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): $4,399.00
Single Room Supplement: add $750.00
Max 12 participants. A deposit of 40% is required to reserve your place.
Join us for a week in nature, hiking one of Europe’s great undiscovered trails, the GR 132 on La Gomera, one of the unspoiled and wild western Canaries, a group of islands belonging to Spain, situated off the coast of Morocco. With average November daytime temperatures in La Gomera of 21C (70F), this is the ideal trip to kick the winter blues. This trip kicks off with a night in Tenerife, where participants have the chance to experience Spain’s highest mountain, El Teide (12,000 ft), by cable car.
Your guides, Kiki Keating and Nick Barniville, have put together the ultimate winter escape in Europe’s southern Atlantic. Kiki has a passion for taking small groups on life-changing adventures and works to ensure that every trip detail is meticulously planned and executed. Nick is an avid cook and hiker, originally from Ireland, who made La Gomera his home during the Covid pandemic, discovering the beauty of this volcanic island and its empty, breath-taking trails.
Arrival day. Most of the group will come in overnight from the US, but flights are available to Tenerife South airport (TFS) from almost any major airport in Europe. Best US flight options are via Madrid. Note that there are two airports in Tenerife, and our hotel for the first night, the luxurious Ritz Carlton Abama, is much nearer to TFS (South). Private transfers will be arranged for you from the airport to the hotel.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: None, overnight flight
Meals: None
Afternoon and evening relaxing at the hotel or in the spa. We will kick the trip off with an informal group meet with your tour leaders and dinner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Ritz Carlton Abama, Costa Adeje, Tenerife
Meals included: Dinner
Depart the Ritz Carlton Abama at a civilized hour (after breakfast) by private transfer to El Teide Base Station. Take a cable car from the base station to the upper station (approx. 10,000 ft). The more ambitious hikers in the group can tackle the final 750m (2000 ft) ascent on foot (very steep, subject to advance registration and permits). From the top on a clear day, it is possible to see the islands of La Gomera, La Palma, El Hierro and Gran Canaria. This is truly one of the most spectacular views in Europe. If there is interest, a guide can be booked to take the group on a hike to the summit. Note: the cable car is often cancelled if it is too windy, and guides must be booked 4-6 months in advance for the trip from the cable car station to the summit as numbers are strictly limited for conservation purposes.
Continue by private transfer to the ferry port at Los Christianos. Hop on a fast ferry (one hour) to San Sebastian de La Gomera before checking in to the Parador, a national historic monument hotel, just a 5 minute ride from the port. Sample the best island cuisine with a group dinner at the Parador restaurant.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Parador de San Sebastian, La Gomera
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start with a 45-minute taxi transfer to near the top of the now extinct Garajonay volcano (1500m / 4800 ft), the highest point of La Gomera (from where, on a clear day, you can see the other islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro and La Palma). Hike down through the Laurisilva rainforest and past incredible rock formations which frame your view of the blue Atlantic and the towering El Teide across the strait on Tenerife. End the hike at La Laja, a peaceful village nestled in the valley of San Sebastian before a short taxi ride back to the Parador. Enjoy the evening exploring San Sebastian (population ca. 5,000) at your leisure (or book a massage in the Parador).
Daily Summary:
Overnight: Parador de San Sebastian, La Gomera
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Pack up the bags and send them on ahead to the next destination, the Hotel Hecansa Los Herrera, in Hermigua. Set off on foot from the front door of the Parador, climbing along well-maintained trails over the ridge along the northeastern side of the island, with sweeping views of deep valleys, craggy inlets, old agricultural lands and the ever-present El Teide. Stop for a picnic along the way, and a swim at the beautiful tiny beach of La Caleta. Descend into the Hermigua valley before enjoying a cold beer at Pedro’s, La Gomera’s most famous terrace bar overlooking the banana plantations. Freshen up at the Hecansa and head for dinner in a local seafood restaurant.
*for those who want to shorten the hike, a taxi transfer is available to the mid-point.
Daily Summary:
Overnight: Hotel Escuela Rural Casa De Los Herrera, Hermigua, La Gomera
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start with a taxi transfer up to the top of the island near Chorros de Epina to experience one of the most beautiful parts of the GR132, along the northern traverse. Starting out on the northwest of the island near Tazo, the hike maintains an elevated route overlooking the village of Arguamul before reaching the quaint Ermita Santa Clara, where we will stop for lunch. After this, we follow the path along the ridge overlooking the beautiful valley of Vallehermoso (which actually means “beautiful valley”), before descending into Playa de Vallehermoso, where a swim might tempt tired legs. After a refuelling stop for coffee or a beer at Casa Conrado, we transfer back to our hotel, the Los Herrera in Hermigua. Dinner is at an excellent local steakhouse, Las Chacaras (named after the castanet-like instrument indigenous to old Gomera).
Daily Summary:
Overnight: Hotel Escuela Rural Casa De Los Herrera, Hermigua, La Gomera
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Private transfer after an early breakfast to our next hotel, the Jardin Tecina, in Playa Santiago. This hotel became famous as the destination of choice for Germany’s former Chancellor Angela Merkel. The hikers will be dropped at the base of Fortaleza, a large rock which might remind some of Ayer’s Rock in Australia. We climb the rock, descend for lunch in Chipude, before hiking down a steep valley to Valle Gran Rey, a bohemian outpost which feels like the end of the world. The views throughout the day are stunning. Those who fancy a day off hiking can opt for a relaxing morning at the hotel and an afternoon transfer to Valle Gran Rey. There is also an option to hop on a two-hour boat tour, hoping to see majestic pilot whales and dolphins alongside our boat. The boat comes back along the cliff side, where occasionally breeding pairs of osprey can be spotted in the cliffs.
On disembarkation, the hikers and the whaling group can meet for an early dinner at one of the seaside restaurants at the port and enjoy the sunset before heading back to the Jardin Tecina.
*this day can be customized to the group’s preference for hiking vs whale watching, or a bit of both.
Daily Summary:
Overnight: Hotel Jardin Tecina, Playa Santiago, La Gomera
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch (if hiking), Dinner
After a relaxing morning by the pool or on the beach, we pack up in La Gomera and take a taxi transfer to the port at San Sebastian for the late afternoon ferry back to Los Christianos (ferry time 50 minutes), and on to the last night’s hotel near Tenerife South airport. We get together for a final dinner together at a local restaurant.
Daily Summary:
Overnight: Hotel TBC
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Early morning transfer to Tenerife South airport for onward travel. Options to extend the trip can be offered in Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria or Madrid.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: None
Meals: None
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then it’s time to return home!
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Nestled along the stunning coastline of Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is a luxurious oasis where Moorish-inspired architecture meets lush subtropical gardens. With 462 elegantly designed rooms and suites offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Teide, this iconic resort promises an unforgettable escape. Indulge in culinary excellence at award-winning restaurants, unwind at the expansive spa, or relax on the golden sands of Abama beach. Experience a blend of tranquility and sophistication, making every moment a cherished memory in this enchanting paradise.
Perched above the charming town of San Sebastián de la Gomera, the Parador of San Sebastián offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Mount Teide. Designed in traditional island architectural style, this enchanting hotel evokes the spirit of the age of Columbus, inviting guests to step back in time. Surrounded by lush gardens and featuring comfortable accommodations, a seasonal pool, and a restaurant serving local delicacies, it’s the perfect retreat for relaxation. Experience tranquility and natural beauty in this idyllic paradise.
In the picturesque town of Hermigua, Hotel Escuela Rural Casa de los Herrera is a charming retreat set in a beautifully restored 19th-century estate. With its traditional stone walls and rustic wooden accents, the hotel seamlessly blends with the lush, green landscapes of La Gomera. Guests can enjoy well-equipped rooms, a tranquil terrace for relaxation, and easy access to hiking trails and local attractions. Immerse yourself in the island's culture while savoring delightful local cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Experience the perfect balance of comfort, nature, and authentic Canarian hospitality in this serene paradise.
Hotel Jardín Tecina is a stunning retreat located in the enchanting Playa Santiago, La Gomera. Surrounded by lush gardens and breathtaking ocean views, this eco-friendly hotel seamlessly blends luxury with nature. Guests can indulge in beautifully appointed rooms, relax at the serene spa, and enjoy a variety of dining options featuring fresh, organic produce from the on-site Eco Finca. With access to an 18-hole golf course and the idyllic Beach Club Laurel, every moment promises relaxation and adventure. Experience the unique charm and natural beauty of La Gomera at this exceptional destination, where sustainability and comfort go hand in hand.
Price per person (Shared Room): $4,399.00
Single Room Supplement: add $750.00
Group size is 8 - 12 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 to 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.
