Ariela Bankier
Secret beauty in the Liguria region
Tuscany is my usual stomping ground, but when my clients expressed a desire to delve deeper into Liguria, I couldn't resist! We ventured...
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Ariela Bankier
Apr 81 min read
Relaxing in Villa Bardini
Villa Bardini is a favorite Florentine viewpoint for me, especially in spring. The gardens come alive with colorful blooms, and the view...
Ariela Bankier
Apr 67 min read
Tuscany in 3 days: How To Plan the Perfect Three Day Itinerary in Tuscany
Planning the Perfect 3-Day Vacation in Tuscany: Top Tips from Someone Who Does This For a Living... While I highly recommend spending at...
Ariela Bankier
Mar 141 min read
Wine tasting in Montalcino (Orcia Valley) in Tuscany
Just back from a decadent (and delicious!) two days exploring the Orcia Valley in southern Tuscany! This Brunello di Montalcino paradise...
Ariela Bankier
Mar 31 min read
A university field trip to see how pecorino cheese is made
Ever wonder how that delicious pecorino cheese is made? My students and I recently embarked on a fascinating field trip to discover the...
Ariela Bankier
Mar 21 min read
Making pesto with Graziella
Today, I had the pleasure of catching up with my friend Graziella and her husband, Gianni. They treated me to a wonderful dinner...
Ariela Bankier
Feb 211 min read
Beyond the Crowds: Unveiling the Beauty of Volterra and the Pisan Hills
Tuscany's beauty extends far beyond the well-trodden paths, and one of my hidden gems is the charming town of Volterra, located within...
Ariela Bankier
Feb 11 min read
Beyond Cinque Terre: Exploring Portofino
We ventured beyond the popular Cinque Terre today and discovered the charming town of Portofino. Even with some cooler weather, it was a...
Ariela Bankier
Nov 9, 20231 min read
Food and Wine tour in the Chianti Hills
One of my favorite things about guiding food and wine tours in the Tuscan countryside is that I get to meet fantastic and interesting...
Ariela Bankier
Oct 28, 20231 min read
Our Chianti wine tour!
Another incredible tour comes to a close! It's always a privilege to meet such fascinating and engaging people on my adventures. A...
Ariela Bankier
Oct 19, 20231 min read
Hello from Amalfi!
Once in a while, my adventures take me far far away… All the way to Amalfi!
Ariela Bankier
Sep 23, 20231 min read
Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Bliss: A Student Adventure!
Another day, another exciting field trip for my students! This time, we embarked on a culinary journey to Parma and Modena, uncovering...
Ariela Bankier
Sep 2, 20231 min read
A Cheese Lover's Paradise: Exploring Tuscany's Delights
As a certified cheese master taster, I'm passionate about introducing my food and wine tour clients to the incredible world of Tuscan...
Ariela Bankier
Aug 22, 20231 min read
A Visit to Vailla Farnese Caprarola
While Tuscany holds a special place in my heart, sometimes a captivating detour emerges. This time, we ventured beyond the Tuscan hills...
Ariela Bankier
Aug 12, 20232 min read
Cheap Eats in Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Chianti - Eating Well on a Budget in Tuscany
Tuscan cuisine is a true delight—think homemade pasta that melts in your mouth, top-quality beef and prosciutto, hearty soups and stews,...
Ariela Bankier
May 12, 20231 min read
A Fantastic Tour in San Gimginano
Another incredible adventure concludes... It was a true pleasure getting to know you both, H and K! I can't wait to welcome you back for...
Ariela Bankier
Apr 7, 20231 min read
Truffle hunting in Tuscany
Truffle hunting is SO MUCH FUN! We had a blast on our tour today.
Ariela Bankier
Apr 11, 20221 min read
Visiting the Wonderful Camellia Garden Near Lucca, Tuscany
After a long and grey winter, spring is finally here! Everything is in bloom, and the Tuscan countryside is positively buzzing with life...
Ariela Bankier
Mar 27, 20221 min read
Trying Some of the Best Wines in Tuscany
Wine festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to explore the finest producers in the region, including not only the well-known names but...
Ariela Bankier
Jan 31, 20223 min read
Is This the Best Restaurant in Lucca, Tuscany?
Ristorante Schiaffino is a delightful new entrant in Lucca's vibrant dining scene. Nestled directly across from Puccini’s birthplace, in...
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