WORLDWIDE CULTURAL AND CULINARY VACATIONS
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An Enchanted Tuscan and Ligurian Culinary Retreat

(An Edible Destinations Epic Journey from our Connoisseur Class)

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Priced From
$5,998 USD *
For One Person, Double Occupancy
* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.
8 days | 7 nights

The Splendor of Tuscany and Liguria -
An Immersion into Cuisine, Culture and History

Nestled in the serene hills of Tuscany, we invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of Italian culture, cuisine, and history. Situated just 3 miles from the charming city of Lucca and just over 10 miles from Pisa Airport, the majestic Villa offers a haven of luxury, making it the ultimate destination for those seeking an authentic Tuscan experience. Step into the world of Italian splendor with Villa Michaela's exclusive culture, cuisine and history retreat. Unveil the secrets of Tuscan and Italian culinary artistry through a Seven-Day course that offers daily workshops in the traditional Limonaia kitchen. Delight in a sensorial journey through local markets and vineyards, gaining insights into the soul of the region. Envision crafting delectable Tuscan and Italian dishes under the guidance of skilled instructors, immersing yourself in the culinary heritage that has captivated the world. Take note of your senses as you cook, create, and connect with the essence of Italy. The experience culminates in savoring the fruits of your labor during leisurely lunches and dinners, set against the backdrop of the Villa's picturesque poolside or within the breathtaking frescoed dining room.
Small Group Friendly
Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.
7 Nights Luxury Accommodations
Round-Trip Pisa or Florence Airport Transfers
Or Round-Trip Train Station Transfers
Tuscan Breakfast Each Morning
Welcome Tuscan Dinner at the Villa
Guided Tour of Lucca with Lunch
Five Chef-lead Cooking Classes
Villa Torrigiani Visit
Wine Estate Visit with Wine Tastings
Lunches & Dinners Per Itinerary
Guided Tour of Florence
Florentine Trattoria Lunch
Pizza Making Party with Dinner
Pistoia Food Market Visit
Montecatini Alto Tour with Lunch
Lucca Sightseeing & Shopping Tour
Full Day Tour of the Cinque Terre
Vernazza Guided Tour
Farewell Gala Dinner at the Villa
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
7 Night, 8 Day Tour Starting on Saturday and ending on Saturday for select departures throughout the season. Click the orange "Check Pricing & Dates" button to view availability.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows () to show details
Day 1
Airport or Train Station Transfers | Arrival and Check Into the Villa | Welcome Dinner
On your arrival day into Italy, you will be met at the Pisa or Florence Airport, or if you prefer, from the Lucca Train Station, and transferred to the Villa. A wonderful, yet relaxing welcome dinner will be served in the Villa's frescoed dining room.
Day 2
Tuscan Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
Guided Tour of Lucca | Lunch at a Favorite Trattoria | Shopping | Cooking Demonstration
After breakfast you will enjoy a guided tour of historic Lucca with an English speaking guide. You will lunch at one of the Villa's favorite restaurants. After lunch enjoy shopping in the boutiques of Lucca before returning to the Villa where you will enjoy a late afternoon cooking demonstration in the traditional Limonaia kitchen with the Chef. Dinner this evening will be at the Villa at 8 PM.
Day 3
Tuscan Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
Villa Torrigiani Visit | Tenuta di Valgiano Wine Estate | Lunch | Hands-On Cooking Class
This morning you will leave for a private guided tour of Villa Torrigiani at Camigliano, a magnificent rococo estate dating back to the 16th century and set in a beautiful park with a nymphaeum. After the tour you will travel onto Tenuta di Valgiano, a magnificent wine estate in the hills of Lucca. There you will have a wine tasting and lunch with the owners who are experienced wine makers. In the late afternoon you'll enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson followed by dinner at the Villa.
Day 4
Tuscan Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
Guided Tour of Florence | Florentine Trattoria Lunch | Pizza Making Dinner Party
After breakfast you will leave for the Lucca Train Station for Florence with a member of the Villa's team. The qualified, bilingual Florence tourist guide will meet you at the Train Station and spend the day guiding you to the most important sites, concluding with lunch at a typical Florentine trattoria. After a leisurely afternoon, you will arrive back to the Villa where you'll enjoy an early evening pizza party where dinner is prepared in the traditional farmhouse pizza oven.
Day 5
Tuscan Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
Pistoia Food Market Visit | Montecatini Alto Lunch | Hills-of-the-North Cooking Lesson
After an early breakfast this morning you will depart for the famous Pistoia Food Market, a wonderful photographic opportunity as this cornucopia of plenty unfolds against the backdrop of this ancient city. In the early afternoon you will ride a funicular up to Montecatini Alto, an idyllic medieval village with incredible views. In the late afternoon you will return to the Villa for a hands-on cooking lesson called "Hills-of-the-North." Dinner will be at the Villa at the conclusion of your culinary instruction.
Day 6
Tuscan Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
Hands-On Cooking Lesson with Lunch | Sightseeing & Shopping in Lucca | Opera Recital in San Giovanni Church
This morning you will have another cooking lesson where you'll learn some of the secrets of pasta making followed by a traditional Tuscan lunch. Then leave for Lucca for some more sightseeing and shopping in this historic walled city. This evening you will attend an opera recital in San Giovanni church which is a one hour full of Puccini's and Verdi's best know arias delivered by a professional soprano and tenor. Dinner this evening will be at one of the Villa's preferred restaurants.
Day 7
Tuscan Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
Full Day Touring the Cinque Terre | Vernazza Guided Tour | Farewell Gala Dinner
Today journey to Liguria where you'll spend the day in Cinque Terre enjoying a train ride along the coastline. You'll lunch in the beautiful village of Vernazza with its stunning views of the sea. In the afternoon you will return to the Villa where you will enjoy a short opera recital in the Villa's stunning chapel along with their own in-house mezzo soprano. This evening you will be treated to a farewell gala dinner at the Vila.
Day 8
Tuscan Breakfast
This morning you will enjoy a traditional Tuscan breakfast that embodies the simplicity and authenticity that characterizes the region's culinary traditions. Tuscan breakfasts are a reflection of the region's commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and celebrating the flavors of the land. It's a meal that encourages savoring simple pleasures and setting the tone for a day filled with authentic culinary experiences.
Check-Out and Departure | Transfers to Airport or Train Station
Your final day has come too soon, but it is time to pack your bags with a new appreciation for "la dolce vita" at its finest, and travel back to your departure Airport or Train Station. Remember, short excursion packages are often available in nearby cities or historic destinations (such as Rome or Venice). Should you desire an extension, please let your Culinary Travel Specialist know prior to your departure. May your future travels come from sweet dreams and create tasty memories!
Lucca, ItalyFlorence, ItalyVernazza, ItalyPistoia, ItalyMontecatini Alto, Italy
Winner
OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
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Member of ASTA Member of ATTA Member of GSTC