot water bottles to keep our laps warm which was nice.

Utrecht - De Haar Castle

The Netherlands

Booked this on our own without KimKim. Was a fun event to soon Christmas Day since most things are closed. Emma arranged transport and we were so thankful we had drivers Reuben and Ibo!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

No English- speaking tour guides or audio tours available on Christmas Day.

Transport

Haarlem canal cruise

The Netherlands

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Gouda - Cheese Experience

Gouda

Place is great! 22 year old son said the cheese-tasting was his favorite thing of the week. Liked the cafe for lunch afterwards, and we bought cheese and souvenirs to take home before we left.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Gouda - Day trip to Haarlem

Gouda

We liked the city of Haarlem very much! We purchased tickets for the Corrie ten Boom museum on our own after reading her book The Hiding Place and really enjoyed the 50 min. tour. We liked the canal cruise very much. Shopping was fun by all, and we sampled and enjoyed the street food vendors. Emma planned an Escape Tour and made dinner reservations for us also, but we had one person in our group who wasn’t feeling well, so we went back early for the day.

Quality of Experience

Transport

Haarlem - Corrie ten Boom museum

The Netherlands

Be on time! The reservations tell you this, but you must be waiting in the alley at your ticket time or they will give your place away to others waiting. We had a late train because of a prior train accident, which forced us to run to the museum to make it just in time!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Gouda - Day trip to Rotterdam

Gouda

Kinderdijk windmills, water taxi to the windmills, Cube Houses, and Markthal for dinner were terrific! Markthal closed at 6:00 pm, which ended up being just enough time to get and eat dinner for us.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Haarlem - City escape tour

The Netherlands

We ran out of time to play this tour escape game. However, I know we would’ve liked to play it as it’s a great multi-age group game and a fun way to discover new places in Haarlem! We will do this next time for sure.

Quality of Experience

I wish I had more than 5 stars to give! I cannot thank Emma and the team enough for the exceptional job they did planning our trip to the Netherlands and Belgium. Emma listened to our preferences and crazy requests and planned experiences that were so perfect and thoughtful. Everything was taken care of and all the instructions were very detailed and clear, it could not have gone more smoothly. Such a pleasure to have spent time with Maartin, who is absolutely wonderful, knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Having the train/tram access cards was terrific, and so easy to use. Somehow (luck or I suspect good planning) all our tickets to attractions had been booked with entry times that were less crowded; imagine having the Rijksmuseum nearly to ourselves! Food tours were exceptional, delicious stops and excellent guides. I will also give Emma credit for the beautiful sunny day (a rarity in November) that appeared the day we rode bicycles to the beach from Haarlem to Zandvoort. Everyone we met during all our experiences was so welcoming and wonderful, we thank you all so much!

Emma planned a great trip for us and was very flexible to our asks and changes. We loved the hotels and all the perks of the notes, tee shirts, and special touches made it extra special. The differentiator with Kim Kim is the personalized service thru the trip and someone to reach out to. We recommend Kim Kim all the time. Love the ability to pull up entire trip online as well any time.

Hotel Reviews

Singel hotel

Amsterdam

Great location on a quiet street but close to train and city center. Lovely amenities of the hotel and the room itself. Very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character

We loved siting downstairs in common areas and outside

Location

Quiet street but a short walk to town

Staff

All

Cleanliness & Comfort

Super clean and spacious

Hotel Fidder

Zwolle

Loved the location and amenities. Cool to be next to a whiskey bar. Loved the breakfast and just a pretty location. Felt like a local.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Close to city center

Staff

All

Cleanliness & Comfort

Loved the robe and slippers!

Activity Reviews

Amsterdam - Resistance Museum

The Netherlands

Super interesting and love the audio guide

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amsterdam - Anne Frank House

The Netherlands

Can’t come to Amsterdam without visiting. Very moving exhibit

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Amsterdam - Grand Dutch Food Tour

The Netherlands

Loved walking the city and hearing the history while getting to sample different local foods and drinks. Great guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Public Transport Pass Amsterdam

The Netherlands

Loved having this instead of buying individual tickets for each trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport