In the heart of bella Tuscany lies the historic town of Lucca, filled with whispers of Ancient Rome and the Renaissance times. This beautiful city is known as la Città d’Arte, City of Art. Set in 16th-century stone walls, Lucca combines pedestrian pathways, trattorias and caffés that spill onto sidewalks. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, the main square, dates to the second half of the 1st century and brims with charm, while the Piazza Napoleone is the largest square with a long, historic past. Enclosed by ancient palazzos built on a Roman amphitheater, the two squares are center stage for outdoor events and concerts. The Cattedrale di San Martino, the crown jewel landmark, is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. Beautiful artwork is housed inside, including the Volto Santo, meaning holy face, a wooden crucifix carved by Nicodemus and believed to have healing abilities. Lucca is also known for its 100 churches that pepper the small town.
Explore Lucca by bicycle, sip an aperitivo in the piazza, and visit the home of Giacomo Pucci. Pucci, an Italian composer, is known for his work in La Bohème, Tosca and Madama Butterfly. In July and August, enjoy the Festival Puccini, which celebrates the artist’s musical work.
Tuscan Cooking Classes in Lucca
Tie on your aprons for hands-on cooking classes and learn how to prepare delicious traditional Tuscan cuisine! In each cooking class, you will prepare full-course lunches and dinners under the direction of our Cesi Chef. Each cooking class includes three courses, antipasti, primi, and dessert. The menu changes with each month, as the kitchen’s motto is always farm-to-table fresh. Her classic desserts will always tempt with delights such as tiramisu, an Italian classic in which fresh-baked lady fingers are soaked with espresso and layered with a rich mascarpone cream and cantucci, a classic Tuscan biscotti dipped in Vin Santo, a sweet wine and literally translating to blessed wine.
Pisa
Discover Pisa, a city steeped in history and known for its Leaning Tower and Baptistery. The Leaning Tower, a free-standing bell tower, is an architectural wonder whose construction started in 1173. Pisa is laced with narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant shops and markets along with delectable restaurants, trattorias and caffes. The town is also the birthplace of Italian astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei, known as the father of modern science.
Lucca Accommodations – 4 – Star Luxury Villa
Check in and relax in the countryside property set in serene surroundings of centuries-old olive groves and refined vineyards – and just a short distance from Lucca’s historical town center. The villa is a quintessential example of late 14th-century architecture, boasting three floors surrounded by a characteristic stone boundary wall and an original Romanesque archway crowned with the villa’s emblem. Guests are greeted by the ancient hall adorned with a vaulted ceiling and pastel frescoes supported by artful pillars. The main floor houses Renaissance frescoes and the restaurant, while a spacious wine cantina is in the wine cellar with a collection of precious wines waiting to be opened. Each luxury room is adorned with comfortable Italian linens, modern amenities and a private ensuite bath. The villa’s gardens and swimming pool offer a peaceful escape with spacious Italian gardens lined with centuries-old cypress trees, sunflowers, and the signature flower, camellias of Lucca. The infinity pool and lounge area are set among the olive trees in a serene oasis ensuring peace and quiet.
Click for Property Photo Gallery
Tuscan Wines
Enjoy the wines of Lucca in the heart of Tuscany. The Montecarlo Hills are located just outside Lucca and have long been celebrated for their outstanding wines, a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. The notable wineries in this region are Tignaia, La Vigna del Sole, Mazzini, Mazzarosa, and Fubbiano, each one better than the next. During your stay, experience the wine made with biodynamic farming practices by wine growers who are passionate about keeping their tradition alive. These passionate vintners and sommeliers are committed to producing wines that are not only exquisite but also sustainably made, preserving the integrity of Lucca’s vineyards for generations to come.
But the region’s expertise doesn’t stop at wine. The olive oil produced in Lucca is equally renowned, as the hills surrounding the city boast groves of ancient olive trees nurtured by the mild Tuscan climate. Many wineries also produce premium olive oils, which, like the wine, are made with a dedication to quality and sustainability. This extra-virgin olive oil has a distinctively rich, grassy flavor with hints of pepper, providing a perfect accompaniment to local cuisine.
Itinerary ~ 5 days 4 nights
Day 1: Arrival and Check In
- Pick up and transfer from Lucca Train Station to the property.
- Check in and relax. Enjoy your Cooking Vacations’ Welcome Bag with Prosecco.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tuscan Welcome Dinner with a full-course Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring an antipasto, main course and dessert.
Day 2: Cooking Class 1
- Breakfast is served.
- Meet your driver and discover the town of Lucca. Meet with our Cesi Chef for a market tour that will introduce you to the region’s best produce and products. Farm-to-table ingredients are the key ingredient in the kitchen.
- Following the market tour, tie on your aprons for a hands-on cooking class with our executive Cesi Chef preparing three courses of local fare. Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys lunch, which includes the food that was prepared in the cooking class with a toast of wine included
- After your cooking class and lunch, the afternoon is free. Return to the property and relax by the pool, explore the gardens or walk through the olive grove.
- Later in the evening, enjoy a Tuscan dinner at the property.
Day 3: Excursion to Pisa and Lucca
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, discover Pisa and its Leaning Tower. Meet your driver and English-speaking guide. Enjoy a walking tour to the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and through the grounds.
- Following Pisa, continue to Lucca with your driver. Explore the beautiful town, enjoy a gelato, visit a landmark or shop in any one of the artisan boutiques.
- Later in the evening, enjoy dinner on your own with suggestions provided.
Day 4: Cooking Class 2, Olive Oil Tasting & Wine Tour Tasting Lunch
- Breakfast is served.
- Following breakfast, tie on your aprons for a hands-on cooking class. Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys lunch, which includes the food that was prepared in the cooking class.
- After your cooking class and lunch, meet your driver an excursion to an award-winning Montecarlo vineyard and cantina in the countryside. Your driver will take you to one of the most renowned wineries where you will tour the property, visit the cantina, and then enjoy a wine tasting with Tuscan finger foods and extra virgin olive oil.
- Following the tour, return to the property.
- Later in the evening, enjoy a Tuscan dinner at the property.
Day 5: Cooking Class 3 – Desserts!
- Breakfast is served.
- Check out & departure transfer to Airport or Station.
- Arrivederci!
Program includes:
- 4 nights and 5 days in a 4 – Star Luxury Villa.
- Welcome Dinner with a Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring a Tuscan antipasto, fresh pasta and sauce, main course and dessert.
- 2 Hands-on cooking classes preparing a full-course traditional menu including an antipasto, fresh pasta and sauce, main course and dessert. Lunch or dinner follows and includes the foods that were prepared in the cooking class with local white or red wine and coffee included.
- Excursion to Lucca with English-speaking and driver.
- Excursion to Pisa and the Leaning Tower with English-speaking driver.
- Transfers to and from the Lucca Train Station.
- Cooking Vacations’ Welcome Bag with chef’s apron, Prosecco and recipe book.
- A copy of Lauren’s cookbook, “It’s A Dream Place – Stories & Recipes of Food, Love and the Amalfi Coast.”
Program Prices
$3,095 per person based on two guests in a Classic room
For Single Guests: If you are traveling on your own, please call us for the best group price. We are happy to welcome you into an already scheduled group.