Profile photo for Francesca Stoppani
2163 messages
active 9 hours ago

Francesca Stoppani

Hi everyone! I am a northern culture enthusiast and specialist. I have studied and worked in most Nordic and Scandinavian countries where I trained as a linguist and political scientist.
Traveling and living in the North is the spice that makes my life more balanced.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in the northern destinations and Scandinavia. Mostly Iceland, Finland, Norway, the Faroe Islands and Greenland."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I started off working as a tour leader in Norway during the Summer. Mostly involved with French and Italian groups, I occasionally guided multinational visitors. I am a northern lights hunter, nature whisperer and a greedy consumer of culture and art."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"I have traveled to Greenland for one month to attend a language course in the capital, Nuuk. I was invited there to a baptism where I tasted narwhal meat for the first time!"

Francesca is part of the following groups: Iceland Travel Agents
7 Days in Iceland - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Iceland - 7 Unique Itinerary Ideas

A full week in Iceland is an ideal amount of time to explore three regions. In the itineraries below, explore the classic Golden Circle and South Coast stops, or venture to lesser-known areas like the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Arctic Coast, and the Westman Islands. For adventurous hikers, the multi-day Laugavegur Trek offers an incredible outdoor experience, while winter travelers can enjoy an entirely different side of the country, complete with seasonal activities and snowy scenery. Read on for more 7-day trip inspiration.

Gullfoss Falls - Iceland's second largest waterfall
5 Best Things to Do in Iceland

Dubbed the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland is a delight for all of your senses, from the deep chill of the air to the smoky smell of the volcanoes to the sights and sounds of the country’s most famous tourist attraction, the Northern Lights. Iceland is a bucket list destination for travelers from all around the world. Here are some Icelandic experiences you won’t want to miss.

Látrabjarg Bird Cliffs
Best of West Iceland & Scenic Westfjords - 10 Days

Enjoy the best of Western Iceland and the Westfjords on this 10-day summer adventure. Escape the crowds of the South Coast and Golden Circle area at their peak, when accommodations can be hard to secure. Instead, discover more remote areas of the country, while still experiencing the magnificence of this stunning country. Visit black-sand beaches and fishing towns in the Snaefellsnes Peninsula,  incredible cliffs in Patreksfjörður, delicious, fresh seafood in Isafjordur, plenty of scenic hikes in the remote Westfjords, and more.

Iceland
2 Weeks in Iceland - 2 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife like you've never seen: fourteen days is plenty of time to experience Iceland beyond what you'll find in any guidebook—both on and off the beaten path. Here are two itineraries that make the most of two weeks in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Recent trip reviews for Francesca

Five Stars is Not Enough
Iceland | Dec 17 - Dec 23, 2022

H
Hannah R.
Columbia, MD | Reviewed on Dec 29, 2022

I cannot speak highly enough of the team at kimkim based in Iceland. During the planning phase, Francesca was highly communicative, accommodating, and responsive. Then, when we arrived in the midst of a blizzard and subsequent wind storm that forced all roads to close for 24+ hours, Sigurour was a godsend, helping us cancel and book and rebook and reroute all of the planned activities and hotel reservations that had to be changed without warning. He advised us on when and where to go, what to... read more

I cannot speak highly enough of the team at kimkim based in Iceland. During the planning phase, Francesca was highly communicative, accommodating, and responsive. Then, when we arrived in the midst of a blizzard and subsequent wind storm that forced all roads to close for 24+ hours, Sigurour was a godsend, helping us cancel and book and rebook and reroute all of the planned activities and hotel reservations that had to be changed without warning. He advised us on when and where to go, what to see, what to skip, etc. and was consistently available to respond to ever-shifting circumstances. I am a very experienced traveler, having lived abroad for most of my adult life, and juggling the logistics of this trip due to weather were beyond me. I am deeply grateful and appreciative for the flexibility, responsiveness, and kindness of the entire kimkim team and will treasure my memories of the adventure for a lifetime.

Hotel Review
Inni - Boutique Apartments

Not only was this apartment perfect for my family, but the kindness of the property owners went above and beyond. We were stranded in Hveragerði due to a blizzard and windstorm and were unable to travel due to road closures. Inni not only allowed us to extend our reservation, but juggled other bookings to allow us to stay in the wonderful two-bedroom we had rented. The property was clean, comfortable, nicely appointed, and cozy -- a perfect place to wait out a storm.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

Thank you so much Hannah for keeping up a good spirit with a poorly behaved weather and thanks a lot for your kind words!

The best possible adventure.
Iceland | Sep 7 - Sep 15, 2022

S
Sabrina H.
Butte, MT | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2022

Francesca was incredible! She took our likes, dislikes, dietary restrictions, etc. into account and had incredible recommendations; she worked with us to make sure we had the best possible hotels for our budget, too. We had a minor hiccup when our plane couldn't land (weather at Keflavik) and were delayed a day, and she helped us to get refunds and to adjust our trip so that we didn't miss anything. Every time we talk about Iceland, I recommend KimKim and Francesca. She is the best! read more

Francesca was incredible! She took our likes, dislikes, dietary restrictions, etc. into account and had incredible recommendations; she worked with us to make sure we had the best possible hotels for our budget, too. We had a minor hiccup when our plane couldn't land (weather at Keflavik) and were delayed a day, and she helped us to get refunds and to adjust our trip so that we didn't miss anything. Every time we talk about Iceland, I recommend KimKim and Francesca. She is the best!

Activity Review
Jokulsarlon Glacier Kayaking Adventure
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2022

Wow, thank you so much Sabrina! It was a pleasure working with you :)

Thoughtful and cool plan
Iceland | Aug 11 - Aug 21, 2022

M
Mark M.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2022

Thoughtful and cool plan considering I made the decision to travel to Iceland only 2 months before read more

Thoughtful and cool plan considering I made the decision to travel to Iceland only 2 months before

Hotel Review
Arnarstapi Hotel
Snæfellsbær

Cool place. Ask for room w sea view

Location
View
Activity Reviews
Langjokull Glacier Snowmobiling
Iceland

Great to do. Ideally group not too large as then you will go as slow as the slowest in the group

Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland

Must do. Make time

Snæfellsjökull Glacier Hike - Full Day Summit Hike
Iceland

Loved it. Cool especially as I had a sunny day

Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2022

Appreciate the feedback, Mark!

Family of 5 trip to Iceland
Iceland | Aug 5 - Aug 11, 2022

D
Dana G.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2022

We had a week long trip along the southern part of Iceland and the golden circle. The process with KimKim was very efficient and the trip really was catered to our needs. Francesca was very helpful and knowledgeable. David from our ice cave tour was fabulous.

Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2022

Thanks for the great review Dana!!

Organized ,Exciting and Free Spirited!!!
Iceland | Aug 4 - Aug 12, 2022

J
Jennifer D.
Briarwood, NY | Reviewed on Aug 13, 2022

Francesca put together the exact Itinerary that we had envisioned. We saw and experienced Icelands wonderful sights and experiences so easily with the guidance given by Francesca’s daily itinerary. The Lodging selected was in the perfect locations to complete the exciting days travels. read more

Francesca put together the exact Itinerary that we had envisioned. We saw and experienced Icelands wonderful sights and experiences so easily with the guidance given by Francesca’s daily itinerary. The Lodging selected was in the perfect locations to complete the exciting days travels.

Hotel Reviews
Laxardalur Cabin

Amazing. Beautifully appointed. Our cabin had 2 leather recliners. Small table with 2 chairs. Modern and clean. The cabin has everything you might need to cook a meal. We were very comfortable. They have a small gas BBQ outside for anyone to use. The even had tea, coffee, French press and an electric tea kettle. Microwave, stove top and fridge. Condiments. We highly suggest coming with whatever food you require as there aren’t any stores nearby. Cabin is approximately 30 minutes to the nearest town. Well worth the drive. Cabins are located on a farm in a beautiful valley. Owners are there if you need anything. Friendly farm dog was a plus! (And the sheep too!)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful valley. Specifically in the evening. So quiet.
Staff
Owner was friendly and hospitable
Cleanliness & Comfort
So clean. Beds were amazing.
Welcome Hotel by Snæfells Glacier National Park

We enjoyed our stay. Self check in and checkout. Very nice and helpful staff. Room was comfortable and clean. Wonderful breakfast. Simple, fresh and satisfying.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
So helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Whole place was clean, modern and rooms were very comfortable
Borealis Hotel
Selfoss

Loved it! Great vibe. Very friendly staff. Enjoyed the soaking tub outside before dinner. Lovely view. Enjoyed dinner & breakfast. Rooms are clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Aug 14, 2022

Hi Jennifer, thank you so much!!! Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip!

Francesca was great - good communication etc....
Iceland | Jul 22 - Jul 29, 2022

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Casie O.
Bend, OR | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2022

Francesca was great - good communication etc.
Our car booked was too small- my son’s head was hitting the top of the car. Thankfully the car company was able to get us a little bit larger car- with the immense amount of driving that would have been a problem.
The teip was great- for the amount of time we were there I think the driving was way too much. That was everyone’s take away. The suggested stops foe sight seeing and hiking were fabulous- that really made our trip!
I think some things... read more

Francesca was great - good communication etc.
Our car booked was too small- my son’s head was hitting the top of the car. Thankfully the car company was able to get us a little bit larger car- with the immense amount of driving that would have been a problem.
The teip was great- for the amount of time we were there I think the driving was way too much. That was everyone’s take away. The suggested stops foe sight seeing and hiking were fabulous- that really made our trip!
I think some things could be better communicated - such as “it is advisable to pack a lunch” when gone for 12 hours.

Hotel Reviews
Borealis Hotel
Selfoss
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adventure Hotel Hof
Hof
Authenticity & Character
Location
I
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room With A View Apartment Hotel
Reykjavík
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Northern Light Inn
Grindavik
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

This was great- I think more info in the upgraded package would have been nice- it was soooo crowded we would have gone foe the nicer package had we had known.

Guided small group superjeep tour to Landmannalaugar
Iceland

The hiking was great- again- had NO idea it was almost a 3 hour ride to one destination and then back. There was a mention to pack some snacks- it would have been very helpful (especially traveling with kids) had we been told to pack a lunch- or lunch should have been provided luke we saw other groups doung.

Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon amphibian boat tour
Iceland

Ended up not going - it wad pouring rain and our tour was so late as well as our hotel another 1.5 hours away after the tour- we decided to cancel this and that nights hotel to get to a town and hotel closer to our next days destination- this 2 day portion of our trip was not great and we would have skipped this all together with the short time in Iceland- we were told the week prior to leaving that the tour was so late- I think this could have been avoided had this tour been booked by Kimkim earlier in our process of booking.

ATV to the Black Beach and Plane Wreck
Iceland

Best thing we did on iur trip! Kids loved it and so did we! Great and diverse terrain! We lived this tour!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sky Lagoon
Iceland

Fantastic experience! We loved ending our trip here- this was another highlight for our famiky!

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Aug 03, 2022

Hi Casie, many thanks for your positive words!! :) We'll strive for better communication concerning meals in the future. All the best!

-Fran

A fantastic Family Adventure
Iceland | Jul 15 - Jul 22, 2022

Lily
Lily O.
Cibolo, TX | Reviewed on Jul 30, 2022

The trip was the perfect mix of planned / ticketed excursions and self guided sightseeing. We ended up adding a few extras at our own leisure such as the lava show in ViK and a Puffin Tour in Reykjavik. One of my most favorite experiences was the Glacial hike near ViK. Our guide’s name was Gia and she was so fun and kept everyone safe and also motivated! My 11 year old son loved her too.
Of the two lagoons we visited the Sky Lagoon was by far our favorite. That was something we added... read more

The trip was the perfect mix of planned / ticketed excursions and self guided sightseeing. We ended up adding a few extras at our own leisure such as the lava show in ViK and a Puffin Tour in Reykjavik. One of my most favorite experiences was the Glacial hike near ViK. Our guide’s name was Gia and she was so fun and kept everyone safe and also motivated! My 11 year old son loved her too.
Of the two lagoons we visited the Sky Lagoon was by far our favorite. That was something we added last min as well. We wish we had had time for the Blue Lagoon but we decided we would just need to come back and visit again to see and experience that! We also loved our horse riding experience at Laxnes Horse Farm. The owner was very welcoming! The guides however did not talk much. I am assuming it would have been difficult to do that and they did do a good job of keeping us all safe.
Iceland is a magestic country with such an amazing landscape and adventure around every corner. I am so thankful to Francesca for putting together our very well planned vacation last minute. She did a fantastic job! Also thank you to Michael who was on call for us while we were there. It was so nice to have someone who was immediately on call when we had questions / needed help.
My only complaint was that our car rental experience was not good. I did not realize that our coverage did not included full protection of the vehicle and when a scratch was discovered that we have no idea how it got there we had to pay $2k USD. I have yet to hear back from them as they are suppose to refund the difference of the amount it took to repair from what I paid. If there is anyway for Kim Kim to help me get my refund it would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Lily

Hotel Reviews
Eyja Guldsmeden Hotel
Reykjavik

What a beautiful room we had. Loved the decor and also the friendly staff. We would love to stay with you again next time we are in Reykjavik.

Authenticity & Character
The whimsical decor
Location
Quiet street
Staff
Friendly and responsive
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was very clean
Fosshotel Stykkisholmur
Stykkishólmur

The staff seemed unorganized and also misdirected us to a tour we booked at the front desk and as a result we missed the tour and was only able to get a partial refund.

Authenticity & Character
The restaurant had excellent food
Location
The park and play scape out front
Staff
Better organized and more informed
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Aug 04, 2022

Dear Lily, what a lovely review! It was a pleasure to build this trip together and I am glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you!

-Fran

The itinerary and accomodations perfectly mat...
Iceland | Jul 8 - Jul 15, 2022

D
David S.
Watertown, WI | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022

The itinerary and accommodations perfectly matched our requests. read more

The itinerary and accommodations perfectly matched our requests.

Activity Reviews
Sky Lagoon
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Silfra Snorkeling
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Ribsafari Boat Tour
Westman Islands
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Katla Ice Cave
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Skaftafell Ice Climbing & Glacier Hike
Iceland

We and another family of four ended up on a tour with 16 others from a single group. We were split into two groups of 12 with 8 members from the large group paired with each of the separate families of 4. Together or apart, the large group commandeered the tempo of the tour being allowed to move slowly, secure gear improperly, over/under dress and stop to change, ask the guide to carry one of their water bottles, talk when they should have been listening, and take pictures when instructed not to (not just a group picture but each person individually). The trip could have gone twice as fast or twice as far without them. Patience was tested.

Quality of Experience
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022

Hello David, I am happy about your positive experience!! Welcome back to Iceland :)

Overall the trip was amazing!!!
Iceland | Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2022

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Jon P.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Jul 17, 2022

Overall the trip was amazing!!! It was very well planned. Fran did an extraordinary job!

Three recommendations:

Put the options places to visit at the beginning of the detailed daily itinerary. Sometimes we would finish a little early with the planned places and realize the optional places were back at our starting point.

We were very unprepared for the mountain hike. Due to weather it is absolutely a must for the right gear. We were not clear on that. We also didn’t get to the... read more

Overall the trip was amazing!!! It was very well planned. Fran did an extraordinary job!

Three recommendations:

Put the options places to visit at the beginning of the detailed daily itinerary. Sometimes we would finish a little early with the planned places and realize the optional places were back at our starting point.

We were very unprepared for the mountain hike. Due to weather it is absolutely a must for the right gear. We were not clear on that. We also didn’t get to the meeting point on time as we weren’t sure when to start each day.

Room With A View hotel in Reykjavik was good but their breakfast was horrible. Consider changing venues.

Overall everything was fantastic and very well planned. We enjoyed this trip very much and would recommend KimKim and Fran again.

Hotel Review
Room With A View Apartment Hotel
Reykjavík

Great room. Horrible breakfast!!! It was terrible and other guests were complaining as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Jul 18, 2022

Hi Jon, thanks for the kind words. We will definitely take into account your feedback for future trip planning!

Planning a trip to Iceland? Hope you get Francesca :)
Iceland | May 18 - Jun 2, 2022

S
Sally H.
Saratoga Springs, NY | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2022

My daughter and I just completed an epic 15 day tour of Iceland thanks to Francesca, our dedicated kimkim specialist.

Francesca delivered a flawless, personalized adventure that we will never forget.

As a seasoned traveler and past travel agent, I knew better than to try to curate this trip. I needed someone who knew where to go, how long it would take to get there, yet also have the insider information to direct us to off the beaten track sights and special gems.

Of the tour... read more

My daughter and I just completed an epic 15 day tour of Iceland thanks to Francesca, our dedicated kimkim specialist.

Francesca delivered a flawless, personalized adventure that we will never forget.

As a seasoned traveler and past travel agent, I knew better than to try to curate this trip. I needed someone who knew where to go, how long it would take to get there, yet also have the insider information to direct us to off the beaten track sights and special gems.

Of the tour operators I contacted, kimkim was the only one that asked me for more information before recommending a general tour. Once Francesca assessed and understood our interests, activity level and expectations, she cooked up a highly personalized itinerary that met our needs and exceeded said expectations.

Glad we upgraded to an automatic AWD as the car was our home for some 1800 miles and the heated seats made a BIG difference. The car wifi also came in handy multiple times.

We truly loved our time at the different thermal spas we visited, the endless views, the constantly changing scenery and weather. Diamond beach was a favorite stop and driving the Western Fjords felt like playing a video game! Not for the faint of heart.

Thank you Francesca for a trip we will never forget. Thank you for your instant responses to my emails, your knowledge and expertise, your handholding and your availability for suggestions while we were traveling.

We loved every minute and mile of our trip to this enchanting country of fire and ice.

Activity Reviews
The Geothermal Vok Baths
Iceland

Go jump in the lake!

Quality of Experience
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Great place to start your trip...especially after a long overnight flight!

Quality of Experience
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Myvatn

Go jump in the lake!

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on Jun 23, 2022

I am glad you've had a great trip - thanks for the kind words!

Iceland Ring Road trip May 2022
Iceland | May 4 - May 10, 2022

N
Nancy H.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on May 11, 2022

Excellent trip planning from Fran. We enjoyed everything and the trip was seamless and easy to follow. My only concern is the price transparency. Hard to know what your getting is worthy of prices if you were booking alone. The price is all inclusive and you are not allowed to see receipts or know how much Kimkim is making for their services. read more

Excellent trip planning from Fran. We enjoyed everything and the trip was seamless and easy to follow. My only concern is the price transparency. Hard to know what your getting is worthy of prices if you were booking alone. The price is all inclusive and you are not allowed to see receipts or know how much Kimkim is making for their services.

Hotel Review
Hotel Rangá
Hella

Beautiful location, restaurant was fabulous, and very friendly staff. Hot tubs in the country side was amazing too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Amazing landscape views outside!
Staff
Front desk lady sang happy birthday to me in Icelandic language..made my day!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Thingvellir
Iceland
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Dive.IS did great
Fridheimar
Golden Circle

Expensive but worth it. Unique and delicious!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Solheimajokull Glacier Hike
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Horse Riding
Reykjavík

Amazing one on one experience. Rode out to several waterfalls.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Blue Lagoon
Iceland

Amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Myvatn Nature Baths
Lake Myvatn

A bit smelly and locker rooms not as nice as other spas but worth it if your in Myvatn.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Whale Watching in Akureyri
Iceland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Grábók Crater
Iceland
Local specialist: Francesca Stoppani
Francesca
Francesca Stoppani
Local specialist in Iceland | Reviewed on May 12, 2022

Thanks for your positive feedback Nancy and Darrell! We do full-package tours, hence no service-by-service price breakdown. You can see the price breakdown comprehensive of the kimkim-related fees from your booking. Looking forward to having you back in Iceland.