Review: European Vacation, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Florence, Rome, Sitges, Cinque Terre Hiking, Beaches, Local Culture, Wine

I would totally not take any evening guided tours for exploring city. I felt it was not necessary and city can be explored by yourself. Especially tours in Rome and Croatia-evening guided tours.

Travel Company Comments:

Dear Nishi,

I am very glad you enjoyed your trip and the plan we created together. I appreciate the kind words about me personally but am deeply disappointed by your overall assessment of your trip.

You requested to visit four countries in two weeks and I was able to create an outline that met all your expectations while avoiding a rushed pace and keeping it all within the budget set. It is hard now to hear that the trip was not what you wanted when it was exactly what you had asked for.

When it comes to group options, we use only the top rated operators/partners in each destination and have none that rate below 4.5-5 stars with Tripadvisor and other ratings agencies. An example of the level of service to be expected with our group tour operators: In Barcelona when you arrived at the tour meeting point one hour late – you contacted me. I was able to immediately consult the operator and rearrange the schedule, add you to another tour, then transport you back to the original meeting point and ensure that you experienced everything you would have if the tour was started as planned. This is just one example of the quality operators we use when it comes to the group tour option. I like to think our personal level of service and 24-hour availability is part of what results in our top specialist status with Zicasso.

We much prefer and recommend our private guides and escorts instead of group options for a real local experience and more personal attention and spontaneity. I escort and lead many of our clients myself and understand very well it is the personal interaction and relationships that make for a successful trip. Unfortunately, cost does play a role in this type of experience, and we always try to provide the best trip for the specified budget, whatever it may be. 

Travel is a different experience for everyone. Some love to have experts to help explore each destination in greater depth and to learn and discover things they would otherwise never be able to. Others are more independent and prefer to go at it alone. I work with both type of travelers on a daily basis, and as a result, no two trips I build are ever identical. Against my advisement, you expressed since this was your first trip to Europe, you wanted to try everything and see where it led. It seems during the trip you learned that you might prefer to have less on your plate. We incorporate the traveler’s personality and wishes into everything we do, and I hope we can do a better job of this on your next trip.