Villa Michaela is an early nineteenth century listed villa set in 50 acres of pine forest and an olive grove in the hills, 6 miles from Lucca and a thirty minute drive from Pisa airport. The house has been restored and modernised to a very high standard and can accommodate 18 guests in great comfort, with extensive leisure facilities including a swimming pool and tennis court. There is even golf nearby.

Villa Michaela was included in an article by Bruce Studley Palling in Tatler magazine in 1991 entitled " The Best 50 Houses in the World to Rent"

ITINERARY (7 NIGHTS)

The program starts with the arrival at Pisa ideally from England, where Grosvenor Guide Services Ltd can arrange for a comfortable and interesting transfer program, lasting a few hours or perhaps a day.

Saturday. Arrive at Pisa airport, to be met by your local professional licensed guide. Settle in at the Villa Michaela, review the week, see a video of Lucca, and enjoy the welcome dinner with champagne.

Sunday. 9.30 am depart for Lucca with for a guided tour of the city. Lucca became a colony of Rome in 180 BC. We can enjoy the great oval of the Roman amphitheatre thanks to Nottolini, the famous Lucchese architect who built the aqueduct between Lucca and Pisa, and who was responsible for the oldest parts of the Villa Michaela. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Lucca was the centre of a thriving silk and wool trade and rivalled Florence in power and wealth, as seen by the numerous churches of the period. The famous city wall dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. Lunch at a typical Tuscan trattoria. Return to the Villa Michaela for a quiet or energetic afternoon, alternatively stay longer in Lucca.

Monday. 10.00 a.m. An escorted walk in the local village of Vorno, through the hidden alleys and passageways. 11.00am cooking demonstration and preparation for lunch with participation by guests. In the afternoon a visit to the museum devoted to the life of Giacomo Puccini, one of Lucca’s famous sons. In1999, the Puccini Festival was inaugurated and there are ever more concerts devoted to his work. Dinner at Il Bimbotto, the local Vorno restaurant.

Tuesday. 9.00 a.m. Leave for Florence (one hour’s drive). There will be an introductory stop for a panoramic view of the city from the church of San Miniato where your guide will point out the most famous landmarks. Then on to the Ponte Vecchio and by foot to a private view of the Corsini Gallery followed by lunch, a half mile coach ride away, in the Palazzo Corsini with a member of the Corsini family and a tour of the garden. 6.30 p.m. optional participation in cooking demonstration by Valter Roman at the Villa Michaela, then wine tasting and dinner.

A Tour of Tuscany and Florence
A Tour of Sicily
At Home at the Villa Michaela

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