Kim Hamilton
Raleigh, North Carolina Travel Agent
A Full-Service Travel Leaders Associate Agency
Email MeTuscany Travel Agent Expert
Tuscany Italy Travel Agent Expert
As a frequent traveler to Italy, I am always enthralled with it's beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, lush vineyards, and delicious cuisine. Tuscany is one of my happy places. The miles of vineyards dotting the hills and valleys takes me back to a simpler relaxing time in life just driving from one small village to the next and stopping in on a local winery or cheese shop. Tuscany is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe because of its idyllic scenery and many historic highlights within proximity to each other. There are breathtaking beaches and mountains, medieval castles, quaint villages. Many cities have World Heritage sights like Pisa, the historic towers of San Gimignano, Siena, Penza, or the terracotta tiled Duomo of Florence. There truly is something for everyone in this region.
I found myself imaging what life was like centuries ago, how did they build the tall towers of Gimignano or Pisa that seem to defy gravity without the use of any modern equipment and materials. As I explored these ancient cities, I could not help but wonder how they built these amazing structures. The honey-colored building of terra cotta in these medieval hilltop towns overcomes you with relaxing and soothing emotions. And if you’re an art lover you will be amazed by original sculptures and architecture by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. You can view the David in the Galleria Dell'Accademia in Florence, or Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and much more. An insider tip of mine is to take the time to admire the details in each sculpture and imagine the artist mixing colors on a palette in just the right light to capture the imagination in canvas. My travel style is to include unique offerings that others may not have thought of. Imagine taking a Vespa scooter across the countryside exploring vineyards and winding back roads being surrounded by ancient stone homes then stopping for a bite of local cheese and dried meats with some Chianti. Or visiting a monastery with the echoing sounds of monks chanting prayers in an ancient tongue during Vespers. What would Italy be without experiencing the wonderful foods. I found myself loving this type of tour to get a sense how Tuscan’s live while tasting dishes like Ribolita, Torta di Ceci to mention a few.
Florence is the hub of Tuscany and just a short drive from the hill towns. It is absolutely beautiful and home to world class art and stunning architecture like the Duomo. Taking in the breathtaking view from atop the Cupoia of the Duomo is a once in a lifetime experience and a healthy accent at only 463 steps. While in Florence savor the fine cuisine or make wine tasking memories with friends. Tuscany awaits you! Are you ready to plan that unforgettable journey across Italy? Email me or give me a call to get on your way to the majestic scenery and medieval hilltop towns that is Tuscany.
My Areas of Expertise
CERTIFICATES & AWARDS
Amazing England trip!!
Reviewed By Dana P. - from Richmond, Virginia | Traveled to England ~ Europe
Where to start? Planning all the details of a family trip was so overwhelming until I found Kim. Our concerns were listened to and she always came back to us with fun and engaging for all of us. She even was able to help with planning excursions using the "tube"(subway). So many sights to visit in London that we needed help with the choices. We were given choices based on our interests. From the Cotswolds to Bath, our journey was one I will never forget.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Tuscany dream vacation
Reviewed By Alan and Susan - Fort Collins , Colorado | Traveled to Tuscany ~ Italy ~ Europe
We found Kim through a friend of ours who has her plan all their vacations. We wanted to focus on the Chianti region and Piedmont wine area. She set up private wine tastings, beautiful villas, and perfect hotels with vineyards all around us. 4 star hotels were truly 4 and 5 star. Each one had special feel to it. Some of these Kim had visited before so were had first had knowledge of what to expect . Our favorite part were all the sunsets over the rolling hills of vineyards. Looking for a romantic vacation, this is it!!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Disney Cruise Memories Forever
Reviewed By Ashton Family - Illinois | Traveled to Caribbean
Our family loved the Disney Cruise. Kim had our package ready to go and explained the whole process of boarding, choosing restaurants, and which excursion our family might enjoy best. Disney is of course amazing anyway but Kim was so patient with our millions of questions this being our first Disney cruise. Thank you so much for all your help and hand holding for this trip with all the kidos.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Dream destination
Reviewed By Max - Seattle, Washington | Traveled to Cancun ~ Quintana Roo ~ Mexico
My girlfriend and I recently went to the most luxurious all inclusive resort in Mexico! So many restaurants , who needs to leave the resort. We wanted luxury in every aspect of our trip. You need Kim to make your vacation worry free. We told her what we wanted in the vacation and she gave us serval all inclusive resorts that were in a luxury category and 5 star, Food, drinks (top shelf)_ ocean front room, and entertainment was beyond our expectations! Thank you Kim again for all you did to give us this vacation. I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
'Best Ever ; cruise!
Reviewed By The T family - Boston | Traveled to Rhine River ~ On the River ~ At Sea
We have never done a cruise vacation and Kim explained the whole process and there is much to get done She was so patient with us on sharing all the cruise ships ,types , and where to travel too. We decided on a river cruise because the pace was our speed. Kim had us a nice gift basket in our cabin as we arrived. Thank you for all the time that went into this trip for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Kim Hamilton; A hardworking traveled traveler
Reviewed By Do not have one I wish to reveal! - Putney, Vermont | Traveled to Caribbean
Kind thoughtful and easy to work with. She was punctual with return messages and was always engaging.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Cycling vacation in Ottawa Canada
Reviewed By Alison - Detroit, MI | Traveled to Ottawa ~ Ontario ~ Canada
Hi! My cycling vacation in Canada was *amazing*! A huge thank you to you for all the great work you did to put it together.
You made my whole trip literally a wonderful experience! I'll send you some photos.
Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Ice cream every day (literally)! My dream! This is a great spot in the Gatineau Provincial Park that makes their own. And the park was was awesome for cycling , the even block off roads in the park and you can bike for miles with zero vehicles!
Cycling on the Millennium trail was such pretty countryside with the gorgeous Lake Ontario!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Kim Hamilton responded:
Alison, I was so happy to hear about your experience. It was so fun helping you plan this vacation. Hope to help you plan many more! Kim
Alison, I was so happy to hear about your experience. It was so fun helping you plan this vacation. Hope to help you plan many more! Kim
NY City Here WE COME!
Reviewed By The J sisters - NC | Traveled to New York City ~ New York ~ USA
Kim spent time with us as many calls as it took to plan our girls trip to see a musical. We live so far away from each other and hard to connect often so this happened...... We saw Kim on this sight and her profile fit us. We are so happy we did. She found tickets , hotel , transportation , for us. Honestly , I think all we did was say "yes that sounds great answers."!! The reviews speak it all. Thank you Kim for such a special trip for my sister and I. New York was electric. Can't wait to go again soon.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
True Luxury Belize Vacation of a Lifetime!
Reviewed By Beth and Jason - Vermont | Traveled to Belize ~ Central America
Gourmet meals by an amazing chef, cocktails, fresh juices , butler service an so much more! who wouldn't want to whisked away to a caye , A short boat ride from Belize city. Kim found this luxury driven little island with a beautiful beach all to yourself with only a few guests. We wanted to do a dive trip and Kim found us both!! An intimate resort with greens and blues of the sea to soak in everyday. Our dive package was 2 dives a day for 5 days. Great prices, amazing coral reefs, and super dive masters ! Kim , we look forward to our next trip you plan for us.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
The Most Amazing live aboard dive trip!
Reviewed By JJ - South Carolina | Traveled to Belize ~ Central America
My wife and I love scuba diving and usually go to resorts and use their dive shop on the premise . We some how landed on her information and there was her interest in scuba. To our pleasant surprise Kim knew Belize and the Blue Hole. She found us the most luxurious live aboard dive boat . Hot towels and cookies awaited us after every dive. The Blue Hole is a 100 foot dive into underwater stalactites . Kim was so precise in her planning. We have so many memories that week.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Great planning!
Reviewed By Pete - Kentucky | Traveled to San Diego ~ California ~ USA
I needed a nice hotel and car rental in San Diego while interviewing for a job i.. Kim had all my trip taken care of so I could focus on preparing for the interview.. I i will use you again for the next vacation!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Outer Banks beach trip/Girlfriends
Reviewed By Mary Sue - Guntersville, Alabama | Traveled to Outer Banks ~ North Carolina ~ USA
Kim is the one to have taking care of every detail of your next trip. This was our first time having her plan our annual girlfriends week. This special week has brought all of us back together every year for the past 30 years.. Kim found us the perfect house beach front with a pool. We can't thank you enough for getting us amazing dinner options and a few tours as well. Looks like we have us a new travel gal.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
PERFECT HONEYMOON
Reviewed By Stevie an Katie V. - Trenton, NJ a | Traveled to Bora Bora ~ French Polynesia ~ South Pacific
I want to recommend Kim to handle all your travels. I I wanted to give my future wife the honeymoon of our dreams. I knew of a few places and looked around the internet. Too much with all the wedding duties. Kim presented me with great choices . She arranged day trips that gave "experiences" to create those memories. The over the water bungalow with the glass bottom floor was amazing. My wife cried when we finally arrived and saw our special bungalow . She had never imagined it could be so beautiful. Kim had a nice note along with fresh fruit and arranged a lunch prepared for us as we settled in from our long journey. Thank you Kim for making our start together in life as a married couple so memorable .
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
All Inclusive Dive Vacay
Reviewed By Colton - North Carolina | Traveled to Curacao ~ Netherlands Antilles ~ Caribbean
Kim was so helpful with our dive trip. Being from NC and only diving here off our coast. Being the graveyard of the Atlantic is not so bad being a diver. A German U boat is quite the dive. Kim has logged over 200 or so dives which caught my attention. She knew each islands underwater landscape just as well as the above water one. She gave us amazing choices from excursions to dive shops on Curacao.. Kim shared how colorful their underwater was. All was ready for us and we will not be needing our dive shop trips anymore. Kim gave us a whole island experience which we will continue to use in the future. Get in touch with this passionate traveler who happens to be a travel advisor!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Unforgettable Yacht Incentive trip!
Reviewed By Michael J. - New York | Traveled to Greece ~ Europe
We will use Kim for all future Incentive trips . To sum it up, she took care of every detail of the trip. I gave her a guest list of my top sellers for the year along with destinations to choose from. Handling transportation to activities on land was detailed and outlined for all of us . Watching the sunset over Santorini will cause a much needed reminder of how important these special trips are. Kim handled our land excursions that was enjoyed by all. ATV 's ,snorkeling, hiking ,and my personal favorite , cliff jumping! Kim had a local arranged to take us to a favorite spot of his. An experience to never forget. Thank you Kim for all the hard work to make this happen for my sales team. We will absolutely be contacting you for next years trip!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Italian Vacationh
Reviewed By Sarah an Kyle - South Carolina | Traveled to Tuscany ~ Italy ~ Europe
YES, we recommend Kim, 5 stars. She helped us navigate all the choices of our trip. Kim found unique Villas , wineries , and amazing stops along the way. We so enjoyed learning about olive oil productions and tasting such freshness. She arranged a bike tour that took us into the countryside . There are so many memories. We toured mostly Tuscany and some Piedmont areas. We can't wait to go back !
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Golf Trip with buddies
Reviewed By Thomas - Atlanta | Traveled to Scotland ~ Europe
My bucket list includes a golf trip to Scotland . Eight of my golf partners agreed to go . I could not have planned this and I always the fishing trips, football games and more. Kim was such the professional . We had a couple of hic ups but Kim called the clubs to straighten out any confusion .Thank you so much for showing us what Scotland golfing is like.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
BEST DISNEY TRIP .... EVER....
Reviewed By Jason - Wyoming | Traveled to Disneyland ~ California ~ USA
You were AWESOME Kim! I stumbled on this site and your travel expertise jumped out at my wife and I .We felt she would find us unique experiences at Disney. We promised to visit Disney as adults once the kids were grown and gone! Kim researched for us and came back to us with unique, fun, and tailored for our interests. She had us out to enjoy Disney at Night. It was amazing being on a boat with the fireworks. Around the World with adult beverages was a blast. Rides, we had some old favorites that are iconic and new ones too. Kim listened to our "have to" hotel list. She came back with a fun one for us that was near it all for night time outings. We saw Disney in a whole new way without kids in tow. Epcot was so wonderful just taking our time with all the attractions. Kim helped us see the "adults can have fun too" Disney. Thank you Kim for all the hard work that went into our trip. We will certainly will use you on future trips.
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
Breathtaking ,Majestic, Trip of a lifetime!!
Reviewed By Aston an Carrie - Colorado | Traveled to Dolomites ~ Italy ~ Europe
Thank you, thank you a million times over. Kim made our "bucket list" trip a reality. My husband surprised me with this for our 30 th wedding anniversary. Kim had chosen quaint hotels at the base of the Dolomites. She helped my husband with hikes that fit our level of endurance. Having been there herself gave her knowledge other travel advisors may not know. Our 6 days there flew by leading us to the Piedmont area for wine tastings. Kim knew so many wineries that fit our palate. She arranged all of the tastings. OH WOW,, one was in a wine cave with barrels everywhere. Kim even placed 'rest days" in the itinerary which we didn't even realize we needed one. She nailed that one. I'm so thankful we didn't pull that piece out. We had fresh flowers and a fruit basket waiting at the villa in the Piedmont upon arrive. Those touches were well noticed and that is why you don't need to look any further , Kim is the one you should email or call if you want "unique vacations."
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Upcoming Ski trip to Telluride , Can't wait!!
Reviewed By the B family - Vicksburg, Mississippi | Traveled to Telluride ~ Colorado ~ USA
We ski out west every year where amazing snow just falls out of the air! Being from an area with little snow fall, we want a beautiful holiday with plenty of snow. I found Kim through word of mouth from our friends who use her every season. Our friends shared her experience as an avid skier to so many resorts in the US and abroad. Her family has been skiing since she was little. I was so impressed with her knowledge of what type of runs are at Telluride. The restaurants she suggested look wonderful as we have made reservations already with ski season around the corner. She gave us two itineraries with deals we could never find. One itinerary had us within our budget number and the other had more perks attached that she had access to. Once we saw the difference a bit more got us in accommodations , we choose the better bang for your buck. Kim's attention to deal and giving us two choices to compare was above and beyond to us. She is our go to ski gal every ski season now. !!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Awesome Dive Vacation on the Dutch side!
Reviewed By Tom an Donna - Michigan | Traveled to St. Maarten ~ St. Martin ~ Caribbean
Kim was so helpful with our recent vacation to Sint Maarten . We both are novice scuba divers wanting 30-60 ft. dives. Having visited this side of the island several times, she was familiar with many of the dive sites she recommended to us. She went so far as to talk to the dive shop on the French side sites. This island is really interesting. Two countries, French and Dutch. the French side had a more laid back atmosphere. Go with Kim and you won't be disappointed. Thank you for giving us opportunities to make awesome memories!
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
2 of 6 people found this review helpful