Cooking or culinary holidays, vacations, tours in Italy:

Aolmaia Tuscany Society
. . . the Italian way to the heart of Tuscany

The Aolmaia Tuscany Society organises great holidays for overseas visitors - small select groups for cooking classes, wine tours, gourmet tours or cultural tours - the choice is yours.

The Society is made up of a small group of Italians who live in the heart of Tuscany, near San Miniato which is within easy reach of Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano and Volterra. They have designed their tours and courses in such a way as to enable you to experience the true Tuscany, to immerse yourself in the enjoyment of its culture, traditions and way of life.

They love their region and, as only people who live there can, they know the real Tuscany. Sharing with you their knowledge is something they are passionate about, whilst at the same time ensuring you have the most wonderful and unforgettable experiences during your stay.

TUSCANY WINE WEEKEND
. . . an unforgettable tasting of Tuscan wines

An unforgettable intensive weekend programme, visiting some of the most famous wine areas of Tuscany, tasting more than twenty great Tuscan wines, at all times in the company of a professional sommelier.

Itinerary
Day 1 : Thursday
	Arrival from 4:00 pm onward and check in. Free pick up from Pisa International Airport or from Pisa railway station. Settle into your hotel. Welcome by Aolmaia staff, introduction to the tour schedule. Dinner at your hotel at 8:00 pm.
Day 2 : Friday- Colline Pisane d.o.c.
	Guided visit of two of the best wineries of the area and wine tasting of Chianti and super Tuscan IGT. Lunch at enoteca in San Miniato. Visit to the olive oil mill and extra-virgin olive oil tasting. Visit to the renowned Villa Pillo winery and wine tasting of their their Super Tuscan and international wines. In the evening a guided wine tasting class with four of the best red wines, chosen by the sommelier, to accompany a dinner with traditional dishes by the Antica Farmacia restaurant.
Day 3 : Saturday - Chianti Classico
	Travel through the beautiful hills of Chianti Classico area to visit two of the Chianti Classico best wineries where you will take part in tastings followed by lunch with selected wine in a renowned local restaurant. Dinner at your hotel.
Day 4 : Sunday - Vernaccia
	Tour of the medieval town of San Gimignano. Home-made farmhouse lunch accompanied by famous Vernaccia wines. Departures in the afternoon.

Accommodation : Villa Sonnino

A three star hotel with all the modern comforts, stylish rooms and an excellent restaurant.

The Villa Sonnino is located between Florence and Pisa near the old historical medieval town of San Miniato in a picturesque landscape characterised by the Rocca of Federico II which overlooks the Arno Valley.

Built in 1500, Villa Sonnino was then restyled for the Family Grifoni by Architect Arnaldo Ferri in the first years of 1700. Recently Villa Sonnino has been restored to its genuine, breath-taking original appearance.

Accommodation : Sottogello

Located in the green heart of Tuscany, the Podere Sottogello is situated on the hills sorrounding Corazzano, a small corner of the San Miniato area.. Thanks to its central position, it is a great starting point for visiting the major historical centres of the region, such as Florence, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, Volterra, San Gimignano and more . . . whilst only being an hour away from the Tyrrenic coast.

The farmhouse offers warm hospitality in the calm of the surrounding countryside. You will be accommodated in the new apartments which have been refurbished in the old Tuscan style but at the same time providing you with all the modern amenities.

You may relax with leisurely walks in the countryside, riding one of the farm's horses or in the swimming-pool, while your children can play in the paly area provided with toys. Located close to the outside of the house there is an olive groove, a vineyard and a vegetables garden, from which home produced olive oil, wine and vegtables come.

To maximise your enjoyment and ensure you get the best service this tour is limited to a maximum of eight people.

For further information email cooking.holidays@hub-uk.com

ONE DAY TUSCANY WINE TASTING & TOURS
. . . a great oportunity to taste the best wines of Tuscany

One-day small-party, customised wine tours: to the best D.O.C. and D.O.C.G. wine producers in the most important wine areas of Tuscany, including wine tastings guided by our professional sommeliers.

Wine events: the most important events and tastings taking place yearly in the main wine areas of Tuscany.

Wine tasting class by a professional sommelier, including sampling of four of the best Tuscany wines (docg, doc, igt-supertuscan), coupled with exquisite gourmet dishes of Tuscan cuisine.

For further information email cooking.holidays@hub-uk.com