Christina Mifsud – Art Historian and Expert Guide Florence
 Christina, studied Art History and holds a Master's degree in Florentine Renaissance Art History from Syracuse University. She lives and works in Florence as an adjunct professor and tour guide. Christina's passion for the arts is contagious, coupled with her deep knowledge and wonderful connections in the city, our time with her is both informative, entertaining and enlightening.

Ulisse and Sandra – Heritage Grain Farmers and Cheese Makers in Pienza

Ulisse and Sandra longed for a life linked with the natural rhythms of nature, their interest in pastoralism, agriculture and cheese production brought them to the the medieval town of Pienza.  Ulisse is happiest when he is milking ewes and goats, sowing seeds, collecting produce, or driving his tractor. Sandra takes care of the visitors, guests and house. We will encounter this delightful duo and hear their stories and share in their produce on our visit to Podere Il Casale.

Linda Falcone-   Director of the Advancing Women Artists Foundation.

Linda,  is a celebrated art history author, editor and producer. She has a focus on the; Art by Women in Florence: A Guide through Five Hundred Years She is also a lecturer of Italian Culture, Art History and Travel Writing for various American university programs in Florence. Linda is a guest speaker on our women's tour speaking about the Invisible Women Forgotten Artists of Florence, the namesake of the PBS documentary for which she was a production consultant and subject. 

Maria Luisa – Wine Producer Montepulciano
Maria Luisa is one of the three siblings working in the management of their family’s winery Palazzo Vecchio. She runs the Enoteca and is a talented chef. She will be our host for an exclusive tour of the vast estate and her prized herb garden. We will learn about the seasonal herbs and vegetables and harvest a few for our special lunch that we will enjoy at the winery.

Diana Lenzi – Agricultural Entrepreneur and Winemaker Quercegrossa

Diana was born and raised in Rome. She graduated first of her class from the culinary school of the Gambero Rosso and worked in famous and awarded restaurants in the eternal city. Her second career since 2008 has been the management of her   family's vineyard and winery, Fattoria di Petroio.  Overseeing all phases of the production in the vineyards and the cellars her goal is to share with the world an authentic high quality traditional and territorial Chianti Classico. We meet Diana at her home where we will be treated to an exclusive tour, tasting and delicious meal at her wine estate.

Paola– Restauranter and Chef  Cortona
Paola and her family call the hilltop town of Cortona home. They own a beautiful restaurant in the heart of the historic center and it is here she will share with us the "real Tuscany style of cooking". This hands on experience with ingredients fresh from the morning market will be a lesson in cooking and Italian traditions. We will participate in the preparation and enjoy dining together with our gracious hosts.

Nora Kravis – Goat Farmer and Entrepreneur Rada Chianti
In the heart of Chianti we will visit Nora and her beautiful farmstead, replete with its working dogs and hundred plus cashmere goats. We will enjoy a personal tour and tea with this fascinating and inspiring woman. Her farm is a model for sustainable practices from goat to garment using local dyes and weavers for her luxurious “made in Italy” products. In addition to the yarn, the goat’s milk is used to produce a range of high quality soaps with renewable and natural ingredients.

Cesare Mazzetti – Artisan and Coppersmith Montepulciano

Cesare inherited a long family tradition in copper smithing. His grandfather and father were both coppersmiths.  He learned his craft from his father using tools dating back to 1857.  When his father died in 1982, he took over the business and has been producing beautiful cookware, pots and art works ever since.   Cesare will share with us his craft as we visit his workshop and learn about his process and life work.

Coral – Food Writer and Culinary Curator Florence

Italian-American Food writer originally from Seattle Coral moved to Florence for the love of food and Italy! She attained her Bachelors in Italian Studies from UW Seattle and is Certified in Food and Wine Pairing and culinary tourism. We spend time with Coral on our Apperitivo Tour that she curates exclusively for us and touring the St Ambrogio Market.

Ilaria- Art Historian and Local Guide in Siena  grew up in the Tuscan countryside before returning to Siena the hometown of her family. She studied humanities and has a PHD in Sienese Art and History. Ilaria is our city guide on the Womens Sojourn where she will share some of her secret places with us.