History, Gastronomy and Modern Art of Brazil: Minas Gerais for 8 Days

We traveled to Rio, Iguaçu, and Buenos Aires with Zicasso’s travel company as a family. Our travel agent was very helpful and great to work with during the initial idea phase.

Of this 8-day, 7-night trip, there were only 2 days that went according to plan with no problems.

Pros: They were responsive during planning, prompt with small refunds for shows/activities missed, and helpful in modifying a flight.

Cons: The worst problem we had was dealing with the operations person, who was rude and no sensible business would have him talking to paying clients. We chose to see Buenos Aires on our own rather than waste any more of our precious vacation time talking to him.

There were multiple other smaller issues, including a poor show-timing miscommunication in Rio, a vehicle delay in Iguaçu, and drivers who were sent without guides who were unaware of the day's plans. Fundamentally, the agent who planned the trip was away during our travel and should never have agreed to put this trip together given her schedule and lack of quality client support in her company.

Also, there were multiple third-party providers and different guides almost every day, which made things transactional.

Overall, we chose Zicasso and this travel company due to us not having time in advance to plan all the little details that make a vacation great. This just meant those details needed to be tended to later, and that the significant planning charges paid accomplished little towards that end. Few, if any, of the services provided that were billed as luxury met those standards.

If you've never traveled outside your home country, maybe this company might add value to your trip. Else, it would be like you get a worse result than doing it yourself (and pay a significant premium for the privilege!).

Wouldn't recommend.

We had a great travel experience with Zicasso's travel company. Brazil is a wonderful country to visit. The people we encountered were very courteous, helpful, and happy.

Overall, we had a very good experience. The flights were well spaced out and timed, so we enjoyed each of the three places.

The Amazon experience was by far the most immersive and authentic. The food, three meals a day, was a bit too much, but kept us full. The guide there was phenomenal.

The other two guides in Iguazú and Rio de Janeiro were subpar. They felt more like babysitters rather than guides. They barely gave us any information, socioeconomic, historical, fun facts, etc. The lunch they took us to in Rio was absolutely terrible, at a very touristic, all-you-can-eat place in Ipanema that we would never have dined in. We would have liked to be given the option of spending more on food if possible. Food in Rio was cheap, so we would have chosen a much better place and paid on our own for it otherwise.

The hotels were good. The one in Rio was a bit old. If I had a do-over, I would have stayed in Ipanema, which felt safer and busier than Copacabana. The hotel in Iguazú was awesome, but had very small twin beds. The spa was below average.

Zicasso's travel agent was a delight to work with. He was responsive in helping us plan an interesting itinerary.

We enjoyed our trip to Brazil.

It was a fantastic trip! Zicasso's travel specialist provided guidance on visiting not just Rio de Janeiro, but Paraty, a fishing village four hours away, and it turned out to be the highlight of the trip.

She scheduled a private boat tour of the bay and it was absolutely stunning; swimming on empty beaches and having a great lunch right over the water.

Additionally she booked a beautiful and relaxing hotel that had some of the best food of the trip. I would not have planned this without her help.

I recommend our travel company unreservedly; totally worth it!

My wife and I recently embarked on a breathtaking journey through South America, visiting Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazú Falls in Argentina, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. We entrusted Zicasso's tour agency with planning our trip and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we've ever made.

From the very beginning, the team at the tour company was attentive and responsive, taking the time to understand our preferences and interests. They crafted a personalized itinerary that perfectly balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Buenos Aires: Our adventure began in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. The agency arranged for a knowledgeable local guide who took us through the historic neighborhoods, tango shows, and culinary delights. The accommodations were centrally located, allowing us to explore the city with ease.

Mendoza: Next, we traveled to Mendoza, where we were immersed in the world of wine. The tour agency organized exclusive vineyard tours and tastings, providing us with a unique insight into the region's winemaking traditions. The picturesque landscapes and charming boutique hotel made our stay unforgettable.

Iguazú Falls: The highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls. The agency ensured we had the best vantage points and arranged for a thrilling boat ride that brought us up close to the cascading waters. Their attention to detail and seamless logistics made this experience truly magical.

Rio de Janeiro: Our journey concluded in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. The travel company curated a perfect blend of iconic sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, along with hidden gems that showcased the city's unique culture. The beachfront hotel provided stunning views and a relaxing end to our adventure.

Throughout the trip, the tour company was always available to assist with any questions or adjustments, ensuring a stress-free experience. Their expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction were evident in every aspect of our journey.

We wholeheartedly recommend this company to anyone seeking a well-organized and memorable travel experience. We look forward to planning our next adventure with them!