Worth all the stars I can give!
Greece
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Oct 7 - Oct 24, 2022
Chris and his travel agency are worth all the stars I can give. =) Initially I wasn't sure about using an agency, even one for independent travellers, because I like to be off the beaten path and have flexibility. However, Chris immediately understood what we were looking for (an educational gap year experience for my son - so not exactly a vacation, but not business either.) He was incredibly responsive, asked great questions, and listened to what I had in mind, which ultimately resulted in a trip plan much better than I could have done on my own. Moreover, it wasn't until we actually got to Greece that I understood the true value of working with Chris and kimkim. On our second day in Athens, my son got a skin rash and he was in quite a lot of pain. Not only did the staff at Sweet Home Hotel help me find medical assistance (including a pediatrician who made a house call to the hotel at 11 PM!), Chris was available as well, helping us find a pharmacy, rearrange plans as needed, and just generally providing support. As our trip progressed, there were very few hiccups, and those that did occur were either remedied quickly (or adjusted to something even better). I could not be happier with the service, and I recommend kimkim in general - and Chris in particular - to anyone looking for a bespoke travel experience.
Hotel Reviews
The penthouse suite was amazing, the unlimited buffet breakfast was delicious, but what really made this place stand out was the truly warm and welcoming atmosphere on the part of everyone we encountered. The owners went above and beyond to help when my son got sick, including finding a doctor to make a house call at 11 PM at night! Staying here really did feel like a home away from home!
We liked this hotel and the view from the room was amazing. Just a note that the photos make the rooms appear larger than they are - not a complaint, but I wish I had noted the actual square footage of the room rather than just looked at the pictures. I'd still stay here again, but perhaps choose a larger room for three people.
There was a bit of confusion with the room we had booked at first, but the manager not only quickly remedied the situation, he found us a room that was even better than the one we had originally selected. The location is perfect and the view of the caldera is incomparable.
Activity Reviews
The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, patient with my son, and really made us feel as if we were getting an insider experience.
The driver was the best part of the trip! He was patient with my son (who was a bit sick), was very knowledgeable about the area, and flexible with respect to side trips. The guide was excellent also - my only recommendation is for the guide to clarify with the driver exactly where and when we would be picked up after the tour. But overall a fantastic trip.
This was, hands down, one of the best and most memorable experiences of the entire trip. Our guide was amazing - she was a 4th generation Naxos resident, spoke English perfectly, and we really got a sense of the place through both the food and her insights. Very highly recommend.
I'm glad we went - it was nice to try the variety of grapes used to produce Santorini wines - but the tour was very much oriented toward those who don't know much (or really anything) about wine. That said, the guide was good - I just wish I had known in advance that it was geared toward novices - I would have chosen a different tour.
Looking forward to plan the next adventure with you, and this time... Read more