Dive into the past aboard the Nature train - Autumn program
Check out the 2018 calendar of the Nature Train trips across the Siena area
If you're planning to come to Tuscany in Autumn (or in case you missed the Nature Train runs during the spring season) you should know that from October to December 2019 you have the chance to explore the Tuscan countryside from a very peculiar point of view and, at the same time, take a real dive into the past.
Departing from Siena or Grosseto, aboard a steam train or a vintage railcar, the Treno Natura crosses tracks that have been closed to ordinary rail traffic, thereby offering new glimpses into the Siena countryside. Do Crete Senesi and Val d'Orcia ring a bell?
Furthermore, all train trips are always concurrent with special events happening in the arrival towns. Check out the calendar below.
The lovely town of Abbadia San Salvatore and its Autumn festival will be the leading stars of the Nature train trip that will take place on Sunday October 12. The food festival of Abbadia is held the second and the third weekend of October every year, with an entertaining exhibition of local artists and kiosks selling traditional dishes.
On October 13 the steam train will leave Siena to reach the historical Monte Antico and Monte Amiata stations. The trip will then continue by bus all the way to Vivo d'Orcia. If you are a food lover (of course you are!), know that the Porcino mushroom festival will be in town of that day, so that you will have the chance to taste the famous "funghi" from Monte Amiata.
October in Tuscany also means fresh extra virgin olive oil, as you might already know. Well, on October 20 the Nature train heads to the hamlet of Trequanda on the occasion of the "Festa dell'olio novo", where you'll meet the best local olive oil producers.
On October 27 you shouldn't miss the steam train that will take you to the Thrush fair in Montalcino. You'll cross the Val d’Orcia hills until the Torrenieri Station. Here, there will be a bus transfer to the town of the renowned Brunello. The Medieval Thrush festival has been celebrated the last Sunday of October every year since 1958: 4 districts meet together to play an archery tournament. The Sagra del Tordo is also a great opportunity to taste local traditional dishes, including pappardelle with wild boar sauce, homemade pici, bean soup, grilled meat and sausages accompanied by the best local wines.
On both November 10 and November 18 the Nature train will be leading you to San Giovanni d’Asso to attend the renowned Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco, or White truffle fair.
Departing from Siena (November 11) or from Grosseto (November 19) both trains will stop in Monte Antico and head to the truffle fair, where you will find food stalls selling white truffles and many local truffle-flavoured specialities.
The last journey is on December 8, more news to come!
Information and Booking: terresiena.it (make sure you check out the italian version of the page)
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