Many travelers are surprised to find that India has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco in the world. One of the most spectacular representations of Art Deco in India is the legendary Umaid Bhawan Palace in the heart of Rajasthan.

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Artisans of Leisure arranges visits to private homes and important, formerly private residences in destinations around the world. Such visits are a great way to learn about local history, experience exceptional architecture, and see impressive collections of art and decorative arts–they also often provide a fascinating peek into the lifestyles and personal whims of their inhabitants. A […]

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Udaipur, a city in Rajasthan, India, has a long history and tradition of beautiful decorative arts. One of the best places to appreciate the many local styles and techniques in Udaipur is at the City Palace. Over the centuries, local maharanas (princes) brought the most skilled craftsmen to decorate the palace with intricate carvings, detailed […]

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The town of Sintra, about 30 minutes west of Lisbon, is rarely described without some mention of the word “fairy-tale.” It’s easy to see why. Tucked into verdant hills and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Sintra is awash in over-the-top castles and estates with design elements both fanciful and mysterious. These unique structures and their related […]

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For travelers interested in decorative arts, the spectacular Juna Mahal (“Old Palace”) in Rajasthan, India  is sure to be a highlight of touring in the region. Built in the 13th century for an aristocratic family, the Juna Mahal was expanded over the centuries, finally reaching seven stories. The last residents of the palace moved out […]

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Our private Scandinavia tours bring the Artisans of Leisure style of travel to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland. Here are a few of our favorite destinations and activities in the region. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a wonderful introduction to Scandinavia. The beautiful city is built on several islands, and we usually recommend taking […]

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Seoul is a fascinating city that has too often been overlooked by visitors to Asia. Well-known among business travelers, the capital of South Korea is at last gaining popularity among cultural travelers. Our private South Korea tours feature Seoul as the gateway to the country and as an introduction to Korean history, culture and cuisine. […]

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Portugal is a cultural and culinary gem still waiting to be discovered by many travelers. Our carefully planned Portugal tours and excellent local guides give access to iconic Portugal experiences such as touring the atmospheric back streets of Lisbon, attending a fado performance, private wine and port wine tastings at local vineyards, and tracing echoes […]

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