Europe’s Railway Renaissance is charging full speed ahead this fall, and if you happen to be heading to Italy, you don’t want to miss this:
There is a new scenic, slow train in the scene, and guess what, it’s come straight from your most idyllic European getaway fantasies. It travels from Rome all the way to a small town in the Tuscan countryside, steeped in ancient history and medieval charm.
Called the Siena Express, it links the Eternal City with Siena, in 70s-inspired vintage carriages, and with tickets starting from as cheap as $34:
Travel From Rome To Siena This Fall With The Siena Express
The Siena Express will run on weekends starting September 27, before wrapping up for the season on November 2.
Departures from Rome (Termini Station) will take place on Saturdays, at 07:42, arriving in Siena at 12:27, while return journeys are scheduled for Sundays, at 15:05.
This is a scenic, touristic service rather than one of Italy’s high-speed Frecciarossa trains, so bear that in mind when booking: the Siena Express is for those who enjoy traveling at a more relaxed pace, admiring the views of lush fields, rolling vineyards, and pastoral villages.
More specifically, it crosses Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site traversed by verdant hills, before whooshing past the Obertello Lagoon, one of Italy’s landmark nature reserves, and it also calls at a number of hidden gems in between.
These include Capalbio, a stone-built town atop a hill, surrounded by walls and boasting breathtaking views of the Province of Grosseto.
Grosseto itself is a magical place, which names the province, is an unspoiled Italian town revolving around a Renaissance-era main square. Naturally, the star of the show here is Siena, as you roll into the idyllic Tuscany:
Is Siena The Prettiest Small Town In Italy?
Located on a prominent hill commanding a sweeping panorama of family-owned vineyards and winding roads lined with cypress trees, Siena feels like Tuscany in a nutshell:
Its center is distinguished by its numerous medieval buildings, and the unusually large, fan-shaped main square, Piazza del Campo, which hosts 3 of Tuscany’s most important monuments: Siena’s Palazzo Pubblico and Gothic Town Hall, and the 14th-century Torre del Mangia.
This tower is probably the most iconic feature of Siena’s brick-made skyline, much like the Brunelleschi Duomo is Florence’s pride and joy, mainly due to its unmissable white crown.
If you’re looking to get your mind blown, be sure to check out the Piccolomini Library inside Siena Cathedral: the meticulously painted, colorful frescoes on the ceiling are the work of the Perugian artist Pinturicchio.
Near the cathedral, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is yet another must-see, featuring its bronze baptismal font. On the edge of the Old Town, Porta Camollia and Porta Romana are ornate city gates that have diligently guarded the entrance to Siena since the Middle Ages.
Onboard The Siena Express
More on the train itself, the revamped Siena Express will feature ‘Gran Comfort’ carriages, dubbed icons of 1970s train travel, with large panoramic windows to go with it.
Regarding prices, they start at $34 for the Rome–Argentario section (stopping in Tarquinia, Capalbio, Orbetello, and Grosseto) and range from $57 to $58 for the full Rome–Siena route.
If you’re traveling with children, you’ll be glad to know that those under 3 years of age can travel for free (though they must be added when booking an adult ticket), and those aged 4–12 receive a 50% discount.
As for the planned stops, we have:
- Rome Termini 07:42
- Tarquinia 09:03 – 09:05
- Capalbio 09:25 – 09:27
- Orbetello 09:34 – 09:36
- Grosseto 9:55 – 10:40
- Montepescali 10:49 – 10:51
- Monte Antico 11:18 – 11:25
- Buonconvento 11:49 – 11:51
- Monteroni d’Arbia 12:01 – 12:03
- Siena 12:27
Tickets can be purchased directly on Trenitalia’s dedicated Treni Turistici website. Considering the route is open for only 6 weekends, and seating availability is more limited than on regular trains, we advise booking in advance if Siena’s now on your radar.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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