Villa Benelli’s All-Inclusive
Tuscan Culinary & Culture Experience!
This Experience has it all — featuring immersion into Tuscan tradition: learn the secrets of the local culinary culture with hands-on cooking classes and dining experiences; Tuscan history highlighted with in-depth sightseeing tours of the ancient cities of Pisa, Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Lucca, and Florence; and 7 days/6 nights all-inclusive at our elegant estate in the heart of Tuscany!
Land Only • 7 Days, 6 Nights All-Inclusive Stay at historic Villa Benelli • €5,150 per guest
Culinary Itinerary Highlights:
Day 1: Arrive in Pisa, Transportation to Villa Benelli, and Villa Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Cooking Class #1, Villa lunch, Tour of Pisa, Villa Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Cooking Class #2, Villa lunch, Tour of Pietrasanta and Viareggio, Villa Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast, Tour of Lucca, Winery lunch, Cooking Class #3, Villa Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, Day trip to Florence, Lunch in Florence, Villa Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast, Cooking Class #4, Villa Lunch, Free Time or Optional Activity, Villa Dinner Event
Day 7: Breakfast, Check out of Villa Benelli, Transportation to Pisa Airport or Train Station
What’s Included:
-
Private luxury transportation for your group to the Villa upon arrival at the Pisa airport or train station to Villa Benelli on Day 1; transportation back to the Pisa airport or train station on Day 7; and for itinerary excursions
- An Exclusive Stay – your group of 2 to 7 people will be the only guests at the Villa
- 7 Days, 6 Nights accommodations at historic Villa Benelli
- Stay in one of six elegant Villa Benelli guest suites (maximum 2 persons per room, no single supplement!) with queen bed and private full bathroom
- Fast Wifi throughout the Villa
- Daily housekeeping
- In-room mini-fridge stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks
- Welcome drink
- Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Beverages, including Villa wine and beer, with your meals
- 4 Hands-on Cooking Classes with the Villa Chefs
- A collection of recipes from your cooking classes, notebook and pens, apron, and chef’s hat
- All excursions as described in the itinerary
- English speaking local guides
- Secure parking at the Villa
Fare (per person):
- €5,150 Per Person for groups of 2 to 7 people; price in dollars supplied upon request due to varying currency conversion rates
- No Single Supplement!
- A non-refundable deposit of 50%, €2,575 per person, is required to reserve
- The balance is due 30 days prior to arrival at Villa Benelli
- Payment can be made by credit card (a surcharge of 3% is added for payments by credit card) or by bank-to-bank electronic funds transfer (bank fee may apply)
What’s Not Included:
- Land-only tour begins upon your arrival in Pisa. Tour fare does not include airfare or train fare or any transportation other than specified in the tour
-
Additional services and activities not listed in the itinerary. Optional activities are available with advance reservation and at an additional cost. Please see the Optional Activities page for more information.
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
2025 7-Day Stays Available:
- January 20-27
- February 17-24 Carnival Month!
- March 17-24
- April 14-21
- May 19-26
- June 9-16
- September 8-15
- October 20-27
- November 17-24
YOUR ITINERARY:
Landing in a Magic Country!
Day 1 Sunday
Your extraordinary Tuscan Experience begins upon your arrival to Pisa Airport or Train Station where you will be greeted by the Villa’s skilled private driver and escorted to a luxury vehicle for the scenic drive to Villa Benelli.
Upon your arrival to Villa Benelli, you will be warmly welcomed and enjoy an aperitivo with your host, Dunia Gobbi Benelli.
As your luggage is transferred to your cozy bedroom, take pleasure in having arrived at one of the most majestic villas of this region.
Explore the expansive gardens, view the surrounding olive orchards, and spy Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower from the Villa’s grand terrace.
Start your culinary week with a Villa Tuscan dinner enjoyed al fresco or in the elegant dining room with the rhythm of Italian music and an awe-inspiring Mediterranean sunset.
Traditional Tuscan Cuisine Cooking Experience #1 and Pisa!
Day 2 Monday
Buongiorno! Wake to the aroma of coffee and a delectable array of breakfast dishes to fortify you for your first cooking lesson and an exploration of Pisa.
After breakfast, you will join the Villa chef for a hands-on cooking lesson using fresh produce and local products to prepare a variety of Tuscan dishes.
For lunch, enjoy the fruits of your labor from this morning’s cooking experience paired with a glass of wine from the Villa’s wine room or a beverage of your choice.
This afternoon, relax as your driver transports you to nearby Pisa for an afternoon walking tour with your knowleable guide.
A traditional Tuscan dinner awaits your return to the Villa. Raise a glass to toast a memorable day in Tuscany. Salute!
A Journey Through Pisa
This afternoon we explore Pisa, one of the most important Sea Republics in the Middle Ages. The vast wealth gathered by merchants all around the Mediterranean Sea contributed to the building of eternal monuments including the famous Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery, all located in the vast Field of Miracles. From the Field of Miracles to the historical center of Pisa and on to the River Arno, your guide will disclose the stories and secrets of this amazing medieval city. Along this journey, you will visit the best gelato maker in Pisa to savor artisanal Italian gelato made fresh daily with seasonal Italian ingredients.
Traditional Tuscan Cuisine Cooking Experience #2…and a visit to Pietrasanta and Viareggio, two pearls on the Tuscan Coast!
Day 3 Tuesday
This morning, sit down to a sumptuous breakfast at the Villa followed by your second cooking class with the Villa Chef.
Today, the Villa chef will guide you through the steps to prepare a Tuscan menu that, to the delight your taste buds, will be served for your lunch.
Later this afternoon, your private driver will transport you down the lush hillside for a guided visit to the coastal towns of Pietrasanta and Viareggio.
Upon your return to the tranquil setting of Villa Benelli, you will be served a delicious dinner with local wine and beverages of your choice.
An Afternoon on the Tuscan Coast in Pietrasanta & Viareggio
Pietrasanta, locally known as “Little Athens,” is home to some of the most important artisan workshops in the world and contributes to the presence of Italian art and beauty worldwide. The Carrara marble quarries of the Apuan Alps are within view of this charming historic town and have been a source of white marble for artists, including Michelangelo, since the Roman times. Your guide will show you the historic center of this town where you will be surrounded by art on every corner, and you will learn the secrets of white marble, bronze, and mosaics in producing the art for which this town is known.
You will end your day on the coast with a visit to the chic resort town of Viareggio, famous for its yacht building industry, wide sandy beach, and fashionable shops. Here, you will partake in the traditional Italian end-of-the-day stroll and aperitivo along Viareggio’s expansive promenade.
Visit The Medieval Town of Lucca and Traditional Tuscan Cuisine Cooking Experience #3 Featuring Pizza!
Day 4 Wednesday
Awaken to a delicious breakfast served poolside or in the Villa’s elegant dining room.
After breakfast, your driver will transport you to the lovely town of Lucca for a guided walk of its cobble-stoned streets, ancient piazzas, and intact renaissance-era city wall.
A perfect conclusion to your morning exploring Lucca, you will be welcomed at a local winery for a traditional Lucchese lunch and, of course, exceptional wine.
Later this afternoon back at the Villa, roll up your sleeves and meet the Villa’s Pizzaiolo for a night of making pizzas! The fire will be burning in the Villa’s wood-burning oven, ready for you to roll out the dough and place the toppings on a variety of pizzas. As is traditional with a pizza dinner, Italian beer will be served along with other beverages of your choice.
The Ancient City of Lucca
This morning, you will be guided through the ancient Roman streets of Lucca, surrounded by an intact Renaissance-era city wall where within the silk merchants built their grand palaces and a long lineage of composers gave birth to Giacomo Puccini. Within these narrow streets and ancient piazzas, Julius Caesar, Dante, and Napolean contributed to the fascinating history of Lucca. Also a foodie’s paradise, you will enjoy typical Lucchese snacks including the famous buccellato bun from the oldest bakery in Lucca. After spending time in the unique shops of the local silk weavers and pottery artisans, you will be driven to a local family winery where you will savor an array of Lucchese delicacies, extra virgin olive oil, and wine.
An Insider’s Day Trip in Florence!
Day 5 Thursday
Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at the Villa before your full day adventure in Florence.
Today, your private guide will entertain you with the intriguing stories and captivating sites of renaissance Florence. For Lunch, you will satisfy your Tuscan cravings at a traditional Florentine trattoria. The afternoon is yours to stroll, shop, or simply relax in one of the many scenic piazzas.
At the end of the day, sit back and relax in luxury in your private transport to the Villa.
While you were exploring Florence, your host has prepared a delicious dinner for your enjoyment, along with Tuscan wine and beverages of your choice.
Florence…the Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance!
Traditional Tuscan Cuisine Cooking Experience #4, an Afternoon of Leisure, and an Exclusive Dinner Event!
Day 6 Friday
Awaiting you this morning is a traditional Tuscan breakfast table to start your day.
After breakfast, the Villa chef will guide you through your final cooking class. Upon completion of today’s cooking experience, you will be given a compilation of all the Villa recipes you have prepared this week.
For lunch, you will dine on the prepared dishes from the morning’s cooking class.
Experience la dolce vita with a leisurely afternoon at the Villa or a pre-arranged optional activity*
Later tonight, you are invited to an exclusive Villa dinner event with a special guest.
* Please refer to the Optional Activities page for details.
Leisurely Time at the Villa and a Special Dinner Event
After your delicious lunch, relax with an afternoon of leisure at the Villa. The impressive interior of Villa Benelli and the beautiful gardens and pool provide many enjoyable choices. The Game Room invites you to play billiards or chess, the Library provides comfy seating and a fireplace to snuggle up with a book, the expansive pool is perfect for a swim, and the garden will entice you to stretch out in a lounge chair to enjoy the Mediterranean views.
Held within the oldest room of the Villa, tonight’s grand Tuscan dinner event will enthrall you as Villa Benelli’s hidden past will be revealed by one of its most notable historical residents. Villa Benelli’s Secret Living History will captivate your mind while your senses are delighted by a grand Tuscan feast!
Arrivederci and May Your Tuscan Experience Stay Forever in Your Heart!
Day 7 Saturday
Sleep in and enjoy a flavorful breakfast at your leisure.
For your host, Dunia, and her dedicated staff, this is a time to express heartfelt appreciation for you and wish you a lifetime of joyful memories of your authentic Tuscan Experience.
The Villa staff will transfer your luggage from your suite to your private luxury vehicle for your transport to the Pisa Airport or Train Station.
Remember, you are always welcome at Villa Benelli!
