Lucca & Liguria with 4Blondes Mahjong
ITALY
April 18th - 23rd, 2027
Lucca & Liguria, Italy
Join us, along with Audrey Maw of 4Blondes Mahjong, for five nights in the rolling Tuscan countryside just outside the enchanting walled city of Lucca. Our home for the week is the perfect base for discovering two of Italy's most captivating regions: Tuscany and Liguria.
We'll wander Lucca's charming cobblestone streets on a guided tour, stroll atop its famous tree-lined Renaissance walls, linger in sun-drenched piazzas, and savor the region's exceptional food and wine at an unhurried pace.
We'll also spend a day in Liguria exploring the breathtaking Cinque Terre, where vibrant fishing villages tumble down dramatic cliffs into the sparkling Mediterranean. By evening, we’ll enjoy mahjong back at the villa before and after dinner prepared by our very own private chef.
✦ Enjoy a cooking class at the villa
✦ Enjoy delicious food at Dario Cecchini’s Officina della Bistecca
Highlights
✦ Savor Tuscan wines at beautiful, award-winning winery
✦ Wander Lucca and Le Cinque Terre on guided tours
The Accommodation
We’ll stay in an exclusive 15th-century Tuscan villa
Located just outside the picturesque Renaissance Tuscan town of Lucca (an hour's drive from Florence), we will have the exclusive use of a restored 15th century Tuscan villa. The property is comprised of a main villa and a nearby cottage, sleeping up to nine guests. Set amid olive groves near the River Serchio, we'll be surrounded by an abundance of green space perfect for wandering and gathering.
Le Cinque Terre
Spend the day enjoying the 'five lands' or as they're better known: Le Cinque Terre. These stunning villages, perched on steep craggy cliffs, are some of the most picturesque, panoramic views in all of Italy.
Greve in Chianti
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.
Dario is quite a character and offers a fun, fascinating, not to mention unforgettable experience. Don't worry if you're a vegetarian, a vegetarian menu is 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.
The Experience
Explore Tuscany & Liguria
Using the villa as a base during the week, we'll take day trips to nearby Lucca, Greve in Chianti and Le Cinque Terre (which is in the region of Liguria). 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.
Audrey Maw
The journey of
Audrey Maw is the founder and owner of 4 Blondes Mahjong, a company dedicated to bringing people together through the timeless game of American Mahjong.
Audrey Maw is the founder of 4 Blondes Mahjong, a community dedicated to bringing people together through American Mahjong. Since launching the company, she has introduced thousands of players to the game through lessons, leagues, tournaments, retreats, corporate events, fundraisers, and private experiences across multiple states.
Known for her energetic teaching style and welcoming approach, Audrey believes Mahjong is about far more than strategy—it's about connection, friendship, and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong. Alongside her daughters and growing team of instructors, she continues to grow 4 Blondes Mahjong with one mission at its heart: there's always a seat for you at the table.
Inclusions
Prices are per person and include:
Shared rooms starting at
£4150 per person
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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We recommend you fly into Pisa or Florence as both are in close proximity to Lucca. Alternatively, you can fly into Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and take a train to Lucca.
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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 designed 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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While there won’t be anything super strenuous, there is a considerable amount of walking involved. You do need to be physically fit and well to attend.
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Yes. We require a nonrefundable deposit to confirm your booking. Once the trip is confirmed, we’ll send an email with more details as well as set everyone up on an automatic payment plan. If you prefer not to be on the payment plan, there’s also the option to pay in full 100 days prior to the start date of the retreat.
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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, Sept 30th, 2026.
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While all levels are welcome, if you’re a true novice, we recommend having a few lessons to familiarize yourself with the game before arriving in Italy.
Our trips, tailored to you.
Any of our trips can be tailored to suit your needs. Click on the button below and fill out our simple easy form and we’ll send you a quote.
