Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Gary Radke

photo of Gary Radke

Gary Radke served as Dean's Professor of the Humanities and professor of art history in the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University. Upon joining the faculty in 1980, he promptly took over the Florence Graduate Program in Italian Renaissance Art and has since helped elevate it- and the department of Art & Music Histories in general- to international prominence. Radke is one of the world's leading experts on Italian Medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, with a special interest in 15th-century Florentine sculpture. Since 2001, Radke has served as a guest curator at Atlanta's High Museum of Art, where he organized a series of high-profile shows-and their respective exhibition catalogs- featuring works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, Ghiberti, Verrocchio, and other Italian Renaissance masters. Radke is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome.

What Our Travelers Say

Gary was extremely knowledgeable and very approachable.  He always had time to answer questions with enthusiasm.  He clearly loves his area of expertise.

- Anne S., Highlights of Italy

Professor Radke's lectures and commentary made the trip.  The depth of his knowledge and his manner of conveying it added another dimension to the tour.  He was always available and affable - very approachable at all times.  

- David S., Italy's Lake District: A Stay in Stresa

Upcoming Tours

Italy's Lake District: A One-Week Stay in Stresa

9 days | Starting at: $5,490
Sep 5, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024

Featuring Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Orta
Tour Details ››

Southern Italy and Sicily

15 days | Starting at: $6,974
Apr 23, 2025 - May 7, 2025
Tour Details ››

A Circumnavigation of Sicily

9 days | Starting at: $7,890
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 6, 2025

Round-trip from Malta aboard the 184-guest Le Bougainville
Tour Details ››

Northern Italy: The Lake District, Tuscany, and the Dolomites

15 days | Starting at: $6,474
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
Tour Details ››