Iconic Italy: Fast-Paced Exploration from Venice to Sicily

We interviewed several travel agents before choosing our agent and this travel company.  The other travel agents just seemed to be going through a script and then provided an uninspired itinerary.  Our travel agent took the time to listen to our desires and from that created a bespoke itinerary.  Our agent excelled in both listening and creativity. He understood our desire to have an artisan experience and that we wanted downtime. 

We are a family of both artists and craftsmen, so we weren't looking for the generic tour the typical top 10 things to do.  We wanted a curated experience, a chance to meet artisans at work.  Through numerous phone calls, emails, and tweaks to the itinerary they made sure it was perfect.  Not a single detail was missed from the transportation to the tours to making sure they found a place for us to get Covid tested before flying back to the US.

The tours they provided were amazing, from the artisan tour in Venice, leather making and mosaics in Florence, wine tasting in Chianti, to Italian cooking lessons in Como.  What was unique is we got to meet the artisans, ask questions, and learn about their craft.  It was not just the artisan experience, but the guides they hand picked to provide the tours were experts in their field.  All of them were passionate about their cities and made us feel welcome. They were all so gracious and kind.  The other important factor was we never felt stressed or worried about how to navigate in whatever city we were in.

Our travel agent made sure the transportation was always on time and the drivers would always communicate ahead of time. The agent was also always available to answer any of our texts from how much to tip to where is the best Florentine steak at a local's restaurant.  Our agent was responsive within minutes and when he was not going to be available he let us know ahead of time. No question was ever too small and he never seemed annoyed by what were probably inane questions.

The itinerary provided was very detailed and included all the contact information for the drivers, guides, etc.  We never felt lost or stressed.  I have to say it was the most stress-free vacation we have been on. Our entire family agreed this is the best family vacation we have been on, and we have traveled a lot.  I would rate our agent and the travel company a 10 out of 10!!! I would not hesitate to use them again and have already referred them to my sister.  My only regret is that we couldn't have stayed longer in Italy.

Our trip exceeded our expectations! Our travel agency did an outstanding job of listening to us and designing a trip that fit us and was a truly enjoyable  experience. It was our first trip overseas so having someone take care of all the details including airfare, drivers, guides, hotels and excursions made it carefree and relaxing. They even made reservations for us at all the restaurants we decided to use and informed them of our anniversary and my birthday and in turn we received special attention and extras on those nights. They even informed the hotel which left a bottle of champagne in our room when we returned that afternoon, not big things but something that displayed their attention and care about our trip. For the most part everything worked timely and smoothly and we never had a problem with language or communication with anyone we were involved with. Our drivers and guides did an excellent job and where pleasant and courteous at all times. They all communicated with each other to keep us informed and often told us our travel agent had called to check on us and wish us a good day. We had some outstanding guides and drivers. These where art or history majors and could not only tell us all about the areas we where touring but could answer any question we had. We really enjoyed getting to know them and learning a lot about the culture and their families which gave us a real understanding and insight to the country and region. We often felt more like friends than clients when with them. We felt the guides they choose for us did an outstanding job of making us feel so at home in a foreign country. One of our guides called friends of his to book us restaurants and transportation and as we drove the coast he played classical romantic Italian music for us. The special lunch he arranged for us was a very memorable as was our time with him. Having the private guides allowed us so much flexibility to change course or linger longer at any time. They always allowed us to skip any lines and often worked us into transportation with fellow guides that kept us from ever waiting for a bus or other transportation. The hotels offered and selected where great with outstanding views and rooms, well located for walking to the main areas and restaurants, excellent food and a good staff. Most everything arranged was better than we anticipated. It was a real pleasure not having to worry about a single detail, just show up and enjoy, which we did!

Hi there!!

Just wish to shout-out loud and say "Thank you, Thank you!!" for the wonderful & amazing trip that we have experienced in Northern Italy!!

I am so glad that I have picked Zicasso out from a dozen of travel web site on-line, and have selected Ithis company as the travel planner.... Overall, the tour itinerary, i.e. Rome; Florence; Tuscan Countryside; Levanto (Cinque Terre); & Venice are just perfect!!

I have had many private tours in the past years and by far, this is one of the best!  All the airport/ train station limousine transfers are seamless, the boat rides in Venice is "exclusive" and all the hotel arrangements & it's locations picked are just impeccable!  (I did a private tour in Russia last year & the U.S. the year before.... Both are very good, but this one is just one-cut above all!).

I especially wish to thank all our guides and all the drivers for their friendly & warmth services. They are knowledgeable, enthusiastic & caring and we really have a good time with everyone of them!!

Last but not least, I must also mention our travel agent who is always in touch with me via whatsApp and readily provide any assistance when needed, we never once feel being alone in a foreign land! 

Above all & most importantly, my wife & daughter are very, very happy with this holiday throughout the entire trip and that make me feel like a Millionaire!!!!  

Italy is a beautiful country and we have met some of the most wonderful people there....

Once again.... Thank You!! Thank you!!

Cheers,

J J L

This travel company is the best! I told them what type of vacation and activities I wanted and they booked not only the tours, but handled the logistics of getting me from one place to the next. I am a seasoned traveler but the ease and security of being met at the train station or picked up from my hotel each day made my visit stress free! The roads are so narrow in Italy and parking so scarce that having a system of private drivers was indispensable. Plus, all drivers and tour guides spoke English! Having the tours pre-booked was also essential to avoid the long lines that seem ubiquitous in Florence. I highly recommend this travel agency and Zicasso!