For travelers who seek more than just a standard vacation package, the allure of bespoke travel is undeniable. Imagine an itinerary meticulously crafted around your interests, with every detail tailored to your preferences. This is the promise of luxury bespoke travel agencies like Audley Travel. But does the reality live up to the hype? This review delves into a personal experience with Audley Travel, exploring the nuances of their service and whether their tailor-made journeys are truly worth the investment.
Considering booking Audley Travel to arrange your itinerary? Read this review of my experience with Audley on a tailor-made trip in Greece. via @rachelheller
Like many independent travelers, group tours have never quite resonated with my travel style. While convenient for short excursions, the rigidity of week-long group itineraries clashes with the desire for personalized exploration. The freedom to choose destinations, set the pace, and travel with chosen companions is paramount. Yet, the practicalities of travel planning, particularly accommodation and transportation logistics, can be time-consuming. Hours can vanish in the pursuit of the perfect hotel, navigating countless listings and deciphering reviews.
This is where Audley Travel steps in, offering a compelling solution: bespoke, tailor-made itineraries designed around individual client interests. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience Audley Travel’s services firsthand on a trip to Greece, and this review shares an in-depth look at that experience.
Considering booking Audley Travel to arrange your itinerary? Read this review of my experience with Audley on a tailor-made trip in Greece. via @rachelheller
Disclosure: This trip was sponsored by bespoke travel agents Audley Travel. They provided accommodations, private tours, and transportation over four days. It’s important to note that this sponsorship did not influence the content of this review. If this review reads positively, it reflects a genuinely enjoyable and commendable travel experience.
Another disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. Clicking on these links and making a purchase may result in a small commission for the author.
First-Class Athens Accommodation: Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery
The bespoke journey commenced with a two-night stay in Athens at the Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery. This five-star boutique hotel, strategically located near the Greek Parliament and boasting Acropolis views, immediately impressed. The hotel exudes sophistication, with rooms thoughtfully designed for comfort and convenience. While not overly spacious, my room was impeccably decorated and equipped with every amenity expected of a top-tier hotel. Blackout shutters ensured restful sleep, while conveniently placed power outlets (including electrical, USB, and USB-C) on both sides of the bed catered to the modern traveler’s needs. Tea and coffee facilities were readily available, and the marble bathroom was stocked with high-quality Olivia Thinks toiletries.
hotel room interior: bed, sofa, desk, table, window behind, and a man standing between the bed and the sofa.
The hotel’s rooftop pool, featuring a glass wall for an infinity-edge effect without the dizzying heights, was a notable highlight. The Acropolis view from the rooftop, while slightly distant, was nonetheless magnificent. An additional level offered panoramic city vistas, and a local tip worth sharing: witnessing the sunrise over the Acropolis from the rooftop is a truly magical experience, with the city bathed in quietude and perfect light.
Beyond the luxurious amenities, the service at Athens Capital Hotel was truly exceptional. Following a minor accident on my first day in Athens, the hotel staff displayed remarkable attentiveness, promptly providing bandages and ice – a testament to their commitment to guest well-being.
It’s worth noting that the Athens Capital Hotel is a premium choice, with nightly rates starting around €375, and the specific room type experienced starting at approximately €440. This reflects Audley Travel’s focus on luxury and quality, prioritizing exceptional experiences regardless of price.
Book Athens Capital Center Hotel MGallery.
The acropolis sitting on a rocky hill with the tops of lots of buildings visible between the camera and the hill.
Tailor-Made Itineraries: The Audley Travel Approach
Audley Travel’s strength lies in its bespoke itinerary creation process. Prior to the trip, their customer service team inquired about my specific interests. Having previously explored major Athenian sites like the Acropolis, they suggested a street art walking tour – a unique and engaging alternative that proved to be a perfect fit. The remaining itinerary was flexible, allowing for personal exploration and dining choices. Audley Travel focuses on arranging the elements of your trip that you desire assistance with, offering a customized experience rather than a rigid, all-inclusive package.
Audley Travel’s website showcases a diverse range of destinations and sample itineraries, serving as inspiration rather than fixed tour options. Their unique selling proposition revolves around “country specialists” – travel experts with extensive personal experience in each destination, often having lived or traveled there extensively. These specialists craft personalized itineraries tailored to individual preferences. Audley Travel emphasizes firsthand vetting of all accommodations, tours, and transportation they offer, ensuring consistent quality.
Once an itinerary is finalized, Audley Travel partners with reputable local companies in each destination. In Greece, Siva Travel Services, a local agency, managed the on-the-ground logistics. For specialized experiences like the street art tour, Siva Travel Services subcontracted Alternative Athens, a local expert in unique Athenian tours. This network of carefully selected local partners ensures authentic and high-quality travel experiences. The seamless execution of the trip, with punctual, professional, and knowledgeable guides and high-standard accommodations, underscores the effectiveness of Audley Travel’s network.
Immersive Athens Street Art Tour
The Athens street art tour, led by Nick Tongas (aka Rude), was a standout experience. Far from being “rude,” Nick proved to be an exceptional guide, leading me through vibrant, albeit slightly gritty, Athenian neighborhoods like Gazi, Keramico, Metaxourgio, and Psiri. Metaxourgio, known for its edgy character, prompted a cautionary note from Nick regarding petty theft, a valuable insight only a local guide could provide. Despite this, I felt secure throughout the tour, highlighting the advantage of local expertise in navigating urban environments.
Street art: white on black, a figure of a fish composed of lots of symbols and letters. Beside it, on a shop
The tour transcended mere sightseeing, evolving into an engaging discussion about the nuances of street art versus graffiti, and the elements that define high-quality urban art. Prior knowledge from a Berlin street art tour provided a comparative context, enriching the experience. The private nature of the tour allowed for personalized exploration, catering to my specific interests, particularly history. Nick seamlessly integrated historical context into the tour, highlighting landmarks like the ancient marketplace ruins in Keramico and architectural points of interest, demonstrating the depth of knowledge Audley Travel’s guides possess.
The value of a private tour guide cannot be overstated. The experience feels less scripted, and the pace is entirely personalized, free from the constraints of group dynamics. Private tours offer the freedom to delve deeper into areas of interest and ask questions without hesitation, fostering a more enriching and comfortable learning environment.
A large wall of street art showing a barbershop, with mirrors on the far wall, including one showing a person taking a photo of the street art!
Beyond his guiding expertise, Nick is also an artist, graphic designer, and entrepreneur, soon to open a gallery/bar called 1982 near the Archaeological Museum in Exarcheia – a testament to the local connections and insider knowledge Audley Travel provides access to.
Seamless Transfer to Nafplio and Ancient Wonders
Upon checking into the Athens hotel, an envelope from Audley Travel contained a detailed itinerary, complete with contact information for both Audley and Siva Travel. True to schedule, a driver arrived promptly after my two-night stay in Athens, in a comfortable Skoda, to transport me to Nafplio. The planned route included stops at Korinth and Epidauros, with a guided tour of Epidauros scheduled.
This is where the flexibility of private transportation and Audley Travel’s personalized service truly shone. During a conversation with the driver, I mentioned my website dedicated to World Heritage sites and my intention to visit Mycenae from Nafplio. The driver, demonstrating initiative and understanding of my interests, suggested an immediate itinerary adjustment: substituting a visit to Mycenae for Korinth on the way to Nafplio.
This proactive, client-focused approach was deeply appreciated. While Korinth held appeal, the opportunity to visit Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site, aligned perfectly with my travel priorities. This seamless itinerary modification exemplifies the personalized service Audley Travel delivers.
Exploring Mycenae: Cradle of Ancient Greek Civilization
Mycenae, an ancient citadel dating back to 1750-1050 BC, stands as a significant site in early Greek civilization. At its peak around 1350 BC, this Bronze-Age Mycenaean city boasted a population of approximately 30,000 and exerted influence across much of modern-day Greece. The Mycenaeans possessed a written language (Linear B), engaged in extensive Mediterranean trade and expansion, and worshipped early forms of the Greek Olympian gods.
Large stone walls frame a road leading through a large square gateway with people inside the gateway (the height of the gateway is about twice the height of the people.
Today, Mycenae’s remains consist of massive, cyclopean walls constructed from colossal stones, perched 274 meters above sea level. Within these walls once stood a palace and various structures. While only foundations remain of the outer city’s houses, the sheer scale of the citadel walls and the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Grave Circle A, an expansive circular burial enclosure for Mycenaean elites, proved particularly striking. Walking along its perimeter, bordered by towering vertical stone slabs, provided a tangible connection to the site’s ancient past.
Looking at the grave circle from a distance and slightly above: a round structure edged by two rows of upright slabs of rock.
Inclement weather shortened my visit to Mycenae, yet the site’s atmosphere – a blend of forlorn mystery and ancient power – left a lasting impression. The solitude, with few other visitors present, enhanced the experience of exploring this significant historical location.
Epidaurus: Sanctuary and Ancient Healing Center
The next stop, another UNESCO World Heritage site, was Epidaurus. Here, another excellent guide arranged by Audley Travel awaited. Epidaurus, strategically located between Athens and the Peloponnese, served as both a religious sanctuary and a healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of healing. Comparable to Baden-Baden centuries later, Epidaurus functioned as a spa and hospital complex. Worshipers sought divine intervention from Asclepius while also consulting human healers who practiced within the sanctuary.
Epidaurus encompassed a Doric temple dedicated to Asclepius, a hospital, shrines, a dormitory for dream incubation, a hotel, and related structures. Healers meticulously documented treatments and cures, providing valuable insights into ancient medical practices. The sanctuary flourished from the 6th century BC until its decline following a Gothic invasion in 395 AD.
The centerpiece of Epidaurus is its remarkably preserved ancient theater. Reflecting the holistic approach to well-being, entertainment was considered integral to the healing process. Carved into a hillside, the theater’s semicircular seating arrangement could accommodate 10,000 to 14,000 spectators.
The theater’s acoustics are legendary. Standing at the center of the stage with my guide, a simple clap resonated with surprising volume, echoing off the tiers of seats. Even from the highest seats, whispers and the crinkle of a water bottle were clearly audible, demonstrating the theater’s extraordinary acoustic design.
Nafplio Charm and Grand Sarai Hotel
After Epidaurus, the journey continued to Nafplio, with a smooth transfer facilitated by Audley Travel. Roadwork necessitated a short walk in the rain, but the driver efficiently handled luggage, ensuring a seamless transition to the Grand Sarai Hotel in Nafplio.
The Grand Sarai Hotel, a renovated 17th-18th century mansion, offers four-star accommodation with historic charm. While retaining original architectural elements, it incorporates modern amenities like a central stairway and elevator. My room, while less overtly stylish than the Athens hotel, was spacious, impeccably clean, and featured two sofas and a queen-sized bed. The modern bathroom included a multi-jet shower system.
View from above of a cluster of buildings: one is covered with scaffolding, the one next to and behind it is painted pink, and a white church peeks from behind that.
The room’s standout feature was the view – likely a key factor in Audley Travel’s selection. Overlooking Palamidi Fortress perched on a hilltop, the view also encompassed the winding staircase leading to the fortress (purportedly 999 steps, but closer to 800+).
Following a hotel receptionist’s recommendation, dinner at a nearby restaurant featured delicious fresh grilled fish and excellent fried potatoes – another example of local insights enhancing the travel experience.
Book the Grand Sarai Hotel in Nafplio.
A fortress tops a steep hill, and a stairway zigzags its way down the side.
Nafplio Food Tour: A Taste of Local Flavors
The next morning, Audley Travel arranged a food tour, providing a delightful exploration of Nafplio’s culinary scene and local producers. The tour guide shared historical insights about the town while emphasizing sustainable tourism through supporting local businesses.
The first stop, Kostopoulos bakery, set the tone for the tour: abundance and generosity. Sampling traditional Greek pastries and savory items quickly escalated into boxes overflowing with orange cake, cream cake, spinach pie, pumpkin pie, rusks, breadsticks, sesame bread, and powdered sugar cookies – a truly overwhelming, yet delicious, start.
Five boxes with assorted breads and pastries.
A visit to Anapliotiko Mpakalico delicatessen showcased high-quality artisanal products, including local family-produced cheeses. The owner offered a tasting spread of cheeses, cured meats, stuffed figs, rusks, tahini, and local extra virgin olive oil, sharing insights into their production and regional significance. The passion and pride of local producers, facilitated by Audley Travel’s tour, added a meaningful dimension to the culinary experience. Inevitably, more leftovers joined the growing collection.
Chunks of cheese, bread, figs, meats
Karonis wine shop provided an introduction to Greek wines, with tastings of local varietals. While enjoyable, the combination of a full stomach and wine induced a pleasant drowsiness. Fortunately, no wine leftovers were necessary.
The final stop, Nectar & Ambrosia honey producer, offered tastings of various local honeys: orange, wildflower, sage, and thyme. The thyme honey stood out as a favorite. A mini-lecture on the health benefits of honey, advocating daily consumption, concluded the tasting, adding a wellness dimension to the food tour.
A wall filled with bottles of wine.
Tiryns and Palamidi Fortress: Independent Exploration
The afternoon in Nafplio was unstructured, allowing for independent exploration. A short taxi ride led to Tiryns, another UNESCO World Heritage site near Nafplio, sharing Mycenae’s Mycenaean-era origins. Less prominent than Mycenae, Tiryns features similarly massive cyclopean walls and offers panoramic views despite its less dramatic hilltop location.
Large stone walls looming above the camera and stretching into the distance.
Palamidi Fortress, visible from the hotel, was the next destination. Opting for a taxi ascent due to rain and knee concerns, the plan was to descend the staircase. Dating from the early 1700s, Palamidi offered strategic views over Nafplio and the coastline. Its eight bastions and commanding hilltop position showcased Venetian-era fortifications.
A wall of the fortress in the near distance; beyond that, far below, the cluster of buildings that is old Napflio, and, on the blue water beyond that, a small island filled by a small fortress.
However, the rain intensified, and the fortress paths, composed of jagged rocks, became slippery. Prioritizing safety, the descent via stairs was abandoned, emphasizing the importance of adaptable travel plans. Leftovers from the food tour provided a convenient and satisfying dinner, eliminating the need for another restaurant visit.
Smooth Transfer to Piraeus
The final transfer, from Nafplio to Piraeus, was again flawlessly executed by Audley Travel. A punctual driver in a Mercedes arrived at the hotel, efficiently handled luggage, and ensured a comfortable journey. A pleasant conversation about Peloponnese tourism provided local insights. Upon reaching Piraeus, the driver went beyond simply dropping me off, assisting with ferry ticket purchase and ensuring I reached the correct departure point for Agistri island.
Audley Travel: Defining Bespoke Luxury
This Greek itinerary served as a “taster” of Audley Travel’s bespoke service. While flights were independently arranged for this trip, Audley Travel typically manages flights as part of their comprehensive service, tailoring every aspect of the journey to client needs.
Prior experiences with similar bespoke travel agencies, such as a trip to China where accommodations and transportation were arranged, and a fully-arranged tour in Lebanon with Tourleb, provide context. The Lebanon trip, with constant guide and driver accompaniment, suited the specific context of that destination. However, for most destinations, a balance of structured arrangements and independent exploration is preferable. Audley Travel excels at providing this spectrum of bespoke options, from basic logistical support to more comprehensive, guided experiences.
A narrow street with buildings along both sides and lots of potted plants and flowers in front of them, as well as a bougainvillea over the street.
Final Verdict: Is Audley Travel Recommended?
The answer is a resounding yes, particularly for travelers who value personalized, high-quality, and stress-free travel experiences, and whose budget aligns with premium services. While bespoke luxury travel comes at a higher price point, the value proposition is compelling. For less experienced travelers, those who find travel planning overwhelming, or those with limited time for extensive research, Audley Travel offers an exceptional solution. Even utilizing their services solely for transportation and accommodation arrangements significantly reduces travel stress, ensuring high-quality services and a focus on enjoyment. Audley Travel eliminates common travel anxieties: taxi hassles, luggage burdens, disappointing hotels, subpar tours, and impersonal group experiences. Their commitment to client support provides peace of mind throughout the journey.
A further endorsement: Audley Travel’s recent B Corporation certification signifies their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, adding another layer of ethical appeal.
Have you ever used a travel agency for bespoke trip planning? Does Audley Travel seem like a service you would consider? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Rachel Heller
Rachel Heller is a writer based in Groningen, Netherlands, and the owner of Rachel’s Ruminations, a travel blog focused on independent travel, culture, and historical sites. Read more about Rachel here and explore her website dedicated to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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