{"id":9193,"date":"2019-12-23T17:27:53","date_gmt":"2019-12-23T16:27:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rickzullo.com\/?page_id=9193"},"modified":"2020-02-17T20:48:28","modified_gmt":"2020-02-17T19:48:28","slug":"italy-tours-by-rick","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rickzullo.com\/italy-tours-by-rick\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy Tours by Rick"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u200b\u200bBut with all the options, how do you choose?<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Ciao! My name is Rick and I\u2019m an American splitting my time between Rome and the U.S. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n While living in Rome, I came to a deeper appreciation for this alluring country\u200b. The small details of daily life, the cultural curiosities, and the subtle joys found in the most routine tasks. \u200b<\/p>\n \n At the same time, \u200bI have enough practical contact as a \u201ctourist\u201d to understand what makes for a great Italian experience in a limited time<\/strong>. Before I was an expat, I was a typical American traveler without much knowledge of Italy beyond the stereotypes.<\/p>\n \n \u200bBy combining these two perspectives, I feel that I have a great sense of what that perfect trip would be.<\/strong><\/p>\n So\u200b instead of work\/life balance, let’s call it touring\/free-time balance. It means finding the ideal pace. Il tempo giusto<\/em>, as the Italians would say, the “right tempo” of life\u200b; or vacation, in this case. <\/p>\n \n \u200b\u200bOn a tour of Italy, this is achieved by \u200bcombining spectacular sight-seeing \u200bwith the time to relax and take it all in.\u200b Some space to discover your own personal relationship with Italy without missing any of the incredible sites, monuments, and historic treasures.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200b<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bB\u200because seriously, Italy wouldn’t be Italy if encountered at a frenzied pace. Sure, the drivers in Rome are pazzi<\/em> (crazy), but in general, the Italians make a deliberate effort to slow down and enjoy life. So should we, especially on vacation.<\/p>\n \u200b\u200bWith the Internet these days, you “could,” in theory, plan a trip to Italy yourself. Besides being a lot of work, you could easily make several planning mistakes along the way<\/strong> costing you time, money, and worst of all, enjoyment. That would be a real shame, and we won’t let it happen to you.<\/p>\n \u200bI have hand-selected the hotels to \u200bshowcase the best of Italian hospitality, in prime locations, so \u200byou’ll feel the warm Italian ambiance at every moment of your stay. <\/p>\n \u200b\u200bIf you don’t experience the genuine, local specialties, then you haven’t experienced Italy. \u200bI have made an extra effort to ensure that every meal represents the authentic cu\u200bcina<\/em>. <\/p>\n \u200b\u200bThe reason to tour with professionals is that you’re assured\u200b you won’t miss out on any of the wonderful moments that you’ve dreamed about vacationing in Italy. \u200b<\/p>\n Italy is many<\/em> things, but it’s most famous for both the ancient capital, \u200bin all its majestic splendor; and the sun-kissed coastline villages<\/strong> where they celebrate great meals, relaxed strolls, and “the sweetness of doing nothing\u200b.”<\/p>\n \n In my experience THIS is how you see these two contrasting yet complimentary sides of Italy’s charming personality<\/strong>. I’m not sure you can fully appreciate one without the other.<\/p>\n The hotels and drivers are all confirmed. The itinerary is a perfect balance of some spectacular sight-seeing along with the time to relax and take it all in. And of course, the best of local food and wine all along the way.<\/p>\n \n And customer service? I will personally<\/em> be there with you every step of the way.<\/strong> No, I’m not the trip leader or a tour guide. I leave that to the Italian professionals that have devoted their lives to sharing the riches of their country and culture. Rather, I am your host, there to facilitate the best possible travel experience, and I’ll address any questions ON THE SPOT in real time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u200b!<\/p>\n This is a small group tour (6 – 12 Italy lovers)<\/strong> to experience the full spectrum of Italy’s charms! There are just enough fellow travelers to foster camaraderie without getting lost in a crowd.<\/p>\n If you ever dreamed of a perfect Italian vacation<\/strong>, this is it! The itinerary features my hand-selected sites based on years of personal experience. The sites that I’ve chosen are a nice mix of “must-see highlights\u201d along with some lesser known hidden gems.<\/p>\n \n And while this is not exclusively a \u201cFood Tour,” there has been an added emphasis placed on the authentic cuisine and wine of the regions<\/strong>. This is a crucial part of understanding Italy, its history, its people, and its culture. <\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u200bQuite honestly, this tour is the culmination of YEARS of research\u200b and contemplation\u200b<\/strong>. After much \u200btrial and error to fit \u200bthe pieces together perfectly, I came up with the \u200bstep-by-step roadmap for the trip that I personally want to take. <\/p>\n \n Really, that was my criteria: if I were only able to travel to Italy ONCE in my life, what would I want to see, do, and eat?<\/p>\n \n \u200bThis is not \u201cadventure\u201d travel\u2014at least not in the physical sense. If you enjoy walking a bit, then that\u2019s all the fitness you\u2019ll need. Rather, this will be a “cultural and sensory adventure” that will leave a lasting impression in your memory.<\/p>\n \u200bThe entire historical center of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the ancient city, to the modern wonders, \u200b\u200bI’ll make sure that you get a taste of all Rome’s layers of history and culture, while also giving you enough time and space for your own discoveries. <\/p>\n \u200bThis is the part of Italy that \u200bconjures our fantasies of sunny weather and friendly people along with the soundtrack of those classic Italian folk songs. This is where pizza was invented and where coffee was perfected. Incredible seafood, limoncello… and \u200bjust look at that view!<\/p>\n 1.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200b3 Nights in Rome + 5 Nights in Sorrento.<\/strong> A total of 9 Days & 8 Nights (departing the US on Friday and returning on Sunday). This tour begins and ends in Rome\u200b, which will give you more options for booking your flights. <\/p>\n 2.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bMeals included: <\/strong>all buffet breakfasts, 5 lunches, \u200b7 dinners. That means that you’ll have time to do some exploring on your own, as well. We’re happy to give you some direction, or you can just wander and discover your own hidden gems!<\/span><\/p>\n 3.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bDedicated tour leader<\/strong> (a native Italian professional) and host (that’s me!) for the entire trip. Private Walking Tours<\/strong> by locally licensed, highly knowledgeable, English-speaking City Guides\u200b. Private Transportation<\/strong> in air-conditioned Mercedes vans\u200b.<\/p>\n \u200b4.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u200bTaxes \u200bare Fees are INCLUDED<\/strong> in the price are all local VAT taxes and government fees, \u200bcity \u200btaxes, gasoline, highway tolls, city access licenses and permits, and parking fees. Staff\u200b and restaurant tips are included, as well.<\/p>\n \u200bWe had the pleasure to work with Rick last season and we really appreciated his great professionalism!<\/p>\n \u200bWorking with Rick was a great experience from beginning to end. The channels of communication remained wide open throughout<\/p>\n \u200bRick really knows Rome. Not just “what to see,” but where to eat, when to go, all of the little hidden spots around the city. <\/p>\nWhat makes for a great trip to Italy?<\/h2>\n
What would an “ideal” itinerary look like?<\/h2>\n
In our daily lives, we look for work\/life balance.<\/h2>\n
The same idea should be applied to a vacation…<\/h2>\n
\u200bThis is \u200bthe reason to \u200b<\/strong>work\u200b with professionals<\/span> <\/span>\u200b\u200b:<\/h2>\n
We do all the \u200bworrying while you simply relax and enjoy.<\/h2>\n
\u200bJust a few of the reasons to travel with me…<\/h2>\n
\u200bCharming Hotels<\/h3>\n
\u200bAuthentic Cuisine <\/h3>\n
\u200bProfessional Guides<\/h3>\n
\u200bSO… What is the “\u200bBest” of Italy?<\/h2>\n
And I’ve Already Done All of the Work for You!<\/h2>\n
\u200bImportant!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u200bThis is the trip that I personally<\/strong><\/em> want to take!<\/h2>\n
Rick’s Rome to the Amalfi Coast Tour<\/h2>\n
September 26 – October 4, 2020<\/h3>\n
\u200bFrom \u200bthe Capital City of an Ancient Empire…<\/h2>\n
\u200b\u200b…to the Tranquil Bliss of the Mediterranean \u200bCoast.<\/h2>\n
\u200bSome Highlights of the Tour:<\/h2>\n
\u200bWhat people are saying…<\/span><\/h2>\n
\u200bSilvia<\/h6>\n
\u200bProfessionalism<\/h3>\n
\u200bLaura<\/h6>\n
\u200bCommunication<\/h3>\n
J\u200bohn<\/h6>\n
\u200bLocal Knowledge<\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n