Discover the quieter side of Tuscany as you settle into a beautifully restored 18th century villa nestled in the peaceful hills of the Garfagnana Valley just 15 km from Lucca. Breathe in the views of rolling hills, olive groves, and mesmerizing valleys. This is your invitation to truly slow down, relax, reconnect, and experience the Italian art of living well.

Designed to nourish both body and soul, this retreat blends wellness with unforgettable experiences that reveal Tuscany beyond the typical tourist path. Smell the ocean air along the breathtaking coastline of Cinque Terre, dip your toes in the water at an authentic Italian beach club in elegant Forte dei Marmi, cycle atop Lucca's centuries-old Renaissance walls, and soak in the healing thermal waters of historic Bagni di Lucca, a wellness tradition cherished for generations. Between each adventure, you'll return to the peaceful embrace of the villa to enjoy chef-prepared meals, exceptional local wines, and moments of quiet restoration surrounded by nature.

From intimate winery visits and authentic Tuscan cuisine to meaningful conversations, unhurried moments, and extraordinary experiences shared with like-minded women, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected. You'll return home with lasting friendships, treasured memories, and a renewed appreciation for slowing down and embracing la dolce vita.

• 8 days, 7 nights in a Tuscany villa

• 7 breakfasts

• 5 in-villa chef dinners with wine

• Daily travel escort

• Bike and walking tour of Lucca

• Puccini opera in Lucca

• Winery tour

• Cooking class

• Day trip to Cinque Terre

• Day trip to Forte dei Marmi with beach rental

• Day trip to the thermal baths of Bagni di Lucca

• Drivers, activities, guides

• Transport to and from villa and Lucca train station at scheduled times on arrival and departure days

• Airfare

• Travel insurance

• Transportation outside of the itinerary

• Meals, wine and alcohol outside of the itinerary

• Optional massage and healing therapies

• Optional guided boat tour in Cinque Terre

A driver will pick-up the group at a scheduled time in Lucca to transport you to our beautiful villa.

Meet your friends and hosts for the week and enjoy a welcome reception at the villa.

Experience Tuscany one glass at a time as you visit a family-owned winery where generations of winemakers have perfected the art of crafting exceptional wines. Stroll through sun-drenched vineyards, explore the cellars where tradition meets innovation, and hear the stories behind each vintage from the people whose passion has shaped the estate for decades.

Then settle in for a guided tasting of carefully selected wines paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and other regional specialties that highlight the flavors of Tuscany. As you sip, savor, and take in the breathtaking vineyard views, you'll discover that wine here is more than something to drink, it's a celebration of family, friendship, and the Italian joy of slowing down to appreciate life's simple pleasures.

Discover one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastal treasures as you journey to the enchanting Cinque Terre, where five colorful villages cling dramatically to the rugged cliffs overlooking the sparkling Ligurian Sea. From the moment you arrive, you'll be captivated by the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage landscape: towering cliffs, hidden coves, vibrant seaside villages, and panoramic views that seem to belong on a postcard.

More than a sightseeing excursion, this is a day to reconnect with nature, breathe in the salty sea air, and slow down to appreciate the simple pleasures of coastal Italy. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the rhythm of the waves, you'll experience the beauty, tranquility, and timeless charm that make Cinque Terre one of Italy's most treasured destinations.

Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting and well-preserved cities, where centuries of history unfold around every corner.

Your tour includes cycling along the city’s remarkable Renaissance walls, a peaceful, tree-lined pathway that has surrounded Lucca for more than 500 years and offers beautiful views of the historic rooftops, churches, and charming streets below.

As you wander beyond the walls, discover Lucca’s hidden treasures with a leisurely walking tour through its elegant piazzas, medieval alleyways, and historic landmarks. Learn the stories behind this captivating city, from its Roman origins and ancient towers to its connection with renowned composer Giacomo Puccini, while experiencing the authentic rhythm of daily Italian life.

In the evening you'll enjoy a stunning performance of a Puccini opera in town. The enchanting melodies and dramatic storytelling will transport you to another era, creating an unforgettable experience. This is a perfect way to spend your evening, surrounded by the magic of live music and the timeless works of one of the most celebrated composers in history.

Most cooking classes begin in a kitchen; ours begins with the ritual of shopping like a local.

Together with your chef, you'll take a leisurely stroll through Lucca's charming historic center, stopping at family-owned food shops and neighborhood botteghe tucked within the ancient city walls. Together, you'll select the freshest seasonal ingredients while learning how Italians shop daily, choosing produce, cheeses, bakery items, and herbs with care, just as generations of local families have done before them.

Back in the kitchen, you'll roll up your sleeves and transform your handpicked ingredients into authentic regional dishes, discovering the simple techniques and treasured family recipes that have been passed down through the generations.

Then, gather around the table with your fellow guests to savor the meal you've created together, accompanied by local wines, laughter, and the unmistakable joy of sharing food the Italian way.

Experience one of Italy's most cherished seaside traditions as you spend the day at an elegant beach club in Forte dei Marmi, where wellness is found in the simple pleasures of sun, sea, and unhurried time. Lounge beneath your private umbrella, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Ligurian Sea, and savor a leisurely lunch of freshly caught seafood or authentic Tuscan specialties at a beachfront restaurant with sweeping coastal views. As the afternoon unfolds, stroll through Forte dei Marmi's charming pedestrian center, where designer boutiques, artisan shops, and inviting cafés create the perfect ending to a day devoted to relaxation, renewal, and embracing the Italian art of living well.

When most people imagine Tuscany, they picture rolling vineyards, Renaissance towns, and unforgettable meals shared around a table. But there is another side of Tuscany that invites you to slow down and restore, one of ancient thermal waters, historic spa towns, and a wellness tradition that dates back to Roman times.

Nestled in the lush valleys of the Lucca countryside, where the Apuan Alps meet the Serchio River, Bagni di Lucca has been a destination for relaxation and renewal for centuries. Once a glamorous retreat beloved by European aristocracy, poets, and travelers on the Grand Tour, this charming spa town still holds the elegance and tranquility that made it famous. Today, it offers something even more precious, a peaceful escape where you can soak in naturally warm mineral waters, surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscan landscape.

During your visit, you'll experience the restorative benefits of this timeless Italian tradition while taking time to reconnect with yourself. Relax in the thermal waters, wander the charming streets of Bagni di Lucca, and embrace the simple pleasure of caring for your body and spirit, the Italian way.

Sadly, all good things must come to an end.  Our wish is that you leave with full hearts, feeling well-cared for and new friendships to cherish. 

A driver will take you to the train station at the scheduled departure time. 

We hope you join us on a future retreat!