Just in the process of getting to grips with the new IMU tax, with the help of a very good site at the local comune, but it seems that the base figure of my cadastral value has gone uo by about 20%. I had a slight upward revision in 2006 when the renovations were finished, but I just wonder whether anyone can confirm the rough date of this latest hike. And point me in the direction of a site that works which provides accurate information on valuations.

I've just read in "Il Tirreno" (Lucca edition) that there is a large marketing and promotional campaign to visit these Tuscan provinces and combining the efforts of both provincial governments, the STA an Ryanair, who is offering heavily discounted airfares. Here is the relevant information:
http://iltirreno.gelocal.it/pisa/cronaca/2012/04/10/news/pisa-e-lucca-in...

Buona Pasqua a tutti!

Can anyone advise me of any large Opticians here in Southern Italy... do they have the equivelent of 'Specsavers' or 'Vision Express'? I've lived here 6 months, but haven't looked yet... excuse the pun!

Thanks, Lisa

HI There,

I will travel next week to Tuscany, to be more precise Montalcino (around 1h from Siena). 

Can anyone recommend a good restaurant/agriturismo in this area? (max. 20/25 min. drive from Montalcino)

We would like to eat well (of course!) and spend no more than 30 Euro pp (drinks/wine incl.) - 

Grazie!