Name: Italian Indulgence: A Food & Wine Tour of Tuscany, Umbria, & Lazio
Brand: Zicasso
Price: 448 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (6126 reviews)

Woman enjoying a glass of wine and the view in Montalcino, Italy

What to expect on this itinerary

Rome will make your mouth water with the ineffable flavors of cuisine emboldened with history and tested with time. Sip the bittersweet flavor of an espresso in view of detailed baroque fountains. Sample the crumbly herbaceous Pecorino cheese directly from the makers' shelf. Wander along vast vineyards blanketing the hillsides leading to medieval walls. Your custom tailored tour immerses you in the culinary delights of Italy, letting you bask in the flavors of fresh pasta and a culture known for its cooking. Traverse the countryside of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio to find perfection in the kitchen.

Countries Visited

Italy

Places Visited

Rome, Siena, San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, Radda in Chianti, Montalcino, Pienza, Montepulciano, Torgiano, Montefalco, Bevagna, orvieto, Roma, Frascati, Genzano, Ariccia

Suggested Duration

9 Days

Day 1

Siena – Introduction to Medieval Tuscany

The Tuscan hills roll along the landscape punctuated with cypress trees. The historic walls of Siena have protected the city for centuries, surrounding the towers and marble façade of the cathedral. Your private transfer meets you at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and escorts you north into the famous Tuscan countryside. The height of the city’s power began in the 12th century. By the 14th century, the lavish artwork and architecture rivaled the beauty of Florence. Red clay bricks crafted from the earth outside the city shaped the rosy hues of the palazzo in the main square of Piazza del Campo.

The Torre del Mangia rises to a height of nearly 335 feet above the brick square. Two brothers erected the tower in the mid 14th century, which provides an elaborate panorama of Siena’s red-tiled rooftops with the emerald hills of Tuscany in the background. The black and white stripes along the Cathedral’s Gothic marble façade add a unique flair to the piazza, standing out from the surrounding red buildings. The large rose window provides beaming light to fill the nave. The interior contains mosaic panels along the floor with 56 different depictions of Biblical history.

After exploring the splendor of the historic city center, your guide meets you at the hotel and escorts you to a charming vineyard in the countryside for your welcoming taste of Siena. Your tasting menu fills the table with traditional succulent dishes of Tuscany, from roast boar to pici noodles. You have a sensational view of the landscape outside the window as the dining room fills with the mouthwatering aromas of dinner. Each dish is balanced with a perfectly paired wine produced on the vineyard. When you taste the roast boar and sip your wine, the flavors marry, combining the savory taste of the meat with the mineral rich quality of the wine.

Tour

Transfer

Accommodation

Dinner

Day 2

Siena – Indelible Hills of Tuscany

In the morning, the cafes in the Piazza del Campo set out their tables beneath wide parasols. The golden shine of the Tuscan sun spread across the city illuminating the hidden niches of the labyrinthine streets. Your guide meets you at the hotel in the morning and escorts you through the famous Tuscan landscape to the town of San Gimignano. The medieval walls have protected the city from intruders for almost a millennium. Only 13 towers of the original 72 remain.

The structures were once considered symbols of power, causing the local noble families to build a familial edifice and prove their wealth. The historic city has been frozen in time, mounted on the hilltop with a view of the wildflowers and vineyards growing along the valley floor. The main square of Piazza della Cisterna has a triangular shape adorned with the base of past towers. The town is known for producing a refreshing white wine known as Vernaccia. Your guide provides you with a sample of the wine.

The light hay color leads to an aroma hinting at pear and melon. The flavor offers a lingering citrus reflective of the terroir of the Tuscan hills. Saffron had played a role in San Gimignano’s economy since the 13th century. In the fields around town, the harvest takes place at dawn before the flowers open to the sun. The stems are dried immediately to maintain the flavor. Visit the local saffron farm to witness the production and harvest of the small but powerful seasoning firsthand, to witness the purple flowers with their interior crimson stems shining against the Tuscan backdrop.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3

Siena – True Tuscan Wheels

Tuscany is filled with splendid surprises, from the distinct flavors of the wine grown around the celebrated hills to the hot springs of Bagno Vignoni in the region known as the Val d’Orcia. The medieval walls of the main square surround a pool more than 160 feet long. The reflective water bubbles at a temperature more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit and is known around Tuscany for its therapeutic properties. Along the hills of the Val d’Orcia, your guide leads you along the baroque streets of the town of Pienza. In the 15th century, the pope chose to renovate his hometown, turning the medieval village into an homage to the opulent design of the times.

The town provides a delicate balance of architecture, cuisine, and Tuscan tradition. Palazzo Piccolomini casts an imposing shadow over the public square. The palace was erected in the mid 15th century. Architects and historians consider the structure the first example of Renaissance architecture. The magnificent garden adorns the rooftop providing an open panorama to the countryside and the rooftops of Pienza. Marble pillars support the arcade. The design combines harmony with functionality. Artisan shops display wheels of local cheese, referred to as cacio. The Pecorino of Pienza is made from sheep’s milk and aged to perfection.

Outside of town, you visit a private dairy for a demonstration on how the Pecorino is produced. The sheep feed on the meadow grass, juniper bushes, and wild herbs, adding depths of flavor to the cheese. Your guide leads you through the process of cheese making, from heating the milk to grating the curds. Once the cheese maker collects the curds, they add it to a salt solution before wrapping the mixture in walnut leaves. The cheese ages in a cool, humid cellar. The cheese maker periodically adds moisture by rubbing local olive oil along the outside. In the tasting room, your guide provides a large sample of the type of cheese you watched the dairy make, which takes up to 60 days to properly mature.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

Torgiano – Finding the Right Truffle

In the morning, the clerks at the gelaterias around the historic city center begin mixing the ingredients for a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Cafes open their doors to business people in search of an espresso before work. Your guide meets you at the hotel after breakfast and whisks you away from Siena, traveling south into the region of Umbria. The hills of Tuscany turn into soaring ridges and golden fields. The medieval walls of Torgiano rise along the hillside with the mountaintops overtaking the horizon.

The town prides itself on culinary tradition, producing wine, olive oil, grain and honey used in the cultural cuisine of Umbria. The single fortified tower crowns the village and watches over the slopes leading into the meadow. The interior of the Madonna dei Bagni contains 700 ceramic votive tiles made at the end of the 17th century. In the late morning, you venture out with a local guide and follow a pack of hunting dogs in search of the lavish truffle. Wander through the countryside, beneath the shading oak trees and over the limestone ridges to find the elusive, indulgent ingredient.

At lunch, you delight on the flavor of Strangozzi in a restaurant hidden in the medieval lanes of town. The cellar-like ambiance adds to the historic layers of the city. The scent of a tomato based sauce drifts out of the kitchen. The type of pasta is named after the shoelace shape filling the plate. The dish is garnished with the truffle you found during the hunt. Shavings add a unique, pungent quality to the pasta, blending the savory taste of the white truffle with the semi-sweet flavor of the tomato sauce.

Tour

Transfer

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Torgiano – Wine Discovery in Umbria

The tranquil streets of Torgiano fill with semblances of contemporary life in the morning. Old men read the newspaper outside of quiet cafés. The sunlight reaches over the valley to highlight the walls of the medieval town. After breakfast, you venture out into the small towns of Umbria beginning with Montefalco. Vineyards ascend the hillside reaching to the lush cypress trees beneath the rosy colored buildings on the hilltop. Cobbled streets meander along the stone structures inside the ancient walls. The walls offer an enchanting view of the Spoleto valley, which embodies the lush nature of the region.

The town stands nearly 165 feet above sea level. Marvelous frescoes decorate the numerous medieval churches, including the 14th-century edifice of Saint Francesco Church, which contains artwork produced by Perugino and Corraduccio. Visit a local vineyard on the outskirts of town to sample the celebrated wines produced on the hillside. Monks began producing wine in the region in the 16th century. Vineyards now cover nearly 2,400 acres, much of which contains Sagrantino grapes. The bold flavor pairs well with sharp cheeses and black truffle. The prominent tannins provide a burst of flavor akin to plum coating your palate.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

Rome – On the Road to Rome

In the morning, the medieval walls of Torgiano fade behind the hillsides as you make your way south to Rome. Your private transfer leads you to the stunning town of Orvieto, which contains traces of its original foundations laid by the Etruscans. A network of caves meanders through the tufa stone beneath the town. The quadrangular Torre del Moro stands more than 130 feet tall. The structure was erected in the 13th century to keep out foreign invaders. The observation deck provides a splendid panorama of the verdant hills and sloping rooftops of the town. Outdoor markets fill the Piazza del Capitano del Popolo on Thursday and Saturday mornings.

The vibrant stalls fill with local farmers selling produce, vintners offering wine, and cheese vendors providing samples of their variety of local cheeses. The market nearly overshadows the grandeur of the Palazzo del Popolo, a structure built with volcanic tufa stone. Elegant cornice window displays and floor arches create an air of importance, along with gorgeous embellishments. Once in Rome, you settle into the comforts of your luxurious hotel with a view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. The neighborhood known as the Prati contains lavish hotels and fabulous restaurants, each adding to the delicate aromas along the cobbled streets.

The remainder of the day is yours to indulge in the wonders of Rome, from the architectural marvels of the Pantheon to the detailed artistry of the Trevi Fountain. For the perfect introduction to Rome, you venture to Gelateria dei Gracchi, located in a hidden piazza near the Vatican. The aroma of the shop blends sweet and savory, from strawberries to dark chocolate. The colors of each flavor make your mouth water before you have even sampled the gelato. Choose a mixture of three flavors that best represent you and the gelateria, combining chocolate-and-rum, pistachio, and vanilla, each providing a creamy welcome to Rome.

Transfer

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast

Day 7

Rome – The Lazio Country

Rome has a unique charm emanating from the combination of contemporary life wrapped up in historic architecture. The aroma of fresh brioche connects the past and present with a scent that hasn’t changed for centuries. Your guide meets you after breakfast and escorts you into the hills outside of Rome to discover the enchanting ambiance and captivating flavors of the combined towns known as Castelli Romani. The town of Frascati contains a fresher air with a cooler climate, making the town a hotspot for Romans to escape the sweltering summer of the city dating back to the Roman Empire. Wealthy villas continue to line the streets, including the Villa Aldobrandini, a 17th-century estate designed by the nephew of a pope.

The main piazza contains a faded grandeur looking up to the terraced gardens of the splendid villa. Your guide leads you through town and introduces you to a local chef roasting a small pig on a spigot. The suckling pig, known as Porchetta di Ariccia, is a local delicacy of the Castelli Romani. The scent of the spice rub wafts through the air blending with the aroma of the open fire. As lunch cooks, you traverse the vines of a nearby vineyard famous for its production of Bianco Frascati Superiore. The vintner explains the process of the wine before pouring you a sizeable sample. The nose contains an herbal accent over the scent of fresh grass. The flavor coats your tongue with soft minerals before dissipating rapidly.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

Rome – The Diverse Flavors of Rome

When in Rome, you experience as much with your eyes as you do with your taste buds. The culture of the city is as much a part of the food as the ingredients, both combining for the perfect pair. In the morning, your guide leads you on an exceptional half-day tour of the visual artwork of Rome and Vatican City. Once in St. Peter’s Square, you see the glinting dome of the basilica up close. The towering figure stands taller than 137 feet above the cobbled floor of the open piazza. The interior contains lavish adornments, including Michelangelo’s first Pieta, created when the artist was only 24-years old.

He sculpted the figures of a young Mary cradling the body of Jesus out of a single slab of marble. Your guide leads you through the opulent nave of the basilica before entering into the polished marble halls of the Vatican Museum. The galleries contain exceptional artwork and artifacts from around the world, including a vast collection of Egyptian ornaments. The Gallery of Maps contains bright frescoes lining the walls, each depicting a portion of Italy during the 16th century. The maps shed light on the known cities, countryside, and geographical features from the Apennine Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea.

The gilded edges of the coffered ceiling accentuated the majesty of the room leading you deeper into the museum. In the evening, you indulge in your final meal in Rome at a restaurant dedicated to seasonal ingredients and the heritage of Roman cuisine. The rustic interior highlights the history of the city as seen through the eyes of a local. The chef cooks dishes inspired by family recipes and even ancient concoctions. When the potato gnocchi dressed in a light tomato sauce with cured guanciale hits the table, you know you will receive the perfect meal.

Tour

Accommodation

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9

Rome – A Flavorful Farewell

You have come to cherish your mornings in Italy. You choose to sit at an open table in a nearby piazza before the crowds roll in. The sunlight bounces off the parasols shading the café. The fountains trickle with water, creating the serene soundtrack of breakfast. In Rome, you indulge in one final Italian coffee before venturing to Fiumicino Airport. You make your way to the Café Barberini to sample the fresh pastries made in house and sip a traditional Italian cappuccino, which involves a freshly brewed espresso topped with rich foam. You take the elegant flavors of the city with you as your private transfer escorts you to the airport for your flight home.

Transfer

Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Sample the celebrated wines Montepulciano on a wine tasting tour of Tuscany
Indulge in a fabulous excursion to hunt truffles before tasting the bold flavor shaved over a traditional pasta dish of Umbria
Visit a Tuscan dairy to learn the methods of creating regional Pecorino cheese before sampling the artisan flavor
Enjoy an olive oil tasting in a small village to discover the differences in Virgin versus Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Relish the delicate balance of aromas and tastes during a sampling of the wines produced in the celebrated town of Montefalco
Delight in a flavorful lunch in a traditional village of Lazio with a view of the hills overlooking Rome
Witness the opulent artworks and staggering history of Rome embodied in the architecture and displayed in the museum galleries
Relish the creamy texture and large variety of flavors during a gelato tour of Rome

Detailed Description

The best of Italy can be found inside the homes of Italians, when the table fills with regional dishes and the wine flows freely. Your 9-day culinary tour leads you through the true culture of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio, revealing the celebrated flavors shaped by tradition, passed down through generations, and treasured by visitors and locals alike. Your gastronomical excursion begins with your arrival at Fiumicino Airport in Rome. Your private transfer meets you at baggage claim and leads you north to Tuscany at the town of Siena.

Your guide leads you on a tour of the medieval city before embarking on an introductory wine tour of a local vineyard. The next day, you venture into the Tuscan countryside to visit the towns of San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti, and Radda in Chianti. Stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic towns before sampling the wines of the districts, each producing stunning varietals based upon the soil and microclimates. Travel to the towns of Montalcino, Pienza, and Montepulciano to discover the unique blend of medieval and baroque architecture rising above the hillside.

Visit the vibrant market of Pienza before touring a local dairy for an in-depth lesson on the methods of making the delicious Pecorino cheese. Then, you venture south to the region of Umbria at the town of Torgiano. The serene medieval streets lead you along the historic walls overlooking the lush plains and hills. Follow your guide on a truffle hunt before relishing the bold flavors of a regional lunch. Enjoy an olive oil tasting to learn the difference between the creamy varieties of oils.

Next, you uncover the treasures of Umbria with a tour of Montefalco and Bevagna. The former produces the sensational wines in vineyards overtaking the hills beneath the medieval towers. The latter town highlights the blend of Roman antiquity with medieval life. You sample the flavors of Umbrian gnocchi in the captivating town of Orvieto en route to Rome. Once in the Eternal City, you have the day at your leisure to stroll along the ancient lanes revealing the intricate balance of sweet and savory gelato. The following day takes you into the towns outside of Rome collectively known as the Castelli Romani.

Relish the flavor of a succulent lunch cooked over an open fire. Meander through elaborate gardens and palaces containing divine terraces in Frascati, Genzano, and Ariccia. Then, your guide escorts you through the city in search of the artistic tastes of history, from the ancient architecture to the Vatican Museums. In the evening, you indulge in the traditional cuisine of Lazio in a celebrated restaurant known for its regional specialties. Your private transfer meets you in the hotel lobby on your final day and leads you to the Fiumicino Airport for your flight home.

Starting Price

$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

Accommodations
In-country transportation
Some or all activities and tours
Expert trip planning
24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 6126 reviews

Italy Trip Review: Ciociaria, 2-Week Trip

Our trip to Italy was absolutely amazing. Zicasso’s travel company provided exceptional service and attention to detail. We had never used a travel company for arrangements prior to this trip and we are so glad we did. It made the trip stress-free and truly over-the-top.

Our favorite time on the trip was at a location recommended by our travel agent in a very small area called Ciociaria. We loved this location and our resort in Ciociaria. The staff was incredible and we felt so relaxed.

I have been telling all my family and friends about the travel company’s services and that I will use them for future trips. I am so thankful to Zicasso for connecting me to an incredible experience with our travel company.

Italy Family Vacation Review: Rome, Florence, Mount Vesuvius, Wine Tasting, 10 Days

This was our first time using a travel agency for a trip like this and Zicasso’s travel company completely exceeded our expectations. Traveling internationally with pre-teen children can be stressful, but from the very beginning, this travel company removed every bit of that anxiety. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, clearly communicated, and flawlessly executed.

From airport transfers to hotels, tours, trains, guides, and daily logistics, everything worked seamlessly. We never once felt lost, rushed, or unsure of what was next. Instead of worrying about schedules or navigating a foreign country, we were able to fully focus on our family and enjoy the experience. That peace of mind alone was invaluable.

What really stood out was how well the trip was tailored to our family. The pacing was perfect, the experiences were engaging for adults and kids, and every guide we worked with was knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. It truly felt like a curated, high-quality experience rather than a generic itinerary.

We came home with incredible memories and zero travel stress, something I didn’t think was possible with kids that age. This travel company was phenomenal and we would absolutely use them again, and recommend them without hesitation to anyone considering international travel, especially families.

Italy Vacation Review: Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Murano, Burano, Pisa, Vatican, Colosseum, Pompeii, Capri, Private Tours, Cooking Class, 10 Nights

I apologize for the delay in writing this review, but was very busy the last few months and wanted to dedicate the time it deserved. This review will address my wife and my trip to Italy from September 26, 2025, to October 6, 2025. Please feel free to share all or any portion of this review.

Trip Planning:

As a bucket-list event, I spent a great deal of time doing research, but would not have been able to put together the ideal vacation without the support of Zicasso and the travel company. Upon hearing my general interests, Zicasso provided two groups whom they thought would be able to plan and implement my trip. Both groups interviewed me and my wife about interests and price range, and then prepared an initial itinerary. Both groups would have done a fantastic job by their presentation, but it seemed I was slightly more in tune with the travel company and selected them. This proved to be a very wise choice, as the entire team at the travel company, particularly the travel specialists, were the absolute best and I would recommend their service without reservation. Fully responsive to my many questions before the trip, addressing all potential itinerary changes, and providing invaluable guidance throughout the entire process. Their response to inquiries while in the country was unbelievably prompt and thorough. At our request, the travel specialists made restaurant recommendations and reservations that were spot-on. I can’t say enough good things about these ladies.

Transportation and travel between locations:

Although not involved in the flights, the travel specialists provided great guidance concerning flights, trip insurance, and other logistics.

One key point that I fully expressed was that I did not want to flounder at the various transportation points and did not want to lug luggage in foreign areas on the way to and from lodging. The team took this to heart and provided me with either an escort or driver to and from every terminal. Everyone providing this task was friendly and provided information that made the travel much easier. Particularly valuable were our escorts, who adeptly negotiated our entrance and exit from Venice, and provided great insights into this historic city.

Venice:

Our hotel in Venice seemed to be right in the middle of everything, which allowed us to explore, and we have never had so much fun getting lost. At night, we opened our windows and fell off to sleep listening to nearby music; it was idyllic. The staff was professional and friendly. Breakfast was the best of all the hotels we stayed at in Italy.

The first full day in Venice, the travel company leveraged “skip the line” so we could make the very most of our time and is essential to any planning. Both guides were great and really good company. One guide’s knowledge of the Doge Palace really brought it to life for us. Another guide had a real insider’s view of Burano, as this was her family’s island. As private tours, we could go at our own pace, which we really liked. Probably the least enjoyable tour was the glass factory in Murano. We got the impression most of the tour beyond the initial exhibition was an attempt to sell their products. My wife succumbed and purchased a pair of earrings that broke the first time she wore them. Really disappointing, and I would advise you to spend more time in Burano.

Florence:

As with all the trains, the travel was very comfortable and we enjoyed watching the scenery. Our lodging in Florence was right on the Santa Maria square, superb for people watching. The staff was fine, nothing more. The hotel was near the world’s oldest pharmacy, famous as the world's oldest perfumery. Although there is a line to enter, it goes quickly and is historical, to say nothing of buying a scent more than 400 years old. I strongly recommend you go.

While knowledgeable, our tour guide for the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries was a little too technical for us, leaving us with the feeling that we were taking an art history class.

Dinner was based on the travel specialist's recommendation and it was delicious. A strong recommendation.

Day trip to Pisa:

The travel arrangements were perfect. The purpose of the trip was to take the obligatory picture holding up the tower—hokey, but we loved it.

The private cooking class with our instructor was a lot of fun. The view of the city from her window at sunset was beautiful. My wife and our instructor fell into a real rhythm cooking, and she was kind enough not to scoff at my ham-handed attempts. Her directions were simple enough for me to follow, theoretically. She followed up her lesson with an email containing detailed recipes. We have purchased all necessary utensils and are planning a pasta-making party soon. This was a fun change of pace.

Rome:

Our bed-and-breakfast in Rome was our least favorite lodging. Entry into the building was confusing and, as a B&B, the desk was not manned all the time, which made it difficult to secure a taxi early in the morning (we had to walk to a nearby hotel) or get assistance after 8pm or before 6am. When we came in, we attempted to coordinate laundry service with the person working the front desk, followed his instructions, but when we returned the next day, our dirty clothes were still where we were told to leave them. The initial response from the on-duty staff, who I believe was the owner, was that the individual was no longer an employee. Ultimately, the hotel comped and completed our laundry, which was nice. We would have preferred different lodging.

Our first afternoon, we took a four-hour golf cart tour, which was our favorite tour of the entire trip. Adding an extra hour to the traditional length and having only my wife and me allowed us to do everything we wanted to do. Our driver took us everywhere. He would drop us at the top of the Spanish Steps and meet us at the bottom, and would conveniently bring us closest to all other locations. I can’t believe how much we did in four hours. Our driver brought all these iconic sites to life with his marvelous insight and provided a great insider view of these monuments. This is a must-do for all first-time visitors to Rome. The only thing we were not able to do, due to no fault of our driver, was the Aventine Keyhole. When we got there in the afternoon, the line was 45 minutes and not a wise use of our time. If this is a strong interest, he recommends going early in the morning.

The travel specialists arranged tickets for the Papal general audience on Wednesday. Rising at sunrise was worth it to get the seats as close as we were able to secure. Most online sites suggest getting there an hour and a half before the start time, but I think that is much too late. I recommend you get there three to four hours ahead to get the best seats. The best seats are on the end near where the Pope drives by, ideally near an infant, and His Holiness will stop to personally bless these children. Facing the stage, the right side filled up quicker than the left side, so go directly to the left side of the audience. Being so close to the first American-born Pope was a memory I will never forget. His Holiness blesses all items in the audience's possession, so load up on rosary beads; they will make great Baptism and Communion gifts.

The afternoon was our first group tour at the Vatican Museums. It might be that we were spoiled with the previous private tours, but linking up with the group was chaotic and the quality of the tour was contingent on those in our group. Fortunately, all our groups were good, considerate, and friendly people. The main value was skipping the line for entrance. As with the Doge Palace, our guide was a little too academic and didn't really manage time well, potentially a victim of being in a group, but I would have rather spent more time in the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica. Taxis were extremely hard to get back to the hotel and I would arrange a ride if I were to do it again.

The Thursday tour of the Colosseum and Forum was also a group tour, but led by a guide who brought this ancient land to life. An archaeologist by trade, our guide seemed to know everything and also took a great picture.

The end of a very long but enjoyable day was another group tour of the catacombs and Santa Maria Maggiore. While the catacombs were the main attraction, the after-hours and behind-the-scenes access to Santa Maria Maggiore was an unexpected gem. Going through a second Holy Door, viewing the magnificent nighttime skyline from the roof, seeing the location of a relic from the baby Jesus’ manger, and being struck by the modesty of Bernini’s and Pope Francis’s tombs were all highlights. Unfortunately, taxis were again hard to come by.

Sorrento:

We took a train from Rome to Naples. While there was a national strike, it did not prove more than an inconvenience, no worse than New York City on a regular day. Our driver from Naples told us this simply provided us with a genuine Italian experience. I wish I could remember this driver’s name because he was the best of a very good group of drivers during this trip. En route to Sorrento, we stopped for a tour and meal at a winery and a private skip-the-line tour of Pompeii. We were so impressed with the quality of the winery that we made a large purchase of wines and olive oils that, thankfully, included free shipping.

During our drive to Sorrento, our driver took us through his hometown, which we really enjoyed. Going through the town, he pointed out the birthplace of Bruce Springsteen’s mother. Little did he know, we were from New Jersey and are HUGE Springsteen fans.

Our hotel in Sorrento was a nice place, close to the center of town. I would have preferred a hotel with a view of the coast.

On Saturday, we took a private tour up the coast. This was the most comfortable car I have ever ridden in, with heated and cooled seats, and a convenient icebox. The driver made clear he was at our disposal. The scenery was marvelous and it was a thrill to dip our toes in the Med. Our driver hooked us up with a restaurant on a cliff overlooking the water—beautiful and scrumptious.

Our last day was supposed to be the Gozzo tour of Capri, but was canceled due to weather. We refunded the canceled boat tour, but ate the driver and ferry fees. In hindsight, knowing this day was largely contingent on weather, I would have liked to have a contingency plan and would advise the travel company to plan this in the future.

Based on how smoothly things went, we will be contacting Zicasso to arrange a trip to Iceland and Ireland next fall, and hope they can refer a team as talented as this travel company.

Italy Anniversary Trip Review: Rome, Orvieto, Siena, Montepulciano, Chianti, Florence, Bologna, Venice, Wine Tasting, Food Tour, 2 Weeks

Thank you to Zicasso’s travel specialist and her amazing staff. The itinerary was fabulous. It was filled with food, wine, and highlights of the most important tourist places. Her guidance throughout the year-plus planning was the right amount of checking in and waiting. Thank you for the nudges to have reservations for all the holiday days. Things seemed to be pretty open overall, but it was nice not to worry.

All the restaurants set up for us were wonderful. The app was terrific to keep track of what we were doing when. All the drivers were very friendly, professional, and punctual.

Thank you for making our 35th wedding anniversary trip (December 22 2024 to January 6 2025) a most memorable one. We hope to return to Italy to enjoy the southern area and maybe some of the beaches and islands.

Italy Tour Review: 11 Nights

We had an excellent itinerary and we really liked the accommodations provided, and their locations within walking distance of our must-see sites.

Excellent tour guides, drivers, and transportation were provided!

The Zicasso travel expert's recommended restaurants were also great and the guidelines were helpful!

My husband and I saw and enjoyed what we needed to see and experience!

Italy Trip Review: Bike Tour, 5 Nights

It was a great experience! Every activity was fun and interesting. The guides and drivers were wonderful. You made our trip so easy.

Zicasso in the News

Italian Indulgence: A Food & Wine Tour of Tuscany, Umbria, & Lazio

What to expect on this itinerary

Countries Visited

Places Visited

Suggested Duration

Customizable Itinerary

Siena – Introduction to Medieval Tuscany

Siena – Indelible Hills of Tuscany

Siena – True Tuscan Wheels

Torgiano – Finding the Right Truffle

Torgiano – Wine Discovery in Umbria

Rome – On the Road to Rome

Rome – The Lazio Country

Rome – The Diverse Flavors of Rome

Rome – A Flavorful Farewell

Trip Highlights

Detailed Description

Starting Price

What's Included

Verified Traveler Reviews

Customizable Itinerary

Wine Connoisseur's Dream Tour of Tuscany

Italy for Chocoholics! A Unique Tour of Umbria

Flavors of the Vine & Countryside: Exploring Italy’s Slow Food Movement Tour

Flavors of Italy: From Private Truffle Hunting to Cooking Class Itinerary

Romantic Italy Tour to Cinque Terre, Tuscany & Lazio

7-Day Food and Wine Tour of Tuscany