Paris and Rome for Art Lovers Itinerary

Eric planned the perfect holiday in France. Our driver was waiting for us on arrival. Off to Normandy for our first three nights, with a quick stop at Monet's garden at Giverny. Our guide brought the water lilies to life. We checked in at an amazing five-star hotel. Do not miss either of their two Michelin-star restaurants. It's a short walk into Port-en-Bessin-Huppain, where you will find many restaurants. We spent two days exploring everything Normandy and World War 2 with an exceptional guide.

Paris did not disappoint. We hit the ground running. Eric arranged a tour of Paris by car. The evening dinner cruise on the River Seine was definitely a highlight of the trip, as were beautiful views of the city lit up at night, including the Eiffel Tower. I had no idea how beautiful the Palace and Gardens of Versailles are - the restaurant on-site by the lake with rowboats is wonderful. Of course, the guide matters - she was the best! If you're a foodie, make sure you schedule a cooking class with our chef. Shopping at the local markets is an adventure in itself. I've been able to recreate the meal back in the States.

We chose to explore the Champagne houses on this trip. Both were exceptional and yes, we brought home four bottles. In between houses, we had the most wonderful lunch with a champagne flight at Au 36 in Hautvillers. A trip to Paris would not be complete without visiting the Louvre and Orangerie museums. We completed our holiday with a flute of champagne at the top of the Eiffel Tower! 

Eric and the guides made perfect restaurant recommendations. I most definitely recommend him and the travel agency!

Our trip to France was laid out to keep us on the move and see as much of Paris and Normandy as would be comfortable on a vacation.  The trip met our expectations, and was very enjoyable as vacations should be.  The weather was a little unsettling at time, some light rain, but for the most part most days just needed a sweater or light rain jacket, one day we needed to carry an umbrella. 

Of course the pick up at the airport is wonderful, after being in a jet for 12 hours, having not to worry about taxi or shuttle or rental car to get to the hotel is wonderful.  Our driver was very professional and wasted no time in getting us to our hotel.  He was not overly talkative but very polite and competent in his duties. Key point here, we avoided driving a car is Paris!

Our hotel that Zicasso booked for us was perfect. Just on the edge of the city, not too busy but within easy travel of most points we were interested in.  The room was clean, the staff very nice, and the daily breakfast was outstanding. The place where to relax and rest every day is very important, the the hotel was ideal for us... this made our time in Paris very pleasurable.   

We scheduled some tours (both private and group) through Zicasso, all were nice. Some involved transportation, which for the most part was great.... we did have one little miscue on a taxi ride, but one phone call to the Zicasso agent quickly resolved the potential problem and we made the tour as planned (out to Giverny). We did schedule a couple of walking tours but we would suggest letting the Zicasso agent take care of the tour details, especially those involving travel (train or van).

One of the most enjoyable days for us was having lunch on a luxury boat traveling the Seine river.  This was a 2 hour cruise on a glass covered boat, during light rain, enjoying French cuisine that is freshly prepared on board each day and served accordingly. It was wonderful being served this great food, with live entertainment, while slowly cruising the river and watching the Eiffel Tower pass in front. Actually was romantic, how very French!

We spent most of our time in Paris, but the last 3 days we journeyed over to Bayeux in Normandy, This was outstanding!  We stayed in a B&B that was dated 1560, but was in perfect condition (huge rooms), the hostess was most pleasant and kind... she served a great breakfast each morning, and kindly arranged several reservations for dinner for us. We were less than one block from Notre-Dame Cathedral (unbelievable).  Great shopping here too.

I'm kind of a history follower, so investigating this town and nearby places was wonderful. The tours that Zicasso arranged for us were right on.  We visited Utah, Omaha and Sword beaches (we were able to walk on Omaha and Sword at low tide).  We of course visited as many museums as we could, there are a couple of must do's, but there are many little privately operated places  (like next to a restaurant or quick stop) that have may pieces of memorabilia... we actually had one of the tour guides do a couple of unscheduled stops at these little places so I might take a few pictures, very cool.

The trip back to the airport (CDG) from Normandy was taken care of by Zicasso, of course, on time with no problems. I want to give out special kudos's to our driver that took us to the train station for the trip from Paris to Normandy: Beside not having to drive on these narrow packed streets, he promptly took us and our luggage to the station, he pulled up onto the curb right at the traffic light at the intersection (parking looked crazy), and I thought he was going to kindly drop us off on the side walk and be off (this is what I would expect). He unloaded our luggage and took us into the station (leaving his Mercedes van on the curb), had us wait a few minutes in the main lobby while he investigated where our train dock was (we don't read or speak French), and then escorted us on a 3 minute brisk walk through the main station to a remote dock and found our train number, and then explained what to look for on the overhead monitor when the train was ready to board.  This man is a true gentlemen.

The entire trip was wonderful!

Thank you Zicasso 

I had planned this trip for over a year with this wonderful France travel agency and will be eternally grateful, not only for the perfect itinerary, but for the flawless execution of every aspect.   It was beyond special.  Our travel agency teamed us up with the most wonderful drivers and guides, who became friends by the end of our stay!  Our driver in Paris, was there for us at every turn; to whisk us to our boat at Bateaux Parisens, to deliver us to and pick us up from the late show at the Moulin Rouge, and he was also there to help us with all of our luggage at the train station in Paris as we arrived from Caen.  His unfailing good humor and fearless navigation skills, along with his innately kind nature, made us feel instantly comfortable.

We had a spectacular guide in Paris.  She guided us through Versailles, the Musee d'Orsay, the Orangerie, the Marmottan-Claude Monet and the Rodin, just to name a few of the museums we visited.  We were accorded instant access and did not have to wait in any of the long queues, courtesy of our travel agency and guide!  She was a treasure trove of information and very intuitive with regard to where our interests lay.  In American terminology, "we had a blast" with our guide!  She had a disarming way with museum staff and in one instance, at the Rodin, was able to charm our way towards an extra 5 minute look at the upstairs of the interior as the museum was closing, so that we would not miss the sculptures of the fabulous Camille Claudel.  I simply cannot express how much her knowledge, affability and charm added to our experience!

Diane, an American expatriate who has lived in France for over 30 years, was our driver/guide in Giverny and Normandy.  Instantly comfortable with Diane, we so enjoyed our journey to Monet's home and gardens at Giverny.  Blessed by spectacular weather, we were able to fully appreciate the beautiful gardens in full bloom and under blue, sunlit skies.  Diane drove us to Honfleur, where we sat harbor side enjoying tea and conversation while taking in the sights of this beautiful seaside fishing village. We spent the next few days exploring the beaches of Normandy, the Norman Tapestry at Bayeux and two lovely chateaux in the area, while enjoying our stay in the very beautiful Chateau de Chenevieres.

Every detail of our trip was so perfect!  When I began planning for this grand adventure, I had a vague idea of what I wanted to see and do.  Our France travel agency was able to take my ideas and thoughts and shape them over time into a detailed, concrete plan incorporating museums, historical sites, nights of entertainment and plenty of free time for exploration.  I feel so lucky to have found this company to make my dream a reality! 

      Absolutely superb travel experience!  My first trip to France was in May for our 25th wedding anniversary (2 years late),  for 10 days/8 nights.  I usually plan our travel, rather meticulously, but I didn't know where to begin to plan a trip to France.  My husband found Zicasso, and this travel agent and her company, and conveyed our preferences and information, and she magically concocted the perfect trip!  The driver in Paris was waiting at the CDG airport as we exited, very jet-lagged, so it was marvelous having someone lead us to a car and practically carry us into our hotel.  He was wonderful, polite and efficient, and spoke perfect English.  He also drove us from Paris to the Loire Valley for the end of our trip, which made the journey so easy and pleasant for us.  A travel company representative was waiting at our hotel when we arrived, with our itineraries, tickets, maps and information.  She was very helpful and welcoming.                                                                                                           

I was nervous to have someone choose a Paris hotel for us, but the hotel in the Latin Quarter was absolutely perfect for us!  It is in a charming historical neighborhood that was easy to walk.  The hotel is top-notch and staff is great.  They have a beautiful courtyard garden to relax, and I will forever miss their amazing breakfasts!  The room was large and beautiful, and had everything we could want, plus charming gifts and treats.  The bathroom was fantastic, with a big soaking tub as well as large shower.   It was quiet and comfortable, the way we like it.  And it was so easy to walk to metro stations and zip away to every part of Paris.                                                                                                                                                                               

Our Paris guide was a joy to be with.  We were so comfortable with her, as she walked around the Latin Quarter and showed us historical sights we would not have found.  She took us on the metro for our first ride, and helped us buy 5-day tickets--a great decision.  After that, we had no trouble navigating the metro system.  Our guide was an extremely valuable guide through Le Louvre.  She highlighted wonderful pieces throughout that we might have missed, giving us an overall tour before leaving us to explore on our own.  She is a true gem.  We were so blessed to have her help.                                                                                                                           

Our visits to L'Opera Palais Garnier, Le Louvre, and the top of the Eiffel Tower were all well-planned for us, and we skipped the lines to all.    We picked up our tickets to the Eiffel Tower a few blocks away and were led as a small group by a guide, directly through the checks and gates, right to the walkway to the elevator.  That saved a LOT of time.    The van trip to Versailles was slick and easy.  However, there was not much time allowed for viewing before we had to meet for the trip back.                                                                                                                     The dinner cruise on the Seine was wonderful.  We were well-pampered with excellent food, drinks, and views Paris at night.   We highly recommend it.                                                                                                  

We were driven approx. 2 hours to Amboise in the Loire Valley to finish our trip.  Again, I could not have chosen a better place to stay, it was absolute perfection.  The grounds, garden and buildings are gorgeous and decadently comfortable.  The food was incredible and service fantastic, especially the agent at the front desk.  We had a fabulous, large room, with everything we could have hoped for.  I only wish we had planned to stay at least several days longer there, there was so much to enjoy simply by staying at the hotel.  It was short walking distances to everything, including the fabulous Chateau d'Amboise Royal.  This castle is not to be missed, and sits atop Amboise.  You have no idea from below all that awaits above, not least the burial place of Leonardo da Vinci.  Da Vinci's house and gardens are down the road from the castle and is another destination to spend most of the day.  The wine caves visit was really interesting, with wonderful wines.  And we had another great guide drive us to Chateau Chenonceau and Chambord with a few other people.  It was so much better than taking a big bus tour or trying to get their on our own.                                                                                                                                                                                                   

The trip was so much more enjoyable by utilizing this travel agency.  It was so relaxing, knowing we had reliable transportation (especially during the numerous transit strikes) and English-speaking guides.  I hope we can do this again very soon!