Secrets From Italy | travel-italy-guru

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!

Parmigiano Reggiano & Balsamic Bliss: A Student Adventure!

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Visiting the Wonderful Camellia Garden Near Lucca, Tuscany

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...

Trying Some of the Best Wines in Tuscany

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...

Is This the Best Restaurant in Lucca, Tuscany?

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...

Ariela Bankier

Sep 18, 20211 min read

Foraging in Tuscany

One of our favorite activities here in Tuscany is going on a fun foraging tour. This truly is one of the best way to experience the...

Visiting a Winery in San Gimignano Run by Two Tuscan Princesses Who Are Related to the Mona Lisa

Ariela Bankier

Jul 28, 20216 min read

Visiting a Winery in San Gimignano Run by Two Tuscan Princesses Who Are Related to the Mona Lisa

Visiting a Winery in San Gimignano Run by Two Tuscan Princesses Who Are Related to the Mona Lisa, and tasting the famous Vernaccia di San...

Making Swiss Chard and Fresh Ricotta Ravioli in Tuscany

Ariela Bankier

Jul 10, 20212 min read

Making Swiss Chard and Fresh Ricotta Ravioli in Tuscany

If you've watched our latest video (see below), you'll probably want to make this simple and delicious recipe, too! Here's what you need...

How to Make the Perfect Drunken Risotto - Risotto al Barbera

Ariela Bankier

Mar 11, 20215 min read

How to Make the Perfect Drunken Risotto - Risotto al Barbera

Drunken Risotto - The Fail-Proof Recipe for a Creamy Risotto Made With Barbera Wine I absolutely love risotto—it’s a rich, creamy, and...

How to Make the Perfect Espresso? An Italian Barista Shares His Secrets

Ariela Bankier

Oct 22, 20194 min read

How to Make the Perfect Espresso? An Italian Barista Shares His Secrets

How to make a good epsresso? An Italian barista shares his top secrets!

Free Things to Do in Tuscany: What Can You do in Tuscany Without Spending Any Money?

Ariela Bankier

Oct 21, 20194 min read

Free Things to Do in Tuscany: What Can You do in Tuscany Without Spending Any Money?

What can you do in Tuscany for free? Here are 8 fantastic and kid-friendly ideas to enjoy Florence and Tuscany for free with your family

Rosh Hashana in Tuscany: Cooking Traditional Jewish Italian dishes

Ariela Bankier

Sep 30, 20193 min read

Rosh Hashana in Tuscany: Cooking Traditional Jewish Italian dishes

Rosh Hashanah is my favorite Jewish holiday. What can I say? I’m a sentimental person who cherishes the concept of new beginnings,...

Thing to Do with Kids in Tuscany: The Best Events and Festivals for Families Visiting Tuscany in 2025

Ariela Bankier

Sep 14, 20143 min read

Thing to Do with Kids in Tuscany: The Best Events and Festivals for Families Visiting Tuscany in 2025

(Updated December 2024) Tuscany is home to over a hundred events each year, including festivals, parades, food markets, wine tastings,...

The Marble Quarry in Carrara Tuscany: A Journey Through History and Natural Beauty

Ariela Bankier

Mar 12, 20142 min read

The Marble Quarry in Carrara Tuscany: A Journey Through History and Natural Beauty

Visit the marble quarries in Carrara, Tuscany