TUTTO RAFFAELLO -The Complete Works of Raphael Sanzio from Urbino – MASTERCLASS – Virtual Tour
Our last day in Italy the Vatican was the most amazing day of our 2 week trip.We will always remember how much we enjoyed the tour. We had my 88... read more yr old mother and Mario took great care to make sure her trip was unforgettable.
Thank you for all the wonderful memories
Cinque Terre and Lucca day tours
These two tours were fabulous. To see Cinque Terre from the water was amazing and one we highly recommend. The views were... read more breath taking!! The water so very clear. The bet time to go is in September when the kids are back in school. Not as crowded but still fabulous weather. Virginia was our tour guide and Michael was our boat guide. Both spoke English very well. Our driver Antonio was awesome. To get us through the mountain safely was no easy task. Be sure to have the focaccia and the pesto pasta. The best!
The next day we toured Lucca and finished at a local winery. Virginia was our guide again. Loved the consistency in tour guides. Antonio our driver as well. Both are from that region so they were very well versed on the history of the country. Again, we enjoyed local tastes of Lucca.
You can’t go wrong with this tour agency. Well worth the price! Thanks for the wonderful memories. We’ll be recommending Mario and his tour group to our friends.
Ciao Bella!
A TRIP TO REMEMBER! Mario made our trip to Italy and France seamless and stress free.
Our family of 4, parents and two teenagers, traveled to Europe November... read more 2021. The trip was originally scheduled for 2020. Due to the pandemic, we were not allowed to travel on our original dates. Mario was so easy to work with in adjusting our trip accordantly.
Mario planned an 11 day dream trip for us, beginning in Rome, traveling to Orvieto, Florence, Cinque Terre, Chianti, Sienna, Venice, Italy, and more. He handled all of our transportation, which was FIRST CLASS! This took a lot of stress away due to our family not speaking Italian and being from another country.
If I get to travel to Europe again, I would not hesitate to reach out to The Grand Tour of Europe to help make the most of my trip! Highly recommend!!!!
The way Mario guides adults and kids through the world of art is unique and fascinating. Apart from an extensive knowledge of the subject, he is able to captivate his... read more audience with his vivid interest and the uniqueness of his way of diving into the facts and events representing the background of each masterpiece. I have never seen anybody mastering the details and the biographies of artists as Mario. My kids are always enchanted by Mario’s presentations and explanations. This is a five star artistic experience. Highly recommended.
This past September we took our second trip to Italy. The first time we went south, this time we went north. Both trips were arranged by Mario Bernardi. What a... read more terrific time our group of 4 couples had. Every detail was planned and executed perfectly. Drivers were on time, hotel rooms were waiting for us and tour guides were great in the places we visited. Mario also arranged visits to 3 wineries in the Tuscany area. We really enjoyed those wine tastings. Our trip south in 2016 was equally wonderful. We plan to go back to Italy and tour the east coast and into Sicily. I wouldn't think about going before contacting Mario to set up our trip. Grazie Mario.
Mario was engaging and professional from the booking process through to the end of the tour. He was able to read the mood of the 2 couples and immediately... read more joined right in with our senses of humor. His knowledge of history and the city of Rome was refreshing. I recommend him very highly.

TUTTO RAFFAELLO
Mario Bernardi’s Masterclass on Raphael
Welcome to Mario Bernardi’s Masterclass on Raphael, an immersive journey into the life and works of one of the greatest artists in history. Raphael, a prodigy from Urbino, passed away on April 6, 1520, at the mere age of 37. Yet, in just two decades, he transformed the course of art history, becoming a cornerstone whose influence resonated through the next four centuries.
This masterclass offers a comprehensive exploration of Raphael’s complete works, from his early beginnings influenced by Perugino to his monumental projects in the Vatican and Papal commissions, culminating in the ‘Transfiguration’. Mario will guide you through Raphael’s astonishing yet brief career, where he not only created exquisite portraits and Madonnas but also led major architectural projects, including work on St. Peter’s Basilica.
Raphael’s art, characterised by evolving innovation yet rooted in classical traditions, set a benchmark for beauty and creativity. His solutions, poetic expressions, and ever-evolving artistry are a testament to his genius, challenging and inspiring artists who followed. Join us as we delve into Raphael’s life, understanding how his works became a touchstone for generations of artists, and uncovering the depths of his influence on the beauty and craftsmanship in the world of art.
Vol I: Raphael of Urbino: From Early Beginnings to Works in Umbria
In this first volume, we delve into the life of Raphael, a master whose artistry began in the quaint streets of Urbino. Born to the painter Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s talent was nurtured early in his father’s workshop. Despite the tragedy of losing his father as a teenager, Raphael’s resilience and passion for art kept the workshop thriving. This volume explores his collaborations with renowned artists like Perugino and Pinturicchio, highlighting his early works for affluent families in Central Italy, especially in Umbria. Discover lesser-known facts about his early influences and the evolution of his unique style in this engaging journey through Raphael’s formative years.
Vol II: Florence, the School of the World: Leonardo vs. Michelangelo
1504 marked a year of turmoil in Italy, yet it was a golden era for art in Florence. Renowned masters like Botticelli, Leonardo, and Michelangelo were creating their masterpieces in this free Republic. Amidst this, Raphael, driven by ambition, arrived in Florence. This volume captures his four transformative years in the city, where he was both a student and a rival to the greatest artists of his time. We unravel the dynamics of this artistic haven and Raphael’s quest for greatness, offering insights into his interactions and inspirations drawn from the artistic giants of the Renaissance.
Vol III: From Florence to Rome: The Rise of a Master
After his formative years in Florence, Raphael’s journey took a momentous turn when he was invited to Rome by Pope Julius II. This volume explores Raphael’s transformative Roman period, highlighting his significant works in the Vatican, including the famed Raphael Rooms. We uncover how Rome became the canvas for his genius, showcasing his evolution from a painter to a master of diverse artistic disciplines. This segment also offers insights into his lesser-known architectural works, solidifying Raphael’s reputation as a versatile and pioneering artist of the Renaissance.
Vol IV: Gli Anni del Trionfo Romano (The Years of Roman Triumph)
Raphael’s Roman period was marked by an array of artistic triumphs, encompassing painting, architecture, and beyond. In this volume, we delve into his most prolific years, where he served multiple Popes and noble families, not just in Rome but across Italy. Discover Raphael’s versatility as he juggled numerous projects, each reflecting his growing mastery and evolving style. We will also explore some of his lesser-known works, revealing how his influence extended beyond the common narratives of his life and art.
Vol V: Gli Ultimi Anni e l’Eredità di Raffaello (The Final Years and Legacy of Raphael)
The concluding volume of this series reflects on Raphael’s final years and his enduring legacy. Dying young at the age of 37, Raphael left behind a rich tapestry of works that continued to shape art for centuries. This segment not only covers his last artistic contributions, including the ‘Transfiguration’, but also examines the profound impact he had on the art world. We delve into how his innovative techniques and artistic philosophies influenced generations of artists and continue to inspire art lovers around the world.

The Grand Tour Europe Ltd
Unique Guided Tours
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Tel +390692928173
Registered Address:
20 Wenlock Road
London – N1 7GU
United Kingdom
Company number: 08171172
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