Music and culture tour in the land of Giacomo Puccini

Activities included

• overnight stay in a double room at Villa Michaela (7 nights)
• breakfasts
• lunches and dinners at Villa Michaela and at other restaurants
• all tickets for the events and visits included in the program
• transfers to and from the airport and to scheduled excursions
• all entertainment services mentioned in the program (except massage or yoga)

Not included in the program

• massage or yoga
• anything not listed in "activities included"

To be arranged with participants.

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella.

€ 4.750 per person (min 2)

You will participate in a magical 8 day tour exploring the life, works and times of Giacomo Puccini along with other cultural experiences in the Lucca area. Located along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route, Villa Michaela, 15th century villa, is ready to welcome you.

Itinerary
Day 1
Villa Michaela’s drivers will meet you at the gate in Pisa airport and transport you to historic Villa Michaela.
Welcome lunch at Villa Michaela. Relaxing afternoon at the Villa.
7:00pm - Introductory discussion followed by dinner.
Local writer and author Geoff Pavitt will host an introduction to Puccini & his history in Lucca. This will be followed by dinner in Villa Michaela’s elegant frescoed dining room.

Day 2
After breakfast, departure for a tour of the Antique market in the medieval city of Lucca.
1:00pm - Lunch in a restaurant in Lucca. In the afternoon, return to the Villa.
8:00 pm - Dinner at a typical restaurant.

Day 3
After breakfast, departure for Puccini's house on Lake Massaciuccoli. Geoff Pavitt will give you a private guided tour of Puccini's Torre di Lago house complete with anecdotes, legends and stories of Puccini's life in Torre di Lago.
12:00 - Exclusive Tour of Puccini's house in Viareggio.
Geoff Pavitt will guide you through this exclusive tour. Puccini's house in Viareggio is not normally open to the public.
Pietrasanta is an artistic Tuscan town with an important church, bell tower, and fort. It has beautiful art galleries, as well as furnishings and clothing shops and much more. There will be time after lunch for some shopping or sightseeing.
1:30 pm - Lunch in Pietrasanta.
7:00 pm - Private Concert in Villa Michaela Chapel followed by dinner.
Mezzosoprano Olympia Hetherington will perform with a pianist. Afterwards, dinner will be served in our elegant dining room.

Day 4
After breakfast, departure for a private guided historical tour of Lucca.
One of the most esteemed tour guides in Lucca will take you through the medieval city teaching you about the history, and the architecture of Lucca.
12:00 pm - Private Tour of Puccini's birthplace.
1:00 pm - Lunch in Lucca. After Lunch return to the Villa.
6:00 pm - Departure for a Puccini recital in Lucca.
The recital will take place at the Church of San Giovanni (Piano, Soprano & Tenor). If you prefer you can remain in Lucca to go shopping or sightseeing on your own. Massages & Yoga classes can be organised one day prior allowing you time to enjoy some relaxation, or you can go on some lovely hikes in the surrounding area, or enjoy a game of tennis.
8:30pm - Dinner at a typical restaurant.

Day 5
After breakfast, departure for a photo tour of the hidden places of Lucca.
The award winning Tom England will take you through Lucca showing you the hidden spots of the city and help you with photography techniques.
The goals for The Lucca photo experience are twofold: learning photographic techniques and admire the incredible views of one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
1:00 pm - Lunch in Lucca.
3:30 pm - Tour of Villa Torrigiani.
You will take a tour of the stunning 16th century villa and its romantic gardens. A must see when you visit Lucca.
8:00pm - Dinner in a typical restaurant.

Day 6
After breakfast, departure for Villa Celle. Villa Celle is Puccini's grandfather's home. The love letters between Puccini & Elvira are displayed here.
1:00 pm - Lunch in Pescagli. After Lunch return to the Villa.
7:00pm - Lecture & Slideshow presentation at Villa Michaela.
Geoff Pavitt will present the history of Puccini's life along with his contemporaries.
8:00pm - Dinner in the elegant dining room at Villa Michaela.

Day 7
Breakfast at Villa Michaela.
10:00 am - Local Event depending on the Month.
12:00 pm - Lunch in the historic Montecarlo.
2:00 pm - Tour Montecarlo Theatre & Fort.
Private tour of Italy's smallest Opera House located in Montecarlo. After a private tour of the Medieval fort of Montecarlo. Return to the Villa.
7:30 am - Farewell dinner in the elegant dining room at Villa Michaela.
Dinner will be accompanied by a tableside performance of a Guitar Duet.

Day 8
After breakfast, departure for Pisa Airport.
We will transport you back to Pisa airport as per flight schedule.