Cultural travel: your questions answered
Understand the ways you can travel with Living Atlas Studio, how journeys are designed and how to begin a conversation with Raquel.
Understanding cultural travel
What is Living Atlas Studio?
Living Atlas Studio is a cultural travel design studio founded by Raquel. It creates curated small-group journeys, bespoke cultural journeys and cultural itineraries for independent travel, shaped by art, history, architecture and the everyday life of a place.
How is a cultural journey different from a sightseeing trip?
A cultural journey connects places with their historical, artistic and social context. Living Atlas Studio designs each route around a coherent cultural narrative, helping travellers understand how a destination has been shaped and how it is experienced today.
Which cultural travel services can I choose?
The studio offers three approaches: curated cultural journeys for small groups, bespoke cultural journeys shaped around your interests, and cultural journey design for independent exploration without on-site accompaniment. Compare the three services to see which approach fits the way you travel.
Are the curated journeys designed for small groups?
Yes. The curated journeys are designed for small groups and follow a defined cultural narrative. They are accompanied on-site and explore a city through history, art, architecture, memory and everyday urban life.
Choosing and planning a journey
Can a journey be designed around my interests?
Yes. Bespoke cultural journeys are developed around each traveller’s interests, preferences and expectations. Share what draws you to a place, whether that is architecture, museums, archaeology, gastronomy, landscapes or local life, so the studio can explore a cultural direction with you.
Can I travel independently with a cultural itinerary?
Yes. The Cultural Journey Design service creates a narrative structure, thematic focus and cultural framework for exploring a destination independently. This service is designed without on-site accompaniment.
Is on-site cultural support available?
Curated group journeys are accompanied on-site, with interpretation delivered by local specialists within the studio’s cultural framework. Optional on-site cultural support can be included in bespoke journeys. Cultural Journey Design is the option for independent travel without accompaniment.
Which destinations are currently featured?
The published collection features a cultural journey in Lisbon and a cultural journey in Rome. If you have another destination in mind, contact the studio to discuss whether a bespoke journey or cultural itinerary design would suit your project.
How much does a cultural journey cost?
The published curated journeys are individually priced according to the city, duration and group composition. Pricing is available upon request. Share your ideas with the studio to discuss the scope of the journey and request the relevant details.
How do I start planning a journey?
Start with the contact form and share your interests, travel style and any destination ideas. Raquel reviews each enquiry personally. If your project aligns with the studio’s approach, the next step is a conversation about the journey you would like to create.
Do I need a complete itinerary before getting in touch?
No. You can begin with a destination you want to explore or with a sense of the kind of experience you are looking for. The first conversation helps the studio understand your curiosity and preferences before the itinerary takes shape.
The people and practical details
Who designs the journeys?
Raquel is the founder of Living Atlas Studio and reviews each enquiry personally. She studied Art History, and the studio’s approach connects architecture, art, history and everyday life to help travellers understand a place more deeply. Read about Raquel and the studio’s philosophy.
Who arranges travel bookings?
Travel design is provided by Living Atlas Studio. Bookings are arranged through Fora Travel, a licensed U.S. travel agency.
Can I discuss a professional collaboration?
Yes. The studio welcomes enquiries about collaborations as well as journeys and itinerary design. Use the contact page to describe your project and the cultural interests behind it.