WHO WE ARE

Roberta Curiel

Has worked as a professional guide of Venice since 1990. University degree in foreign literatures (English and Spanish).

Now back to university for a First Level Degree in “Conservation of Cultural Heritage”. Author of “The Venetian Ghetto”, a book on Venice’s Jewish history and synagogues (Rizzoli International Publications, NY 1990).

Passions: cinema, culture and leisure trips to Latin America, Northern Africa and Asia, growing plants and flowers (as a neophyte), tasting food and wine.

English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian

Sara Cossiga

Has worked as a professional guide since 1991. University degree in modern art and literature.

In 2005 worked for BBC program “Journeys from the Centre of the Earth” on an issue focused on Medieval Venice and the Salt Route. Main topic: contemporary art – also deals with the Venice Biennale.

Passions: though very thin she’s a gourmet and an excellent cook! Recently has become a professional sommelier.

English, French and Italian

VENICE GUIDES TEAM

Born in Spain, I graduated in English Language & Literature both in Spain and England. I worked as a teacher , as an interpreter for the Venetian Council Hall and as a Cabin Crew for the British Airways. My love for Art & History brought here, where I fell in love with the city and…married a Gondolier ! I enjoy traveling, gastronomy, culture and opera.

Cristina UtreraEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Art History major and true Venetian born, for many years I organized cultural Programs for many European Universities (Lubiana, Passau, Utrecht, and Federico in Naples). I also taught Italian Art History at Turku University, Finland. My passion for Venice brought me back here where I started my career as a certified  city Tour Guide.

Davide CalendaEnglish, Spanish and Italian.

Born and raised in Venice, I graduated in Law at Padua University. I worked for EU developments projects in Brussels, and for the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh.  I increased my knowledge in Art and Architecture working for two years in the organization of the Biennale visual arts exhibits Certified Venice Tour Guide since 2006.

Francesco ZanchiEnglish, Spanish and Italian.

Since my graduation in Art History in 2002, I have worked in the educational pro projects of some major museums in Venice. Professional Tour Guide in Venice since 2009. As a journalist and an art critic specializing in Contemporary Art, I published reviews and small Catalogues on several artists.

Nicoletta ConsentinoEnglish, Spanish and Italian

I’m an Art historian, and I hold a masters degree in Venetian medieval art. For my PhD I researched Venetian Renaissance altar paintings. As a post-doctoral researcher based at the National Gallery in London, I worked on the UK’s national catalogue of European paintings. I’ve published on Italian art in academic periodicals and I’ve taught history of art for universities in the UK and for American programs in Italy.

Susan SteerEnglish an Italian

FLORENCE GUIDES TEAM

Born in Florence in 1980, I grew up under the Brunelleschi’s Dome. Since high school I have developed a deep interest in art and foreign languages.
After obtaining a degree in Art History at the University of Florence and completing my studies in Paris, I became a licensed tour guide in 2008.
I consider a great privilege to be able to share with people from all over the world my fabulous city and my Florentine culture made of art, traditions and excellent food.

Elena Lascialfari

I’ve been an official Florence and Lucca guide since 1992. I hold a degree in Art history from the University of Pisa.
I’ve been also taking part as a writer and collaborator on projects designed to promote and preserve Florence’s cultural heritage.
In 1997 I contributed an article to the book ‘The Renaissance Chapels of Florence’.
In recent years I worked on a project to promote the Park of Pratolino, known as the park of Villa Demidoff.
I also held a course on Giotto and his followers at the British Institute of Florence.

Giuliana Grillotti

Ars longa, vita brevis – art is long, life is short. The Latins said it and I couldn’t agree more. The love for art and beautiful things are a part of me: I have a degree in art history and a masters degree in Cultural Heritage Management. After a brief time in the publishing world, I decided to share my passion of art and culture with others: I became a tour guide in Florence and Siena. My tours are unique: away from the crowds and the main tourist trails, I help you discover the large and small treasures of Florence.

Alessandra Bernabei

Federica Galora

ROME GUIDES TEAM

In 1995 I got my University degree in languages and history in Rome and spent long periods in the UK, France and Germany to improve and certify my languages knowledge . After a teaching experience in secondary schools in France and Italy, I have started working in the world of tourism as a tour leader for many International Tour Operators. In 1999 I became a certified tour guide of Rome and since then I have been showing the Eternal city to small groups, families and individual travelers. Passions: traveling, art, reading, mountain trekking and yoga.

Francesco CurtiEnglish, French and Italian

A native of Rome, I graduated in foreign languages at University “La Sapienza” in Rome and traveled a lot in UK, USA and Germany. I am licensed tourist guide of Rome & the Vatican and fluent in both English and German. In 2000 I started to work as a professional tour guide for many Tour Operators, including Cruise Companies and Disney Adventures. As a mother of two teenagers kids, I particularly enjoy organizing kids and family tours and as well as food tours in the city center. I also specialize in food tours for gourmet visitors.

Barbara BrunoEnglish, German

Has been working as a professional guide of Rome since 1989, after a 6 years long training in this field . Her education rests on her father’s love for art and history (the first who undertook this job in the family) and on her innate interest into a deeper level of understanding, that took her naturally towards philosophical studies. Later on she specialized in languages and art studies in order to face the examination to become a certified guide in Rome She likes very much introducing visitors to the appreciation of painting and contemporary art.

Paola BargigliEnglish, German, Spanish and Italian

Was born and raised in Rome. She graduated in Medieval Art History at the University of Rome in 1995 and since 2000 she is a Art teacher in the High school. She’s been working as qualified guide with families and individuals from 1999 and loves sharing with people the pleasure of discovering Rome. Main topic: Medieval, Renaissance and Ancient Art Passions: she loves singing blues and jazz. Music has always been her first passion as the second is writing about Art History.

Francesca Maria PedullàEnglish and Italian

Hi, I am the youngest WII team member ! I graduated in Art and Humanities in Rome with a specialization in Music and Cultural studies. I got my Tour Guide license for Rome in 2000 and since then I have been working as a Tour Guide. I particularly enjoy guiding private and family tours. I spent two years in London where I worked and studied for a Ph d in Ethnomusicology. My main interests are Art and Music. I used to perform as a singer.

Silvia PoggianiEnglish and Italian