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![Driving in Italy 2024 & Parking in Italy: A Comprehensive Guide](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_f39008daa4ff48eea2625ab53a9748cd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_f39008daa4ff48eea2625ab53a9748cd~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Aug 14, 20249 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...
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![The Bargello Museum: A Hidden Gem in Florence](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_f7e2731067aa4e3cb0e996670e5b06ad~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_f7e2731067aa4e3cb0e996670e5b06ad~mv2.webp)
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...
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![Visiting the Heller Botanical Garden in Lake Garda](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_4e13c2d7909746a99c032625d3d9cb5f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_4e13c2d7909746a99c032625d3d9cb5f~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Jul 31, 20241 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...
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![Back From the National Cheese Conference :)](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_de22af3c1dda42589da452a6d6af3373~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_de22af3c1dda42589da452a6d6af3373~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Jun 19, 20241 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...
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![A Delicious Deep Dive into Florentine Food with the University of Memphis!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_1b65d1ddb2bf4009ac9b5ea9e31d89d5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_1b65d1ddb2bf4009ac9b5ea9e31d89d5~mv2.webp)
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...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_32b8672db5af499b92859380df97214d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_32b8672db5af499b92859380df97214d~mv2.webp)
![A Gourmet Food Tour in Pisa with Special Clients](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_32b8672db5af499b92859380df97214d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_32b8672db5af499b92859380df97214d~mv2.webp)
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...
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![Incredible Wineries and a Memorable Florence Food Tour](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_f1805dd8b9e5443c8704e5e2e8ceb1c7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_f1805dd8b9e5443c8704e5e2e8ceb1c7~mv2.webp)
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...
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![An amazing Food & Wine class at a 1000 year old village](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_1d3276b19f64442e9789b09837d61aa7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_1d3276b19f64442e9789b09837d61aa7~mv2.webp)
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...
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![Touring Volterra, a Cheese Farm & an Alabaster Shop](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_e73541ac2e404e15a3c8ba30642c62f6~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_e73541ac2e404e15a3c8ba30642c62f6~mv2.webp)
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...
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![Taking a Sweet Detour: Honeybee Adventure!](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_c2a4f0c9362c4135baf48ad3e1758d90~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_c2a4f0c9362c4135baf48ad3e1758d90~mv2.webp)
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...
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![Visiting the Cinque Terre](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_cb74f78a028349ef8c536564760ea3a4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_cb74f78a028349ef8c536564760ea3a4~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Apr 29, 20241 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...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_54d7e3918d844d6bb78f6130eb609d9c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_54d7e3918d844d6bb78f6130eb609d9c~mv2.webp)
![A Fantastic Tour in Chianti and San Gimginano](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_54d7e3918d844d6bb78f6130eb609d9c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_54d7e3918d844d6bb78f6130eb609d9c~mv2.webp)
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...
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![A Day in Pompei](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_5f63bd024aad4d36ab268d1f3ca096b9~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_5f63bd024aad4d36ab268d1f3ca096b9~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Apr 8, 20241 min read
A Day in Pompei
No self respecting history lover can skip Pompei. The visit there is a jaw dropping experience.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_ce84dd2925384d03a6fe799303e97712~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_ce84dd2925384d03a6fe799303e97712~mv2.webp)
![Have You Ever Been to Ravenna? You Should...](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_ce84dd2925384d03a6fe799303e97712~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_ce84dd2925384d03a6fe799303e97712~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Apr 8, 20241 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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![Secret beauty in the Liguria region](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_24a2cc0b7eb94adcb7995c5dbd1ba789~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_24a2cc0b7eb94adcb7995c5dbd1ba789~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Apr 8, 20241 min read
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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![Relaxing in Villa Bardini](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_05be6b2202bd463ca75b212fbbbcdc72~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_05be6b2202bd463ca75b212fbbbcdc72~mv2.webp)
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...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_07067a65cc1841b085616e76d736dd21~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_07067a65cc1841b085616e76d736dd21~mv2.webp)
![Tuscany in 3 days: How To Plan the Perfect Three Day Itinerary in Tuscany](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_07067a65cc1841b085616e76d736dd21~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_07067a65cc1841b085616e76d736dd21~mv2.webp)
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...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_7400d784012d4dea9037247248323d09~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_7400d784012d4dea9037247248323d09~mv2.webp)
![Wine tasting in Montalcino (Orcia Valley) in Tuscany](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_7400d784012d4dea9037247248323d09~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_7400d784012d4dea9037247248323d09~mv2.webp)
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...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_a0b7c5a8165f4d149934b2311c17dc5c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_a0b7c5a8165f4d149934b2311c17dc5c~mv2.webp)
![A university field trip to see how pecorino cheese is made](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_a0b7c5a8165f4d149934b2311c17dc5c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_a0b7c5a8165f4d149934b2311c17dc5c~mv2.webp)
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...
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_7bf1432e60e44c9697c0019dc3562cd0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_250,h_250,fp_0.50_0.50,q_30,blur_30,enc_auto/6fb6da_7bf1432e60e44c9697c0019dc3562cd0~mv2.webp)
![Making pesto with Graziella](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/6fb6da_7bf1432e60e44c9697c0019dc3562cd0~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_514,h_386,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/6fb6da_7bf1432e60e44c9697c0019dc3562cd0~mv2.webp)
Ariela Bankier
Mar 2, 20241 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...
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