Visit Andrea Bocelli's Family Vineyard in Tuscany — and even record your own song in his studio.

As the church bells start to chime, I gaze up at the idyllic, honey-colored chapel perched on a hill in Valdera, just 30 minutes from Pisa. The sun beats down, and apart from the bells and the constant hum of cicadas, it's serene. In front of me, the sunflower-dotted hills of Tuscany roll like notes on the endless musical sheets found in the recording studio I'm about to enter.

And this isn’t just any recording studio; it’s the place where Italy’s most beloved tenor creates his music.

Before setting sail on Oceania Cruises’ Regal Riviera Voyage, I didn’t know much about the musical genius Andrea Bocelli. However, discovering that I could participate in an onshore excursion to tour Bocelli’s studio and even record my own song there made me, a karaoke enthusiast, completely onboard. After all, when in (or somewhat near) Rome, right?

Before I arrived, I pictured a glamorous setup — a sleek, modern space worthy of Italy's Beyoncé. Instead, I found myself on the front lawn of a quaint coral-stucco house nestled among the lush hills of Tuscany. Soon enough, I was welcomed by a warm smile from the studio’s owner, Pierpaolo Guerrini.

“Trentanove anni,” was the first thing Guerrini said, emphasizing with his fingers. He wanted to make it clear that he has been friends with Bocelli for 39 years. I would later discover that during those years, Guerrini has been the sound engineer for many of Bocelli’s albums and co-wrote several tracks on the singer's 2018 album, “Si.”

Upon entering the studio, I’m greeted by an endearing mix of family photos, prayer cards, and various newspaper clippings adorning the walls. It’s only when Guerrini points out a plain door on the right that I discover the sleek main “control room,” featuring an impressive mixing board equipped with hundreds of buttons and dials that allow Guerrini to expertly enhance Bocelli's recordings with depth and clarity.

Once we’re in the control room, our attention shifts to the flat-screen TV mounted above the mixing console, where Guerrini plays a documentary showcasing clips from Bocelli's most memorable performances, including his 2017 concert at the Colosseum and scenes from Teatro del Silenzio (Theatre of Silence), an outdoor amphitheater in Lajatico, Bocelli’s hometown.

After the film concludes, it’s my turn to try recording. But first, Guerrini invites me outside, where I find his wife has prepared a bowl of barbecue Lays and several Pepsis for us to enjoy. Even though we’ve just met, as we gather around the bowl of chips, it feels more like a gathering at an old friend’s house than a cruise ship excursion.

Back inside, I’m taken to a cozy, sunlit room where a standing microphone is positioned on a red Persian rug. A piano occupies the right corner. Guerrini hands me the lyrics to Bocelli’s “Can’t Stop Falling in Love” and gives me an encouraging thumbs up as he joins me on the piano. Unfortunately, as my voice falters mid-song, I realize that Bocelli’s musical talent isn’t something I can catch.

I chuckle as I listen to my recording during the car ride to Teatro del Silenzio and a wine tasting at the family’s vineyard. I drown my sorrows with a glass of Alcide, generously poured by Bocelli’s niece, who also happens to be the sommelier, before she brings out a plate of glistening antipasto. Our guide casually mentions that the woman relishing gnocchi at the back table is, in fact, Bocelli's mother.

Later, in the museum, I come across a poignant quote from the singer: “Every memory connected to Tuscany is deeply cherished in my heart. I will carry it with me wherever I go, for I am a product of this land, shaped by my past, my experiences, and my childhood dreams.”

When I return to the ship, I can’t stop reminiscing about the charming recording studio, the ringing church bells, the stunning Tuscan hills, Guerrini’s warm smile, the thoughtful bowl of Lays, and Bocelli’s mother enjoying her gnocchi. Yes, the local community is fortunate to have Bocelli and his stardom, but Bocelli is equally fortunate to be embraced by this loving community. Even weeks later, the memory of this intimate experience continues to tug at my heartstrings.