Wonderful hidden gem. Spacious and fascinating historical building, great trails and restaurants hidden in the forest, so much to discover and enjoy here. The owners were extremely helpful and kind. A great vacation place for our whole family that we will never forget!

Mirella and Francesco were fabulous hosts and we had a wonderful stay!! They were invaluable in assisting us with dining options, and logistics and are two of the nicest people we have ever met. Mirella also cooked us a fabulous meal (for 19!!) and we highly recommend the experience! The pool and yard is a lovely oasis, the home is charming and was perfect for families we had staying with us. Each level has a kitchen, or two except the attic, almost every bedroom has a private bathroom, and while it was hot during the day most nights were wonderfully breezy, but we also had room fans for the 2/14 nights we needed them. AND THE WI-FI WAS AMAZING!! Which we have never had in all our previous Italian vacation rentals. Thank you so much Mirella & Francesco!!

We waited a long time for our large family to get together at the Palazzo. It was a magical week in such an amazing spot. It was hot but that didn't deter us from enjoying it all. The wonderful pool area, the great apartments for each family, the history of the area., the cooking by Mirella/s team. etc. All fantastic!!!

Our group fo five families and 22 young and not so young people had really nice days in Palazzo del Duca. What a wonderful place! Mirella was a great hostess, and the wine tasting with Francesco was unforgettable. We really enjoyed a lot of the exciting things you can do in the area. One of the highlights was the hike we had from Rifugio Prato Spilla via Monte Bragalata. After passing a few hundred altitude meters, we were rewarded with a fantastic view of Lunigiana, all the way to the sea. Highly recommended!

This palazzo is in a remote medieval town of about 100 people nested in the mountains. The mountains were larger and younger than I expected - absolutely beautiful. We took day trips to Parma, Modica (vinegar tasting), Positano, Cinque Terre, and Lucca. Mirella cooked for us 2 nights, and it was wonderful, definitely a must-do. The palazzo is spacious and true to the photos with multiple apartments. We rented the entire palazzo for our group of 6 (we were supposed to be 12 but had folks cancel for fear of Covid travel). We would definitely rent this again. Highly recommend.

Big family reunion - we had a great time! Some of us just relaxed around the pool, others were hiking and biking - food that Mirellla cooked for us was phantastic - the local bar just around the corner had great coffee and also very good food. We all want to come back! Just one advice: the house is not really ideal for a family with a baby that’s already crawling and also not for someone who needs great internet access. My brother, who needed to work some of the time, was able to do so at the bar where internet access was great. The ground floor kitchen could use some updates…. We had some of the owner’s wine and greatly enjoyed it. Mirella and Francesco are just lovely hosts - we really look forward to coming back.

We were 14 family members (singles and couples) coming for a family reunion and we needed a big place to spread out and relax together for a week. Palazzo del Duca was nothing short of perfect for us. Everyone had their own bedroom and private bath, and every floor (there are 3) has a communal kitchen to gather for coffee, etc. The Palazzo itself is hauntingly beautiful inside and out, and we loved walking down the huge stone staircase and thinking who must have been there years ago. We spent most of our time outside as the weather in early June was incredible - we played volleyball with a makeshift net in the pool, lounged in the sun, and at night cooked on the grills, ate al fresco and played lots of card games we had brought with us. The garden is really to die for, it is full of flowers, lavender and roses. Mirella cooked for us several nights and we highly recommend asking her to do so, it was such a treat! As mentioned, we grilled several nights and then a few nights we went to the local agriturismo restaurant that is literally hanging off the side of a mountain and is 5 minutes away - the food and setting was magical. You are perfectly situated, with the Apennines on your doorstep and the coast, including the Cinque Terre, about a 30 minute drive. We took day trips into the mountains which were unforgettable and several trips to the coast including a private boat trip (arranged by Mirella) to the Cinque Terre - trust us - this was the PERFECT way to see these gorgeous villages. No hassle with busses or traffic, you just have a breathtaking boat ride on the coast and hop off at the village. There was a very nice grocery about a 30 minute drive away, a local butcher and a local bread maker who came to the Palazzo several times a week so we wanted for nothing. Know before you go that there is no TV and the wifi signal is not great in the mountains, but hey you're in paradise so chill out! Our advice is to bring board games, card games, a bluetooth speaker for your music and some good books, load up at the grocery store a few times during your stay with local wine and produce and just enjoy!

Palazzo del Duca was the perfect place to host to our dream wedding. From the very beginning Mirella was so very helpful in planning and prepping for our trip and wedding day. We rented the entire palazzo out so we could bring our families and friends. Mirella was there to greet each party as they arrived since we were stuck in travel chaos. She helped to arrange a welcome gift of wine and local bread and pies for each room - which was amazing! She also helped us coordinate with the corner restaurant to serve pizza for our rehearsal dinner on a night they don't normally offer and then arranged a dinner reservation for all 25 of us at the most amazing dining experience just up the hill (Montagna Verde). The Palazzo takes you back in time with it's 5 different apartments (each with its own kitchen). The grand staircase was beautiful and was often used as our wi-fi lounge (best signal there). The pool was clean and most welcomed on the hotter days during our stay and Cleopatra the kitty cat was a friendly daily visitor. The courtyard and garden area was the perfect place to host our wedding ceremony and dinner. Mirella has everything from the tables and chairs to the dishes, glassware and linen. She also provided one of the best wedding meals of my life. We highly recommend that you have Mirella cook one or many meals for you upon your stay. (specifically ask for the fry bread hearts!) You can even ask for a cooking class! It was so nice to be out of the touristy parts of Italy for a week and live like a true Italian. We will be back - there is no doubt about that!! -Erin & Marc

Good things were great spaces, wonderful swimming pool, beautiful gardens, lovely people, adequate parking. Difficulties: shared laundry facilities with owner, daily presence of owner and child in house, oppressive heat and swarming flies in summer, inadequate WiFi in only one small corner of the building.

Don’t look any further for accommodations- this is the place to be! Mirella is the best hostess and communicator for all your Italian needs! She helped plan this trip with me for the last year and went way over what is expected when you rent your place to someone. We enjoyed yoga and meditation everyday by our beautiful yoga teacher we brought along with us❤️!! Mirella prepared some very beautiful authentic Italian dinners for our group and gave us so many tips on things to do and see in the local area! The train station is about 20 minutes from Tavernelle. We took a day trip to Lucca, Florence, Cinque Terre, Wine Tour so easily! We just hired a local driver with a small bus so we could shuttle to the train. Such local charm in Tavernelle, A Fromaggorie where you can buy your fresh cheese and eggs daily. A baker comes with his truck most days and sells his bread. There is a fisherman who comes and sells his fish from the back of his truck. There is a restaurant almost next door where we spent a lot of time having great meals and wine. If you are lucky you will see the sheep being bearded across the street by the Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. We visited the donkeys and horses close by and loved hearing the church bells every hour 🛎. We walked to the Monastery at the top of the mountain and had a beautiful lunch and a magnificent supper. We were lucky to have Francesco (Somellier) prepare a demonstration and tasting of some special wines from the area- thank-you Francesco. Your passion is evident🍷 The castle has an incredible flower and herb garden. We sat next to the pool and just reflected at the true beauty of Mother Nature and all her wonders. Hummingbirds and Bees were busy at work🌸. If you want a true Italian Authentic experience away from the hustle and bustle but close enough to visit, you will not be disappointed. Mirella, Francesco and our new friend Pat, we will always remember the hospitality and friendship you showed us. Ciao from your Canadian friends, Maggie, Laura, Murielle, Laurie-Anne, Lauren, Jane, Patricia, Debbie, Betty, Kathy, Colinda, Monica, Rachel, Jennifer, Lana, Eileen

We have had a fabulous stay with Mirella in Tavernelle, beautiful village situated in the mountains. We all enjoyed the dinners she served and her hospitality to our whole family, we were seventeen celebrating grandpa, 80 years in this unique palazzo with the best comfort. The surroundings with fantastic walks, the restaurants she suggested. Everything was absolutely perfect. Thank you so much

The hosts were absoloutly fantastic. We had our wedding there, on the grounds followed by dinner and wine. The food they cooked was the best we’ve ever had. I suggest you ask the hosts to cook for you, the prices were very reasonable. Total guests were over 20 people and everyone loved their stay. We had our dream wedding and couldn’t have asked for more. An experience we will remember for the rest of our lives :)

This property was a perfect location for our family group of 14 to vacation. Our hosts, along with their adorable daughter, greeted us the minute we arrived and could not have been more welcoming and helpful throughout our stay arranging for transportation, meals, a winery tour and providing information about the area. The home and location are as described in the listing and much more! There was easy access to many area attractions with a train station nearby. We used a private driver arranged by our hosts for most of our excursions and he was prompt, knowledgeable and so much fun. I would highly recommend this service. There is really no need to leave though with the spacious house, historic town, lovely pool, hiking trails, local bar and other wonderful restaurants very close by. Staying at this property is a truly unique way to experience Italy and get to know the wonderful people who live there. We cannot thank our hosts enough and hope it won't be too long before we can visit again.

This property was a perfect location for our family group of 14 to vacation. Our hosts, along with their adorable daughter, greeted us the minute we arrived and could not have been more welcoming and helpful throughout our stay arranging for transportation, meals, a winery tour and providing information about the area. The home and location are as described in the listing and much more! There was easy access to many area attractions with a train station nearby. We used a private driver arranged by our hosts for most of our excursions and he was prompt, knowledgeable and so much fun. I would highly recommend this service. There is really no need to leave though with the spacious house, historic town, lovely pool, hiking trails, local bar and other wonderful restaurants very close by. Staying at this property is a truly unique way to experience Italy and get to know the wonderful people who live there. We cannot thank our hosts enough and hope it won't be too long before we can visit again.

You could feel the wonderful spirits of the 12th century in this magical castle. The rooms were in separate areas, so lots of people could have privacy or everyone could sit together dining al fresco or poolside. Mirella & Francesco were incredibly friendly and extremely helpful... and boy could they cook! We had several fantastic meals. The pub nearby was great -- convient and good food. Walking the old section of town felt like old Italy that hasn't changed... very soulful. The nearby river with the old Millhouse turned into a playground for my grandkids. All and all, it was extremely special. john densmore

Our family vacation (grandma, grandpa, children, spouses and grandchildren -- 17 of us!) was two years in the planning. With heartfelt thanks to Mirella for her kindness, support and guidance throughout the planning process, our two weeks of time together was everything AND MORE than we had all hoped it would be! We were five families so we rented the entire castle. Each apartment (they are all unique in their own way!) accommodated the needs of each family. Malaspania was a grand apartment with the largest dining/living area. It provided a perfect gathering place for sharing meals and conversation about our adventures......and we had many adventures to share with one another because Tavernelle was a perfect pivotal point for going in lots of different directions. Several of our adventures included going to Venice, participating in a pesto making class in Cinque Terre, bicycling the wall in Lucca, shopping in Siena, visiting Pisa, Rome, Florence, Volterra, Parma and enjoying drives and hiking through the beautiful Appenine mountains/national park, stopping for picnic lunches in quaint little towns nestled in the hills and valleys. Several family members even spent a day visiting the Lamborghini and Ferrari car museums. As much as we all enjoyed our travels to other places, however, we were always happy to come "home" to Palazzo del Duca! Mirella and Francesco made us feel so very welcome and comfortable every moment of our stay. Francesco was always there to answer questions (he even took time to assist us through the resolution of a small car accident we had in Aulla), share his knowledge of and passion for Italian wines and wine-making, clean the pool for us every morning, and share stories about growing up in Tuscany. Mirella was always warm and caring, eager to help make us comfortable and provide meals for our family (she made a welcome and farewell dinner for all 17 of us!) that were beyond delicious. She was even very mindful of one of our grandchildren's need for a gluten free diet. The pool was a welcome retreat each and every day because it was 85-90 degrees (Fahrenheit). Our grandsons enjoyed it immensely! Right down the street was a restaurant and a market. A baker came every morning to sell fresh bread! Just out the door were a variety of walking paths that meandered through the mountainside. Do not hesitate to stay here! It is a marvelous and enchanting place. We miss Mirella and Francesco and long to return!

The word I use to describe the time my family, friends and I spent at the palazzo is magical. Francesco and Mirella are amazing. The palazzo is wonderful and worked perfectly for our group of 18 people. If you are lucky enough to spend time here, I highly recommend that you make arrangements for dinner at the palazzo. Food is amazing and atmosphere is perfect.There are lots of options for day trips and driving in the area is not difficult. My only regret is that I wasn't able to stay longer. I keep telling people that I have “visited” many places but I feel that I “lived” in Italy.

We stayed for one week, we were a group of 3 families. The children loved the pool and the village (especially the gnocchi at the pub on the corner, they went every day for a plate!) Mirella and Francesco were so warm and welcoming to us and very helpful for day trip advice. Our favourite day was the day we walked to Apella and took in the view and the food! We also had two very special meals prepared by Mirella and they were incredible. Initially we had only requested one meal, but this soon changed to two once we had tasted her wonderful creations! On the technical side, the property was clean and well maintained. The ground floor Templari apartment was a little dark and damp - but we understood that it is from the 13th century so it was to be expected. We truly enjoyed our time at the Palazzo and would like to return someday. we have already recommended it to our friends and families.

We are students and teachers attached to an art school. We are sculptors. We want to know what it is to work the legendary marble from Carrara. Therefore, early in the morning we left our city on the river. Two vans, seventeen enthusiastic passengers and driving hundreds of kilometers ahead. Our goal? Palazzo Del Duca, Licciana Nardi, Tuscany, Italy. Much later than planned, we arrived at our destination. The surrounding mountains were swallowed by the night. It was non-Italian cold. But ... The welcome by Mirella and Francesco was warm and cordial. Their table was, despite the late hour, generous and plentiful. Tuscan food, plentiful wine. Generous and homemade. The tour of the Palazzo and the stories of its history were enlightening and contagious. This was the night. The next morning the sky was clear blue. In the distance gleamed the snowy peaks of the Apennines in the morning. Licciana Nardi is old. Medieval. The village, once a city, embraces the old road that runs from the Ligurian Sea to Parma. Once went along here caravans loaded with salt for the preparation of the, still delicious, Parma ham. The village, the region, the fortress towers on mountain slopes, forests ... they whisper the story of centuries and centuries. At the corner of the Strada Provinciale and Via Rondo is “Il Capriolo”. Bar and restaurant. This is the place where, in the morning, standing at the bar as an Italian, you can drink your cappuccino. In the evening you enjoy an aperitivo dolce o ammaro, and, could it be different, where the pizza tastes like it should taste. The highway is not far. Some winding roads at Aula, and Tuscany is waiting to be explored. Art and culture within reach. Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre, La Spezia .... And, remember, the marble quarries of Carrara. Just visit the underground marble cathedrals carved in white marble mountains We have worked, visited and enjoyed. We have been amazed by the large herds of black sheep that blocked the road perfectly, but who delivered also the milk for the delicious ricotta and pecorino. We swam in the Ligurian Sea. Always with the prospect of returning to the paradise on Via Borgo. To re-enter the enclosed garden and the generosity of Il Palazzo Del Duca. The comfort, the joint cooking sessions and dinners. The feeling of "Dolce Far Niente" beeing in full activity. The kindness and involvement of Mirella and Francesco. The prospect remains. Soon we will come back from our city by the river!

The Palazzo del Duca in Tavernelle exceeded my expectations. It was the perfect site for the gathering of old friends. Mirella and Francesco were wonderful hosts and Mirella prepared wonderful meals on our first and last day there. Private transportation is necessary to see the local sites, but driving in the area was not difficult. And the location lent itself to several well known locations for day trips. The bar/restaurant down the street was a hidden treasure."

Mirella was the consummate host! The villa was beautiful with private apartments and baths. There was room for our large group to dine together. The kitchens are well appointed and everything was clean and well maintained. Mirella prepared dinner for us twice during our stay. Those meals were among the very best I have ever eaten. Actually the bruschetta and the port dish were the best ever!! The town is isolated but beautiful. It is well located for visiting small medieval towns, Cinque Terre, Portovenere and Lucca.

Well maintained, the very best of customer service. Thank you Mirella and Francesco! Peppe

Absolutely loved our stay at the Palazzo del Duca! It's full of delightful surprises... -- The villa is located in a 17th century village...with neighboring medieval villages that are easy to visit by foot or by car. -- Ancient stone staircases mingled with modern comfort and ammenities. Spacious, cool, clean, and comfortable apartments. -- The best hosts ever! Mirella and Francesco made us feel at home and they never failed to surprise and delight. (Thanks for helping to make reservations for the Star Gazing Dinner at the ancient monastery) -- Private pool perfect for taking a relaxing dip to cool off...or to lounge beside with a good book in the afternoon sun....with the smell of lavender and roses from the garden. -- Fresh Italian bread and foccacia bought from the "travelling baker" who arrives in the village with a honk every morning. -- A nearby slow-moving crystal-clear river in a gorge (scramble down to warm yourself on the rocks, dip your feet in the cool water, catch frogs, and discover mossy waterfalls) -- We rested and recharged at the palazzo after a week of sightseeing in crowded cities. -- Other guests used the villa as a convenient base for day trips to places like Cinque Terre, Florence, and Pisa, as well as to gorgeous beaches. -- Another family spent their week visiting local villages, authentic medieval festivals, and historic sites with their 2 young children. (They recommend arriving in black truffle season) Highlights for us: * Delicious Italian dinner prepared and hosted by Mirella and Francesco on the patio. Be sure to book the Welcome dinner! * Making fresh ricotta ravioli, panzanella, and tiramisu with the expert guidance of Mirella. (We'll try Francesco's wine tour next time.) * Walking trails to other villages (we visited 4 or 5 villages, all within an hour's walk). We enjoyed our stay without needing access to a car. (We picked up groceries in Aulla on our way to Tavernelle.) Next time we'll rent all 5 apartments and share the experience with friends and/or family! Thank you, Mirella and Francesco, for a wonderful vacation!

We were 5 families, 20 persons that had a wonderful week at Palazzo del Duca. Mirella cooked us two delightful Italien meals and to that we had Fransescos great wine. Thank you so much for your hospitality and great tips to make our vacation the best!

This was my fourth visit to the Palazzo and it did not disappoint. Returning truly is like visiting old friends. You never feel like a paying guest but part of the family. Mirella and Francesco were as warm and attentive as usual. All the facilities were very clean and well maintained. This time I visited a local vineyard and it was great to see the commitment of the owners to producing high quality organic wines. Francesco has a very keen interest in wine and is very knowledgeable about Italian wines. Then there's all the usual activities to engage in like walking and exploring the tiny villages and going to the local bar for a coffee or an evening meal. I can recommend this destination to the independent traveller who is keen to experience an authentic Italian lifestyle while having a launching place to explore northern Tuscany, Liguria and the Emiglia Romagna areas.

New Year 2015: 17 adults and 10 children from a few months to 9 years. Maximum comfort for everyone with the right to privacy, especially the use of the bathrooms. Common room and kitchen on each floor have made it simple and dynamic with great satisfaction of the needs of everyone from singles to families with children to weaning. Spaces for children (cold permitting), suitable even though they lack something dedicated. Rooms: modern, clean, well heated, comfortable and versatile. Kindness and discretion are the characteristics of Mirella and Francesco who gave support to better organize their stay. The only flaw the draft of the chimney and the wood but nothing that is not exceeded with a little 'organization; the result was that we all went a bit 'smoked! If you wish to taste the wine of Francesco, who is passionately dedicated to the preparation, you will not be disappointed! I hope to be back soon to renew the pleasure of living just past!

This was the second time we stayed at Palzzo del Duca. The first time was to visit all the big tourist attractions such as Cinque Terre, Pisa etc. that’s really easy accessible. This time we took the opportunity to explore the small villages and the sounding nature that offers good possibilities to hike. Don´t miss to enjoy the Tuscany country life with excellent rustic food and wine together with beautiful sceneries. Palzzo del Duca offer really nice rooms/apartments for your own privacy. Mirella’s and Francesco’s hospitality even offers a god chance to meet the other guests when Mirella serves delicious Tuscany dinner. Don´t miss the chance to experience Tuscany for real!

This Palazzo is as beautiful as its description on the website! It is tucked away in the hills of Northern Tuscany, and although it is close to many fascinating places such as Cinque Terre, the well-maintained Palazzo del Duca feels like a secluded get-away. It is easy to pass the time exploring the Via del Borgo, hiking the trails nearby or just lounging beside the pool surrounded by beautiful gardens. However, there are many activities to keep you busy! Among the top are the cooking classes offered by Mirella, the host. She is a marvelous cook and a gracious host! We learned so much about making traditional, local dishes. The wine tour to Cinque terre with Francesco was an opportunity to explore the area, eat local foods, and taste and learn about local wines. Francesco is passionate about wine-making and was an excellent host! We also spent many hours traversing the beautiful countryside, both on foot and by car. Dining at the local restaurants, Montagne Verde and Il Capriolo, was another treat. Both places offer delicious, local cuisine and are located conveniently close to Palazzo del Duca. Thanks to Mirella and Francesco, our friendly and accommodating hosts, our week at the Palazzo could not have been better!