8:30 AM Early Bird Accademia Gallery with Michelangelo's David

Ciao! My name is Barbara, and pure Italian, born and raised in Florence, 100% Tuscan roots from my mother's side while my father was born in the South of Italy and from where I inherited the sense of hospitality and generosity. The people who know me describe me as creative as a Renaissance artist, with a typical Etruscan nose and full of energy and enthusiasm for traveling, healthy plant-based food, and art. I have been working as a tour leader for 10 years, after graduating from the University of Florence in Business and Tourism Management attending three semesters abroad in England, Germany, and Chile where I fell in love with foreign languages and exploring traveling. In 2012 I got the license as an official tourist guide for Florence studying the History of Art I also took painting classes and I love showing during my walking tours artists and artisans who keep alive special techniques invented centuries ago such as the stone painting mosaic. I believe that everyone has a talent but without discipline, study and motivation are not enough. Without studying and making mistakes, even Leonardo da Vinci wouldn't go very far, right? After the pandemic, I reinvented myself as a receptionist in a small boutique hotel in the Oltrarno area, where I still work a couple of days a week and occasionally I also celebrate elopement as a symbolic officiant for foreign couples who wish to celebrate their love in our of the beautiful gardens of Florence or on a private rooftop terrace. I love combining historical facts, artistic notions, and anecdotes with some daily life curiosities or controversial topics. I collaborate with hotels, travel agents, and tour operators as a travel designer ("Monalisa") as well. I am looking forward to meeting you on one of my tours which can all be modified and mixed if you wish! Barbara