From North to South Italy Tour: Venice, Rome & Amalfi Coast

Wow, Zicasso's tour operator made our trip a dream! We were three friends celebrating a milestone birthday and it was our first time in Italy. We had no idea where to start in the planning process, but the tour operator guided us every step of the way and created the perfect itinerary.

Everything was thoughtfully arranged—boutique hotels, knowledgeable private drivers, and authentic local experiences. We visited Venice, Florence, Sorrento, and Naples, with memorable day trips, including a private tour of Pompeii (a must!), food tours, and wine tastings at a castle and at the foot of a volcano.

The itinerary was perfectly balanced, with one planned activity a day and time to explore on our own. You know the plan is perfect when you never have to reach out once for more information—everything just flowed.

We’d do it all again and highly recommend this tour operator for their knowledge, connections in local towns, and seamless planning for an unforgettable trip.

My husband and I were thrilled with our recent trip to Italy that Zicasso’s travel designer put together. We began by attending a family friend’s wedding, held in Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast. Due to my husband’s mobility issues, we were met by a driver and headed to the Amalfi Coast. The driver was first class and the trip was very comfortable.

After the wedding festivities, we were able to have the most wonderful experiences visiting the towns of Amalfi and Positano, and our base for one week was in beautiful Sorrento. We attended a cooking class and enjoyed eating what we prepared. We had in-depth learning opportunities in Naples and Sorrento. Every guide we had spoke excellent English and was so knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed Pompeii! A super-fun day was had on the small group tour of Capri. The crew was fantastic and very accommodating in consideration of my husband’s mobility issues.

From beginning to end everything went well. The use of a messaging app was great for making sure everyone was on the same page.

The only thing that was a disappointment was the pizza in Naples. It wasn’t the best.

The hotel in Sorrento was phenomenal - it couldn’t have been better. The view of Mt. Vesuvius from our balcony helped create memories we will have forever. The hotel in Rome was also very nice. It was right in the middle of the main attractions.

We are very happy with our experience with this travel company and would not hesitate to recommend it!

We had the pleasure of working with Zicasso’s travel agents to create the perfect Italian adventure. I had quite a few specific requests, from travel logistics to hotel preferences, and they were incredibly patient and collaborative, offering multiple variations of the itinerary until it matched exactly what we envisioned.

Our journey began in Venice, where we were seamlessly picked up by a private driver, transferred to a water taxi, and dropped directly at our hotel. After a wonderful stay, we were taken by private driver to the train station for our ride from Venice to Florence, our one and only train trip, as we opted (based on their smart recommendation) for private transportation for the rest of our travels to avoid potential delays and enjoy added convenience.

From Florence, we were driven into the Tuscan hills, where we experienced magical wine tastings, vineyard tours, olive oil tastings, and unforgettable meals with wine pairings. 

Next, our private driver brought us to Pompeii, where we enjoyed a fascinating tour with our private guide, and then continued on to Rome. In Rome, we loved the private golf cart tour of the city’s major landmarks, as well as a delightful cooking class that was arranged for us; it was a real highlight!

Finally, we traveled by private driver to Sorrento. From there, we had a breathtaking driving tour of the Amalfi Coast, a lemon farm tour, and an amazing day trip to Capri. Every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed.

Summary:

Planning and Itinerary Creation: Zicasso’s consultants made the entire process easy and stress-free. They worked closely with us to perfect the itinerary and were always receptive to changes and feedback.

Hotels: My sister and I requested adjoining rooms and were provided with beautiful family suites throughout the trip. Each hotel was ideally located, comfortable, and well-appointed, with all the amenities we needed.

Transportation: Every transfer was smooth and punctual. The private drivers were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. (A special shoutout to our driver in Florence/Tuscany – he was the best!)

Communication: Throughout our trip, the travel company’s team was always accessible. Whether we needed to make adjustments or had a question, they handled everything promptly, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy our vacation.

We spent just over two unforgettable weeks in Italy and it was absolutely perfect, all thanks to the hard work, attention to detail, and excellent communication from Zicasso’s travel company! I highly recommend them and would not hesitate to use them again for future adventures.

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.

Kudos to Zicasso’s tour operator! This is our second time using them, and they didn’t disappoint us. They had to deal with two families, seven in all, all adults, with two separate trips. One trip for all seven to Rome and Florence. Two for Naples and Ischia.

The apartment in Rome was in a good location for us, as we usually stay near there. The only problem I found in this apartment was the smaller unit had a step down into the living room. The floors are dark, and the step needs to be highlighted so one remembers to step down. Several of us kept missing it, and luckily no one fell. Other than that, it was a nice apartment.

In Florence, our apartment was perfect. My husband and I would stay there again; however, it has four bedrooms, four baths, a nice kitchen, and a large living room, so it would be a little big for two people. It was perfect for families. It is on the third floor.

Since my husband and I have been to Rome and Florence many times, we did not have too many requests for tours. My cousin and her family were first-time visitors. I suggested a tour of the Vatican Museums, Ancient Rome, the Accademia Gallery, the Duomo Skywalk, a private tour of the Uffizi Gallery, the Vasari Corridor, and the Boboli Gardens. In Rome, all seven of us did a golf cart ride at night, which seemed to be a big hit. We also had a wine tasting and olive oil sampling in Chianti, which was very nice.

At one point, we thought we were going to have a wedding proposal. A place was planned for the proposal at one of the wineries. Unfortunately, the groom-to-be decided not to do it there since the future bride’s parents would not be there. I felt bad with all the work the travel company did to make this day special for the couple.

Since we were two families, all adults, sharing vacation rentals, the tour operator found two apartments to meet our needs. All of our drivers and guides were on time and very knowledgeable.

We made some last-minute changes on our trip from Florence to Ischia. Changes to the train tickets were made, but we were asked to check with the ferry service to see if they could take us earlier. Our driver went with us to the ticket office and was able to exchange our ferry tickets. Then we notified our travel agent, so they could call the hotel to send our driver earlier than planned.

We have used this tour operator before and would highly recommend them. The hotels they selected were excellent. We stayed at our hotel in Naples last year and asked for the same hotel again. The views were fantastic from our room, and the rooftop bar had views of Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. The staff were superb, and there was a wonderful breakfast.

We also asked for the same hotel in Ischia, but that hotel closed earlier this year. Another property was selected, our resort in Ischia. Unfortunately, we did not get a chance to use the spa this time, but the hotel had beautiful views from the restaurant, terrace, and our room. Both hotels were beautiful, and the staff were very attentive. Our resort in Ischia was not far from Ischia Porto. A bus stop was a short walk away, and the return stop was right in front of the hotel. The food and drinks were great, and we even walked into town one night, which took about 15 minutes.

I can’t wait to use the travel company again next year.

I apologize for the delay in writing this review, but was very busy the last few months and wanted to dedicate the time it deserved. This review will address my wife and my trip to Italy from September 26, 2025, to October 6, 2025. Please feel free to share all or any portion of this review.

Trip Planning:

As a bucket-list event, I spent a great deal of time doing research, but would not have been able to put together the ideal vacation without the support of Zicasso and the travel company. Upon hearing my general interests, Zicasso provided two groups whom they thought would be able to plan and implement my trip. Both groups interviewed me and my wife about interests and price range, and then prepared an initial itinerary. Both groups would have done a fantastic job by their presentation, but it seemed I was slightly more in tune with the travel company and selected them. This proved to be a very wise choice, as the entire team at the travel company, particularly the travel specialists, were the absolute best and I would recommend their service without reservation. Fully responsive to my many questions before the trip, addressing all potential itinerary changes, and providing invaluable guidance throughout the entire process. Their response to inquiries while in the country was unbelievably prompt and thorough. At our request, the travel specialists made restaurant recommendations and reservations that were spot-on. I can’t say enough good things about these ladies.

Transportation and travel between locations:

Although not involved in the flights, the travel specialists provided great guidance concerning flights, trip insurance, and other logistics.

One key point that I fully expressed was that I did not want to flounder at the various transportation points and did not want to lug luggage in foreign areas on the way to and from lodging. The team took this to heart and provided me with either an escort or driver to and from every terminal. Everyone providing this task was friendly and provided information that made the travel much easier. Particularly valuable were our escorts, who adeptly negotiated our entrance and exit from Venice, and provided great insights into this historic city.

Venice:

Our hotel in Venice seemed to be right in the middle of everything, which allowed us to explore, and we have never had so much fun getting lost. At night, we opened our windows and fell off to sleep listening to nearby music; it was idyllic. The staff was professional and friendly. Breakfast was the best of all the hotels we stayed at in Italy.

The first full day in Venice, the travel company leveraged “skip the line” so we could make the very most of our time and is essential to any planning. Both guides were great and really good company. One guide’s knowledge of the Doge Palace really brought it to life for us. Another guide had a real insider’s view of Burano, as this was her family’s island. As private tours, we could go at our own pace, which we really liked. Probably the least enjoyable tour was the glass factory in Murano. We got the impression most of the tour beyond the initial exhibition was an attempt to sell their products. My wife succumbed and purchased a pair of earrings that broke the first time she wore them. Really disappointing, and I would advise you to spend more time in Burano.

Florence:

As with all the trains, the travel was very comfortable and we enjoyed watching the scenery. Our lodging in Florence was right on the Santa Maria square, superb for people watching. The staff was fine, nothing more. The hotel was near the world’s oldest pharmacy, famous as the world's oldest perfumery. Although there is a line to enter, it goes quickly and is historical, to say nothing of buying a scent more than 400 years old. I strongly recommend you go.

While knowledgeable, our tour guide for the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries was a little too technical for us, leaving us with the feeling that we were taking an art history class.

Dinner was based on the travel specialist's recommendation and it was delicious. A strong recommendation.

Day trip to Pisa:

The travel arrangements were perfect. The purpose of the trip was to take the obligatory picture holding up the tower—hokey, but we loved it.

The private cooking class with our instructor was a lot of fun. The view of the city from her window at sunset was beautiful. My wife and our instructor fell into a real rhythm cooking, and she was kind enough not to scoff at my ham-handed attempts. Her directions were simple enough for me to follow, theoretically. She followed up her lesson with an email containing detailed recipes. We have purchased all necessary utensils and are planning a pasta-making party soon. This was a fun change of pace.

Rome:

Our bed-and-breakfast in Rome was our least favorite lodging. Entry into the building was confusing and, as a B&B, the desk was not manned all the time, which made it difficult to secure a taxi early in the morning (we had to walk to a nearby hotel) or get assistance after 8pm or before 6am. When we came in, we attempted to coordinate laundry service with the person working the front desk, followed his instructions, but when we returned the next day, our dirty clothes were still where we were told to leave them. The initial response from the on-duty staff, who I believe was the owner, was that the individual was no longer an employee. Ultimately, the hotel comped and completed our laundry, which was nice. We would have preferred different lodging.

Our first afternoon, we took a four-hour golf cart tour, which was our favorite tour of the entire trip. Adding an extra hour to the traditional length and having only my wife and me allowed us to do everything we wanted to do. Our driver took us everywhere. He would drop us at the top of the Spanish Steps and meet us at the bottom, and would conveniently bring us closest to all other locations. I can’t believe how much we did in four hours. Our driver brought all these iconic sites to life with his marvelous insight and provided a great insider view of these monuments. This is a must-do for all first-time visitors to Rome. The only thing we were not able to do, due to no fault of our driver, was the Aventine Keyhole. When we got there in the afternoon, the line was 45 minutes and not a wise use of our time. If this is a strong interest, he recommends going early in the morning.

The travel specialists arranged tickets for the Papal general audience on Wednesday. Rising at sunrise was worth it to get the seats as close as we were able to secure. Most online sites suggest getting there an hour and a half before the start time, but I think that is much too late. I recommend you get there three to four hours ahead to get the best seats. The best seats are on the end near where the Pope drives by, ideally near an infant, and His Holiness will stop to personally bless these children. Facing the stage, the right side filled up quicker than the left side, so go directly to the left side of the audience. Being so close to the first American-born Pope was a memory I will never forget. His Holiness blesses all items in the audience's possession, so load up on rosary beads; they will make great Baptism and Communion gifts.

The afternoon was our first group tour at the Vatican Museums. It might be that we were spoiled with the previous private tours, but linking up with the group was chaotic and the quality of the tour was contingent on those in our group. Fortunately, all our groups were good, considerate, and friendly people. The main value was skipping the line for entrance. As with the Doge Palace, our guide was a little too academic and didn't really manage time well, potentially a victim of being in a group, but I would have rather spent more time in the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica. Taxis were extremely hard to get back to the hotel and I would arrange a ride if I were to do it again.

The Thursday tour of the Colosseum and Forum was also a group tour, but led by a guide who brought this ancient land to life. An archaeologist by trade, our guide seemed to know everything and also took a great picture.

The end of a very long but enjoyable day was another group tour of the catacombs and Santa Maria Maggiore. While the catacombs were the main attraction, the after-hours and behind-the-scenes access to Santa Maria Maggiore was an unexpected gem. Going through a second Holy Door, viewing the magnificent nighttime skyline from the roof, seeing the location of a relic from the baby Jesus’ manger, and being struck by the modesty of Bernini’s and Pope Francis’s tombs were all highlights. Unfortunately, taxis were again hard to come by.

Sorrento:

We took a train from Rome to Naples. While there was a national strike, it did not prove more than an inconvenience, no worse than New York City on a regular day. Our driver from Naples told us this simply provided us with a genuine Italian experience. I wish I could remember this driver’s name because he was the best of a very good group of drivers during this trip. En route to Sorrento, we stopped for a tour and meal at a winery and a private skip-the-line tour of Pompeii. We were so impressed with the quality of the winery that we made a large purchase of wines and olive oils that, thankfully, included free shipping.

During our drive to Sorrento, our driver took us through his hometown, which we really enjoyed. Going through the town, he pointed out the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen’s mother. Little did he know, we were from New Jersey and are HUGE Springsteen fans.

Our hotel in Sorrento was a nice place, close to the center of town. I would have preferred a hotel with a view of the coast.

On Saturday, we took a private tour up the coast. This was the most comfortable car I have ever ridden in, with heated and cooled seats, and a convenient icebox. The driver made clear he was at our disposal. The scenery was marvelous and it was a thrill to dip our toes in the Med. Our driver hooked us up with a restaurant on a cliff overlooking the water—beautiful and scrumptious.

Our last day was supposed to be the Gozzo tour of Capri, but was canceled due to weather. We refunded the canceled boat tour, but ate the driver and ferry fees. In hindsight, knowing this day was largely contingent on weather, I would have liked to have a contingency plan and would advise the travel company to plan this in the future.

Based on how smoothly things went, we will be contacting Zicasso to arrange a trip to Iceland and Ireland next fall, and hope they can refer a team as talented as this travel company.