This 12-day trip is designed for those who have lived long enough to know what they like, and this theme will remain constant from the very moment you step into the living masterpiece of Italy. There is something about the Mediterranean world that values leisure more than other countries of the Western world. Attend a concert that displays the musical genius of Vivaldi, partake in a private cooking course, indulge in a boat tour of the Amalfi Coast.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Venice – Orientation by Gondola
The winding alleys and watery corridors of Venice will be your playground for the first leg of your 12-day Italy tour. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by private car and then a water taxi to ensure your rapid transfer to the city center and your luxurious accommodation. After settling in, a private gondola tour will help orient you to your new surroundings. A few steps from your accommodation, you will board a comfortable craft that will carry you through the city and introduce you to the major spots that you can later explore on foot.
What's Included:
Day 2
Venice – Ponder Vivaldi’s Genius
Day 3
Venice – Floating Tour of Venetian Villas
Day 4
Florence – Tuscan Culinary Excellence
Day 5
Florence – Ageless Splendor of the Old Town
Day 6
Florence – The Largest Brick Dome in the World
Day 7
Rome – A Roman Garden Reverie
Day 8
Rome – The Vastness of St. Peter’s
Day 9
Rome – Ramble Through Ancient Rome
Day 10
Amalfi – Boutiques and Beaches
Day 11
Amalfi – A Breathtaking Voyage
Day 12
Amalfi – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy your first day in Venice on a private gondola tour of the city’s many waterways and bustling canals
- Savor the stringed melodies and musical genius of Vivaldi at a concert that will exhibit the talent that made this native son of Venice a world-class artist
- Bask in the rural charm of Veneto on a boat tour of the Brenta Riviera, which separates Padua from Venice and exhibits some of the regions most exquisite villas
- Roll up your sleeves during a cooking tour that is designed to introduce you to the proud tradition of Italian gastronomy and some of the secrets that make Tuscan cooking some of the best in the world
- Ramble through the red-roofed neighborhoods of Florence and lose yourself in the ageless splendor that inspires and uncovers the youth in all
- Wind up the narrow passages and carry you to the best view of Florence from the top of the Dome on a guided tour
- Step into the wonderful world of the Roman elite with a visit to the Villa Borghese, where you can wander the pristine gardens or marvel at the stunning artwork acquired by this famous Roman family
- Witness the stunning views of the Amalfi Coast on a private boat tour
Detailed Description
Timeless is just one of many praises Italy receives. The country is a playground for those who have also stood the test of time. With a history that dates back to before Christianity with all the modern amenities a traveler could desire, now is the best time to indulge in the perfect combination of comfort and adventure.
This adventure will begin on the shores of the Adriatic sea and the bustling port of Venice. The city overgrew the Italian archipelago that supported it, and today, it has to rely on a series of pontoons, pilings, and piers to support the growing sprawl. Through musical performances, recommended attractions, and guided tours, you will uncover this idyllic setting and fall in love with a city that is home to over 400 bridges. Next, you will venture to Florence and immerse yourself in the culinary capital of the region. From wines to steak, Tuscany boasts quite a legacy of food and drink, and it is here that you will learn the secrets of the Italian kitchen. After tasting two of the country’s most vibrant cities, you will transfer to Rome. Finally, you will conclude your tour on the pristine shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Amalfi Coast. Elevated to the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amalfi sits at the midpoint of the coast that shares its name and presents visitors with world-class restaurants, beaches, and shopping. Whether reclining with a book, partaking in the subtle art of the haggle with a street vendor, you will truly enjoy your time here.
The early spring is the best time of year to book this tour because mild temperatures will have arrived but not the crowds. Summer can still be a great time to visit, but higher temperatures and crowds will flood public services and contribute to long lines at the top attractions. No matter when you arrive, you can rest assured that this tour will place your comfort above everything else.
Starting Price
$5,400 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
The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.9 stars based on 5952 reviews.
The trip was very well planned by Zicasso's travel company and all of the stops and pick-up points, cars, trains, boats, etc., were there and reliable. We had a fantastic time.
Reviewed By Jeffrey C.
I am writing to express my immense gratitude to the entire team at Zicasso’s travel partner for curating the most spectacular trip to Italy for my family. From start to finish, the level of service was beyond impeccable and truly set a new standard for what we consider luxury travel.
The planning process was an absolute pleasure. Communication was one of their greatest strengths; our contact was consistently available and responses to our questions were nearly instantaneous. This travel company made us feel like we were their only clients. They took the time to understand the different ages and interests within our family, and built a bespoke itinerary that perfectly balanced history, leisure, and unique local experiences.
This was genuine white-glove service in every sense of the word. From the moment we landed, every detail was flawlessly executed. Private drivers were waiting for us, guides were engaging and knowledgeable, and our accommodations were magnificent. We never once had to worry about a single logistic, allowing us to be fully present and enjoy our time together.
If you are looking for a travel partner that offers unparalleled personalized service and flawless execution for a trip to Italy, look no further. Thank you for giving our family memories we will cherish forever.
Reviewed By Christopher L.
My husband and I were thrilled with our recent trip to Italy that Zicasso’s travel designer put together. We began by attending a family friend’s wedding, held in Ravello, on the Amalfi Coast. Due to my husband’s mobility issues, we were met by a driver and headed to the Amalfi Coast. The driver was first class and the trip was very comfortable.
After the wedding festivities, we were able to have the most wonderful experiences visiting the towns of Amalfi and Positano, and our base for one week was in beautiful Sorrento. We attended a cooking class and enjoyed eating what we prepared. We had in-depth learning opportunities in Naples and Sorrento. Every guide we had spoke excellent English and was so knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed Pompeii! A super-fun day was had on the small group tour of Capri. The crew was fantastic and very accommodating in consideration of my husband’s mobility issues.
From beginning to end everything went well. The use of a messaging app was great for making sure everyone was on the same page.
The only thing that was a disappointment was the pizza in Naples. It wasn’t the best.
The hotel in Sorrento was phenomenal - it couldn’t have been better. The view of Mt. Vesuvius from our balcony helped create memories we will have forever. The hotel in Rome was also very nice. It was right in the middle of the main attractions.
We are very happy with our experience with this travel company and would not hesitate to recommend it!
Reviewed By Anne F.
Our trip was a family one, two grandparents over 70, two parents and one adult son, one teenage girl, and one younger girl, 12. Three of us had been to Italy while the others had not. We wanted as complete a trip as we could in 14 days, so we included all the traditional places, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples/Pompeii. We spent three days in each and one day in Ferrara. While it was a lot for 14 days, we did not feel rushed.
What I like about Zicasso is they give you options to pick the best fit for your trip—we worked with two other agencies before we picked Zicasso’s travel partner. This travel partner took the time to understand our needs: three hotel rooms, all different in sizes, and tours and timing. Very important was the degree of coordination before the trip with the travel agent; she was available and knowledgeable, and took the time to adjust our needs. One of the best things about this travel partner was they used a van for all the travel, except from Rome to Naples. This was a much better option than the train for seven people and baggage.
During the trip, we were met on time by every driver and every guide. The hotels were excellent and the whole trip went well. When we had a delay on the train, the driver knew it and adjusted our pick-up.
Reviewed By Fred S.
Zicasso’s travel company was wonderful in planning our trip on short notice and in line with our requests and preferences. Their suggestions of what to do and where to stay were perfect. And when we accidentally got off on the wrong island, the travel company quickly got us new ferry tickets to get to the right place. It was all seamless.
Reviewed By Sherry G.
This trip was the greatest week of our lives! Everything planned was better than I could have imagined. The private drivers being coordinated behind the scenes made the trip so easy and removed all the stress of trying to navigate a new country. Every driver and our tour guide was so nice and I feel like we made friends with all of them.
My favorite part of the trip was definitely the cooking classes and that every tour was private and intimate for my wife and I. The connections Zicasso’s travel agent hooked us up with made the trip the most memorable experience. Our travel agent and the travel company took special care of all the tiny details of the trip; our hotel knew it was my birthday and had a special surprise for me! I’m beyond thankful for the perfect honeymoon they provided my wife and I.
Reviewed By Branson S.
