Best of Captivating Corfu: One Week Island Vacation

My husband and I just returned from a 3 week trip to Greece.  This is the second trip for which we used Zicasso.  (Last year we went to Spain for 3 weeks.)  We chose to use this travel agent and we were very pleased with the result.  From the first moment we arrived we had a professional driver pick us up in a very nice car and take us to our hotel.  We had gorgeous views of the Acropolis both from our nicely appointed room and from the rooftop restaurant where we had a bountiful Greek buffet each morning. We started with an orientation on foot tour with a guide around the Plaka area and other hip areas.  Then we had a food tour with a different guide on the following day.  The following day we went with a guide to the Acropolis.  The guide dropped us off afterwards for an upscale prepaid 3 course lunch at a restaurant we never could have found on our own, with a view of the Acropolis. Afterwards the guide and a driver picked us up for a driving tour of sights in Athens in a comfortable car with much appreciated air conditioning. One of the highlights of our 3 week trip was a cooking class on the island of Kea, a ferry ride away from a town an hour out of Athens, with a Greek cookbook author in her outdoor kitchen.  The class of 6 included a chef and restaurateur from Turkey.  I learned to "roll the dough" for phyllo.  This class included wines and a many course fabulous meal.The class included a tour of the husband, Costas' herb garden. 

 We toured the Pelopenesian peninsula for a few days with a young driver who gave us great insight into the area in absolutely flawless English, took us to prepaid lunches at fabulous restaurants and was extremely helpful in every way including with our luggage. At each archaeological site (like Olympia or Delphi--on the mainland) we had a monument guide who was infectiously enthusiastic about his or her historical knowledge. We also had wine tastings and an olive tasting.  We went to 3 islands--Crete, Santorini and Mykonos.  Each was wonderful in its own unique way.  For the last 4 days in Mykonos we only went to different beaches.  The hotels on all 3 islands were gorgeous and the staff treated us like royalty and almost like adored family members. Our agent arranged a wonderful seamless vacation for us, that we could not have done on our own.  Kudos to Zicasso for vetting travel agents.  By the way, I recommended Zicasso to a friend and her husband, who used Zicasso this past May to go to China for 2 weeks.  They too, were immensely pleased.

Words cannot do justice to the memories we have and the sites we visited, the experiences we shared and the people we interacted with. We had the most wonderful time, with no stress. Everything was taken care of.

Zicasso’s travel agent and her company, in one phone call, listened, heard, inquired, and knew exactly what I wanted in this trip. The sites and experiences, the hotels and free days absolutely fulfilled, actually exceeded, anything we could have dreamed of for any trip – boutique hotels in Chania, Crete, and Corfu were exceptional in every way. They were located in the most perfect places, with the most delicious breakfasts daily and management and staff who were at your service anytime. The beautiful rooms were comfortable, spacious, and with beautiful decor.

My husband and I recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Greece, exploring the breathtaking islands of Crete, Santorini, and Naxos, and the vibrant city of Athens. Our trip was meticulously planned and executed by Zicasso’s exceptional team, who went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect. From the moment we set foot in Greece until the day we reluctantly departed, they were with us every step of the way, turning our vacation into the memory of a lifetime.

Chania, Crete: Our adventure began in Chania, Crete, where we stayed at a luxurious hotel and spa. This boutique hotel, situated right on the waterfront, offered stunning views and impeccable service. The highlight of our stay in Crete was a delightful cooking class, where we learned to prepare traditional Cretan dishes with fresh, local ingredients. The warmth and hospitality of the staff at the hotel made us feel right at home.

Santorini: Next, we traveled to the iconic island of Santorini. Our hotel was nestled on the cliffs overlooking the caldera and provided an idyllic setting for our vacation. One of the most memorable experiences was the catamaran sunset cruise, on which we sailed around the island, marveling at the stunning volcanic landscape and enjoying a delicious onboard dinner as the sun set over the Aegean Sea. The hotel staff ensured every moment was magical. The hotel concierge kept in touch with us via WhatsApp. She was amazing!!!!

Naxos: Our journey continued to the charming island of Naxos. The hotel’s blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities provided a comfortable and stylish retreat. Our travel agency organized a fantastic Naxos town food tour, allowing us to savor the island’s culinary delights and learn about its rich history. We also embarked on a private village tour, exploring the quaint villages and experiencing the authentic Naxian way of life. The hospitality at the hotel was exceptional, making our stay truly memorable.

Athens: Our final destination was the bustling city of Athens. Located in the heart of the city, our luxurious hotel offered stunning views of the Acropolis and easy access to Athens’ historical sites. The staff went out of their way to ensure our stay was comfortable and enjoyable.

Outstanding Service: The personal touches provided by Zicasso’s travel agency truly set them apart. During the planning phase, I had the pleasure of speaking with the founder and lead travel designer. He took the time to understand our expectations and preferences, recommending Naxos instead of Mykonos based on our interest in food tours, culture, and history. Trusting his advice was one of the best decisions we made, as Naxos turned out to be one of our favorite islands.

His company’s commitment to our satisfaction was evident from the moment we landed in Athens, where we were greeted by an agent, with a lovely gift, who walked us to our gate for the flight to Chania. Throughout our trip, we communicated via WhatsApp, receiving daily messages with our boarding passes and itinerary. Their professionalism shone through when unexpected situations arose, such as a five-hour ferry delay in Crete. They reassured us continuously, adjusting our schedule as needed without any hassle.

When my luggage was lost on the flight from Naxos to Athens, the company promptly contacted the airline and ensured my luggage was delivered to our hotel in Athens. Their proactive and attentive service made all the difference.

Each hotel provided us with sumptuous breakfasts, a feast for the eyes and the palate, prepared by amazing chefs. The food throughout our trip was memorable and the hospitality at every location was outstanding.

Every trip I take from now on will be compared to this bucket-list vacation that Zicasso’s company planned for us. I would not hesitate to use them the next time I visit Greece, knowing it will be another dream trip.

Final Thoughts: The travel agency turned our Greek vacation into a seamless, extraordinary experience. Their attention to detail, personalized service, and commitment to excellence made our trip a true dream. If you’re planning a trip to Greece, I highly recommend them – they create memories that last a lifetime.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the most unforgettable vacation with my family, all thanks to the exceptional planning and coordination by Zicasso’s travel agent. Our trip to Greece, covering the beautiful islands of Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and the vibrant city of Athens, was nothing short of magical.

Mykonos: The Perfect Start. Our journey began in Mykonos, where we were greeted with stunning beaches, charming alleys, and vibrant nightlife. The accommodations arranged by our agent were luxurious and perfectly located. We loved exploring the iconic windmills, Little Venice, and indulging in the local cuisine.

Paros: A Hidden Gem. Next, we ventured to Paros, which quickly became a favorite. The island’s serene beaches and picturesque villages offered a more laidback atmosphere. The boutique hotel we stayed in was charming and welcoming, with fantastic views and excellent service. Our agent's recommendations for a semi-private all-day catamaran cruise made our stay in Paros even more special.

Santorini: A Romantic Escape. It was everything we imagined and more. The breathtaking sunsets, iconic white-washed buildings, and crystal-clear waters were simply stunning. Our agent ensured we had the best views, with our accommodation perched on the caldera’s edge. The private wine tour and morning cruise they arranged were highlights of our trip, offering unique experiences that we will cherish forever.

Athens: A Historical Finale. Our trip concluded in Athens, where we immersed ourselves in the rich history and culture of Greece. From the awe-inspiring Acropolis to the bustling streets of Plaka, every moment was captivating. Our agent’s detailed itinerary allowed us to maximize our time, ensuring we didn't miss any of the key attractions. The guided tours provided deep insights and made our experience even more enriching.

Overall Experience: From start to finish, our agent exceeded our expectations. Her meticulous planning, attention to detail, and personalized recommendations made our trip seamless and memorable. Every flight, ferry, transfer, tour, and accommodation was perfectly coordinated, allowing us to relax and enjoy our vacation to the fullest.

We can’t thank her enough for making our dream trip to Greece a reality. We highly recommend the company’s services to anyone looking to explore the wonders of Greece. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will cherish forever.

Thank you to our travel company for an extraordinary journey!