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 or Nancy 206-491-5858
Sicily is the jewel of the Mediterranean. The island’s coastline varies from pristine sandy beaches to pebbly coves to jagged rock cliffs. Stamped upon Sicily’s natural beauty is a mosaic of European culture. Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and others left behind a legacy of architectural marvels that trace 3000 years of history.
Your trip begins when you land at the Catania airport and travel to Taormina, a hilltop city overlooking the sea with views of Mt. Etna. We’ll explore the nearby volcano Mt. Etna, visit a local vineyard, take a boat tour off the coast, and see the ancient Greek theater. Next up is Ortigia, a small Baroque island and historical center of Syracuse. Its impressive church buildings and elegant piazzas make it a perfect city for walking. The nearby Archeological Park site—home to both a Greek theater and Roman amphitheater—will leave you awestruck.
Traveling west, we’ll tour the city of Ragusa before arriving in Agrigento for a sunset tour of the Valley of the Temples. These ruins are the most impressive testimony of the classical culture of Sicily. From Agrigento, we’ll drive north to the Salt Flats along the coast and then to the stunning hilltop city of Erice.
We end our trip with three days in Palermo. You'll see the important royal and sacred sites, visit a private 18th-century palazzo, shop in the outdoor food markets, participate in a cooking class, and eat lots of fantastic Sicilian food
You'll be met at the Catania airport and transported directly to the seafront hotel in Taormina. Perched upon a rocky headland above the sea, Taormina has been a tourist destination in Sicily for hundreds of years. Beautifully restored medieval buildings, breathtaking views around every corner, and winding streets lined with shops, bars, and restaurants make it a perfect spot to hang out for a few days. Unpack your bags, stroll around the surrounding Romantic-style gardens or enjoy drinks on the pool terrace. We’ll have dinner together at the hotel and appreciate the stunning views that surround us.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Diodoro
Meals: Dinner
The coastline of Taormina is too perfect to simply view from a distance. After breakfast, we’ll head to the harbor for a boat excursion on the gorgeous turquoise waters. Our local guide will lead us on a walking tour of Taormina in the afternoon. One of the many star attractions we'll see is the 3rd century BC Greek theater, later enlarged by Romans to accommodate their own brand of theatrical performances. The rest of the day is yours to relax or shop and enjoy night views of the sparkling Bay of Naxos.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Diodoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Mt. Etna dominates the landscape of eastern Sicily. At 11,000 feet, it's the highest mountain peak in Italy south of the Alps. Etna is one of the world's most active volcanoes and is in an almost constant state of activity. The fertile volcanic soils support extensive agriculture, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain. We'll take a cable car and do a pleasant hike with an experienced guide on the lava-covered slopes and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline.
Coming down off the mountain, we arrive at an outstanding winery that showcases Sicily's winemaking tradition and innovation. Mt. Etna has several unique qualities that lend delicious complexity to its wines. The slopes are stacked with stone-terraced vineyards that follow old lava flows. The volcanic soil within these terraces differs due to Etna’s constant activity and grapes cultivated just yards apart may taste wildly different. The best Etna wine area is on the northern slope. It's here we find the traditional 18th-century palmento— a cellar with built-in black lava stone basins where grapes were crushed and processed to make wine and store it. We’ll tour the Palmento Costanzo vineyard and taste several different wines as we enjoy a traditional lunch made with local ingredients.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Villa Diodoro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Walking tour leaving Taormina behind this morning, we make our way to Syracusa. We’ll stop at Aci Castello to explore a menacing-looking Norman castle situated on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the sea. Before leaving, we’ll treat ourselves to an almond granita and brioche. In another hour we arrive in Ortigia, Siracusa’s Old Town.
Roman statesman and orator, Cicero, declared Syracusa, “The greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all." Founded by ancient Greek Corinthians 2700 years ago, we are staying on the island of Ortigia, a labyrinth of charming ancient and medieval streets packed with history and unique shops. After checking into our hotel, we have a walking tour of Ortigia with a local guide. You'll see the remains of Greek civilization—the temple of Apollo and the first Christian church which incorporates the temple of Athena. We end our Ortigia walking tour with an aperitivo and light dinner in a courtyard of an old palazzo.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Ortigia Royal Suite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin today at the UNESCO archaeological park of Syracusa. Our local guide will bring to life two of the most significant ancient sites from both Greek and Roman history. The ancient Greek theater dates from the 5th century BC while the adjacent Roman amphitheater was constructed in the 3rd century AD.
The afternoon and evening are free of scheduled activities. You may want to explore the shops in Ortigia or just enjoy the lively scene from an outdoor café.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Ortigia Royal Suite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Traveling from Syracuse, we drive for an hour or so to the historic center of Noto. It’s characterized by its narrow, winding streets and numerous Baroque buildings. We’ll walk around the charming town and relax over a delicious lunch. Local specialities include arancini (stuffed rice balls), cassata (a dessert made with ricotta cheese and candied fruit), and cannoli (a pastry filled with sweetened ricotta cheese).
After checking into our Agriento hotel, we’ll head out for an early evening tour of the Valley of the Temples. Set upon a high ridge just outside of Agrigento on Sicily’s southern coast, the site consists of eight temples initially constructed in the 5th century BC. The Valley of the Temples is one of the island’s star attractions and second only to Athens’s Acropolis in its significance as an archaeological site associated with the ancient Greeks.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Colleverde Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The coastline from Marsala to Trapani, known as the Salt Road, is characterized by a picturesque landscape of shallow ponds, windmills, and white pyramids of salt. The salt pans have been in use since ancient times and still produce high quality sea salt. We’ll take a boat ride through the lagoons and stop at the Museum of Salt.
On the way to our hotel in Trapani, we’ll spend a few hours in Erice. It’s a medieval walled village perched on a rocky cliff more than 750 meters above sea level, offering a magnificent view of Trapani, the Aegadian Islands, and San Vito Lo Capo. Erice’s ancient Castle is magnificent! It’s one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Sicily. From here, it's just 30 minutes by car to Trapani.
Trapani is located on the western coast of Sicily and situated on a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea, facing the Egadi Islands. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and cultural heritage.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Dimora Botteghelle Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sleep in this morning and relax around Trapani before we make the 1-½ hour drive to Palermo.
Palermo is a royal city where one can trace the arc of Western Civilization in a few days. Founded by Phoenicians from Carthage in 700 BC, the Greeks conquered the city in the 5th century BC. Under Muslim rule for 120 years beginning in 904, Palermo rivaled Cordoba and Cairo in importance and splendor. The Normans arrived next and returned the city to Christianity. Palermo has experienced a revival in the last decade. It's been revitalized with new museums, gentrified neighborhoods, walking streets, and upscale shops and hotels. Don’t worry, Palermo still retains its colorful edge and the grittiness known as "bella chaos" by locals.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll take a 2-hour orientation walking tour with a local guide, followed by dinner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Belloroto Suite
Meals: Dinner
This morning, we meet chef Michael at Mercato del Capo, one of Palermo’s oldest markets. We’ll shop for items we’ll use in class to prepare a full Sicilian menu made up of a starter, pasta dish, main course, and a dessert. After the lesson we sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labors along with a selection of Sicilian wines topped off with homemade liqueurs and coffee.
After lunch, we meet a local guide to see several splendid examples of the Arab-Byzantine and Norman architectural sites of the 12th century. The Palazzo Reale was constructed by Roger II, founder of the Kingdom of Sicily. It served as the luxurious palace of the Norman sovereigns and was enriched with terraces, exterior galleries, gardens, and ponds with an Arab flair. Following the death of Frederick II in 1250, the building was completely abandoned for approximately three centuries, until the Spanish viceroys chose it as their residence, greatly modifying its original look. The building contains the incredible Palatine Chapel. You will be dazzled by Byzantine mosaics with scenes from the Old and New Testament covering the walls of this small treasure chest.
A short distance from the Palazzo Reale stands the imposing Palermo Cathedral, consecrated in 1185. Over the centuries, the building underwent restoration and mixed elements were added, giving life to an unusually harmonious combination. One key element of the Cathedral is the elegant portico in Gothic-Catalan style. On one of the columns is the engraving of a passage from the Koran in Arabic letters.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: Hotel Belloroto Suite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We'll meet our guide in the morning and begin the day at the opera house. Nowhere (except maybe Sydney) does an opera house symbolize a city like the Teatro Massimo symbolizes Palermo. Massimo is the biggest in Italy and it dominates the capital’s antique skyline. We’ll take a guided tour and explore the stunning auditorium and halls. We’ll learn about the renovation that closed the theater for 23 years in 1974 when Mafia corruption dominated Palermo. Its completion and re-opening became a symbol of the city’s rebirth.
Near the theater is the fabulous Francavilla Palace, constructed in 1783 in what was then the countryside of Palermo. Noble aristocrats who subsequently bought the home collaborated with the finest artists of the time to make it a historic showplace. It is currently a private residence, and we have a unique opportunity to tour the main salons, library, and garden. Afterward, we’ll walk around Palermo’s oldest market with vegetables, fruits, fish, and lots of odds and ends for sale. Our next stop at Le Angeliche for lunch, an airy, romantic locale that serves up a modern version of Sicilian flavors with an Arabic twist.
In the afternoon, we tour St. Catherine's Church. It was built at the end of the 16th century and incorporates Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo elements. Almost every surface is covered with paintings, cherubs, decorative marble, and color. From the roof, we have magnificent views of Palermo and of the Pretoria fountain in the Quattro Canti square below. Tonight, we celebrate our last night together at a special farewell dinner.
Daily Summary:
Accommodation: QuintoCanto Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A car service will take you today from the hotel to the Palermo airport, an approx.40-minute drive.
Price per person (Shared Room): $7,450
Single Room Supplement: add $900
Airfare is not included in the trip price. All tours, entrance fees, and most meals (as indicated on the daily itinerary) are included. Alcohol is not included unless specifically noted.
Group size is 6 - 12 participants. A deposit of 20% is required to reserve your place.
The elegant Hotel Villa Diodoro is located just a few steps from the idyllic town of Taormina. It boasts a pool area that looks out over Mount Etna and the bay of Naxos. The Diodoro, with 100 years of history, has been dedicated to the greek historian Diodoro Siculo, a renowned figure who lived in the old town, telling the story of how travelers from all over the world discovered Taormina in their search of beauty and sun, art and culture.
Located on the eastern side of the island in the Giudecca (Jewish) quarter, the hotel’s neighborhood is a labyrinth of narrow, stone-paved alleys crowned by tiny balconies with wrought-iron railings. The Ortigia Royal Suite overlooks the sea and consists of eight suites decorated with a mixture of authentic 1800s and modern furnishings. It’s walking distance from all the major sites.
An oasis of peace and tranquility in a lush park setting with tropical plants and almond and olive trees. The Colleverde Park is situated between the historic center of Agrigento and the Valley of the Temples. You’ll want to order an aperitif from the covered garden restaurant and enjoy the amazing views.
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The hotel takes its name from the nearby Porta delle Botteghelle, a gate that’s part of the city walls. The elegant boutique hotel is in a late 19th-century palazzo located in a picturesque neighborhood in the Old Town of Trapani. The Dimora is on a quiet street, just a short stroll from the pedestrian area and the Tramontana beach. The nearby alleys and lanes offer craft shops, little eateries, and pastry shops.
In the heart of Palermo's historic district, Bellaroto Suite is in a noble palace built between the 17th and 18th centuries. The suites are furnished with design furniture and the comfort of a boutique hotel. It’s close to many points of interest, including: the Cathedral, the Quattro Canti, Piazza Bellini, and the Vucciria market.
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 20% of the trip cost prior to 60 days before the start of 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 own flight to the place of the trip departure. I am happy to advise and recommend certain flights and 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 will expire 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: 20% of trip cost 45 days or more prior to travel date, 50% of trip cost 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 have used and recommend the following 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.
