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 603-858-2733
Price per person (Shared Room): $ Coming Soon
Single Room Supplement: add $ Coming Soon
Journey beyond the well-trodden path on an 8-day, bespoke luxury tour through the most beautiful and historically dramatic areas of Southern Italy. We plunge into a profound contrast as we move from the sun-drenched coastal elegance of Puglia (Apulia) to the haunting, inland majesty of Matera in Basilicata—one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, carved entirely into rock. We will explore UNESCO sites like the mysterious octagonal Castel del Monte and the fairy-tale Trulli of Alberobello. Indulge in private wine tastings of rare Moscato Reale, master the art of fresh pasta in a hands-on cooking class, and delve into the regional folklore of the "tarantate." This deeply immersive journey connects the ancient caves with the celebrated vintages, revealing the resilient and magical soul of Italy's stunning South.
Day 0: Saturday, May 9th - Fly overnight to Bari, Italy
Day 1: Sunday, May 10th - Drive to Trani
Dinner and Welcome: Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Accommodation: Ognissanti Hotel, Trani
Meals: Welcome Dinner Local Trattoria (8:00 PM)
Day 2: Monday May 11th - Trani tour 9-12
Day Tour of Trani and Castel del Monte:
History, beauty framed by the sea, a meeting of religions, imperial heritage, and authentic flavors. Trani and Castel del Monte, two gems of the so-called "Puglia Federiciana," a land that flourished under the enlightened vision of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, and even earlier under Norman rule. A tour that combines breathtaking views, multicultural heritage, and timeless flavors.
Trani, with its enchanting sea view, offers a setting of rare beauty, where art, history, and nature merge. From the harbor entrance, three monumental treasures rise out of the water, their terraces and bell tower offering spectacular views:
The majestic Cathedral, resembling a white ship ready to set sail, the Swabian Castle, a coastal garrison built by King Frederick II, and a monastery perched on the promontory jutting out into the sea, at the far end of the bay.
These are not simple monuments—they are gateways to the history of Trani, a bridge between East and West, a spiritual and commercial crossroads, always open to diversity. It is no coincidence that the heart of the historic center is the Giudecca, the ancient Jewish quarter, once home to one of the most important Jewish communities in Europe, which boasted four synagogues, one of which now houses the Jewish Museum, and another considered the oldest synagogue still active in Europe.
Light lunch in Trani
The tour continues through the countryside around Trani, rich in tuff quarries, centuries-old olive trees, and vineyards. This is where the rare Moscato Reale di Trani is born, the only Moscato wine in Puglia with a Protected Designation of Origin (DOP). Thanks to the calcareous soil and the sea breeze that naturally dries the grapes on the vine, this wine releases unforgettable aromas and flavors. A special tasting, accompanied by local products, will enhance its uniqueness.
The experience culminates at the legendary Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its perfect octagonal shape and profound symbolism, it is considered a self-portrait in stone of Frederick II—a place where science, architecture, astronomy, and mystery meet.
To make your visit even more magical, we will take an evening walk through Trani's historic center—when the golden light gives way to night and the city lights up with the eternal charm of the Mediterranean, with fascinating stories of jurists—including the first female lawyer in history—merchants, and intellectual heroes, as well as the traditions of the city's popular and religious culture.
Dinner with Wine Producer at Ognissanti. Marilia and Linda Leone, owners of Madri Leone Winery, will guide us in the pairing and stories (opportunity to buy wine and have it shipped to the US)
Accommodation: Ognissanti Hotel, Trani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tuesday May 12th - Drive to Matera (1h20 drive from Trani)
Trani is in the Apulia Region, and Matera is in the Basilicata Region. A significant change of landscape, culture, and taste. The day in Matera will be an immersive experience into the heart, soul, and deepest essence of the third-oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
The morning will begin with a walk through the Park of the Rock Churches, where you will be able to see the panoramic view over the Sassi of Matera, compared to an eagle with its wings wide open—a city carved into the rock, dotted with thousands of "eyes" capable of speaking and telling stories.
The tour includes a visit to some caves and, most importantly, with a short detour of a few kilometers, a visit to the Crypt of the Original Sin, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Rock Churches. This is an extraordinary monastic settlement from the 7th century that contains a cycle depicting the Creation and Original Sin, as well as remarkable paintings of the Holy Virgin, saints, and archangels.
Lunch in a local restaurant with wine/food pairing conducted by Uliana Petrucci with a stop at a local FORNO star to see the traditional bread famously baked in this area.
In the afternoon, the day will continue with a walk through the Barisano and Caveoso districts of the Sassi, to appreciate the life that humble people once lived there. There will also be an exploration of the part of the city called La Civita and Il Piano, a testament to a prosperous and elegant city.
Walking through the narrow streets of the Sassi of Matera, it will be possible—through a passionate narrated story and especially as we move toward sunset—to experience an enveloping and deeply emotional atmosphere that echoes the life of the past, with its simplicity, drama, but also its capacity for adaptation, resilience, perseverance, and faith.
Once back in Trani, people are free to stroll around and eat by themselves. Dinner on our own.
Accommodation: Ognissanti Hotel, Trani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch on us, Dinner on your own
Day 4: Wedneday May 13th: Move toward Lecce
Vetrere experience: We’ll start this wonderful day by visiting Vetrere Winery, and a chance to stretch our legs with a beautiful walk in the vineyards surrounding the cellar. We'll then be welcomed to the English Garden for a cooking class, where a local chef will demonstrate how to make fresh pasta, accompanied by a glass of Aureo, Vetrere’s own sparkling wine and followed by a wine pairing lunch with four wines.
The menu consists of a typical Apulian appetizer: crepes with Don Carlo, mini portions of parmigiana and fried meatballs. The first course depends on the our choice, whether we prefer meat or fish, and served with cavatelli with chickpea and courgette cream, homemade dessert and seasonal fruit and coffee with tasting combined with the menu of our labels
GROTTAGLIE: On the way back to Lecce, we will stop at Grottaglie which is famous for its ceramics. The ceramics district is authentic and captivating, and we will be able to visit artisans where you can see firsthand how the pieces are made and decorated.
We’ll drive to Lecce to arrive in the late afternoon with just enough time for a stroll, an aperitif, and a relaxing dinner.
Dinner together:TBD
Accommodation: Lecce
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Thursday, May 14th - NEED DAY TITLE
Lecce is one of Puglia's jewels, the capital of an area known as Salento. From a Messapian city built in the 3rd millennium BC to a Roman military camp, to the exuberance of its Baroque architecture and noble palaces, Lecce retains traces of its important past. Called "the Florence of the South.
Lecce is also known as the Church City: the city is teeming with churches and religious buildings, some of which now house public offices, museums, and exhibitions. Lecce is a city of art and craftsmanship, and the streets of the historic center are still home to numerous workshops specializing in the arts for which Lecce is particularly famous: papier-mâché and ceramics. A Baroque legacy, papier-mâché, originally used for sacred statuary, has evolved over time to represent a craft of excellence that is today known and appreciated worldwide for the extraordinary skill and creative flair of its master papier-mâché artists.
Light lunch at an enotecca
Lecce will also delight you at the table with the deliciousness of its traditional food and fine wine.
Historical points of interest: Porta Napoli, Piazza Duomo, Cathedral of SS. Maria Annunziata, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Roman Amphitheater, Giudecca (the old Jewish quarter), Basilica of Santa Croce.
Paper-mâché workshops: Baldari (here guests will have the opportunity to watch and try making a sheet of paper from cotton rags and see all the steps involved in creating the statues); Claudio Riso (We will have a workshop here where each guest can try "dressing" a statue, experiencing the simplicity of the process that makes each creation unique.
Aperitive at Piero Paladini Atelier
Dinner more formal checking places
Accommodation: Lecce
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Friday May 15th - NEED DAY TITLE
Meeting point at 9:00 AM
Transfer to Galatina (half hour drive from Lecce) and tour of the historic center
The city of Galatina is a land of mysticism and magic. Until the 1950s, it was the place where the "tarantate" (women suffering from tarantula bite) would go to be healed from the poisonous bite of the tarantula. The "tarantate" were women said to suffer from "tarantism,” a hysterical fit attributed to the bite of a tarantula (spider).
It was believed that the bite caused agitation, convulsive movements, and an uncontrollable urge to dance frenetically for days to rid themselves of the poison. For this reason, a specific healing ritual existed, containing mystical and pagan elements. This healing ritual was often accompanied by music and the “pizzica” (pizzica in italian means bite) dance, known precisely as the "pizzica tarantata."
We will stroll from the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, to the Chapel of Saint Paul, where the religious/pagan healing rites of tarantism were performed, we will stroll to the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a true Gothic jewel, completely covered in frescoes and therefore considered the “Assisi of the South.”
While in Galatina, we will taste the famous “Pasticciotto” accompanied by the Lecce coffee
Departure from Galatina to Otranto at 12:00 PM
Casual lunch on the water in Otranto or Galatina before departing.
Otranto overlooks the Adriatic coast and, thanks to its geographical position, has been a crossroads of peoples since ancient times. Known as the Gateway to the East, this beautiful town is the easternmost point of Italy, a favorite destination for those who love the sea and history.
Otranto is appreciated for the beauty of its landscape and its crowning glory, the mosaic floor of the Cathedral dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, the town has been an important port for the entire Salento peninsula. It still bears traces of its Byzantine past and walking along the walls or at the foot of the imposing Aragonese castle, you can see signs of the 1482 invasion by the Ottoman Empire.
Another highlight of this small seaside village is the "Basilichetta" of San Pietro, a clear trace of Byzantine rule that has also left its mark in our language. In fact, "Grico" is now a recognized and protected minority language by the European Union, and it's not difficult to hear the sound of this ancient language, given that the lyrics of many popular songs are in Grico. Near Otranto, you can visit the historic Le Costantine Foundation, a hand-weaving and embroidery workshop based on the ancient art of the loom. Founded thanks to the foresight of two women in the early 20th century, it was initially a tool for women's emancipation and is now a recognized symbol of excellence worldwide. The fabrics produced at the Foundation were used for the Dior 2021 Cruise Collection, presented in Lecce.
Return around 5:30 PM
Accommodation: Lecce
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on our own
Day 7: Saturday, May 16th - NEED DAY TITLE
Drive from Lecce to Alberobello and a tour with Stefania de Toma. Light lunch (end by 2 pm) in Alberobello and relax with mysterious special coffee in Polignano a Mare before heading to Bari around 4 for a short introduction to Bari and some expoloring on our own.
Its our last night of the Tour so we will have a special dinner in Bari to say goodbye.
Accommodation: Bari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Friday May 17th - Fly back from Bari Airport
Located in Trani and with Trani Beach reachable within a 10-minute walk, Ognissanti Restaurant Spa Hotel Rooftop provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, a terrace, free WiFi throughout the property and a restaurant.
Luxury suites in the historical centre of Lecce
More than a luxury hotel, Palazzo Sant’Anna is a newly renovated historical building in the centre of Lecce. Our suites are equipped with all comforts with a great attention to detail to ensure the wellbeing of our guests.
Price per person (Shared Room): $ Coming Soon
Single Room Supplement: add $ Coming Soon
Commitment
Planning a trip can be daunting. We want you to relax and know that we are committed to ensuring that you will enjoy your journey. We work hard to create trips that have the feel of casual travel with friends rather than formal tours and plan itineraries that match your interests and fit your budget.
Responsible Travel
Global travel can only succeed if communities benefit from tourism. We hire local operators who value sustainable travel and support their communities.
Inspiring Through Travel
We specialize in journeys of discovery and inspiration. Our adventures are all about local culture—the people, history, art, architecture, and food. Our trips showcase a rich source of inspirational people, landscapes, and cityscapes. Traveling is the time for discovery, exploration, and adventure.
Trusted Support
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.
Disclaimer
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 before the start date of the trip.
Forms of Payment: We accept ACH transfers (1% fee and .30) and credit cards (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard). There is a 2.9 processing fee for MC and Visa credit cards, and American Express incurs a 3.9% fee. 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.
I will inform you of any visa needs, and you must obtain any necessary visas and travel permits for all countries that you will be traveling to or transiting through. 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.
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 recommend one of my recommended insurance coverage companies. Please call me directly at 603-858-2733 to discuss and ask questions about travel insurance coverage.
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:
Cancellation penalties apply as soon as we have received payment. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance is required.
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, unplanned forces of nature, or disease. 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.
