Tuscany tour operator and travel guide: meet our team

Founder and owner at Arianna & Friends'

And that’s me, Arianna. When I was a student at the University of Pisa, I had a dream. I already knew that I somehow wanted to spread our Tuscan culture, but I didn’t yet know in which ways. I also knew that I first needed to educate myself more, to go deeper into what, for me, belonged to everyday life, before making it available to others. Together with a team of enthusiasts like me, we carried out a lot of research, made many contacts, and finally found a good way to become ambassadors of Tuscan culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Yes, I admit it: the power that moved everything was my passion for food! For good food, and in particular for the delicious food of my mamma and my nonna, hehehh! It was by learning from my family that I started thinking I couldn’t miss the opportunity to share everything I knew with others. It couldn’t be any different, because here where we live, food is culture! So we came up with a name for our project, our future business, that had to convey this message: spend time with us, your Tuscan friends, and you’ll feel like part of a family and experience Tuscany in a very authentic way. Also, meet our friends, all the farmers, cooks, and storytellers who represent our territory. The name Arianna & Friends was chosen as the best option. Personally, I love planning, making people happy, organizing, and having crazy ideas… so crazy that sometimes my colleagues need to bring me back down to earth! I like making sure that people are more than satisfied when they return home from their Tuscan experience. I’m lucky to have Consuelo, Moira, Luca, Davide, Anna, Diletta, Yvonne, Alessandro, and Cristiano with me, along with all the cooks and assistants and all the other “friends” who help us provide excellent services, all of us, always with a big smile on our faces :)

Pisa city tour guide & and tour leader at Arianna & Friends'

Ciao a tutti! My name is Moira, and I originally come from the north-west of Italy, from the city of Turin. I moved to Tuscany in 2012, immediately falling in love with the culture, the arts and history, the food, and of course, my favourite!, the wines of this beautiful region. I started working with Arianna & Friends back in 2013 as an assistant at the Tourist Information Office of a small hilltop village, where our office was initially located. Later, I obtained my city guide license, and today I am the city tour guide on the team for the main towns of Pisa, Volterra, and San Miniato, as well as for some of our less famous tiny villages, which hide many secrets and have such a loooong history, such as Lari, Lajatico, and Peccioli. I also obtained a license as an official truffle hunter, but I’m still mainly a truffle eater! My enthusiasm for learning new things never stops. I even learned how to become a professional olive tree pruner. When I’m not on tour, walking around our amazing places talking about art, culture, and history, or discovering local specialties together with our guests, you’ll find me in the office, taking care of bookings and reservations. I specialize in organizing active and fun weekends for groups of girlfriends. I really hope to meet you soon to show you around our beautiful land, and since I come from another region, I can also reveal some secrets that Tuscan people will never confess!!

Tour leader and websites content manager at Arianna & Friends'

Ciao Amici!! My name is Luca. I’m in my 40s and I’m probably one of the most energetic and fun-loving guides at Arianna & Friends Like some of my colleagues, I have a multi-tasking role in the company. I am one of the content managers of our websites, especially during the winter, and when the season starts, I work as a tour leader. Sometimes I also take care of bookings directly, and I often carry out site inspections to meet new collaborators and service providers, so we can be sure that every year the company offers new and interesting tours. From March to October, I lead almost all types of wine & food tours and cooking classes at Arianna & Friends. My favorites are truffle, olive oil, e-bike, and Vespa tours. Riding a Vespa through our wonderful hills is a must-do while in Tuscany, of course, only if you know how to ride a scooter! When I started working for Arianna & Friends back in 2011, I was only able to prepare a very simple pasta al pomodoro (pasta with tomato sauce). Now, after so many years of cooking classes and thanks to our wonderful cooks, I am a very good chef (but please, don’t tell my wife!). My motto is “Smile, you are in Tuscany.” I’m happy and very proud when I see people enjoying my country and having fun in Tuscany. Join us! Join me! Let’s have fun together!!

Manager at Rita's farm

Olá amigos! I am Rita, an enthusiastic collaborator of Arianna and Friends for many years now. I was born and raised in Porto (Portugal), but I have spent many years living in Tuscany. I got in love with Italy and especially with this region for several reasons. Many of them are the ones that make you visit it: healthy environment, good food and wine, magic sceneries...but let's be honest... I majorly got in love with a handsome Italian man! Together with my husband Aronne, pursuing our passion for nature and animals, I manage a small organic farm in the countryside of Montefoscoli, a little typical village 15 min far from Arianna and Friends' office, surprisingly full of history. Our most important production is organic extra virgin olive oil, which we use in every cooking class. You will also be enjoying some of our wine, vegetables and herbs. You can visit us not only for a cooking class, but also for an olive harvest and olive oil tasting, a picknick in our oakwood or just as a brief stop during your tour. Whenever you visit us my family will be welcoming you with joy! But most probably the first ones saying hello to you will be Elsa, our very friendly dog, hens, chicks and roosters, a donkey, and two cats! You will go back in time and learn how it was back here almost 200 years ago. I am looking forward to meeting you at Rita’s farm.

Sales manager, customer care at Arianna & Friends'

Hello dear friends and future guests. My name is Consuelo .. Spanish name, I know,... but it's just the name .. I am an authentic Tuscan woman. My work here at Arianna & Friends' is mainly in the booking department. In 2008 I had the chance to meet Arianna for an apprenticeship program. I was still a student when I started working here. I was given the possibility to grow and learn a lot, starting probably just by looking at what my colleagues were doing, learning from their passion and knowledge. This company gave, and still continues to give to me and to all of us, the possibility to grow professionally. In the meantime, I've become a mother of a blond & curly angel, whose name is Marilena. I was born and raised here in the Terre di Pisa land, in Peccioli, and as a local, I love my territory and my job. My goal each day is to make sure that our guests and visitors can go back home with the same love for my land that I have... As I'm not a tour guide myself, probably you won't meet me in person, unless you come and visit us in our office; yet, for sure you can meet me virtually via email or over the phone for planning the best tours, activities and packages in Tuscany. I'm here to give support and choose with you the best things to do during your visit according to your needs. We are very much customer-oriented and the customer satisfaction is our main goal. So, when you'll start planning your next Italian trip, contact me and I'll give you all my support and share with you my best ideas.

Ciao, I'm Ester, one of the cooks of Arianna & Friends'. I've been working with them since the beginning of their adventure in 2007. I love cooking together with people from all over the world, especially with young kids. What I prefer to cook is pasta dishes, pizza and desserts, like for example the stunning cake I made to celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary. I live, like Davide (my nephew), in the little village of Lajatico, birthplace of Andrea Bocelli and from my home I can hear his voice and see something when Teatro del Silenzio takes place in July. I live on a farm and I have chickens, rabbits, a large vegetable garden. I make my own olive oil and wine together with my family. I hope to be able to cook with many of you in the years to come and teach you a lot of our typical Tuscan food.

Ciao, I'm Silvia, one of the youngest cooks at Arianna & Friends'. Cooking is my real passion and I like to prepare any traditional dish both for visitors and for my family. I also love baking pizza as well as trying innovative food and special contemporary techniques, especially in my kitchen at home. When I started working for this company in 2018, I met an incredible team of collaborators and with them I finally feel joy and serenity in what I do. Any time I work as a cook I can breath freedom and this makes me happy. As I really love the sea, in my free time I like being at the beach. I have a passion for travelling and being in the company of my friends. I could define myself as a "free spirit" with a big attraction to ... hats !!! Looking forward to meet you all!

Events and Teatro del Silenzio Sales Manager

Hello everybody! My name is Davide. I joined the company in 2022, when my aunt Ester, one of the chefs on our team, introduced me to Arianna. The connection was immediate. I initially started working with Arianna & Friends on a sporadic basis, but over time my role evolved, and I am now the Sales Manager for all packages related to Teatro del Silenzio, the annual event organized by the tenor Andrea Bocelli. Lajatico is Andrea Bocelli’s hometown, and it’s mine too! Being from this lovely village, I am especially happy to organize holidays for guests who will visit my hometown and discover its unique atmosphere. This is a truly extraordinary event for our territory, and I am proud to help make our guests’ dreams come true. Many of them wish to see Andrea Bocelli perform in his hometown, and I take care of every detail of their experience: tickets to the performance, accommodation, transportation, and a selection of unforgettable activities to enjoy during their stay in Tuscany. I am a very ironic person and I enjoy bringing a positive and light-hearted spirit to everyday work, something my colleagues truly appreciate. I’m a naturally curious person, pay great attention to detail, make sure everyone is fully satisfied, and always like to stay up to date on every aspect. I look forward to seeing you in Tuscany. Ciao ciao!

Chef Services and Cooking Classes Coordinator

Buongiorno a tutti! My name is Anna, and I come from San Miniato, a historic Tuscan town also famous for its delicious white truffles. I first met Arianna in early 2000s, when I was working at a local agriturismo and she was organizing her very first cooking classes there. At the time, I was working at the reception, witnessing the early steps of what would later become Arianna & Friends as event organizers and food tour operators. I had the chance to see the company grow from the very beginning. As Arianna & Friends continued to expand, we had several opportunities to collaborate over the years, until I officially joined the team on a more permanent basis in 2022. Today, I take care of the company’s accounting and coordinate all the chefs involved in our in-home chef services and cooking classes. I especially enjoy organizing small weddings and private celebrations, helping our guests create intimate and authentic experiences they will always remember. I am a patient and creative person, and I enjoy taking care of projects with calm and dedication. When I’m not working, I love spending time by the sea, as I now live in Livorno, a beautiful harbor town. See you soon in Tuscany

Hi everybody! I am Paola, a talented cook who is never tired. I have been cooking all my life both privately and in the kitchens of a series of restaurants in the area I live in, near the central town of Empoli. I joined Arianna & Friends in early 2022 as the whole world was recovering from the difficult years of the pandemic and as the company was quickly restarting its operativity. I was very glad that I could join such a dynamic and friendly team and share with them all my knowledge and passion. I deal with cooking classes and chef services in all the region together with the various story-tellers and chef assistants who participate in the service. In my free time I enjoy cycling in the spectacular Tuscan hills that surround my home town. I can't wait to cook for you an unforgettable meal!

Mi chiamo Carlo, the only "boy" among the chefs of Arianna & Friends. I am a cousin of Lorena, who has worked with the company for long now and who introduced me to them back in 2022. I live in Pontedera, home of Vespa, and I have been cooking all my life, since preparing delicious food has always been my great passion. In my working age I was an operator for an insurance company, so I know plenty of local people and I am very friendly and talkative. I then retired and decided to dedicate myself to the things I like the most: cooking and joining friends. I have limited English but miraculously all our guests can easily understand me through my body language and face expressions. I will be waiting for you for great barbecue dinners and traditional dishes of all kinds!

Maria Grazia, in our team called MG, is a very positive thinking lady who works as a sous-chefs at Arianna & Friends, when she is not busy helping children get born. In fact she is also a professional obstetrician! A nice irony in her character, combined with an intrinsic calm when working, create an incredible effect during the services provided.

Eccomi! My name is Margherita, mother of 2, who lives in Santa Croce sull'Arno. I was born and raised in the fantastic wine region of Fiano, Greco and Taurasi, namely some the best wines from the South of Italy. I have been living in Tuscany for decades and I have always cooked both for my families and for several restaurants. My very mild and sweet personality is able to create a very relaxed working ambience and my guests really appreciate this atmosphere. I am a curious person who likes learning and I am ready to share my knowledge with all visitors who take on a cooking class or a chef service. Grazie a tutti!

Hi everybody, ciao a tutti. I am Elisabetta and I am the youngest one among the chefs of Arianna & Friends. I have been working with the company for several years, initially just as a sous-chef and eventually as a proper chef. I have accumulated many years of experience while learning from all my other colleague chefs, but I also added my personal taste and knowledge to the whole. I am really happy to be part of this team and to be able to meet people from all over the world. In my free time I enjoy the company of my lovely puppy for long walks or just hanging around for shopping. Ciao a presto!

Tour leader at Arianna & Friends'

My name is Cristiano, and I live just outside the walls of Pisa, not far from the Leaning Tower. When I was a child, I lived in Mexico with my family, where I attended an international school in English. I graduated from a linguistic high school and speak English, Spanish, and French. I also worked for many years as a travel agent and managed tourist reception activities in Morocco. Since 2024, I have been part of the Arianna & Friends team. Passionate about traveling the world, I love meeting new people and exchanging experiences and stories with them. I’ve been told I am a very charming and fun person, and many of the cooking classes where I act as the story-teller end with me singing traditional Italian songs alongside the chef, and sometimes even with our guests! I’m energetic, love sharing entertaining stories, and enjoy laughing with our guests while introducing them to Tuscan recipes, culture, and lifestyle. My role here also includes being a tour leader for e-bike and Vespa tours, and my favorite activity to lead, beyond cooking classes, is the hands-on cheese-making experience In my free time, I play tennis, love traveling to Asia, and enjoy hiking through the Tuscan hills with my friends and my dog, Ciccio. I look forward to welcoming you in Tuscany and sharing unforgettable moments together!

Tour leader at Arianna & Friends'

Buongiorno! My name is Alessandro. I was born and raised in a charming village near San Miniato, and I’ve spent my life immersed in the beauty of Tuscany. After traveling to England and Spain, I returned home to share my passion for my region. With years of experience in the hospitality industry, including roles in restaurants, hotels, and pubs, I’ve honed my skills in providing exceptional guest experiences. My sommelier training has deepened my knowledge of Tuscan wines and cuisine. I am a thoughtful and patient person, always ready to solve problems and ensure every guest feels cared for and well looked after. Now, as a proud member of the Arianna & Friends team, I’m thrilled to share the stories and traditions of my homeland with visitors from around the world. Join me on a journey through the heart of Tuscany, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes come together.

Sales manager at Arianna & Friends'

Ciao a tutti! My name is Diletta. I was born and raised in a tiny village near Peccioli, and ever since I can remember, I’ve dreamed of sharing the magic of Tuscany with travelers from around the world. I am passionate about people and committed to providing exceptional service, making every guest feel welcome and cared for. After graduating, I worked as a receptionist in the tourism industry, where I developed strong customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills. In March 2024, I joined the Arianna & Friends team, and I now focus on managing bookings, responding to our guests, and crafting tailor-made solutions to ensure every Tuscan experience is unforgettable. I love traveling myself, so I know what guests expect and how to anticipate their needs. I am dedicated, patient, and attentive to every detail, always striving to create experiences that exceed expectations. Let me help you plan your perfect adventure in Tuscany, you’ll leave with memories to treasure for a lifetime!

Tour leader and wine expert at Arianna & Friends'

Dé – people smile at me, when I say it But this is what Livorno, my beloved port town at the Tuscan sea, did to me – it placed itself into my heart. My name is Yvonne, and I have been living in several places on the world, but Tuscany kept calling me … and here I am. I love the wind, the sea, good wine and nature. In one word: Tuscany. I love to share my passion and expertise about wine as a gift of nature with people. It makes me happy, when I hear people laugh while they enjoy a stunning E-bike ride through the rolling Tuscan contryside. And I love seeing their eyes shine when they discover the fascinating transformation of olives into delicious extra virgin olive oil. Let’s enjoy it together – as your travel companion and tour guide, I am happy to make you discover the hidden gems and dive into the vibes of Tuscany.

Two brothers and excellent winemakers. Mirko is a qualified professional winemaker with international experience who is in charge of the whole excellent production of one of the most renowned wineries of Terre di Pisa. His Brother Riccardo joined him a few years ago to help and now he is one of the most important characters of the company.

On the organic cheese farm of our tour some professional cheese makers are often in the process of making cheese. They are usually very busy with curdling the milk or creating the cheese wheels but they are very friendly and always available for questions and details during our visits.

Riccardo is one of the most renowed truffle hunters of Tuscany. Together with his wife, he runs a business of truffle trading to all the world. He welcomes truffle passionates from all the world in his little property near San Miniato for private truffle hunting sessions with truffle-based lunch.

Nebbia is a fantastic dog, partly a lagotto romagnolo, born in 2007. She is particularly skilled at finding even very small truffles up to 40 cms under the surface of the soil. She is the protagonist of our truffle hunting tours in the area of San Miniato with her master Riccardo.

Anna Maria is one of the members of the official panel of olive oil testers of Tuscany for the district of Pisa. She runs one of the most renowned oil mills in the area of Volterra and she has a great personality. Her mission is to make products available in most supermarkets.

Luca is one of the youngest pasta makers in the family Martelli. He is a skilled technician too, so he is the one who fixes the whole machinery in the company.

Mario and Chiara are two members of the family Martelli, a historical family from Lari who has been producing pasta in the old center of the village since 1926. They are proud of their company and family history and they are emblems of the Italian way to capitalism.

In Tuscany it is common to see grape harvesters during the "vendemmia". The harvest takes place between the end of August and mid October. The harvesters spend their whole days in the vineyards picking grapes with their hands and selecting just the best bunches.

Eva and Leonardo are two wise and experienced winemakers of the area of San Miniato. In their property they have ancient and very rare grapes that no other winery of Tuscany can boost. They welcome visitors to their house in a very friendly and familiar atmosphere.

Gianni is a very friendly assistant at one of the oil mills of our tours focusing on extra virgin olive oil. He is a great chef with a fantastic personality and he welcomes visitors to the butcher's shop right next to his oil mill.

Elena and Elisa are two very experienced and enthusiastic farmers of Sardinian origin who produce saffron, herbs, olive oil, grains and fruits in a spectacular farm in the woody hills between Volterra and San Gimignano. Their property is in one of the most panoramic locations in Tuscany, the quintessence of the Tuscan landscapes.

Luca is an expert truffle hunter who welcomes you in a charming wood near Palaia for truffle hunting sessions with the dog Giotto. He was a food passionate until he met the most famous family of truffle hunters in Tuscany and became their main assistant for truffle hunting tours. His great English make him the best character for such tours.

Giotto is a 10-year-old curly dog famous in Tuscany for being able to find truffles easily in the best truffle woods of our tours. He is the protagonist of our truffle hunting experiences near Palaia together with Luca the truffle hunter.

Teo is a talented truffle hunter in Tuscany who runs a small agriturismo in a lovely hilly territory. He shows visitors his private truffle reserve in a stunning fully Tuscan setting and he likes sharing his passion with everybody. His lovely dogs and the passion he has for his job make the visitors' experience particularly intensive.

The best pastry maker in Tuscany is Andrea. He runs a historical pastry shop and restaurant in the medieval village of Peccioli, in central Tuscany, and he is a great teacher and motivator for any beginner in the "art of pastry making".

Laura is a smiley and experienced licensed city guide for Florence and its province. She is very fond of Renaissance art and she welcomes our guests with a big smile before walking with them in town for a half or a whole day. She knows all the best places in town and can advise for any need or help.

Leopoldo is an original and talented painter from a small village in Tuscany called Terricciola. He developed his very peculiar style through decades of career. In 2013 he joined Arianna & Friends to teach painting to visitors of the area. His sarcasm and attitude are also part of our painting experiences with him.

Sondra is a skilled artist from Tuscany who specializes in decorating furniture, tiles and pots with any kind of material to revive and renew her items. She gives private lessons of decoupage decoration to visitors of Tuscan who want to make a special and personal souvenir during their stay.

Sandra is a renowned jeweller in Tuscany who operates in the village of Lajatico, world famous for being the birthtown of Andrea Bocelli. Sandra arranges private classes of jewel making in her small atelier just next to Andrea's mother's home. She is able to make very refined objects in gold or silver joined with any kind of precious stone.

Simone is a renowned butcher in the medieval village of Lari, whose family has always run the butcher's shop in town. He is part of the local association of producers of mallegato, a blood sausage typical of Tuscany, which he promotes with passion and dedication. During our visits to his boutique shop we see how they prepare prosciutto, salami, finocchiona, soppressata and the mallegato itself. Simone also sells great fresh meat prepared from local cinta senese pigs or Pisan cows.

Sebastian is a professional photographer from Florence who arranges photo sets during weddings and events. He invites visitors to Florence to join him for fantastic walking routes in town with focus on photography. His tours specialize in monumental squares, perspectives, colors and nuances, black & white photography and a lot of other fantastic details.

Ginevra is a renowned winemaker, owner and manager of the wine estate Tenuta di Ghizzano, one of the most famous wineries in Terre di Pisa. She raised wine production in the Pisan hills to high standards, contributing to the growth of the entire district. She welcomes visitors in her marvellous estate in Ghizzano, where she opens the door of her majestic villa in exclusive and interesting wine tasting tours.

Luciana is a friendly guide of the wine estate Tenuta di Ghizzano. She shows guests the beautiful premises of the noble villa and the park before leading into the wine cellar for great wine sampling sessions.

Diego is the most punctual, elegant and professional driver in the whole Tuscany. He runs a family business in transportation by luxury cars, minivans and one minibus for 19 passengers. His life-long experience made him the perfect chauffeur for any transfer, shore excursion or tour with top class and unique reliability. He works mainly in Tuscany and all Northern Italy.

The best drivers' company in Tuscany. Diego, Mattia and Roberto are skilled, reliable and experienced drivers in Tuscany who meet you during our tours and shore excursions. They speak good English and can cope with any logistic problem in the whole Tuscan territory. Their year-long experience is fundamental to study the best solutions and take any backroad in case traffic is slowing down our programs.

Umberto is the most experienced guide of the Cinque Terre park. Very friendly, professional and passionate, he is the best way to experience the beauty of the park. Whether by trekking along the trails, taking trains or comfortable boats, he will show you the most picturesque corners of the area while telling you about the fascinating history of the community living there.

Marco is an experienced helicopter pilot who works for a company that serves all northern Italy. He specializes in helicopter taxi services from and to Florence connecting all Italian major airports. He cooperates with Arianna & Friends for private and small group helictoper tours of all the rural Tuscany.

Claudia is the winemakers of a stunning family run winery in the hills surrounding Volterra with an outstanding production of typical Tuscan wines

Antonio is an experienced biker who has been travelling the whole world on board his powerful quad bike. After visiting unnumbered locations he settled in central Tuscany and opened a rental company of quad bikes. He assists at any rental and selected incredibly fascinating routes in the rural Tuscany.

Angelo is a professional bar tender, owner of a successful business in the area of the Pisan hills. He joined Arianna & Friends in 2021 for private bar tendering services and assistance at parties and ceremonies

Daniele is the most skillful truffle hunter in the area of Volterra. He's been a passionate hunter of white and black truffles for over 30 years and he established a business on truffles with his family in 2019.

Ciro is one of Daniele’s most skilled truffle dogs. He has an incredible sense of smell and can detect truffles from a great distance. Ciro is also a perfect dog for truffle hunting experiences, as he doesn’t get distracted even in the presence of other people and stays fully focused on the hunt.

The family Caputo runs a beautiful winery in the hills right halfway between Pisa and Florence. Their business is famous for focusing on monovarietal wines based on Malvasia, Colorino and Trebbiano Toscano. They are all clones of ancient vineyards present in their estate.

Carlotta is the managerof a riding ground in the hills around Casciana Terme. The horses are all very well trained and mild in character, perfect for horse-riding excursions with any kind of rider.