Audrey did a wonderful job of managing the arrival of the 4 couples from USA and Aus for the Friuli tour. She arranged excellent accommodation in central Venice which made walking a breeze. Highlights were the private Duomo tour and the fantastic Vivaldi concert as well as the extensive walking tour of the island. Her recommendations for restaurants were excellent. Our post Friuli tour was a private tour of the Veneto and Western Piedmont. The highlights were the Bernina Express from Tirano to Switzerland, not to be missed, magnificent Stresa on Lake Maggiore, and Asolo. Audrey was able to adjust the program to our needs and accommodated our minor physical issues. She took all the trouble and worry out of touring.

Every day was outstanding. We ate local food, drank local wine, and experienced culture that I would have missed had I tried to tackle a trip like this on my own. Our travelling companions made the trip even more delightful. The days were full, always ending with a wonderful dinner with our new friends. Audrey's expertise and engagement allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in this vacation without having to worry about logistics and planning. I also appreciate the flexibility to stop at a store or drop off laundry to add to our comfort. I remember in Venice walking past a large group wearing ear buds and following a leader holding a flag. My friend said "I will never take a tour where we have to follow a flag." I replied "And I hope to never have to drive a car in a foreign country." It was a much more pleasant experiencing listening to a local guide that Audrey connected us with, with the ability to ask questions and interact with our fellow travelers. Being part of a small tour group allows for a more immersive experience without the anxiety of handling logistics. Moreover, Audrey's energy and enthusiasm was contagious so we never had a dull day.

Looking back over our itinerary and our 500+ photos from Audrey’s first Friuli Small Group Tour which we enjoyed with 3 couples from USA, it’s hard to believe that we fitted so many fabulous experiences into our seven night tour. We were based in the comfortable I Comelli Agriturismo in Nimis just outside Udine, the perfect location for our daily excursions to visit the exciting and surprising gems on Friuli Venezia Giulia. The region sits between the sea and the Alps and has a history dating from Roman times, and in more recent centuries intertwined with its northern neighbours. Audrey was a wonderful knowledgeable guide and expert driver. She proudly revealed the secrets of this magic part of Italy and also arranged for expert local guides for our amazing visits to places as varied as the Mosaic School in Spilimbergo to the breathtaking UNESCO heritage site at Aquileia. All this plus elegant Prosecco and grappa tastings, and visits to producers of San Daniele prosciutto and balsamic vinegar where we were hosted by charming enthusiastic Friuliani. This hidden gem of Italy is a secret no longer having been headlined in Times Square and, to our absolute delight, highlighted in the Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine July’24 edition. It was a 5 star experience all the way. Our advice? Book now!