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
KikiNetwork Travel specializes in custom private tours, offering expertly handcrafted itineraries focusing on a region's authentic culture, history, beauty, and cuisine. This 11-day tour explores the best places in Croatia—Dubrovnik, the Islands, Split, Plitvice Lakes, and Zagreb.
We'll be there when you land and take care of every detail so you can relax and enjoy each day's adventure. Kiki and her team of travel experts have gone before you and scoped out the best activities, local guides, restaurants, and hotels. In Croatia, we'll trace the history of the European Union's newest member over 2000 years—from Rome's dominance right up to the breakup of Yugoslavia. Croatia's sheer beauty and cultural diversity will astound you as we make our way up the coast from Dubrovnik to the island of Mljet, to Split, and then inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park and Zagreb. In each place, we visit the most beautiful natural sites, tour important museums, taste local food and wine, and meet local friends.
The adventure begins! Board your flight in the U.S. and land in Dubrovnik the following day. Croatia is on CEST (Central European Summer Time), or six hours ahead of EDT in the U.S.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: None, overnight flight
Meals: None
A private driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodations. Our hotel —Hotel Kompas— is conveniently located on a beautiful bay just a few minutes northwest of the Old Town area of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is on the sea, ringed by medieval walls, and known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic.’ In the Middle Ages, the city-state of Dubrovnik bought its independence from whatever power was the strongest—Byzantium, Venice, Hungary, the Ottomans, or the Vatican. The Italians, in particular (only 123 miles away on the other side of the Adriatic) influenced the Croatian coast, and it’s no coincidence that the Italian soul can be felt, seen, and touched in Croatian architecture, language, and food.
After settling into our hotel and enjoying a free afternoon, we’ll do an orientation walk and have drinks and a casual dinner along the tree-lined promenade.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Kompas
Meals: Dinner
Start today with a guided walking tour in Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town. We’ll visit the world's oldest and still-functioning pharmacy, see the Rector’s Palace with its remarkable blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and the Sponza Palace, City Bell Tower, Orlando’s Column, and the Church of St. Blaise. We’ll stop at Onofrio’s Fountain, dating from the 14th century, and visit the Old Harbor, with hundreds of little private boats delivering fish to residents.
After lunch in the Old Town, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to wander the never-ending lanes of the Old Town. A visit to the city walls is a must to see how the locals live, hanging their laundry throughout tiny narrow streets with the most spectacular views of the city itself.
Tonight, we’ll have a special welcome dinner at one of Croatia’s finest restaurants.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Kompas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A 45-minute boat ride deposits us alongside the main seafront promenade of Cavtat, a small village set within an idyllic, horseshoe-shaped harbor hemmed in by a pair of peninsulas. Cavtat was a thriving Greek and Roman settlement long before Dubrovnik existed. It’s a one-street town, but that street is a fine pedestrian promenade running along the harbor, with a few narrow lanes winding steeply up the hill. Capping the hill above town is a cemetery with the mausoleum of the wealthy Račić family. Croatia’s greatest artist, Ivan Meštrovic, was commissioned to craft the final resting place. He used the opportunity to create a cohesive meditation on the Christian faith and death, made entirely of brilliant white stone from the nearby island of Brač. (You’ll have the opportunity to see more of Meštrovic’s work when we visit his home and gallery in Split.)
Not far from Cavtat is Kameni Mlin, or Stone Mill, an agrotourism spot where we will tour and enjoy a farm-to-table midday meal. You’ll learn the history of the farm and how it was rebuilt after the war and taste the wine, brandy, and olive oil produced on the farm.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Kompas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
The morning is yours to finish exploring Dubrovnik or do some shopping. We’ll leave the hotel in the early afternoon for a 1 ½ ferry trip to Mljet where we will stay for two nights.
Mljet is a magical island where Mother Nature remains utterly unspoiled. Its lush pine and oak forest, coupled with two emerald green lakes, have earned it the title “the green island.” Surrounded by the peaceful, clear waters of the Adriatic, Mljet is Croatia’s most seductive island, with much to explore. The legendary underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau spent a lot of time here. According to legend, the Greek hero Ulysses stayed here for seven years after being shipwrecked.
Upon arrival, we’ll get oriented and have a casual dinner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Odisej
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today will be all about nature and exploring Mljet National Park. The park covers an area of 34 square miles, and there are many ways to enjoy it. The two saltwater lakes provide some of the most beautiful kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling spots in Croatia. It’s a great place to explore on foot, too, with a range of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island’s landscapes. One of the most popular hikes is the 3.5-mile trail that leads to the highest peak — Montokuc. Mljet National Park is also home to the 12th-century Benedictine Monastery on the islet of St. Mary, which can be reached by boat.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Odisej
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
A leisurely morning in Mljet before we board a late-afternoon ferry to Split. The sailing takes about 3 1/2 hours, including three brief stops at islands along the way.
Although today’s Split has a modern, youthful beat, its history goes way back—all the way to the Roman Empire. It has some of the best Roman ruins this side of Italy. In the 4 th century, the Roman Emperor Diocletian wanted to retire in his native Dalmatia, so he built a huge palace here. The palace continued to host the Roman elite until the fall of the empire. To this day, 2000 people live or work inside the former palace walls. A maze of narrow alleys is home to boutiques and galleries, atmospheric cafés, and Roman artifacts around every corner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Cornaro Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We begin with a walking tour of Split—Croatia’s largest coastal city and the trendiest. The walk takes us along the cobbled streets of the Old Town to the astonishing Palace of Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we see remnants of Split's Roman heritage, its Renaissance and Gothic structures, the Temple of Jupiter, and the central square, Peristil, with its black Egyptian sphinx guarding the entrance of the Diocletian's mausoleum. Only this one sphinx, out of 12, survived when it sailed away from Egypt 3000 years ago as a gift to Diocletian.
After lunch, we’ll travel a short distance up in the hills to Split’s best art museum, dedicated to the sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. Born in 1883, he achieved international fame and is considered Croatia’s answer to Rodin. Mestrovic is the most important of all Croatian artists and many of his finest works are housed in this villa. He designed it himself to serve as his residence, studio, and exhibition space.
We’ll end our day with a delicious seafood dinner at a restaurant on the water.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Cornaro Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before we hit the road for the approx. 3-hour drive inland to the Plitvice Lakes region.
Plitvice is one of Europe’s most spectacular natural wonders. Nothing is like this lush valley of 16 terraced lakes, separated by natural travertine dams and laced together by waterfalls, boat rides, and miles of planked walkways. Countless cascades and water that’s clear and full of vibrant colors make the park a misty natural wonderland.
After a hike along many waterfalls and lakes, we will have lunch and proceed onto Zagreb, an appox. 2-hour drive.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik/Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Zagreb—Croatia’s capital city. Here we find historic neighborhoods, a thriving café culture, and few tourists. The city has a charming medieval “old city” with architecture and cobbled streets reminiscent of Prague or Budapest. Our local country guide lives in Zagreb, and he’ll give us the inside scoop on a walking tour of this sophisticated and very livable city.
We’ll visit the Gothic cathedral of Zagreb dating back to the 11 th century, tour the open markets, and ride the funicular that links the Upper Town of old Zagreb to the Lower Town where you’ll be lost between medieval towers and royal promenades. We’ll finish the day with a farewell dinner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Dubrovnik/Zagreb
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
All too soon, our trip is at an end. We’ll arrange transportation for your flight back to the U.S. or on to your next destination.
Price per person (Shared Room): $6,900.00
Single Room Supplement: add $1,300
Group size is 8 - 14 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Situated on the picturesque Lapid Bay beachfront overlooking the Adriatic, Hotel Kompas is 2.5 miles from the Old Town city center and well away from summer crowds. It offers superb contemporary design, a luxury spa, and outstanding dining facilities.
Set on the northwestern tip of Mljet within the verdant forest of Mljet National Park, Hotel Odisej is far away from the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of Dubrovnik. You’ll be in the heart of impossibly beautiful hiking and biking paths, world-class boating and diving in warm shallow bays, and Roman ruins rich in history.
A new urban lifestyle hotel in the city center, the Cornaro Hotel reflects the vibrant atmosphere and pulsing rhythm of the ancient city of Split. Steps away from the imperial Diocletian’s Palace, the hotel is surrounded by all major attractions and plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars.
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Hotel Dubrovnik is located on the main city square of Zagreb, which has had a unique hospitality tradition since 1929. It is the only hotel located in the heart of Zagreb, and it is surrounded by most of the major tourist sites such as the cathedral, Zagreb Old Town, Dolac market, parks, bars, and restaurants.
Price per person (Shared Room): $6,900.00
Single Room Supplement: add $1,300
Group size is 8 - 14 participants. 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.
