Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
Hi.
Welcome to KikiNetwork Travel.
I have a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures! Join me….
KIKINETWORK TRAVEL & ARTEMISIA GOLD
kiki@kikinetwork.com
Kiki 608-858-2733
Price per person (Shared Room): $9,950.00
Single Room Supplement: add $1,950.00
Group size is 8 - 12 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Join Kiki and Jane on an exhilarating and exclusive adventure through Italy, where art, restoration, and the inspiring legacy of female artists will come alive! This is an upscale, private experience designed for discerning travelers eager to immerse themselves in the world of artistic conservation while honoring the often-overlooked contributions of women in art history. Picture yourself not just admiring masterpieces from a distance, but witnessing firsthand the incredible restoration processes that breathe new life into these iconic works.
Throughout this luxurious journey, you'll focus on two groundbreaking figures: Artemisia Gentileschi, the most celebrated Baroque female artist, and Suor Plautilla Nelli, one of Florence’s pioneering Renaissance female artists. We’ll learn about how Artemisia, a trailblazer of her time, became the first woman to join the Accademia del Disegno in Florence, gain an international clientele, and how her talents finally received the recognition they deserve through modern major exhibitions. Meanwhile, Suor Plautilla, a self-taught Dominican nun, not only created a workshop within her convent but also produced sought-after works for the Florentine nobility.
On our trip, we’ll indulge in authentic Italian cuisine featuring unusual delicacies like truffle-infused dishes, homemade pasta, and artisanal cheeses at upscale trattorias. We’ll taste world-class wines, including lesser-known regional varieties, in the picturesque countryside, and enjoy exclusive tastings that reveal the depth of Italy’s diverse viticulture. We’ll stroll through medieval villages where history and creativity intertwine, and experience the vibrant local culture in a way that only a private journey can offer.
Our tour includes exclusive access to private art collections where we will have intimate discussions with conservators, providing you with a rare perspective on Italy’s cultural treasures and the remarkable women who shaped them.
We’ll also be supporting the restoration of a Renaissance painting! Along with Artemisia Gold CIC, founded by Jane Adams, your journey supports the mission to rediscover and restore artworks by female artists. We donate a portion of your trip cost directly to an ongoing restoration project which we will see during our trip. This tour will offer you a luxurious and meaningful connection to Italy's rich cultural legacy, ensuring that the stories of these extraordinary women artists continue to resonate for generations to come. Don’t miss this unique opportunity—join us in celebrating art, its history, and the incredible women behind it!
The adventure begins! Board your flight in the U.S. and land in Rome the following day.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Overnight flight
Meals: N/A
Upon your arrival at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, you’ll be whisked away to your boutique hotel, located in the heart of the Eternal City, where you'll enjoy a three-night stay. Take some free time to explore the captivating streets of Rome before we meet for a welcome aperitivo on the hotel's rooftop terrace. Here, you can mingle with fellow travelers while sipping on classic Italian cocktails, all with a beautiful view of the city.
We’ll meet at 2:30 for a 2-hour walking tour of the city with our professional local guide. We’ll see the Colosseum, The Pantheon, The Spanish Steps, and some of the top sites of the city.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local trattoria, where you will savor an authentic Italian meal crafted with fresh ingredients.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Martis Palace
Meals: Dinner
2025 marks a significant year in Rome as it celebrates the Jubilee, a holy year declared by the Catholic Church. This important occasion will draw pilgrims from around the world to participate in various religious ceremonies throughout the city.
Begin your day with our expert guide and enjoy a stroll through Campo de' Fiori, where you can explore its vibrant food market. We will visit the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, the final resting place of Santa Caterina da Siena, patroness of Italy and Europe, and the mystic painter Fra Angelico, known as the Universal Patron of Artists. This early Renaissance Dominican friar earned acclaim for his frescoes at San Marco in Florence and was invited to Rome in 1445 by Pope Eugene IV to create the frescoes in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament at Saint Peter’s. Both figures significantly influenced Suor Plautilla Nelli throughout her life.
Next, visit Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most cherished squares, famous for its stunning Baroque fountains, particularly the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana di Quattro Fiumi), designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651.
For lunch, we’ll gather at the Neoclassical Palazzo Braschi, an architectural gem that houses the Museum of Rome. Here, you'll appreciate an impressive collection featuring works by international female artists, highlighting the city’s history from the Middle Ages through the nineteenth century.
In the afternoon, we will delve into the private art collections at the renowned Villa Borghese Gallery and Gardens, where you will be captivated by its blend of architectural masterpieces and natural splendors. The Gallery Collection is housed within a 17th-century Roman Villa and showcases sculpture and painting, a testimony to Cardinal Scipione Borghese’s passion for the arts. The collection embodies Rome’s enduring artistic heritage.
Return to your hotel to unwind and relax. Your evening is free, allowing you to enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Martis Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on your own
Embark on a full-day, private tour led by our art historian and technical art scientist, offering an in-depth exploration of the lives and works of the renowned female Baroque artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, and the 17th-century pioneer of the Baroque style, Caravaggio. This journey highlights their iconic pieces, patrons, and muses, including rare visits to recently restored paintings by Artemisia, made possible through the support of Artemisia Gold. During the morning we will visit one of Rome's many Baroque churches where we will learn more about Plautilla Bricci, famed Roman artist and Europe's first female Architect, and see one of her most important works.
After a break for lunch at a local trattoria, we’ll enjoy an exclusive visit to the Spada Gallery with the director to see and discuss the recent diagnostic campaign that compares two of Artemisia’s notable works that belong to the Spada Collection: Mother and Child and Saint Cecilia. We’ll explore the palace's Secret Garden where Francesco Borromini’s renowned Prospettiva can be found. Borromini (1599-1667) was the most innovative and imaginative architect of the Italian Baroque tradition. shaping the architectural style that defined Rome and influenced the world.
Return to your hotel for free time for the rest of the afternoon. We’ll meet up to enjoy a delightful dinner at a nearby trattoria.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Martis Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day starts with a scenic transfer from Rome to Perugia, Umbria's vibrant capital, known for its medieval charm, cobblestone streets, and stunning views. We’ll explore the historic Church of San Domenico and learn more about the Dominican religious order and artists including Fra Angelico, Fra Bartolomeo, and Suor Plautilla Nelli, one of Florence’s first female artists.
We’ll stop for a delicious lunch in the heart of the city followed by a visit to the National Gallery of Umbria. Home to one of the richest art collections in Italy, it holds more than 3000 works, 500 of which are on display. We’ll see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, ancient textiles, and goldsmiths' work throughout; an 800-year-long journey through the history of Italian art including a very beautiful version of Santa Caterina da Siena painted by Suor Plautilla Nelli.
Our private transfer will take us from Umbria to Tuscany to end the afternoon at Il Borro, where we will take a tour of the winery and sample the fantastic wines grown on the estate owned by the Ferragamo family, as well as a special visit to the remarkable art gallery that houses Ferruccio Ferragamo’s personal art collection
We’ll relax and sample the best of the Pizzeria which is part of the medieval village.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Il Borro, Tuscany Relais and Chateau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Aperitivo and Dinner at Il Borro
We’ll enjoy a day at the Ferragamo family farm, a stunning estate nestled in the heart of Tuscany offering an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, rich history, and top-quality organic farming in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. The property is deeply rooted in the Ferragamo family's legacy, combining centuries-old traditions with a commitment to sustainable practices. The journey into learning about Suor Plautilla Nelli continues by visiting her Crucifixion painting which is in the church on the estate.
You’ll have time this afternoon to choose from a variety of activities including a watercolor class, horseback riding, a jewelry class, the spa, and more. We’ll meet early evening to take a cooking class and sit down to eat what we make for dinner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Il Borro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on your own, Dinner (Cooking Class)
After breakfast, we’ll head to Florence, “The Cradle of the Renaissance”, and make ourselves at home at Boutique Hotel, Stella d’Italia. It’s in the stylish heart of Florence within the prestigious Palazzo del Circolo dell’Unione, a Renaissance gem designed by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century. We’ll be nestled between the luxurious Via Tornabuoni, renowned for the most exclusive fashion boutiques and historical noble palaces, and the charmingly authentic Florentine streets, where art and style intertwine like nowhere else in the world.
We’ll set out for a guided walking tour to discover the best of this spectacular city. Our guide will tell us about the Florentine families (and women) who shaped the Renaissance, including Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici, Caterina de’ Medici, Vittoria Colonna, and more. We’ll walk down to the river Arno and see the Franciscan Church of Ognissanti, one of Florence's oldest and most loved churches, which includes a rich array of artworks by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Giotto, and Santi di Tito. Botticelli is buried in the church near his beloved Simonetta Vespucci (his muse for Spring and the Birth of Venus). Jane Adams coordinated some of the recent restoration projects and will provide insight into the restoration process and related events. After a delicious lunch at famed Michelin-starred chef Vito Mollica's bistro, we’ll delight in a hands-on session 'art' workshop with a local female artisan.
Our day finishes at Palazzo Strozzi with the dazzling exhibition dedicated to Fra Angelico, a key figure of the Quattrocento in Florence. This exhibition celebrates one of the founding fathers of Renaissance art and will explore the production, development, and influence of Fra Angelico’s work in dialogue with the painters and sculptors of the day. Many of the works on display will have been restored for the exhibition and will be seen for the first time in over two hundred years. This unique event will feature loans from some of the world’s most important museums and institutions, including the Louvre in Paris, the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Stella d’Italia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast and a caffe, we’ll head out for a private guided tour of the breathtaking Uffizi Gallery, located in the historic center. The Uffizi is one of the most important museums in the world and the most visited in Italy. It holds a vast collection of priceless works, particularly from the Italian Renaissance, including masterpieces by Artemisia Gentileschi, Suor Plautilla Nelli, Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun, Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo, Raphael, Fra Angelico, and Caravaggio.
After an art-filled morning, a relaxing lunch will be enjoyed at Tuscan trattoria, where traditional dishes are prepared according to recipes handed down through generations.
This afternoon, we’ll enjoy an exclusive visit to the cultural institute, Opificio delle Pietre Dure, which was created by the Medici family for their commissions of semi-precious stone creations. Today this center is a world leader in the restoration of all kinds of works of art, from paintings to sculpture, and goldsmithing to semi-precious stones and textiles…a treasure chest that is filled with extraordinary masterpieces under restoration, coming from museums all over the world. It is also a State restoration school, where restorers are trained in the art of conservation to ensure the longevity of our artistic heritage.
After time to relax at Stella d'Italia we will enjoy a visit and aperitivo at the stunning studio of a renowned contemporary artist just steps away from where we will dine at the Ferragamo family Florentine bistrot.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Stella d’Italia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a wonderful breakfast at Stella d’Italia, we’ll walk to the Museum of San Marco, where our guide will take us through the history of the complex. Established in 1434 as a Dominican Monastery and Convent, this became a museum in 1869 and offers a glimpse into the interplay between art, religion, and power that shaped Renaissance Florence. The museum houses the largest collection of sacred art in Florence, with works by Fra Angelico, Fra Bartolomeo and five paintings by Suor Plautilla Nelli’s paintings on display. The works by Plautilla were restored thanks to Advancing Women Artists, the 501c3 foundation created by Jane Fortune. Jane Adams, who worked with Fortune, now carries the torch for the Mission and will explain in detail the restorations here at Plautilla’s home.
Next, we’ll visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella where we’ll be guided through the history of this Dominican Church and Monastery, home to many important works of art, including Suor Plautilla Nelli’s masterpiece, Last Supper. Restored and unveiled in 2019, it is the only known Last Supper painted by a female Renaissance artist, and at 7m x 2m is also the largest. A visit to the nearby Officina Profumo di Santa Maria Novella is a must, originally the pharmacy of the monastery from 1221 and the producer of the fragrance that Caterina de’ Medici gifted her husband, King Henry II on their wedding day.
Before lunch, we will be special guests for an exclusive visit to Palazzo Antinori, the Antinori family's in-town home since 1506. This winemaking family boasts a 600-year tradition, and their company today is headed by Marquis Piero Antinori's three daughters: Albiera (president), Allegra, and Alessia. Lunch will be served in the ‘Piano Nobile’ of the Palazzo.
Crossing over the bridge to the artisan quarter of Florence we will meet two of the most prominent artists and designers of today and be tempted by their latest work. Florentine jewelry designer, Angela Caputi, designs her creations taking inspiration from American films of the 1940’s, as well as from her long-standing passion for fashion. Her jewelry has caught the attention of both Haute Couture stylists and Museums and has been displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Uffizi Galleries in Florence.
Next, we’ll meet Marina Calamai, a Florentine artist and designer who is inspired by nature and creates works of art that awaken the five senses. Marina transforms everyday objects into more complex and layered pieces, a rebirth of the mundane into something unique, emotionally impactful yet playful. Using the Renaissance lost wax method of casting in all her jewelry. Marina has been inspired by the restoration projects Jane Adams has embraced and has created a special range of jewelry as a tribute to both Plautilla Nelli and Artemisia Gentileschi as well as being herself a Sponsor on many of these projects.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Stella d’Italia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner party
Enjoy breakfast, then it’s time to say arrivederci, Bella Italia!
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Check out and transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
A sophisticated 4-star boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Rome and just steps away from the iconic Piazza Navona. Housed in a meticulously restored Renaissance palace, the hotel seamlessly blends historic architecture with contemporary design, offering guests an elegant and comfortable stay. Guests can unwind at the hotel's rooftop bar, which boasts panoramic 360° views of Rome's historic center, including its monuments and archaeological sites. Additionally, the hotel provides unique culinary experiences, and one of the oldest spas in Rome, allowing guests to discover authentic Italian flavors and create unforgettable memories.
Il Borro is a captivating Relais & Chateaux property that seamlessly marries history with luxury. This enchanting estate is surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, offering breathtaking views of the Tuscan landscape. Guests are invited to indulge in exquisite culinary experiences crafted from local ingredients, unwind in elegantly appointed accommodations, and explore the rich cultural heritage of the region. With its warm hospitality and serene atmosphere, Il Borro promises an unforgettable escape into the essence of la dolce vita.
A refined residence housed within the illustrious Palazzo del Circolo dell’Unione—a 16th-century Renaissance masterpiece designed by Giorgio Vasari. Located in the heart of Florence on the iconic Via Tornabuoni, the hotel is perfectly positioned between the city’s high-fashion allure and its timeless artistic charm. This gem features 24 individually designed rooms, each offering a distinct personality, view, and ambiance. Spread across the top three floors of the palazzo, the accommodations showcase breathtaking vistas—whether it’s the luxury of Via Tornabuoni, hidden courtyards, or Florence’s enchanting skyline adorned with bell towers, domes, and rolling hills.
Price per person (Shared Room): $9950.00
Single Room Supplement: add $1950.00
Group size is 8 - 14 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Commitment
Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring that you will enjoy your journey. We work hard to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours and plan itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget.
Responsible Travel
Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.
Inspiring Through Travel
We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, architecture, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration, and adventure.
Trusted Support
In case of an emergency, all our guides are licensed and trained to handle situations that may arise. We are always with you to assist in any way we can to make your trip safe and memorable.
Disclaimer
Payments: As soon as we receive your down payment, we will confirm your reservations and at this point, all change and cancellation policies will be in effect. KikiNetwork Travel will send you a finalized itinerary which will contain all necessary information including confirmation numbers, addresses, and phone numbers. We must receive 40% of the trip cost when you register for the trip. The full cost of the trip must be paid 45 days before the start date of the trip.
Forms of Payment: We accept ACH transfers (1% fee and .30) and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 2.9 processing fee for MC and Visa credit cards, and American Express incurs a 3.9% fee. If you pay by check there is no additional fee. You will need to mail the check to Kiki Keating, PO Box 223, Georges Mills, NH 03751.
Airfare/Visas/Special Permits: You are responsible for your flight to the place of the trip departure. I am happy to advise and recommend the best flights for you. Please email me at kiki@kikinetwork.com for more details.
I will inform you of any visa needs, and you must obtain any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be traveling to or transiting through. Visa and entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality, the length of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Please make certain that your passport is valid for at least six months after the latest expected end date of your planned trip, as some countries will not allow entry if your passport expires sooner.
Insurance is required for any KikiNetwork Travel trip. KikiNetwork Travel requires an insurance plan with 100% of trip cost insured, $150,000 of emergency assistance and transportation, and a minimum of $50,000 medical evacuation coverage. I am happy to work with you to recommend one of my recommended insurance coverage companies. Please call me directly at 603-858-2733 to discuss and ask questions about travel insurance coverage.
Health and Safety Matters: Please visit your local hospital Travel Clinic. Your doctor will let you know what, if any, vaccinations or other health or safety precautions are necessary or recommended for your destinations. We are not physicians, and nothing we say should be interpreted as professional medical advice. Government health advisories can be found on the internet at: http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.who.int
Cancellations: In addition to any cancellation penalties related to trip components we are not responsible for (e.g. permits, airfare, travel insurance, etc.), the following fees will apply:
Cancellation penalties apply as soon as we have received payment. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is required.
Responsibility/Release and Assumption of Risk: By paying and signing up for a KikiNetwork Travel trip you are agreeing to the following statement; I understand and am aware that during the travel itinerary in which I will participate under the arrangements of KikiNetwork Travel and its agents or subcontractors, certain risks and dangers may arise, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in unsafe areas or under unsafe conditions, the dangers of civil disturbance and war, unplanned forces of nature, or disease. In consideration of, and as part of the payment for, the right to participate in such travel itineraries, I have and do hereby expressly assume all of the above risks. The terms of this agreement shall serve as a release and express assumption of risk for myself, my heirs, assignees, administrators, executors, and all members of my family, including any minors accompanying me. I have read and fully understand the provisions and the legal consequences of this Release and Assumption of Risk and I hereby agree to all its conditions, especially noting and agreeing to the portion of this provision that releases the Company and its agents, employees, officers, associates, and subcontractors, to the extent permitted by law, from liability for the negligent or reckless acts or omissions of the Company’s affiliated companies or subcontractors.
