Your Local Access to Northern Italy
Your Local Access to Northern Italy
If you’ve ever had the feeling that the best parts of Italy exist
just beyond what you can find online….you’re right, they do.
And if you’ve landed here, I have the feeling you’re not looking for a typical Italian trip.
Anyone can search for the best restaurants and the must-see landmarks.
That part is easy.
But the special parts of Italy?
They don’t show up in search results.
They are not found on tourist postcards, or neatly mapped out in a guidebook.
They live down the back roads and behind the unmarked doors.
They are found at the tables in the trattorias where no English menus exist.
They’re only shared through trust and long-standing relationships.
And through people who know you’re coming.
This is access you can’t Google
I didn’t create Travels with Audrey to just show you the sites.
I created it for people who want to feel it while they’re here.
Yes, you can search the “best” places and plan a beautiful trip on your own.
But, the moments you remember the most?
They are rarely the ones you planned.
They are usually the ones that come up spontaneously and unexpectedly on your travels.
Like when you are enjoying chatting with the locals, or find yourself somewhere you never would have chosen… but are so glad you did.
This is the Italy that exists just beyond…
And that’s the Italy where I live.
How This All Began
In 1997, I was invited to Friuli by a friend.
At the time, I didn’t know much about this part of Italy. It wasn’t a place I had read about or planned to explore.
But I said yes.
And looking back, that one decision changed everything.
It wasn’t just a new region that I discovered. It was the way people spent time together. The slower pace of life that never felt rushed. The feeling of being somewhere that wasn’t trying to be found.
It was also where I met Manlio.
Manlio opened a door to a new way of experiencing Italy.
One that I didn’t even know existed.
I was no longer a traveler moving through places. I was someone being welcomed into a way of life. Doors were being opened because I was with someone who belonged.
And then I fell in love.
With Manlio. With this life. And before I knew it…. Friuli became home.
I Started Seeing Italy Differently
Before this, I had spent years working in the travel industry including leading tours in Italy. It was during this time, that I noticed most tourists were too busy seeing as much as they could, traveling from place to place, that they weren't able to enjoy the moment. Having been raised in a European culture, I knew the true essence of a place, from history to traditions to food, is found when we can slow down enough to take it in.
This is when I realized I wanted to share the Italy most were missing out on.
This wasn’t about where to go and what to see.
It was about how it felt to be here.
The most meaningful parts of Italy aren’t hidden.
They’re simply not accessible in the usual ways.
Until someone opens the door.
This Is What I Wanted to Pass On
Over time, friends began asking if they could come and visit.
Not just Italy…but my Italy. The one I had been invited into.
So, I started doing for them what had been done for me. I introduced them to the locals I call friends. I brought them to the places off the main tourist trail to places that I love. I let them experience the every day Italian lifestyle rather than just observe it as a tourist.
They didn’t just enjoy themselves. Something about the trip stayed with them.
Through my years of traveling, working and living in Italy, I’ve been welcomed into places and created special relationships.
Now, I get to open those doors for you.
When you travel with me, you’re not stepping into something created for visitors.
You’re stepping into my real life here in Italy.
This is the Italy you won’t find online.
And Then There’s Manlio
Manlio was born and raised in Friuli. When you meet him, you quickly realize that he doesn’t just know the region; he understands it as only a local can. He has a deep passion for military history, particularly the World Wars that dramatically shaped the course of his region.
He creates moments you remember.
Imagine standing in a place tied to a rich historical past. Listening to him speak and telling stories that most people would never hear. He has a way of bringing history into the present, making places feel grounded and real.
Walk through history with us
If you are drawn to history, a Great War Tour guided by Manlio’s knowledge and lived experience provides a deeper connection to the land.
What This Local Access Means To You
You are welcomed as a friend.
As your local hosts, you are in our personal care. We travel with you and love sharing our secret spots. We immerse you into our way of life full of rich culture, history and traditions.
We keep it small and personal.
Together we are a group of 6-7 like-hearted travelers. This intimate way of exploring Italy creates lasting connections. It’s why we stay in contact long after our journey ends.
You meet people you wouldn’t meet otherwise.
Built on years of friendship and trust, our local artisans, family-run producers, and tour guides warmly interact and share their many talents and memorable stories with you.
We help you slow down and savor the cuisine.
We are foodies at heart and when you eat with us we always do it like the locals, with locals. That means farm to table meals paired with regional wines and farmers markets.
We ensure your travels leave a meaningful impact.
Responsible travel is a way of looking at Italy from a local’s point of view. By visiting and supporting smaller communities we provide lasting benefits for those who are off the tourist trail.
We speak the local language for you.
You can take comfort in knowing you are traveling with someone who speaks the local language. We are fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish, in addition, German (Audrey) and Friulano (Manlio).
That’s the Italy we welcome you into.
Learn about the Experiences Guests Love The Most
This is Not Traditional Travel
This is our life in Italy built on local connections and one-of-a-kind cultural experiences.
If you are looking for something beyond the expected, you’ll find it here.
Explore Our Hosted Cultural Journeys:
What Guests Want to Share With You
Audrey, thank you for your incredible leadership! Your personal imprint was upon each of us who shared in this incredible adventure. Thank-you for making it so very special for each of us! Your expertise made everything seem so flawless. You are very special!
Maureen and Peter, Toronto ON
Audrey planned the most wonderful trip for us to Northern Italy. It was a dream vacation that will be hard to top. Her attention to detail, thoughtfulness and excellent communication made for a seamless vacation. Every day we kept saying “how are we going to top today’s experience?” She is the BEST!
Laurie and Dan, Glenmont NY
The service Audrey provides is top-notch. Audrey takes care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying your time abroad. Fluent in multiple languages, she has solid cultural knowledge of many European countries. We love traveling with Audrey, and can't wait for our next trip with her!
Tara and Mark, Leawood KS
Audrey’s enthusiasm, attention to details and sweet surprises made each day very special. Audrey was a fantastic local host. We appreciate how much she knew about Italy and that she spoke Italian. We didn’t’ have to think about anything besides enjoying our trip. We can’t recommend her highly enough!
Shirley, Wyandotte MI
Audrey enhanced our trip way beyond anything we could have organized ourselves. All of Audrey’s contacts respect and adore her and make sure her clients get the best service. Audrey saves you hours of logistics time, because she knows the regions and the people well. She really took care of us.
Barbara, Grand Junction CO
Audrey is not just a guide but becomes a best friend who advocates for her guests. Her trips are smooth and seamless. Audrey knows how to put a trip together and is tuned into each guest to make sure everyone is comfortable. We are looking forward to doing more trips with Audrey.
Lesia and Ken, Grand Rapids MI
There’s something I want to leave with you…
The right place experienced the right way, at the right moment in your life…can stay with you forever. But only if you’re truly in it and not just passing through. That’s where I come in. Not as a guide. But as someone who opens the door to a version of Italy you may not find on your own.
You bring the desire. I’ll provide the access.
Ready to get started, or want to chat about your travel plans?
Stay connected to this part of Italy
If you’re not quite ready to travel, but you feel drawn to this way of experiencing Italy,
you can receive my Notes from Italy.
It’s a way to stay connected… until the time feels right.
Travel Shaped by my Life in Northern Italy
If you are not ready to plan yet, I share occasional notes from my life in
Northern Italy—stories, places, meals, and moments that don’t always make it onto an itinerary.
I warmly welcome you to be part of my virtual family.
You will also receive early access to new journeys before they’re shared
publicly.
We respect your email privacy.
Experience You Can Trust
Travels with Audrey
Travels with Audrey exists to share the true heart of Northern Italy through personal connection, local knowledge, and genuine hospitality.
Rooted in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, we welcome travelers not as tourists, but as friends, inviting them into everyday life, regional traditions, and places rarely found in guidebooks.
Through thoughtfully curated experiences, shared meals, local stories, and unhurried exploration, we help guests feel deeply connected to the people and places they visit, returning home with lasting memories, new friendships, and a richer understanding of Italy.
Audrey De Monte
Owner, Travels with Audrey LLC
Certified International Tour Manager (CITM) and Certified Tour Guide (CTG)
Over 40 years of experience in the travel and aviation industry, leading cultural journeys across Canada, the United States, and Europe
Learn more about responsible travel
Some places are best experienced as a guest, not a tourist
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