Family Vacations & Tours

Zicasso’s travel agent cares passionately about his clients. I used his company for a three-week Aegean odyssey in March-April 2025. My special request was to have a meal with a local family in their home. He arranged for immersive cooking with two families in Türkiye and Greece. He has an outstanding roster of local guides who provided private tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kuşadası, Santorini, and Crete. All the guides were personable and knowledgable, and we had fun with day(s) filled with laughter. I mentioned to one that the hotel was going to charge 50 euros for laundry. He arranged his local laundry to do it for less than $10.

Our travel company pays attention to details, having the influence to get me upgraded rooms with spectacular balcony views of the Parthenon and Aegean Sea. The hotels were in strategic locations, with easy walking to restaurants, shopping, and points of interest. He ensured I had “fast pass”, so I went into the shorter security lanes at the airports. The vehicles were either Mercedes-Benz vans, sedans, or other nice SUVs for more room and better views.

For me, it is when things go sideways that one learns the value of a good travel specialist. On the day I was to fly from Athens to Santorini, all the transportation workers in Greece went on strike for 24 hours. There were no planes or ferries. That causes cascading problems. My agent arranged for me to spend the extra night in the same Athens hotel, got a new flight to Santorini the next day, even though the flights were very full, had the room ready for me in Santorini when I arrived early in the morning, and had the transfers waiting for me. I did not worry, as I knew I would be taken care of. The day before the strike, I was talking with other tourists who were scrambling to make arrangements when the internet and phone lines were jammed. The peace of mind was immeasurable.

My husband and I just returned from a three-week trip in France, Spain, and Portugal planned by Zicasso's travel agent. It was an amazing trip, with every detail thoughtfully planned.

Our agent recommended a couple of tours and activities that had not been part of my plan for the trip, but I went with her recommendations and was so glad I did. They ended up being some of the highlights of our trip. Her restaurant recommendations were spot-on. The car service provided in each country made our travel so effortless and, therefore, much more enjoyable.

Her local team member was amazing. Whenever I reached out via WhatsApp, she replied in minutes (it always seemed instantaneous) and helped resolve or address my question/ask. I would definitely use her and her team again.

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!

This was an excellently organized vacation! Zicasso's travel agent truly listened to our family likes and interests, and her advice was uniformly on the mark. She was so patient in our planning process and willingly adjusted the itinerary many times until we landed on the itinerary that met all of our preferences and “wants.”

Our Athens tour guide was outstanding! All the tour guides were wonderful. They were knowledgeable, thoughtful, attentive, and fun. Our accommodations were lovely and perfectly suited our family. 

Our agents even met us in Athens to welcome us to Greece! This was our best vacation ever!!! 

Fabulous, Fantastic, Fun! We had an absolutely amazing 10 days traveling in Athens, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete. We were traveling with four 20somethings with varied interests. Zicasso's tour planner listened to my description of what we were looking for and created a masterpiece of a trip!

It was a very well-organized trip, communication was great, and our Zicasso travel specialist was always a pleasure to deal with before and during the trip. She kept in constant contact with us to ensure all was good. We loved the places we stayed in and the adventures she arranged. The guides were great too.