New in Florence: Day Capers

For years now, Da Vinci Capers has remained a standout in small group tours of Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, mostly because of owner Barbara Hardesty’s devotion to her company’s mission: to spark the imagination and feed the soul in the tradition of Leonardo Da Vinci. Each week-long programs incorporate Leonardo DaVinci’s teachings, especially sfumato, an open mind and playfulness allowing for creative expression. The activites on a DaVinci Caper – cooking, creative writing, sculpting, language lessons and more – are famous for incorporating sensazione (feeling), dimostrazione (demonstration) and curiosita (curiosity). Yet not everyone can take a week or so to explore their inner Leonardo.

Fortunately, Barbara has developed mini-versions of Da Vinci Capers — Day Capers, launching this summer in Florence. She’s tapped her impressive collection of scholars, artists and maestros to provide unique half-day and day-long experiences in the city of art. Walk in the footsteps of Da Vinci with a tour of the Uffizi and exploration of his Florentine haunts accompanied by a Da Vinci scholar. Take a private painting and drawing workshop (complete with a live model) in the great Vasari’s former palazzo. Hit the streets of Florence with a professional photographer who will teach you how to get the best shots before reviewing your work at a digital lab. For more information, visit the Da Vinci Capers Web site.