Private Italian Cooking In A Historic Villa In The Hills Of Lucca (Groups of 10)

Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Lucca, Villa Michaela beckons culinary enthusiasts to embark on a private Italian cooking adventure. Within the villa’s historic walls, groups of up to 10 you will indulge in hands-on sessions with skilled local chefs, learning the secrets of authentic Tuscan cuisine. As the scent of simmering sauces and freshly baked breads fills the air, guests will savor the opportunity to craft their own delectable dishes, accompanied by the region’s finest wines. But the experience extends far beyond the kitchen, inviting guests to enjoy the villa’s captivating architecture and stunning vistas, creating memories that will linger long after the last bite.

Key Points

• Immerse in the essence of Tuscan cuisine through hands-on cooking classes in a historic villa, led by local experts.
• Savor a large Tuscan lunch with classic regional dishes, local wines, and homemade desserts, for groups of up to 10 participants.
• Explore the captivating architecture and rich heritage of Villa Michaela, with its charming courtyards and panoramic views.
• Experience the convivial atmosphere of the culinary adventure, embodying the essence of Italian living through shared enjoyment of food and wine.
• Flexible booking process with free cancellation, and easy access via public transportation near the villa.

Experience Overview

This private Italian cooking experience in a historic villa nestled in the hills of Lucca offers guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany.

Groups of up to 10 people will gather in the villa’s kitchen to learn from expert local chefs, crafting a large Tuscan lunch featuring classic regional dishes paired with local wines.

After the cooking lesson, guests will savor the fruits of their labor, indulging in a leisurely meal accompanied by coffee, tea, and decadent homemade desserts.

This immersive culinary adventure promises an unforgettable taste of la dolce vita in the enchanting Lucchese countryside.

Sample Menu

For this private cooking experience, guests embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Tuscany.

The sample menu offers a tantalizing selection of classic Italian dishes. To start, they can indulge in the rustic charm of bruschetta, the refreshing coolness of Tuscan gazpacho, or the rich, savory notes of prosciutto.

For the main course, guests can savor the tomato-based perfection of pasta al pomodoro, the earthy delight of tagliatelle con funghi, or the bold flavors of pasta all’amatriciana.

To cap off the meal, they’ll be treated to homemade gelato, the dreamy layers of tiramisu, or the comforting embrace of torta alla nonna.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Located in the verdant hills of Lucca, the meeting point for this private Italian cooking experience is Villa Michaela, formerly known as Villa Nottolini.

Ample parking is available at the villa, making it a convenient starting point. Guests will then be picked up in front of the tourist office at Piazzale Verde in Lucca, just a 15-minute drive away.

The experience concludes with a return to the villa, where the cooking and dining took place.

• Ample parking at Villa Michaela
• Pickup location at Piazzale Verde in Lucca
• Returns to the meeting point at Villa Michaela

Additional Details

Although the private Italian cooking experience is not wheelchair accessible, it is stroller accessible and allows service animals. Guests can conveniently access the villa via public transportation, as it is located near a stop. The experience runs from October 8, 2022, to June 30, 2025, with daily availability from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.

Start Time	Opening Hours	Accessibility
Confirm with local provider	10/8/2022 – 6/30/2025	Not wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, service animals allowed, near public transportation
	Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 02:30 PM

This private tour is for your group only, allowing for a personalized and immersive culinary adventure in the beautiful Tuscan countryside.

Booking and Pricing

Guests can secure their spot in this private Italian cooking experience by reserving now and paying later.

The cost for this culinary adventure starts at $1,603.86 per person. The booking process offers flexibility, with a free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Confirmation of the reservation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

This immersive experience includes:

• A large Tuscan lunch with local wine, coffee, tea, and dessert
• A private tour/activity for only your group
• Accessibility for strollers, service animals, and near public transportation

Immerse in Tuscan Cuisine

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Lucca, this private Italian cooking experience invites guests to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany.

Guests will don aprons and learn the art of Tuscan cooking from local experts, crafting authentic dishes like pasta al pomodoro, tagliatelle con funghi, and pasta all’amatriciana.

As aromas of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces fill the air, you will gain hands-on experience in the villa’s state-of-the-art kitchen.

The journey culminates in a lively Tuscan lunch, where guests savor their creations accompanied by local wines, coffee, and decadent homemade desserts like tiramisu and torta alla nonna.

Explore Historic Villa

Amidst the picturesque Tuscan landscape, visitors frequently discover the captivating Villa Michaela, formerly known as Villa Nottolini. This historic villa stands tall, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

Guests can explore its charming courtyards, admire the intricate architectural details, and bask in the tranquility of the surrounding hills. The villa’s allure extends beyond its physical beauty, inviting guests to enjoy the stories etched within its walls:

• The villa’s impressive history dates back centuries, with tales of aristocratic families and cultural significance.

• Meticulously preserved interiors showcase the region’s artistic traditions, from frescoed ceilings to ornate furnishings.

• Panoramic views from the villa’s vantage point create a captivating backdrop for the private cooking experience.

Unwind With Local Wine

As guests gather around the table, the rich aromas of Tuscan cuisine intermingle with the gentle swirling of ruby-hued wine.

Locally produced vintages from the surrounding hills are served, each offering a unique expression of the terroir. Vibrant notes of cherry, spice, and earth dance on the palate, complementing the homemade pastas and seasonal produce.

Conversations flow freely as sips are savored, and the stresses of the outside world fade away.

This convivial gathering allows guests to truly enjoy the essence of Italian living – where food, wine, and camaraderie converge to create an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request Dietary Restrictions to Be Accommodated?

Yes, the local provider can accommodate dietary restrictions. Simply notify them of any needs when booking, and they’ll customize the menu to ensure everyone enjoys a fulfilling and delicious Tuscan feast tailored to their preferences.

Is the Cooking Demonstration Conducted in English?

The cooking demonstration is conducted in English, allowing guests to fully engage with the chef and learn the authentic Tuscan cooking techniques. Language barriers won’t hinder the immersive culinary experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Experience?

The experience doesn’t have a strict dress code, but guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, casual attire. The focus is on enjoying the cooking demonstration and Tuscan lunch in a relaxed, authentic setting amidst the villa’s historic charm.

Are Professional Cooking Utensils Provided During the Class?

The cooking class provides all the necessary equipment and utensils, allowing guests to fully enjoy the hands-on experience. From cutting boards to ladles, the villa’s kitchen is stocked with professional-grade tools to ensure a seamless and enjoyable culinary journey.

Can I Purchase Additional Bottles of Local Wine After the Meal?

Guests can absolutely purchase additional bottles of the local Tuscan wine after the meal. The friendly staff is happy to facilitate any additional wine purchases to continue enjoying the flavors of the region throughout the afternoon.

Recap

Enjoy the captivating charm of Tuscany, where the scent of simmering Tuscan dishes and the warmth of local wines await. Craft authentic recipes alongside expert chefs, savor a sumptuous meal, and revel in the historic ambiance of Villa Michaela. This private cooking adventure promises an unforgettable taste of la dolce vita, nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Lucca.