Trail Travel

A whirlwind five day trip to Turkey made possible by the organisational efforts of Berat and company. All activities and transfers went smoothly and the accomodation was of a high standard. The highlight was the Hot AirBalloons over Cappadocia, a magical experience and a definite bucket list tick. Shout out to our guides, Hatice in Cappadocia and Volkan in Istanbul, for the depth of their knowledge and patience in guiding us through the wonderful sights. We really wish we had more days to explore this beautiful country and are grateful for an introduction, hopefully we can see more in the future. Tesekkur 🙏

We recently returned from an incredible trip to Turkey, organized by Kimkim, and it’s safe to say it was a journey we will cherish forever. We traveled as a family—my parents, my sister, her husband, and myself—and explored the rich history and vibrant culture of Turkey, visiting Cappadocia, Bodrum, Pamukkale, and Istanbul.

Cappadocia: A Historical Wonderland
Our adventure began in Cappadocia, a region known for its surreal landscapes and rich history. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, we couldn’t experience the famous hot air balloon ride, which was disappointing. However, the historical sites more than made up for it. The highlight here was a visit to the underground city, an architectural marvel. While my dad and sister, feeling a bit claustrophobic, opted to return after exploring the second floor, the rest of us continued the guided tour. The guide provided by Kimkim (Sumer) was exceptional—knowledgeable and passionate, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

Bodrum: Relaxation and Pamukkale’s Surreal Beauty
Next, we headed to Bodrum, where we had some free time to relax and explore at our own pace. On our final day there, we embarked on a day trip to Pamukkale before flying to Istanbul. Pamukkale was mesmerizing, especially the Hierapolis ruins and the stunning white travertine terraces. Walking through the ancient city felt surreal, and once again, Kimkim’s guide impressed us with their depth of knowledge and insights.

Istanbul: The Crown Jewel of Our Trip
Our final destination, Istanbul, was undoubtedly the highlight of our journey. We spent five incredible nights exploring this vibrant city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. The energy, culture, and sheer beauty of Istanbul left us spellbound.

What truly elevated our experience, however, was our guide, Oze. His deep knowledge of the city’s history and culture brought every site to life. From the Hagia Sophia to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and a delightful food tour on Istanbul’s Asian side, Oze curated an unforgettable itinerary that captured the essence of this magnificent city. Beyond being a guide, he felt like a friend, sharing personal insights and stories that made our time even more special.

Oze also went above and beyond, recommending excellent dining spots and local hangouts, and even joining us for an evening of fun and conversation. His warmth, professionalism, and passion for Istanbul made our experience truly unique. We found ourselves wishing we had more time to soak in the magic of this city, and much of that credit goes to Oze, who made Istanbul feel like home.

A Few Challenges
While the trip was fantastic overall, one downside was the amount of walking involved, which proved challenging for my parents, who are in their 60s. A bit more consideration for mobility needs would have made the experience even better for them.

Final Thoughts
Kimkim did an excellent job organizing our trip, and the knowledgeable guides played a significant role in making it a memorable experience. Despite a few challenges, Turkey’s history, culture, and warm hospitality won us over. We hope to return someday, especially to spend more time in Istanbul!

The trip to Turkey was such an amazing trip and exceeded all my expectation. My initial planning was with Murat. He was very patient and responsive to all my questions. My dates had not finalized yet and he was very patient throughout the process. I then got a chance to work with Berat who was amazing with all her recommendations and planning. She was very responsive to all my questions and was very accommodating. There was an issue with travel plans but she was very patient and made all the necessary changes needed which was greatly appreciated. While in Turkey, all the suggested tours, guides and drivers were amazing. The hotels were great and I feel like the itinerary showed the best of Turkey. Special shout out to both Hatice and Oguzhan who were both great guides and very informative as well as very attentive. The trip was so amazing because of this. Thank you so much. I would highly recommend Berat and her team to anyone.

This was my second booking with KIMKIM and it didn't disappoint. Both times I have used this service I have been blown away. Our guide was amazing (I must start there). Hatice traveled with us for the entire 11 days and she was absolutely fabulous. She was knowledgeable, friendly and wonderful. She was like part of the family before we left. We shared meals, met her family and had just an incredible time. She made reservations at restaurants, knew the best times to visit each attraction and treated us like she knew us forever. It was an incredible experience. Of course, Berat and her team did an amazing job with all the arrangements. The hotels, food and locations were exactly what we wanted and needed for our vacation. Turkey is a magical safe place that everyone should enjoy at least once in their life. You will see amazing historical places, eat too much (watch the ice cream) and love living life there.

Wow! Kimkim did a wonderful job putting together a trip tailored to our specific interests and needs. The guides made Turkey’s fascinating history come alive and exciting. Kimkin’s accommodating our last minute requests for a hot air balloon ride and cooking class was especially appreciated.
The only suggestion I have is to rethink the “sunset wine tasting.” Because it was too cold, we had to move that activity indoors. Rather than the alternate location chosen you might consider a venue other than an enclosed space without windows. Maybe the courtyard of Murat’s hotel?
Overall, Kimkim made this a great vacation and provided seamless service. Thank you!

Basat at museum was amazing , started us planning next year in Turkey from Troy down coastline.
Erat in cappadoncia was excellent; so knowledgeable and adjusted tour to our every need.
The last hotel in Istanbul was not up to standard, service was sub par and any questions asked we got different answers from each staff.
Their first response was no to most everything.
Check in was unnecessarily long , crowded and we were told to sit , and then forgotten while they checked in a group that arrived after us
The wine tasting was also a disappointment, we did not have sunset due to windy conditions but then we did it in a lobby with no view no explanation of the wines, the woman conducting the tasting poured and disappeared.
Only 2 wines poured . For this we could have ordered at our hotel with a spectacular view and had a bartender explain the wine

KimKim and Berat provided an outstanding vacation in Turkey for us. It was particularly helpful that whenever we had a question or needed a suggested activity, we could always contact Berat. She always promptly responded, often with specific suggestions such as excellent dining choices and places to go.

When there were huge lines for the mosques in Istanbul, KimKim's guide suggested an alternative, the cisterns, as a place to start. Not only did that provide an memorable sight, by the time we finished, the mosque lines were completely gone allowing us to walk right in.

All the travel logistics were in place -- people to pick up us and reservations in place.

For anyone considering a vacation in Turkey, we highly recommend booking it through KimKim. This was our second KimKim vacation. Now that we're back, time to start thinking about the next trip with them.

Hotel Reviews

Pera Palace

Istanbul

Charming, well located, hotel responsive to some plumbing issues.

Authenticity & Character

Oldest elevator in the country.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kayakapi Premium Caves

Urgup / Cappadocia

Restaurants were amazing, especially the vegetarian tasting meal. Friendly waitstaff.

Akra Antalya Hotel

Antalya

Hotel was fine. Blaring music in one of the restaurants but the next night it was quieter.

Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa

Denizli

Weird environment; smell from thermal waters. Only buffet dinner available which was just adequate. Not up to the standards of the other hotels on the trip.

Nisanyan Houses

Selçuk

Huge accessibility issues for anyone over 30 years old. Very rocky road from the reception desk to the room making the walk to meals treacherous. Layout of the rooms not idea with bathroom on a different level from the bedroom -- again an issue for older travelers. On the other hand, the staff were over the top friendly and accommodating. Meals, once you got the the dining room were very good.

Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul

ISTANBUL

Excellent location looking out over the Bosphorus, walking distance to many of the key sites, tasty Indian restaurant on site.

Activity Review

Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise

Cappadocia

Beautiful views, magical scenery, felt perfectly safe

I decided to use Kimkim in searching for itineraries to visit Turkey, after our plan for Greece was completed. From the very start, Berat scheduled every single aspect of our journey with care and detail, starting with Istambul, then Capadocia, Sirince, Pamukkale and finally Izmir. The itinerary was perfect, highlighting the very best that great country has to offer, amazing hotels, transfers and activities of the most gorgeous places on earth. Thank you Berat and your team of guides: Volkan, Harun and Fatma, so knowledgeable and kind sharing the best information and companionship throughout all our travels. We also had the fortune to meet Berat personally when passing through Capadocia, that was so incredible! Talking to her personally and sharing our experiences with her was so nice. This whole trip was an unforgettable experience, that otherwise would not have been possible, so for sure we will plan any other journey with Kimkim in the future!! Thanks to all! We loved Turkiye🇹🇷 ♥️ and we hope we come back and visit some more of this gorgeous country!

Hotel Reviews

Armada Hotel

Istanbul

Very nice traditional hotel in The old city near the best attractions -Hagia Sohia, Blue Mosqud and Topkaki Palace. Breakfast was absolutely delicious

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kale Konak Hotel

This is an absolutely beautiful cave hotel right in front of the Uchisar Castle, staff is so friendly and the hotel outside areas are beautiful

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Nisanyan Houses

Selçuk

There are not enough words to say how amazing is this place, the views, the room, the food and staff are absolutely wonderful!!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Doğa Thermal Hotel & Spa

Denizli

This hotel was great, specially for its thermal waters; the food is also very good!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kordon Hotel Çankaya

Çankaya, Konak, Izmir

Well located, nice and clean rooms

Authenticity & Character

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Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Discover Byzantine + Ottoman Istanbul

İstanbul

During our (4) days in Istanbul, we were lucky to have Volkan as our guide, he gave us all historic background of every attraction in the city, while enjoying his company and conversations throughout our journeys. It was a pleasure spending all these days in his company, and made our experience unforgettable!!!,

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore the historical + modern hub: Pera, Karaköy and Beyond

İstanbul

During our (4) days in Istanbul, we were lucky to have Volkan as our guide, he gave us all historic background of every attraction in the city, while enjoying his company and conversations throughout our journeys. It was a pleasure spending all these days in his company, and made our experience unforgettable!!!,

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Public Boat Tour on the Bosphorus

İstanbul

This Bosphorus boat trip was beautiful watching the Palaces over the waterfront. The Asian coast of Istanbul is vibrant.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Transport

Urban Hiking Tour: Strolling around Old City Walls, Fener + Balat

İstanbul

During our (4) days in Istanbul, we were lucky to have Volkan as our guide, he gave us all historic background of every attraction in the city, while enjoying his company and conversations throughout our journeys. It was a pleasure spending all these days in his company, and made our experience unforgettable!!!,

Quality of Experience

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport