we will be in tuscany for a week in sept. Lots of things to do, but I would appreciate some suggestions of things/places/restaurants we shouldn't miss.

That would take a book--lucky for you there is one. Buy TOP 10 TUSCANY and read it twice.

judge
if you search 'Tuscany' in the search box above, you'll come up with tons of good posts. Then you can post some specific questions and get some specific answers. It's almost impossible to answer such a general question.

Hi Judge,

On my second trip to Tuscany, the real highlight was an early morning (9:00am)mass at Sant'Antimo Abbey. There were only about 10 people there, the monks did the service in Gregorian Chant, pigeons cooed under the eaves, the morning sun was streaming through on the alter, and the beautiful, ancient, and the undecorated interior was serene.

After the mass, the abbey was open for "visiting hours" and the tour buses rolled in as I was leaving. Go early.

And, drink the Brunello in Montalcino!

Buon viaggio!

And speaking of brunello, the Fattoria dei Barbi, outside Montalcino, is a fabulous working vineyard. Interesting tour of the winery, varied tastings, and the most memorable meal we had during our trips to Italy. They have a taverna on site which serves great food with charming hospitality and a lovely setting. We're going back in August!

Thanks for the responses.We plan on staying in Greve for a while during a wine festival in September. Can anyone provide any information on this festival. Judge

Judge - can you tell me how you plan to travel to Greve? We are planning to attend a wedding there in May and are having a heck of a time figuring out how we will get there without a car.

We have moved our stay from Lucca to Siena to be a little closer but still no train schedule closer that figline Valderno. Thanks
P.S dont miss Siena.

There's info on the Chianti Classico wine festival on the Greve web site http://www.greve-in-chianti.com.

starz41 - there are frequent comfortable buses to Greve from Florence. Timetable accessble from: http://www.greve-in-chianti.com/gett...-greve-eng.htm

By the way, there is another wine festival one week after the Greve festival - it takes place in Panzano (10 mins away by car) http://www.panzano.com - to my mind it's a more enjoyable occasion - smaller with food available.

Judge
We were in Greve last year for the september wine festival and it was just fantastic - great wines and a great atmosphere. We had driven down from the UK and ended up with boxes of wine to take back. They sell you a pack of coupons (cant remember how much but not much!) and you get a tasting glass and carrier too to wander round all the stalls choosing which ones to taste. The 'tasting' is a good helping too. Make sure you are not driving! You'll love it!

Forgot to say if you are staying in Greve there is a great place to eat nearby in Lucolena which is a very small village on the road from Greve to Figline - we found it by accident on our first trip to Tuscany and always go back there - I'm sure its called Borgo di Antico but its the only place to eat in Lucolena - great food - my husband says the fillet staek was one of the best he has ever had. Its on a hill with a terrace overlooking a great view as well.