Rita Pagano

Our trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco was exceptionally well planned and executed thanks to Rita and the KimKim team. We were blown away by the level of support she provided both before and during the trip. She created a really amazing itinerary and then patiently made changes and improvements to it a number of times before we locked on a plan and booked the trip! She really listened to our requests and suggestions and went the extra mile for us to fit in the things that mattered most. The local guides she connected us with were so great and the drivers made us feel safe and supported on the ground. Every single details was attended to with care and we loved having the app and chat access to Rita throughout our travels. Cannot recommend highly enough!

Hotel Reviews

Riad Le Pèlerin

Marrakech

We absolutely loved the design and decor of this riad and the staff was so attentive! The traditional breakfast was delicious and our every need was attended to. We were grateful that they met us at the street and helped get our baggage to the property since it was not accessible by car. During a trip that took us to three countries and 5 cities this was our favorite hotel experience of all.

Authenticity & Character

Instagram-ready!

Location

Really central - just be aware you need help getting luggage as a car cannot get you all the way to the door.

Staff

We adored Mustapha who was the consummate host!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Lagos

This is more of a condo-style hotel with plenty of space including a living room, dining table, kitchen, washing machine and drying rack. One of our rooms had a lovely view of the pool and the other had walkout access directly to the pool. It was an easy walk to the public beach. The onsite restaurant had a great breakfast buffet and the hotel fitness center was well equipped. We were a bit removed from other activities at this location so be prepared to drive or call an Uber.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pestana Lisboa Vintage

Lisboa

The location just off Avenida da Liberdade is great. Rooms were nice but not exceptional. Instant coffee in the rooms was disappointing but the hotel breakfast more than makes up for it! The elevators are small and slow - good chance to take the stairs and get some extra steps :)

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

PortoBay Hotel Teatro

Porto

Beautiful hotel in a terrific location! Great front desk staff and concierge. The hotel breakfast is just LOVELY. Nice extra touches in the rooms - our suite even had an incredible balcony with lounge chairs! The fitness center is a partner property a 5 minute walk away and was very minimal.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments - Madrid Suites

Madrid

Spacious accommodations and good location - be aware there are no amenities onsite since it's an apartment vs hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The front desk went the extra mile to help us arrange airport transportation.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Portugal

The tuk tuk tour was amazing! We enjoyed hopping on and off our tuk tuk through the city's streets. This activity offered a unique and enjoyable way to explore the city, making it a memorable part of our trip.

Fado Dinner Experience

Lisbon

The Fado experience in Lisbon was a bit of a letdown for me. While the food was fine, the overall atmosphere felt overly touristy and lacked the authenticity I had hoped for.

Algarve Kayaking Trip to Benagil Caves

Portugal

The kayaking experience was exceptional! We enjoyed paddling through scenic waters, which offered both adventure and tranquility. This activity provided a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, making it a highlight of the trip.

Tapas Culinary Experience

Madrid

We loved our guide and getting to share this experience with another family - the places we visited were good but I wouldn't say great in terms of the tapas served.

Quality of Experience

Food

the specific restaurants visited - the food was ok but not great

Guides, Drivers and Staff

I really appreciate Rita's help and patience while working with us. She gave us accurate information and made great suggestions for the types of activities that would make our trip to Italy a great success. Rita helped us stay within our budget while still giving us memorable private tours and much-needed transportation. If I am planning another trip to Italy, or to another country, I will definitely use KimKim to help create the best itinerary for us.

We recently returned from a fantastic family trip to Italy, all thanks to the incredible planning by our travel agent, Rita Pagano. Our trip was to visit our ancestral home with 3 generations and 12 family members ages 17 to 84. We started in Milan and ended in Florence, with several stops along the way. Rita efficiently planned everything from booking our hotels, renting cars, and making transfers to organizing tours in Parma and Tuscany. The tours in Parma With Ricardo and wine tasting in Tuscany with Andrea were informative, fun, and delicious, adding a great touch to our Italian adventure.
The hotels we stayed in were not only comfortable but also conveniently located, making it easy for us to explore the cities. Rita was always available when we needed to make additions to our itinerary and handled our needs in a timely fashion, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Our family had a fantastic time, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations.
We are deeply grateful for the beautiful memories we made during this trip, and they're all thanks to our travel agent's meticulous and thoughtful planning. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and highly recommend their services to anyone planning a trip.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco

Florence

Hotel Il Guelfo Bianco was an excellent place to rest our heads when we visited Florence. The hotel is within walking distance to the Piazza Del Duomo, Pitti Place, and the Ponte Vecchio. The hotel had lovely rooms decorated with style and comfort in mind. The daily breakfast included fresh fruits, meats, cheeses, and bread. The staff was eager to make our stay enjoyable and recommended a great restaurant. We will definitely stay again.

Authenticity & Character

Lots of art and antiques!

Location

Close to the center of Florence

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Maranello Palace

Maranello

The Maranello Palace in Modena was the perfect stop on our way to Florence. The hotel accommodated our large family traveling together. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The buffet breakfast was a great start to the day. The hotel was conveniently located near the Ferrari Museum and the Pagani factory. I highly recommend a visit.

Authenticity & Character

Location

It is a great place to stay to visit the local car museums!

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Excursion to Tuscany: Chianti Winery Visit & San Gimignano

Florence

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Foodie Excursion to Parma

Italy

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Planning this trip was made easy with Rita's help and kimkim! This is my second time using kimkim and confident to say it never disappoints. Rita was so patient with our requests and making changes till we were satisfied. Rita suggested Porto, Lisbon and Algarve for our 10 days trip.

We started off in Porto with an amazing food tour guided by Marina and had the chance of trying Portuguese wine🍷(it was divine!!! had to bring a few bottles back home). We had time to walk around on our own as well and observe the beautiful architectures and streets, the Portuguese were so warm and welcoming. Not to mention their famous canned sardines, which my mum carried a whole box back! Everything was so beautiful. Lisbon was more on the crowded side but still beautiful nonetheless.

Rita arranged many tours to the beautiful parts of Portugal, my dad's favorite was Cascais because of the nature. The tour guides were amazing too, friendly, knowledgable and patient! Our last destination was Algarve, beautiful beaches🏝️, had the chance to set out to the Benagil Caves. Rita's recommendation was to rent a car to drive around but we opted out of that. But I could understand why having a car would have been more convenient.

I could rave on and on about this trip, will definitely go back again when I have the chance to! I'd say the most memorable things about Portugal are their intricate handmade products, delicious cuisine, hospitable people and beautiful Cork trees.

Activity Reviews

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Portugal

This tuk-tuk tour brought us to the main attractions of Lisbon, would be even better if the tour was longer!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Vintage Car Tour of Porto

Porto

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Very detailed, tons of auxiliary restaurants, attractions, and points of interest suggested. Constant communication and help during the trip.

I was a bit Leary at first as it was out of my hands . I usually have control to do all my trips. But I was greatly surprised!!! The hotels the times of train and planes were all wonderful. They did a great wonderful job. The excursions etc etc were all detailed to the very best. It’s nice to know that I found a great company to take over on the bigger trips and I know and will be at peace that they will get it done to the very best of my dream trips. They were always there on contact when needed. So happy to have found such a detailed company. Thanks again and I look forward to having you do my next trip again.

Our recent journey through Spain and Portugal was nothing short of magical, starting with the vibrant city of Madrid. Our guide, Hector, provided a fantastic 3-hour tour of Madrid's charming neighborhoods. One of the highlights was discovering a hidden gem in Plaza del Conde de Miranda: the Monasterio del Corpus Christi. Here, we got a delightful surprise—delicious cookies baked by cloistered nuns who are forbidden to communicate with the outside world. This monastery, in operation since 1607, now shares its sweet treats with the public. This unique and delicious experience is a must-see!

Next, we journeyed to the historic city of Toledo, where the Gothic cathedrals left us in awe. We then headed south to Seville, indulging in tapas for days and soaking in the passionate rhythms of a mesmerizing flamenco show.

Crossing into Portugal, we found ourselves in the coastal paradise of Lagos, where relaxation by the pool and rooftop drinks became our daily routine. Our adventure concluded in Lisbon, a city that captivated us with its stunning palaces, bustling sounds, and a heartfelt fado show. One of the highlights was an exhilarating off-road trip to the high mountaintops, offering breathtaking views of Portugal’s natural beauty.

From the bustling streets of Madrid to the serene landscapes of Portugal, this trip was an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Thank you Rita and the KimKim team for taking what could have been a very time-consuming process to organize and made it easy to enjoy.

Activity Reviews

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Fado Dinner Experience

Lisbon

Quality of Experience

Food

Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Spain

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Discover Rural Algarve

Portugal

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Guided Visit of Seville

Seville

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Flamenco Experience

Spain

Quality of Experience

Guided Visit of Madrid: History, Culture & Architecture of the Capital of Spain

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tapas Culinary Experience

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Food

This was our first time using a travel planning service. Rita made the process easy for us. The questions we were asked were insightful and we were presented with a variety of options. Rita listened carefully to our requests and executed on them precisely. For example, we asked for quiet hotels within walking distance of the action. Rita found us the perfect accommodations in each and every place we visited. The tour guides we were provided were excellent - knowledgeable, friendly and fun. Rita took care of the travel logistics and that made our travels smooth and problem-free.

Hotel Reviews

Meliá Lisboa Aeroporto

Lisbon

Great airport hotel.

Vincci Molviedro

Sevilla

Best hotel ever! From the bell man coming to help us navigate construction around the hotel to the enthusiastic staff every single interaction was positive. Great location on pedestrian square within easy walking distance to all the sites. We had an amazing room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

A particular thanks to Efraim for helping us get around the construction.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cascade Wellness

Lagos

A beautiful setting but the amenities (like the spa) were lacking. The breakfast buffet was awesome.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Pousada Porto—Rua das Flores

Porto

Great location and the hotel had real character. The room was small compared to the other hotels we stayed at on this trip but surprisingly quiet given it was located on a busy pedestrian street.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Portugal Boutique Hotel

Lisbon

Spacious and well-equipped room that was centrally located but quiet. Helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Centrally located

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Flamenco Experience

Spain

This was the only activity on the trip that we didn’t enjoy. For no reason other than it wasn’t a genre of music we enjoyed (had little knowledge leading up to experience). Was too mournful and intimate for us but there’s seem to genuinely enjoy the experience.

Quality of Experience

Venue was small, tightly packed and hot.

Private City Bike Tour

Seville

A great way to see the city. E-bikes made for effortless travel to sites beyond what we would have walked. Seville is very bike friendly and the guide was friendly and attentive. Had been told on itinerary that tour was 3 hours but guide adamant it was only 2.5 and ended early.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Such a fast and safe way to see more of the city than walking or driving! Meeting site conveniently located near hotel.

Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Porto

An incredible day. A smooth and enjoyable drive from Porto with a friendly and enjoyable guide. The boat ride was nice but not incredible as the hour length only allowed for a short trip around the bend. Wineries and tastings were terrific and we ended up buying a few bottles of our favourites. We had not booked a lunch in advance and guide Joao made us a reservation at Aneto which was the perfect stop and lunch spot for us.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ran into traffic with 10 km left in drive but otherwise smooth and pleasurable ride.

Privately Guided Visit of Porto

Porto

A great tour of the obvious sites and tourist attractions. Friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

Portugal

Day was amazing! Mostly because of Paollo the guide. As a Sinatra local, he knew all of the best places to see and visit. Took us to a few Lisbon locations we had not seen on Tuktuk tour that enhanced our understanding of the history and culture. Beautiful scenery. Unique lunch experience. It’s hard to believe how many towns and views we saw over the course of the day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Best guide ever!! Friendly, knowledgeable, engaging, responsive. Intent on shoeing us all that he could in the time we had together.

Transport

A spotless Tesla.

Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Portugal

Friendly driver with reasonable knowledge of city and its history. We really got around and covered much more of the city than had it been a walking tour.

Quality of Experience

A fun way to see the city.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Driver was enthusiastic and interested in showing us some of the lesser known sites.

Transport

Fun way to travel!

Our group of 8 had a wonderful time . Unfortunately four of us missed several tours and several people had to wait several days for their luggage but I spite of that we loved Portugal, found Nazare interesting and loved the convenience of all our transfers. Thanks to Rita and Karin for helping us get the documents we need to get reimbursed for hotel and tour expenses.