Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 14,359 ratings
Read 14,359 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Melanie was great to work with and she was ve...
Italy | Apr 7 - Apr 19, 2024

C
Christine K.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

Melanie was great to work with and she was very responsive and pleasant. She was always checking in, without being pushy. We especially appreciated all of the drivers that got us safely to our destinations and they were always waiting and very helpful. The hotels were centrally located and even though we did have one issue, Melanie was responsive and is working with us for that to be resolved.

I would highly recommend her to book any of your travel needs in Italy!

Local specialist: Melanie Rapuano
Melanie
Melanie Rapuano
Local specialist in Italy | Replied on Apr 25, 2024

Hi Christine,
thank you so much for your review, it really means a lot.
I'm so pleased you got your dream trip and I helped put it all together, it was lovely working with you on this from start to finish!
Thank you for mentioning the guides and drivers, I will let them know :)

Thanks again for booking with me and I look forward to your next trip to Italy!

Great time in Guatemala!Matt was our specia...
Guatemala | Apr 2 - Apr 23, 2024

M
Merrilee E.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Great time in Guatemala! Matt was our specialist at the beginning of the process, but Alex Coronado took over our planning process when Matt had to do some guiding. Alex was terrific! Very responsive, friendly, and he provided excellent advice. He touched base with us frequently throughout the three weeks we were in Guatemala to ensure that we were enjoying the trip. We had to make some last minutes changes which he accommodated quickly and efficiently. Alex went over and above making sure... Read more

Great time in Guatemala!

Matt was our specialist at the beginning of the process, but Alex Coronado took over our planning process when Matt had to do some guiding. Alex was terrific! Very responsive, friendly, and he provided excellent advice. He touched base with us frequently throughout the three weeks we were in Guatemala to ensure that we were enjoying the trip. We had to make some last minutes changes which he accommodated quickly and efficiently. Alex went over and above making sure we were well taken care of.

All of the guides were professional and knowledgeable about the areas we were visiting. The drivers were prompt and the cars were in good shape. There was one situation where a car broke down (could happen to anyone) and Alex and our guide arranged for another car very quickly.

All of the accommodation was very good and the food was excellent. As was the Guatemalan coffee.

Thanks to Alex and the KimKim team for making our visit to Guatemala very special!

Local specialist: Alex Coronado
Alex
Alex Coronado
Local specialist in Antigua Guatemala | Replied on Apr 26, 2024

Thank you very much for your comments, it was extraordinary, special, and efficient working with you both. I can affirm that you are sincere and respectful people with whom it was a real pleasure to talk and get to know.

I am glad that our effort as a team was reflected during your visit to Guatemala, I hope I get to see you soon, and why not, maybe in Toronto with Eleanor and Isabella.

A big hug for you both from the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala!

Amazing trip, well organized, lots of great touches, and thoroughly enjoyable
Indonesia | Apr 14 - Apr 19, 2024

Jason
Jason C.
San Carlos, CA | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
We had a really wonderful experience on this trip. It started with planning the trip with Marc, who helped us figure out what to do throughout our 5 day trip. Marc was really flexible in ensuring that our specific interests (historical sites, local food, swimming with a manta ray, snorkeling) were part of the plan. And it all happened (although the manta ray part cannot be guaranteed every time :)). Then, on the trip the itself, we had a fantastic driver, Jering. There were lots of nice... Read more

We had a really wonderful experience on this trip. It started with planning the trip with Marc, who helped us figure out what to do throughout our 5 day trip. Marc was really flexible in ensuring that our specific interests (historical sites, local food, swimming with a manta ray, snorkeling) were part of the plan. And it all happened (although the manta ray part cannot be guaranteed every time :)). Then, on the trip the itself, we had a fantastic driver, Jering. There were lots of nice touches from him, from the welcome flower garlands, ready availability cold water (critical in Bali), through to the discussions about culture and history, and advice on what to look for (with fascinating touches of stories to enrich the experience). And oh, he found us the perfect (and good value) durian experience that was to die for (if you can deal with the smell). I'd definitely recommend working with Marc and Jering for your next trip to Bali.

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jun 13, 2024

Hi Jason,

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us! Jering and I are thrilled to hear that you had a great time.

Best wishes from both of us! We're already looking forward to your next visit!

Safe travels and see you soon!
Marc

I wish I could give this trip more than 5 sta...
Morocco | Apr 11 - Apr 21, 2024

Charis
Charis U.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
I wish I could give this trip more than 5 stars! From the first interaction with Abdellah and Said trip planning was easy and pleasant . The response time was extremely fast before and during our trip. We had a group of four people with different interests and tastes, Abdellah and Said were great at answering all of our questions, we really appreciated their suggestions of tours, restaurants and hotels in our itinerary. We all loved every single one of our guides.
Faissal, our...
Read more

I wish I could give this trip more than 5 stars! From the first interaction with Abdellah and Said trip planning was easy and pleasant . The response time was extremely fast before and during our trip. We had a group of four people with different interests and tastes, Abdellah and Said were great at answering all of our questions, we really appreciated their suggestions of tours, restaurants and hotels in our itinerary. We all loved every single one of our guides.
Faissal, our driver was amazing, always on time and a great communicator , he went above and beyond expectations to ensure we got to see and do what was planned for that day and got us in and out safely, certainly, by the end of the trip we all considered him a friend!
Said (different person than above) gave us a tour of the Medina in Marrakech, very knowledgeable and was able to convey information in an interesting way, the day went by way too fast!
Youssef Azdour: Youssef was our guide to summit Mt. Toubkal, he did a great job keeping us safe, ensuring we had amazing food at the "refuge" (lodging just below the summit). We are thankful for our cook and porter too! Interestingly, he also leads ski tours (skinning up, ski down) in the winter, it was nice to hike with a local that knows the mountain and the community.
Abraham: Camel guide Sahara Desert. We all truly enjoyed our camel ride at sunset in the Sahara, a one in a million experience!
Youssef: Driver/guide in the Sahara at Tiziri Desert Camp, Youssef showed us around the Berber communities and homesteads, and enlightened us of the cultural importance of music, and geology in the area. We all enjoyed spending time with him!
Mohammad: ATV guide Sahara Desert; He did a great job in showing us the area, brought sand boards which was a ton of fun and was great at taking amazing pictures!
What I really appreciated was the high quality and authenticity of all of our guides, we would have never have found them if we would have booked this trip our selves!

Hotel Reviews
Dar Chamaa
Ouarzazate
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Palais Sebban
Marrakech

Great location in the Medina! Staff was wonderful, breakfast was delicious, loved the architecture!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Jnane Imlil
Imlil, Asni Marrakech

Perfect location to stay when hiking Toubkal! views are amazing and the staff is fantastic. Loved the decor and the food was great. Make sure to visit the roof top deck!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ksar El Kabbaba
Skoura

Beautiful Riad! Wish we could have stayed longer! Staff was informative and the grounds were amazing, we wished we had more time to visit the spa!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga

We are so thankful we stayed 2 nights! so many things to do and see! We loved the staff, music and food. The location and accommodations are wonderful! Highly recommend riding a camel to get to the site and take advantage of sand boarding and ATVing!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
All staff made us feel at home! Youssef was great showing us the Berber community, geology and the sharing the importance of music in the Berber culture .
Cleanliness & Comfort
Refuge Toubkal les Mouflons
Imlil

great place to stay before summiting!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Harmonies of the Dunes: An Experiential Desert Odyssey in Erg Chebbi
Harmonies of the Dunes: An Experiential Desert Odyssey in Erg Chebbi
Merzouga

Another highlight of the trip! Loved the Tiziri ECO Desert Camp! Youssef did an amazing job in showing us the Berber Nomad lifestyle, music and geology of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi area. The sunset camel ride into the camp was unforgettable plus dinner and the Berber music was delicious. Lastly, the ATV and sandboarding was a blast!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
From the Dunes to the Kasbahs: A Scenic Drive from Merzouga to Ouarzazate
From the Dunes to the Kasbahs: A Scenic Drive from Merzouga to Ouarzazate
Morocco

Great to see the Rissani medina and the Mausoleum of Molay Ali Cherif plus visit a market to sell animals and ty camel milk!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ouirgane at Leisure
Ouirgane

We changed our plans to stay in Essaouria at the Hotel Le Medina

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mystical Marrakesh: Unveiling the Allure of Morocco's Vibrant Jewel
Mystical Marrakesh: Unveiling the Allure of Morocco's Vibrant Jewel
Marrakesh

Said is very knowledgeable and was wonderful at answering all of our questions, the time went by way too fast and we were thankful to spend the morning/afternoon with him!

Quality of Experience
Food
Said took us to a roof top Riad for lunch, great food!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Embark on an Epic Journey: Marrakech to Toubkal National Park
Embark on an Epic Journey: Marrakech to Toubkal National Park
Morocco

A high light of our trip! Youssef Azdour our hiking guide is an experienced mountaineer, he did a great job getting us up the mountain well fed and safe. We also appreciated the porter and cook during the two strenuous days of hiking. As always, it was nice to spend time with a local that is familiar with the area.

Quality of Experience
Youssef 's knowledge of the mountain
Food
Wonderful to have a home cooked meals during the 2 days of strenuous hiking
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cook and porter were wonderful, great food and people!
Transport
Our porter got our luggage we did not need for the hike to the hotel we were staying at after the hike , lots of coordination!
Imlil to Skoura oasis via Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate
Imlil to Skoura oasis via Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate
Morocco

We enjoyed the visit to the Argan oil cooperative, we were able to "help" make the oil with the local women and see the process in which it is made, Truly an enjoyable experience! We also enjoyed the l Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, Morocco's most famous kasbah and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was great to get out and stretch our legs! We were a little skeptical about visiting the movie sites, but it turned out to be a lot of fun! our guide made a short video of us in the studio, once again the guide did a great job of making it a unique experience!

Quality of Experience
Our small group size made it possible to really interact with the locals and we truly felt like welcomed guests!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Skoura to Merzouga via Dades valley, Todra Gorge, Erfoud & Rissani
Skoura to Merzouga via Dades valley, Todra Gorge, Erfoud & Rissani
Morocco

We visited a women's cooperative rose distillery shop where we learned how roses are turned into different products, we also purchased a rug in a small village, much different experience than Marrakech, in the small village rug shop we received photos of the women that crafted our rugs and a little history of the different tribes, an experience we will never forget! We enjoyed the visit to the fossil shop, it made us appreciate the geology in that area also we were able to visit the Khettaras traditional water system in the drylands.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Conquering the Roof of North Africa: Toubkal's Majestic Summit Expedition  
Imlil

A high light of our trip! Youssef Azdour our hiking guide is an experienced mountaineer, he did a great job getting us up the mountain well fed and safe. We also appreciated the porter and cook during the two strenuous days of hiking. As always, it was nice to spend time with a local that is familiar with the area.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful views, great places to stop for fresh squeezed orange juice!
Food
Our cook was amazing! We were so thankful for the great meals that were carried up by the mule ! Our cook/Youssef set up a table at the refuge on the patio over looking the Atlas Mts. and we enjoyed an amazing lunch after summiting Mt. Toubkal !
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was very passionate about his culture and was a joy to talk with along the way
Transport
We were impressed that all of our stuff got to where it needed to be, our large luggage bags were carried to our hotel in Imlil by mule as well as our small bags we needed for the night at the refuge were all carried by a mule, along with all our food!
Local specialist: Abdellah El Asely
Abdellah
Abdellah El Asely
Local specialist in Marrakech | Replied on Apr 29, 2024
Hey Charis U. Thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that the entire team made your trip exceptional from start to finish. It's fantastic to know that our responsiveness and personalized suggestions hit the mark for your diverse group interests. We're especially glad that Faissal, Said, Youssef, Abraham, Mohammad, and others made such a positive impact on your journey. Each guide strives to offer authentic and memorable experiences, and it sounds like they succeeded with... Read more

Hey Charis U.

Thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that the entire team made your trip exceptional from start to finish. It's fantastic to know that our responsiveness and personalized suggestions hit the mark for your diverse group interests.

We're especially glad that Faissal, Said, Youssef, Abraham, Mohammad, and others made such a positive impact on your journey. Each guide strives to offer authentic and memorable experiences, and it sounds like they succeeded with your adventure!

Thank you for choosing us for your travel plans. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another unforgettable journey! 🌄✨

Best,
Abdel

Greece trip of a lifetime!
Greece | Mar 4 - Mar 14, 2024

Jason
Jason B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
The KimKim team in Greece made every moment of my trip effortless and memorable. From coordinating transfers, to suggesting attractions and tavernas, Maria and the entire team took my modest description of a dream trip, and made it a reality. The private food and culture tours they coordinated were informative, delicious, and introduced me to aspects of Greek cuisine and culture that would have taken me years to discover. They even coordinated shipment of a few bottles of mastiha and tsipiro... Read more

The KimKim team in Greece made every moment of my trip effortless and memorable. From coordinating transfers, to suggesting attractions and tavernas, Maria and the entire team took my modest description of a dream trip, and made it a reality. The private food and culture tours they coordinated were informative, delicious, and introduced me to aspects of Greek cuisine and culture that would have taken me years to discover. They even coordinated shipment of a few bottles of mastiha and tsipiro that I bought, and followed up with packing and package arrival. The KimKim team acted as a private concierge service while I was there, coordinating church visits and transportation. I am already planning my next trip, and will recommend and only use Maria and the Greek KimKim team on future trips. 5 stars!!!

Local specialist: Maria Blana
Maria
Maria Blana
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Apr 30, 2024

Dear Jason,
thank you for your kind words - we are overjoyed to know that your stay in Greece was a memorable one and is to be repeated soon! It was a pleasure meeting you and getting to guide you around the beauties of the mainland of Greece. All the Be A Greek team sends warm regards and will be thrilled to host you again in Greece!
Wishes for a blessed Easter,
Maria

Most amazing trip in Seoul, South Korea
South Korea | Apr 8 - Apr 20, 2024

Eliza
Eliza C.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
I had the most amazing wk tour. Originally opted for 5 days but Odynova tours and KimKim suggested 7 for a more comprehensive tour and it worked out really well. The tour guide, Ms Jang, was friendly, courteous and very informative. She was always on time and met me at my hotel each morning. I had a few reschedulings for my departure transfer but Jessica from KimKim/Odynova tours, was able to respond immediately and made the changes for me. I was very impressed by how efficient they were... Read more

I had the most amazing wk tour. Originally opted for 5 days but Odynova tours and KimKim suggested 7 for a more comprehensive tour and it worked out really well. The tour guide, Ms Jang, was friendly, courteous and very informative. She was always on time and met me at my hotel each morning. I had a few reschedulings for my departure transfer but Jessica from KimKim/Odynova tours, was able to respond immediately and made the changes for me. I was very impressed by how efficient they were on resolving curveballs in my end and all with a friendly manner and followed up after as well. I will not hesitate to book through them again and recommend them to anyone looking for a tour in Seoul. South Korea. Thank you. Jessica, KimKim, Odynovs and Ms Jang. I am bringing back memories that will last a lifetime!

Hotel Review
NINE TREE PREMIER HOTEL MYEONGDONG II
Seoul

Bed was a little too firm. Only complaint but that’s my individual preference . The rooms were clean on arrival and always kept clean. Cleaning staff were on top of it and I was very happy. Front desk was helpful, the gym was adequate and the rooftop lounge had a great view and my fav drink - toddy. Very satisfied with the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Heart of Seoul. Within walking distance to anything.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Discover K-drama Locations in European Villages & Nami Island
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Seoul Highlights & K-drama Tour
Seoul Highlights & K-drama Tour
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Seoul Food Tour: Street Eats and Korean BBQ
Seoul Food Tour: Street Eats and Korean BBQ
Seoul
Quality of Experience
K
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Suwon and Yongin Tour From Seoul
Full Day Suwon and Yongin Tour From Seoul
Seoul
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Jessica
Jessica Wang
Local specialist in South Korea | Replied on Apr 25, 2024
Dear Eliza, Hope you have a great day.It is my great honor and pleasure to customize your tour to South Korea and try my best to do recommendation to meet your preference. I'm glad to hear you had such a fantastic tour experience with us. We are also so delighted to know that Ms. Jang made your time in Seoul even more enjoyable with her friendly and informative guidance. Thank you for sharing your positive experience with NINE TREE PREMIER HOTEL MYEONGDONG II as well. It's great to hear... Read more

Dear Eliza,

Hope you have a great day.It is my great honor and pleasure to customize your tour to South Korea and try my best to do recommendation to meet your preference. I'm glad to hear you had such a fantastic tour experience with us. We are also so delighted to know that Ms. Jang made your time in Seoul even more enjoyable with her friendly and informative guidance.

Thank you for sharing your positive experience with NINE TREE PREMIER HOTEL MYEONGDONG II as well. It's great to hear that despite the firm bed, the cleanliness, helpfulness of the staff, and amenities like the gym and rooftop lounge left you satisfied. Your recommendation speaks volumes about the quality of service provided by everyone involved. We are proud of them.

Thanks a lot again for sharing your wonderful trip with us and look forward to the next trip again.

All the best,
Jessica

Journey of a Lifetime!!
Peru | Feb 25 - Mar 9, 2024

John
John S.
Morristown, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
If you're looking for the epitome of travel excellence, look no further than Tamer. Let me tell you, our experience with Tamer, in collaboration with Kim Kim and Responsible Travel, was nothing short of enchanting. This marks our second consecutive year entrusting Tamer to craft a journey of a lifetime for our students, and boy, did he deliver! Our destination this time was Peru, with all its awe-inspiring beauty. Tamer's meticulous planning ensured that every moment was infused with magic... Read more

If you're looking for the epitome of travel excellence, look no further than Tamer. Let me tell you, our experience with Tamer, in collaboration with Kim Kim and Responsible Travel, was nothing short of enchanting.

This marks our second consecutive year entrusting Tamer to craft a journey of a lifetime for our students, and boy, did he deliver! Our destination this time was Peru, with all its awe-inspiring beauty. Tamer's meticulous planning ensured that every moment was infused with magic and wonder.

One of the highlights of our trip was undoubtedly the outstanding tour guides he arranged for us, Renato Diaz and Henry Gonzales. Their expertise in working with high school students was evident as they effortlessly blended fun and education throughout our 14-day adventure. From delving into the history of the Incan Empire to exploring the mystical Peruvian Amazon, every aspect of our itinerary was flawlessly executed.

Our journey took us through Lima, Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Puerto Maldonado, with each destination offering its own unique charm. The accommodations were nothing short of breathtaking, and our air travel arrangements went off without a hitch.

From the bustling streets of Lima to the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, every moment was filled with awe and wonder. Our days were packed with unforgettable experiences, from cooking classes to day trips to Rainbow Mountain and exploring the ancient ruins of Moray. And let's not forget our daily excursions into the heart of the Amazon rainforest – an experience that left us spellbound.

Already, we find ourselves eagerly planning our next adventure with Tamer. Year three beckons, and this time, we're setting our sights on Chile. With Tamer at the helm, we know that another extraordinary journey awaits us.

In short, if you want an unforgettable travel experience that seamlessly blends adventure, education, and pure magic, Tamer is the only choice.

Local specialist: Tamer Obeid
Tamer
Tamer Obeid
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Apr 25, 2024
Dear John,
I can't be thankful enough for your kind words and your positive feedback. As I expressed last year, I already feel part of the Norman family and I will always do my absolute best to offer our students exceptional experiences full of knowledge, fun, and adventure. Now that we have already ventured through Ecuador and Peru, Chile will be waiting for the next group to present them with a breathtaking adventure :)
It's quite a privilege to be able to offer your students such...
Read more

Dear John,
I can't be thankful enough for your kind words and your positive feedback. As I expressed last year, I already feel part of the Norman family and I will always do my absolute best to offer our students exceptional experiences full of knowledge, fun, and adventure. Now that we have already ventured through Ecuador and Peru, Chile will be waiting for the next group to present them with a breathtaking adventure :)
It's quite a privilege to be able to offer your students such experiences and I promise you that you'll always find me and our Kimkim team fully dedicated to this mission :)
I'll convey your positive feedback to our team in Peru, I know they'll be thrilled to know how happy you were with their services.
Yours,
Tamer

The service we received throughout our trip w...
Namibia | Apr 15 - Apr 23, 2024

Michael
Michael G.
Australia | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
The service we received throughout our trip was amazing. From the start in Windhoek and the instruction guide from Maxine down to our airport return with Josef we could not have had a better time.
The planning and TravelKey app were fantastic - Anna at Spitzkoppen was great, Tim who flew the hot air balloon was funny and incredibly skillful while all the locations we stayed in were also excellent. Our tour guide in Swakopmund who took us to the dunes at Sandwich Bay - PJ Breytenbach - was...
Read more

The service we received throughout our trip was amazing. From the start in Windhoek and the instruction guide from Maxine down to our airport return with Josef we could not have had a better time.
The planning and TravelKey app were fantastic - Anna at Spitzkoppen was great, Tim who flew the hot air balloon was funny and incredibly skillful while all the locations we stayed in were also excellent. Our tour guide in Swakopmund who took us to the dunes at Sandwich Bay - PJ Breytenbach - was fantastic - very knowledgeable and passionate about the area and he was determined to ensure we had a fabulous experience. The vehicle we had was superb - my wife and I and our two friends whom we toured with cannot have been happier.

Hotel Reviews
Desert Homestead Lodge

This is such a fantastic location - great rooms, good food and very helpful staff. The views from our room and the sunsets were spectacular.

Authenticity & Character
Location
We were in the desert yet had a first class facility
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Spitzkoppe

The staff were fabulous, the room was excellent with memorable views and both great sun rise and sun set. We were in the desert but the facility was really outstanding with all the staff always ready to help.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Apr 24, 2024

Hi Michael, Anne, Tony and Jackie,
Thank you for the great feedback and for sharing the beautiful pictures taken on your trip to Namibia.
They all look amazing, and I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed your trip.
I hope to hear from you again someday should you wish to return to the amazing Southern Africa.
Take care.
Best wishes, Lize

Working with Majid to plan our perfect trip w...
Morocco | Apr 8 - Apr 17, 2024

Dayna
Dayna J.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Working with Majid to plan our perfect trip was simply amazing! He would answer our questions immediately, he would redo our itinerary every time we wanted to do something different, he was so easy to work with, very knowledgeable and helpful with everything! Moha, our driver was simply the best! He made our trip personal, and accommodated to all our needs. He was so kind, knowledgeable, he made our trip so memorable. We would not have done or seen everything we did without him! I would... Read more

Working with Majid to plan our perfect trip was simply amazing! He would answer our questions immediately, he would redo our itinerary every time we wanted to do something different, he was so easy to work with, very knowledgeable and helpful with everything! Moha, our driver was simply the best! He made our trip personal, and accommodated to all our needs. He was so kind, knowledgeable, he made our trip so memorable. We would not have done or seen everything we did without him! I would highly recommend him! All our other guides were amazing. Very knowledgeable, so kind, attentive, and really wanted us to enjoy our experience.

Hotel Reviews
Lina Ryad & Spa
Chefchaouen
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great location.!
Staff
Amazing. So kind and welcoming!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Salam Fes
Fes

It was simply beautiful! Such a great place to stay!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Staff was so amazing! We loved everyone who worked there!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tiziri Luxury Camp
Merzouga

Loved everything about this place!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
So welcoming!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dar Rihana Dades
Douar Aït Ouffi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Elegancia Riad Boutique & SPA
Marrakech
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Majid Mrabti
Majid
Majid Mrabti
Local specialist in Morocco & France | Replied on Apr 24, 2024
Hello Dayna,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your incredible travel experience! I am thrilled to hear that we exceeded your expectations in planning and guiding your trip. Mohas dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring your trip on the ground was personalized to your needs is truly appreciated. We're grateful for your kind words and enthusiastic recommendation! I ll be sure to pass along your praise to Moha, he ll be delighted to know he made such a lasting...
Read more

Hello Dayna,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your incredible travel experience! I am thrilled to hear that we exceeded your expectations in planning and guiding your trip. Mohas dedication to providing exceptional service and ensuring your trip on the ground was personalized to your needs is truly appreciated. We're grateful for your kind words and enthusiastic recommendation! I ll be sure to pass along your praise to Moha, he ll be delighted to know he made such a lasting impact on your trip. Thank you again for your glowing review, and we wish you many more amazing adventures ahead!
Best wishes,
Majid

Paris was delightful. It was fun to see the ...
France | Apr 17 - Apr 20, 2024

Abby
Abby B.
Walnut, IL | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Paris was delightful. It was fun to see the preparation for the upcoming summer Olympics. Read more

Paris was delightful. It was fun to see the preparation for the upcoming summer Olympics.

Hotel Review
Hotel Le Cardinal
Paris

This property was on a quit side street, but the property was dated. Our rooms were poorly appointed and we were disappointed in the hotel overall. The carpet was very worn, rooms were very small, the breakfast was minimal in comparison to other properties. The location seemed far way from the other outtings planned for us.

Authenticity & Character
Rooms, cleanliness, overall quality.
Location
Staff
The manager was very pleasant and attentive to correct our concerns about the property. Desk staff was inattentive. They barely greeted us and then directed us to a closet to store our luggage with no assistance. We are fine on our own and fully capable, but this was unlock any other property we’ve stayed at with KimKim.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Needs updates.
Activity Reviews
Gourmet food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Gourmet food tour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Paris

This was a fun experience and different than other food tours we have experienced. Lare did a great job teaching and guiding us. She was a fun host.

Quality of Experience
Interesting visits with shop keepers.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Small group cooking class with a Chef
Small group cooking class with a Chef
Paris

A highlight of our trip. This was a fun and unique experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Delicious and experiential.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Outstanding chef and guided through the market and entire experience.
Transport
They had Metro tickets ready and available for us to go from the market to the cooking school as a group.
Local specialist: Audrey Benezech
Audrey
Audrey Benezech
Local specialist in Montpellier | Replied on Apr 25, 2024

Dear Abby,

Thank you for your feedback. I'm sorry that the hotel didn't meet your expectations, and I've taken note of your comments, which I will share with the hotel.
I'm glad you enjoyed the food tour and cooking class.
I hope you had a great time together in Europe!
I wish you all the best,
Audrey

Kanazawa, Nagoya, Takayama, Japan tour
Japan | Apr 13 - Apr 22, 2024

R
Richard S.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
We contracted KimKim when other tour operators in Japan advised that they were fully booked during the popular Cherry Blossom season. KimKim outsourced our Japan trip to Asia Highlights. We provided Asia Highlights with some suggested destinations in Japan that we would like to visit outside of the major tourist cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and they developed a varied, well-paced 8 day itinerary that met our interests and budget. Heidi, our tour planner, was understanding of our needs... Read more

We contracted KimKim when other tour operators in Japan advised that they were fully booked during the popular Cherry Blossom season. KimKim outsourced our Japan trip to Asia Highlights. We provided Asia Highlights with some suggested destinations in Japan that we would like to visit outside of the major tourist cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and they developed a varied, well-paced 8 day itinerary that met our interests and budget. Heidi, our tour planner, was understanding of our needs and very responsive to any questions that we had along the way. She connected us with our guide Nina and drivers (principally, Lyo) who were attentive, prompt and kind. Nina and Lyo went out of their way to show us the highlights of each of the attractions and destinations we visited. They quickly recognized our interests and would not rush us when we wanted to take extra time. Outside of our tour schedule, Nina helped us make dinner reservations and placed some meal orders for us when we encountered language challenges. Overall we had a wonderful time and highly recommend the services of KimKim and their subcontract Asia Highlights.

Activity Reviews
Full day Nagoya Tour by Private Vehicle
Full day Nagoya Tour by Private Vehicle
Nagoya

The Nagoya Castle grounds and Tokugawa Garden were very nice and the Nabano no Sato Illumination was an unexpected bonus to end our day.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Nagoya Tour by Public transfer with guide: Inuyama Castle, Meiji Mura, Inuyama Karakuri Museum
Full day Nagoya Tour by Public transfer with guide: Inuyama Castle, Meiji Mura, Inuyama Karakuri Museum
Nagoya

The day was special because we had the opportunity to tour Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original castle structures. We also enjoyed the demonstration of dolls and puppets in the Inuyama Castle Historical Museum annex, Karakuri Exhibition Room. Truly an unique Japanese experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Kanazawa Traditional Crafts Experience by Private Car(Gold Leaf, Kimono Cloth Dyeing) :
Half Day Kanazawa Traditional Crafts Experience by Private Car(Gold Leaf, Kimono Cloth Dyeing) :
Kanazawa

This day involved two craft projects - chop stick gold leaf design and kimono cloth painting recommended by Asia Highlights that were outside our normal vacation day activities. We enjoyed the creative challenge and appreciated the guidance of the shop staff and the support from our guide Nina. These activities also generated souvenirs that well serve as great memories of our time in Kanazawa.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
🚗Unforgettable Day in Kanazawa: Kenroku-en Garden, Kagayuzen Kaikan, Nagamachi Samurai District, Higashi Chaya District, Shima Teahouse (Private Vehicle+Private Guide)
🚗Unforgettable Day in Kanazawa: Kenroku-en Garden, Kagayuzen Kaikan, Nagamachi Samurai District, Higashi Chaya District, Shima Teahouse (Private Vehicle+Private Guide)
Kanazawa

We suggested Kanazawa as a city to Asia Highlights that we would like to visit and it more than exceeded our expectations. It is a beautiful city and after having experienced the crowds in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, a welcome change. Kanazawa Castle and the neighbouring Kenrokuen Garden are must sees when travelling to Japan.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Takayama & Shirakawago Tour by Private Car(Miyagawa Market, Takayama Jinya, Shirakawa-go region )
Full Day Takayama & Shirakawago Tour by Private Car(Miyagawa Market, Takayama Jinya, Shirakawa-go region )
Takayama

The market streets of Takayama were historic and interesting and we did a lot of shopping, causing us to be a little delayed in reaching Shirakawago. Shirakawago is beautifully situated and it gave us a glimpse of Japanese country life from centuries ago. Our guide Nina and driver Lyo recognized that we were enjoying ourselves, were very patient and put in extra time.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Heidi Li
Heidi
Heidi Li
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 24, 2024
Dear Richard and Mary, I am delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time visiting Kanazawa, Takayama, and Nagoya. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Your kind words are a great source of encouragement for us, and we are thrilled to know that you enjoyed your trip.
Should you decide to visit our region again in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward...
Read more

Dear Richard and Mary,

I am delighted to hear that you had a wonderful time visiting Kanazawa, Takayama, and Nagoya. Your positive feedback means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Your kind words are a great source of encouragement for us, and we are thrilled to know that you enjoyed your trip.
Should you decide to visit our region again in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic experience.
Once again, thank you for your feedback and for choosing to explore Japan with us. Wish you a wonderful day!

Best,
Heidi :)

Outstanding Amsterdam and Brussels!
The Netherlands | Apr 12 - Apr 17, 2024

Abby
Abby B.
Walnut, IL | Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Our trip to Amsterdam and Belgium was phenomenal! Beautiful sights and excellent hotel/apartment properties were at each of our stops. Our car pick ups were on time and pleasant. Read more

Our trip to Amsterdam and Belgium was phenomenal! Beautiful sights and excellent hotel/apartment properties were at each of our stops.

Our car pick ups were on time and pleasant.

Hotel Reviews
Kimpton DeWitt
Amsterdam

Great hotel with good service, amenities and a nice location.

Authenticity & Character
Excellent service. Nice happy hour. Good restaurants and attentive service on property.
Location
Centrally located and easily walkable to the train station for day trips.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pleasant smell throughout and outstanding staff.
Premier Suites Plus Rotterdam
Rotterdam

This property is nicely located across from the train station. Staff was attentive, but not overly helpful to temporary residents since this is an apartment property. We had some confusion with advance planning and capacity requirements and did not need 2 rooms for 3 people. The property promptly addressed our concerns.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Nicely located near the train and bus stops.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel le Dixseptième
Brussels

Beautiful property and nicely appointed. The room and hotel were outstanding with nice space and a beautiful bathroom. Location is excellent. We went the wrong direction out of the train station which added lots of extra walking. Study your exits and access to this property and the walk is easy even with luggage.

Authenticity & Character
Lots of character at this property.
Location
Great location with easy access to the train, Galleria and Grand Place.
Staff
Overall, staff was friendly. The genetlman at the front desk in the afternoon is helpful, but unfriendly. He didn’t say hello. He just took our bags and card for fees and walked off with our bags to the room. He needs work. Other staff in the breakfast area and the morning staff at the desk were outstanding.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The property is lovely.
Activity Reviews
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

This was easy to use and handy. We did not understand why we had to return it to the driver when the instructions later said to use it again in Rotterdam. This trip could have used a better explanation of how to get from the hotel to the windmills and beyond. We ended up having to use Bolt a lot for transportation. It would be helpful to communicate Bolt as an option for transportation…especially for those that can’t walk long distances.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise
The Netherlands

This was a nice tour with lots of historical and anecdotal information.

Quality of Experience
The private tour was nice.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Haarlem - guided cycle tour: Keukenhof and tulips fields
Haarlem - guided cycle tour: Keukenhof and tulips fields
The Netherlands

This was a highlight of the trip. Our guide, Alex, was outstanding. He was attentive and patient while giving us great detail and fun facts. We can’t say enough about how outstanding Alex and this experience.

Quality of Experience
Outstanding!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Alex was fantastic!
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 25, 2024

Hi Abby,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience and feedback with us. I am glad to hear you have had a wonderful trip and we will use your experiences to make our trips even better 😉
The weather has not been that brilliant during the trip but, like true Dutchmen & Belgians, you have faced it and did not let it bother you.☔️ Kudos to you!
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Trekking the Nakasendo Trail with Stops in Kyoto and Tokyo
Japan | Apr 6 - Apr 14, 2024

Weston
Weston L.
AZ | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Angel was super responsive both before and during the trip. She helped us curate the experience we wanted by combining aspects of a couple different trips. The price was worth it and by changing up some hotel accommodations, she was able to get us in the price range that we wanted. During the trip, Angel checked in daily with us to give us information regarding the next day and to make sure everything was going smoothly. This is our third trip with Kimkim and we have enjoyed every single... Read more

Angel was super responsive both before and during the trip. She helped us curate the experience we wanted by combining aspects of a couple different trips. The price was worth it and by changing up some hotel accommodations, she was able to get us in the price range that we wanted. During the trip, Angel checked in daily with us to give us information regarding the next day and to make sure everything was going smoothly. This is our third trip with Kimkim and we have enjoyed every single one, we will definitely continue using their service.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Fukinomori

Easily the best hotel we stayed at on our trip. The shuttle to get to and from was easy and arrived/departed as expected. The onsen was incredible and the meals (both dinner and breakfast) were personalized, adventurous and delicious.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
APA Hotel Ningyocho Ekihigashi
Tokyo

Hotel was clean with friendly front desk staff. Rooms were incredibly small but well kept. Location was not ideal but with a close stop to the subway, we were able to get anywhere we wanted to go. Hotel was unable to store our bags for a couple days despite us staying at the same location on our way out of town which made us have to pay for luggage storage elsewhere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 24, 2024
Dear Weston, Hope you are doing fantastic.It's wonderful to hear about your positive experience with us.It is my great pleasure to play a part of tailoring your trip to your preferences and ensuring everything went smoothly.It's also great to hear that you found the price worth it and that my adjustments helped to meet your budget. Your feedback on the hotels is greatly appreciated. It's fantastic that Hotel Fukinomori exceeded your expectations with its convenient shuttle service,... Read more

Dear Weston,

Hope you are doing fantastic.It's wonderful to hear about your positive experience with us.It is my great pleasure to play a part of tailoring your trip to your preferences and ensuring everything went smoothly.It's also great to hear that you found the price worth it and that my adjustments helped to meet your budget. Your feedback on the hotels is greatly appreciated. It's fantastic that Hotel Fukinomori exceeded your expectations with its convenient shuttle service, incredible onsen, and personalized meals. However, we apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with luggage storage at APA Hotel Ningyocho Ekihigashi. Some hotels offer complimentary luggage storage, while others may not provide this service. We'll take note of this when arranging accommodations for our travelers in the future.

Thank you for your continued trust in Kimkim for your travel needs. We look forward to assisting you with your future adventures.

Wishing you all the best.

Warm regards,
Angel

The holiday was overpriced and under delivered
Morocco | Apr 13 - Apr 22, 2024

Z
Zahir B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

The local guide was at times short-tempered and had little knowledge of some places.
The van provided for transport was old and was not fit for purpose. with no air-conditioning, wifi , music, or TV. Seats did not reclined and the leg room was inadequate .
All the hotels were below the 4 * level .
Overall, the holiday was Overpriced and did not meet the standard of holiday which was promised.

Local specialist: Abdellatif Benaissa
Abdellatif
Abdellatif Benaissa
Local specialist in Marrakesh | Replied on May 05, 2024
Hi Zahir, We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment you experienced during your holiday. We deeply regret that the local guide did not meet your expectations in terms of temperament and knowledge. Rest assured, we will address this matter with our team to ensure better service in the future. We genuinely value your feedback as it helps us identify areas for improvement. Please know that we are committed... Read more

Hi Zahir,

We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and disappointment you experienced during your holiday.

We deeply regret that the local guide did not meet your expectations in terms of temperament and knowledge. Rest assured, we will address this matter with our team to ensure better service in the future.

We genuinely value your feedback as it helps us identify areas for improvement. Please know that we are committed to enhancing our services to ensure a more enjoyable experience for our guests. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again in the future and provide you with a more satisfactory experience. Thank you for bringing these concerns to our attention.

Best Wishes,
Abdel

Jessica planned a great experience for us and...
South Korea | Apr 8 - Apr 14, 2024

S
Steve L.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Jessica planned a great experience for us and was very attentive to all the details. Read more

Jessica planned a great experience for us and was very attentive to all the details.

Activity Review
Full Day Hiking in Seoraksan National Park - Biryong Falls Course
Full Day Hiking in Seoraksan National Park - Biryong Falls Course
Sokcho

The hiking and national park were stunning. The hike was not to hard but provided great scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Jessica Wang
Jessica
Jessica Wang
Local specialist in South Korea | Replied on Apr 24, 2024

Dear Steve,

Greetings from Jessica and so happy to know that you have a enjoyable and amazing experience with your trip to South Korea. Seoraksan National Park is absolutely stunning and we all love it.It's great to know that the full-day hike along the Biryong Falls Course in Sokcho provided breathtaking scenery without being overly challenging.Thanks for sharing your positive feedback and we look forward to welcoming you back to this lovely country again.

Warm regards,
Jessica

Great first visit to Spain
Spain | Apr 1 - Apr 16, 2024

Lisa
Lisa R.
Washington, DC | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
We spent 16 days staying in Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Seville and Barcelona. The trip was great and the planning was very easy. I cheated a little bet and started by referencing a trip I found on the KimKim destinations pages. As can always be anticipated, not everything works perfectly, but KimKim made corrections very quickly to allow us the best outcome. I just tweaked the activities and days a bit to suit our groups interests and abilities. The private tours were the highlights of our... Read more

We spent 16 days staying in Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Seville and Barcelona. The trip was great and the planning was very easy. I cheated a little bet and started by referencing a trip I found on the KimKim destinations pages. As can always be anticipated, not everything works perfectly, but KimKim made corrections very quickly to allow us the best outcome. I just tweaked the activities and days a bit to suit our groups interests and abilities. The private tours were the highlights of our trip. In Cordoba, unfortunately I can't remember the guide's name, the private walking tour of the Mezquita, Alcazar and Jewish quarter was excellent. In Granada, Jennifer provided so much historical insight during the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens visit. Marcell took us on the Private Flamenco and Tapas Tour and provided great food and drink pairings. The Private transfer from Granada to Seville via Ronda was with Miguel. Miguel went above and beyond during the trip. Barbara was our private guide for a walking tour of Seville. Our Spanish Menu Cooking class had a booking error, but KimKim quickly got us into a Paella Cooking Class in Barcelona that was awesome.

Hotel Reviews
Petit Palace Posada del Peine
Madrid

Hotel is in a great location, within reasonable walking distance of many plazas, Real Palace and many sights. Just a block off of Plaza Mayor which has an abundance of bars and restaurants. Per reports, it is the oldest hotel in Spain. It has some dated features, but comfortable beds and rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Much of the old charm is still visible
Location
A block off of Plaza Mayor
Staff
Staff was very helpful with providing advice and recommendations
Cleanliness & Comfort
Las Casas de la Juderia Hotel
Córdoba

Great old piece of history, used to be a prominent resident's home.

Authenticity & Character
There were old artifacts around the hotel which was interesting. Also, there is an open archeological site accessible on the ground floor which was really interesting
Location
Easy walk to Mezquita and restaurants
Staff
Gave us advice about things to do and see that was very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Macià Granada Five Senses
Granada

This was a clean and modern hotel. Not as close to some of the attractions as I would have liked, but was close to shops and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character
More modern and cold than the historic hotels we stayed in during our trip
Location
Need to expect to take a taxi to get to Alhambra. The walk is quite steep and a bit far. Easy walk to many restaurants.
Staff
They were helpful, but seemed busy all the time
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were a little low and the room had carpeting which may not be as clean, but you never know.
Hotel Casa de Colón
Sevilla

Very quaint old hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Rooms built around the central courtyard of what was probably a great old home.
Location
Easy walk to most of the attractions
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms had a few little quirky things. The bathroom was an old sliding door made from a stained glass door that may have been the old door to the entrance of the room. Our room was directly under the space where the breakfasts are prepared, so noises started early.
Ciutat de Barcelona
Barcelona

This was the worst hotel I have stayed in to my memory. The rooms noted that they were air conditioned and soundproofed. Also, no minibar as was noted in our booking info. However, upon our arrival, we found the rooms were not air conditioned. The front desk told us the air conditioning would not be turned on until the end of the month of April. (However, the front desk area and breakfast area were definitely air conditioned.) Consequently, we had to open the patio windows to be able to withstand the night in the room. With the windows open, the SUPER SUPER loud street noise was unbearable with people screaming at all hours of the night and city trash, recycle and street cleaning occurring every night. Also, the room patio was shared with another room, so the security with the patio doors open was minimal. Additionally, we were traveling with another couple and we were not able to get rooms near each other. We would rate this hotel with a 1 star. Also, you should be prepared to pay a per person, per night city tax at check in which was about 75Euros for 4 people for 4 nights.

Authenticity & Character
Semi-modernized older hotel. From the inside, there wasn't much of the older character left
Location
Quite a distance from Park Guell and La Sagrada Familia, but close to Parc de la Ciutadella. Very Noisy area with lots of activity late at night
Staff
Staff didn't have any way to help us when we didn't want to have a room sharing a balcony with a stranger instead of our traveling companions. Also, no help with the discomfort due to no air conditioning
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean enough, but noise and inability to control the temperature was terrible
Activity Reviews
Private transfer from  {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} with Ronda visit
Private transfer from {{start_location}} to {{end_location}} with Ronda visit
Spain

Miguel was great. He took us on a side trip to see Sentenil de las Bodegas which was an interesting town built into rock overhangs--sort of cave like. Then, he proceeded on to Ronda. During lunch, a traveling companion suffered a choking incident. He promptly took us to the hospital and assisted with translation as needed. After all was well again, he continued with the remainder of the trip without cutting anything short. That caused him to have a longer day than anticipated.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Multi-Course Cooking Class with Wine Pairing
Multi-Course Cooking Class with Wine Pairing
Barcelona

This was super fun. The staff at the Paella Club were very engaging. The meal was fun to cook and share amongst all the other participants. Plenty of Spanish cava and wine was poured throughout the evening.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Self-Guided Walk around the Historic Center
Self-Guided Walk around the Historic Center
Madrid

I wish these self guided tours included maps and some information about the tickets that may be wanted since many attractions in Spain have limited ticket availability

Quality of Experience
Toledo Day Trip and Winery Experience
Toledo Day Trip and Winery Experience
Madrid

This trip had a couple of issues. First, there is never enough time to really explore the old towns and feed yourself. The winey tour part of the trip was quite a bust. The bus drove us to the winery usually used and it was closed. We had to spend another hour driving to a different winery where the wine expert did not speak English and the tour guide did not have enough skill to translate the information into English for us. A couple on the tour who spoke Spanish did some translating for the group.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Driver was good and van was comfortable enough, but seats were small
Private Walking Tour of the Mezquita, Alcázar & Jewish Quarter
Private Walking Tour of the Mezquita, Alcázar & Jewish Quarter
Córdoba

Private guide was great and gave us great history information.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Alhambra & Generalife Gardens Visit with a Historian
Private Alhambra & Generalife Gardens Visit with a Historian
Granada

Jennifer, our guide, did an amazing job. She provided us with so much history and cultural information to make the visit extra memorable. She also spend more time with us than specified in the trip details. She never rushed us.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Flamenco and Tapas Tour
Private Flamenco and Tapas Tour
Granada

Marcell was amazing at discussing the food and drink during the tapas part of the tour. We sort of ran out of time and had to ride a taxi up to the Flamenco show. The Flamenco part of the visit was in a unique cave dwelling, but it was a little cramped.

Quality of Experience
Food
Food was an interesting selection from a couple of restaurants and paired with wine or sherry
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Marcell was great
Private 2-Hour Walk in Seville
Private 2-Hour Walk in Seville
Seville

Barbara did an excellent job of providing lots of information about the old part of Seville, including some anecdotal tidbits about the various changes as power changed between the romans, moors, jews and spaniards.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Barcelona by e-Bike, Boat & Cable Car
Barcelona by e-Bike, Boat & Cable Car
Barcelona

The ebike, cable car and boat rides were all very pleasant. I with there had been more time to be able to explore Monjuic though. That part of the trip was very rushed and we didn't even have enough time to go in the castle.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Park Güell & La Sagrada Família
Park Güell & La Sagrada Família
Barcelona

Jorge was a terrific guide who tried to keep the group engaged by posing questions and pointing out many of the subtle architectural features of both the park and cathedral. The cathedral was not at all what I was expecting. It was such a mix of styles and architectural novelty.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
bus was a bit late picking us up from the park
Day Trip to Montserrat & Lunch at a Farmhouse
Day Trip to Montserrat & Lunch at a Farmhouse
Barcelona

Lucas was very good at providing information, but the time at Monserrat was too short to see everything desired. Need at least another hour or 2 at the monastery.

Quality of Experience
Food
Family style worked for most, but some travelers did not share as they should have
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lucas was great
Transport
Bus was quite late picking us up for the trip
Local specialist: Adam Gomez
Adam
Adam Gomez
Local specialist in kimkim HQ | Replied on Jul 30, 2024

Hi Lisa,

Thank you so much for sharing your detailed review of your 16-day trip through Spain! I am happy to hear that your experience was great and that the planning process was easy for you. :)

I am glad to hear that our team was able to make corrections promptly! 😃

Private activities are the way to go for the best possible experience, and thank you for your review, as it gives future travelers insight into what to expect! 🙌

Adam :)

Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Mar 31 - Apr 10, 2024

M
Meg R.
South Windsor, CT | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Our trip to Costa Rica was amazing! We went for 10 days and spent time in San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal and Tamarindo. We stayed at Volcano Lodge in Arenal and Wyndham in Tamarindo and both were awesome. The CR travel used for our private transfers were amazing- very personable and allowed us to stop if we needed to and they showed us all around on our drives- stopping for fruit, wildlife. The excursions we booked were also wonderful. I highly recommend the zip line through SkyAdventures. Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was amazing! We went for 10 days and spent time in San Jose, La Fortuna, Arenal and Tamarindo. We stayed at Volcano Lodge in Arenal and Wyndham in Tamarindo and both were awesome. The CR travel used for our private transfers were amazing- very personable and allowed us to stop if we needed to and they showed us all around on our drives- stopping for fruit, wildlife. The excursions we booked were also wonderful. I highly recommend the zip line through SkyAdventures.

Hotel Reviews
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
Alajuela

This hotel was fine. I wish we only stayed here one night as there is not much to do in this area and it is not a walkable area. The included breakfast was good with an omelet bar but the dinner and lunch we had here was just ok.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
San Carlos, Alajuela

We loved staying here! The view of the volcano was incredible. All hotel staff were incredibly friendly. Breakfast and all meals were great as well as drinks at the swim up bar. Not too far from La Fortuna, Ubers were cheap if you don’t have a car. Our only complaint was how uncomfortable the mattresses were in our room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very uncomfortable mattress
Wyndham
Tamarindo

This hotel was awesome! We loved that we were in a secluded place with incredible views but also had access to downtown and the beach club for free with the hourly shuttle. Views at the pool can’t be beat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Doka Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano National Park
Doka Coffee Tour & Poas Volcano National Park
Costa Rica

Coffee tour was awesome! Our guide was so thorough and friendly. The volcano tour was not worth it in my opinion. You can only stay at the site for 20 minutes due to the gases and we could no see anything on the day we went. I would have preferred to transfer out of San Jose quicker than staying for this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Highly recommend this zip line- the views were absolutely stunning and there is a restaurant/bar with amazing views of Arenal Lake and volcano where you can eat after. The hanging bridges were great and our tour guide was awesome however we did not see any wildlife.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Paradise Hot Springs & Meal
Paradise Hot Springs & Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

These hot springs are gorgeous !! When we got to Costa Rica people seemed to recommend Tabacon or Eco Thermales the most for hot springs. We also had hot springs at our hotel (volcano lodge), so I am not sure this was worth it. The dinner included was not good. Food was cold, not many options, it’s buffet style.

Quality of Experience
Food
Good was cold! And there was barely any left when we got there
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Costa Rica

We loved this! Snorkel was great and so nice To get On the water.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Traditional Cooking Class with Dinner
Arenal/La Fortuna

This was amazing! One of the best parts of our trips. My partner and I had a blast making homemade tortillas and Casado.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos
Gustavo
Gustavo Camperos
Local specialist in Kimkim HQ | Replied on Apr 24, 2024

Hello Meg!

This picture of the sun making the coffee look golden brown is so mellow; I love it! Your casado also looks amazing! 🍛 Now you can include some delicious tortillas in your menus at home :)

Best Trip I’ve Had in a Long Time!
The Netherlands | Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024

T
Tony J.
Bend, TX | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

The best trip planning and execution experience I’ve ever had! Things went very well during the trip and any hiccups were taken care of right away by Mieke and her team. Will definitely use KimKim again.

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 24, 2024

Thank you Tony! It was a pleasure hosting you here and organizing this trip for you. You have been wonderful guests 🌷
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Amazing time in Morocco!
Morocco | Mar 1 - Mar 14, 2024

Stefanie
Stefanie K.
Ireland | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
My husband and I had an amazing time in Morocco! The upfront planning was easy with Louis Shannon, his communication was clear and timely, and he has a great personality. I am a planner so I had done research before contacting kimkim which I found helpful, but you could easily leave it to them to plan. Our driver and guide, Younes Bouaid, was fantastic from start to finish! Younes was professional, fun, and became a friend during our travels. He had great tips and advice for each area we... Read more

My husband and I had an amazing time in Morocco! The upfront planning was easy with Louis Shannon, his communication was clear and timely, and he has a great personality. I am a planner so I had done research before contacting kimkim which I found helpful, but you could easily leave it to them to plan. Our driver and guide, Younes Bouaid, was fantastic from start to finish! Younes was professional, fun, and became a friend during our travels. He had great tips and advice for each area we visited, the car was always clean, very comfortable, had great Wi-Fi, and he was a very safe driver. We tried to do 2-3 nights in each location so we could experience areas and not rush, we visited Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, Merzouga (Sahara Desert), Fes, and Rabat. We enjoyed all the places we stayed, and the breakfast included was always delicious.

In Marrakesh we stayed at 72 Riad Living, loved it! Amazing Riad in the old town with a beautiful rooftop area and pool, the courtyard was really nice and very relaxing, the breakfast was always good and the dinner we had there was possibly our best meal of the trip, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The tours we did in Marrakesh were fun and very educational from a historic and cultural perspective. We did a 2-hour food tour with Moulay Rachid and an all-day tour with another wonderful guide. Definitely do a cooking class, we did ours at Cafe Clock and had a wonderful time. 4 nights.

In Ouarzazate we stayed at Kasbah Isfoula. Smaller boutique hotel with lovely rooms, nice bar and restaurant, fun artwork, and a pretty rooftop excellent for relaxing and enjoying view. I would not recommend the movie studio tour, the sets were not great, it is not like Universal Studios or other experience we have done. Also, the staff was very disinterested and bored. 1 night.

In Boumalne Dades we stayed at Auberge Chez Pierre. Beautiful area to visit, I wish we had more time there. The hotel is lovely and has a beautiful pool. The room was spacious and very comfortable. The dinner and breakfast we had at the restaurant was delicious. 1 night

In Merzouga (Sahara Desert) we stayed at the Luxury Camp Chebbi. The camel ride in was fun, tents were really nice, and the food was good. The staff was friendly, and we enjoyed the music by the fire. By doing the 2 nights we were able to do an interesting tour to see how the Amazigh live, look for fossils, explore the geography, and visit the Gwana and hear a maalem group perform. One tip, if you would like wine at the camp I would recommend buying at the hotel and taking it in with you, half the price, or checking what the price is before going to the camp so you are not overcharged like we were (we did get a refund).

In Fes we stayed at Palais Amani, beautiful Riad on the outskirts of the old city. The courtyard was stunning, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Loved the breakfast and enjoyed our dinner there. The room was spacious, and the rooftop area was very relaxing and has great views of the city and mountains. We also did the Hamam and a massage at the hotel and loved it! There is a cooking school that looked really nice as well. The tour we did with Fatima Zahra Hanafi was excellent and a real treat to have a female guide which is rare. We also had a delicious dinner at Riad Fes which also looked nice to stay at. The only thing we did not like on the tour was the tannery because of the smells. 3 nights.

In Rabat we stayed at Riad Kalaa, smaller Riad with a nice courtyard and rooftop with a small pool. The food was nice, and the room was spacious and comfortable. I also really liked the artwork and ambiance of the shared spaces. The sunset in Rabat was beautiful and enjoyed our brief time there. 2 nights.

Hotel Reviews
Kasbah Isfoula
Ait Ben Haddou

In Ouarzazate we stayed at Kasbah Isfoula. Small boutique hotel with lovely rooms, nice bar and restaurant, fun artwork, and a pretty rooftop excellent for relaxing and enjoying view.

Authenticity & Character
Not a Riad but decorated nicely and had some fun artwork.
Location
On its own so not a lot to do but great for one or two nights to explore the area
Staff
Very nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable
72 Riad Living
Marrakech

In Marrakesh we stayed at 72 Riad Living, loved it! Amazing Riad in the old town with a beautiful rooftop area and pool, the courtyard was really nice and very relaxing, the breakfast was always good and the dinner we had there was possibly our best meal of the trip, and the staff was friendly and helpful. We stayed here for one night in a back courtyard room and the other 3 nights on the 2nd floor. Both rooms were very spacious, super comfortable beds, very quiet, and nice bathrooms. Conveniently located to explore the old town and markets. Would highly recommend staying here.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful courtyard and interior design
Location
If you want to stay in the old town but not right in the middle of it this is where to stay. Down a nice quiet street out of the busy part of town but still close enough to walk everywhere.
Staff
Always friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms and the shared spaces were always clean and well maintained
Auberge Chez Pierre
Boumalne Dades

In Boumalne Dades we stayed at Auberge Chez Pierre. Beautiful area and hotel, I wish we had more time there. The hotel is lovely with its gardens and beautiful pool. The room was spacious and very comfortable, really liked the decor. The dinner and breakfast we had at the restaurant was delicious!

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful hotel with lots of character and a lovely ambiance
Location
Felt like we were perfectly situated to explore the gorge and the other areas around.
Staff
Nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfy
Palais Amani
Fès

In Fes we stayed at Palais Amani, beautiful Riad on the outskirts of the old city. The courtyard was stunning, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. Loved the breakfast and enjoyed our dinner there. They were kind enough to upgrade us to a super spacious room with its own private rooftop area. The room was really nice and the little extra attentions to detail were very nice. The overall rooftop was very relaxing and had great views of the city and mountains. We also did the Hammam and a massage at the hotel and loved it! There is a cooking school that looked really nice as well. Would highly recommend staying here.

Authenticity & Character
Beautifully restored Riad with a lovely courtyard and rooftop.
Location
In the old city but on the outskirts so very quiet
Staff
Everyone was professional, nice, and always ready to help
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super clean and comfy
Riad Kalaa
Rabat

In Rabat we stayed at Riad Kalaa, smaller boutique Riad with a nice courtyard and rooftop with a small pool. We had a dinner and breakfast at the Riad and thought both were nice. The room was spacious and comfortable and I really liked how it was decorated. I also really liked the artwork and ambiance of the shared spaces. Located in the old town and was very easy to walk everywhere, especially to the Andalusian Gardens, Kasbah des Oudayas, and the ocean.

Authenticity & Character
Nice ambiance and decoration
Location
Great for exploring
Staff
Very nice and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfy
Luxury Camp Chebbi
Merzouga

In Merzouga (Sahara Desert) we stayed at the Luxury Camp Chebbi. The camel ride in was fun, tents were really nice, and the food was good. The staff was friendly, and we enjoyed the music by the fire. The one full day we were there they did not communicate they were doing some work on the tents and that we would need to go to the hotel for a few hours after our tour. This caused some confusion with our tour guide who in the end took us back to the camp so we could get a our swimmers for the pool at the hotel. Also, we were overcharged for wine the first night and only found out because we went to the hotel. We did receive a refund after we requested it. I am giving 3 stars because of the lack of communication, the overcharge and how the manager handled it, and the awkwardness both situations caused . Tip, if you would like wine at the camp I would recommend buying at the hotel and taking it in with you, half the price and no hassle.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Lack of communication about construction, being overcharged and how the manager handled it, and the awkwardness both situations caused
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Evening Food Tour in Marrakesh
Evening Food Tour in Marrakesh
Marrakesh

We did a 2-hour food tour with Moulay Rachid and had a great time. We got acquainted with the markets and the main square and tried some yummy food. We visited a small street eatery run by a woman that served the harira soup and tried it dates and a sweet pastry, it was really good. We stopped at a fresh juice bar and at the olive market, both yummy, and then went to dinner and tried our first tagine in Morocco. Moulay was great fun and shared interesting insights with us.

Quality of Experience
Local food that was delicious
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Moulay Rachid was professional and fun
Overnight in the Sahara Desert
Overnight in the Sahara Desert
Morocco

We stayed two nights and enjoyed the atmosphere of the desert at night. We arrived by camel the first night and really enjoyed stopping and watching the sunset over the dunes before continuing on to camp. We were the only ones at camp that night and had a great meal and then enjoyed local music by the campfire, it was a really beautiful night. The second night there were more people which made it a bit more lively. The tents were really nice and while we were there they were upgraded the tents so I am sure they have only gotten nicer. I would definitely recommend doing at least one night in the desert.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our camel guide and the staff at the camp were very nice. The 3 stars is because of some awkwardness we had with the manager (or who we thought was the manager)
Transport
We rode the camels the first night in and took the truck in the second night, both were fun
Guided Desert Adventures in the Sahara Desert with Overnight in the Sahara Desert
Guided Desert Adventures in the Sahara Desert with Overnight in the Sahara Desert
Morocco

We did a tour with Mohammed. He took us to have tea at a Amazigh camp, we then went to explore the diverse geography of the desert which included visiting an old mine and looking for fossils, and the highlight was visiting Khamleya and the Gwana to listen to a maâlem group perform music and dance. I highly recommend this tour so you can see what is like to live in the desert and experience the Gwana maalem music and dance.

Quality of Experience
Fun experience, especially enjoyed the cultural aspects
Food
We only had tea and cookies but they were yummy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina of Fez
Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina of Fez
Fes

A day of exploring Fes with our fabulous guide Fatima Zahra Hanafi. Fatima is 1 of 10 female tour guides in Fes which made our tour even more special. Fatima was very informative, had a great personality, and we felt like we had seen the old part Fes by the end of our tour. We visited Al Attarine Madrasa a 14th century school for Islamic studies, Aben Danan Synagogue, walked the Mellah district, visited Art de Poterie ACH where they make the beautiful mosaic tiles and pottery, walked the Medina with its narrow streets and different artisan areas including a rug shop that supports local woman artisans and a tannery, and saw the Royal Palace of Fes and Al Attarine Madrasa Mosque and University Kairaouine. I would highly recommend this tour and Fatima as a guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Informative and fun
Transport
Our guide Younes from kimkim was our driver
Hammam Visit: Traditional Body Scrub
Hammam Visit: Traditional Body Scrub
Morocco

My husband and I had a really nice Hammam experience and massage at Palais Amani. The bath was much nicer than the Turkish bath we had in Turkey and we liked the products used. The massage was really good and relaxing. The facilities were well maintained and had a great ambiance. I would highly recommend a Hammam visit at the Palais Amani.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Meknes: Wine Tasting in Morocco's Wine Region
Morocco

We had a nice time tasting wines at Château Roslane Boutique Hotel & Spa. The parts of the hotel we saw, including the beautiful pool which boarders the vineyards, were beautiful and the bar area where we tasted was very comfy. It was raining so we couldn't walk in the vineyards. After we tasted at the hotel we were taken on a tour of the winery and bought a few wines, much cheaper then buying in the hotel, from the little wine store in the winery. They had a really nice red but unfortunately it was sold out so only got to taste it. It would be a great place to stop and relax for a day or two.

Quality of Experience
Beautiful hotel and interesting winery
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Professional and fun
Transport
Younes our driver was great
Exploring the Medina and Historical Sites Of Marrakesh
Exploring the Medina and Historical Sites Of Marrakesh
Marrakesh

My husband and I really enjoyed our all day tour of Marrakesh. The guide was friendly and knew his history and took us to some interesting places. We saw all the main highlights and learned a lot. I would definitely recommend doing this tour so you see the whole of older town and medina.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Traditional Cooking Class
Traditional Cooking Class
Morocco

We had a great time learning to cook traditional Moroccan dishes with Chef Chaouen including Zalouk, Harira, Tagine djaj m’kalli, Tagine b l’hout, and Blighat b t’mer. We were welcomed with coffee and tea and then went shopping in the local market. We all purchased spices and got to see the smaller, local shops. We then went back and learned to cook all dishes and then got to enjoy them. The food was excellent. Definitely do a cooking class while you are in Morocco and Cafe Clock is a great place place too do it!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone, especially Chef Chaouen, was super friendly, professional and fun
Transport
Local specialist: Yassine Echcherki

Amazing!
The Netherlands | Apr 13 - Apr 21, 2024

L
Lara J.
Lockhart, TX | Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Mieke put together an amazing trip! It made it stress free, having our tickets and transportation taken care of in advance. We had a wonderful time and wish we could've stayed longer! I highly recommend Mieke and her team when planning a trip! Read more

Mieke put together an amazing trip! It made it stress free, having our tickets and transportation taken care of in advance. We had a wonderful time and wish we could've stayed longer! I highly recommend Mieke and her team when planning a trip!

Activity Reviews
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam - Private canal cruise to Rijksmuseum
The Netherlands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ghent - Private guided walking tour
Ghent - Private guided walking tour
Ghent
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on Apr 23, 2024

Thank you for your kind words, Lara!
It was a pleasure hosting your trip here. And if you ever feel like returning to spend some more time, then just reach out!🌷
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke