The fascinating stories of the lavish castles and tales of the Italian nobility will envelop your family during your customizable tour of Italy. The elegance and wealth of the past fill museums and piazzas, palaces, and cobblestone alleyways across Liguria and Tuscan and are ready for your exploration. Traverse the Maritime Alps along the Mediterranean Sea to reach the secluded villages of Cinque Terre, and then cycle along the medieval walls that protect the historical town of Lucca. Wander Florence...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Genoa – Arrive in Exciting and Historical Genoa for an Introductory Tour
Genoa is a city of explorers and naval might, opulent palaces and seaside glamor. A spectacular fountain arches water around a central spouting stream at the heart of Piazza de Ferrari. Art Nouveau buildings set an impressive scene, making an impression on travelers both young and old. The 19th-century neo-Baroque Exchange adorns the east side of Via XX Settembre, and the elegant shopping arcade of Galleria Mazzini features boutique stores that fill the 19th-century edifice. Your private transfer will meet your family at the Cristoforo Colombo Airport to bring you into the city to enjoy your first impressions and glances.
The kids will be impressed with the stature and the age of the 12th-century city walls. The renowned explorer Christopher Columbus lived close to the protective towers in a restored house near the cloister of Sant’Andrea. You will have only arrived, and the family has already been immersed in the city’s rich, unforgettable history. Once settled into the relaxing comforts of your hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby eager to escort your family to the Church of Saint Peter in Banks for an introduction into the lavish past of the former maritime powerhouse. The ancient Genoese erected the first shops around the square before building the Cathedral at its core in the 14th century. The maritime mountains press the city against the Mediterranean Sea as the Harbor stretches upwards of 14 miles along the coastline holding rows of swaying masts that gently sway in the ocean breeze.
What's Included:
Day 2
Genoa – Discover Antique Neighborhoods during a Citywide Treasure Hunt
Day 3
Genoa – Whale Watch on the Mediterranean and Visit the Galata Museum
Day 4
Monterosso – Travel the Italian Riviera to Arrive in Charming Cinque Terre
Day 5
Monterosso – Traverse the Trails of Cinque Terre and Enjoy a Cooking Class
Day 6
Monterosso – Visit the Hidden Towns of the Italian Riviera by Boat
Day 7
Florence – Enjoy Tuscany with a Treasure Hunt in Lucca and Pisa
Day 8
Florence – Introduce the Family to Italian Art and Enjoy a Gelato Tour
Day 9
Florence – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Visit the birthplace and home of renowned Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in Genoa
- Travel along the Mediterranean Sea in search of migrating whales and playful dolphins during a whale watching excursion
- Wander along the historical harbor of Genoa and explore the celebrated aquarium
- Delight in a flavorful gelato tour through Florence to find your favorite flavors in the city that invented the Italian dessert
- Enjoy an active exploration of medieval Lucca and the city walls while cycling around trails and cobblestone streets
- Discover the enchanting seaside terraces and trails of Cinque Terre while staying in the charming town of Monterosso al Mare
- Relish a private boat tour of the Ligurian Coast to visit the towns of Cinque Terre, Portofino, and the secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso
- Dress like Italian nobility during a visit to the hidden chambers of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence
- Embark on a scavenger hunt through the Uffizi Gallery to uncover historical symbols and treasured artworks
- Taste the remarkably fresh and delectable flavors of homemade Italian cuisine during a family cooking class in Monterosso
Detailed Description
Italy is a country of imagination that inspires adults and children through the excellent cuisine, incredible history, and collected cultural treasures. Your 9-day tour will introduce your family to the excitement and charm of the cities and towns found between Genoa and Florence. Every day will combine the majesty of the past with the comforts of contemporary Italy, whether inside museums, along the historical streets or crisscrossing the trails of the coastline. Your family journey will begin with your arrival in Genoa, the capital of Liguria. Your private transfer will collect you all at the airport and lead you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Enjoy an introductory tour of Genoa with a visit to the home of Christopher Columbus, native son to the city by the sea.
The next day, your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast for an elaborate family-friendly exploration of the city’s historical palaces and rich past, both along the shoreline and around the city center during a fun-filled treasure hunt. Continue the next day as you board your boat for an unforgettable whale watching tour along the Mediterranean. Continue your maritime discoveries in the immersive Galata Museum, home to interactive exhibits and recreations of Genoa’s remarkable former maritime power. Visit Europe’s largest aquarium the following day before your travel to the gorgeous village of Monterosso, one of the five towns of Cinque Terre. Spend the remainder of the day wandering the streets and terraced gardens of town alongside Mediterranean beaches.
Wake the next morning ready to traverse the beautiful trails that connect the five towns of Cinque Terre at your preferred pace. When you return to Monterosso, the family will engage in an unforgettable cooking class taught by a private chef eager to share the culture and flavors of Ligurian cuisine in a kid-friendly way. Traverse the Mediterranean waters once more the next day to visit the villages and towns of the Italian Riviera after exploring the secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso. The next day will bring a short and scenic train ride from Monterosso to Levanto, where you will meet your private transfer that will bring you to Florence.
Stop in the cities of Lucca and Pisa en route to your meeting place for a bike ride around the walls of Lucca and a visit to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, home to the Leaning Tower. The following day your guide will immerse your family in the rich lifestyle of the Medici family with a tour of Palazzo Vecchio. Continue with a scavenger hunt through the Uffizi Gallery before you indulge in the diverse flavors of gelato with a tasting tour through the historical center. Conclude as your private transfer will meet your family at your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)
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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.9 stars based on 5986 reviews.
Zicasso's travel agent created an itinerary and experience that was simply perfect. Every hotel experience, guide, and driver was excellent. She was kind, patient, knowledgeable, and made the perfect suggestions. I loved working with her! Thank you to our agent, the tour operator, and Zicasso for a wonderful trip!
Reviewed By Anita L.
The trip was wonderful. Zicasso's travel agent and her staff planned the perfect 10-day trip. The accommodations, the drivers, the guides, and the restaurant recommendations were perfect. The communication was excellent and timely. They went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and happy. The staff were very attentive and flexible, even when we wanted some small changes, such as pick-up times for the drivers. They adapted and made it all work. This travel agent is absolutely terrific.
Reviewed By Marci M.
Our Italy trip with Zicasso’s travel partner was nothing short of spectacular! Referred by a friend who had an amazing experience, we decided to give it a try and were not disappointed. Our agent was fantastic, always ready with answers to our questions and providing excellent support throughout our journey.
In Tuscany, we visited beautiful wineries and enjoyed a delightful lunch with the vintners, who were incredibly warm and welcoming. Her attention to detail was evident when she adjusted our plans due to weather changes and even checked in on us when we were slightly delayed for a tour.
Siena was breathtaking and our hotel in Rome was perfectly located, allowing us to walk to all the major sites. One of the highlights was a small boat tour around Capri from Amalfi—perfect weather and stunning waters made it unforgettable. The cooking class on the Amalfi Coast, set on the side of a cliff, was exceptional and having personal tours just for the two of us was an unexpected and delightful bonus.
We can't express enough how much we enjoyed our Italy trip. The travel partner exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend them for a truly memorable experience!
Reviewed By Kent S.
Zicasso’s trip coordinator and her team did a fantastic job, not only in planning the trip to meet our needs and wants, but also in personalizing it as needed. They were also available as we needed them to adjust things, such as pickups, and even made some dinner reservations for us. With our budget, they set us up in excellent hotels that fit our desire for the trip to be a wonderful anniversary getaway. Her staff were also very helpful. We would strongly recommend them for a trip to Italy!
Reviewed By Rajesh J.
Zicasso's travel planner and her staff did a perfect job for our family of six. She made our trip seamless!
Everything she planned was perfect and no detail was left out. I would use them again and again for my travels to Italy.
Reviewed By Sally F.
My first solo trip was something I had dreamed about for years. I wanted it to be more than sightseeing. I wanted adventure, comfort, safety, and freedom without the stress of planning it all alone. Through Zicasso, I was connected to two specialists and Zicasso's travel consultant stood out immediately. She delivered an itinerary that gave me everything I asked for and more: maximum cities, maximum fun, and maximum value, all without compromise.
Before deciding, I researched and compared tours, packages, and individual prices online. The travel consultant’s proposal came out on top for value and content. While the other agent offered fewer cities and activities at a higher price, her plan was ambitious without being overwhelming. She booked my trains, arranged private transfers where needed, and selected boutique-style hotels that exceeded expectations. I was honestly surprised at how good they were. I stayed at hotels in Interlaken, Florence, and Sorrento. Each was clean, comfortable, and perfectly located for exploring. I had prepared myself for budget trade-offs, but instead, I found thoughtfully chosen hotels that balanced affordability with real quality.
Every document, train ticket, and activity confirmation was uploaded into the app. It became my lifeline throughout the trip, with every detail at my fingertips. The structure gave me confidence, while still leaving me free to explore.
Switzerland came first: Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. Each city felt like stepping into a postcard. Interlaken gave me the adrenaline rush of skydiving, while Zermatt charmed me with its close-knit magic and alpine beauty. Italy unfolded with equal ease: Lake Como, Venice, Florence, Sorrento, Amalfi, and Rome. Every destination felt curated, yet natural, from gondola rides in Venice to boat tours on the Amalfi Coast.
What I loved most was the balance between structure and freedom. Pre-booked activities and restaurant reservations gave me a strong framework, but I could just as easily decide to spend an afternoon wandering Florence, eating gelato, or sitting in a piazza. The rhythm of the trip was perfect, structured enough to tick off bucket-list highlights, yet relaxed enough to feel like a real vacation.
Food was freestyle, but memorable. Highlights included a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant in Zurich with its elegant Japanese-Peruvian flavors, a different Japanese restaurant, a restaurant in Como with its modern fusion menu, an Indian restaurant for comforting classics, and international favorites like those in one of the restaurants in Rome. Between those meals and plenty of gelato and crepes, every stop added its own flavor to the journey.
As a solo traveler, safety mattered. I felt comfortable walking around in the evenings and was usually back in my hotel by 1am to stay rested for the next day. What really gave me peace of mind was the travel consultant’s constant support. Communication was fast and responsive. I never had to wait long for answers, whether through the app or email. There was a moment when I made a mistake with the trains and missed an activity. She immediately stepped in and worked to reschedule it or secure a refund that same day.
Earlier in the planning process, I also had a card issue due to an address error. Even though policy would not normally allow it, she and her team patiently waited until I received the refund before finalizing the booking, just weeks before my trip. That flexibility and care spoke volumes.
The difference was clear. She used my budget to its fullest potential, giving me more destinations, more experiences, and better hotels than the alternative option. She managed to combine the efficiency of a fully organized tour with the freedom of independent travel. Everything was planned, yet everything was still mine to shape.
This trip was everything I wanted: good food, beautiful views, safety, and absolute reliability. It was an organized journey with freestyle flexibility, which is exactly what solo travelers dream of. The travel consultant’s planning let me chase adventure while always knowing I had a safety net. Switzerland and Italy gave me memories I will never forget, but it was the behind-the-scenes planning that made it possible. If you want a trip that is your way, your budget, your pace, but without the endless hassle of managing it yourself, the travel consultant at this agency is the person who can make it happen. My first solo trip became my dream trip and that is the highest praise I can give.
Reviewed By tasmia S.