The Val D’Orcia steam train is back for the summer season, ready to take visitors across a landscape so beautiful and unique it’s part of Unesco’s World Heritage sites.
Running along the Asciano-Monte Antico line, an old railway line fallen into disuse in the 1990s, the picturesque train, also known as the Nature Train, traverses a painting-like territory, passing through fields and cypress trees, vineyards and olive groves, grazing animals and historic villages, all accompanied by a cloud of steam that gives tourists the idea of traveling like in the past.
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.
Some of the most significant stops include the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, the medieval castle of San Giovanni d'Asso, Montalcino with its famous hills covered with vineyards, the village of Castelnuovo dell'Abate, built near the ancient Abbey of Sant'Antimo, Monte Amiata and the castle of Poggio le Mura.
The Val d’Orcia train travels only at certain times of the year: from April to June and from September to early December. The day-long trips depart and arrive at the Siena station. On each trip, the train stops at a different station on the Asciano - Monte Antico railway, where travelers can get off and explore.
For the full schedule: http://www.terresiena.it/it/trenonatura/programma
