Local Host and Cultural Guide

Local Host and Cultural Guide

Piacere……….so wonderful to meet you here!

Have you ever visited a friend in a place you had never visited before, and they took you to their special places (that tourists do not get to see).

They are showing you what life is like, what real life is like for them.

Maybe, some of your most favorite travel memories were during times like these.

Well, I am that friend for you in Italy, and especially the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG), my husband’s home region and where our family lives.

Travel is about curiosity and discovery. There are so many places to explore, so when you have the opportunity, why not make the most of every minute and escape the ordinary.

Rather than rushing to tick off a “must see and do” checklist, how about unplugging from the pace of your daily life and seeking out the true essence of a place, from history to food, one moment at a time?

If this sounds inviting, then:

You crave authentic experiences and enjoy being deeply immersed in the local culture, cuisine, and natural surroundings.

You are curious to explore out of your comfort zone and off the beaten path to discover places that most people don't even know about.

You enjoy connecting with the passionate locals, hearing their stories and traditions, and learning from them.

You are open to letting go of the need to plan everything in favor of someone else taking control so you can slow down into a new rhythm of life.

You have a love for food and eager to taste new flavours.

You love to laugh, have fun, and enjoy all that life has to offer.

Ready for an authentic Italian experience?

Yes, I want to travel with Audrey!

meet audrey your local host and cultural guide in northern italy

You can expect me to:

Hand craft an itinerary rich in seasonal experiences so that you are not just visiting Italy you are living in Italy. I strive to make every moment a memorable one from the time you arrive to our last hug goodbye.

Personally travel with you in a small group setting, handling all the planning and logistics so you can unwind, let loose, and travel deeper. Think of me as your built-in concierge, right by your side.

Take you to see the gems, the most popular and historical sites and beyond the guidebook, to the tucked away places that would be difficult for you to find on your own.

Welcome you into my inner circle of local artisans, licensed tour guides, drivers, and friends who will interact and warmly share their gifts, talents, and memorable stories with you.

Deeply immerse you into the Italian culture and way of life so you can explore local regions in greater depth and come away with a deeper connection to the land and a true sense of belonging.

Help you slow down and savor the cuisine that is unique to this area as we eat in small trattorias, cook traditional family recipes, while taking leisurely sips of local wines.

Speak fluent Italian so you don’t have to worry about anything getting lost in the translation. I also speak French, German, Spanish, and English, so we may be able to have a chat in your native language too!

My Promise to You:

To open all your senses to a new way to travel

In joining me on a cultural vacation, you will:

SEE hidden places few tourists do
HEAR passionate stories from the voices of the locals who live there
TASTE delicious dishes that are traditionally passed down through generations
TOUCH the past and the present with historical places and hand-crafted artisanal products made in the area
SMELL the regional wines and the Italian air
KNOW the slower pace of real local life
FEEL grateful for the new friends you have made and the lasting memories you get to keep and relive, over and over again

What we didn’t know until our trip began was how much fun and local insight Audrey and Manlio would bring to the whole experience. Their love for Friuli is evident and it’s contagious. Our trip was everything we hoped for and more.

Shelly and Lalan, Dallas TX

The best part was the complete ability to let the trip just happen without having to worry about anything. Audrey introduced us to parts of Italy we did not know existed. Our understanding and appreciation for Italy are now so much deeper that we would like to go back and revisit some of those areas.

Janet and Timothy, Seattle WA

We were keen to explore the region of Friuli and the region surpassed our expectations. Having Audrey and Manlio as our main guides made all the hassles and irritations of international travel melt away. We look forward to meeting them again as dear friends when we return in the future.

Carolyn and Roger, Dallas TX

Our Story: Audrey & Manlio

Come see the place where we fell in love: While visiting friends in Friuli, Audrey discovered a part of Italy she never knew existed. And it was there she first met Manlio and fell in love, not only with the region but also the man! More about Manlio click here.

Local customs and traditions are in our blood. Audrey was born in New York City, to European native parents, and raised in Western Africa. Since early childhood, through her travels, Audrey grew up with the local customs and traditions of Spain, Germany, Holland, and France. Manlio, born and raised in Friuli, understands Italy like only a local can. Traveling is not just about introducing you to the local culture but also the local customs and traditions.

Experience regional dishes and local wines. Audrey and Manlio are foodies at heart and love wine but are not snobs, favoring local farm-to-table local eateries and family-run trattorias and osterias. Eating out with them is done like the locals with locals.

Supporting small local businesses. Audrey and Manlio love supporting local businesses whenever they travel and have decorated their home with many unique pieces. They understand that the true beauty of the region is not found in souvenir shops but in the local artisans and producers who are passionate and proud about what they do.

Your fluent friends in Friuli. Together, Audrey and Manlio speak 4 languages - French, Italian, Spanish, English – in addition to German for Audrey and Friulano for Manlio. Yes, Friuli has its own local language. It’s always good to have someone by your side who can speak the native tongue.

As See In...

Audrey and Manlio were invited to do a podcast with Chris for Episode #723 on Amateur Traveler sharing their reasons why you should visit Friuli Venezia Giulia.