Your Tuscan adventure begins the moment you arrive in the hilltop town of Barga, where cobblestone streets wind through medieval stone walls and the scent of woodsmoke and espresso fills the air. After checking into our private villa — your home for the week — take time to unwind, breathe deeply, and soak in the panoramic view of the Apennine Mountains.

As evening settles over the valley, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner prepared with local ingredients and served family-style at the villa. Laughter comes easily around the table as introductions turn into connection. It’s an early evening — time to rest, reset, and prepare for the unforgettable days ahead.

Wake slowly with the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries wafting through the villa. After a light breakfast, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the nearby village — a gentle way to start the day and take in the rhythm of Italian life.

Late morning brings us to check out the local village market where you can shop and explore the town, followed by an authentic Tuscan lunch at a local trattoria with sweeping valley views. Meet the owner, taste seasonal dishes, and experience the simple beauty of life in the Italian countryside.

We then have another village we will travel to to explore and take some incredible photos.  You can also indulge in a glass of wine or a spiked hot chocolate! 

For dinner, we have a fun cooking class planned for you at the villa made with local, seasonal produce.

After a relaxed breakfast and morning stretch, Angie will share her personal story — how she left her corporate career, sold her home in Texas, and made the leap to Italy. It’s an intimate conversation about courage, change, and rediscovering dreams.

The afternoon invites exploration — meander through ancient streets, visit local artisans, or take photos of the golden light spilling over terracotta rooftops. For lunch, we’ll dine at one of Barga’s charming restaurants, surrounded by new friends and stories shared over wine.

After returning to the villa for a little downtime — perhaps a nap, a massage, or sitting quietly with a glass of wine — a fun evening unfolds with a special surprise at the villa! Together, we’ll learn to make pizza and taste local wines, ending the night with something truly memorable! 

After breakfast and a cappuccino (or two), we’ll board the train to Lucca, one of Tuscany’s most enchanting cities. The day is devoted to discovery — wandering through the famous antique market, filled with treasures, trinkets, and timeless finds. Come ready to search for things to take home with you. You're sure to find some!

Lunch will be in a tucked-away trattoria (if you choose or you can grab something on your own and keep shopping!)— the kind you stumble upon and never forget — followed by free time to explore. We will provide a list of places to check out and things to do. Stroll or rent a bike along Lucca’s ancient city walls, peek into local boutiques, or visit Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, where the buzz of conversation fills the air.

As the sun softens, we’ll gather for a final toast in town before catching the train back to Barga. Dinner awaits at the villa — simple, delicious, and full of that contented quiet that only comes after a perfect day.

Begin your final full day with breakfast at a local pasticceria, enjoying cappuccinos and flaky cornetti alongside the locals. The morning is yours to wander, journal, or explore at your own pace with suggestions from your hosts.

After lunch at a true Italian, local spot with incredible views, the afternoon offers a chance to get into nature and walk around a stunning lake and see the marble quarry where Michelangelo sourced his marble years ago.

As evening falls, we’ll gather one last time for our Farewell Dinner, a four-course meal prepared by a private chef and shared under soft lights at the villa. We'll raise a glass, and savor a night filled with connection, laughter, and gratitude — the perfect closing to a week that will stay with you long after you return home.

Enjoy a final breakfast and coffee as morning light pours through the villa windows. There’s time for hugs, final photos, and perhaps a quiet moment on the terrace to take in the view one last time.

Check-out is by 11 a.m., but the memories — and friendships — will linger much longer. You’ll leave Tuscany with a full heart, inspired spirit, and maybe a bottle or two of local wine to remind you of this special week.

We are happy to assist with any travel departure questions you may have as some guests decide to go on and explore other parts of Italy while here.