Tuscany with Umbria by Steam Train

Embark on a journey through the hills of Southern Tuscany, exploring some of its many unique and charming towns. The vintage steam train ride will not only transport you through stunning landscapes but also unveils the hidden treasures of the region.

Your Holiday Itinerary

Day1Fly to Pisa

Fly from Dublin to Pisa where you will be met at the airport by your Topflight resort manager. You will be transferred comfortably by coach to the Hotel Minerva in the enchanting city of Arezzo, where you will stay for five nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

The hotel is a lovely 4 star featuring modern decor, with a classical twist, mirroring the enchanting city of Arezzo itself. It features a fitness centre with a gym and Turkish baths for quests to enjoy during their stay and bicycles are available to borrow, free of charge. Alternatively, you can walk to the city’s centre in around 15 minutes to explore the many monuments, museums, churches, shops and boutiques.

Day2Perugia & Assisi

On the first excursion of your Escorted Tour Holiday, we will set off on a coach following breakfast in the hotel. We will journey to the city of Perugia, which is the capital of the Umbria region. It’s known for its defensive walls around the historic center. Here you will take a guided tour to ensure you take in the historic sites along the way. The medieval history is palpable in this city which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and beloved cities in Italy.

Aside from charming streets and stunning views, churches are the main draw of the town of Assisi, the most popular tourist attraction of course being, the Basilica of Saint Francis. We will venture on a walking tour of the area, taking in the history and incredible sites before entering the Basilica. This architectural wonder is considered a masterpiece, as well as an outstanding example of a religious building that influenced the development of art and architecture of the entire city. The famed frescos on the Basiclica's ceiling were painted by Giotta and are sure to leave you feeling well and truly inspired.
Following on from the Basillica visit, we will once again board the coach, to return back to the hotel.

Day3Montepulciano, Pienza & Bagno Vignoni

Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we will take off on an exploration of the towns and villages of the Val d’Orcia. This stunning region is characterised by rolling hills and cypress trees and the quaint towns and villages seem to have been frozen in time.
First, we will visit Montepulciano, a medieval village that is awash with rich history and in particular is known for its churches and the Medici fortress of Sangallo. Notably, this area acted as the set for the film New Moon, from the Twilight saga.
Our second stop for the day will be Pienza, the jewel of the Val d’Orcia. A beautiful, atmospheric city, it is loved for its fifteenth century architecture among its enviable location atop the rolling hills that Tuscany is so famous for. We will then make our way to a local cheese producer, just outside the city, where we will be invited to taste some produce. The area is famed for it’s pecorino cheese and this is your chance to find out why.
Our last stop of the day will be Bagno Vignoni. This is a beautiful thermal town and has been used as the set of many films in its time. In the main square you’ll find a thermal water pool which has been used as a healing facility since as far back as Roman times.
Following on from this, we will board the coach once again to return back to the hotel.

Day4Steam Train Journey

Today we will leave the hotel early and be brought by coach to Siena from which we will board a beautiful vintage steam train. We will embark on a journey through Tuscany’s famed Val d’Orcia and will be lucky enough to have an ideal vantage point from on board this most romantic of trains. We will journey through the Ombrone Valley to Monte Antico station where we will have a 25 minute stop. With the train fully refuelled, we will depart once again through the Crete Senesi and experience more of the stunning UNESCO heritage site of the Val d’Orcia.

For those joining our tour on 24th April : The Orcia Wine Festival

We will disembark from the train and transfer by coach to San Quirico d'Orcia. Here, you will be encouraged to spend some time exploring the Orcia Wine Festival and to explore the medieval town centre. You will of course, be invited to do some wine tasting here too.

For those joining our tour on 9th October : Autumn Festival in Abbadia San Salvatore

This charming festival celebrates seasonal treasures like chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles, served in traditional dishes throughout the village. Wander through lively market stalls filled with antiques, handicrafts and local delicacies while the scent of roasting chestnuts fills the air. With a welcoming atmosphere and the beauty of Tuscany in its autumn colours, this is an authentic seasonal experience not to be missed.

For those joining our tour on 16th October : The Festival of Olive Oil in Trequanda

The train journey will continue onward to Trequanda. Here, we will disembark and have some free time to explore the festival of Olive Oil. You will be invited to taste some of the local offerings here too.

Day5Day at Leisure

After a whirlwind few days of exploration of the stunning region of Umbria, today you have a day to spend entirely at your leisure. Stay by the hotel and make use of its fantastic facilities and relax and unwind before returning home. Or alternatively, if you are still craving some exploration and site seeing, speak to our Resort Manager who can suggest additional day trips and sites to see.

Day6Return Home

You will check out of the hotel after your final breakfast of the stay. Your coach will pick you up at your designated time and transfer you to Pisa airport for your return flight back to Dublin.

*For those travelling on the 9th of October tour, the itinerary will vary slightly to that detailed above. It will take place as follows:

Day 1 - Fly to Pisa

Day 2 - Perugia & Assisi

Day 3 - Steam Train Journey

Day 4 - Day at Leisure

Day 5 - Montepulciano, Pienza & Bagno Vignoni

Day 6 - Return Home