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active 5 days ago

Wolfgang Lolies

I have over 20 years of experience working as a tour guide on the island of Ireland, focusing on catering to guests with high expectations. Additionally, I have traveled extensively worldwide. With my background as a former tour guide and a passionate traveler, I understand what it takes to craft the ideal itinerary.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in all things related to Ireland and Scotland. However, my true expertise lies in attentively listening to my clients' desires and transforming these aspirations into reality, whether it involves a family, a solo traveler, or a couple embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey."

How did you get involved in travel?

"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how I got involved in travel. Some suggest it might be related to the fact that I was born in the back of a taxi. Personally, I believe it's more likely due to growing up in a family that was passionate about traveling.
"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"My son and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure, traveling by car through more than half of the U.S. states, including Hawaii. During our journey, we stayed in a variety of accommodations, ranging from lodges and B&Bs to top hotels, and even Native American (Navajo) hogan huts. Along the way, we experienced everything from snowstorms to sandstorms and everything in between.
"

Wolfgang is part of the following groups: Scotland Travel Agents, Ireland Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Wolfgang

Spectacular Summer in Ireland
Ireland | Jul 23 - Aug 4, 2024

Diana
Diana N.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024
We are still pinching ourselves over what a fantastic trip we had to Ireland. We had a long list of places we hoped to see and things we hoped to do for the itinerary, and a complex configuration of folks, room needs, and accessibility for our group, but nothing seemed to faze our extraordinary trip planner, Wolfgang. He timed each day so perfectly — a balance of activities and free time to explore. He checked in along the way on the trip, and saw to it that every last detail was taken care... Read more

We are still pinching ourselves over what a fantastic trip we had to Ireland. We had a long list of places we hoped to see and things we hoped to do for the itinerary, and a complex configuration of folks, room needs, and accessibility for our group, but nothing seemed to faze our extraordinary trip planner, Wolfgang. He timed each day so perfectly — a balance of activities and free time to explore. He checked in along the way on the trip, and saw to it that every last detail was taken care of. We started the trip planning with a really random assortment of wish list items — one for each of the nine of us on the trip (A train ride! Animals! A castle! Falconry! Fancy afternoon tea! A babysitter for parents’ night out!) — and he managed to incorporate them all in such a meaningful way. We are so grateful for Wolfgang’s patience in planning, expertise in decision making, and creative vision for making the trip one for the memory books. Can’t wait for our next KimKim adventure (planning it now!).

Local specialist: Wolfgang Lolies
Wolfgang
Wolfgang Lolies
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 27, 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this fantastic review, Diana. It was a real pleasure to plan your trip with you. Taking care of you and your group felt like being part of the experience.

Great experience!
Ireland | Aug 4 - Aug 11, 2024

Nicki
Nicki S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Aug 18, 2024
Wolfgang did a great job planning our trip and adjusting with our wants. We had some rental car issues when we tried to pick up our car, and Wolfgang jumped right in to try and help us out quickly. The most memorable part was definitely Wolfgang’s recommendation to do a day trip to Inishmore, while on the west coast to view the Cliffs of Moher. That experience was probably our favorite of the whole trip! Read more

Wolfgang did a great job planning our trip and adjusting with our wants. We had some rental car issues when we tried to pick up our car, and Wolfgang jumped right in to try and help us out quickly.

The most memorable part was definitely Wolfgang’s recommendation to do a day trip to Inishmore, while on the west coast to view the Cliffs of Moher. That experience was probably our favorite of the whole trip!

Hotel Reviews
The Pipers Rest
Doolin

The location and rooms were great. The people were so nice and very accommodating. I am vegan, and they went into town to grab some oat milk for me to have with breakfast!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Castle Hotel
Dublin

We stayed here at the beginning of our trip and then again at the end. The staff was very nice and the breakfast was good. The only con was the first bedroom we got at the beginning was definitely not as nice and a little stinky as the second bedroom we got the second time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
3 stars for the first room and 5 stars for the second.
Local specialist: Wolfgang Lolies
Wolfgang
Wolfgang Lolies
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Sep 27, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write this review, Nicki. It was a pleasure taking care of you. Hopefully, I can welcome you to Scotland one day 😉.

Superlative Service
Ireland | Apr 28 - May 28, 2024

Jeffrey
Jeffrey L.
Costa Rica | Reviewed on Jun 08, 2024
Wolfgang was incredibly responsive throughout our trip. Whenever an issue came up (and in a 5 week tour, this was expected) he was able to take care of it very quickly. Superlative service. Read more

Wolfgang was incredibly responsive throughout our trip. Whenever an issue came up (and in a 5 week tour, this was expected) he was able to take care of it very quickly. Superlative service.

Hotel Reviews
Dakota Manchester
Manchester
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Bonham
Edinburgh
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mansewood Country House
Lochearnhead
Authenticity & Character
Location
Make certain to advise guests to make make dinner reservations in advance, because of the limited options nearby.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Guisachan Guesthouse
Fort William

We were not provided with the room that was booked and confirmed when we arrived. We were also not in the main guesthouse, but in a separate outlying building ('the annex') in a room over a garage.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness was a '5', Comfort was a '1'. The average is a '3'
Ullinish House
Isle of Skye

Note that there is no cooked breakfast available, and this B & B is a long way from any restaurant or other services, as it is very remote. If you are looking for a remote, quiet, serene location, however, this is a perfect spot.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ronas House B&B
Inverness

One of the best stays out of 17 individual hotels/B & Bs on our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Superb breakfasts.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Just an amazing room, with a sitting area overlooking the town.
The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa
Pitfodels Aberdeen

Overall, a wonderful hotel. Have your dinner elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
We left an electronic device behind and the staff were wonderful in assisting us having it shipped home.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ivybank Lodge
Rattray, Blairgowrie
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Acorn Hotel
Glasgow

One level above hostel in room size and amenities.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness was excellent. The assessment is based on Comfort.
Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin
Dublin

If you have a car, be aware that there is limited hotel parking which cannot be reserved, and that the hotel is on a very busy street. The restaurant food and service was just average, and on mornings was somewhat over-capacity due to catering to large tour groups.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sea Breeze Lodge B&B
Salthill, Galway

Fabulous breakfasts, great location, and wonderful hosts.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kathleens Country House
Killarney

An older, unremarkable, small hotel with owners who try hard to offer a pleasant stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness was excellent. Evaluation based on the comfort of the room.
Eccles Hotel & Spa
Glengarriff

An older, somewhat worn (in common areas) hotel. Nothing was objectionable, but other than location, nothing stands out either. An excellent choice for folks looking for a stay with historical significance and character.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff at the front desk could be a bit more friendly and welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lyrath Estate
Kilkenny
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Granville Hotel

The only caution with this property is that there is no hotel parking. The parking is down and across the street in a parking lot that may or may not be available. Outside of this issue, would highly recommend staying here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedford House
Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

VERY limited parking. Note that you check in at the music venue (concert hall), but our room was in a building above a restaurant a few doors down the street. The room was a bit more funky than boutique.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Never really interacted with any staff after we checked in.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clear glass windows in the door separating the bathroom (toilet) and bedroom should really be opaque at the least.
Activity Reviews
Strathisla Distillery
Strathisla Distillery
Keith
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle
forfar
Quality of Experience
Johnnie Walker Experience
Johnnie Walker Experience
Edinburgh
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
Balquhidder

Fabulous scenery through the park.

Quality of Experience
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Stirling
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Clydeside Distillery Experience: Unveiling the Art of Spirit Crafting
Clydeside Distillery Experience: Unveiling the Art of Spirit Crafting
Glasgow
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan

If you visit only one distillery, make it this one.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cong - The Quiet Man
Cong - The Quiet Man
Cong Co Mayo

One of the highlights of our trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Smithwick's Experience
Smithwick's Experience
Kilkenny
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Farewell
Farewell
Ireland

Would recommend never using Hertz at the Dublin airport.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Try running a shuttle bus that will accommodate all of your customers, and at a greater frequency. Awful experience.
Charles Fort
Charles Fort
Kinsale
Quality of Experience
Waterford Crystal
Waterford Crystal
Waterford
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Prehistoric Newgrange & Knowth
Prehistoric Newgrange & Knowth
Ireland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Wolfgang Lolies
Wolfgang
Wolfgang Lolies
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Jun 09, 2024
Dear Jeff, Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure to assist you throughout your 5-week tour. Planning this adventure was a fantastic journey in itself. Your detailed reviews of the hotels and activities are incredibly valuable, not only to us but to future travelers as well. It's wonderful to hear that you had such a memorable trip, and your feedback on specific accommodations and experiences will not only help others make informed... Read more

Dear Jeff,

Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was a pleasure to assist you throughout your 5-week tour. Planning this adventure was a fantastic journey in itself.

Your detailed reviews of the hotels and activities are incredibly valuable, not only to us but to future travelers as well. It's wonderful to hear that you had such a memorable trip, and your feedback on specific accommodations and experiences will not only help others make informed decisions but will also help me evaluate some of the services we offer.

Should you decide to explore more in the future, I would be more than happy to assist you once again. Safe travels!

Best regards,
Wolfgang

Wolfgang helped coordinate and plan a family ...
Ireland | Apr 16 - May 6, 2024

L
Linda W.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 01, 2024

Wolfgang helped coordinate and plan a family finding trip to Ireland. The trip was wonderful and all the planning for transportation and hotels was invaluable. Thank you Wolfgang.

Local specialist: Wolfgang Lolies
Wolfgang
Wolfgang Lolies
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on Jun 04, 2024

Linda, thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! I'm delighted to hear that your family finding trip to Ireland was wonderful, and I'm truly honored to have played a part in making it special.

I wish you and your family all the best, and I hope your newfound connections in Ireland continue to bring you joy. Should your travels ever bring you back to Ireland or Scotland, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
Wolfgang

Great suggestions from Wolfgang and the team....
Ireland | May 14 - May 23, 2024

M
Mary K.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 31, 2024

Great suggestions from Wolfgang and the team. Hotels were fabulous. Even wrinkles with car rental quickly solved by team. Really appreciated the expertise allowing us to enjoy Ireland and London with no worries. Will definitely use Kim Kim in the future and highly recommend your team.

Local specialist: Wolfgang Lolies
Wolfgang
Wolfgang Lolies
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on May 31, 2024

Dear Mary,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience with us. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip, and that our suggestions and expertise helped make your journey worry-free. It's wonderful to know that the hotels met your expectations.

Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we're delighted to have been a part of your travel experience. We look forward to assisting you with future adventures and are grateful for your recommendation.

Warm regards,
Wolfgang and Team

Great service thanks to Wolfgang
Ireland | May 14 - May 23, 2024

A
Anne W.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on May 25, 2024
We received great service from Wolfgang when planning our trip to Ireland and England. He provided great options for activities and wonderful hotels with great locations. Everything was really easy to plan and follow-up to questions or issues was always very prompt. The planning and coordination made for seamless travel and we had a great trip. Read more

We received great service from Wolfgang when planning our trip to Ireland and England. He provided great options for activities and wonderful hotels with great locations. Everything was really easy to plan and follow-up to questions or issues was always very prompt. The planning and coordination made for seamless travel and we had a great trip.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Dublin

Great location close to all the top spots in Dublin. Service was exceptional and staff was very attentive. Breakfast in the morning was really good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Location is close to key spots in Dublin.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Menlo Hotel
Galway

Really nice hotel. Rooms were really comfortable and the staff was helpful. Breakfast was great.

Authenticity & Character
Nice hotel that has rooms that have been updated and were really comfortable.
Location
Easy to access hotel a bit outside the central area of the city.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Plaza London Riverbank
London

Absolutely beautiful hotel with incredible views of London right along the Thames.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan

The tour was great. Our tour guide Rose provided great history of the property and was very knowledgeable about the process. She gave us a great tour.

Quality of Experience
The distillery is quite historic and really beautiful.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our tour guide, Rose had a wealth of knowledge and answered all of our questions.
Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Tower of London & Tower Bridge
London

There is so much to see here and so much history it is definitely worth the time.

Quality of Experience
The guides that are available every half hour provide a really good tour. Make sure you see the towers where prisoners were held and the messages they carved into the stone walls.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Wolfgang Lolies
Wolfgang
Wolfgang Lolies
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on May 31, 2024

Dear Anne,

Thank you for your lovely review. I'm delighted to hear that you had a fantastic trip to Ireland and England. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey, and I'm glad you enjoyed the activities and hotels I recommended.

Your kind words about the seamless planning and prompt follow-up are greatly appreciated. Ensuring that your travel experience is smooth and enjoyable is always my top priority.

I look forward to assisting you with future trips and am grateful for your feedback.

Best regards,

Wolfgang

Travels to Ireland and Scotland
Ireland | Apr 14 - Apr 25, 2024

George
George B.
St. Marys, GA | Reviewed on May 03, 2024
Wolfgang, our KimKim guide planner did an excellent job planning our trip to Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Then on to Edinburgh, Iverness, Isle of Syke, Ft Williams, and Stirling Scotland. He listened to our wish list and provided activities accordingly. In Ireland we enjoyed the ferry ride to Inis Mor and met our guide Thomas for a horse drawn carriage tour of the island. Back to Galway for an entertaining Celtic dinner show. Next up, Scotland whose beauty was remarkable (we said "wow" a... Read more

Wolfgang, our KimKim guide planner did an excellent job planning our trip to Dublin and Galway, Ireland. Then on to Edinburgh, Iverness, Isle of Syke, Ft Williams, and Stirling Scotland. He listened to our wish list and provided activities accordingly. In Ireland we enjoyed the ferry ride to Inis Mor and met our guide Thomas for a horse drawn carriage tour of the island. Back to Galway for an entertaining Celtic dinner show. Next up, Scotland whose beauty was remarkable (we said "wow" a lot). In Edinburg we toured the city and the castle with our private tour guide Kieran of Local Eyes Tour. All of the accommodations planned were spot on. A little less driving time would have been appreciated, but we were able to see so much of the country, I shouldn't complain. Kudos to Wolfgang

Hotel Reviews
Residence Inn by Marriott
EDINBURGH

Parking next door, rooms were clean and efficient. Breakfast was good. Staff was friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Good for business trip, ok for family on those on vacation.
Staff
Could have been a little more helpful with parking arrangements and information.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sheraton Athlone Hotel
Athlone

Parking close, rooms clean, and staff was great. Restaurant was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
In middle of town.
Staff
The staff was outstanding took very good care of us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Western Hotel
galway

Parking provided a big plus. Staff was very helpful, room was clean and the breakfast was very good. In the heart of the city easy walk to city square, with pubs, shops, and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Iveagh Gardens Hotel
Dublin

No where to check in to start, city tram tracks in front could not stop to unload luggage. parked a block away had to unload on curb wait for wife to take half our luggage to Hotel where someone was suppose to meet her and take in while she returned to get the rest. No one helped. I had to park the car 7 or 8 blocks away in a massive parking garage. then walk to hotel. Staff not concerned at all with all this. Hotel was fine accommodations were clean and room was spacious enough. Will not stay again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
no parking close, no where to unload luggage.
Staff
Attentive to guest needs.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skeabost House Hotel
Portree

One our favorite places we stayed. Plenty of parking, great restaurant and great staff. The grounds are breath taking. Do not pass up a stay here. It's away from everything which after staying in the cities we were visiting the country was a nice break. Loved it, would stay again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Surroundings were amazing
Staff
Great staff, felt like we were in Downtown Abbey, they really make you feel special.
Cleanliness & Comfort
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
Inverness

Amazing staff, the concierge was so helpful and accommodating can not say enough nice things about him. Rooms were clean. we lucked up being able to park on the street in front of hotel, as it was Saturday afternoon only had to pay a couple hours then rest of week end was free. Close to shops and restaurants. Would stay again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Downtown, close to everything.
Staff
Great staff, we really liked everyone.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison
Fort William

parking was a plus, but room was too small. It was clean and staff was nice, good for one night and move on.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Inglewood House & Spa
Alloa

What an amazing hotel. Room was very spacious and clean. Loved staying here , close to the city with ample parking. Very beautiful grounds. Great restaurant. Great staff. Would stay again. This was our last night and it was a welcomed stay at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Shared Horse & Carriage Trip
Shared Horse & Carriage Trip
Galway

You will fall in love with Thomas. I could listen to him talk all day. Being borne and raised on Inis Mor he is so knowledgeable of it's history and shares his history. Can't say enough nice things about him. I would go back to Inis more just to do a tour with him.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Edinburgh Walking Tour: Unveiling the Historic Charms
Experience Edinburgh Walking Tour: Unveiling the Historic Charms
Edinburgh

Kieran our tour guide met us for a magical tour of Edinburg. So very knowledgeable of the city and it's history. We were so educated and entertained of all the things we would have never known if not for this tour. He took time to answer all of our questions. Can not say enough good things about the guided tour. One of the highlights of our vacation, or as they call it holiday. Thank you very much, and we highly recommend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness
Ireland

This was a great ferry ride to Urquhart Castle along side the famous Loch Ness, no we did not spot Nessie but it was fun looking out for her. The Castle was one of the many castles we saw in Scotland and this one was one of our favorite. Take the ferry there and back Jacobite Tours did a fabulous job.

Quality of Experience
You get to see so much from the ferry, when you get off and tour the castle and back to the dock was very impressive.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone is so friendly, we fell in love with the 2 ladies at the gift shop at the Loch ness hotel.
Transport
Ferry is in great shape so no worries.
Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan Distillery
Kilbeggan

Would have been an amazing tour but we were exhausted from flying in that day from the US. So, we left for the hotel before the tour later that day. Facility was very impressive and we toured the grounds and took pictures. Would recommend the staff were very nice and would go again when we could stay and do the tour.

Blair Athol Distillery's Whisky Connoisseur Experience
Blair Athol Distillery's Whisky Connoisseur Experience
Pitlochry

This was a pleasure to tour the guide was quite entertaining and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide made the Tour
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Stirling

Getting to the Castle was an adventure but once there it is massive and impressive.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Wolfgang Lolies
Wolfgang
Wolfgang Lolies
Local specialist in Ireland | Replied on May 31, 2024

Dear George,

Thank you for your wonderful review! I'm very happy to hear that you had such a memorable trip to Ireland and Scotland. It was a pleasure helping you plan your journey and I'm glad the activities matched your wish list.

I appreciate your feedback and will keep that in mind for future planning. Your kind words and kudos mean a lot to me.

Looking forward to assisting you with your next adventure!

Best regards,
Wolfgang