Each year in Tuscany, a very special vehicle takes magical trips around its beautiful countryside; the Nature Train, or the Terre di Siena Treno Natura. Originally it was established in 1991 under a travel agency. Later, it was handed over to the Val d'Orcia Railway, a voluntary association of retired railway workers and other interested people who ran regular Nature Train services on 15 to 20 holidays during May, June, September and October over the Asciano–Monte Antico route. It has recently reopened after some time of inactivity.
Most Nature Train services use 50-year-old diesel railcars and old steam engines from the 1910s and 1920s. The timetables have been arranged to connect with ordinary train services at Siena, Asciano and Monte Antico, so the train is easy to reach from Florence.
These historic diesel and steam engines take you completely back in time with entirely original multi-door carriages, slow pace and the rural events they make stops at along the routes. There are various itineraries through Tuscany which stop off at village festivals and fairs allowing you to not only discover the beautiful landscapes of the area but also its palate.
These historic diesel and steam engines take you completely back in time with entirely original multi-door carriages, slow pace and the rural events they make stops at along the routes. There are various itineraries through Tuscany which stop off at village festivals and fairs allowing you to not only discover the beautiful landscapes of the area but also its palate.
The trips begin in March and continue all the way up to, and through, December. So, if this sounds like something you might be interested in, why not find yourself a luxury villa in Tuscany to rent and head over in the next few months?
There are many dates, coordinating with local festivals and the full listing can be found on the official site. These are some highlights; on May 10th is the Pecorino Cheese Exhibit and Market in Asciano. The train departs from Siena and makes its way to the quaint town where there will be a large market with crafts, antiques and local products such as the famous Pecorino cheese for sale.
On May 31st is the Train Feast which follows the route from Siena to Torrenieri where there will be a special feast to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Asciano-Torrenieri route. You can also find tours, trekking activities and an organic market when you arrive.
If you're planning a visit later in the year, the famous White Truffle fair takes place on November 8th and 15th and Siena hosts a giant Christmas Market on December 6th.
Tickets cost €29 and are free for children under ten and do bear in mind that the trains are old and can get cold so dress warmly, bring a cushion (seats are often wooden benches) and respect the timetables or you could get left behind! This is truly an amazing way to see Tuscany.
There are many dates, coordinating with local festivals and the full listing can be found on the official site. These are some highlights; on May 10th is the Pecorino Cheese Exhibit and Market in Asciano. The train departs from Siena and makes its way to the quaint town where there will be a large market with crafts, antiques and local products such as the famous Pecorino cheese for sale.
On May 31st is the Train Feast which follows the route from Siena to Torrenieri where there will be a special feast to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Asciano-Torrenieri route. You can also find tours, trekking activities and an organic market when you arrive.
If you're planning a visit later in the year, the famous White Truffle fair takes place on November 8th and 15th and Siena hosts a giant Christmas Market on December 6th.
Tickets cost €29 and are free for children under ten and do bear in mind that the trains are old and can get cold so dress warmly, bring a cushion (seats are often wooden benches) and respect the timetables or you could get left behind! This is truly an amazing way to see Tuscany.
Photo credits
picture 2: Tr6637 / CC0;
picture 3: Massimo Catarinella / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Tr6637 / CC0;
picture 3: Massimo Catarinella / CC BY-SA 3.0;
