We just had the most amazing trip to Italy! M...
Italy | Mar 19 - Mar 26, 2023

Allison
Allison H.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Apr 10, 2023

We just had the most amazing trip to Italy! My sister and I were with our 80 year old mother, and we visited Venice, Florence and Rome, and couldn't be happier with how it went and all that we experienced. Irine Lappa was a perfect vacation planner and her team missed no detail. The timing of the itinerary was perfect - the the right amount of time for transitions, it was not harried, just the perfect pace. All of our connections were just as planned, and all of the tour guides were so knowledgeable, warm and so welcoming. We loved our tour of Venice with Marie with Liv Tours, she was fun and passionate about Venice. And Monica (Be local with Monica) gave us an amazing tour of Murano - such a fun day! In Florence, our guide Antonella gave us an expert's highlights tour - she was truly one of our highlights of the whole trip. We loved our excursion throughout Tuscany - Marco with Florencetown tours was so great. It was really enriching being with a couple from Brazil and a couple from the UK to experience this beautiful countryside and hear each other's stories. Lastly, in Rome after an amazing visit to the Colosseum and a wonderful tour with Barbara with Liv Tours at the Vatican (we skipped the line everywhere - I can't tell you how helpful this was!), we enjoyed a super fun Roman food tour of the Trastevere with Aly. Irene and her team were in contact with us throughout the trip, and super responsive. They even communicated with one of our hotels about our mother's birthday, and the hotel surprised us with a cake! All of our hotels were just stunning, centrally located, welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend Irene and her team at KimKim - our trip was just the best!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Splendid Venice - Starhotel
Venice

This charming hotel in Venice had two adjoining rooms and two bathrooms, which was perfect for our group of three. The staff was attentive, and the location was beautiful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Santa Maria Novella
Florence

This hotel was our favorite, thanks to its amazing location and beautiful rooms. The breakfast was great, and the staff was attentive. The only downside was that our triple room had just one bathroom for the three of us.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Martis Palace Hotel Rome
Rome

This modern hotel was smaller than the other two, but the staff was still very attentive. The breakfast room was a bit smaller, but the food was good.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Murano Glass Demonstration & Walking Tour
Murano Glass Demonstration & Walking Tour
Venice

We enjoyed a private group walking tour in Murano and visited a glass workshop. The glassmaking demonstration was fascinating, although was slightly touristy.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Florence Highlights Tour With Uffizi Galleries
Private Florence Highlights Tour With Uffizi Galleries
Florence

Our knowledgeable guide, Antonella, showed us the highlights of Florence, including the Uffizi Galleries. You would have thought she has a degree in art with her extensive knowledge. It was perfect for us, as we got to see the most important pieces. We recommend having a guide for this tour unless you already know a lot about art.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chianti Wine & Olive Oil Tour from Florence
Chianti Wine & Olive Oil Tour from Florence
Florence

This small group tour took us through the Tuscan countryside, where we tasted wine and olive oil at various locations. It was a delightful experience. We even got to bring home some wine and olive oil.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Vatican Guided Tour
Vatican Guided Tour
Rome

We had an amazing small group tour of the Vatican, learning about its history and art.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trastevere Afternoon Aperitivo & Food Tour
Trastevere Afternoon Aperitivo & Food Tour
Rome

We joined a small group for an afternoon food tour in Trastevere, which featured a mix of international travelers. The food was great, and it was a fun experience overall.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Irene Lappa
Irene
Irene Lappa
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Apr 10, 2023

Dear Allison, Stephanie and Nancy,
Thank you so much for your wonderful and thorough review!! I will convey all your awesome words on to the team and our local partners!!
I am more than happy that you had an amazing trip, especially as it was a "trip of a lifetime" for your Mom!!! It was such a pleasure working with you on this trip, and I will be happy to work with you again on your next trip!!
Wishing you a wonderful summer season and safe travels!!
Arrivederla!
Irene