Audley Travel has been handcrafting bespoke luxury tours in global destinations since its inception in 1996. The custom travel brand is now expanding into Europe, with a team of country specialists who have intimate local knowledge of destinations in Italy, Spain, Portugal, France and the United Kingdom. Sample itineraries in Italy include spending time in the company of a master mask-maker in Venice, followed by the creation of your own carnival mask; an expedition through Florence to meet and witness artisan tradepersons creating Florentine paper, Tuscan wine, mosaics and cantucci (biscotti); a night spent in an 11^th-century monastery complete with wine tasting and cooking classes; and a private tour of the Vatican with an art expert who can point out the Jewish symbols concealed in works of art deliberately hidden by Michelangelo.

There’s even more, including an exclusive backstage tour of the Arena in Verona with access to the dressing rooms and prop storage areas; a private, guided tour of the Borghese Gallery with a visit to the Santa Maria del Puopolo Church to view one of Caravaggio’s greatest masterpieces; and a sea-to-table adventure with a local fisherman in Sorrento where your catch becomes your dinner. Not enough? How about a session with a professional re-enactor who will teach you to train like a gladiator while learning the finer points of ancient arena fighting tactics and the history of gladiators in Rome? These and other exclusive experiences are yours for the asking by contacting the experts at Audley, who can help you fine-tune your journey with details you may have never imagined.