Ciao!

Benvenuti and grazie mille for visiting my site! I hope that this will be the start of something wonderful!

I would love to show you some of the places that have captured my heart, drawing on my years of studying and teaching art history in the US and Italy. I have resided in Siena since 2014, but with my Italian heritage, I’ve felt a connection to this land for much longer than that.

There are so many things we can do together to truly experience Tuscany, learning about its most glorious times and devastating defeats, magnificent art and legendary artists, delicious food and wine.

Travelling with children? Make history come alive with treasure hunts, conquer medieval hill towns, or dress up as knights. We can tailor each tour to suit your preferences, and we’ll be sure to have a proper caffè and “talk with our hands” along the way!

I look forward to meeting you – ci vediamo presto!

The Basics

Born in Texas, raised in Massachusetts.

Educated in the United States, the United Kingdom, France (OK, just a semester!), and Italy.

B.A. Art History, Skidmore College, New York
M.A. Italian Studies, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
Ph.D. Italian Art History (specifically, Saint Catherine of Siena in 16th-century Italian Art), University of Manchester
Licensed Tour Guide for Siena and its Province (Italian national tour guide license)
Professor of Art History and Local Culture for various universities and study abroad programs
English Voice of the Palio of Siena, broadcasting across 100+ international channels (but not yet in the US or UK).

What are people saying about Anna?

Anna is top rated. Sharing her love for Italy was passionate and contagious. She was personal and full of energy and fun. I would tour with her anywhere. She's a star!

— Madeline L.

“High energy, so knowledgeable, passionate, interesting, fun! We learned a lot, saw great sites, ate food we may not (WOULD NOT) have tried if she hadn’t suggested. Her recount of the Palio ‘on the track’ made us almost feel as if we were there live. Her interactions with the locals really gave us an idea of what it feels like to be members of the various contrada. So fun!”

– Gina B.

More Testimonials Here!

My life in a nutshell…

I do believe that the interests you have as a child remain with you for the rest of your life. I am still fascinated by art and animals, and both of these things are fundamental to my existence today. I am, after all, a she-wolf (as in a baptized member of the Contrada della Lupa!). I went to college thinking I’d be an art major, but life had other plans. After numerous knee surgeries and years of crutches and braces, I turned to art history as it would be, I figured, less of a physical challenge. Well, it wasn’t - art books are heavy and Italy is seriously lacking in escalators and lifts! It took many years to realize it, but yes, it all worked out in the end…and it’s only just getting started!