Leslie Livingston 
“My illustrious lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do.” — Artemisia Gentileschi to her art patron Don Antonio Ruggo Here’s my guide to the compelling life of Italian Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi and her most important masterpieces. I bet you’ve never heard of Artemisia Gentileschi, am I right? She was one of the … Read more
Here’s my guide to ferreting out the best hidden gems and secret spots in beautiful Barcelona Spain. These off the radar attractions in Barcelona are just as amazing as the must see sites. And you don’t have to jostle crowds. Barcelona is a feast for the eyes. With its incredible beauty and wealth of art … Read more
Paris’ 9th arrondissement is a posh and appealing mix of glamor and on trend hidden gems. It extends from the Opera Garnier in the south to the foot of Montmartre the north. The arrondissement is a Belle Epoque beauty, dating from the early 1900s. It’s a stately area with manicured grand boulevards. Yet, it’s not … Read more
“It’s not a palace, it’s an entire city. Superb in its size, superb in its matter.” — Charles Perrault, 1687 Here’s my guide to taking a virtual tour of the Palace of Versailles. Versailles is the most ornate and famous royal chateau in France. Once hidden away behind closed doors, the palace is now yours … Read more
“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” — Oscar Wilde Here’s my guide to visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris’ village of the dead. It’s an off the beaten path Paris hidden gem in the 20th arrondissement. Why go to a cemetery you might be thinking? Isn’t it … Read more
“When everyone else is losing their heads, it is important to keep yours.” — Marie Antoinette Fascinated with Queen Marie Antoinette? Here’s my guide to the Marie Antoinette Trail in France. It gives you an overview of her life. And you’ll discover all the sites and attractions in and around Paris that are associated with … Read more
“There is a castle on a cloud. I like to go there in my sleep.” — Ludwig II, quoting Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables Here’s my guide to the top must visit castles in Bavaria, a gorgeous region in southern Germany. These stunning Bavarian castles were designed and built by Mad King Ludwig II of Bavaria. … Read more
Here’s my visitor’s guide to the Church of Sant’Agnese in Rome. The church is one of the most beautiful churches in Rome. It’s located smack in the middle of the historic Piazza Navona, the very symbol of Rome. But the Baroque church doesn’t get the attention it deserves. People gawk at the Bernini fountains and … Read more
Scoping out some museums for art-inspired travel? Here’s my guide to the best virtual museums you can visit online at home from the comfort of your couch or computer. Many world class museums have released some or all of their collections online. Or they’ve partnered with Google Arts & Culture to make collections accessible in … Read more
If you’re a Tudorphile, Hatfield House is a must see site in London, both for its charm and its royal connections. Fans of Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, will be especially enchanted by the early 17th century Jacobean palace. For over 400 years, the magnificent country estate has been home to the Cecils, one … Read more