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P lanning a trip can be overwhelming, offering endless choices and logistical hurdles. Thankfully, Indagare understands travel should be a time to discover and unwind. The luxury travel agency and media company combines expertly curated content with high-touch, personalized service to deliver exceptional vacation experiences. From the moment you board your flight until your return, every detail is thoughtfully arranged, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
Founded in 2007 by journalist Melissa Biggs Bradley, Indagare began with a mission to build a community of the world’s most sophisticated travelers. Drawing on her background as travel editor of Town & Country for more than a decade, Bradley has spent years building relationships with cultural insiders across the world. Her philosophy, the power of travel to broaden perspectives and cultivate connection, supports every Indagare journey.
“While we may have different religions and mother tongues, people generally share similar worries for their families and hopes for their futures,” Bradley tells Sotheby’s. “Finding that common ground across cultural differences is what makes us global citizens, and why I think it is so essential to travel. From the first time we hosted a small group trip, I was struck by how the joy of discovery is magnified when it is shared. Just as breaking bread with others enhances the pleasure of a meal, learning something new or enjoying a great view becomes magnified when shared with others.”
The partnership between Sotheby’s and Indagare is a natural one, given both brands’ dedication to exceptional client service. Together, the companies have developed curated, VIP itineraries focused on art and culture. Each itinerary is personalized, created with insights collected from Sotheby's experts, members, locals and Indagare staff who scout hundreds of destinations every year. No two trips are the same.
“We use our expertise to curate itineraries filled with special moments,” says Bradley. “Mornings often begin with guided excursions, from curator-led tours of private art collections, ancient sites or museums to visits to local ateliers and artists’ studios. Afternoons typically include more visits along with time to explore independently, or relax and enjoy the luxury amenities of the hotels.” Many of Indagare’s hotel collaborations are a part of the stately Marriott Luxury Group. “Evenings offer special experiences such as dinners in a palace or private performances. Participation is never mandatory, but rarely does anyone choose to opt out, since each event is truly a unique opportunity.”
“Finding that common ground across cultural differences is what makes us global citizens.”
Indagare has made countless travel dreams come true – from private dinners at Vienna’s Belvedere Palace before Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, to exclusive tastings at Grand Cru vineyards, to attending a Premier League match followed by a private scrimmage with a pro. They’ve even arranged a private audience with the Pope.
For guests looking for an art-filled vacation, Indagare offers one-of-a-kind experiences exploring destinations featuring expert guidance from Sotheby’s specialists. Next year, Indagare and Sotheby’s are organizing a “Slow Food, Fast Cars” trip to Modena, Italy, where guests will spend three nights at Casa Maria Luigia with the renowned chef Massimo Bottura, who was named the best in the world. Bottura will share the cultural richness of Emilia-Romagna, the birthplace of both slow food and fast cars, while guests indulge in his delicious meals and learn about the making of Ferrari.
Indagare’s trips aren’t only focused on Europe. “I’m excited for people to uncover the many layers of the Middle East,” says Bradley. “Learning about the incredibly rich history of the region and meeting the women and men who are creating new cultural capitals will shift narrow stereotypes.” Reflecting this goal, Indagare has a sold-out trip to Saudi Arabia in 2026 that will be reprised with Sotheby’s around its Diriyah auction this coming winter. Indagare’s trip offers an opportunity to “take part in a pivotal moment in the country’s history” after being closed to foreign tourists for decades. “We know many of the men and women leading the changes and will spend time hearing about the challenges and opportunities, as well as seeing the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are still relatively empty.”
In December, Indagare will also host a journey to Abu Dhabi during Sotheby’s inaugural Collector’s Week, where the auction will be held at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. “I’m looking forward to all of it – the access to the auctions and exhibits at the St. Regis Saadiyat island resort, dinner at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the pearl diving demonstration,” says Bradley. “The itinerary exemplifies what Sotheby’s and Indagare do best: pairing world-class art access and expertise with immersive cultural opportunities to deliver an exclusive, transformative journey.”
Travel remains crucial as a way to broaden perspectives. “I believe that as people have become more socially isolated – due to technology and the decline of traditional community ties,” said Bradley. “Travel provides an opportunity for people who may live very different lives to come together over common interests and a love for exploring, forging connections that endure well beyond the journey.”
Sotheby’s receives a financial incentive for trips booked through this collaboration.
