Yulia - Travel Expert
- Railway loop in the heart of Tuscany
- Art cities and rolling landscapes
- Gentle and authentic journey
Discover this iconic region of Italy in a unique and relaxing way, by taking the railways that wind through its hills.
FLORENCE – PISTOIA – LUCCA – PISA – SIENA – FLORENCE
FLORENCE
Flight or train to Florence upon request.
Welcome to the capital of Tuscany (individual arrival).
Start of your journey Tuscany by train, the enchanted loop.
Meet and greet at the airport or train station by your driver, transfer to the hotel.
Check-in at the hotel and free time for personal exploration.
Stroll along Via de’ Calzaiuoli, a lively pedestrian street connecting Piazza della Signoria to Piazza del Duomo. Known for its numerous shops and cafés, this street offers stunning views of some of the city’s main attractions. You reach Piazza del Duomo where you’ll find the baptistery, the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral, and its famous bell tower.
Overnight at the hotel in Florence.
FLORENCE
The French-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel reception.
Walking city tour to discover the city of Florence. Cradle of the Italian Renaissance, whose historic center has been listed by UNESCO, Florence boasts exceptional artistic and cultural richness. You begin your visit at the Piazza del Duomo in front of the splendid Gothic façade of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral.
Cross one of the oldest bridges in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio which spans the Arno River. The viewpoint is magnificent, allowing you to admire both sides of the city. Your route will take you up to Piazzale Michelangelo on the hilltop of the same name, offering a wonderful view of Florence.
Overnight at the hotel in Florence.
PISTOIA
Your first step in the discovery of Tuscany by train.
In the morning, head to Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station. The building is characterized by clean lines and the use of modern materials such as glass and concrete, combined with marble typical of the Tuscan region.
In less than an hour, you arrive in Pistoia. This lovely Tuscan town with its authentic ambiance transports you back to the Tuscany of days gone by, far from the beaten track.
Drop off your luggage at the hotel and set off for a free exploration of the city.
Don’t miss the medieval Cathedral of San Zeno, one of Pistoia’s highlights, with its magnificent façade and richly decorated interior.
Pistoia is also known for the Piazza del Duomo, one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, home to several historic buildings such as the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Corte and the Palazzo dei Vescovi.
The Apennine Mountains are accessible thanks to the small historic railway line that was inaugurated in the 19th century and takes you to Pracchia station. The train, called “Ferrovia Porrettana”, completes the journey in 30 minutes. More than 500 meters of elevation gain offer splendid views of the Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions. Several hiking trails also start from the village, with different difficulty levels and durations. For example, you can reach the small village of San Momme in 3 hours, from where you can take the train back to Pistoia. This route will take you through lush forests, mountain ridges, and charming little villages.
Overnight at the hotel in Pistoia.
LUCCA
Today you leave the town of Pistoia to reach another gem of Tuscany, the city of Lucca. Known as Lucca in Italian, it is a charming Tuscan town famous for its heritage.
Meet your French-speaking guide at the hotel reception for a private city tour. Thanks to its geographical position, Lucca has for centuries been a place of exchange and passage. Pilgrims from the North would stop here on their way to Rome. From Roman times until today, from the Middle Ages through the golden age of Art Nouveau, Lucca has passed through the eras with elegance, harmoniously integrating the legacy of each period.
Afternoon at leisure.
If you have the energy, climb to the top of the Guigi Tower, the tallest and most important tower in Lucca. The climb is rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Discover the Cathedral of Saint Martin, founded in the 6th century by S. Frediano. Traces of the original early Christian cathedral and baptistery can still be seen.
There is also the option to rent bikes to explore the charming surrounding villages.
Overnight at the hotel in Lucca.
PISE
In the morning, walk to the train station (the hotel is close by).
The next stop on your Tuscany by train itinerary is Pisa.
Upon arrival at the station, head to the nearby hotel to drop off your luggage.
Accompanied by your French-speaking guide, stroll along the shopping street and discover the city from a lesser-known perspective, following the banks of the Arno River. You reach the Piazza del Duomo, where you will find the baptistery, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, and its famous bell tower: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a symbol of Italy, erected in 1173.
In Pisa, the ramparts, known as “Mura di Pisa”, are among the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Italy. Today, part of the walls has been restored and is open to visitors, offering a pleasant walk with panoramic views of the city and its monuments.
Overnight at the hotel in Pisa.
SIENNE
In the morning, depart by train from Pisa. You will arrive in Siena, one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. Drop off your luggage and meet your guide.
Set off on a walking city tour (maximum 3 hours). Let your guide lead you through the historic center, listed by UNESCO since 1995. The visit begins at Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s most famous medieval squares, shell-shaped and the heart of public life in Siena. You’ll pass by the Duomo di Siena, a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, and continue to the basilica housing the relics of Saint Catherine of Siena, the patron saint of Italy and Europe. With your guide, you will discover works by the masters of the Sienese School from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Afternoon at leisure. Don’t forget to taste local specialties such as ribollita (bean soup), truffle pasta, and ricciarelli (almond cookies).
Overnight at the hotel in Siena.
SIENNE
Enjoy the city of Siena.
Day at leisure for individual exploration of the city. Stroll through its narrow and winding streets, marvel at its medieval architecture and artisanal shops. Visit the famous Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, which houses many works of art from the cathedral, including sculptures by Giovanni Pisano and paintings by Duccio di Buoninsegna.
In the evening, go to the train station for your final train journey back to Florence. Your hotel is a 5-minute walk from the station.
Overnight at the hotel in Florence.
FLORENCE
Leave your luggage at the hotel and set out to explore Florence on your own.
Transfer to the airport according to your schedule.
End of your tour.
- Train tickets as per program in 2nd class on regular trains
- Accommodation in hotels according to the program, breakfast included
- Guided tour with a French-speaking guide in Florence (3h), in Lucca (2h), in Pisa (3h), and in Siena (3h)
- Airport/station-hotel and airport/station transfers in Florence
- French-speaking assistance from the Discovery Trains team at any time during your stay
- The travel kit in electronic version
- International transport
- Single room supplement
- 4* hotel supplement
- Tourist accommodation taxes in hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses
- Mandatory hospitalization/repatriation insurance (often included if paid by credit card)
- Printed travel booklet sent by post (+ 12 €)