Florence & Tuscany

Tuscany Wine Tour – What’s the Best Wine Tour in Tuscany for You: A Tailored Guide to Picking the right Wine Tour in Tuscany for Your Group

Ariela Bankier

Dec 29, 20246 min read

Tuscany Wine Tour – What’s the Best Wine Tour in Tuscany for You: A Tailored Guide to Picking the right Wine Tour in Tuscany for Your Group

Tuscany, with its sun-soaked vineyards and centuries-old winemaking heritage, is a dream destination for wine enthusiasts. Visiting...

5 Tasty Treats Any Foodie Should Try When Visiting Tuscany

Ariela Bankier

Dec 7, 20244 min read

5 Tasty Treats Any Foodie Should Try When Visiting Tuscany

Tuscany, in my opinion, is a paradise for food lovers. I've been living here for 20 years, and I'm still in love with the local dishes!...

The Bargello Museum: A Hidden Gem in Florence

Ariela Bankier

Aug 13, 20243 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...

A Delicious Deep Dive into Florentine Food with the University of Memphis!

Ariela Bankier

Jun 10, 20241 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...

A Gourmet Food Tour in Pisa with Special Clients

Ariela Bankier

Jun 9, 20241 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...

Incredible Wineries and a Memorable Florence Food Tour

Ariela Bankier

Jun 1, 20241 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...

An amazing Food & Wine class at a 1000 year old village

Ariela Bankier

May 15, 20241 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...

Touring Volterra, a Cheese Farm & an Alabaster Shop

Ariela Bankier

May 8, 20241 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...

Taking a Sweet Detour: Honeybee Adventure!

Ariela Bankier

Apr 30, 20241 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...

A Fantastic Tour in Chianti and San Gimginano

Ariela Bankier

Apr 8, 20241 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 8, 20241 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...

Tuscany in 3 days: How To Plan the Perfect Three Day Itinerary in Tuscany

Ariela Bankier

Apr 6, 20247 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...

Wine tasting in Montalcino (Orcia Valley) in Tuscany

Ariela Bankier

Mar 14, 20241 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...

A university field trip to see how pecorino cheese is made

Ariela Bankier

Mar 3, 20241 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...

Beyond the Crowds: Unveiling the Beauty of Volterra and the Pisan Hills

Ariela Bankier

Feb 21, 20241 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

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...

A Cheese Lover's Paradise: Exploring Tuscany's Delights

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...

Cheap Eats in Florence, Lucca, Pisa and Chianti - Eating Well on a Budget in Tuscany

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...