Hi, I’m Rachel—former art historian, lover of all things Europe, and founder of Andare’ Luxury Travel. I started my own travel agency to meld my interests in art, architecture, and history with bespoke vacation design.

I believe that travel is the ultimate teacher. No history book or art slide can compare to living, breathing, and tasting a place where great things happened—and where great people thrived. Travel is multi-sensory and multi-dimensional; through travel, the past and present converge.

I learned that for myself when I saw Michelangelo’s masterful David sculpture for the very first time. As an art history major, I had studied the work in art history books, had examined every angle and inch of the sculpture during class lectures.

But going from a 2D representation to an in real life viewing was something else entirely. Following the crowds into Florence's Accademia, I was buzzing with anticipation—and with a little nervousness too. Would David live up to my expectations?

Finally, I found myself amongst the throngs surrounding David. As my gaze traveled upward to find his, I knew at once what had drawn the masses throughout the ages to this masterpiece. Every twist of his torso was familiar—but viewing David’s wary gaze, relaxed-yet-primed stance, and elegant lines up close held no comparison.

This was how Michelangelo meant for his work to be consumed. The art books could never tell the full story. And as the crowds faded into the background, I felt immensely blessed and overwhelmed (in the best kind of way!) to experience it all for myself.