CICERONI Travel Traveller Reviews

Excellent

Could not be better

Excellent

Could not be better

A beautifully organised 6 day tour of papal and imperial palaces and gardens, and in addition modern gardens, in the Lazio region of Italy.

The tour was most informatively led by the owner of the company Tom Duncan, ably supported by James Hill, the representative who has lived in Italy for over 30years. Both men were expert in historical background. James's input was especially interesting, not only about Italy's past, but in the current politics and the economy. He was also helpful and thoughtful, from the organising of local transport,( including the avoidance of traffic jams on the main roads), to the provision of a variety of memorably delicious and relaxing meals in restaurants and private houses.

As above. I would add that with Ciceroni groups are, on the whole, quite small, which encourages good communication amongst participants, with good exchange of ideas, etc. This particular holiday involved visiting gardens and villas in Lazio, based on a small but exceedingly pleasant and efficient hotel. Transport was extremely efficient and we travelled in comfort. All most relaxing.

Ciceroni Travel is a small private company specialising in architecture, history of art, garden history, etc/. and always a specialist knowledge of the area visited. One is accompanied by a lecturer whose knowledge of whatever subject is the " theme" of the visit is extensive, so in addition to just being a holiday, the tour becomes a learning experience as well an an "entertainment"!

The focus of the holiday was Wagner's Ring Cycle of operas over a week. A priori Ciceroni provided comprehensive brochures on both the cultural aspects of Saxony and Wagner's operas. Two guides accompanied the tour. An English professor of Music provided excellent one-hour intoductions to each opera, including extracts played on the piano, and this provided deep insight into their compositional problems/highlights and the difficulties of creating the Ring Cycle. In addition he provided fascinating insights at the museums we visited including a few solos on period pianos! Our German guide, completely fluent in English, not only selected excellent restaurants but also shared her experiences and knowledge of German culture. Altogether an edifying week.

Excellent organization and everything went like clockwork. Superb choice of guides.

Superbly planned and bought to life by Ciceroni Travel. We had the most wonderful time and everything fitted together perfectly. Our host, Peter Hill was the best person to have explain Wagners music and our local guide in Leipzig, Ana, was faultless the entire week. Stunning from start to finish.

As above Ciceroni Travel were exemplary in planning and execution of this tour.

My husband and I went to Siena and the gardens of southern Tuscany with a group organised by Ciceroni, escorted by Caroline Holmes and James Hill who immeasurably increased our enjoyment of the city and the gardens we visited.

This was my fourth trip with Ciceroni and my husband's third. Ciceroni is a cultural travel company which takes small guided tours to Europe, US and the Caribbean. We have visited Italy with them twice, Cuba and I have been to New York and the lower Hudson valley.

We visited gardens and villas of historical architectural and cultural interest, a good mix that included excellent restaurants and time to visit Siena and Pienza on one's own. The hosts who owned some of the villas and gardens we visited were most informative and charming. in all a well rounded and most enjoyable visit to Italy within Ciceroni's usual high standard of attention to detail and enjoyment.

this is the third year I have used Ciceroni. they have an excellent standard, attention to detail and do not make the tour too onerous, blending visits with free time to visit towns and places on ones own.

Reviewer's images:

Very well organised and we were excellently guided and well fed and looked after.

First class

Beautifully organised combination of art, history and opera

Ciceroni