Explore Italy With Food Network Chef Melissa Mayo
Dishing Up Delicious Food and a Once-in-a-lifetime Experience for Your Soul.
That’s soooooo not us.
There are tons of tours where a crowd of 90 board a bus and follow around a guide with a flag and megaphone…
Create new memories and friendships in the heart of Tuscany
You're in good hands...
I’m your host Melissa Mayo, a Food Network chef, eternal optimist and “dough therapist” (yep, it’s a thing)—I’ve spent more than a decade crisscrossing the country and eating my weight in pasta … a few times over.
I’ll show you Tuscany the way it’s meant to be seen. My Italy is made up of under-the-radar gems: trattorias with five tables, no name, and a Nonna making the best gnocchi eevveerrrrr. Bet you didn't know there's a 6th hidden town in the Cinque (5) Terre.
See if this is the once-in-a-lifetime trip you’ve been dreaming about.
Book a call with me →
Get a taste of Tuscany:
When I’m not in Italy (or sometimes even when I am) you can find me around …
Finally cross Italy off your bucket list
We Help Busy Dreamers Taste Tuscany
Craving scrumptious food and lusting after a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the most breathtaking country on earth?
LEarn more →
Imagine going on a vacation where you soak up the sun and sip a spritz on a private yacht along the Med. Enjoy the best food and wine of your life on the Ultimate Adult-Only-Adventure!
Cook all the Italian classics, explore the Tuscan hillsides, and take in breathtaking architecture along the cobblestone Renaissance streets.
Learn about wine making from Italy's finest sommeliers, get behind the scenes tours with top local experts, and make lifelong friendships with like-minded humans who’ll become family.
Take time off from your busy life to love yourself like never before. Embrace the magic of La Dolce Vita and take this secret recipe home as a souvenir to raise your vibration for the REST of your LIFE.
Picture This...
We’ve thought of everything you need and nothing you don’t.
There's a perfect balance between activity and downtime to unwind.
Each experience is custom curated. We carefully screen guests to find you the right adventure.
We have over a decade of experience crisscrossing the region with 100’s of satisfied guests.
We know the in's and out's of Italian life, the best guides, and under the radar spots.
We limit each retreat to 10 chemistry-vetted guests so it’s intimate and cozy like traveling with family and friends—in the best ways (and none of the … other … ways.)
Because life is meant to be enjoyed.
JOin me in italy →
Stress-Free Planning
Put away your phone and to-do list and slow down.
Unplug from the mayhem and come back energized and inspired.
Soak up La Dolce Vita….the oh so sweet life, because YOU DESERVE IT!
Saving You Time. Saving You Hassle. Putting YOU First.
Let’s plan your dream getaway to
You deserve some down time to relax, recharge and reconnect with YOU!
01. My Italian Masterclass to turn you into a pro in the kitchen.
02. A Hassle-Free Packing guide and my Must-Know-Travel Tips.
03. Professional Photos of you looking glam in places you’ve only seen on postcards and Insta.
04. Five Star Personalized Service, a Private Driver so you can travel in style and Expert Guides.
05. A Luxury SWAG BAG filled with so many surprises.
And you'll also get access to...
our peace-of-mind promise
Italy!
We'll work together to curate your dream trip.
Let's hop on a call and chat about what you’re looking for.
Book with confidence knowing all the details are handled.
01
02
03
Arrive and settle in, Welcome Dinner
What’ll we do?
Yoga, Cooking Class, Lunch & Walking Tour of Lucca
day 1
day 2
Our rest-filled retreats are based in the historic city of Lucca, an hour from Florence, 20 minutes from Pisa, and 10 minutes from the ocean. Each trip includes hands-on cooking classes, expert-led tours, Five-Star service, and private transport. You’ll get a more detailed itinerary once you book, but here's an idea of the week:
Trip to Cinque Terre & Private boat to a secret island for dinner
day 3
Foodie adventure to Florence with expert guides & dinner
day 4
Private Wine Tasting with Master Sommelier & 5 star lunch in Wine Country
day 5
Yoga, Cooking Class, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
day 6
day 7
Yoga, Brunch, Check out
Your trip of a lifetime includes:
A private driver and boat, and all airport transfers (Value $1960)
All food, alcohol, tours, classes, and tips (Value $2837)
Wine tastings with master sommeliers and culinary adventures with top experts (Value $680)
An epic swag bag filled with amazing surprises (Value $276)
Hands-on cooking classes with a Food Network chef (Value $1284)
Day trip to a private island in the Cinque Terre, Food adventure to Florence and walking tour of Lucca with the best local guides (Value $1346)
6 nights’ luxury accommodation in a Private Tuscan Villa (Value $2485)
The most incredible food, wine, and service of your life (Value - PRICELESS)
Hassle-free planning ... Just relax and leave it to us! (Value - PRICELESS)
A professional photographer so you can put away your phone (Value $365)
Optional private morning yoga classes (Value $260)
Just $5,720 per guest
The Investment
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How do we do it?
We curate the experience working with people we’ve known and trusted for years—and we don’t mark up the “local” prices. We want you to enjoy your time in Italy, not worry about what you spent. Rest assured you're getting the “family” rate for everything we do.
A one-of-a-kind cooking school in Lucca, Italy. The 5-star retreats are curated and hosted by Food Network chef Melissa Mayo. The school features a state-of-the-art kitchen and a gorgeous deck for yoga, lunches, and wine tastings.
Host a private celebration or launch. Lounge in the sun, sip on a cocktail, or dive in and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the pool.
Our Susina Cucina core values drive every experience we offer:
YOUR PRESENCE IS A GIFT
SAVOR EVERY MOMENT
EMBRACE JOY
ORGANIC & LOCALLY SOURCED
YOU ARE FAMILY
HEALTHY LIVING IS BEAUTIFUL
I'm Melissa, your host & tour guide.
Let's celebrate La Dolce Vita. The sweet life is made up of long lazy meals, delicious food and great conversation. Finding joy, slowing down, and savoring every mouthful + moment.
My love of cooking began as a kid at my mom’s knee. I learned to cook without recipes - TASTE was my only guide. I'm gonna teach you how to cook all the Italian classics.
But the secret ingredient in every recipe is YOU! The love or “amore” you put into it each dish is the best way to show friends and family you care.
Ciao Bella,
You’re family now... So pull up a seat at my table, pour yourself some vino and let’s cook and celebrate this delicious, sweet and beautiful life!
I limit classes to 10 adults, so it's intimate and hands-on.
Welcome/Benvenuta
COOK, EAT, LIVE, LOVE AND LAUGH THE ITALIAN WAY!
How This Trip Is Different
Every detail has been meticulously planned.
It’s all-inclusive with no hidden costs.
We carefully interview guests to find the perfect experience for you
We have friends in the area, so you’ll be welcomed like a local
The TOP (deathbed) regret is…“I wish I’d worked less and lived more”
This is your exclusive VIP BACKSTAGE PASS to experience the real “Bella Italia”...The one you won’t find in a guide book, app or internet search.
This for you if:
Italy is a top destination on your bucket list
You’re a Negative Nelly, Debbie Downer, Constant Complainer, or Drama Queen
You lack the time or insight to plan an epic getaway
You don’t like Italians or their food, culture, and history
You want to avoid tourist traps and secure difficult to get reservations
It's probably for you if...
You hate having a good time, trying new things, and meeting new people
not
is
It's probably
for you if...
You want to travel with top local experts who know the country and language
You can’t easily walk up stairs or you find walking tough, cause there will be a lot of exlporing
Create summer memories that last a lifetime.
Savor every moment. Make life delicious…
We’ve curated an unforgettable experience for you. Reconnect with yourself and embrace a slower-paced, more intentional way of living, eating, and gathering around the table.
So, are you coming?
Learn more about these life-changing adventures:
(There are only 10 spots available for each trip.)
@themelissamayo
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