Ariela Bankier
The Da Vinci Museum in Tuscany: Where Should You Go?
Leonardo da Vinci truly embodies the spirit of the Renaissance—a brilliant painter, inventor, engineer, and so much more. Across Italy,...
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Ariela Bankier
Sep 123 min read
The Saturnia Hot Springs (Saturnia Thermal Baths): Location, Opening Hours and a Review
One of the most renowned thermal springs in Tuscany is the Saturnia Hot Springs (also known in Italian as Cascate del Mulino, Cascate del...
Ariela Bankier
Sep 83 min read
Understanding the New UGA (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive) Classification in Tuscany for Chianti Wine
When discussing wine, the term “terroir” often arises, referring to the unique blend of natural elements that shape a wine’s...
Ariela Bankier
Sep 14 min read
Chianti Wine Explained: What is Chianti Wine from Tuscany and Which Bottles Should You buy?
In recent years, Chianti has made a remarkable comeback in Tuscany. Once burdened by a poor reputation—justifiably so, given its...
Ariela Bankier
Aug 312 min read
Hiking with Alpacas Near Lake Garda
For those of you who have read my guidebook, V enice, Verona, Lake Garda, and the Dolomites with Kids 2024 , you may have noticed my...
Ariela Bankier
Aug 313 min read
Visiting the Santa Corona Sanctuary near Verona
In my recently updated my travel guide, " Venice & Veneto for the Shameless Hedonist 2024 ," I included a new tip about one of my...
Ariela Bankier
Aug 149 min read
Driving in Italy 2024 & Parking in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning a trip to Italy in 2024? Don’t miss this comprehensive guide. “Driving and Parking in Italy 2024” was written by a local expert...
Ariela Bankier
Aug 133 min read
The Bargello Museum: A Hidden Gem in Florence
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is renowned for its exceptional museums. But while millions flock to see famous highlights like...
Ariela Bankier
Jul 311 min read
Visiting the Heller Botanical Garden in Lake Garda
I'm a big fan of botanical gardens, which is why I've included the Heller botanical garden, on the shores of Lake Garda, in my recent...
Ariela Bankier
Jun 191 min read
Back From the National Cheese Conference :)
Things have been buzzing lately - I've been sooooo busy with tours, updating my travel guide,s and prepping for the new semester that I...
Ariela Bankier
Jun 101 min read
A Delicious Deep Dive into Florentine Food with the University of Memphis!
I had the pleasure of guiding a fantastic group from the University of Memphis on a recent adventure through Florence's bustling...
Ariela Bankier
Jun 91 min read
A Gourmet Food Tour in Pisa with Special Clients
It was a pleasure reuniting with some wonderful clients, a special family I've had the privilege of working with for a while now. This...
Ariela Bankier
Jun 11 min read
Incredible Wineries and a Memorable Florence Food Tour
It was a delight guiding such a fun, smart and enthusiastic group on a decadent two-day adventure through Tuscany. Our journey indulged...
Ariela Bankier
May 151 min read
An amazing Food & Wine class at a 1000 year old village
Yesterday, we treated our guests to a truly unforgettable experience in Tuscany. We whisked them away from the crowded tourist spots to a...
Ariela Bankier
May 81 min read
Touring Volterra, a Cheese Farm & an Alabaster Shop
Had a wonderful day with an incredible family exploring a cheese farm near Volterra and the town itself. We laughed so much that my...
Ariela Bankier
Apr 301 min read
Taking a Sweet Detour: Honeybee Adventure!
My tours usually explore wineries, cheese farms, or the fascinating world of foraging. Sometimes, we even delve into the production of...
Ariela Bankier
Apr 291 min read
Visiting the Cinque Terre
Tuscany is my usual stomping ground, but sometimes a different region calls my name! I do actually take clients to Liguria more often...
Ariela Bankier
Apr 81 min read
A Fantastic Tour in Chianti and San Gimginano
I know I keep saying it, but seriously -- I get to explore Tuscany with the best possible clients. It was a pleasure meeting you, N and...
Ariela Bankier
Apr 81 min read
A Day in Pompei
No self respecting history lover can skip Pompei. The visit there is a jaw dropping experience.
Ariela Bankier
Apr 81 min read
Have You Ever Been to Ravenna? You Should...
Italy boasts countless treasures waiting to be discovered. One such gem, often overlooked by tourists, is the captivating city of...
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