Week end in treno alla scoperta della montagna toscana

Enjoy an unforgettable weekend by train exploring the Tuscan mountains. Plan your route through some of the region's most beautiful landscapes.

A weekend train ride to discover the Tuscan mountains

Many people think that the weekend by train are not suitable for the mountains. It could be the altitude, the fact that the train is conceived more as a means of moving in flat areas, the fact is that in common consideration thetrain and mountain combination it's a bit difficult. Instead it's a mistakeThe train is a very suitable and pleasant means even for moving in the mountains, and indeed we must sincerely thank all the engineers, architects and workers who were able to building railways in remote areas allowing all of us paths and views that would otherwise be inaccessible.

So let's find out which are the best itineraries for weekend by train discovering the Tuscan mountains

Treno in Toscana che viaggia tra le montagne

A weekend train ride from Florence to the Alto Mugello

The Mugello It's an excellent destination for a weekend train ride in Tuscany. The territory lies a few kilometers north of Florence and is divided, improperly, between Lower and Upper Mugello: the latter refers to some areas that lie beyond the Apennine ridge, on the Romagna side, but which fall under the administration of the Tuscany Region, namely the basin of Firenzuola and a part of the historical region of Tuscan Romagna, the areas of the municipalities of Marradi and of Palazzuolo sul Senio.

Is Marradi That Palazzuolo sul Senio They are both very interesting towns – Palazzuolo is even included in the prestigious club of Most beautiful villages in Italy – which in summer offer relaxation, fresh air, cool temperatures, and many sports opportunities.

The average travel time to and from Marradi – Palazzuolo sul Senio with arrival-departure to and from Florence The journey time varies from 1.5 hours to just over 2 hours, depending on the type of train. There are 11 trains per day.

Il borgo di Scarperia in Mugello è tra i borghi montani più belli della Toscana

Our recommendations for where to stay and eat in Mugello

Villa La Commenda Concordia: in Vicchio di Mugello, a luxurious dream of fresh elegance and refinement just a stone's throw from Florence.
Senio InnIn the charming little town of Palazzuolo sul Senio, Ercole and Roberta's exquisite hospitality, made up of many little things, will win you over.

The Cornocchio Shop: in Barberino di Mugello, among the best potato tortelli in the entire area.
Pizzeria Bar Valeri: in Luco di Mugello, a historic establishment, long famous in the area, which, in addition to amazing tortelli, also offers excellent traditional dishes.

For further information: Trattoria La Bottega del Cornocchio: simplicity and tradition at the service of taste.

Vassoio di tortelli mugellani della Bottega del Cornocchio

A weekend by train in the Casentino Forest Park

For some time now a LFI train carriage (The Italian Railway) crosses the valley of the Casentino reaching Arezzo and, animated by the bright colors of a beautiful nature, invites, not only in words, to visit the beauties of our ApenninesThe operation, on the basis of a three-year agreement with the LFI and with the collaboration of the Casentino Development and Tourism Consortium, in addition to aiming at a greater dissemination of knowledge of the Park and therefore to increase tourism in the protected area, also aims to encourage the use of a eco-friendly means such as the train, which fits perfectly with the philosophy of a National Park.

A weekend on the train in Casentino Forests Park It is therefore a great idea to explore this beautiful area of Tuscany. To and from Arezzo, reaches, on one side, the towns of Capolona, Subbiano, Rassina, Bibbiena, Poppi, Pratovecchio, Stia; on the other Civitella Badia al Pino, Monte San Savino, Lucignano, Foiano della Chiana, Sinalunga.

Vista aerea del centro storico di Foiano della Chiana e della Valdichiana

Our recommendations for where to stay and eat in Casentino

“Eremo Montemezzano” Farmhouse: in Pratovecchio-Stia, a charming and welcoming farmhouse for lovers of slow tourism.
Agriturismo Quata Country House: in Castel San Niccolò, the resort was built on expertly restored eighteenth-century farmhouses.

Bear's Den Restaurant: loved by locals, variety on the menu, excellent dishes prepared with quality ingredients.
The Tirabusciò: in Bibbiena, in an ancient building in the historic centre, the flavours and products of the Casentino valley.

Tagliata di manzo su tagliere di legno con bicchiere di vino rosso

A weekend train ride on the Porrettana Railway, which crosses the Pistoia Mountains.

The Tuscan section of the Porrettana Railway sees the bus stops alternating outside the window Pistoia, Pracchia, Piteccio, Castagno and San Mommè. Furthermore, thanks to the Porrettana Express project, you can explore the villages of the Apennines by boarding a special historic train.

The Porrettana Express, an exciting journey aboard a historic train to discover the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.

Porrettana Express is a project for the valorisation and promotion of the Trans-Apennine railway and of the territory that runs from PistoiaTuscan-Emilian Apennines, through the organization of themed historic trainsThe experience of travelling on each of these trains is unique, as the participants, in addition to transport on vintage carriages discovering the mountain landscape, enjoy themed entertainment for the entire duration of the journey. In fact, there are planned kids trains with workshops designed for families with children; historical trips to discover the Gothic Line or of theEcomuseum of the Pistoia Mountains; in addition to the train that combines the theatrical or literary show.

Upcoming dates for this original weekend by train in Tuscany Mark your calendars for September 15 and September 21, 2024. Visit the website: https://www.porrettanaexpress.it/

Il Porrettana Express è un treno turistico che attraversa l'Appennino pistoiese

Our recommendations for where to stay and eat in the Pistoia Mountains

Val di Luce SPA Resort: in Abetone Cutigliano, refined, with restaurant and spa.
HG Abetone & Piramidi Resort: historic hotel with restaurant and spa.

Silvio History at the Table: in Abetone, a historic brand that has maintained consistent quality over time.
Fagiolino Restaurant: in Cutigliano, a historic address with traditional cuisine.

Antipasto toscano di salumi e formaggio con calice di vino rosso

A weekend on a charming historic train through the Val d'Orcia to Monte Amiata

The beautiful Val d'Orcia is crossed by a suggestive railway line, which makes a weekend by train in Tuscany in this area, a unforgettable weekendThe line was closed to ordinary service in 1996, and kept alive as a line for exclusive tourist use up to the present day by the FS Italiane Foundation. Today the Val d'Orcia Railway, with its 51.2 km which connect the provinces of Siena (Asciano) and Grosseto (Monte Antico), represents the best way to spend a a day in the most authentic heart of Tuscany, for a truly slow travel experience, both on weekends and during the week. On board a vintage train it will be possible to set off towards some of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany and participate in special events, such as festivals, village fairs, and excursions in the surrounding area.

We start from Siena

The path of the vintage train originates in Siena aboard the ancient carriages "Centoporte”, hauled by steam locomotives and finely restored by the FS FoundationThe first station you come across is Buonconvento, from which it is easily reachable San Quirico d'Orcia, starting point of one of the most beautiful and evocative stages of the Via FrancigenaThe route continues bending towards the South-West, where from Ancient Mountain the journey along the begins historic railway and, following the line of the Ombrone river, you reach the Mount AmiataA few kilometers from the station, there is the splendid Abbey of Sant'Antimo, a monastic complex whose first nucleus dates back to the8th century, one of the most important examples of Tuscan Romanesque.

Getting around Monte Amiata is easy thanks to the many buses that reach the summit.

For further information: Via Francigena: 16 Tuscan stages in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims

Veduta panoramica di Siena in una giornata tersa

Our recommendations for where to stay and eat on Mount Amiata

Convent of San Bartolomeo, historic residenceIn Piancastagnaio, the Convento San Bartolomeo relais is the largest lava dome in Tuscany, a unique location for a special stay.
Hotel Valle del Fiora: in Santa Fiora, elegant, heated and covered panoramic swimming pool.

Cacciaconti RestaurantChef Agata Felluga's restaurant has been included in the 2024 Osteria d'Italia guide by Slow Food.
Grand Duke's Inn: in Castel del Piano, welcoming, in medieval style, home-made cuisine from both land and sea.

Un piatto di tagliatelle al ragout con parmigiano su piatto nero

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Cover photo Mark Pisek on Unsplash