Across southern Italy, the centuries-old tradition of elaborate presepi (nativity scenes) is a distinctive and enduring expression of the region’s artistic and devotional culture. Among the most renowned nativity traditions are the lavish and theatrical tableaux from Naples, which depict an entire cross section of Neapolitan life alongside familiar biblical characters.

Artisans of Leisure takes travelers to the studios of renowned artisans who make nativity scenes in Naples, Puglia and Sicily.

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Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, the excavated site of a sophisticated Roman port town. Preserved under volcanic ash for centuries after the eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., the UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a captivating window into daily life in ancient Rome.

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Artisans of Leisure arranges private cooking classes at the renowned Mamma Agata Cooking School in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. This interview is with the chef and author of the award-winning cookbook Mamma Agata: Simple and Genuine Italian Family Recipes. She shares her thoughts on cooking, family recipes and life on the Amalfi Coast.

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Less than an hour from Venice, the university town of Padua is one of northern Italy’s most impressive cultural destinations—a treasure trove of Renaissance art and architecture. Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours of Padua, including its important botanical garden, the Scrovegni Chapel and other cultural highlights.

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A highlight of Sicily is touring the ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples, a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Artisans of Leisure arranges private tours of the site and exclusive private meals overlooking the ruins.

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Hotel Castello di Reschio is a stylish luxury hotel on the border of Tuscany and Umbria, a tranquil base for privately touring the region.

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Italy is renowned for its rich heritage of traditional crafts, including leatherwork, ceramics, goldsmithing, bookbinding, perfume making, glassmaking and marbled paper.  Artisans of Leisure arranges for our travelers to visit historic workshops and enjoy hands-on private lessons in traditional crafts such as marbled paper.

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Artisans of Leisure arranges private insider tours of the highlights of Venice that feature architecture, art, crafts, cuisine, Jewish history, private boat rides, excursions in the Venetian Lagoon, and more.

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