In our latest “Chat with an Expat” feature, we sit down with Audrey and Manlio, the founders of Travels with Audrey, a tour company dedicated to offering authentic cultural vacations in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a lesser-known but captivating region in Northern Italy. The couple’s mission is to introduce travelers to the true essence of Italy through sustainable tourism, wine experiences, and a unique focus on World War I history. Their personalized approach caters to those seeking more than just a traditional tour—they offer immersive cultural vacations that emphasize history, gastronomy, and authentic local experiences.
Let’s dive into their story and learn what makes Friuli-Venezia Giulia a hidden gem for discerning travelers.
00:01: Tell us more about yourselves.
Audrey: I was born in New York City to a German mother and a Dutch father. Ten days after I was born, we moved back to West Africa, where I spent the first 17 years of my life. Europe became my backyard, as we had a home in Spain, and I spent a lot of time visiting family in Holland and Germany. I’ve lived all over the world due to my father’s work and, later on, with my husband’s job.
Manlio: I was born and raised in Friuli, Italy. I spent the first 30 years of my life in Italy, but I eventually moved to Canada after meeting Audrey. While my career took me all over Italy and beyond, Friuli has always been my home.
05:47: How did you two meet?
Audrey: I met Manlio’s sister first; we worked together in Toronto. One year, I finally took her up on her offer to visit her family in Italy. That’s when I met Manlio for the first time. We were living separate lives then, but a few months later, we reconnected when they came to Canada for a wedding. Manlio wasn’t attending the wedding, so his sister asked me to show him around Toronto. That’s how it all started, and a year later, he moved to Canada!
11:59: Why visit Friuli? What makes it unique?
Manlio: Friuli is a region of Italy that is both ancient and diverse. It’s home to Roman ruins but has a history that goes even further back. Friuli has always been a land of invasions, and its mix of influences—from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Germanic world—gives it a distinct character. Unlike more tourist-heavy areas of Italy, Friuli offers a more peaceful experience, one where you can reflect as you take in its natural beauty, history, and the pride of the local people.
Audrey: I call Friuli a microcosm of Italy. We have mountains, plains, the lagoon, and the sea. The gastronomy here is also something to highlight—Friuli has 42 Michelin-starred restaurants, and the food is deeply tied to our traditions.
19:51: Tell us about Travels with Audrey. When did the idea come about?
Audrey: The idea first came to me in 2012 while we were living in Colorado. Manlio and I both felt that Italy—specifically Friuli—was our home, and we wanted to create a business around that. Travels with Audrey officially started in 2015, and since 2017, we’ve been bringing clients to Friuli and other parts of Northern Italy for intimate, customized cultural vacations.
23:18: What is your mission?
Manlio: Our mission is to showcase Friuli and give our clients a chance to experience Italy without the usual biases or misconceptions. We focus on attracting travelers who are willing to go beyond the typical tourist expectations. We want people to leave Friuli with an open mind and unforgettable memories.
25:20: You don’t say “tours” but “cultural vacations.” Tell us more.
Audrey: We prefer calling them cultural vacations because our focus is on slow, immersive experiences. We limit our groups to six or seven people and introduce them to local artisans, family-run businesses, and historical sites. Our trips offer relaxation and reflection—far from the hustle of crowded tourist spots.
28:39: Can you tell us more about the World War I experiences you offer?
Manlio: Friuli was heavily impacted by World War I. About 50% of the Italian front ran through our region, leaving behind trenches, monuments, and battlefields. I have a personal passion for sharing this part of history with our clients. Friuli is filled with reminders of the Great War, and we offer unique historical experiences that dive deep into this important chapter of the region’s history.
36:28: What about wine tourism?
Audrey: Wine tourism is a big part of our offerings. We take clients to small, family-run wineries that produce some of the best wines in Italy. The best times for a wine tour are spring and fall, although during harvest season in the fall, many small wineries are too busy to accommodate tours. A few do offer hands-on experiences where you can help with the harvest and enjoy a wine tasting with lunch afterward.
39:29: How do you promote sustainable and authentic travel?
Manlio: Sustainability is key for us. We want clients who are truly interested in experiencing the local culture, not just taking photos for Instagram. We focus on smaller, more personal experiences, and we vet our clients to ensure they’re the right fit for our approach. Sustainability means traveling with an open mind, respecting the local way of life, and moving away from the fast, checklist-style travel that social media encourages.
46:10: Final thoughts—what’s your definition of an expat?
Audrey: An expat is someone who lives outside their home country. But we don’t really see ourselves as expats, since Manlio is from Friuli, and we’re very much rooted in the local culture. In many ways, we’re citizens of the world, having lived in so many places, but Friuli is home.
If you’re looking for an authentic, immersive experience in Northern Italy, you can find Audrey and Manlio at Travels with Audrey. Discover cultural vacations that combine history, gastronomy, and the beauty of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. For the full video and podcast, visit Live in Italy Magazine on YouTube and “Italy Answered” on Spotify.
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