ITALY
La Dolce Vita | Mahjong in Tuscany with Coastal Mahjong
April 25 - 30, 2027
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Chianti, Tuscany
April 25 – 30, 2027
Dates
5 nights
Trip Duration
£3,900
Shared rooms starting at
Join us for five glorious days in the Chianti region of Tuscany, where the plan is simple: eat exceptionally well, drink good wine, discover beautiful places, play plenty of mahjong and remember that doing absolutely nothing is the definition of "la dolce vita" and sometimes an excellent use of an afternoon.
Our home for the retreat is a beautiful villa on an established modern farm estate in the heart of Chianti, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and those seemingly endless rolling Tuscan hills.
From there, we’ll explore some of the best of the region at an appropriately leisurely pace. There will be wonderful food, beautiful villages, long lunches, time around the pool, plenty of mahjong and, most importantly, no need to rush anywhere. Just five days of good company and a little taste of La Dolce Vita.
The Accommodation
Stay in Luxury Boutique Villas on a Tuscan Farm Estate
Set within an established estate among the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti, we’ll have the exclusive use of a private, one-bedroom cottage, a two two-bedroom cottage and a six-bedroom villa, giving you a choice of private, single or shared accommodation.
The Experience
Experiencing the best of the Chianti region of Tuscany
Using the villa as a base during the week, we'll take day trips to nearby Greve in Chianti and Panzano. We'll enjoy a wine tasting at a top winery, lunch at world-famous butcher, Dario Cecchini's Officina della Bistecca, a cooking class at the villa, and of course, dinners prepared by a private, locally-based chef followed by relaxed evenings of mahjong.
Greve in Chianti
Chianti, as you might have heard, is famous for its red wine. We’ll take full advantage of this fact, enjoying a tour and tasting of one of its most authentic, charming family-owned wineries before wandering the charming village the region is named after.
8th-Generation Family Butcher
We'll experience the best Chianti has to offer at a top, award-winning winery where we'll have a tour and tasting. Afterwards we'll head to lunch at eighth-generation family butcher and Chef Table's Dario Cecchini's Antica Macelleria - Officina della Bistecca. (Vegetarian options available.)
Cooking Class
A cooking class will be held at the in the villa’s gorgeous kitchen by a local English-speaking chef well-versed in teaching Italian recipes to those who want to take them home and integrate them into their weekly repertoire.
Andrea Berry of Coastal Mahjong
A note from
Mahjong is more than a game to me—it is a passion, a community, and a way of life. I have channeled that love into teaching classes, running tournaments, and building competitive leagues that bring players of all skill levels together. There is nothing quite like watching a beginner place their first winning tile or witnessing seasoned players challenge one another to new heights around the tournament table.
My vision for mahjong, however, extends far beyond the game itself. I believe it deserves to be experienced in extraordinary places, which is why I am thrilled to be planning an upcoming mahjong retreat with Duende in Perugia—a destination as layered and captivating as the game itself. I also hold a deep affection for Italy, a country I have visited many times, and especially for Umbria, whose rolling hills, medieval towns, and rich, unhurried culture provide the perfect setting for meaningful play and genuine connection.
At its heart, everything I do is guided by the belief that mahjong has the power to bring people together in the most beautiful ways imaginable, and I look forward to sharing a seat at the table with you in beautiful Perugia, Italy!
“
Inclusions
Prices are per person and include:
April 25 – 30, 2027
Dates
5 nights
Trip Duration
£3,900
Shared rooms starting at
Arrive early, stay late.
Let us help create the perfect add-on experience to enhance your trip. Both Rome and Florence are great places to spend a few nights in on either end of your retreat.
Rome
Florence
FAQs
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If you're coming from the US your best bet is to fly into Rome Fiumicino or Florence. From Rome you can take a train to our meeting point in Florence on the start day of the retreat.
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Yes, absolutely. We offer custom, add-on itineraries for those who'd like to spend a few days in Rome, Florence, or even the Amalfi Coast on either end of the trip. Write to us at duende@duenderetreats.com and we'll help with a bespoke itinerary suited to exactly what you're looking for or simply recommend or book your hotel if that’s what you need.
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This is an itinerary that would be enjoyable for anyone who likes to eat, laugh, walk, cook, wine taste and play mahjong. (Children and anyone under the age of 21 not permitted.)
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Yes. Once the trip is confirmed, you’ll automatically be added to a monthly payment plan with the final payment due 100 days prior to the start date of the trip. You can also opt out of the payment plan and pay in full 100 days prior to the trip start date.
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Deposits are nonrefundable unless there's a waiting list and someone would like to take your spot. In the case we are able to sell your spot, you will be refunded your deposit, less £250 admin / transaction fees.
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The full itinerary will be sent to you about a month prior to departure. If you have specific questions regarding the excursions, please do reach out to us.
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If you’re interested in booking, don’t wait! We full expect to sell out well in advance of our registration closing date, November 30th, 2026.
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All levels are welcome. However, if you’re a novice and have never played, we recommend getting a few lessons under your belt before the trip so you can relax and enjoy.
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Private transportation will be provided for all scheduled day trips. However, participants should expect several hours of walking throughout the week, often on uneven cobblestones and hilly terrain. For this reason, we recommend that guests are in good health, comfortable walking daily, and able to navigate inclines with ease.
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End of April in Tuscany is generally lovely, with daytime highs averaging around 65–68°F and evening/overnight lows in the mid-40s.
