By Daniel Lesnick on 06.18.11
Our May tour with the Columbia (SC) Museum of Art was one of our best ever. Too busy then and since to post regularly, but here is a group photo. Everyone pretty much agreed that the biggest highlights included our private after-hours visit of the Sistine Chapel, the visit of the artisan fair in the Corsini gardens (including our tour of the Renaissance gardens led by Princess Giorgiana Corsini and attending the VIP luncheon), and our exclusive winery & garden tour plus dinner in the Chianti Hills.
By Daniel Lesnick on 05.04.11
Arrived in Florence yesterday, and the weather is gorgeous! Sunny, warm afternoons, and cool evenings. I’m staying in Hotel Palazzo Guadagni on Piazza Santo Spirito (on “the other side” of the Arno River), a genuine Florentine neighborhood with zillions of artisan workshops, lively piazza life including several indoor/outdoor restaurants and wine bars. From the hotel’s loggia, there are lovely birds-eye views of much of the southern part of the city and of Bellosguardo and Monte Oliveto.
By Daniel Lesnick on 09.17.10
By Daniel Lesnick on 09.14.10
By Daniel Lesnick on 09.11.10
What at a change from the Amalfi Coast etc. to the lush, rolling countryside of Umbria. 
Yesterday we visited an 11th-century monastery, a 2nd-century century B.C. Romam bridge, and the ancient Roman town of Carsulae. Today, Assisi.
By Daniel Lesnick on 09.07.10
After picking up the group at Rome-Fiumicino airport on Monday, we headed straight 
down to the Amalfi Coast, where we’re staying in the small seaside town of Minori. Tuesday we took a boat over to the Isola di Capri and then to the town of Amalfi, where we chanced upon a wedding party at Amalfi Cathedral. Today we spent the day at Pompeii with our fabulous guide Salvatore – who’s been guiding my groups in Pompeii for over 15 years and once again earned rave reviews from the group.
By Daniel Lesnick on 09.03.10
As with virtually all buildings contructed before the late-19th and early-20th centuries 
(when the new i-beam first came into widespread use), buildings of old central Rome were restircted to about four stories. Cherie and I are on the fourth story of Hotel Smeraldo, with fabulous views out over the neighboring rooftops. Here’s one from shortly after sunrise this morning.
By Daniel Lesnick on 09.01.10
Went out for an early-morning stroll (and cappuccino). We passed slowly through 
Campo de’ Fiori, and the scent of ripe fruits and veggies was too delicious for words! Here’s one of the day’s first shoppers.
By Daniel Lesnick on 08.29.10
Just 13 hours until we fly to Rome. Group arrives 5 days later – It’s a great bunch!
By Daniel Lesnick on 08.27.10
In preparation for this trip, we’re happy to announce the launch of our redesigned website!
Check back soon for updates.
Arrivederci!
Had a great time today with a special visit to the excavations of St. Peter’s tomb. Also today, the Forum, the Coloseum, San Clemente, and Michelangelo’s Moses in Saint Peter in Chains. Tonight we’ll be special guests for a private in-home Roman traditional dinner.
