A spectacular yet relaxing steam train ride through the countryside south of Siena along an old rail line closed to traffic more than 20 years ago and recently reopened as a tourist railway for its high environmental and landscape value: it’s Tuscany’s Nature Train, running along the Asciano - Monte Antico lines, in the Val D'Orcia and Amiata Valley.
Riders can get off at different stations along the way and venture along trails, explore churches, villages and castles. The train ride can be combined with sports activities such as hiking and cycling, while chances to taste the local food and wine products abound as each itinerary on the Nature Train is combined with fairs, festivals and farmer’s markets.
A perfect way to enjoy “slow tourism.”
Here’s the calendar for 2014:
- March 23: steam train from Siena to San Giovanni d’Asso (Marzuolo Truffle Fair)
- April 25: steam train from Siena to Castiglion d’Orcia (Spring Festival)
- May 1st: steam train from Siena to Sant’Angelo Scalo (“Maggiolata”)
- May 4: steam train from Fabro (Between Umbria and Tuscany at full steam)
- May 11: steam train from Siena to Asciano (Cheese flavour)
- May 18: steam train from Siena to Torrenieri – Montalcino (Festival of the train)
- September 28: steam train from Siena to Buonconvento (Antiques Fair)
- October 12: steam train from Siena to Vivo d’Orcia (Porcini Mushroom Festival)
- October 19: steam train from Siena to Mount Amiata (Autumn Festival)
- November 2: steam train from Siena to Piancastagnaio (Crastatone Festival)
- November 9: steam train from Siena to San Giovanni d’Asso (Truffle Market)
- November 16: steam train from Grosseto to San Giovanni d’Asso (Truffle Market)
- November 30: steam train from Siena to Amiata (Christmas Fair and new oil)
- December 7: steam train from Fabro (Museums and squares of Siena)
- December 8: steam train from Empoli/Siena to San Quirico d’Orcia (New Oil Festival)
For more information, click here.
