IApril 25 it’s the ideal day to explore landscapes that seem to have been drawn by a painter, aboard a historic steam train which gives the sensation of going back in time: crossing the Val d’Arbia and the Ombrone Valleyyou will be able to immerse yourself in the most authentic places of the Tuscany.
A trip possible thanks to the “Nature Train: Spring Festival” organized by the FS Foundation, which it leaves from Siena and arrives in Castiglione d’Orciaoffering the possibility of living special experiences among traditional gastronomic specialties, castles and nature hiking routes.
The route of the historic train
The steam locomotive, with “Centoporte” cars from the 1930s and Corbellini cars from the 1950s, reveals a Tuscany even more authentic, slow-paced and with breathtaking views.
We start from Siena at 08:50, we stop at Bonconvento (09:33) then cross the Val d’Orcia park (UNESCO heritage) and the areas of Brunello di Montalcino until 10:07 Mount Antico (fraction of the municipality of Civitella Paganico, in the province of Grosseto): here a 20-minute stop allows you to photograph the locomotive in maneuver and the impressive water reserve on tender: a unique moment that railway and photography enthusiasts will surely love.
Arrival at the Spring Festival
The next stop is at Monte Amiata Scalo (10:49 a.m.), where you get off from historic train and the journey continues by bus until Castiglione d’Orcia, charming medieval village nestled in the middle of the hills, which the April 25 and 26, 2026 comes to life with the Spring Festival. Among the streets of the village there will be musicians, street artists and markets of leisure, crafts and local products, where you can taste the specialties of the local gastronomic tradition.
The unlimited opening of the Torre della is also planned Rocca di Tentennanowhich offers a suggestive 360° panorama of the Val d’Orcia and its villages. Those traveling on the Nature Train will be able to visit it with a single ticket, as well as the Rocca Aldobrandesca. Those who wish, as an option, can also participate in a suggestive event scenic hike (1:00 p.m.) of 7 km, moderately demanding and with a variable slope.
The Spring Festival in Castiglione d’Orcia is also a great idea for anyone who is not traveling on the historic train: an event that allows you to discover the village and experience the most authentic traditions of the place.
The return
At 4:20 p.m., the bus leaves Torrenierifrom where the historic train will depart at 5:21 p.m. The return journey is also a spectacle to admire from the window: it crosses the territory of Year of Cretea suggestive succession of biancane and ravines which offer breathtaking views. A transformative experience trip out of town on April 25 in one of the most evocative memories of spring 2026.
For more information on seat availability and ticket prices, we recommend consulting the official website of the FS Foundation, in the historic trains section.