Christmas

We invite six guests to join us for a very special Christmas full of comfort and joy.

We propose a traditional Tuscan Christmas celebration with a Roast Christmas dinner.

However, this is an entirely bespoke service; dates, Menus and Activities can all be tailored to your requirements. Our packages include airport transfers, fully serviced accommodation, delicious food and wine, spirits, prosecco, your choice of excursions and entertainment, and exclusive use of Villa Ariola and all facilities.

Guests will enjoy an unforgettable Christmas celebration, relaxing or full-on, as they desire, with celebration dinners, sumptuous festive meals, bountiful Prosecco, and high-quality Italian wines. After meals, choose from our activities, slink away to read or walk off the excesses in our beautiful surroundings. Bill and Lynn are renowned hosts and great cooks. Villa Ariola’s open-plan kitchen and chef’s table add theatre to the dining experience.

      

Delicious festive treats, indulgent gastronomic delights, excursions and entertainment, there is always something for
everyone, this is your bespoke Christmas.

Villa Ariola is your home from home, with warm service and genuine hospitality.

 

Proposed Menus. 

      

      

 

CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS

  • A selection of ideas to make Christmas unforgettable.
  • Sit back and relax in front of a log fire
  • Truffle hunting and foraging.
  • Chef Stefano’s pasta demonstration and gastronomic lunch
  • Christmas Eve midnight mass at Filattiera.
  • Star gazing from the Hot Tub.
  • Gin Masterclass nose our botanical distillates, then create your gin
  • Wine tasting and tour at Castello del Piano organic vineyard and winery.
  • Wine tasting at Villa Ariola with our favourite Sommelier.
  • Pizza making, Roasting Chestnuts in our woodfired oven and Grills.
  • Pull on winter coats and boots for bracing walks into chestnut and oak forests.
  • Visit the Christmas Markets to enjoy the atmosphere and aperitive
  • Aperitive and people-watching in Pontremoli.
  • Tour of Lunigiana by People carrier.
  • Visit the Cinque Terra

 

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Special Afternoon Tea treats for children.

Father Christmas will bring treats for the children

Daily Activities (from 24th - 26th inclusive)
Family fun with games, movies, board games, kids’ colouring activities, popcorn, and fruit juices for both children and parents to enjoy.

Lawn games

Gardens and woodlands to explore; bring your wellies!

Parental supervision is always required. Children’s meals are available throughout.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND EXCURSIONS

We employ a driver with a people carrier for the duration of your stay; our preferred airports for arrival and departure are Pisa, Genoa, and Bologna. Arrival times Christmas Eve Arrival: From 2.30 pm Christmas Day from 11.00 am and before 1.00 pm in time for Christmas Day lunch.

This is an entirely bespoke service; everything can be changed, and nothing is too much trouble.

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

This is an entirely bespoke service; dates, Menus and Activities can all be tailored to your requirements. The following is our proposal.

Christmas Eve Eve, 23rd December

Arrival is from 10.00 a.m., and once you have settled into your room, we invite you to enjoy a glass of homemade mulled wine, meet your hosts and enjoy a selection of Italian Christmas Appetisers.

The celebrations of Christmas Eve Eve begin with Prosecco, followed by Porchetta roast in our wood fire oven menu. 

Christmas Eve, 24th December

A hearty-cooked breakfast is followed by your choice of activity.

We’d suggest Truffle hunting followed by Chef Stefano's pasta demonstration using your Truffles.

The traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner is - Feast of the Seven Fishes - Festa dei sette pesci.

For those wishing to attend Midnight Mass, we will be providing transport to the lovely church at Filetto.

Christmas Day, 25th December

Christmas Day begins with opening the gifts under the Christmas Tree with a glass of fizz. This will be followed by a cooked breakfast. Please join us on our annual walk, taking in the stunning views of the local area and some fresh Tuscan air! Then, join us for our traditional Christmas Day lunch.

The afternoon is for relaxing, and you’ll enjoy a gorgeous buffet in the evening.

Boxing Day, 26th December

Breakfast is followed by your chosen activity.

For lunch, we will be serving "Food from the Wild", mostly foraged hunted or organically grown within 2 kilometres from Villa Ariola.

Dinner will be a local speciality.

27th December

The conclusion of our Christmas package, after breakfast, we’ll bid you a fond farewell with best wishes for the year ahead. Stay for longer if you can.

28th December

This is an entirely bespoke service; dates, Menus and Activities can all be tailored to your requirements.

Call to Discuss

UK +44 (0)7958 681 288

Italy +39 339 121 9528

If you prefer, email lynn@villaariola.com