Residence la Mezzaluna

Our hostess, instructor, and now Amica della nostra Famiglia is warm, friendly, knowledgeable, kind, funny, and very active! Rita has an amazing support team: Alex Il Uomo, Sandra, Tonya, Marina, and son Ricardo who assist Rita in maintaining a well stocked and very clean facility that includes live - fun entertainment via Alex, Rita, and Sandra in the evenings. Rita is the yeast causing each of her students to rise as they learn the finer art of preparing Tuscano cusine. The classes are fun and the final meals each day are more than delicious. Rita mixes classes with daily tours to historic towns and wineries ensuring a wonderful experience for all. Example, upon finding out I am a WWII buff, Rita went out of her way to see the students that wanted to were able tour the Gothic Line Museum. Rick, Gale, Dolly, and I now consider Rita and Alex famiglia! They have an open invitation to visit our home too! Rita, Grazie Per Tutti!

Loved this place. My wife was on a photography course ( also brilliant) but we got to enjoy the fantastic food which our American friends on the cookery school prepared for us- traditional Italian meals to suit all tastes, all under the expert guidance of jovial Rita and her team. Lovely friendly atmosphere, lots of wine, fun and friendship in this beautiful part of Tuscany.

The property is situated with amazing views. Room was clean and inviting. Very comfortable. Rita is an amazing host. We felt very welcomed and had a wonderful time. Highly recommend .

Rita looked after us so wonderfully - from the moment we stepped off the plane to the moment we returned to the airport a week later. We were collected at the airport and driven to La Mezza Luna through beautiful countryside and Rita told us a bit about the history of how it all came about. Once there we were spoiled rotten. A full itinerary of wonderful cooking classes, trips to Pisa, Lucca and some beautiful hilltop towns, wine tastings, the market etc. The food was beautiful authentic Italian dishes all generously served with unlimited wine. We felt very much at home amongst our beautiful surroundings and made some lovely friends with our fellow chefs and of course Rita who is the most warm, kind, generous host you could wish for. The evenings were spent listening to Alex and Matt singing and they managed to get everyone up dancing. We couldn't have wished for a more wonderful holiday. Thank you Rita and Alex - you were amazing. I couldn't recommend this holiday more highly - get yourself booked in!

We have just returned from an unforgettable holiday at Mezza Luna. Everything was perfect from the moment we arrived. Where to start? Food, wine, cookery lessons, visits, company, the views, Rita's hospitality. It was a home from home. We were welcomed like family members. Everybody is made to feel so welcome. We were a mixed group from different countries and very different ages but all "gelled" from the first moment we met and felt relaxed in Rita's beautiful home.

I couldn’t have asked for a better solo trip than this one with La Mezzaluna. From the moment I walked in I was treated like family. We made incredible food, drank plenty of wine and had lots of laughs. I really liked the balance of site seeing and cooking lessons. The different villages we visited were beautiful and Rita was an excellent tour guide. The cooking classes were informative and FUN…not intimidating. Rita was always happy to explain what she was doing and offer alternatives on the spot. Rita, Alex and the staff are warm and very hospitable. By the end of the trip we all felt like family. It’s sad to leave like this, but the memories will last a lifetime. Book this trip! You will not be disappointed!

La Mezzaluna is a short walk from Barga Gallicano train station, and buses to Lucca. Rita is amazingly hospitable & welcoming, and did so much to make our stay enjoyable. Rooms are very nice, buffet breakfast set us up for the day. There is a bus up to Barga during the day, and a taxi back in evening.If you visit Barga, this is the place to stay.

I’ve just returned after spending a week at La Mezzaluna, learning to cook traditional Italian dishes with our host Rita. As a solo traveller I was quickly immersed into the ‘group’ and felt at home very quickly. From the airport pick-up on arrival at Pisa to the return journey, Rita ensured we felt comfortable and relaxed with the accommodation and cookery classes, plus various trips out to local towns, villages and vineyards for wine tasting. If you are looking for a fun, flexible and varied week in Tuscany then this would be an ideal trip!

I have booked a cooking class with Rita as a present for my sister‘s birthday. Both of us cooked 4 hours with Rita and then the rest of the family joined us for the celebratory dinner. We made bruschetta, zupa di farro, three types of pasta and tiramisu. We had a lot of fun in the kitchen, learned some wonderful recipes and had a joyful dinner with excellent wine. Rita‘s partner made music and we even got to dance. Everybody enjoyed the evening very much and it will stay a happy memory of our last night in Tuscany. Since coming back home we both bought a pasta maker and tried out the recipes. I highly recommend the class. Rita and Alex are warm, good hearted people. Other guests we talked to confirmed that Rita’s food is always very good. I hope we will come back some time and try different recipes. Thank you Rita and Alex!