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.
An Enchanted Tuscan and Ligurian Culinary Retreat
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ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
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
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Airport or Train Station Transfers | Arrival and Check Into the Villa | Welcome DinnerOn 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
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Tuscan BreakfastThis 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.
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Guided Tour of Lucca | Lunch at a Favorite Trattoria | Shopping | Cooking DemonstrationAfter 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
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Tuscan BreakfastThis 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.
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Villa Torrigiani Visit | Tenuta di Valgiano Wine Estate | Lunch | Hands-On Cooking ClassThis 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
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Tuscan BreakfastThis 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.
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Guided Tour of Florence | Florentine Trattoria Lunch | Pizza Making Dinner PartyAfter 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
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Tuscan BreakfastThis 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.
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Pistoia Food Market Visit | Montecatini Alto Lunch | Hills-of-the-North Cooking LessonAfter 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
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Tuscan BreakfastThis 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.
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Hands-On Cooking Lesson with Lunch | Sightseeing & Shopping in Lucca | Opera Recital in San Giovanni ChurchThis 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
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Tuscan BreakfastThis 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.
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Full Day Touring the Cinque Terre | Vernazza Guided Tour | Farewell Gala DinnerToday 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
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Tuscan BreakfastThis 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.
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Check-Out and Departure | Transfers to Airport or Train StationYour 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!
Villa Michaela
Situated in the countryside just outside Lucca, guests can experience life as it was meant to be. A picturesque, eccentric and historic atmosphere from the 18th Century, but with all the modern facilities to ensure your comfort. Savor the villa experience, lounge by the pool over an al fresco lunch, or work up an appetite on the tennis courts surrounded by olive orchards. Set on 50 acres of pine forests and olive groves, this Italian retreat welcomes guests to hillside splendor just south of the famous walled city of Lucca. With its restored frescoes, wine cellar in the old Coach House and spacious kitchen in the Limonaia (where lemon trees were traditionally stored each winter), every aspect of this 11 bedroom, 11 bath residence offers an enchanting immersion into estate living, Tuscany-style. The Villa is luxuriously furnished in the style of an English country house, and the views of spectacular sunsets can be seen from virtually every room.
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
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Do you recommend Travel Protection?
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and
your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include
coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency
Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information
on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex
Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
Gifts and Gift Cards
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries
and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including
limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA
Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire
Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company),
1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N
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