Special Trip to Italy
Italy | Sep 21 - Oct 6, 2024

Donna
Donna S.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on Oct 11, 2024

We have never worked with someone to plan a trip in Europe before. This was a special trip as we were celebrating my 70th birthday, so when I saw KimKim and read their reviews, I contacted them. I first worked with someone else, then Fabio. Some excellent suggestions were made and they always promptly answered any questions that I had. They helped me to make choices and made changes when I read something new and I changed my mind. We liked how they took care of the accommodations (with my approval of the hotels), rental car, train ticket, and all the drivers. They never pushed anything...just worked hand and hand with me to come up with an itinerary. Always gracious, and I felt "safe" knowing that Fabio was there to help when/if needed. We had no serious problems, and the hotels were wonderful (especially the one in Tuscany). The cooking class in Sorrento was lovely and so was the food and wine tour in Florence. Unfortunately, at my own mistake....we missed the food tour in Trastevere when I got the night wrong and failed to double check the itinerary.
All the drivers were great, especially the one from Sorrento to Rome. And, Fabio made sure to let our Amalfi Coast driver know that I might be a little nervous with all that I had heard about the drive along the Amalfi Coast. However, I actually had zero problems with that drive, even with the back and forth tight traffic. Believe me, that says a lot about our driver who did an excellent job.
All and all, we had a wonderful time in Italy. It is my favorite country to visit and we hope to go back again to explore other areas of Italy. Appreciated the care of consideration that Fabio showed throughout our trip.

Hotel Reviews
Salvadonica - Borgo del Chianti
San Casciano in Val di pesa

Oh my goodness....loved, loved, loved this place. It was so charming and the grounds were lovely and peaceful. We had a Junior Suite, which meant small bedroom with a separate sitting room. Everything was well appointed, clean and just lovely. We had a spectacular view from all three of our windows on the second floor.. Breakfast and late lunch food was excellent and the service was unbelievable. We never had dinner there. Would definitely go back to this location again, and have already recommended it to friends.

Authenticity & Character
Simply perfect with Tuscany charm and a touch of modern.
Location
It was easily accessible from Florence, and to the towns in the countryside.
Staff
Particularly liked how friendly the staff was, and the warm welcomes to morning breakfast.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, and functional. However, I would suggest a full length mirror on one wall.
Grand Hotel De La Ville
Sorrento

The hotel was immaculately clean and bright. My favorite area was the outdoor seating area for breakfast. Only went to the rooftop bar once to take in the view, but it was nice. The service thought out the hotel was exceptional and we had a nice view of the sea. Well appointed rooms and an easy walk to places of interest in Sorrento.

Authenticity & Character
Very pretty and nice. But, not sure what the decorating theme was....didn't seem coastal Italian. Kept meaning to ask, but forgot.
Location
Staff
Could not have been friendlier or more helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Florence Food Tour
Florence Food Tour
Florence

Delightful guide as she was knowledgable and so sweet. Bless her heart...too much wine for me so she worried a bit about me on the uneven stone walkways.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amalfi Coast Road Trip | Private Tour
Amalfi Coast Road Trip | Private Tour
Sorrento

Very happy that we saw a bit of the Amalfi Coast. Our favorite town was Ravello as it was beautiful and not as crowded. We missed seeing the town of Amalfi due to slow traffic and a slow lunch service in Ravello. It was a beautiful view of Ravello, but they completely forgot our order, until we finally asked. So that took away from our tour time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Pizza & Pasta Masterclass in Sorrento
Pizza & Pasta Masterclass in Sorrento
Sorrento

Delightful. The chef instructor was wonderful, the group was fun, and the view from the cooking school was beautiful.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trastevere Local Food Tour
Trastevere Local Food Tour
Rome

Sad to say that we missed this because I got my nights mixed up. My mistake! Sure that it would have need wonderful as it was something that we were looking forward to.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Fabio Ilardi
Fabio
Fabio Ilardi
Local specialist in Como, Italy | Replied on Oct 11, 2024
Buongiorno Donna! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review! I’m so glad to hear that your Birthday Trip to Italy was a memorable one and that you enjoyed everything from the accommodations to the experiences.
I really appreciate the details and feedback on each activity, especially knowing that you felt supported throughout the whole process. It was our pleasure to help create an itinerary that fit your needs, and I’m glad the drivers, particularly on the Amalfi...
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Buongiorno Donna! Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review! I’m so glad to hear that your Birthday Trip to Italy was a memorable one and that you enjoyed everything from the accommodations to the experiences.
I really appreciate the details and feedback on each activity, especially knowing that you felt supported throughout the whole process. It was our pleasure to help create an itinerary that fit your needs, and I’m glad the drivers, particularly on the Amalfi Coast, made your journey smooth and enjoyable. I look forward to working with you and Steve again when you’re ready to explore more of beautiful Italy! 🙂 🙂
Warm Regards,
Fabio