Lewis Gautieri

Having lived in Washington, DC for over 35 years, I first visited Italy in 2012. A month visit, to an Italian Language School in Le Marche. Nervous, not knowing what to expect, I just thought I’d get to see a bit of Italy, inexpensively, even if I did not know what they were saying! Turns out that the language stuck a little. More importantly, my curiosity, admiration, and love of this luscious, culturally rich, birthplace of my nonni (grandparents) grabbed me, engulfed me, and cast an intriguing spell on me. I spent 23 months over the next 6 years exploring Italy-Sardinia, Sicily, Le Marche, Lazio, Tuscany, Umbria, Lucca, Piedmont, Ascoli-Piceno, Puglia, Basilicata, Veneto, the Lakes and of course all the major cities. Having driven about 20k miles per year, I get it and want to share it with you. We bought a home, built in 1541, part of a medieval palazzo, in one of these little medieval towns in 2017 and will likely retire here someday. Having traveled the world over the past 40 years, it’s about time I make it a full commitment and share it. The smaller, almost unknown towns are rich- locals, history, food, culture, wine, oil-and somewhat undiscovered. We bring a lifetime of experience, unmatched curiosity, and a sincere desire to share some of the best experiences you may ever participate in. I’ve focused on Italy for now, to help revitalize the local economies and highlight these hidden gems. However, I think our groups, intimate (no more than 18), can discover other quaint, unique, and, as yet, un-tourist-overun- regions and villages throughout old Europe in the not too distant future.

Dallas Christopher

A partner for over 23 years, Dallas is the slower, take it in, enjoy the wine kind of host! Dallas is attuned to the needs of all guests, having traveled extensively over the last several decades! His background in languages helps in so many unexpected ways! A resident of Washington, DC for more than two decades, Dallas has traveled the world with a curiosity and ability to absorb a culture effectively, enthusiastically and with purpose. Always one to enjoy a glass (or bottle) of good wine, Dallas has recently taken pasta making and general Italian Cooking to new levels and is always happy to share some of that with you! Constantly researching and up for an adventure, Dallas is the perfect partner to stroll along this wonderful road with us…

Judy Gula - Founder/Owner Artistic Artifacts

Judy Vincentz Gula has been working in fiber since elementary school. Since middle school, she has been a weaver, a spinner, a dyer, and a collector. Later, she studied fashion design at Radford University, earning degrees in fashion design and business marketing. Judy now enjoys merging all that she has learned from her many interests and channeling that into making art quilts and samples for her shop, Artistic Artifacts.

Italian Cultural Tours has a special relationship with Artistic Artifacts and Judy Gula. We produce joint personalized excursions for her clients, with an authentic medieval Italian experience combined with specialized instruction by Judy and other guest instructors. Our personal friendship dates more than 35 years and we look forward to working together for the next 35!!

 Learn more about bringing Judy to teach or lecture at your quilt guild or art group »