At Onward Travel, we believe that meaningful connections, immersive experiences, and a deep appreciation for place are what make travel truly special. Our small group adventures are designed around those values, and no one embodies this spirit quite like Barbara Bandinelli – our beloved tour director and Florence native.
This September, Barbara will lead our Ladies Getaway to Venice tour, and only three spots remain! Next spring, she’ll return to one of her favorite regions for our Amazing Amalfi Coast tour – though with just one space left, it’s nearly full. With Barbara at the helm, these trips promise laughter, insight, incredible meals, and that unique sense of camaraderie that makes our tours unforgettable.
From Florence with Love
Barbara was born and raised in Florence, where she still lives – “in the country,” she says proudly, “where it’s peaceful and the house has big walls to keep it cool.” With a degree in languages and a long career in hospitality, Barbara became a licensed guide in Italy 15 years ago and started working with Onward Travel in 2018 after filling in on a tour and immediately clicking with the group.
Since then, Barbara has led Onward Travel tours across Italy – Amalfi, Sicily, Puglia, Tuscany – and she’s become a guest favorite. “I think I’ve led eight or nine trips now,” she estimates. “The guests are always so happy. That’s what keeps me coming back.”
An Onward Original
Barbara’s warmth and openness set the tone for each tour. “I’m a very open person,” she explains. “The travelers know everything about me by the end of the week! I think of them as psychologists. I share my life with them, and they share theirs with me.”
That connection often lasts well beyond the tour. “We still have our WhatsApp groups from trips. They send pictures and check in regularly. When a hurricane hit Florida last fall, some of our travelers were from that area so we were all messaging to make sure everyone was okay. You build something real.”
Venice and the Art of Slow Travel
This fall’s trip to Venice offers travelers a chance to see La Serenissima (translates to ‘the most serene’ and refers to the Republic of Venice in medieval and Renaissance times) beyond the tourist trail. “We’re doing a beautiful canal cruise, we’ll get in a rowing session, and I’m really excited for the fine dining cooking lesson,” Barbara says. “Plus, we’ll spend time on the ‘Prosecco Road’ the epicenter of Italy’s bubbly production.”
With Barbara leading the way, you won’t just see Venice – you’ll feel like part of it. Her love for local artisans, family-run businesses, and off-the-beaten-path experiences brings each destination to life. “It’s not just sightseeing,” she says. “We meet the real people behind the unique experiences. Like the cheese maker in Amalfi, Biagio Staiano who invites us into his artisanal cheese factory. That’s not something you forget.”
Barbara with Chef Jenna Arcidiacono of Amore Trattoria Italiana
The Heart of Amalfi
Barbara has a soft spot for the Amalfi Coast, where she’ll return in spring 2026. “It’s so beautiful,” she says, “especially early in the morning or at night, when the crowds are gone.” Her intimate knowledge of the region means travelers explore like insiders – avoiding the cruise ship throngs and discovering hidden gems with Barbara leading the way.
One of her favorite moments? “Waking up early and walking the hills in Amalfi. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, it’s magic.”
Food, Family, and Fun
A passionate home cook, Barbara even leads cooking classes when the opportunity arises. “I love cooking,” she says. “Yesterday, I made three types of bruschetta, ravioli, limoncello tiramisu… and I’m always learning more. I’m very proud of my orecchiette now!”
Food is a pillar of every Onward journey, and Barbara helps to ensure each bite is meaningful. “Onward supports small producers, real families,” she explains. “You see the passion. In Puglia, the cheesemaker’s whole family is involved. You can feel it – it’s not just a business. It’s their life.”
The Barbara Effect
Travelers adore Barbara – and it shows in their tour feedback:
“Barbara, our guide, was phenomenal—personable, thoughtful, well prepared, and a lot of fun!” – Mike and Fi Kieffer
“She was AWESOME! So patient… read the group well… really made the trip extra great!” – Joanne Shaner
“Our guide, Barbara, gets a 10. It was clear she cared about each and every one of us.” – Carolyn Smith-Gerdes
“Barbara couldn’t do enough for all of us. She is an asset to Onward Travel.” – Myrna Rivera
It’s not just her knowledge or her ability to make everyone feel seen – it’s the way Barbara leads with heart. As one traveler put it, “If Barbara ever comes to the States, we’ll show her around. That’s how much we love her.” Barbara says if she ever does make it back to America, she will not need to pay for a single night in a hotel. She can just hop all over the country to visit with the friends she has made on her trips!
Join Barbara in Italy
Barbara will tell you she gets bored easily but never when she’s leading an Onward tour. “It’s my way to keep growing, to change things up, to connect,” she says. “And I just love it.”
With only a few spots left on her upcoming trips, now’s the time to join Barbara in Italy. Whether you’re gliding through Venice’s canals or boating to Capri on the Amalfi Coast, your journey with her will be rich with flavor, laughter, and unforgettable connection.
Three spots left for Ladies Getaway in Venice this September.
One spot left for the Amazing Amalfi Coast in May 2026 – for a solo traveler.