For a different side of Tuscany, head for the mountains, or one mountain in particular: Monte Amiata, in the south of the region. Time your family visit to coincide with the local festivals when the area comes alive: in Seggiano, the cherry festival (mid June), pici pasta festival (second week in August) and oil festival (late November), while the Palio delle Contrade changes the face of Castel del Piano every year on September 8 and the Vulcano di Birra beer festival brings revelry to Arcidosso in late July.