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Audley specialist Aislyn

Aislyn

Europe Specialist

As a New England native, I grew up exploring the White Mountains and spending summers on the shores of Cape Cod and Nantucket, experiences that sparked my lifelong love of travel and the outdoors. When I’m not abroad, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and reading. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Art History, I spent a summer studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, where I quickly fell in love with European history, architecture, and culture.

Since then, I’ve traveled extensively throughout Europe, with in-depth experience in France, Scotland, England, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Greece, the Netherlands, and most recently, Switzerland. Some of my most memorable adventures include cycling along Scotland’s dramatic coastline with a few whisky tastings along the way, skiing the majestic slopes of the French Alps, exploring Norway’s breathtaking fjords by boat, and taking the Glacier Express panoramic train from Zermatt to St. Moritz in Switzerland — an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps.

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Bergen

I recommend visiting - Bergen, Norway

I highly recommend visiting Bergen, a small and charming city on Norway’s west coast known as the gateway to the fjords. Surrounded by seven mountains and steeped in Viking history, Bergen offers breathtaking views in every direction and a cozy, walkable feel that makes it easy to fall in love with. One of the city’s most iconic spots is Bryggen, the colorful old town along the harbor with wooden houses dating back to the 1700s. It’s a place where history and culture are felt around every corner, from its roots as a 2,000-year-old fishing port to its vibrant contemporary arts and culinary scenes. One of my favorite things about Bergen is the fish soup, a local specialty that varies from restaurant to restaurant. Whether it’s served in a creamy broth or a clear one, filled with shrimp, scallops, mussels, or the catch of the day, it’s always fresh, flavorful, and often paired with warm local brown bread. It’s a simple dish that captures the soul of this beautiful coastal city.

Kviknes Hotel

I recommend staying at - Kviknes Hotel, Norway

First Class

For a truly memorable stay in Norway, I highly recommend the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand, perched on the edge of the breathtaking Sognefjord — Norway’s largest, deepest, and arguably most stunning fjord. This historic hotel has been welcoming guests for nearly 200 years and has remained in the same family for seven generations. The charm of the property is unmistakable, especially in the original lounge area adorned with hand-carved woodwork from the 1800s, curated artwork, and sweeping views of the fjord that are among the most beautiful in Norway. Guests can choose from traditionally styled rooms in the historic wing or more modern accommodations, each offering a balcony and panoramic views of the water. The staff are warm and welcoming, the restaurant serves exceptional cuisine, and the bar has a lively, stylish atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The Kviknes Hotel is a peaceful, elegant retreat that beautifully captures the spirit of Norway’s fjord region.

I'll never forget when…

One of my most memorable travel experiences was visiting the Lavaux wine region of Switzerland with Audley. Just a short train ride from Montreux, the scenery transformed into a breathtaking landscape of terraced vineyards cascading down toward the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva. On a sunny day, it was easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. We wandered through narrow cobblestone streets of a charming hillside village that felt frozen in time, eventually arriving at a family-run vineyard with panoramic views that didn’t seem real. The winemaker, whose family had tended the vines for many generations, welcomed us with a tour of the cellar and an introduction to their winemaking traditions. We then sat down at a table overlooking the vines and the lake to taste five of their wines, paired perfectly with a charcuterie board of fresh local meats and cheeses. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to slow down and we could have stayed there forever. The combination of warm hospitality, incredible wines, and postcard-worthy views made it one of my favorite days in Europe.

Photos of Aislyn

  • Aislyn in Grindelwald, Switzerland Aislyn in Grindelwald, Switzerland
  • Aislyn in the Lofoten Islands, Norway Aislyn in the Lofoten Islands, Norway
  • Aislyn in Montreux, Switzerland Aislyn in Montreux, Switzerland
  • Aislyn in the Norwegian fjords Aislyn in the Norwegian fjords
  • Aislyn in the Lavaux wine region, Switzerland Aislyn in the Lavaux wine region, Switzerland
  • Aislyn in the Beaujolais wine region, France Aislyn in the Beaujolais wine region, France
  • Aislyn at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, UK Aislyn at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, UK
  • Aislyn in Edinburgh, Scotland Aislyn in Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Aislyn on ferry to Geirangerfjord, Norway Aislyn on ferry to Geirangerfjord, Norway
  • Aislyn among the Roman ruins in Glanum, Provence Aislyn among the Roman ruins in Glanum, Provence
  • Aislyn on a gourmet food tour in Oslo, Norway Aislyn on a gourmet food tour in Oslo, Norway
  • Aislyn hiking the Briksdal Glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway Aislyn hiking the Briksdal Glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway
  • Aislyn hiking in Chamonix, France Aislyn hiking in Chamonix, France
  • Aislyn visiting the Sami reindeer, Swedish Lapland Aislyn visiting the Sami reindeer, Swedish Lapland
  • Aislyn at Versailles, Paris Aislyn at Versailles, Paris
  • Aislyn with the local wildlife in the Scottish Highlands Aislyn with the local wildlife in the Scottish Highlands