FAQ

We design and manage tailor-made journeys throughout Italy, from major cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan and Naples to the countryside, the coast, the islands and lesser-known destinations. Whether your journey focuses on one region or connects several parts of the country, we can coordinate the different elements of your trip.

Yes. Our experiences are primarily designed on a private basis, with dedicated licensed guides, private drivers and services arranged for you and your party.

Absolutely. Tailor-made travel is at the heart of what we do. Destinations, accommodations, experiences, transportation, guides and the pace of the journey can all be adapted according to your interests, travel style and priorities.

Yes. Family itineraries can be adapted according to the children’s ages and interests, with interactive cultural visits, workshops, cooking experiences and outdoor activities where appropriate, while adjusting the pace to make the journey enjoyable for the whole family.

In many cases, yes, but access depends on the individual venue, archaeological site, accommodation and transportation service. Some outdoor sites allow small pets under specific conditions, while museums, monuments and indoor archaeological areas may restrict access. Please let us know in advance so that we can check the requirements for each part of your itinerary.

Yes. We arrange private transfers from airports and railway stations throughout Italy, using professional cars and vans selected according to the number of travelers and the journey required.

Yes. We arrange private transfers to and from Italy’s main cruise ports and can also organise shore excursions and private day trips according to your ship’s arrival and departure times.

Yes. Accommodation can be fully integrated into your tailor-made itinerary. We carefully select hotels and properties that best match your preferences, travel style and the experience we are designing for you.

Yes. Zest can coordinate your journey from arrival to departure, including accommodations, private transportation, guides, experiences, entrance tickets, day trips and in-destination logistics. You can also contact us for individual services if you do not require a complete itinerary.

It begins with getting to know you. We discuss your travel dates, interests, preferred destinations, travel style and indicative budget before designing an itinerary around your priorities. From there, we refine the journey together until the different elements work seamlessly as a whole.

For complex tailor-made journeys, particularly during the busiest travel periods, we recommend starting several months in advance. Planning early generally provides a wider choice of accommodations, specialist guides and experiences. Some limited-access or particularly requested visits may require significant advance planning.

Absolutely. You do not need to contact us with a complete itinerary already in mind. Tell us how long you have, what interests you and the type of journey you would like to experience, and we can help identify the destinations and combinations that make the most sense for your trip.

Yes. We arrange private chauffeured cars and vans for intercity transfers, day trips and multi-day journeys. Where appropriate, we can also design itineraries combining private transportation with Italy’s high-speed rail network, depending on the route and the overall structure of your journey.

Yes. Depending on the destination, timing and availability, we can arrange experiences beyond standard sightseeing, including private visits, special access, artisan encounters, culinary experiences, private performances and activities built around specific interests. Some of our most unusual experiences are proposed individually rather than through a public online catalogue.

Whenever possible, yes. Please let us know about dietary requirements, mobility considerations or any other specific needs during the planning stage so that we can take them into account when selecting experiences, restaurants, transportation and venues.

Absolutely. Many of our travelers return to Italy several times. We can move beyond the classic highlights and design a journey around different regions, smaller destinations, private experiences and encounters that offer a new perspective on places you may already know.

Yes. Our role does not end once the itinerary has been confirmed. During your journey, our local team remains your point of reference in Italy, assisting with the services we have arranged and helping coordinate your trip on the ground.

No. In addition to private FIT travel, Zest works with families, small and larger groups, travel professionals, corporate clients and MICE projects throughout Italy. Dedicated solutions are also available for travel advisors, agencies and international partners.

A locally based DMC brings the different parts of a journey together under one coordination. Rather than treating accommodations, transportation, guides, tickets and experiences as unrelated bookings, we consider timing, geography and logistics as part of one itinerary, with a local team overseeing the journey before and during your stay.

Rome can be visited throughout the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures, summer can be very warm and busy, and winter can suit travelers who prefer cooler temperatures and a different pace. The best period ultimately depends on your interests and travel dates.

For a first visit, the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Borghese Gallery, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori are among the city’s best-known highlights. We can combine them with archaeology, art, neighbourhoods, food and experiences beyond the traditional sightseeing routes.

A great deal can be experienced in one day, but the itinerary needs to be carefully planned. Depending on your interests and available time, we can design a private full-day experience combining major landmarks while taking into account entrance times, transportation and realistic travel times between sites.

The best option depends on the destination and itinerary. High-speed trains can be ideal for cities such as Florence or Naples, while a private chauffeured vehicle can be more appropriate for countryside destinations, day trips or itineraries involving several stops. Zest can advise on and coordinate the most practical solution.

Rome is an excellent base for day trips. Depending on your interests, possibilities include Tivoli and its historic villas, Castel Gandolfo and the Castelli Romani, Ostia Antica, the Appian Way and other archaeological, cultural and countryside destinations within easy reach of the city.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as Rome is best explored partly on foot and many historic areas have uneven surfaces. Depending on the season, we also recommend appropriate layers, sunglasses and sun protection, plug adapters where needed, and clothing suitable for entering churches and religious sites. Keep copies of important travel documents securely accessible.

There is much more to Rome than its most famous monuments. For returning visitors, we can explore Ostia Antica, Tivoli, Castel Gandolfo, the Appian Way, catacombs, underground sites, historic residences, artisan workshops, neighbourhoods and food traditions, as well as more unusual private experiences when access and availability allow.

As in any major international city, visitors should use normal urban precautions. Particular attention should be paid to personal belongings in crowded areas and on public transportation, especially around major tourist sites and transport hubs.

Rome generally has mild winters, pleasant spring and autumn seasons, and warm to very hot summers. July and August can be particularly hot. We recommend checking the forecast shortly before departure and dressing in layers when travelling in transitional seasons.

Yes. Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Sleeveless or low-cut garments, shorts above the knee, miniskirts and hats are not permitted. The requirement of decorum also extends to visible personal objects or distinctive signs, including tattoos, that may be considered offensive to Catholic morality, religion or common decency.

The Colosseum does not have the same religious dress requirements as the Vatican, but visitors must wear clothing appropriate to the formal setting of the site and suitable closed footwear for uneven archaeological paths. Ceremonial dress, masks, costumes or other inappropriate fancy dress are not permitted.

Our Art & Food experiences are designed to introduce travelers to Roman food traditions alongside the city itself. Tastings can include typical street food, pizza, gelato, coffee, wine and Roman specialties such as supplì or carciofo alla giudia, depending on the itinerary and availability. Vegetarian and, where possible, vegan alternatives can be arranged when requested in advance.

Of course. Rome is one of the destinations we know particularly well, and visits to the Vatican Museums, Colosseum and the city’s major landmarks can easily form part of a broader journey through Italy. Zest operates throughout the country and can design multi-day itineraries combining Rome with Florence and Tuscany, Umbria, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Northern Italy, Sicily and other regions.

Simply get in touch and tell us a little about your plans: preferred travel dates, number of travelers, destinations or interests and indicative budget. You can send us an inquiry or book a consultation call with our team. From there, we can begin shaping a journey specifically around you.