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
Croatia is renowned for its coastline with red-tiled roofed towns overlooking the Dalmatian coast interspersed with gorgeous beaches. On our last trip we toured the historic cities of Dubrovnik and Split with their Gothic and Renaissance architecture and crossed into Bosnia and Herzegovina to view some of the most beautiful springs and geological landscapes in Europe. Next, we headed inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park with picturesque lakes arranged in cascades. We stayed in treehouses designed to capture the great outdoors before heading back to the coast and Opatija, a Belle Epoque treasure.
Our final days were spent in the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana, and Bled – set in the Alps on an alpine lake. We enjoyed local cuisine at each place we visited. The trip was a wonderful blend of city and outdoors and enhanced by local guides at each stop.
Depart for Croatia from the U.S. A flight leaving on Thursday will arrive in Dubrovnik on Friday.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: N/A
On arrival at the airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel by private car.
Following your overnight flight from the U.S., you'll be met at the Palermo airport and transported directly to the hotel. We’ll gather for drinks in the early evening to catch up with our friends and fellow travel companions. Get a good night’s rest tonight—we’ll be leaving early tomorrow morning. Don’t worry, you’ll be back in Palermo for three days at the end of the trip.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a morning walking tour with a private guide in Dubrovnik's historic Old Town. The tour includes a visit to the Franciscan Monastery, the world's oldest and still-functioning pharmacy, Rector's Palace with its remarkable blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, Sponza Palace, City Bell Tower, Orlando's Column, and the Church of St. Blaise, the city's patron saint.
The Italians, only 123 miles away on the other side of the Adriatic, influenced the Croatian coast so it comes as no surprise that part of the Italian soul can be felt, seen, and touched in Croatian architecture, language, and food. 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.
In the afternoon, 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. Take a private boat tour around Dubrovnik, with the best views of the city walls from the water. At sunset, the boat will leave you on the private beach of St. Jacob (Sv. Jakov) where a fresh fish dinner and local wine will be served, overlooking the Old Town of Dubrovnik.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a 3 1/2 hour ferry ride from Dubrovnik to the island of Hvar. The town of Hvar has a long history as a center for trade and culture in the Adriatic. Part of the Venetian Empire during the 13th to 18th centuries, it was an important naval base with a strong fortress above, encircling the town walls and protecting the port. The seven-hundred-year-old walls still survive, as do many of the noble houses and public buildings from the 15th – 17th centuries.
Hvar Island is so much more than just the glitz and glamour of its main town. Consider renting a car and driving through lavender fields to the small village of Brusje, explore the Venetian streets of Stari Grad, eat delicious gelato in Jelsa, and swim in the gloriously clear waters at Ivan Dolac.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Corner Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get up early and catch the ferry from Hvar to Spilt. It's only an hour's sail.
Take a guided walking tour of Split—Croatia’s largest coastal city. The walk takes you along the cobbled streets of the Old Town to the astonishing Palace of Diocletian, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The only Roman emperor to denounce his crown, Diocletian decided to retire and build himself a "little" palace on this spectacular spot at the turn of the 4th century. The Palace is a town itself. 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 the tour enjoy some gelato while walking the beautiful streets of Split. Afterward, walk to Marjan park, the most beloved place for locals to soak up the best views of Split.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Corner Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
This is Croatia's oldest and most spectacular park, consisting of 16 named and several smaller unnamed lakes, cascading one into the next. Pack a picnic lunch before you go and then hike among the many waterfalls and lakes.
Just 15 minutes away is a resort where you can stay for two nights in a treehouse. The restaurant will prepare for you a local specialty and you'll learn the secret of Croatia's most popular dish—peka.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Plitvice Holiday Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend below the surface of the earth and discover the fascinating world of subterranean life in the Barac caves. A professional guide leads you on a lit path that snakes through stalactites and stalagmites and explains the cave formation through millennia, its geological composition and archaeological finds.
Visit Magdic Distillery and learn how rakija is made. It's a local drink enjoyed by every Croatian; taste it and see if you agree. Guaranteed to knock your socks off!
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Plitvice Holiday Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive back to the coast. Along the way, stop at Rastoke, an under-the-radar sibling to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Rastoke is a village with cascading waterfalls flowing through it, where bars and restaurants are built among the waterfalls.
Arrive in Opatija in the early afternoon. Opatija is a magnificent coastal town on the Adriatic Sea and a well-known 19th-century health resort. Its mild and pleasant climate makes for a perfect destination all year long. The town is surrounded by stunning nature. It is located at the foot of Mount Ucka, a popular destination for hikers and excursionists. The city is full of magnificent villas that are superb examples of Belle Époque architecture. Experience the Lungomare walking trails and soak up the Adriatic.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Admiral 4*
Meals: Breakfast
Explore the Istrian Peninsula, or "Croatian Tuscany," beginning in Motovun, a remarkable hilltop town. Go on a truffle hunt and degustation to taste truffle cheese, chocolate, truffle paste, and truffle oil. Continue toward the beautiful resort of Rovinj, a delightful fishing port and historic Old Town. On the drive back to Opatija, make a short stop in Pula to admire one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Pula has been a strategic port since Roman times, and it deserves a visit. Return by the scenic coast (1.5 hours) on the way back to the hotel.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Admiral 4*
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive for 2.5 hours to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital. Crossing the border in just 20 minutes from Opatija, leave the Adriatic Sea and approach the Slovenian Alps. Upon arrival in Ljubljana, do a walking tour with a local guide and learn about the architecture of the genius Plecnik, an architect as important to his city as Gaudi to Barcelona.
Ljubljana has changed enormously in the last decade and become a charming little pedestrianized Old Town with its unique mixture of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. It has been called the green capital of Europe. View Ljubljana Castle towering over the city, stop at the lively open-air Central Market, visit Three Bridges Square, and Town Hall…all while encountering another culture, so close to Croatia yet so different. A boat ride is a must, giving you an exclusive view of the buildings scattered around the Ljubljanica River.
Continue your journey for just 45 minutes to reach Bled, exquisitely set in the famous Alps. This Alpine lake with the only island in Slovenia is a symbol of Slovenia’s beauty. In the 19th century, Bled was visited by spa enthusiasts following the methods of Swiss physician Arnold Rikli. At the beginning of the 20th century, Lake Bled was considered the most beautiful health resort in Austria-Hungary.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Rikli Balance Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Surrounded by high peaks, Bled has enticed travelers since the mid-19th century for its pure air, magnificent scenery, and healing thermal springs. Today, it is a sparkling all-seasons resort with delightful hotels, villas, and restaurants nestled on the lakefront. Start your day by ascending to the imposing Bled Castle, perched on a cliff with soaring views. After the castle visit, descend to the lake and visit the only island in the country, situated in the middle of the lake. Sail on the lake to the island in a traditional boat called a pletna. Pletna boats are made by locals and are typical of Bled. Their origins date back to the 16th century. The title of the pletna oarsman was handed down from generation to generation, which is why the profession of “Pletnarstvo” remained in individual families throughout the centuries. There are 23 pletna boats on the lake. It is a wooden flatbottom boat designed according to the concept of the Venetian gondola, but it has its own features. The boat is propelled by a special “stehrudder” technique where the oarsman stands and rows with two oars. With no motorboats allowed, one feels as if in the middle of paradise, surrounded by mountains.
Spend the rest of the day exploring this stunning city. You might want to walk all around the lake; it takes about 2 hours at an easy pace. Bike rentals are available at the hotel. Before dinner, it would be a shame to miss the hotel’s thermal spa to recharge a bit before the flight home.
Only 15 minutes from the old town of Dubrovnik. The Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel is located in the green oasis of the Babin Kuk peninsula with stunning views of the Elaphiti Islands.
Hotel Corner is located in the center of Split, just 10 minutes walk from Diocletian’s Palace. It's a renovated former office building with modern, comfortable, and light-filled rooms.
A place where nature meets luxury that allows for an opportunity to re-connect with nature and beautiful surroundings. Five specially equipped houses for four persons offer comfortable and luxurious accommodation. Located high in pine trees, these houses are a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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Located just a short walk from the city center, Hotel Admiral (4*) Opatija is situated right on the Adriatic Sea and Lungomare coastal promenade overlooking the marina.
The Rikli Balance Hotel is charming and relaxing, as it reflects respect for local handicrafts and healthy habits. It has some of the best views of Lake Bled and a large thermal pool complex.
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.
