Andronikos Falangas

History, teaching, and travelling are my passions. I was born and grew up in Athens, Greece. My first address was across the street from the Acropolis and monuments from the ancient Greek past go back to my earliest memories. I studied in Romania, Bucharest and in Thessaloniki, Greece. I earned my doctorate in history from Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris, France.

I have been a researcher specializing in the history of southeastern Europe, and an educator at university level. My books and academic papers contribute to the better understanding of the social and cultural reality in southeastern Europe. I have held various faculty positions at many higher institutions in Europe, Israel, and the United States.

Teaching and researching in six different countries and cultures has afforded me an excellent opportunity to enhance my global vision and to use effectively the French, Modern Greek, and Romanian languages in my teaching, research, and scholarly writings. I possess a comprehensive knowledge of the literary, artistic, philosophical, and theological traditions that have influenced the European, Mediterranean, and global history from Antiquity to the twentieth century. This level of knowledge has enabled me to teach comfortably a wide variety of subject areas, at any level.

The idea of engaging myself in cultural tourism arose in me long before I came to Asheville. It sparked some time after I left Europe for the U.S. in 2006, when I was still living in Chicago and teaching at one of its major art institutions. Impressed by the stunning architecture, cultural heritage, and amazing diversity of the “Windy City,” and being a passionate educator, I felt the need to reconnect with travelers and share with them all of my previous experiences in so many places in the world. I have been supported by a number of persons I respect and appreciate and who are active in Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Romania, and France. Some of them became my partners.

No one has had such a catalyzing influence as Mark Gordon Smith, founder of Private Italy Tours, Ltd. As a professional historian, I was able to appreciate Mark's thorough knowledge of the Italian Renaissance. Soon after our first meeting, we decided to collaborate to provide the most exquisite cultural trips. I am honored to be Mark’s partner.

Do join us soon on our cultural tours where you may explore in a friendly