Enticing Flavors of Italy Tour: Private Cooking Courses, Wine & Olive Oil Tasting

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.

We had a fantastic experience for a first-time trip to Italy. I wasn't sure how this would be, considering I learned about Zicasso while trying to plan the trip myself. Zicasso put me in touch with a travel specialist and the whole team was incredibly responsive to my many, many questions. If they were ever annoyed, it didn’t show.

I really wanted a smooth experience for my family of five, including three teens, one of whom has Celiac. Our agent was great in helping plan out the experience we wanted. As you may know, it is challenging to find rooms for five in Europe, but the travel company found apartments (usually two bedrooms with a pull-out couch) in the heart of town. You can really customize what you do, but we elected to plan our own meals and handle some of our own transport. We did have one issue where the van driver taking us to the train failed to show. I got one with Uber and the travel company quickly (I mean before we got home quickly!) refunded that amount.

Our contact in Italy was amazing and patient. I can’t give her enough credit. Any time I was unsure of something, she was there. The tours were great, especially Florence and Rome. You may be able to find the companies online, but ours seems to have the connections to get the best guides.

As for meals, we didn’t have any issues. We used an app and got a few recommendations from the travel company and local guides. Even our wine-tasting tour out in Tuscany was accommodating.

I would use our travel company and Zicasso again. I think the only downside is we tried to cram a lot in and it was hot. I probably should have asked for one to two fewer or shorter walking tours, especially on days we switched cities. Otherwise, it was excellent.

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.

Overall, this may be too much, but we were happy to have written it down as it allowed us to relive the experience. This was a wonderful trip and we absolutely recommend Zicasso and our travel agent. We are already thinking about our next adventure in Italy. Here are the details...

Planning: Zicasso’s travel agent did a wonderful job of helping us plan a trip, making adjustments and ensuring the adventure turned out perfectly. We interviewed several approaches to planning the trip and our choice with Zicasso’s tour company was the right one for us. The trip app was great and kept everything right at our fingertips. We will definitely reach out to this travel agent when we return to Italy.

Food: How is it that when we stopped on the highway to Florence for a coffee, the food was as good as any high-end restaurant in the United States—organic, fresh, and tasty. One of our crew is gluten sensitive in the United States… in Italy, it’s not the gluten, it’s the chemicals used in the United States. We ate bread at every meal and had no problems. We learned that more simple fare is better fare and just amazing. No need for exotic tasting of cheese, bread, wine, pasta, salad, olive oil, vinegar, with fresh vegetables in the sauce, is all one ever needs… until the gelato at least twice a day.

Logistics: The logistics were great and absolutely essential for first-time travelers. There were guides and drivers to meet us at every stop. They seemed to know what we looked like and were just so very helpful.

Guides: Great choices across the board! Their knowledge and love of their various cities was detailed and charming. It was clear that each city fancies itself as the origin of culture and much more. We loved the perspectives and personalities of the people, and of our guides in Rome, Florence, the Tuscan farm, Venice, the Venice water tour, and Pompeii.

Drivers: Our three drivers, especially the one who got stuck with us on the way to Florence due to an auto accident. He really had an extended day and we really appreciated his patience. We got to know him a little and he was delightful.

Travel by train: It was so easy, fast, and comfortable. We loved the time together and the scenery. The added benefit of the lounge made a big difference from the busyness of the train station. We loved this, all at 300 km/h!

Hotels: The hotels were exactly as described—centrally located, convenient, and very comfortable.

Rome: The best beds and staff!

Florence: The best location—convenient to shops/cafés and breakfast.

Venice: Great location, with window views of the canals; it was very nice, but a bit dated in decor in the lobby. We would still stay there next trip!

Planning and sites visited: Overall, each of the cities and sites were outstanding. They gave us a great insight into Italy as a country, as well as its culture and people. Everyone we engaged with (including hotel staff, restaurants, and locals) was friendly, helpful, and engaging. The pervasiveness of English speakers was incredible. Our single-language approach is something we need to work on in the United States! We always felt safe and well taken care of. The added benefit of this support was that it allowed all of us to focus on the city and countrysides, not the driving. It may cost a bit more, but we felt it was totally worth it.

Roma: Here is the only mistake we made in planning our trip. Doing the Vatican and ruins/Colosseum in the same day is too much. This was clearly our decision and our travel agent suggested that it was “a lot.” Having said that, the pre-purchase and guide is clearly the way to go in whatever city you visit. The three sites are incredible.

Pompeii: We thought this would be neat to see, but not as amazing as the other sites…we were wrong. Pompeii is an incredible site and the pace of the tour was just about right for us. This is a place where you can walk the streets where people have walked since long before Christ. The opulence of their living (steam baths, frescos, statues, and mosaics) is incredible.

Tuscan countryside: The organic farm and cheese-making visit, including a quick trip to Pienza, was an absolute highlight. The lunch was fantastic and inspired us to eat organic! We also loved that to get to the farm you had to travel on gravel roads (well maintained, by the way) and got to see working farms.

Pienza is a beautiful, small village where we could spend an entire day exploring. Next visit, we will carve out a day to shop there and spend the night. There was so much to do in a limited time!!!

Florence: It's just beautiful. The work by Michelangelo just defies explanation and leaves you breathless. The churches are a monument to the wealth and dedication of generations of craftsmen engaged in centuries of work. The cooking class was wonderful and fun, and there was so much food. Making your own tiramisu, pasta, chicken dishes, and sauces was just wonderful.

Venice: We skipped the gondola ride because the tour of the Grand Canal was just incredible. Some of us were a bit spooked by the narrow “streets” or, better yet, passageways. However, we all loved the tour and exploring. One of our crew took off later in the day after the tour and tried to get lost… successfully. But with a bit of iPhone maps and the kindness of the people, they found cafés, open-air markets, an antique shop, children playing football, and a delightful adventure.

From the moment we began working with Zicasso's trip planner, our every need was met. He listened and planned an epic trip based on our conversations. Then, for our trip, we worked with another trip planner who was extremely responsive and professional, especially when we were in Italy. Any questions we had were promptly answered. Everything they planned was pure luxury and fantastic. The private pick-ups, drivers, and tour guides were absolutely prompt and fantastic. Every tour was super-fun and informative. Highlights included the wonderful hotels, food tour in Florence, tour in Venice, cooking class, and tasting track in Tuscany. I would highly highly recommend. It was a five-star, wonderful trip!

Zicasso’s tour operator planned the most amazing trip to Italy for us! My requirements were culture, romance, and relaxation. She delivered on every aspect. Although we missed our tour of the Vatican due to the Pope's funeral, my husband and I actually attended his funeral!! Our hotel, though planned many months before, was next to the basilica where Pope Francis was laid to rest. Talk about being a part of history!

We stayed in a beautiful converted villa to boutique hotel in Florence; got whisked away through the Tuscan countryside in a vintage Fiat 500; took cooking classes; sipped lovely wine, accompanied by excellent lunches on our winery tours; soaked in Italy's rich culture and museum scene; and even ticked the relaxation box by spending time by the pool, in the spa, and resting on our large deck overlooking the Amalfi coastline.

Every tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and personable, and it was evident they loved their jobs. Between memories of the boat ride along the Amalfi Coast, tips from the cooking classes I have already started using at home, and the cases of wine we are eagerly awaiting delivery of, my husband and I will forever hold Italy in our hearts and la dolce vita it provided us. 

Talk with our tour operator; you will be glad you did!