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.

COOKING AND TOURING IN TUSCANY
. . . traditional Tuscan and Italian cuisine

• Six night program, from Saturday to Friday

Especially dedicated to those who love Italian cuisine, wine and culture, this is a hands-on cooking tour with expert home cooks, teaching traditional Tuscan and Italian cuisine. There are five cooking classes run by different cooks, in different kitchens, so to give you a wide experience of cooking styles. And every day there will br a trip to visit an art town or a regional site of special interest.

Itinerary
Day 1 : Saturday
	Arrival from 5:00 pm onward and check in. Homemade dinner.
Day 2 : Sunday
	In the morning, cooking class with Emanuela on traditional Tuscan cuisine at her farm, followed by lunch with wine she has produced herself. In the afternoon, a guided tour to San Gimignano, the famous medieval towers town. Homemade dinner at your lodgings.
Day 3 : Monday
	In the morning, Loredana's cooking class based on traditional Italian hand made pasta, at her farm house, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, tour of San Miniato, with a visit to the olive mill and olive oil tasting. Dinnner at a country restaurant.
Day 4 : Tuesday
	Cooking class with Concetta at the Querceto farm, near Lari. In the afternoon, an excursion to the township of Lari where you will visit Martelli's pasta factory and a Fourteenth century medieval castle of the Medici family. Homemade dinner at your lodgings.
Day 5 : Wednesday
	In the morning, a tour to Volterra, the fascinating town where you will discover the Etruscan, Roman and Medieval history and art. Lunch will be at a typical restaurant in town. In the evening at Michela's farm house you will enjoy making and baking pizza* and schiacciata in an antique wood-fire brick oven . . . and eating all together with good wine and Vin Santo. * Due to the size of the oven, if there are less than six participants the pizza class will be replaced with a cooking class by Michela based on lasagne, meatballs and custard pie.
Day 6 : Thursday
	In the morning there will be cooking class with chef Bartolo based on the historical recipes of the Italian Renaissance which will be followed by lunch at his restaurant. In the afternoon, a visit to a renowned winery, including wine tasting of their wines. Dinner at your lodgings.
Day 7 : Friday
	Morning departures.

Accommodation : Vallacchi

Vallacchi is a typical Tuscany farmhouse dating back on the first half of the Eighteenth century. Renovated by Loredana and Massimo in such a way as to maintain the original character of the property whilst providing all the modern comforts. The property includes a swimming-pool" which is located on a natural terrace overlooking the countryside.

The farm itself extends for 10.000 square meters along the pure Valdegola valley and the farmhouse is situated in front of the old church of San Giovanmni a Corrazzano. Even though the surrounding land is flat, the farm is surrounded by a wonderful landscape which, depending on the time of year, displays the typical seasonal colours of Tuscany

Guests are hosted in of bedrooms with bath and apartments in a familiar atmosphere which gives warmth to a peaceful holiday. Free range farm animals (geese and chickens), donkeys (Mimì and Pedro), a horse (Delfi), dogs (Tirilla, Willy and Totta), cats (Nerone, Spenna) and some more without names complete the family of Loredana, Massimo and their daughter Marta. Here the life is simple and respectful of nature; no pesticides, herbicides nor chemical products are used to grow our vegetables and we get olive-oil, wine, honey, cheese, cereals and meat from the nearby country peasants. The meals are prepared with organic food and also animals are fed with organic products.

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

For further information, availability and prices visit www.aolmaia.com/calendar.html or email aolmaia@hub-uk.com

SIENA COOKING & SPAS
. . . one of Italy's best preserved medieval towns, located in the heart of Tuscany

• Four night programme from Saturday to Wednesday

Cooking classes, nice restaurant meals, health sessions at hot water spas and visit to Siena.

Accommodation : Villa Castelvecchio

The Villa Castelvecchio is near Sinalunga, an ideal position located close to Siena (30 km), Cortona (20 km) and Montepulciano (32 km). The lake Trasimeno is only thirty minutes away and the main highway is 8 km. The villa is situated on the top of a lush green hillside affording it a fabulous view of the typical Tuscan landscape in any direction, surrounded with more than 10.000 square meters of lush parklands and a private pool.

Here you will find the typical Tuscan cypress trees, olive groves and the on site farmer cares for a small vegetable garden. You will lodge in the main villa or in the independent apartments composed of a double bedroom, a bathroom with shower and a living room with kitchen corner , satellite TV and central heating. You will spend an unforgettable vacation in the wonderful Tuscan landscape surrounded by a friendly atmosphere that is above all about having a good time.

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

For further information, availability and prices visit www.aolmaia.com/calendar.html or email aolmaia@hub-uk.com

This is just an example of what is available. To find out more visit the Aolmaia web site <click here>