Zicasso Traveler Stories

Explore the world through our Zicasso Traveler Stories, which showcase journeys across the globe, from dreamy adventures in Portugal's Douro Valley to soul-stirring safaris through Tanzania's wilderness.

These firsthand accounts reveal discoveries beyond guidebook recommendations, where meaningful connections are forged with locals and adventure is found from extraordinary places to hidden gems.

Whether you're drawn to the picturesque peaks of Patagonia, the ancient temples of Vietnam, or the pristine fjords of Norway, these travel stories offer insights and the inspiration you need to craft your own extraordinary journey.

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5-star review for zicasso sweden custom trip

Zicasso Travel Stories: What a Search Bar Cannot Know

David Dilenschneider has a theory about search engines, and it did not start with travel. He spent years in the legal fraternity watching younger attorneys,...
5-star zicasso review traveler story

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Trip That Comes Home With You

Aaron did not go looking for a travel company. He went looking for someone who would take care of his family the way they deserved, from the moment they...

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Trip That Grows Every Time

There is a certain type of traveler who has done the beaches, moved through the countries, and is now looking for something more. Not adventure for its...

Zicasso Travel Stories: When Plans Collapse and Everything Improves

What would it take for a place you've never been to feel like it was made for you? Not comfortable. Not well-organized. Made for you. The specific weight...
Zicasso travelers at Ngũ Hồ (Five Lakes) at Bạch Mã National Park in Hue, Vietnam

Zicasso Travel Stories: Finding Flexibility in Structure in Vietnam

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam captivates travelers with its contrasts. Ancient traditions meet modern...
Paros, Greece

Zicasso Travel Stories: How a Wedding in Greece Became an Adventure of a Lifetime

A wedding is a joyous occasion, but when it’s scheduled for a Greek island, it can bring a wave of logistical questions. For Rolando H, the initial excitement...
Cozy alpine village nestled in the French Alps, covered in snow.

Zicasso Travel Stories: A 3-Week Journey Through Festive Winter in Europe

From the outset, Cheryl C. and her family wanted more than just a vacation; they sought a trip where every detail reflected their interests and dreams....
Dave and his family in Burgundy, France

Zicasso Travel Stories: Nourishing Connections in France

With its savory scents, epic history, time-honored traditions, and romantic cities, France nourishes your senses. Famous for its stunning landscapes,...
Senior Travel Care Specialist Quincy in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Immersive Vibrancy of Vietnam

With its mouthwatering aromas, epic nature, timeless traditions, and bustling metropolises, Vietnam is exciting. Famous for its stunning landscapes,...
Camila and Maria on safari in Tanzania

Zicasso Travel Stories: Wild Tanzania and Pristine Zanzibar

From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is a destination of dreams, expectations, and unexpected experiences....
Doug and lisa at the Pyramids in Giza

Zicasso Travel Stories: Egypt Is a Time Machine & So Much More

Ancient wonders and contemporary comforts coexist in Egypt. Along the fertile banks of the Nile River stand towering monuments that showcase the ingenuity...
Marci-Beth and Jeff at the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in the Cayo District, Belize

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Surprising Diversity of Belize

The idyllic tropical paradise of Belize can surprise you with contrasts between lush jungles teeming with exotic wildlife and postcard-perfect cayes fringed...
Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Epic Scale of Chile and Patagonia

The otherworldly terrain of Chile and Patagonia can stir your soul with its endless panoramas of glaciers, intimidating snowcapped peaks, turquoise waters...
Young girl walking along a stone path surrounded by lush tropical greenery at a luxury resort in Costa Rica

Zicasso Travel Stories: Trading travel fears for a child’s fearlessness in Costa Rica

From misty cloud forests to birdlife, wildlife, and marine life, Costa Rica will see you step off a plane into a world of lush rainforests and pristine...

Zicasso Travel Stories: Unexpected Beauty in Portugal's Douro Valley

The allure of Portugal’s Douro Valley lies in indulging your senses, where a seamless blend of warm hospitality and untamed natural beauty await. Famous...
Olena at a waterfall in Flåm, Norway

Zicasso Travel Stories: Norway's Enchanting Fjords and Timeless Villages

Norway's majestic landscape unfolds like a living painting, with deep fjords carving through snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls tumbling from...
Alpine toboggan track on Straza hill overlooking Lake Bled with five-star traveler review graphic overlay

Zicasso Travel Stories: Seven Siblings, One Unforgettable Journey

When Michelle T. set out to plan a European adventure for seven siblings, she had a deep purpose in mind. "This trip wasn't just a vacation," she reflected....
Feluccas on the Nile near sand dunes in Aswan, Egypt, with five-star traveler story graphic

Zicasso Travel Stories: How Expert Planning Made an Egypt Travel Dream a Reality

Egypt is captivating in its history, culture, and topography, attracting even those who have already visited to discover the country all over again. The...
Vineyards in Sicily, Italy

Zicasso Travel Stories: Four Trips Down with Zicasso and a Lifetime to Go

For the experienced traveler, ultimate luxury entails confidence and trust. It’s the assurance that every detail of your journey has been considered by...

4.9

Reviews of Zicasso's Luxury Tours & Vacations

Based on 31215 verified traveler reviews.

Switzerland Family Travel Review: Lucerne, Zurich, Matterhorn, Jungfraujoch, Giessbach Waterfalls, Aare Gorge, Chocolate Making, 13 Days

Wonderful trip. Excellent travel company that went above and beyond in every way to make it special for us. I have traveled all over the world with my wife and three boys, two of whom are adults now, and what separated Zicasso's travel specialist was how he handled unforeseen circumstances and how he helped us stay flexible. He and his partner were able to change the timing of certain attractions on a couple of days and were always available when we needed them.

On the final leg of our journey, we were supposed to stay at our hotel in Lucerne, but on arrival, were told we had no rooms due to the U.S.-Iran peace talks that were scheduled there. Our travel specialist was able to advocate for us and get us a full refund for the rooms, and have us moved to a similar-quality resort in Zurich, where we stayed in an expansive suite and had an excellent time. He was driving us himself that day, which was really helpful, as I am certain without his assistance it would have been a disaster for us because there were no comparable rooms left in Lucerne at other top resorts. He also gave us an impromptu tour of Lucerne prior to us getting to the hotel, at our request, even though it was not on the schedule. He was also a pleasure to be around and we all enjoyed his company. We will be recommending this travel company to friends for sure.

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Italy Trip Review: Cinque Terre, Bologna, Prosciutto Tour, 9 Days

Everything went as planned. All the details were handled well. The hotel choices were excellent. All the guides were very good. All the drivers were on time. Overall, a great experience.

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Croatia Tour Review: Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Mostar, Plitvice Lakes, Krka National Park, Elaphiti Islands, 10 Days

We are a couple in our upper seventies who recently returned from a fabulous 10-day private tour of Croatia. Of the many places we have visited around the globe, Croatia is among our favorites. The country offers extraordinary national parks, a gorgeous, dramatic coastline, warm, friendly people, great food, and a cosmopolitan culture with a rich history. The weather was splendid in late May.

Zicasso's travel specialist worked closely with us to put together an itinerary that was truly perfect in terms of the pace and the types of activities we like to do. She is a great listener and truly understood our concerns as senior travelers. We were very pleased to meet her for breakfast at the end of our trip. Although we had not been directly in touch earlier during the tour, we had the sense that she was checking in with our guides along the way, just to make sure every detail was attended to. When the Meštrović Museum in Split was closed while we were there, she arranged for us to have a private tour, just one example of her thoughtfulness.

At every phase of the tour, we had wonderful drivers and guides. All were extraordinarily interesting individuals, willing to share their personal experiences and opinions about the complicated and painful history of recent decades. We feel we learned a great deal and came to admire the resilience of these remarkable people. Despite great hardship, they remain positive and optimistic, and are very proud to introduce their culture to visitors.

We visited Zagreb, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Mostar, and had walking tours of each. Truly every place we visited offered highlights. Among our favorites: Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Parks (the two are quite different and both are worth seeing); the Meštrović Museum in Split; walking the walls of Dubrovnik; an incredible Middle Eastern lunch following a trek to the historic bridge in Mostar; the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun in Zadar; lunch featuring prawns buzara at a harborside restaurant on a glistening day in the Elaphiti Islands. Indeed, too many fine restaurants to mention!

In sum, Zicasso's travel company created a superlative tour for us, for which we thank our travel specialist and her marvelous team.

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Italy Anniversary Trip Review: Lake Como, Tuscany, 10 Nights

Zicasso's travel company did a great job putting together our itinerary and listened carefully to all of our suggestions. They booked us into amazing hotels and restaurants. We especially loved the private tours we had and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. All of the connections, including drivers, transfers, and train travel, were flawless. We felt they took care of us every step of the way. We highly recommend them because they made our 50th-anniversary trip so special and memorable.

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Australia Tour Review: Sydney, Blue Mountains, Phillip Island, Tasmania, Freycinet National Park, Hiking, Penguin Parade, 3 Weeks

Zicasso's travel company was prompt to respond to all inquiries and provided an itinerary that met our interests, with added suggestions to make our trip memorable. They gave us peace of mind, knowing all the logistics were well managed. Overall, it was a fabulous trip.

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Italy Trip Review: 17 Nights

Fantastic! Incredible trip. Both the pre-trip planning and the on-the-ground support made this trip one of the best yet. Thank you!

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