
Culture, Cuisine & History In Tuscany

Experience the Tuscan culture like never before in the luxurious setting of Villa Michaela and take away the skills to recreate at home. Learn how to cook Tuscan and Italian dishes with our Six-Day course including daily workshops in our traditional Limonaia kitchen and gastro-tours of local markets and vineyards. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with long lunches and dinners beside the pool or in our stunning frescoed dining room.
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Courses run for 6 nights.
Day Rates include:
6 Nights accommodation
All cooking workshops
All tours as per itinerary
Transportation for scheduled excursions
All food & wine consumed at the Villa
Rates include restaurant visits and transportation
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PREMIUM ROOM $5,750 USD per person for a 6-night stay at Villa Michaela
DELUXE ROOM $4,900 USD per person for a 6-night stay at Villa Michaela
Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking.
Group discounts available – please inquire for details.
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A deposit of 30% is required upon booking with the remaining balance due within 8 weeks of arrival.
Full refund if cancelled 31 days or more before the arrival date.

DATES
March 8, Sunday - March 14, Saturday 2026.
March 15, Sunday- March 21, Saturday 2026.
March 22, Sunday- March 28, Saturday 2026.
October 11, Sunday - October 17, Saturday 2026.
October 18, Sunday - October 24, Saturday 2026.
November 8, Sunday - November 14, Saturday 2026.
November 15, Sunday - November 21, Saturday 2026.
Itinerary
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Day 1 & 2
Arrival & Lucca Immersion
As dusk settles, opera enthusiasts have the optional opportunity (additional cost of €25) to attend a moving one-hour opera recital at 7 PM in the atmospheric Chiesa San Giovanni. (For more details, visit www.puccinielasualucca.com).
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Day 3
Pisa's Icons & Livorno's Coastal Charm
Day three brings us to the iconic cities of Pisa and Livorno. We'll begin our exploration in Pisa, where you'll marvel at the world-famous Leaning Tower and the breathtaking Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). This stunning complex also includes the magnificent Duomo (Cathedral), a true masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and one of Italy's most significant religious buildings.
After our captivating morning in Pisa, we'll continue our journey to the coastal city of Livorno.
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Day 4
Puccini's Legacy, Artistic Marble & Carrara Quarries
Late afternoon we will return to Villa Michaela for cooking instruction and dinner.
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Day 5
The Splendor of Cinque Terre
Today, we'll embark on a full-day excursion to the spectacular Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most iconic coastal regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine five colorful villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—perched dramatically along the Ligurian coastline, each offering breathtaking views, vibrant culture, and a timeless Mediterranean charm.
Our journey will take us through some of these enchanting villages, where we'll explore narrow winding streets, terraced vineyards, and picturesque harbors. You'll have ample time to stroll, shop for local treasures, capture stunning photos, or simply soak in the captivating seaside atmosphere. Depending on the weather and conditions, we may travel between villages by train or boat, offering different, equally stunning perspectives of this magnificent coastline.
For lunch, we'll settle into a local seaside trattoria and savor fresh Ligurian seafood and other regional specialties. After a full day of discovery and beauty along the coast, we'll return in the late afternoon to Villa Michaela for a restful evening at the Villa with dinner. There will be no cooking instruction this evening.
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Day 6
Lucca Countryside Charm & Tuscan Delights
On Day 6, we'll stay delightfully close to home, immersing ourselves in the elegance, history, and exquisite flavors of the Lucca countryside.
Our day begins with a visit to Villa Torrigiani, one of the region's most beautiful and historic villas. Surrounded by stunning Italian gardens and brimming with Baroque charm, the villa offers a captivating glimpse into aristocratic life from centuries past.
Next, we'll continue to Fattoria Maionchi, a traditional Tuscan estate celebrated for its exceptional wines, olive oil, and warm hospitality. Here, we'll indulge in a delightful wine tasting experience, paired with a lunch featuring authentic local products and delicious seasonal dishes. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and savor the true tastes of Tuscany in an authentic setting.
After our wonderful time at Maionchi, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish:
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You may return to Villa Michaela for some well-earned rest and relaxation amidst our beautiful gardens.
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Or, if you prefer, you can head into Lucca for some afternoon shopping, exploring the city's elegant boutiques, artisan shops, and charming streets within its historic walls.
Before dinner there will be cooking instruction.
Dinner will be served back at Villa Michaela, bringing a perfect close to your day.
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Day 7
Farewell Tuscany
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Seasonal Notes
February – Viareggio Carnival, one of Italy’s most spectacular parades
March – Camellia Festival, celebrating blooming gardens near Villa Michaela
October – Lucca Comics & Games, Europe’s largest comics and pop culture event
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Cancellation Policy: If Guest wishes to cancel his/her reservation, the deposit will be refunded by 50% if cancelled at least 150 days in prior to the Check-in Date for any reason. Cancellations requested less then 150 days in prior to the Check-in Date will be not refundable. Only in case of entry or exit restrictions in UK, USA or in Italy, no taxes will be charged for postponing the date of your rental, in base of our availability.
BUT… if you do not cancel, but only want to change your date and notify us of this change 30 days before your arrival date, we can re-schedule your date one time.