Two Week Mediterranean Itineraries

We visited Athens, Epidaurus, Nemea, Nafplion, Olympia, Nafpaktos, Delphi, the Temple of Poseidon, Naxos, Santorini, and Crete in 20 days. Our tour guides were exceptional, all hotels were exceptional except for a minor hiccup in one, and all of our drivers were fantastic. We enjoyed learning about the many ancient civilizations in Greece, including the Mycenaeans, the Minoans, and the ancient Greeks. We enjoyed the Venetian architecture in the islands and the diversity of Santorini.

The travel company, I think, picked the best available hotels and the best available tour guides and drivers. Not every transfer was perfect. There were about three instances where a driver did not meet us due to an incorrect pickup location or incorrect name, or there was confusion about whether we had tickets to one event. But the tour company was available on WhatsApp and responded within 15 minutes when problems occurred. The problems were resolved shortly afterward.

I do not believe there are any trip itineraries that are executed perfectly. In our case, the weather played a role in canceling one excursion and delaying our departure from Naxos to Santorini. While we were on Naxos, strong winds were persistent day and night, forcing the ferry service to cancel rides. Our last day in Naxos did not feel like a vacation. But the tour company commiserated with us, getting us on the last ferry off of Naxos and speaking with us on the phone about our options.

Our 16-day trip through Venice, Florence, Tuscany, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and Rome was outstanding in every detail. Every transfer ran on time, every guide was knowledgeable and warm, and every hotel was a great choice.

Our favorites were the private lagoon boat trip in Venice, the Brunello wine and cheese tour, the pasta class at a Tuscan farm, Pompeii, the Capri cruise, and the Vatican tour. We couldn’t have asked for better planning or support. We highly recommend Zicasso's travel company.

I greatly enjoyed my two-week trip to Greece, including Athens and four islands.

Zicasso's travel specialist was extremely patient when planning my trip and answering all of my questions. I greatly enjoyed all of the tours she put together, which allowed me to see the Acropolis in Athens, a food walk in Mykonos, a tour of Delos, a guided hike in Paros, a sunset cruise in Santorini, and a tour of Knossos Palace in Crete.

The hotels she booked for my trip were well located and provided a good experience in each island. I definitely recommend Zicasso's travel company for trips to Greece, and also enjoyed my experience dealing with Zicasso!

We recently returned from an incredible two-week Coral Anniversary trip to Greece and it exceeded every expectation. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the whitewashed villages of Mykonos, the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, and the authentic traditions of Crete, every stop offered something unique and unforgettable. Most importantly, the people we met along the way transformed a beautiful vacation into a truly special experience. The journey took us through Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.

Outstanding Planning and Service

Every transfer, hotel, tour, ferry, flight, restaurant reservation, and activity was flawlessly coordinated by Zicasso's travel partner. The itinerary struck a perfect balance between guided experiences and personal exploration, allowing us to enjoy Greece without ever worrying about logistics.

Athens – History, Culture, and Exceptional Hospitality

Our stay at our hotel in Athens gave us incredible Acropolis views and a perfect base for exploring the city. Walking through the Acropolis with our guide and standing before the Parthenon was breathtaking. The Acropolis Museum and city highlights tour helped bring thousands of years of history to life.

One of the highlights of our anniversary celebration was dinner at a restaurant atop Lycabettus Hill. Watching the sun set behind the Acropolis while enjoying excellent Greek cuisine and wine was a magical experience and one we'll never forget.

We would especially like to recognize our driver in Athens. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our trip memorable. During our day exploring the Argolis region, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Nemea wine country, he provided insights that helped us better appreciate the history and culture of Greece.

What truly distinguished our driver was his attention to detail. While we were traveling along the Athenian Riviera toward Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, he realized we were hoping for a true seaside lunch experience. Without being asked, he contacted the travel company and coordinated everything to make a last-minute adjustment so we could enjoy lunch by the sea. That thoughtful gesture perfectly reflects the level of service he provided throughout our stay. It turned a wonderful day into one of our favorite memories of Athens.

Mykonos – Relaxation and the Beauty of the Aegean

Mykonos provided the perfect contrast to the historical focus of Athens. Staying at our hotel in Mykonos overlooking the Aegean Sea allowed us to fully appreciate the island's beauty.

We spent time exploring the charming streets of Mykonos Town, admiring the famous windmills, and enjoying the relaxed island atmosphere. A major highlight was our private catamaran cruise to Delos and Rhenia. Sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos gave us a fascinating glimpse into one of the ancient world's most important religious centers. The secluded waters around Rhenia were stunning and provided some of the most beautiful scenery of our trip.

Santorini – Spectacular Views and Unforgettable Sunsets

Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the photographs suggest and somehow even more impressive in person. Our stay in Oia overlooking the caldera was breathtaking. Whether enjoying breakfast with panoramic views or simply walking through the village, every moment felt special.

The wine-tasting experiences at a winery were outstanding. Sampling the island's distinctive Assyrtiko wines while learning about Santorini's unique volcanic terroir gave us a new appreciation for Greek winemaking. The carefully paired food-and-wine experiences were among the culinary highlights of the entire trip.

Our private sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera, White Beach, Red Beach, Black Beach, hot springs, and the volcano was another unforgettable experience. Watching the sunset from the water while enjoying dinner and local wine created one of the most memorable evenings of our anniversary trip.

Crete – The Heart of Greece

As amazing as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini were, Crete became our favorite part of the journey.

Our quick stop at Knossos Palace and the historic city of Rethymnon allowed us to learn about the Minoan civilization and experience the rich blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences that define the island. The old Venetian harbor in Chania was equally impressive and provided a spectacular setting for our stay.

Samaria Gorge

One of the most rewarding experiences of our entire trip was hiking the Samaria Gorge. Covering 11 miles through one of Europe's most spectacular natural settings was challenging and incredibly rewarding. The dramatic cliffs, pristine landscape, and sheer scale of the gorge were unlike anything we had experienced before.

A tremendous part of that experience was our guide. Our guide brought expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for Crete that elevated the hike far beyond a typical excursion. His knowledge of the region, local culture, and natural environment made every step more meaningful.

Kissamos Villages and Cooking Class

Our final full day in Crete may have been the most authentic and memorable day of the entire trip.

The tour of the traditional villages of Kissamos provided a fascinating look at everyday Cretan life. Learning about olive oil production, tasting regional products, and experiencing rural villages gave us a perspective on Crete that most visitors never see.

The cooking class that followed was exceptional. Our host created an atmosphere that felt less like a tour and more like spending a day with friends. Together with his mother, he shared not only recipes, but the stories, traditions, and values that make Cretan culture so special.

For anyone traveling to Crete, we cannot recommend this tour company highly enough. Their commitment to authentic local experiences is truly outstanding.

This trip exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We experienced world-famous historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and wine, beautiful hotels, and unforgettable adventures. Yet what we will remember most are the people who made the experience so special.

We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Greek culture, and gratitude for everyone who helped make our anniversary celebration the trip of a lifetime.

We had an absolute dream trip to Italy with the help of Zicasso's travel specialist! Traveling as a family of five, we visited Rome, Florence, San Gimignano, Greve, Siena, Cinque Terre, and Venice, along with many beautiful towns and smaller areas throughout the country.

The wonderful vacation rental accommodations were thoughtfully chosen and every detail of our trip was carefully planned. The local tour guides were incredibly knowledgeable and gave us a truly authentic experience. Our private transfers, train transfer, and private tours were efficient, informative, and made traveling from place to place seamless and stress-free.

The communication between all tour guides and transportation providers was great, as was that of each vacation rental host, who contacted us in advance to prepare us for our arrival.

One of our favorite parts of the trip was discovering the smaller, less-touristy areas within the larger cities, places we likely never would have found on our own. We enjoyed exploring Tridente for shopping and Trastevere in Rome for a private pizza-making class (highly recommended), artisan shops, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

Florence was wonderful, but we had the opportunity to travel to a few other areas, such as Siena, Greve, and San Gimignano. We even had a private vineyard tour and chef's meal while in Chianti. A must-see is the walk to the Boboli Gardens across Ponte Vecchio and, on the way back to our apartment, a stop at Piazzale Michelangelo.

While staying in Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare), be sure to take a private boat to visit all of the other villages and maybe even snorkel. The water is so clear!

Venice had great history, but we also enjoyed our boat tour to Murano to watch the glassmaking process and Burano, filled with gorgeous multicolored homes and artisan shops.

Every experience felt personal, meaningful, and special.

This trip was truly an absolute dream and we are so grateful to him for helping make our family vacation to Italy unforgettable. We highly recommend him to anyone looking to plan an incredible, seamless, and memorable trip!

We had an incredible time in Italy! Thank you to Zicasso’s travel company! You thoughtfully planned our time in Sorrento and Rome to ensure we had the best experiences, while allowing for some free time to explore.

Our day-trip boat ride around Capri was beyond perfect. The boat captain and guide were very professional and truly charming. He gave us options on how to take in the sights and provided great commentary about the history and culture of the island. We selected to go to Marina Piccola for lunch, which was a great experience. The view from the restaurant was enchanting and the food was delicious. The grottos, Faraglioni rocks, and swimming in the Mediterranean were experiences of a lifetime.

We spent a day driving along the Amalfi Coast. We had a great driver on the mountainous winding roads. We visited charming Positano and beautiful Ravello. Our driver had great advice about where to visit and what to see. We enjoyed an amazing lunch, with a beautiful view, in Ravello.

On day three we enjoyed free time on the beach in the morning. Then we headed out for our limoncello experience! And it was a wonderful experience. The people we met in Schiazzano were very special. We loved the goal of the family businesses to keep and honor their traditions. Our pickup was prompt and we were served a drink at their general store. It is very touching that they began the tour in their church and shared the pride in their community. Then we were off up the hill, along narrow streets to the lemon groves. We learned about farming lemons from two enthusiastic young farmers, we smelled the lemon zest, and they served us fresh lemonade. Then we all got an exciting tuk-tuk ride up and down the very narrow streets to the hilltop farm, where we tasted olive oils, had a cheese-making demonstration, and tasted all the phases of cheese. Then we tasted the limoncello! We really enjoyed the spectacular view. Last, but certainly not least, we enjoyed making our own pizza using tomato sauce that was prepared by grandma that morning using freshly picked tomatoes. We tossed our pizza dough and used fresh mozzarella. The wood-fired oven cooked the pizzas perfectly. We enjoyed eating every bite. When we were planning our trip, I asked for limoncello tasting, but this experience was so much more!

We also had a wonderful time in Pompeii and at the Vatican, Colosseum, and Forum in Rome. All the history is so fascinating. There were many tourists in Pompeii and Rome, and all of our guides were terrific, energetic, and skilled at navigating the crowds.

All of the private transfers, train travel, and hotels were perfect. Thank you for your help and expertise with planning this once-in-a-lifetime trip!

We hope to travel to Italy in the future and would love to work with this travel company again to help us plan that next trip.