Zicasso Traveler Stories

Explore the world through our Zicasso Traveler Stories, which showcase journeys across the globe, from dreamy adventures in Portugal's Douro Valley to soul-stirring safaris through Tanzania's wilderness.

These firsthand accounts reveal discoveries beyond guidebook recommendations, where meaningful connections are forged with locals and adventure is found from extraordinary places to hidden gems.

Whether you're drawn to the picturesque peaks of Patagonia, the ancient temples of Vietnam, or the pristine fjords of Norway, these travel stories offer insights and the inspiration you need to craft your own extraordinary journey.

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Zicasso Travel Stories: When Plans Collapse and Everything Improves

What would it take for a place you've never been to feel like it was made for you? Not comfortable. Not well-organized. Made for you. The specific weight...
Zicasso travelers at Ngũ Hồ (Five Lakes) at Bạch Mã National Park in Hue, Vietnam

Zicasso Travel Stories: Finding Flexibility in Structure in Vietnam

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam captivates travelers with its contrasts. Ancient traditions meet modern...
Paros, Greece

Zicasso Travel Stories: How a Wedding in Greece Became an Adventure of a Lifetime

A wedding is a joyous occasion, but when it’s scheduled for a Greek island, it can bring a wave of logistical questions. For Rolando H, the initial excitement...
Cozy alpine village nestled in the French Alps, covered in snow.

Zicasso Travel Stories: A 3-Week Journey Through Festive Winter in Europe

From the outset, Cheryl C. and her family wanted more than just a vacation; they sought a trip where every detail reflected their interests and dreams....
Dave and his family in Burgundy, France

Zicasso Travel Stories: Nourishing Connections in France

With its savory scents, epic history, time-honored traditions, and romantic cities, France nourishes your senses. Famous for its stunning landscapes,...
Senior Travel Care Specialist Quincy in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Immersive Vibrancy of Vietnam

With its mouthwatering aromas, epic nature, timeless traditions, and bustling metropolises, Vietnam is exciting. Famous for its stunning landscapes,...
Camila and Maria on safari in Tanzania

Zicasso Travel Stories: Wild Tanzania and Pristine Zanzibar

From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is a destination of dreams, expectations, and unexpected experiences....
Doug and lisa at the Pyramids in Giza

Zicasso Travel Stories: Egypt Is a Time Machine & So Much More

Ancient wonders and contemporary comforts coexist in Egypt. Along the fertile banks of the Nile River stand towering monuments that showcase the ingenuity...
Marci-Beth and Jeff at the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave in the Cayo District, Belize

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Surprising Diversity of Belize

The idyllic tropical paradise of Belize can surprise you with contrasts between lush jungles teeming with exotic wildlife and postcard-perfect cayes fringed...
Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia

Zicasso Travel Stories: The Epic Scale of Chile and Patagonia

The otherworldly terrain of Chile and Patagonia can stir your soul with its endless panoramas of glaciers, intimidating snowcapped peaks, turquoise waters...
Young girl walking along a stone path surrounded by lush tropical greenery at a luxury resort in Costa Rica

Zicasso Travel Stories: Trading travel fears for a child’s fearlessness in Costa Rica

From misty cloud forests to birdlife, wildlife, and marine life, Costa Rica will see you step off a plane into a world of lush rainforests and pristine...

Zicasso Travel Stories: Unexpected Beauty in Portugal's Douro Valley

The allure of Portugal’s Douro Valley lies in indulging your senses, where a seamless blend of warm hospitality and untamed natural beauty await. Famous...
Olena at a waterfall in Flåm, Norway

Zicasso Travel Stories: Norway's Enchanting Fjords and Timeless Villages

Norway's majestic landscape unfolds like a living painting, with deep fjords carving through snowcapped mountains, cascading waterfalls tumbling from...
Alpine toboggan track on Straza hill overlooking Lake Bled with five-star traveler review graphic overlay

Zicasso Travel Stories: Seven Siblings, One Unforgettable Journey

When Michelle T. set out to plan a European adventure for seven siblings, she had a deep purpose in mind. "This trip wasn't just a vacation," she reflected....
Feluccas on the Nile near sand dunes in Aswan, Egypt, with five-star traveler story graphic

Zicasso Travel Stories: How Expert Planning Made an Egypt Travel Dream a Reality

Egypt is captivating in its history, culture, and topography, attracting even those who have already visited to discover the country all over again. The...
Vineyards in Sicily, Italy

Zicasso Travel Stories: Four Trips Down with Zicasso and a Lifetime to Go

For the experienced traveler, ultimate luxury entails confidence and trust. It’s the assurance that every detail of your journey has been considered by...

4.9

Reviews of Zicasso's Luxury Tours & Vacations

Based on 30350 verified traveler reviews.

Spain, Portugal Trip Review: Seville, Douro Valley, Alhambra, Wine Tasting, 10 Nights

Zicasso's travel specialists exceeded our expectations at every turn.

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Greece Tour Review: Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Akrotiri, Knossos, Orthodox Easter, History, Culture, 16 Nights

Our travel specialist was an exceptional travel planner. I have planned many trips and my experience with her was at the top. I actually investigated working with Zicasso because I was interested in leveraging the planning of my trip as a cultural exchange with someone in-country who could provide their personal perspectives and insider tips. She delivered!

Our travel specialist had dinner with us the first night and gave us all sorts of insights on Athens and her recommendations. She also gave us her cell number and was available 24/7 for any needs we had throughout the trip. I have never had service like this. She was truly incredible and helped us navigate last-minute changes or additions flawlessly and with no stress.

She found small, family-owned hotels with lots of character for us to stay in. She organized a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Santorini to participate in all of the many festivities surrounding Greek Orthodox Easter; so many traditions and so very different than our American Easter. It was authentic, joyful, and an incredible cultural exchange in that we were welcomed wholeheartedly by the people of Santorini.

The guides she provided were locals who had deep knowledge and high academic credentials, so traveling with them was like going back to school and learning in the most amazing fully immersive manner.

Our guide in Santorini mentioned we must not miss Akrotiri on Santorini, so we made time to fit in this unexpected tour; turns out it blew our mind: an ancient Minoan city... and some say it may have been the lost city of Atlantis. The story of the town and its demise is stunning. Then, a visit to Knossos in Heraklion, Crete, with our PhD guide, a cultural anthropologist and archaeologist. She was able to share the historical perspective on the Minoan Palace of Knossos, but also the contemporary study of the subject and how the work of "pre-history" civilizations is done with limited Minoan language and documentation.

Our travel specialist planned a flawless trip of a lifetime for us, but we also made a friend in Athens. We are so very grateful.

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Italy Tour Review: Naples, Sorrento, Rome, Cooking Class, 12 Days

Zicasso’s travel company was amazing. Every aspect—selection of hotels, cooking classes, transfers, etc.—was well arranged and far exceeded even our expectations. The support and responsiveness throughout the process were also worth noting. It’s been a real pleasure to work with the team.

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New Zealand Tour Review: Scenery, Local Cuisine, 16 Nights

This was one of the best trips we have ever taken. The itinerary, the lodging, the activities, everything was perfect. Working with Zicasso’s travel specialist was wonderful. She was knowledgeable and very helpful.

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Italy Vacation Review: Rome, Florence, Vatican, Necropolis, 11-Day Trip

I was able to work with Zicasso’s travel specialist and her team to put together a trip with details that were particular to us. We got to see and do exactly what we needed and wanted, and we were not put into wholesale tour packages.

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Italy Vacation Review: Amalfi Coast, Mount Etna, Modica, Chocolate Tour, 16 Nights

The trip was wonderful. Everything met or surpassed our expectations, but I do want you to be aware of the chocolate tour in Modica. We were led to believe we would have a tour of their chocolate factory, but this did not happen. Instead, they showed us the basic technique in their store with a fondue pot. This was not what we expected.

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