Grand Europe Adventure Tour: England, Italy, France, & More

My first solo trip was something I had dreamed about for years. I wanted it to be more than sightseeing. I wanted adventure, comfort, safety, and freedom without the stress of planning it all alone. Through Zicasso, I was connected to two specialists and Zicasso's travel consultant stood out immediately. She delivered an itinerary that gave me everything I asked for and more: maximum cities, maximum fun, and maximum value, all without compromise.

Before deciding, I researched and compared tours, packages, and individual prices online. The travel consultant’s proposal came out on top for value and content. While the other agent offered fewer cities and activities at a higher price, her plan was ambitious without being overwhelming. She booked my trains, arranged private transfers where needed, and selected boutique-style hotels that exceeded expectations. I was honestly surprised at how good they were. I stayed at hotels in Interlaken, Florence, and Sorrento. Each was clean, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring. I had prepared myself for budget trade-offs, but instead, I found thoughtfully chosen hotels that balanced affordability with real quality.

Every document, train ticket, and activity confirmation was uploaded into the app. It became my lifeline throughout the trip, with every detail at my fingertips. The structure gave me confidence, while still leaving me free to explore.

Switzerland came first: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. Each city felt like stepping into a postcard. Interlaken gave me the adrenaline rush of skydiving, while Zermatt charmed me with its close-knit magic and alpine beauty. Italy unfolded with equal ease: Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Rome. Every destination felt curated, yet natural, from gondola rides in Venice to boat tours on the Amalfi Coast.

What I loved most was the balance between structure and freedom. Pre-booked activities and restaurant reservations gave me a strong framework, but I could just as easily decide to spend an afternoon wandering Florence, eating gelato, or sitting in a piazza. The rhythm of the trip was perfect, structured enough to tick off bucket-list highlights, yet relaxed enough to feel like a real vacation.

Food was freestyle, but memorable. Highlights included a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Zurich with its elegant Japanese-Peruvian flavors, a different Japanese restaurant, a restaurant in Como with its modern fusion menu, an Indian restaurant for comforting classics, and international favorites like those in one of the restaurants in Rome. Between those meals and plenty of gelato and crepes, every stop added its own flavor to the journey.

As a solo traveler, safety mattered. I felt comfortable walking around in the evenings and was usually back in my hotel by 1am to stay rested for the next day. What really gave me peace of mind was the travel consultant’s constant support. Communication was fast and responsive. I never had to wait long for answers, whether through the app or email. There was a moment when I made a mistake with the trains and missed an activity. She immediately stepped in and worked to reschedule it or secure a refund that same day.

Earlier in the planning process, I also had a card issue due to an address error. Even though policy would not normally allow it, she and her team patiently waited until I received the refund before finalizing the booking, just weeks before my trip. That flexibility and care spoke volumes.

The difference was clear. She used my budget to its fullest potential, giving me more destinations, more experiences, and better hotels than the alternative option. She managed to combine the efficiency of a fully organized tour with the freedom of independent travel. Everything was planned, yet everything was still mine to shape.

This trip was everything I wanted: good food, beautiful views, safety, and absolute reliability. It was an organized journey with freestyle flexibility, which is exactly what solo travelers dream of. The travel consultant’s planning let me chase adventure while always knowing I had a safety net. Switzerland and Italy gave me memories I will never forget, but it was the behind-the-scenes planning that made it possible. If you want a trip that is your way, your budget, your pace, but without the endless hassle of managing it yourself, the travel consultant at this agency is the person who can make it happen. My first solo trip became my dream trip and that is the highest praise I can give.

My trip through Switzerland in October was nothing short of magical. The combination of crisp mountain air, golden autumn leaves, and snow-capped peaks made every stop along the way feel like stepping into a postcard. Swiss chocolates lived up to expectations.

Zurich was the perfect starting point—modern, clean, and full of energy. I loved strolling along Bahnhofstrasse for shopping and ending the day by the peaceful shores of Lake Zurich. The Old Town’s cobblestone lanes were charming and the café culture was ideal for people-watching. I really enjoyed the chocolate factory tour and the tuk-tuk tour of the city, with traditional fondue. The walking tour was so educational. The trip to Rhine Falls and the quaint town of Stein am Rhein is not to be missed.

From there, I traveled to Lucerne, one of the most picturesque towns I’ve ever seen. The Chapel Bridge and its flower boxes were stunning against the backdrop of Mount Pilatus. A boat cruise on Lake Lucerne was the highlight—the reflections of autumn colors on the water were breathtaking. The Rigi Kulm and Mt. Titlis tours are fascinating. I went by boat, train, bus, and funicular.

Grindelwald and the Interlaken region were the heart of the trip. The scenery was absolutely unforgettable. The Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains dominated the skyline, and even though it was a bit chilly, the air was crisp and refreshing. The cable car rides and mountain hikes offered jaw-dropping views at every turn. Make sure you take the fondue class at the restaurant in Grindelwald and Interlaken. Come hungry!

Bern, the capital, surprised me with its warmth and old-world charm. The medieval architecture, clock tower, and bear park made for a fascinating visit. It felt quieter and more local compared to Zurich and Lucerne—a perfect stop to slow down and enjoy Swiss culture.

A visit to Gruyères added a delicious twist to the journey. The village looked like something out of a fairy tale and touring the Gruyère cheese factory was fun and tasty. Don’t miss the local chocolate factory tour.

Finally, I ended in Geneva, a sophisticated city by the lake. The Jet d’Eau was impressive and I enjoyed exploring the international district and strolling through the old town. The blend of French influence and Swiss precision made Geneva a wonderful final stop.

Overall, Switzerland in October is perfect for travelers who love scenic beauty without the summer crowds. The weather was cool but pleasant, and the autumn colors made the landscapes even more magical. Every train/gondola ride felt like a scenic tour through paradise.

Zicasso’s tour operator was excellent.

Highlights: Lucerne’s lakeside views, Grindelwald’s mountain trails, Gruyères fondue/chocolate, and Bern’s old-town charm.

Tip: Bring layers—mornings and evenings can get chilly, but the afternoons are perfect for exploring. Do not stay at the hotel near the Zurich airport. Stay in Zurich and take a taxi to the airport. In Grindelwald, avoid one of the hotels there.

Our heartfelt thanks to Zicasso’s travel designer and her team at Zicasso’s tour operator for planning our recent trip to Germany. It’s been a lifelong dream to see the places that my father so lovingly described during his years stationed in the army in Stuttgart. She took the time to listen to our reasons for planning the trip and understood the selected towns. The planning and preparation in the months leading up to the trip did not disappoint. She helped us map out the trip and maximize our time in Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Munich, and Garmisch.

In terms of bookings, she selected excellent hotels that were centrally located, elegant, and had all the comforts of home. In each of the cities, she linked us to guides who were knowledgeable, insightful, and fun. Transportation arrangements were smooth and easy, either on the ICE train, boat ride, or car service.

Our guide to the Cannstatter festival in Stuttgart was fantastic. He grew up in Stuttgart and was able to tell us the history of it, teach us a proper German toast, and offered us great places to dine afterwards.

Our guide and driver from Munich to Garmisch took us to Neuschwanstein Castle and then surprised us with additional stops along the way in a small village to learn of the local culture and churches. Our last stop of the day was at a monastery. We enjoyed a fabulous piece of Black Forest cake. During this time, he asked us how we were able to book through this travel company. We explained about Zicasso and he expressed his delight that we were able to book a small, authentic company versus the big-box tour. He was right.

Our travel designer customized the trip to us and no cookie cutter. She was very flexible when there was a last-minute change to the itinerary due to a winery closing unexpectedly early. She made the arrangements happen quickly and it enabled us to meet with the wine maker at a winery in Stuttgart and spend a morning on the patio wine tasting with him.

Our last leg of the trip was Garmisch. I am not sure if she was the one to order the spectacular weather (I wouldn’t put it past her abilities), but the clouds cleared and the trip up the Zugspitze was breathtaking. Such a delight and change from the bigger cities.

At the end segment of the trip, my husband was more and more impressed with the quality of the trip: tours and hotels that I was able to book with our travel designer's guidance. I could not be more pleased with the experience of the trip and the work she put in to make this dream trip a reality. Thank you for helping me connect to my father’s time in Germany. My heartfelt recommendations and appreciation.

Zicasso's travel specialist crafted an unforgettable journey through Germany for us in September 2025. He truly listened to our interests and designed a phenomenal itinerary that showcased the very best the country has to offer—from small, charming medieval villages and breathtaking Rhine wine country to magnificent castles, dynamic modern cities, and the majestic Bavarian Alps. We also appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of sites tied to WWII and Cold War history, providing a meaningful and reflective perspective on Germany’s past.

Members of our group have personal family connections to Nazi forced labor and concentration camps, as well as life behind the Iron Curtain in post-war East Germany. Our incredible guides handled these sensitive topics with knowledge and compassion, helping us dive deeper and even find answers to lingering questions.

Every guide we met along the way was exceptional—knowledgeable, personable, and fluent in English—which brought each experience to life and deepened our appreciation for the places we visited. The trip was full and fast-paced, yet perfectly balanced for what we were looking for.

The variety of experiences—from somber memorials to the grand pageantry of palaces and the pure joy of Oktoberfest—made the trip incredibly rich and memorable. Throughout it all, our travel specialist kept close communication and ensured everything ran smoothly, giving us complete peace of mind.

We could not be more thrilled with our experience and highly recommend our travel specialist and this agency to anyone looking for a perfectly curated, seamless, and extraordinary adventure!