TASTING WITH TINA
L U C C A, I T A L Y
A P R I L 16 - 21, 2 0 2 3
"We believe that every day should be a celebration filled with good food and even better company." - Christina Musgrave
Experience a boutique week in Italy without having to plan anything!
Join food blogger, Christina Musgrave of 'Tasting with Tina' in Tuscany this spring for a delightful week of playful camaraderie in the kitchen. We'll visit charming towns, enjoy cocktail and charcuterie making, wine tasting in Chianti and learn simple, easy-to-repeat recipes the whole family will enjoy.
THE RETREAT
Spend five spectacular days at a private villa just outside the charming town of Lucca. During the week we'll have our own local private chef preparing delicious, homemade meals with locally-sourced ingredients. We'll also get plenty of chances to play in the kitchen, too. When we're not cooking, we'll do day trips to nearby Lucca, Greve in Chianti and Le Cinque Terre. We'll enjoy a cocktail-making class, a charcuterie-board session, a wine tasting and a trip to visit one of Tuscany's most famous chefs, Dario Cecchini.
ACCOMMODATION
Located just outside the picturesque Renaissance Tuscan town of Lucca (an hour's drive from Florence), we will have the exclusive use of a 17th century estate. The estate is comprised of a main villa, a rennovated farmhouse called the 'dependance' as well as several impeccably decorated private houses. Set amid olive groves near the River Serchio, we'll be surrounded by an abundance of green space perfect for wandering and gathering. In the villa, frescoed living areas will be for guests' use and cooking lessons will be held in the spacious designer country kitchen. The villa is large and spacious: its comfortable and well-designed rooms lend a dreamy home away from home feel.
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
CHIANTI & PANZANO
We'll stop in the gorgeous village of Montefioralle in the heart of Chianti to meet the vintner and tour his family-owned vineyard before trying some of his wines. Afterwards we'll head to lunch at eighth-generation family butcher and Chef's 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 vegetarian, a vegetarian menu is available.
LUCCA
We'll have a guided tour of the remarkable town of Lucca, famous for the 16th century well-preserved wall surrounding it. Also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini, you'll have the chance to visit Casa Puccini, a house museum. After the tour you'll have plenty of time to lunch, wander, stroll and shop.
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. We'll visit them all by ferry and with a local guide ready to steer you in the direction of the best spots each town has to offer.
COOKING, COCKTAIL & CHARCUTERIE CLASSES
What trip to Italy would be complete without a cooking class?
Christina will lead us in a sauce-making workshop, teaching us how to create authentic Italian sauces that are both tasty and easy to make. We'll also have a cocktail and charcuterie class, helping you hone your hosting skills. All cooking classes will be held at the villa in the gorgeous designer kitchen.