On his way to becoming a teacher, Leandro Marandola took a turn that led to his 40-plus-year career as a tour director. “I was at university and my Danish teacher pushed me to take the exam to become a tour leader because, she said, I was born for the job,” explains the Rome native. “So, I did, I passed, and started …”
“Best tour guide EVER.”
Robert & Diletta Satriano
Long Valley, NJ
And he hasn’t stopped since, leading Odysseys’ Portrait of Italy tour over the years. “I love the idea of sharing with guests our beautiful country in enough days, like 15, to be able to build up a group that in most cases ends up being almost a family,” says Leandro, who also is a licensed guide for Rome. He cites the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites, and “Sicily in general” as his favorite destinations in Italy.
Once an avid mountain biker, Leandro now walks to stay in shape. But one thing he hasn’t given up is the band he formed with two friends from high school. “Three guitars, three voices, and me playing harp, as well. We play every month or so, mainly American music – even if now it is mostly meet, eat, drink, AND play!”