A review of Cocoknits in Tuscany in 2025
7-14 June 2025
Beautiful sunshine, glorious views and delicious food were memorable features of our 9-day knitting retreat in Tuscany in June 2025. We met in Florence, visited a nearby mill and sorting centre specialising in recycled yarns, stocked up on the yarn for our projects at Borgo di Pazzi before leaving for the thermal spa town of Montecatini Terme where we overnighted. We explored the town and rode the funicular to a hilltop village before travelling to Villa Boccella near Lucca. Then the knitting began in earnest with Julie and Tracy kept busy helping the group with their projects while our private chefs Valentino and Larisa delivered a succession of irresistible homemade Italian meals. A visit to an old olive oil estate for a tasting and lunch, a day trip to lovely Lucca for a guided tour and a presentation by textile artist Carole Waller entertained us during the week and dips in the pool and walks in the garden helped keep us fit. A Tuscan dream of a week.
Friday 6 June : We met in Florence at noon then left by coach to Prato to visit two factories specialising in recycled yarn before arriving at Borgo di Pazzi to buy the recycled yarn for our projects. Mid-afternoon we hopped on our coach to the elegant turn of the century town of Montecatini Terme, famous through history for its thermal spa treatments, and to the Montecatini Palace hotel for a private dinner and overnight stay.
Saturday 7 June: A relaxing morning spent exploring the town and park with its Art Nouveau spa buildings. Some people took the 1898 funicular train to the hilltop village of Montecatini while others knitted swatches by the hotel’s rooftop pool. In the afternoon the group set off for Villa Boccella, the 17th century estate where we stayed for 7 nights set amid the gentle rolling hills 30 minutes north of Lucca.
Sunday 8 June: The group chose a favourite knitting spot for the day, either outside on the terrace or inside on a comfy sofa, and settled down to their knitting project with Julie and Tracy moved seamlessly around the group offering guidance and support. A highly satisfying day that ended with a scrumptious 3 course dinner in the garden with a caprese starter, roasted lamb main course and possibly the best ever creme brulée for dessert.
Monday 9 June: After another day of knitting at home until we strolled late afternoon over to the neighbouring estate for a wine, cheese and oil tasting. The 15th century Tenuta di Tramonte produces its own extra virgin olive oil as well as red and white wine, condiments and jams. With rustic breads, local pecorino cheeses - fresh, six months old and aged - and a plate of charcuterie we dipped the oils and sipped the wines to a lively presentation by estate owner Lorenzo. More culinary delights awaited us back at our Villa with a dinner of crostini, beefsteak and apple tart with homemade ice cream.
Tuesday 10 June : The group made excellent progress with their knitting with some people starting on their worksheets, Julie and Tracy attentively on hand to explain the Cocoknits method. We were joined for evening drinks by British textile artist Carole Waller, who screen prints and paints on cotton, silk and velvet to create unique wearable art. We marvelled at Carole’s talent which was evident from her slideshow of garments and glass art produced during a career spanning more than 45 years. Lorenzo and Larisa served a delicious BBQ supper of grilled meats, fish and roasted vegetables for supper.
Wednesday 11 June: With a trip to the delightful town of Lucca on our agenda today we set off by coach to discover its charms and secrets through a guided walking tour from Diletta who took us to the Cathedral, the ancient town walls, the Via Filungo shopping street and Amphitheatre Square amongst other places. With its interesting artisanal and independent shops the coach arrived back at Villa Boccella far heavier than when it left with a great time had by all!
Thursday 12 June: After a relaxing day of knitting we donned aprons and rolled up our sleeves for a hands-on cooking demonstration with Valentino, our fun and amusing chef. Under his guidance we made our own pasta which we stuffed with ravioli, a classic ‘hunter’s’ chicken main course with lots of vegetables and the ‘pick me up’ Tiramisu dessert. Cheers to the cooks as we toasted with homemade Limoncello!
Friday 13 June: We knitted in the morning then departed on foot to Tenuta di Tramonte for a wonderful farm to table lunch in the shade of the garden with cold soup, homemade pasta and pannacotta. Then it was back to our Villa for more knitting and our final evening together. The prosecco flowed as we dined outside to a backdrop of silhouetted hills in the distance, twinkling stars above us and the sound of cicadas.
Saturday 14 June: With warm hugs and promises to stay in touch our group said their goodbyes and climbed aboard the coach bound for Florence to where we gan 9 days ago. Our fabulous week of knitting was a joy from beginning to end. With a large salt water pool and air conditioning throughout the property we kept comfortable cool despite the early Tuscan summer heat. We can’t wait for our next knitting retreat in Tuscany in the Fall.
“Every detail, from the transportation to visiting the mill, purchasing the wool, and enjoying the accommodations, was perfectly organized. The meals were delicious, and the activities were both engaging and well planned. Everything felt thoughtfully curated to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience. On top of that, I’ll have a beautiful sweater to cherish as a lasting reminder of this wonderful trip. Thank you so much for creating such an exceptional experience!” Cindy F, USA
