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Secret Romania

We are a team of passionate travelers who have decided to transform their passion into a life style. So we started our own travel agency and we developed the “Secret Romania” project. Our mission in this project is to inspire and to offer support for world wide travelers.

Secret Romania is part of the following groups: Romania Travel Agents

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Recent Trip Reviews for Secret Romania

Great Trip to Bulgaria and Romania with Fantastic Local Guide
Romania | Apr 2 - Apr 12, 2024

K
Kathy C.
Austin, TX | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2024

Responsive and thoughtful planning process by Florin - we were in constant communication and the details were ironed out very quickly. The local guide Mircea Maftei was one of the best we've had in all our experience with kimkim - very knowledgeable, great english, and above and beyond service.

Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on Apr 19, 2024

Dear Kathy,
Thank you for your review.
I am happy to hear you had a great tour, and that Mircea was one of the best tour guides in your traveling experience with KimKim.
It would be a pleasure to help you discover other places from Romania and Bulgaria in the future.

Greetings from Romania,
Florin

Castles, Citadels, Bears, and the Black Sea
Romania | Oct 15 - Oct 27, 2023

Carol
Carol R.
Polson, MT | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023
We just returned from a 2-week tour of Romania and Bulgaria with kimkim. We have traveled to many countries; our favorite style is a private tour with a driver/guide. I contacted a friend from Ukraine (owner of a travel company we used a few years ago), as she has now joined the kimkim team. She directed us to Florin, an expert on Romania. Florin put together a fantastic program for us. We saw most of the highlights of Romania, including. UNESCO World Heritage sites, Transylvania, the Black... Read more

We just returned from a 2-week tour of Romania and Bulgaria with kimkim. We have traveled to many countries; our favorite style is a private tour with a driver/guide. I contacted a friend from Ukraine (owner of a travel company we used a few years ago), as she has now joined the kimkim team. She directed us to Florin, an expert on Romania. Florin put together a fantastic program for us. We saw most of the highlights of Romania, including. UNESCO World Heritage sites, Transylvania, the Black Sea. The Transfaragarsan Road (and seeing the bears along the way) was also a highlight. Then on to Bulgaria to the "island" of Nessebar, to historic Plovdiv, and Sofia.
Florin is one of the best guides we've ever had! When you are with someone for many hours a day, you want someone who is personable. That is his #1 quality. He was flexible with the program. I can't overstate this enough. When weather appeared to spoil a part of the trip, at Florin's suggestion, we re-molded the entire trip to better fit our needs. This involved quite a bit of replanning and taking on additional expense on his part. Our trip continued without a hitch! He was also very perceptive of our needs, funny, an excellent driver (very comfortable vehicle), knowledgable of the history of the countries, and up on current events. He also has great taste in music for the rides!
The tour was a good value, as well. We asked for 4-star accommodations and received a combination of larger facilities along with boutique hotels, all in perfect locations; walking distance to sites, restaurants, etc.
We are so fortunate to have discovered kimkim. Most of all, Florin, who is very professional and passionate about Romania and his work.

Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on Nov 03, 2023

Dear Carol and Tom,

Thank you for your kind review.
I am happy to read I am on your top tour guides list :)
My colleagues and I, are always flexible and accommodate the traveler's needs in order to have the experience as close to perfect as possible.
Last but not least, you are always welcome to come back and explore other parts of Romania and Bulgaria.

Greetings from Romania,
Florin

10 days across Poland
Poland | Jul 26 - Aug 7, 2023

K
Kristin K.
Crown Point, IN | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2023
The team did their best to accommodate a multi-generational group (ages 7 through 76) with differing interest. Marcin stayed with us through the entire trip ensuring we were well taken care of and sharing his knowledge and offering friendship in a foreign land. Thanks for everything! Read more

The team did their best to accommodate a multi-generational group (ages 7 through 76) with differing interest. Marcin stayed with us through the entire trip ensuring we were well taken care of and sharing his knowledge and offering friendship in a foreign land. Thanks for everything!

Hotel Reviews
Unicus Palace
Krakow

Nice that is was near the main square and in old Krakow but the rooms were very tiny, hotel layout was strange, would have rathered stay in a non-name brand hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bristol Tradition & Luxury Hotel
Rzeszów

very weird rooms and decor was unusual, almost uncomfortable. bathtub was in front of the bed on, what seemed to be a stage. Breakfast was the best of the entire trip- it was so good. Location was great.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Regina Mamaison
Warsaw Poland

beautiful hotel and comfortable rooms

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hilton in Gdansk
Gdansk

great location but that's about it

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Gdansk - Gdynia - Sopot
Gdansk - Gdynia - Sopot
Gdansk

Glad we went to Gdansk

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Krakow
Visit Krakow
Krakow
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Krakow - Wieliczka - Zalipie - Rzeszow
Krakow - Wieliczka - Zalipie - Rzeszow
Poland

just a long day of driving... zalipie was very underwhelming. The building we were supposed to visit was closed when we got there.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rzeszow - Krosno - Blizne - Rzeszow
Rzeszow - Krosno - Blizne - Rzeszow
Rzeszow

Rzeszow was a nice stop but not sure how necessary it was. Krosno was a fun stop, but also not necessary. Would have fathered spent more time in Warsaw

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rzeszow - Kazimierz Dolny - Warsaw
Rzeszow - Kazimierz Dolny - Warsaw
Poland

Did we do this???

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Warsaw - Buczyniec - Gdansk
Warsaw - Buczyniec - Gdansk
Poland

We decided not to go on the land cruise- it was a 2hr drive to get there, 2 hr cruise and 2 more hrs to drive to Warsaw. seemed out of the way and not that cultural of an experience. In hindsight, wish we took the train from Warsaw to Gdansk. Otherwise, this was just another day of driving

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on Aug 25, 2023

Dear Kristin,

Thank you for your kind review.
My colleagues from Poland are happy to know.
Indeed on some days, more driving was necessary to reach all the places and I am happy everything worked out well.
I am here for you if I can help with other tours.

Best regards,
Florin

Florin is at the top of his profession as a tour guide!
Hungary | May 12 - May 19, 2023

William
William B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 24, 2023
9 fantastic days with Florin! Travels through Bulgaria , Romania and Hungary were very spacious & comfortable in his large passenger van, we named “Bluey!” Florin is very knowledgeable with the history of the castle & citadels & the beautiful cities we got to explore. We began to feel like he was more a friend / younger brother than tour guide! We shared dinners together, stories of places we’ve traveled & yet to visit! He was mindful of my getting carsick, stopped at all the best gas... Read more

9 fantastic days with Florin! Travels through Bulgaria , Romania and Hungary were very spacious & comfortable in his large passenger van, we named “Bluey!” Florin is very knowledgeable with the history of the castle & citadels & the beautiful cities we got to explore. We began to feel like he was more a friend / younger brother than tour guide! We shared dinners together, stories of places we’ve traveled & yet to visit! He was mindful of my getting carsick, stopped at all the best gas stations for restroom, coffee, & a coke! Oh and lots of stops if I wanted a photo of flowers!!! Also, found me the best asiago cheese bread for snacks on the road trip between cities!
Florin is the “BEST TOUR GUIDE” in our experience! We hit 71 while on this trip. Already talking with him about our next adventure! He only works with top notch drivers & local guides if he needs someone with more expertise of a city than he.

Hotel Reviews
Yantra Hotel
Veliko Tarnovo

The Yantra Hotel was in the heart of Veliko Tarnovo and was very luxurious. We loved our stay there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Noblesse Boutique Hotel
sibiu

Florin booked us at the Noblesse Boutique Hotel which was very clean. We enjoyed our stay there and had no problems.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Tresor le Palais
Timisoara

The Hotel Tresor le Palais in Timisoara was extremely nice and upscale. We had a great stay there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bucharest to Brasov with Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov walking tour
Bucharest to Brasov with Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov walking tour
Hungary

Florin heard me say I collect rock everywhere we go, especially ones that are shaped like a heart! When we came down from exploring the castle, he handed me a rock that had a heart on the rock!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Bucharest city tour
Bucharest city tour
Bucharest

Florin took us on a city tour of Bucharest and specifically catered to our interests in the communist history of the country. We even visited Ceausescu's mansion which was fascinating!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
On the way from Brasov to Sibiu visit the Bran Castle  Sighisoara Citadel
On the way from Brasov to Sibiu visit the Bran Castle Sighisoara Citadel
Hungary

Florin took us to Sibiu and we were amazed by the beautiful, storybook-like village. We really enjoyed our time there.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer from the airport and Sofia tour
Transfer from the airport and Sofia tour
Hungary

Florin picked us up from the airport and gave us a tour of Sofia. He was very attentive and informative, making it a great start to our trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Marvel at the Citadel of Veliko Tarnovo
Marvel at the Citadel of Veliko Tarnovo
Hungary

The Citadel of Veliko Tarnovo was fabulous! The town is built into a mountain and is full of quaint stores and restaurants. We really enjoyed our time there.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on May 26, 2023

Dear Michelle and Threy (William ),

It was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for your kind words.
It means a lot to me coming from you (after 71 private tours)
Hopefully, we are going to meet again sometime in the future.

Have a great summer,
Florin

Travel with Florin
Romania | Apr 20 - Apr 29, 2023

Donna
Donna F.
Wayne, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2023
Florin was great. We went on a 9 day tour. Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Gura Humorului, Sighetu Marmatiei and Cluj. Saw amazing castles and 14/15th century churches. Florin also had a few surprises…we took a cable car up the mountain as it snowed, went in an ice house,stopped at a family owned pottery shop and had an amazing lunch. All the hotels were great and the dinners were delicious. Florin is very knowledgeable in Romanian history…we learned a lot. When we had an unexpected... Read more

Florin was great. We went on a 9 day tour. Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Gura Humorului, Sighetu Marmatiei and Cluj. Saw amazing castles and 14/15th century churches. Florin also had a few surprises…we took a cable car up the mountain as it snowed, went in an ice house,stopped at a family owned pottery shop and had an amazing lunch. All the hotels were great and the dinners were delicious. Florin is very knowledgeable in Romanian history…we learned a lot. When we had an unexpected event,our van broke down on a holiday he managed to to get us a brand new van within a couple of hours against all odds,
I would highly recommend Florin to anyone who wants to visit Romania and learn about the countries history and culture and see it’s beautiful sights.

Hotel Reviews
Ibis Styles Bucharest City Center
Bucharest

We stayed two nights at the Ibis Styles Bucharest City Center, which offered comfortable accommodations and a convenient location for exploring Bucharest.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bella Muzica
Brasov

Our one-night stay at Bella Muzica in Brasov was lovely, as the hotel had a charming atmosphere and was centrally located.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Sighisoara
Sighisoara

Our one-night stay at Hotel Sighisoara in Sighisoara allowed us to experience the town's unique character, as the hotel was situated within the Citadel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 Bucharest city tour
Bucharest city tour
Bucharest

The Bucharest city tour was informative and interesting as we visited the Parliament and learned about the history of the city. Although we enjoyed our tour, we preferred the smaller towns to Bucharest.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bucharest to Brasov with Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov walking tour
Bucharest to Brasov with Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov walking tour
Romania

Our journey from Bucharest to Brasov included visits to the stunning Peles Castle and the famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. The Brasov walking tour allowed us to explore the charming town. Pels Castle was a highlight of the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Brasov to Sibiu with Fagaras Citadel
Brasov to Sibiu with Fagaras Citadel
Romania
Bucovina to Maramures with the Merry Cemetery and the Wooden Churches of Maramures
Bucovina to Maramures with the Merry Cemetery and the Wooden Churches of Maramures
Romania

We toured the beautifully painted monasteries and unique cemeteries. There were wooden tombstones that were hand-painted.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on May 10, 2023

Dear Donna,

It was a pleasure to meet you and your wonderful friends.
Thank you for your kind words.
I am very happy you liked the trip with me.
Hopefully, we are going to meet again sometime in the future.
Greetings from Romania,
Florin

In regard to our tour to Romania and Bulgaria...
Romania | Feb 28 - Mar 20, 2023

Francisco José
Francisco José G.
Puerto Rico | Reviewed on Apr 04, 2023
In regard to our tour to Romania and Bulgaria : February 27 to March 20 2023. It was a most wonderful experience. I enjoyed a lot been able to know in depth two spectacular countries with so many varied activities including views to palaces and castles, roman architecture, spectacular art paintings in orthodox churches, citadels, walking in the snow in the Carpathian Mountains ( for my first time ), rural houses in an amazing life museum, a supper in the home of a Romanian rural family,... Read more

In regard to our tour to Romania and Bulgaria : February 27 to March 20 2023. It was a most wonderful experience. I enjoyed a lot been able to know in depth two spectacular countries with so many varied activities including views to palaces and castles, roman architecture, spectacular art paintings in orthodox churches, citadels, walking in the snow in the Carpathian Mountains ( for my first time ), rural houses in an amazing life museum, a supper in the home of a Romanian rural family, Romanian wine tastings and even two days in an amazing Black Sea resort ( massages included ) in Constanta. All the credit for the success of this trip was due to Florin Preda, our travel guide ( with the useful attendance of travel guide Bogdan Pistritu ), not only for his excellent selection and modification of activities (due to weather problems), but also for the remarkable sensitivity he always showed to attend our special needs during the tour. You shall always keep his services as a remarkable guide to guarantee the success of KimKim in Romania.
I know this feeling is shared with all group members : Ivonne, Edward, Gabriel and my wife Maria.
My apologies for this late call.

Francisco J. García
[email protected]

Hotel Review
Ibis Styles Bucharest City Center
Bucharest

Wonderful rooms and breakfasts.

Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on Apr 06, 2023

Dear Francisco,
I am happy you liked the trip with me.
Meeting you, your wife, and your friends was a pleasure.
I hope to meet you on other tours in the future.
Greetings from Romania,
Florin

We will like to thank our guide Florin for m...
Romania | Feb 28 - Mar 20, 2023

I
ivonne m.
Puerto Rico | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2023
We will like to thank our guide Florin for making this trip a fantastic experience. His knowledge, patience, experience, good humor, complacency , punctuality were few of his assets. Everything he planned for us was amazing: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Brasov City, Curtea de Arges Monastery, the Turda Salt Mine, the wooden churches, the happy cementery, the painted egg museum, Constata and the black sea, Nessebar and the beautiful city of Sofia.
We also appreciate the guide and company of...
Read more

We will like to thank our guide Florin for making this trip a fantastic experience. His knowledge, patience, experience, good humor, complacency , punctuality were few of his assets. Everything he planned for us was amazing: Peles Castle, Bran Castle, Brasov City, Curtea de Arges Monastery, the Turda Salt Mine, the wooden churches, the happy cementery, the painted egg museum, Constata and the black sea, Nessebar and the beautiful city of Sofia.
We also appreciate the guide and company of Bogdan Pistritu thanks for together with Florin make this trip inmemorable.
Florin the best guide you can get!!!

Activity Reviews
Day trip to Peles Castel, Bran Castle and Brasov Medieval City
Day trip to Peles Castel, Bran Castle and Brasov Medieval City
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bucharest to Sibiu with Curtea de Arges Monastery
Bucharest to Sibiu with Curtea de Arges Monastery
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Day-trip to Sighisoara & Biertan
Day-trip to Sighisoara & Biertan
Sibiu
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Turda salt mine and Cluj
Turda salt mine and Cluj
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 See Wooden Churches & Merry Cemetery
See Wooden Churches & Merry Cemetery
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
From Maramures to Bucovina
From Maramures to Bucovina
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Bucharest city tour
Bucharest city tour
Bucharest
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discover Bucovina
Discover Bucovina
Gura Humorului
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Enjoy a day at the SPA and walking on the beach
Enjoy a day at the SPA and walking on the beach
Mamaia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience the Magic of Nessebar
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour Historic Sofia
Tour Historic Sofia
Sofia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free day in Sofia
Free day in Sofia
Sofia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
See the Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv
See the Roman Amphitheater in Plovdiv
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day-trip to Rila Monastery
Day-trip to Rila Monastery
Sofia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Marvel at the Citadel of Veliko Tarnovo
Marvel at the Citadel of Veliko Tarnovo
Romania
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on Mar 22, 2023

Dear Ivonne,

Thank you for your kind words.
It was a pleasure to be part of your group and your experience.
I am happy you loved the tour and left with beautiful memories.
I hope to meet you, your family, and your friends on other tours.

Greetings from Romania,
Florin

I wish that I could give more stars. Florin i...
Romania | Oct 3 - Oct 14, 2022

michael
michael G.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 16, 2022
I wish that I could give more stars. Florin is extremely knowledgeable about the area and the history and he takes care of his people. I got very immersed in the culture and met people and we danced with groups of locals and had an amazing trip. Floin literally goes out of his way to show you things that you would not ordinarily see and or do. Second to none experience. Bravo Florin! Bravo! Read more

I wish that I could give more stars. Florin is extremely knowledgeable about the area and the history and he takes care of his people. I got very immersed in the culture and met people and we danced with groups of locals and had an amazing trip. Floin literally goes out of his way to show you things that you would not ordinarily see and or do. Second to none experience. Bravo Florin! Bravo!

Hotel Review
Hotel Republique
Sibiu

Very nice lodging and a history behind the place as well. Giant balcony over looking back yard.

Authenticity & Character
Location
A block from city enter
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on Oct 19, 2022

Dear Michael,
Thank you for your kind words.
It was a pleasure to be part of your experience in Romania.
You are always welcome to come back and explore more of my beautiful country.
Greetings from Romania,
Florin

Our trip to Romania has been a beautiful surp...
Romania | May 29 - Jun 5, 2022

Lesley
Lesley T.
Australia | Reviewed on Jun 06, 2022

Our trip to Romania has been a beautiful surprise. We had no expectations but we were totally blown away by the beauty and diversity of Romania. Our guide Bogdan was exceptional in his knowledge and enthusiasm for what has become his dream job. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he strove to fit in so much more than we had anticipated . From Bucharest to the painted monasteries in the north it was an ever changing landscape. Romania should be on everyone’s bucket list. Thank you Florin for organizing our itinerary and our great guide Bogdan

Local specialist: Florin Preda
Florin
Florin Preda
Local specialist in Bucharest | Replied on Jun 08, 2022

Dear Lesley,
You are most welcome and thank you for your kind words.
I am very happy that you liked Romania and my colleague Bogdan.
I hope someday you will come back to explore other beautiful parts of my country.
Greetings from Romania,
Florin