Lorenza Cannarsa

All of our guides were amazing and we are pleased we paid the extra for the private guided tours. Lorenza picks for our family hit the mark on our needs and everything was amazing. Lorenza was available when and if needed on our travel days and all the guides and drivers were knowledgeable on our location and needs. We felt like we were taken care of which was amazingly comfortable for family travelling together with various needs.

Venice, Florence, Tuscany and Rome were perfect balance for two week trip. Italy is so Beautiful we would definitely return.

Thank you Lorenza!!

We truly had such an incredible trip. Thank you to our specialist, Lorenza, for packaging up such an amazing trip!

We started our trip in Milano. We only had a day and a half there, but we were able to see the duomo and shop/eat in the Galleria. The hotel? It was okay and nicely located but the owner of the hotel is not nice.

Our next stop was Siena, as we really wanted to see the Palio. Lorenza arranged a rental car so we could drive to Siena. Siena is such a beautiful, medieval town and the place was hopping since the Palio was happening. We were going to go to the actual race on July 2nd but we didn't get back into town in time. And luckily we didn't. (You have to stand in the sun for 4 to 5 hours the day of the race). After 3 false starts, it started to rain and the race was called off! It didn't happen for another 2 days. We had a nice tour of the town with our guide, Barbara. And we toured a cheese farm outside of Pienza where we had a cheese and wine tasting. It was gorgeous there and the experience was incredible. We stayed at the Hotel Athena within the walls of the town. It was a very nice hotel with very accommodating staff. It was on the edge of town so it wasn't so crazy around the town....and luckily they had parking!

Next stop was Firenze (Florence). We stayed at a very cool (and a little creepy) hotel called Garibaldi Blu. It was in a great location where we could base out of for 4 nights. We had a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery with our guide, Lucia, who also happened to be our guide for our food tour the next evening. Everything about Florence was stunning. I'm glad we dropped off our rental car in Florence before checking in to the hotel. Florence is NOT a city you want to be driving in!

From Florence we were supposed to take a train to Manarola in the Chinque Terre region. On the day we were scheduled to leave Florence, there was a scheduled train strike in Italy. Lorenza was on top of it and hired us a private transport to Chinque Terre. (Thank you, Lorenza!!). Manarola is a very cute town in the Chinque Terre region and we stayed at this cool little boutique hotel call Marina Piccola (small marina). When we opened our window we were looking at the Mediterranean Sea. Beautiful! We explored 4 of the 5 towns, including a challenging 6 mile hike from Corniglia to Monterroso al Mare. When we arrived in Monterroso we headed straight for the beach. We rented chairs and an umbrella, bought a bottle of white wine from the region, and ended up meeting some really fun people from the US. Lorenza arranged a 2-hour kayak trip that was really fun. When we got back we ended up eating lunch at a little restaurant right on the beach. Mixed salad, bruschetta, and an amazing pesto dish!

We took a train out of Manarola to Genova (Genoa) and stayed at yet another super cool hotel, Hotel Melia. We had a really fun (and fiilling) food tour in Genova with our guide, Valentina. The tour was over 3 hours long and we ate, drank, and learned a lot about Genova. The hotel had a room that had an indoor pool, Turkish bath, tropical shower, and regular shower. You had to make reservations in advance as the capacity was limted to 4 people. It was SO cool!

We traveled by train from Genova back to Milan where we met our driver, who took us to Bellagio on Lake Como. What a way to end the trip. We had a top floor, corner room at the Florence Hotel. Floor to ceiling doors opened up on to small balconies overlooking the lake. We had a private tour with a guide, Robbie, where we took a boat over to Villa Carlotta (beautiful gardens), then over to Varenna, where we had a nice lunch. We visited the gardens at Villa Melzi, and on our last night we went back to Villa Melzi and watched a men's chorale group perform outdoors on their 60th anniversary.

Unfortunately it was back to Milan for 1 night before we flew home. Such a beautiful trip so such a beautiful country. I can't believe I am half Italian and this was my first time there. We will definitely be back. Thank you to Lorenza for such an incredible itinerary with incredible accommodations. Couldn't have done it without her!

Our time in Rome was divided into three guided tour days, and a free day. We had two diifferent guides and stayed in a private apartment. Our overall impression is that the visit was educational and enjoyable. The big disappointment of our time in Rome was the very large crowds. Every location we visited had long lines and we had a hard time taking a photo without numerous other tourists in the scene. That is not something the tour company who scheduled us could have changed, but perhaps we should have been warned when we booked that crowds of tourists were the largest ever, and that it might have been better to book much later in the year.

First, our lodging. The tour company put us in a private apartment that was a ten minute walk from Piazza del Poppolo. We were thus able to walk to all of our tours. At the same time, we had good beds, a large living and diining room, a fully appointed kitchen, and four showers. What a nice place to stay for six days! Thank you for this! We were very happy with it.

For the first two days our guide was Mariapaola. She is a trained archeologist with a graduate degree. And she was able to answer all our questions professionally and put answers in historical context that was very refreshing. Our third guide was not as knowledgeable. We cannot recommend her.

Hotel Review

Rome Apartment Colosseum RIR 11

I have already mentioned our total satisfaction with our lodging. It had all the amenities of home, so we ended up eating breakfast and some dinners inn the apartment and were happy to be able to do so. The apartment had four showers, so each room's occupants had their own shower. The apartment also had a laundry, and we used the washing machine several times. But we could get the clothes drier to work, so that was a problem. We loved the apartment, and want to say thank you for arranging our stay there!

Location

Three blocks from Piazza del Poppolo..

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Rome Private Guided Walk

Rome

Our guide for this walking tour is a trained archeologist with extensive knowledge of the cultures and civilizations that created the magniicient monuments we were visiting. It would have been hard to find a better, more knowledgeable and qualified guide. We. were very happy with her and recommend her to other visitors.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Pantheon Tickets

Rome

This is where a highly educated guide added a lot to the experience. She was able to describe the architecture of the Pantheon and how it used the natural movement of the sun to illustrate the progression of the seasons. She explained the structure of the building inside and out. As part of this tour, we also visited the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, and she was able to include a lot of history from those fountains in her explanation of their history. We were very pleased with her extensive knowledge and her pleasant demeaor.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Colosseum and Roman Forum - Private guide

Rome

Again, a knowledgeable guide who was able to communicate well in English was an enormous benefit and we got a lot out of the tour.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Mariapaola was an outstanding guide.

Colosseum & Roman Forum skip the line ticket

Rome

It says a lot about the large number of tourists at the Colosseum that this service is provided, but the truth is you would spend more time standing in ine than seeing the Colosseum and Forum if you did not take this option. By all means, take advantage of this.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Again, Mariapaola was a knowledgeable guide aand a pleasant person to see the tourist sites of Rome with.

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - private guide

Rome

The Vatican and Sistine Chapel are must-see sites for any visit to Rome. Must-see for tens of thousands of tourists in addition to you, regrettably, so you will spend your entire time shuffling through the museum and chapel dodging other tourists, trying to keep up with your guide, and trying to hear your guide describe what you hope to see through all the other tourists. I don't suppose there is any way to change this situation, but it detracts from the experience.

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel skip the line ticket

Rome

Again, the fact that this is offered makes it clear that the number of tourists visiting the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel is enormous. You must buy this option if you are going to visit these sites, but the large number of tourists just detracted from the experience for me.

I cannot recommend Lorenza and my experience with kimkim enough! Lorenza planned an exceptional dream vacation for my husband and I for our 20th wedding anniversary in Italy. Lorenza took the time to first understand what we were looking for in a vacation, what our interests were and what level of service we required. Armed with that information she carefully curated an experience that surpassed our wildest expectations. From every detail of our transport to carefully selected hotels to knowledgeable and friendly guides, each experience was thoughtful and detailed. We particularly enjoyed our time in Cinque Terre and the lovely couple who operated the Hotel Marina Piccola. We were also charmed by the Tuscan countryside where we stayed at the beautiful Relais Osteria dell'Orcia and relished our tour of Montepulciano and Pienza with our outstanding local guide Serena! In addition we treasured the truffle hunt and cooking class operated by three generations of the Loghi family. If I sound like I'm gushing, its because I am! If you are interested in visiting Italy, you absolutely will not regret using Lorenza. 10 out of 10!

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Spadari Al Duomo

Milan

The rooms were very large, the breakfast was outstanding and the location was central.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Marina Piccola

Manarola

This hotel was a treasure. The couple who owns and operates it are so kind and welcoming. We really enjoyed the delicious breakfast spread each morning which included eggs or pancakes made fresh to order. The location was great and the people even better!

Authenticity & Character

Location

In the heart of Cinque Terre

Staff

Some of the most welcoming and kind people we met in all of Italy

Cleanliness & Comfort

Corte dei Sogni Boutique Hotel & spa

The rooms are nice and very spacious. The location is in the heart of the city and cant be beat. The morning breakfast was a plus.

Authenticity & Character

Location

In the middle of all the sites and a quick walk to the train station or rental cars.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Wine and food tour in Florence

Florence

This was a fun experience that enabled us to try so much delicious local fare.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Florence private guided walk

Florence

Our guide was very intelligent and knowledgeable. She was a native to the community and offered a very in depth and personal perspective.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pienza and Montepulciano guided tour

Italy

We loved our guide Serena and appreciated how connected she was with the community. This was by far one of the best tours we went on in Italy and cannot recommend it more highly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Serena was a local and introduced us to so many lovely people, traditions and customs. She knows her stuff!

Transport

Truffle Hunt and Cooking Class in Tuscany Countryside

Italy

We had a wonderful experience with the Loghi family. It was such a treat to meet all 3 generations working the land. The truffle hunt was fun and informative and the cooking class after was delicious and informative. The entire team was welcoming and hospitable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

It's a little tough to find but the directions provided by Lorenza our travel agent were spot on

Spa in Bagno Vignoni hot springs

Italy

A unique experience to vacation like a local! The hot springs were divine, the grounds stunning and the people kind.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cooking Class

Italy

This was a neat experience. It began with a walk to the local market to shop for the food we will cook. The guide grew up in the neighborhood and so you feel like a part of the community. We were then welcomed back into their home where we engaged in a cooking class and delicious meal. We really enjoyed spending time with locals in their home and learning about their customs, beliefs and ideas.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our vacation has been phenomenal. Lorenza did an amazing and wonderful job with the planning, hotel and dinner reservations, tour guides and drivers! We loved our time in Sicily. Ending our vacation in Taormina and staying at the Grand Hotel Timeo was truly special. The vistas from the hotel of the sea and Mt Etna are spectacular!!
Thanks so much for all you’ve done for us. We will be telling all of our friends that they need to go to Sicily and use you to plan and book their vacations.

The kids really enjoyed the Florence city tours, the Artisan Workshop tour was great, and the hotel was good. All the restaurants throughout the trip that we used KimKim recommendations for were great!

Our Montepulciano driver was amazing, as was the winery and truffle hunt. I would not recommend the Dimora nel Corso hotel.
The hotel was good in Rome.

We would definitely book through Kim Kim again. Lorenzo is awesome. Thank you.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco

Florence

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco was great. We didn't want any luxury as we needed to get three rooms for the kids, and this hotel met our expectations.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Raffaello Hotel Rome

Roma

Hotel Raffaello in Rome was good. It met our expectations of a three-star hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Florence private guided walk

Florence

The private guided walk through Florence was a great experience. I wasn't able to make it but my kids enjoyed exploring the city with our guide and learned so much about its rich history.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Florence bike tour (small group)

Florence

The Florence bike tour was a unique and fun way to explore the city. My kids were able to see many sights that we wouldn't have found on our own.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Oltrarno Artisan workshops guided walk (private guide)

Florence

The Oltrarno Artisan workshops guided walk was a standout experience. It was less touristy and gave us a unique look into the local culture. We really enjoyed this.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Truffle Hunt and Cooking Class in Tuscany Countryside

Italy

The truffle hunt and cooking class was a definite highlight. The family running the farm were warm and friendly. The dog was great, and the pasta we made was delicious. We had a beautiful lunch on the terrace with a stunning countryside view. It was a lot of fun.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cheese farm visit and tasting in Pienza area

Italy

The cheese farm visit and tasting was okay. It was interesting, but not as engaging as the other activities. The farm was crowded that day, and we didn't get to see the vegetable gardens. The tasting was great, but overall, it wasn't a highlight.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Everything that Lorenzo coordinated for us was wonderful! The Hotel Doria Palace was in a great location. We had an easy walk to the Coliseum and to the Metro. Our tour guide MarioPaulo was very impressive. She had in depth historic knowledge of Rome. She was also very patient. I messed up my days and we ended up being very late for our Coliseum tour. She was able to get us a later entry. When we entered the Forum we came across a women who was in distress. MarioPaulo was very quick on her feet and was able to get emergency assistance. Last, she gave us great restaurant recommendations. All of our travel coordination, trains and drivers made the trip to easy. When we arrived in Pompeii we had a delicious lunch and again had a private tour by a very knowledgeable Alessandro. When we arrived in Amalfi it was a breeze. The Hotel Residenza Luce greeted us at the main square and provided assistance to get our bags up the hill and stairs to our rooms. Everyone at Residenza Luce was warm and inviting. I would highly recommend KimKim travel for your next adventure!!!

Hotel Reviews

Doria Palace Boutique Hotel

Rome

Great location, wonderful staff. Rooms were so comfortable and clean. Breakfast was superb. I would absolutely stay at this hotel again!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Walking distance to many historic sites.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Residenza Luce

Amalfi

Rooms are large, clean. Bathroom was extravagant with a huge soaking tub. The views from our room were breathtaking. The staff was so nice and accommodating, they made me feel like I was family. The hotel is located it a great location which made it easy for us to walk and see the sites. I would absolutely stay at Residenza Luce again!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

St. Peter's, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter Basilica - private guide

Rome

What an incredible experience! It’s like visiting the worlds oldest museum. Getting to see masterpieces is something I will never forget.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Colosseum and Roman Forum - Private guide

Rome

WOW! We learned so much about the historical site. 4 hours is not enough.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Colosseum & Roman Forum skip the line ticket

Rome

The only way to go!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Pompeii ruin visit with a private guide

Italy

We were there midday in Sept and it was very hot. Our tour guide made sure we had plenty of stops to rest.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Lorenza was great! Not only she helped us plan our trip, she was available once we were on our trip which was so nice. If we had any questions she would respond promptly.
The hotels we stayed at were in perfect locations.
We loved Residenza Luce (a boutique hotel) in Amalfi the best! Family owned and managed. We had "Nona" cooking breakfast for us everyday of our stay and several members of the family were present and so caring.
The hotel in Trastevere Rome was in a great location, but we did not luck it very much (Tree Charm). There was nobody available after 2:30 pm, so if you needed a towel or anything else you just couldn't get it...
Best,
DR