The Great Escape to Tuscany Tour

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 loved everything about our trip to Tuscany. We had great, comfortable hotels as bases to explore the beautiful countryside and towns. Our hotels had kind, welcoming staff. Zicasso's travel company provided helpful suggestions and reserved non-touristy restaurants and enjoyable, interesting activities: eating in Florence, wine tasting in Montalcino, and cheese making in Pienza.

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!

Our trip to Italy was amazing! The tours that were organized for us were all excellent and engaging. 

The Vespa sidecar tour was an incredible way to kickstart the trip and our two teenage boys really enjoyed it. Our walking tours of the Vatican museums and the Colosseum and Roman Forum tours with our guide were excellent. We loved her. She was fantastic. Our tour of the crypts and catacombs was very interesting and the guide was very good.

The hotels were very nice and accommodating, especially in Rome and Venice. The car rental in Rome was good and the car was the perfect size for what we needed. It was just big enough to fit our luggage. 

The hotel in Orvieto was a bit spartan and had plumbing issues. Our tour guide in Orvieto was also great. The hotel in Siena was very nice. Our tour guide in Siena was very nice, but we had some difficulty hearing her. She did explain things nicely and took us to some interesting locations around the city, but not being able to hear her was a little challenging. The e-bike tour in Montepulciano was incredible. The scenic landscapes and the visit to Pienza was a nice surprise. 

Returning the car in Florence was very difficult and our only suggestion is that on the travel documents, the return address be included on the page of the event. We did not think to look back at the rental agreement. Driving in Florence is very difficult and can be overwhelming for some people. 

The train station was organized and it was easy to locate the train. The train ride itself was very easy and fast. 

Venice was outstanding. Our hotel was beautiful and comfortable, and the breakfast was incredible. Due to the difficulty we had in returning the car in Florence, our travel company was kind enough to buy us dinner at an wonderful restaurant in Venice, which was one of the highlights of the trip. 

Our family had a wonderful experience and the trip was so well planned and organized. I will be using our travel company for future trips and, on behalf of my family, I would like to thank you for the time of our lives!

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!