Kimkim Trip Reviews

We truly had such an incredible trip. Thank you to our specialist, Lorenza, for packaging up such an amazing trip!

We started our trip in Milano. We only had a day and a half there, but we were able to see the duomo and shop/eat in the Galleria. The hotel? It was okay and nicely located but the owner of the hotel is not nice.

Our next stop was Siena, as we really wanted to see the Palio. Lorenza arranged a rental car so we could drive to Siena. Siena is such a beautiful, medieval town and the place was hopping since the Palio was happening. We were going to go to the actual race on July 2nd but we didn't get back into town in time. And luckily we didn't. (You have to stand in the sun for 4 to 5 hours the day of the race). After 3 false starts, it started to rain and the race was called off! It didn't happen for another 2 days. We had a nice tour of the town with our guide, Barbara. And we toured a cheese farm outside of Pienza where we had a cheese and wine tasting. It was gorgeous there and the experience was incredible. We stayed at the Hotel Athena within the walls of the town. It was a very nice hotel with very accommodating staff. It was on the edge of town so it wasn't so crazy around the town....and luckily they had parking!

Next stop was Firenze (Florence). We stayed at a very cool (and a little creepy) hotel called Garibaldi Blu. It was in a great location where we could base out of for 4 nights. We had a guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery with our guide, Lucia, who also happened to be our guide for our food tour the next evening. Everything about Florence was stunning. I'm glad we dropped off our rental car in Florence before checking in to the hotel. Florence is NOT a city you want to be driving in!

From Florence we were supposed to take a train to Manarola in the Chinque Terre region. On the day we were scheduled to leave Florence, there was a scheduled train strike in Italy. Lorenza was on top of it and hired us a private transport to Chinque Terre. (Thank you, Lorenza!!). Manarola is a very cute town in the Chinque Terre region and we stayed at this cool little boutique hotel call Marina Piccola (small marina). When we opened our window we were looking at the Mediterranean Sea. Beautiful! We explored 4 of the 5 towns, including a challenging 6 mile hike from Corniglia to Monterroso al Mare. When we arrived in Monterroso we headed straight for the beach. We rented chairs and an umbrella, bought a bottle of white wine from the region, and ended up meeting some really fun people from the US. Lorenza arranged a 2-hour kayak trip that was really fun. When we got back we ended up eating lunch at a little restaurant right on the beach. Mixed salad, bruschetta, and an amazing pesto dish!

We took a train out of Manarola to Genova (Genoa) and stayed at yet another super cool hotel, Hotel Melia. We had a really fun (and fiilling) food tour in Genova with our guide, Valentina. The tour was over 3 hours long and we ate, drank, and learned a lot about Genova. The hotel had a room that had an indoor pool, Turkish bath, tropical shower, and regular shower. You had to make reservations in advance as the capacity was limted to 4 people. It was SO cool!

We traveled by train from Genova back to Milan where we met our driver, who took us to Bellagio on Lake Como. What a way to end the trip. We had a top floor, corner room at the Florence Hotel. Floor to ceiling doors opened up on to small balconies overlooking the lake. We had a private tour with a guide, Robbie, where we took a boat over to Villa Carlotta (beautiful gardens), then over to Varenna, where we had a nice lunch. We visited the gardens at Villa Melzi, and on our last night we went back to Villa Melzi and watched a men's chorale group perform outdoors on their 60th anniversary.

Unfortunately it was back to Milan for 1 night before we flew home. Such a beautiful trip so such a beautiful country. I can't believe I am half Italian and this was my first time there. We will definitely be back. Thank you to Lorenza for such an incredible itinerary with incredible accommodations. Couldn't have done it without her!

Outstanding Travel Agent for South Africa Adventure
We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, meticulously planned by Esther and Lucy. From start to finish, our experience was nothing short of exceptional, and we owe it all to the expertise and dedication of our travel agent.

Personalized Itinerary and Seamless Planning

From the moment we reached out to Esther, Eco travel -Boutique, we knew we were in good hands. They took the time to understand our preferences, interests, and budget, crafting a personalized itinerary that included everything we hoped for and more. Their in-depth knowledge of South Africa was evident in the carefully selected destinations and activities.

Our safari experience was the highlight of our trip. Esther arranged for us to stay at Mhondoro Lodge, which provided luxurious accommodations and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. The safari guide was incredibly knowledgeable, ensuring we saw four out of the Big Five and many other incredible animals. Every game drive was a new adventure, and we felt safe and well-cared for throughout our stay.

Exploring the Wine Regions

The tour of South Africa's wine vineyards was another highlight. Our travel agent arranged a tour of Stellenbosch. Wine yard/ resort Babylon Toren was charming and perfectly situated, with many interesting activities on the Wine Yard including a Water buffalo tour.

Captivating Cape Town

Our time in Cape Town was equally impressive, Esther recommended and booked Tinswalo Atlantic with stunning views of Table Mountain . They also organized guided tours of the city, including visits to Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope, and Boulders Beach to see the penguins. Each excursion was well-planned and provided deep insights into the history and beauty of Cape Town.

Exceptional Customer Service

Throughout our journey, Eco Travel -Boutique remained attentive and responsive. They provided us with detailed travel documents, including a comprehensive itinerary, contact information for local guides, and emergency contacts. When we had questions or needed assistance, they were just a phone call away, ensuring our trip went smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Our South Africa adventure was truly a trip of a lifetime, thanks to the exceptional planning and service provided by Esther. Their attention to detail, local expertise, and commitment to creating a memorable experience were evident in every aspect of our journey. We highly recommend Esther and Lucy, Eco Travel -Boutique to anyone looking to explore South Africa. They exceeded our expectations and made our dream vacation a reality.

Thank you, Esther and Lucy, for an unforgettable adventure!

Hotel Reviews

Tintswalo Atlantic

Cape Town

Review: Tintswalo Atlantic – An Unforgettable Experience Stunning Suites with Spectacular Views The suites at Tintswalo Atlantic are simply breathtaking. Each room is individually decorated with a unique theme inspired by various islands around the world, adding a touch of exotic elegance to the luxurious accommodations. Our suite featured panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, allowing us to wake up to the sight and sound of waves crashing against the shore. The room was spacious, impeccably clean, and equipped with all the amenities we could need, including a private deck where we enjoyed our morning coffee while soaking in the stunning scenery. Exceptional Service The staff at Tintswalo Atlantic went above and beyond to ensure our stay was perfect. From the warm welcome we received upon arrival to the personalized service throughout our stay, every interaction was marked by genuine hospitality and attention to detail. The team was incredibly attentive and helpful, always ready to assist with any request, whether it was arranging transportation, recommending local attractions, or accommodating dietary preferences. Their commitment to making us feel special truly enhanced our experience. Memorable Dining Experience The dining experience at Tintswalo Atlantic was a highlight of our stay. Each meal was a culinary delight, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes. The breakfast spread was extensive and delicious, and the dinner was nothing short of gourmet. Dining on the deck with the ocean as our backdrop made every meal even more special. Little surprises, such as complimentary snacks and drinks, added to the overall sense of luxury and care. Conclusion Our stay at Tintswalo Atlantic was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all our expectations. The combination of luxurious accommodations, stunning natural beauty, exceptional service, and attention to detail made it a truly unforgettable getaway. Thank you, Tintswalo Atlantic, for an incredible stay!

Authenticity & Character

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Babylonstoren Wine Estate

Our recent stay at Babylonstoren was an incredible experience that exceeded all our expectations. Nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands, this exquisite farm offers the perfect blend of luxury, nature, and gastronomy. Here are some highlights from our memorable visit: Outstanding Accommodation The accommodations at Babylonstoren are truly remarkable. We stayed in one of the beautifully designed farm cottages, which offered a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern luxury. The rooms were spacious, impeccably clean, and equipped with all the amenities one could need. Waking up to the serene views of the gardens and vineyards was a delight. Exceptional Food and Wine Babylonstoren is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts. The food was simply outstanding, with every meal showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown right on the farm. The breakfast spread was extensive and delicious, and the dinners at the farm's restaurant, Babel, were a culinary highlight. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The wine was equally impressive, with a fantastic selection of Babylonstoren's own wines to enjoy. Wine Tasting Experience The wine tasting at Babylonstoren was one of the best we’ve ever experienced. The knowledgeable staff guided us through a selection of their finest wines, providing insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of each wine. The tasting room itself is gorgeous, with stunning views of the vineyards, making the experience even more enjoyable. It's also a great place to purchase some excellent wines to take home. Water Buffalo Tour One of the unique highlights of our stay was the water buffalo tour. This fascinating tour allowed us to learn about the farm's water buffalo herd and the process of making buffalo mozzarella. The tour was informative and fun, and we even got to sample some delicious mozzarella at the end. We highly recommend trying a "buffalocino" – a cappuccino made with buffalo milk – it’s a delightful twist on a classic drink! So Much to Do There is no shortage of activities at Babylonstoren. From exploring the extensive gardens and orchards to hiking in the surrounding mountains, there’s something for everyone. We also enjoyed relaxing at the farm’s spa and walking around. The farm shop is a great place to buy unique gifts, fresh produce, and, of course, excellent wine. Conclusion Our stay at Babylonstoren was a perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and adventure. The exceptional accommodation, fantastic food and wine, unique activities, and beautiful surroundings made it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a food and wine lover, nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a luxurious escape, Babylonstoren has something special to offer. Thank you, Babylonstoren, for an amazing stay!

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Mhondoro Lodge

From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. Jakes (our guide) was exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly, providing us with fascinating insights into the wildlife and ensuring we had amazing sightings. The accommodation was luxurious and comfortable, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, making our stay both relaxing and memorable. The food was a highlight in itself. Each meal was a culinary delight, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared by skilled chefs. The variety and quality were outstanding, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. Overall, this resort lodge exceeded all our expectations.

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City Lodge Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport

Convenient location, convenient rooms, and nice service

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Verde

Convient location, friendly service

Authenticity & Character

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Activities at Babylonstoren

Paarl

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Full Day Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope & Penguins with the City Sightseeing Bus

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Allen was an great guide, very knowledgable with lots of experience

Transport

Comfortable car

Welcome to South Africa!

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Restaurant at City Lodge O.R. Tambo

Johannesburg

Quality of Experience

Visit Table Mountain by Cable Car

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Learn about South African History on Robben Island

South Africa

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

African Dinner Show & Drumming Experience

Cape Town

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Tiago was great and this service was great. I really appreciated not having to look at bills each step of the way, and especially enjoyed not having to choose and book anything. That part of vacations is not fun for me so I was happy to try outsourcing it for the first time-- It was cool how Tiago provided several daily excursion ideas but we could opt in or out of these which worked well for my family. Sometimes, we are not all ready to move and explore in jam-packed fashion. The experience of answering the questionnaire, then reviewing draft itineraries and making adjustments was perfect. We enjoyed the help and accessibility of Tiago and also the few booked local guides/experiences. All in all, the trip exceeded our expectations and was a good value for us. I can't wait to do another one!

Hotel Reviews

Mercure Porto Centro Aliados

Porto

great location. good food. cute room. nice service. no complaints whatever!

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Staff

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Ventozelo Hotel & Quinta

São João da Pesqueira

great location again, beautiful views, nice pool, and great meals.

Authenticity & Character

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Albergaria do Calvário

Évora

Authenticity & Character

Location

Cleanliness & Comfort

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Lagos

huge suite but views were only ok.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

for example, regarding getting laundry done, I got mixed info from different staff, and there was the issue of my 13-year old son not being allowed to go to gym with his Dad. Service was not particularly warm. Oh, also the am breakfast buffet guy was a big judgemental when i came down to get coffee to go every am.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Lisboa Plaza

Lisboa

Authenticity & Character

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience

Porto

fun, learned a little history, drank a little wine, enjoyed other patrons, and providers alike

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

we transported ourselves-- walking there and were slightly late, and then we got a tuk tuk back which was fun

Kayaking or Stand Up Paddling in the Algarve

Portugal

very fun and great way to see the scenic coast, caves, etc., in an active, participatory way

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

the main talking guy talked a bit too much...

Transport

Cascais & Sintra Guided Visit

Portugal

Our guide was very nice, helpful, and good company for the day!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our honeymoon exceeded all our expectations! Everything that was planned for us was incredible. We were recommended Tinos by Irene and we were so happy with our experience there. The driving tour of the island and the food tour by Sofia were major highlights for us on this trip. The accommodations that were booked for us were in fantastic locations keeping us in popular spots, but not in super busy areas, which we really appreciated. The sunset catamaran outing in Santorini was so worth it. The visit to a local farm and hands on cooking class with our local guide, Anna, in Santorini was another amazing highlight. We will remember this trip forever!

Activity Reviews

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Athens

Athens

Wine with Eleni was a perfect way to be introduced to different Greek wines. She had so much knowledge that she shared with us. We also really enjoyed that it was a place were locals in Athens gathered with friends.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tinos Villages Driving Tour

Tinos

We had no idea Tinos had so many beautiful villages. With this tour, you also get to see a lot of the island which definitely would not have seen on our own. Sofia was so knowledgable and kind. We had the best time with her!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Food Tour of Tinos Town

Tinos

We loved the variety of food that we got to taste on this tour. It was really great that every place had plates ready for us to try. Sofia was again so knowledgable and helpful to have on this tour with us. We were happy and full by the end of the tour!

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Santorini Farm Tour: Food & Wine

Santorini

We loved that this included a tour of the village that the winery was located in. We wouldn't have explored it ourselves, and our local guide, Anna, was so knowledgeable and kind. Being able to visit a farm was such a unique experience. Getting to hear about a local production was special. The food we cooked together was amazing!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

I am so thankful that I found Kim Kim whose service connected us with Joao in Portugal. He and his team planned our fabulous trip. Joao was responsive and attentive to our desires for the trip and he was so easy to work with. He planned the perfect itinerary for our 13 day trip which included walking tours, wine tastings, boat trips and personal drivers for our day trips to Sintra, the beautiful Douro Valley and for the long drives from city to city. Each person Joao connected us with were passionate and professional in the service they provided. They gave us extra history and knowledge of the beautiful Portuguese culture as we drove from town to town. In addition, the Hotels Joao chose for us were fantastic! Joao and his team's attention to detail and the daily check ins and reminders of the next day's events truly made our trip stress free and fun-filled. Thank you Kim Kim and Joao for coordinating such a magical vacation!

Hotel Reviews

PortoBay Liberdade

Lisbon

Great location and service in a beautiful setting. The breakfasts were amazing!

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Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace

Porto

Authenticity & Character

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Staff

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Cascade Wellness

Lagos

Good get away hotel for relaxation

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

hotel is a little dated- needs updating

Cascais Miragem

Cascais - Portugal

Authenticity & Character

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Staff

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Activity Reviews

Lisbon's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour & Tastings

Lisbon

Anna was a great guide who immersed us in the history and culture of Lisbon. and then it was followed by a delicious wine tasting. This was a highlight of our stay in Lisbon

Quality of Experience

A great way to get acclaimated to the city

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Anna was a fantastic guide- very knowledgeable and fun to be with

Transport

The Flavors of Port Wine - Sip & Discover

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Unveil the Fairytale Villa of Sintra with a Private Driver Service

Portugal

This was a great day trip. However, we chose to skip the Pena Palace, which is new, and instead toured the National Palace which dates back to the 1300's. We also toured Regalaria and enjoyed the beautiful gardens. We also toured the town and the various shops. A wonderful day trip not to be missed

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Nelson, our driver, was a highlight of this day trip. The service he provided was exceptional and his knowledge of the area very deep.

Transport

Nelson

Porto's Historic Odyssey on a Private Walking Tour

Porto

We had a fabulous guide who was passionate about Porto and the history of Portugal. He gave us a thorough tour of the city

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Bernardo was a fantastic and passionate Walking tour guide!!

Seamless Discovery - The Ultimate Douro Valley Experience with Private Driver Service from Porto

Portugal

A wonderful day trip to be immersed in the beauty of Douro Valley and its history. Not to be missed!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Scenic Voyage along the Douro River aboard an Exclusive Boat

Portugal

We loved our boat tour with Nuo Nu...... the champagne was icing on the cake! We only wish it was longer!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Indulge in Elegance on a Guided Winery Tour Infused with Tastings and a Delicious Lunch

Portugal

We loved our tour, lunch and tastings in the beautiful setting of this Winery. Carlos was a fantastic tour guide and teacher.

Quality of Experience

The setting, the food and the wine!

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Panoramic Boat to the Ponta da Piedade Grottoes

Portugal

A fun filled boat trip to the Grottoes. A wonderful way to see them and to photograph them.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

They were fun ad knowledgeable---Bruno and Catarina

Transport

To Eat Suggestion: Mar do Inferno

Cascais

Fabulous and large selection of fresh seafood from which to choose--all cooked to order. Beautiful view

Quality of Experience

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Luzern, Switzerland and Paris France. The excursion to Lindt Chocolate factory, Mount Rigi, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and MountMare, was worth every minute and very enjoyable. Travel Directions and Places to Visit Instructions provided by KimKim while visiting these countries were clear, concise and worthwhile. Having a designated driver to the airport was a convenient and useful perk. The hotel in Switzerland did not have AC which was an inconvenience and the bathroom was small. The Paris hotel was very small and breakfast food was sub-par.

I cannot say enough about the exceptional service provided by Kimkim Travel Agency for our recent family trip to France. From the initial stages of planning, they went above and beyond to factor in our specific needs, wants, and the ages of our children. The customized itinerary was perfect, ensuring we had a balance of activities that catered to everyone's interests.

One aspect that truly stood out was the dedicated support we received while in France. Despite minor hiccups that occurred during our trip, Kimkim was there every step of the way to provide assistance promptly and efficiently, giving us peace of mind knowing we were in good hands.

The only slight concern I had throughout the process was that we were initially informed that we would receive our vouchers and final travel guide two months in advance. However, these documents were provided closer to one month before our departure date. While this caused a brief moment of worry, it did not detract from the overall positive experience we had with Kimkim.

Looking back at our amazing adventure in France, we would not hesitate to use Kimkim again for our future travels. Their attention to detail, personalized approach, and excellent on-ground support truly set them apart as a top-notch travel agency. Highly recommended! ✈️🌍 #KimkimTravel #FranceExploration

Hotel Reviews

Hôtel Apollinaire

Nice

Beautiful hotel, exceptional service!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mercure Paris CDG Airport & Convention

Roissy-en-France

The hotel smells like an old bus, the food at the buffet was not great. Everything felt grimy and dirty. Would not stay again. The one positive was that there were many activities for children to play in the lobby to keep busy giving you our way from the city center.

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Carlton Lyon - MGallery Hotel Collection

Lyon

Authenticity & Character

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Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Escaletto

Aix-en-Provence

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Citadines Bastille Marais Paris

Paris

Authenticity & Character

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Activity Review

Treasure Hunt at the Louvre

Paris

This activity was a family highlight of the trip. Our tour guides catered to our children's interests and it was still highly informative and interesting for the parents. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

What an unforgettable trip Colombia was! I don’t normally get help when planning travel, but I’m so glad I did. From the moment we arrived, our tour guide, Lee, took incredible care of us. We learned so much from her about each place we went, but it didn’t *feel* like learning, it felt like a fun conversation! She was full of surprises, ducking into a store and emerging with local chocolates for us to try, bringing my husband and I a local cocktail, etc. You could tell it was a joy for her to share her country with us. The biggest endorsement- three teenagers loved the trip and had a ton of fun!
My kids loved riding ATVs and playing soccer with the locals, my husband and I loved visiting the coffee farm and having lunch in the kitchen of an amazing mountainside organic farmer/chef. Medellín blew us away. It felt so safe and was quite beautiful. Cartagena was a vibrant (and hot!)
There is no way I could’ve found the hidden gems that Kim Kim took us to without their help. Thank you for memories that will last us a lifetime!

Our guide in Hue and to Hoi An via Da Nang was great (Quinn). He had a lot of knowledge about Viet Nam and its history and his English was good. Really an asset. He also wanted us to get the most of our trip and our experience, it was genuine.
He could also answer most of our questions.
Our guide in Hoi An (Bao) had so-so English skills and was not super responsive in our questions. The trip to Cham Island was a turist trap and we had a tough time getting over the pollution in plastic and the bad use of the island. Tourists should be limited and there should be better protection of Cham Island. Also the diesel fumes in the harbour area of Da Nang was awful. Lots of cheap sellers, too many tourists and very hard to breathe from the fumes.
Last guide in HCMC was fine (David). English skills was fine and he was a good guide. The trip to the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre) was a good taste of what the delta is and what is possible. For a next trip we would love to go deeper into this, perhaps on an overnight trip if possible to be able to explore more. Our day was good.

So we went to China. Here are some notes.
Take in an acrobatics show. Good call on Nina's part.
Do a tea ceremony.
Be aware that the main meal of the day in China is lunch so it might be later in the day. Eat a decent breakfast.
I get the feeling that they're taking the tourism seriously. Clean and safe.
Cycled round the wall in Xi an. Mark was quite right to go early early, too hot otherwise. Terracotta warriors was an absolute bun fight.
Personally I didn't see the point in going around the harbour in Hong Kong to see a boat the had sunk ages ago. However my daughter loved it.
Chengdu for the panda's. Again take the guides advice and walk up because you miss part of the zoo otherwise.
Guilin for the rice fields. Lime mountains cruise very cool. Underground cave! Only saw one black snake walking down from the rice fields. The water show in Yangshou is not worth the money. Also Chinese people talk during a show, eat, join in etc. Part of learning the culture!
Trains were cool! These people are efficient, things are pretty much on time, so don't dither. Queues move so they're not a problem.
Daughter knew a bit of Mandarin which was super helpful. I don't think you could do a trip like this without guides to be honest. Local people were onto it though, they had Google translate loaded, as did I.
Just occurred to me now that we didn't go and see anything about porcelain.
Ladies take tissues with you. I got used to the hole in the floor type toilet. Glad my legs are still strong.
Kris in Shanghai did some great problem solving when we threw some extra activities at him, namely shopping! Barter hard people (not in stores with price tags).

Enjoyable, well-organized tour with friendly and knowledgeable guides. My wife and I had a great time and would highly recommend.l this service.

Eirini did an excellent job planning our trip to Athens, Naxos and Santorini! All transfers were set up to get us where we needed to be making the trip very enjoyable and relaxing. Excellent tour guides…food tour in Athens, walking tour in Naxos with Stella, sites and food tour with Katia in Naxos and Nolan was excellent on the kayak tour in Santorini. Highly recommend Eirini with Kimkim Travel.

Activity Review

Catamaran day cruise

Naxos

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Super friendly and knowledgeable.

We had a wonderful time and everything went well except noted below. We enjoyed all our guides. Our guides to Mostar (Fran and driver) were most excellent, our whole family enjoyed them. Petra and the driver in Dubrovnik were also very excellent. All of our lodging was excellent. Our villa in Split did not have hot water for showers every morning and the hot tub was not warm most of the time so this was very annoying. We also asked for blankets after first day and never received it. Otherwise the villa was perfect for our family and we enjoyed the space very much. Thye last day our ride did not show but calling Tina at 5 am she promptly jumped on this and worked with our hotel to get a ride which we were able to get to airport in enough time. Tina did an excellent job, very professional and thorough.

Hotel Reviews

Art Hotel Kalelarga

Zadar

I stayed at the Art Hotel Kalelarga in Zadar for three nights. The experience was really pleasant. The hotel is right in the middle of town, making it super convenient to get around and explore everything. The breakfast was pretty good, though it was the same every day. Personally, I don’t mind that, but I know some people might want more variety. Overall, it was a great stay and very comfortable.

Exclusive Vila Holiday

Stobreč

The villa in Split was amazing in terms of size and location. It easily accommodated our whole group. However, there were a few issues. We didn’t have hot water on some mornings, so we had to take cold showers. The hot tub wasn’t warm for about three days, which was disappointing since we couldn’t use it. Also, the beds only had thin sheets, and despite asking for heavier blankets, they never arrived. There were some minor issues with the doors as well. Despite these hiccups, the outdoor area was fantastic, and it was perfect for our family gathering.

Hotel Korsal

Korčula

The Hotel Korsal in Korčula was really nice. The breakfast was fantastic, and the staff was very helpful and friendly. The hotel’s location was convenient, and we didn’t mind walking around. The overall experience there was very pleasant, and I’d give it a high rating.

Hotel More

Dubrovnik

Hotel More in Dubrovnik was just fantastic. The breakfast was amazing, probably the best of all the places we stayed. The hotel is right on the oceanfront, which made for a beautiful and relaxing end to our vacation. The rooms were nice and comfortable, and the overall experience was exceptional.

Activity Reviews

Private guided city tour of Zadar

Zadar

Our tour guide was excellent and very knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private full day excursion to Plitvice lakes National Park

Zadar

Very enjoyable tour and sites.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Split Walking Tour with a visit to Diocletian Palace

Split

Very enjoyable experience and knowledgeable.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia

This was filled with so much interesting facts about the area the whole family thoroughly enjoyed the information and our experience.

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dubrovnik Panorama, Cavtat and Dubrovnik Old town tour

Dubrovnik

Petra and Dennis were amazing and we enjoyed their information.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Korčula Island Sunset Kayak

Croatia

This was very enjoyable being on the water and the information we received from our guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had the most amazing trip to Indonesia.

Priscilla put together a perfect itinerary that incorporated our wishes of balancing historical, adventure, cultural and scenic aspects.

My husband and I took the trip with our 11-year-old grandson. We hopped between 4 Islands and had 5 inter-Indonesian flights in 11 days. We wanted to see as much as we could but knew two weeks would be our limit if travelling with a younger person.

We experienced the Borobudur & Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, Java with a private guide.

Balikpapan was another wonderful stop. Our primary goal of the trip was to see the Orangutans. Our itinerary made the most of our time in Borneo. We saw the Orangutans, Sunbears, climbed the Canopy Suspension Bridge, trekked the rain forest, took a boat down the Sungai Hitam/Black River, and saw Proboscis monkeys, a couple of Pythons, and thoroughly enjoyed the tranquil and beauty of the various mangroves and palms. We were so fortunate to have had one of the caregivers of Samboja Lestari as our guide.

We then flew to Bali and enjoyed the beautiful cities of Ubud & Seminyak. We had a relaxing massage at our hotel and then kicked it up a notch to explore the area with our most amazing guide (Budi). Budi is a wonderfully kind, respectful, knowledgeable man who paid extra special attention to our grandson. I am sure he is the perfect father to his sons, and we LOVED him and LOVED having him as our guide!
We saw the Tegallang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Bathed the Elephants, took a Farm to Table cooking class and visited the Uluwatu Temple where we were able to watch a traditional Balinese (Kecak Dance).

Our last stop before making our way back to Jakarta and home was spending some time in Labuan Bajo, Flores. We wanted to see the prehistoric looking, large lizards - Komodo Dragons. Priscilla arranged for a hotel pick up, boat group tour, to see, the incredible views of Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Taka Makassar Island. We were fortunate enough to have seen two Komodo Dragons and thoroughly enjoyed our two stops that allowed us the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling.

Priscilla looked after every little detail of our trip. She tapped into our needs and executed them perfectly. She coordinated the tours, guides, transfers, and flights within the country, and the whole journey was seamless. We had an on-ground support person (Janice,) through WhatsApp, which worked out flawlessly for communication if needed.it was our first-time using Kim.Kim but will definitely not be our last. Our experience was FANTASTIC!

Hotel Reviews

Anara Airport Hotel

Jakarta

A hotel right in the airport. Perfect, beautiful and a wonderful breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection

Yogyakarta

Built in the 1918's, once a mansion now a gorgeous hotel. The decor is stunning. Staff is wonderful and the breakfast is scrumptious.

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Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Samboja Lodge

Balikpapan

Very friendly staff. A perfect location to see the orangutans. Nothing fancy but it suited our needs completely.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Kalyana Ubud

Ubud

Very pretty grounds, amazing spa treatments, friendly and helpful staff and very convenient restaurant. Clean and lovely.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kanvaz Village Resort Seminyak

Bali

A beautiful, clean hotel, very nicely located. The breakfast were wonderful and the pool was really nice to relax and enjoy some down time. Lovely staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Sudamala Resort, Komodo, Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo

Beautiful ocean view. Very friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Grove Suites

Jakarta

This hotel was quite dated. The lobby was beautiful, breakfast was good, staff was friendly and helpful. I think the rooms could use an update and I didn't feel the room cleaning was up to my standards.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Visit Prambanan Temple

Indonesia

We were a little late in the day to see this up close but even from a distance it looked incredible.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Ubud Palace

Indonesia

Nice to see this modest Palace in the heart of the city. Worth a stop.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) Arrival Airport Assistance

Jakarta International Airport (CGK)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bathe the Elephants

Ubud, Bali

Our grandson loves this. The elephants are very well looked after and seem very happy.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Indonesia

Beautiful views and really interesting.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Indonesia

Loved this. The monkeys were cheeky and super active. Very fun!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit Borobudur Temple

Indonesia

This temple is amazing and a must see. The size is incredible and knowing that it is the largest Buddhist Temple in the world is fascinating.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Transfer from Yogyakarta (YIA) to Balikpapan (BPN) via Orangutan Island and Sunbear Sanctuary

Indonesia

We stayed at the Samjoba Lodge which was walking distance to Orangutan Island. So much care is taken to look after the Orangutans and try to rehabilitate them. The Sunbears are much smaller than we thought. A beautiful experience!!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Sungai Hitam

Balikpapan

We really enjoyed the tranquil small boat ride down the Sungai Hitam. We were so fortunate to see a family of Proboscis monkeys and a couple of Pythons.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Canopy Bridge and Trekking

Balikpapan

Great view from the Canopy Bridge and we really enjoyed the trekking. Not that difficult but a lot to see.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Afternoon Visit to Orangutan Island and Sunbear Sanctuary

Balikpapan

Never seen Sunbears. The are much smaller than what we thought.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Farm to Table Cooking Class

Indonesia

This was one of our favorite experiences. They instructor was fun and funny and we learned a lot and had a wonderful feast. Loved this!!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Uluwatu Temple

Indonesia

Very pretty views. The temple is quite far away but pretty spectacular.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Watch Kecak Dance Performance

Indonesia

Very interesting watching this. All acapella chanting. Definitely worth seeing.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit Padar Island

Indonesia

The view from the top was probably the most spectacular view I have ever seen. A little bit of a hike but definitely worth it.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit Pink Beach

Indonesia

I have never seen red coral before that turns a beach pink.

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Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit Komodo Island

Indonesia

Very cool that we were able to two Komodo Dragons.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

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Visit Taka Makassar

Indonesia

Beautiful!! The depths of the water were incredible with all the different colors.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had a wonderful 2 weeks in Canada. Lived Banff and Jasper. The scenery was spectacular! I would say the only downside to the trip was the amount of time from place to place. That’s on us ,we wanted to see as much as possible. All in all it was a wonderful experience.

Our trip to Japan included many items and logistics which were managed by Kate. Overall, my family, who were first time visitors to Japan, were excited and felt like they got to see the major sites in each city. For me, a return traveler to Japan, it felt like a series of generic tours to the major tourist attractions which could have been hired individually through other services (Viator, etc). Personally, I was hoping for more unique experiences but I did appreciate that fact that KimKim was a 'one stop shop' for the logistics (cars, tickets, etc).

In terms of tour guides, our first guide, Peter Wong (Yoon) in Tokyo, was not a proficient English speaker. It turned out that our driver (who was excellent!!!) was a better English speaker than Peter. Hence, we did not receive very much information about the tours and the sites we were visiting. We spent most of the time googling the background information at each location. Peter is Malaysian (not Japanese) so a number of local questions we asked had him googling as well. When we first started, Peter did not have the agenda we were sent from KimKim so we had a bit of a disconnect on expectations for each day. He finally took a screen shot of the pages I received to align the agendas between what he had and what we were expecting. For the most part, everything logistically went well but we had one or two instances were the tickets were not accepted or procured. In the end, it worked out.

During our time in Tokyo, I booked the fish market auction separate than KimKim since the auction was not able to be organized by KimKim in the schedule (according to Kate). This event was a highlight of the trip. We hired a guide for this morning through the hotel and had a amazing experience since she was very knowledgable about Japanese history/architecture/politics/etc. In addition, as we were interacting with others, we would ask her questions and she would ask the host and then report back to us the responses. Our KimKim hosts (Peter and Naoki) did not behave like this and would just google to respond or listen to the Japanese response and then not revert back to us. We learned more from this lady about Tokyo in 4 hours than we did from Peter for the 5 days we had him scheduled.

As a side note, the KimKim agenda indicated we would be touring from 9am to ~5-6 pm each day (8 hours). This schedule was only true for some of the days. I highly recommend to KimKim to inform tour participants on expectations start and stop times to allow for meals and meal times. Since dinners were not included in the tour agenda, I worked off-line to book a variety of dinners and/or spa appointments in each city only to be told that we would not be back to the hotel in time or that we might need to skip something to fit the dinner schedule. In addition, on many days, lunch was not until 2 pm or later which also would have been good to know since we were having breakfast at 7-8 am and dinner at ~7 pm. If I had known this up front, it would have saved a lot of re-planning between myself and the tour guides and we could have brought snacks on the tours.

In Kyoto and Osaka, we had Naoki as a tour guide. Naoki was more engaging than Peter at a personal level and he had a better command of the English language. Unfortunately, Naoki is also more of a 'host' than a 'guide' and his college major was hospitality. For some of the places we visited, Naoki indicated he had not been to them prior to taking us to the see them so he was learning about them just as we were. When we visited the Palace in Osaka, he did not pre-book tickets (in fact, he told me he could not) so we spent time standing in line in the rain while others went through the 'fast track' to the entrance. I finally looked on-line and realized I could have booked them while standing in line to save time. These are all items that I would have thought they would have checked prior to our arrival.

For both guides, there were points when there were Japanese explanations of things we were seeing or touring instructions (no photos, etc) from the hosts at the sites and neither guide translated the information to us. We spent a lot of time trying to understand what was going on and what was next.

When we arrived in Okinawa, our driver was not at the airport arrivals. I called the number for Kate to check on the driver and no one picked up. There were two other numbers on the itinerary so I called the second number and got a voice mail which was responded to about an hour later. Finally, the person at the third number picked up the phone and asked why I was calling her (indicating we were bothering her.....not in a helpful way). I explained what was going on and she said Kate needed to help me so she transferred me to Kate who was sitting at the desk next to her. This was very frustrating that it took 3 international calls to locate someone and that Kate was at her desk while I was calling other travel agents in her system who were not aware they were on my agenda as a help desk person.

In total contrast, Wendy, our host in Taipei, was outstanding. She was well prepared and well educated. She explained each day in detail and worked with us to understand what we were seeing and why it was important (context). She was also very good at engaging my son. If there were any suggestions or updates to the agenda, she had us sign professional 'change orders' which we appreciated. Wendy was the type of tour guide that we anticipated for the entire trip. In addition, Wendy took a number of photos of us which was very helpful as we toured each location. We cant say enough about how much we learned from Wendy and enjoyed her tour. We wished we had her for the entire time.

We had a great trip! It was specific to us which is kind of difficult because I’m very outgoing & adventurous & my mom is the opposite. They listened to us & made the itinerary perfect. I really appreciated their constant communication with us as well as the way they answered our questions so quickly.

I am thrilled I found KimKim and was lucky enough to work with Chris. My overall experience was excellent and I have recommended KimKim to several friends since using it.

Chris was our main point of contact. He was incredibly accommodating and helpful during the planning process. I have never used a travel agent before and this was a really good first experience. I made several changes early on in accommodations and Chris made sure to listen to concerns and try to find a solution. We did have two hiccups on the trip. Our hotel reservations were not for the correct on the last day (which the hotel helped us fix by finding accommodations at a sister hotel but we did loose half a day trying to figure out the arrangement) and one of the tours was not what we had signed up for and had a different focus than what we intended (but the tour guide was very helpful and rearranged so we were able to see some of the sites we had planned on seeing). However, those are just two of many moving parts and we were really happy with how smoothly the trip went.

All of the transports were excellent and on time. The hotels were perfect for our family. The Heredion Hotel apartment was spacious and had a lovely balcony. The only draw back was that it smelled like cigarette smoke and they would only give us one key so when our group split up we had to wait for the other party to come back before we could enter. Having two keys would be recommended. A highlight was the rooftop - where we had drinks and looked out on the Acropolis. On Naxos we stayed a the Galaxy - which we enjoyed. The Galaxy was a little smaller than we were expecting and one room had an issue with ants -but the location was ideal, the staff was incredibly warm and helpful and we would absolutely stay there again.

Our tour guide Georgina was a gem! It was the highlight for our children and she was so thoughtful and intelligent. She spent a wonderful afternoon talking about mythology with our kids and while we covered enormous ground, she never rushed us. On Naxos we took a cooking class with Katrina and her mother Maria and we loved the time we spent in their home. It was fun and interesting - and super delish. We have even made some of the recipes here at home. Out tour guide on Naxos was a certified guide and she was also very knowledgeable of the Island and the mythology.

The initial planning gets 5 stars, our guides and transports get 5 stars, our hotels were excellent and Chris, our trip planner was amazing. We look forward to using KimKim again.

Hotel Reviews

Herodion Hotel

Acropolis, Athens

Staff was very welcoming. We rented the family apartment and it was spacious with a wonderful balcony. The kitchen was fully stocked and the bathrooms were beautiful. Our favorite is the roof top bar - such an amazing view. A few little things for improvement: There was only one key and when we asked for two they were unable to give us another one. That meant that when our group split up we had to coordinate access to the apartment. Also the lights in the hall and stairway were out the time we were there and it was very dark. The apartment also smelled of cigarette smoke. Finally - we ordered vegetarian to go lunches. We confirmed that they were vegetarian. They were not vegetarian.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Galaxy Hotel Naxos

Naxos

The rooms were a little smaller than we had anticipated (three of our children shared a room that was pretty tight). However, everything else about this hotel was excellent. Wonderful location, beautiful pool, very plentiful breakfast. The rooms were clean and the showers were modern. The best part of the stay was the staff. They were very helpful. On our last day as we headed out to the beach they let us know that the tour guide had not booked that night. There was a mix up and we didn't have rooms for the last night. However, they quickly tried to resolve the issue and found a room at a nearby hotel for half of our party and the other half was able to stay in their room. We really appreciated their help and the guidance they gave us about seeing different beaches on the island.

Authenticity & Character

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Activity Reviews

- Acropolis and Mythology Tour

Athens

Georgina was the best! Out of an entire week in Greece - this was one of our favorite activities. Georgina was very knowledgeable, adapted to our questions and interests, and had a wonderful way of sharing information. We covered so much of the old part of the city and learned so much.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Traditional Cooking at a Naxian Village Home

Naxos

We had a great driver who gave us lots of background information on the countryside. Our cooking class with Katrina and Maria was wonderful. Not too rushed, but we did quite a bit. We all really enjoyed the food and our instructors made the class interesting to all of us (adults and kids). It felt like visiting with old friends when we sat around and ate lunch. Highly recommend this class to anyone!

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Greek God for a Day - Family Friendly

Naxos

This ended up being a really nice tour. However, the tour we thought we were getting (which focused more on mythology) was not the one the tour guide thought she was giving. The tour that was planned was a little more for younger children and less focused on the mythology of the island - which we were really interested in. That being said, once we realized the disconnect, our guide was super accommodating and made arrangements to visit at least one temple (the one we really wanted to see). She was luckily a licensed guide and she was very knowledgeable. We were so luck to have had her. We visited a farm/petting zoo. We probably could have shortened that part - but the kids had fun and the Owner was hilarious. He had such a welcoming manner and he and his pet sheep were very entertaining. Our lunch was delicious - perhaps one of the best of the trip.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fenne and Ethel did a wonderful job of planning our trip around what we had requested. The hotels we stayed in were wonderful, with two of them being absolutely amazing. The train, boat and bus tickets came with good instructions and were well planned. We thoroughly enjoyed Norway. The people we met were friendly and easy to talk to. We learned so much from these conversations. All in all, it was a perfect vacation and we'll be happy to use KimKim again to plan a trip.

My travel specialist, Margaux, put together a wonderful trip for me in Switzerland. I was amazed at how quickly she came up with a plan, after I filled out the questionnaire. I wanted to see more of the country after going to The Eras Tour in Zurich. I traveled, mainly by train, from Zurich to Montreux, Zermatt, and then on to Geneva, from where I flew home. Montreux is so beautiful! The Jazz Festival was happening while I was there, so I got to see some free live music and enjoy the general festivities. I really enjoyed visiting Chateau de Chillon. What an interesting place! Another highlight of my trip was taking the scenic train to see the Matterhorn. It was a cloudy day, so I was feeling less than hopeful about getting good views, but on the trip up, the clouds parted and we had amazing views of the mountains the entire day. It was breathtaking! The itinerary and vouchers that Margaux prepared for me made my solo trip much easier, because I had a plan for each day and the information I needed to make getting from place to place easier.