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
kiki@kikinetwork.com
Kiki 608-858-2733
Price per person (Shared Room): $5,990.00
Single Room Supplement: add $1,110.00
Trip limit to 6-12 travelers. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Grab a few friends and join KikiNetwork Travel on a 2024 Christmas Markets Tour. What could be more fun than being whisked off to three historic European cities to experience the best Christmas markets in the world? You’ve always wanted to go—this is the year to turn the dream into reality!
European Christmas markets are festive open-air markets operating during the Advent season leading up to Christmas. The markets consist of numerous stalls adorned with festive decorations and lights. Vendors sell Christmas decorations, ornaments, handcrafted gifts, toys, and candles. Christmas markets in historic town squares and city centers have a long history dating back several centuries.
This trip is designed to give travelers a taste of three distinct national cultures—Austrian, Czech, and Slovakian. We begin in Vienna with its sophisticated and elegant atmosphere that reflects the city’s imperial history. A day trip from Vienna to Bratislava provides a view of smaller, more intimate Christmas markets, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. We end in Prague, where the medieval architecture and stunning Prague Castle in the distance make for a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Prague’s Christmas markets have street performances, including musicians, carol singers, and nativity scenes.
We’ll be there with you when you arrive in Vienna and take care of every detail until you depart from Prague. All you need to do is relax and enjoy each day’s adventure.
A private driver will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Our Vienna accommodations are conveniently located in the old town, bound by the circular road known as the Ringstrasse, marking what used to be the city walls. Most of the city’s markets and sites are within walking distance.
Vienna, Austria’s capital, clings to timeless traditions around the Christmas season. The Old City and shopping streets are decorated with festive lights, and the most beautiful squares are transformed into magical Christmas markets. The air is filled with the fragrances of roasting chestnuts and hot spiced punch. Music is everywhere, with traditional Advent concerts in historic churches, music halls, and imperial palaces.
We’ll take things easy on our first day and fight off jetlag with a late-afternoon orientation and an early dinner. Perhaps tonight you’ll want to try wiener schnitzel, an iconic Vienna dish consisting of a unique type of pan-fried veal (pounded, tenderized, and breaded) and served with butterhead lettuce and parsley potatoes. For dessert, indulge in a flakey strudel filled with apples and raisins and topped with a dusting of sugar and delicious vanilla sauce.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Josefshof am Rathaus
Meals: Dinner
We’ll set out today on a short walking tour with a local guide who will give us an introductory view of Vienna. We’ll see spectacular monuments and quiet streets and learn what drew artists, musicians, and authors to Vienna. Afterward, we’ll head to the tall arched gateway with candles that mark the entrance to the Viennese Christmas Market on City Hall Square. This market offers Christmas gifts, tree decorations, handicrafts, culinary treats, and warm drinks.
There will be time to stop by a coffee shop in the afternoon. Vienna’s coffeehouse culture dates to the 17th century; in 2011, it received a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designation. We can go to the famous Central Café where Trotsky, Freud, and Zweig gathered in the late 1800s and early 1900s to drink coffee, eat cake, and smoke cigars. Or perhaps we’ll stop by Café Rudigerhof, where newspapers rest on old-school wooden holders, and you can sip a mélange, coffee with steamed milk and foam.
The Mozarthaus Concert venue near St. Stephen’s Cathedral is tonight’s destination. We’ll enjoy an intimate chamber music concert with musicians in historic costume in a small room decorated in Venetian Renaissance style.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Josefshof am Rathaus
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an unforgettable Danube River boat ride as we depart from Vienna to Bratislava, Slovakia, this morning. In an hour or so, we’ll arrive in the old town of Bratislava, just a few steps from the idyllic Christmas markets. We’ll meet a local guide for a short walking tour and then have until late afternoon to shop, explore the outdoor markets, or tour Bratislava Castle.
Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia. For centuries, Slovakia was ruled by Budapest and known as “Upper Hungary.” Later, it became part of the Habsburg Empire and was ruled from Vienna. After WWI, it was part of the newly created nation of Czechoslovakia until 1992, when it split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Slovakia joined the EU in 2004 and now has the highest income per capita of any region in the former communist region of Europe.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Josefshof am Rathaus
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
We’ll begin today with a tour of the Hofburg Palace, a lavish Versailles-type imperial residence featuring 600+ years of architecture, art, and history. The winter residence of the Habsburg rulers until 1918 still houses the Austrian president’s office and several important museums. We’ll spend our time seeing the Imperial Apartments, where Emperor Franz Josef lived and worked alongside his wife Elisabeth, known as Sisi, and the Hofburg Treasury. The treasury showcases one of the world’s most stunning collections of royal regalia. We’ll see sparkling crowns, jewels, and gowns in 21 rooms.
You can wander around the Christmas market stalls and shop in the afternoon. If you are a music fan, check out the new House of Strauss Museum and Music Hall. This beautifully restored 19th-century building tells the story of the iconic Viennese family of Johann Strauss. His son, Johann Strauss II, composed the Blue Danube waltz and was heralded as the world’s first pop music star. Alternatively, you may want to visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the massive Gothic church around which Vienna spins. The church dates from 1300 and covers almost an acre of land. It was built to compete with St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague. Mozart attended mass and was married in St. Stephen’s.
In the evening we’ll attend an opera performance. Many famous opera composers called Vienna home, so it’s no surprise to find one of the world’s most prestigious opera venues here. The Staatsoper (State Opera House) is steeped in tradition and features the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. When the 2024/25 season is announced in April, we’ll score tickets to a performance and take our seats in this gorgeous building inaugurated in 1869 by Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elisabeth of Austria.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Josefshof am Rathaus
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we travel to Prague on one of the nicest train lines in Europe. We’ll arrive early at the Vienna train station and have time to look around the large shopping center inside. Pick up snacks or lunch for our rail journey and spend your remaining euros now since we won’t use them in Prague. Traveling at speeds approaching 150 mph, we’ll marvel at the breathtaking scenery during our four-hour trip.
Before you know it, we’ll arrive at Prague’s central train station, just a short taxi ride to the Old Town Square and our hotel. You can walk nearly everywhere through the mostly traffic-free center of Prague, with the Old Town just 10 minutes from the Charles Bridge. Few cities can match Prague for its over-the-top romance and Old-World charm. It’s filled with sumptuous Art Nouveau facades, offers many Mozart and Vivaldi concerts, and has some of the best beers in Europe.
The Czechs have always been at the crossroads of Europe—between Slavic and Germanic worlds, Catholicism and Protestantism, and the Cold War East and West. The pagan Slavic tribes that arrived in this part of Europe in the 6th century AD were first united by “Good King Wenceslas“ in the 900s, who converted the Czechs to Christianity and founded a cathedral at Prague Castle. In 1004, Bohemia (the largest of the Czech Republic’s three regions and home to Prague) was incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire. It soon became one of Europe’s most highly cultured cities. The 14th century was Prague’s Golden Age under the rule of Charles IV. Selecting Prague as his seat of power, Charles IV imported French architects to make the city a grand capital and founded the first university north of the Alps. Much of Prague’s history and architecture—the Charles Bridge, Charles University, St. Vitus Cathedral, and Karlstejn Castle—can be traced to his rule. The Czech Republic is a member of the EU and the NATO alliance but has not yet adopted the euro as its currency. The Czech currency is the koruna. The current exchange rate of 1 koruna = $.045, or $1 = 22.5 koruna.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Art Deco Imperial
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we’ll meet a local guide and take an hour or so walking tour. We’ll see the magical main square of Prague, with lots of colorful facades, the dramatic Jan Hus Memorial, the looming Tyn Church, and the famous Astronomical Clock. There will be plenty of time to explore the Christmas markets in the afternoon.
Today, you may want to sample some Czech cuisine. You shouldn’t leave Prague without tasting classic steak tartare. It’s minced raw beef with condiments, served on toasted bread and topped with an egg. It goes great with the local Bohemian beer, a robust Pilsner-style draft made with hops that provide a strong, bitter taste and an irresistible herbal aroma. If tartare isn’t your thing, you can try Kulajda—a traditional creamy potato soup with mushrooms, dill, and vinegar—or order a duck dish stuffed with a mixture of dumplings and sauerkraut.
In the evening, we’ll hop on one of the city streetcars decorated with sparkling lights and Christmas motifs. Along the route, you’ll admire the ancient Gothic buildings illuminated for the season and circle Prague Castle.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Art Deco Imperial
Meals: Breakfast
Looming above Prague and dominating its skyline is the Castle Quarter. We’ll trek up to the sprawling complex, which includes the country’s former royal palace and its top church, St. Vitus Cathedral. The cathedral’s highlight is an exquisite stained-glass window by the Art Nouveau great Alfons Mucha that tells the entire story of Christianity in the Czech lands. If you are a fan, we can stop by the Mucha Museum for an hour and see a variety of his revolutionary posters and prints.
It’s our last day in Prague and time for some serious shopping. All the fashionable and luxury shopping is situated on Parizska Street, a tree-lined avenue that intersects the Jewish Quarter. Here, you’ll find the top international designers with stunning window displays in opulent Art Nouveau buildings. More affordable, high-quality offerings by local designers can be found in nearby streets. What to buy? The Czech Republic produces some of the finest glass and crystal products in Europe. The array of blown glass, painted glass, engraved glass, and cut crystal available in Prague is dizzying. Moser is the most famous brand, and its flagship store in Prague has a museum-quality showroom. For jewelry, buy a piece with garnets. Garnets are blood-colored gemstones mined in the nearby Bohemian mountains with unique refractive properties. Shop for them at Turnov Granat or J. Drahonovsky’s Studio. For a more whimsical purchase, consider a hand-crafted wooden puppet. Puppets have a glorious past and vibrant present in the Czech Republic and can make a thoughtful memento.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Art Deco Imperial
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
All too soon, our trip comes to an end. A private driver will take you to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. Your bags will be filled to the brim with unique Christmas gifts, and you’ll be home in plenty of time to enjoy the Christmas season in full swing back home.
Located on a quiet side street in the bustling Viennese city center, the Hotel Josefshof blends modern luxury with historic charm. The rooms are situated in two patrician houses built at the end of the 19th century that were converted into the Hotel Josefshof. It’s a 7-minute walk to the Christmas Markets.
This stunning hotel is a historical landmark set in the heart of Prague and within walking distance of Old Town. Its rich Art Deco exterior has Cubist touches, and the interior mosaics and furnishings will take you back to the 1920s. Then, movie stars, politicians, and artists made the hotel their Prague hangout. It has undergone a recent renovation, and you’re sure to enjoy the large marble bathrooms with heated floors and upgraded technology services.
Price per person (Shared Room): $5990.00
Single Room Supplement: add $1110.00
Airfare is not included. All ground transportation, tours, entrance fees, and meals indicated on the daily itinerary are included
Group size is 6 -12 people
A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place
Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring you're well prepared to enjoy your journey. We work hard to put together itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget. We aim to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours.
Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.
We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration and adventure.
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.
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 prior to the start date of the trip.
Forms of Payment: We accept checks and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 3.9 processing fee for credit cards. 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.
You must obtain any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be traveling to or transiting through, and I will inform you of any visa needs. 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.
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: 25% of trip cost up to 45 days before travel date; 50% of trip cost between 45 to 30 days prior to travel date; cancellations made within 30 days of travel date are non-refundable. Cancellation penalties apply as soon as we have received payment. Cancellations for any reason whatsoever, including medical reasons, death in the family, strikes, wars, weather, natural disasters, airline default, or government travel warnings will not entitle you to any refund in the case of nonrefundable reservations. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is required.
Insurance: 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 yo use one of my recommended insurance coverage companies. Please call me directly at 603-858-2733 to discuss and ask questions about travel insurance coverage.
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, the forces of nature, disease, hotels, tour operators or subcontractors. 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.
