Kleemann Vacations

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!).

Svetlana planned a perfect family trip for us! Thank you!

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!

My family and I flew to Dublin, Ireland. From there we traveled to Galway, Cork, Limerick, Cork, Cashel, and then back to Dublin-via Kildare.

Our travel specialist Svetlana planned our trip perfectly-in that we didn't move through the countryside to slowly or to fast and our accomodations were fantastic.

Further, the stops Svetlana planned for us, (sometimes ones that we would not have chosen for ourselves) turned out to be reals gems-the Kilbeggan Distellery and the Irish National Stud & Gardens-and we treasure the visits. Not to mention the usual stops: Cashel, The Book of Kells, The Cliffs of Moher, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Blarney Castle ... almost too many to mention.

Needless to say, my family loved Ireland, loved the Irish and had a wonderful time!

Svetlana planned a perfect trip for us - the hotels were wonderful and the travel plan hit all of the highlights of Ireland without feeling rushed. We particularly liked having much of the trip booked and paid for prior to our arrival. It was the trip of a lifetime and we will absolutely be using KimKim for our next adventure.

From the start of planning with our guide Svetlana to the end of the trip, everything came together with ease. We did not have a lot of time (8 days including to and from Canada) to explore Ireland, but Svetlana helped me hone in on what was most important to us and how best to travel while there. It was our first time travelling with our youngest son and we were thrilled to share this adventure with him. Our hotels were very comfortable and welcoming - our favourite was The Salthouse Lodge in Ballycastle, where we stayed for 3 nights to allow us to explore the area. The Beresford Hotel in Dublin was our first stop and Robert at the front desk was both entertaining and extremely helpful. There was the right amount of tours - the Titanic Experience and Black Cab tour in Belfast and the Guiness Tour in Dublin. The itinerary was flexible enough that we could add or subtract experiences as we wanted, so ended up doing Bushmills Distillery visit and a tour in Londonderry, as well as high tea at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. When there was a glitch in the Black Cab tour timing, Svetlana was easily contacted and she sorted everything out very quickly. It was very helpful to have the breakfasts included each day and it was never difficult to find wonderful places for the other meals. We are already thinking about our next visit to Ireland and other adventures in the world and would definitely use KimKim again to be able to design the best experience with professional and skilled guidance helping every step of the way. We were able to relax in a way we have not done on past tours with other companies. Many thanks to Svetlana for helping to make this a memorable trip.

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

Keith

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Glamis Castle

forfar

Quality of Experience

Johnnie Walker Experience

Edinburgh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

Balquhidder

Fabulous scenery through the park.

Quality of Experience

Stirling Castle

Stirling

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Clydeside Distillery Experience: Unveiling the Art of Spirit Crafting

Glasgow

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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 Co Mayo

One of the highlights of our trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Smithwick's Experience

Kilkenny

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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

Kinsale

Quality of Experience

Waterford Crystal

Waterford

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Prehistoric Newgrange & Knowth

Ireland

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff