About Us - Our Tour Guides
Janette Garbuio & Marina Cook
Janette Garbuio - Tour Guide
Janette has travelled overseas constantly since 1980, visiting many parts of Europe and of course the wonders of Italy, including Rome, Florence and Venice. Her origins are from the Emilia-Romagna region, famous for its food, medieval battles and lush landscapes. Janette is fluent in Italian and has a special affiliation with the locals to make this painting/ walking holiday a memorable cultural experience.
Janette has over 35 years experience in painting and is also a member of Sherbrooke Arts Society in the Yarra Valley Region. Over the years, Janette has completed commissioned artworks for various exhibitions in Italy and, in 2005, was invited to be part of an exhibition in Budrio-Bologna, Italy – “Dreams of the Immigrants – Arte senza confine”. Besides entering group exhibitions, having private sales and being sought after for commission work, Janette has been recognised through various commendations for her work in many mediums.
Marina Cook - Co-ordinator
Born in 1975, Marina, Janette’s daughter, has traveled extensively since 1995. As a member of Emilia-Romagna Youth, she has been sponsored by the Bologna Government to attend various Emilia-Romagna Youth conferences in Uruguay and Italy. Marina has a special affiliation with Italy and loves learning about her heritage, which involves medieval warlords right through to the resistance in World War II. With an endless abundance on energy, Marina enjoys visiting places which are off the typical tourist trail as well as sampling the finest cheese, procuitto (cured ham), home made pasta and wines the region is renowned for.
Marina has many years experience in administration and event management, to ensure you are well looked after, entertained and captivated from the moment you arrive. She has studied Italian at Monash University, Victoria and is currently completing her Masters in Marketing (Interactive Marketing) at Monash University, whilst working full time.