Railbookers

Florence, Siena, and Lucca

Florence, Siena, and Lucca, three Tuscan cities by rail

Illustration of Florence, Siena, and Lucca

Railbookers runs Florence, Siena, and Lucca as a 7-day, 6-night rail vacation, spending two nights in each of the three Tuscan towns and linking them by train. Florence opens with a small-group tour of the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi Gallery, plus free time around the Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce. The train then continues to Siena, set among olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, where the second day offers a choice between a countryside walk, a trip to the Brunello wine town of Montalcino, or more of the city's Gothic architecture and gardens. A regional Tuscan train covers the final leg to Lucca, a walled medieval town with 16th-century fortifications still standing, where the days take in the cathedral of San Martino, the Guinigi Tower, and shopping along its historic streets. With two nights in each stop and hotels chosen from 15 options across tiers, it suits travelers who want a slower, food-and-wine-leaning route through Tuscany's smaller cities rather than just Florence.

What to know before you look closer

  • This package offers a choice of 15 hotels across Florence, Siena, and Lucca at different tiers, so the exact hotel and its standard depends on which option is chosen.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Florence

    Your Journey Begins in Florence

    Upon arrival in Florence, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon visiting the delightful sights of this classic city. Take a walk through the buzzing squares of Piazza San Giovanni (with its spectacular cathedral), the Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce, featuring Renaissance palaces decorated with frescos. Visit the Galleria dell'Accademia to view an incredible collection of 13th to 18th century paintings or enjoy the sweeping views of the city from the beautiful Boboli gardens.

  2. Day 2overnight: Florence

    Florence

    A full day of sightseeing lies ahead today with a small group morning tour led by a local is a brilliant way to learn the vast history of this ancient city. You will visit the Accademia Gallery to see first had Michelangelo's David, then you will also make your way to tour the Uffizi gallery. Speak to any of our Travel Consultants if you might prefer a private tour perhaps.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Siena

    Florence to Siena

    Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and then make your way to the train station, before boarding a service to Siena. On arrival, check into your hotel for a two night stay. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena's ancient Romanesque architecture and fine Italian roots make this town a stunning destination to visit. The Duomo, Siena's grand cathedral and St Maria della Scala museum offer great insights into the history of the town and a clear reason behind its World UNESCO Heritage status. Soak up the atmosphere of the bustling markets in Piazza del Campo before enjoying a traditional Siennese evening meal - perhaps the pappardelle sulla lepre (pasta with hare sauce), washed down with a glass of Chianti classico.

  4. Day 4overnight: Siena

    Siena

    Spend your second day in Siena exploring more of the sights. Take a walk through the sea of vineyards and olive groves surrounding the city or travel the short distance to the Arbia valley and to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to the famous Brunello wine. Alternatively, spend the afternoon discovering more of the Gothic architecture, quaint churches, 17th century gardens and various le fonti fountains displayed throughout the city.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lucca

    Siena to Lucca

    After breakfast, return to the train station and travel to Lucca aboard a regional Tuscan train for your two-night stay. Protected by 16th century walls, Lucca is a medieval gem of Tuscany. Featuring superb dining, charming antique markets, and only half an hour away from beautiful beaches, there is plenty to occupy the traveler's mind.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lucca

    Lucca

    After breakfast, explore the highlights of Lucca such as the cathedral San Martino, the churches of San Michele and San Frediano, and the Guinigi Tower belonging to the prestigious Guingi family. Spend the afternoon shopping for Italian treats and boutique clothing on Via Gallitassi before relaxing in Piazza San Michele with a glass of local wine.

  7. Day 7rail

    Depart Lucca

    Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel this morning, then check out and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Specialists will be happy to assist you with the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A small-group morning tour visits the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's David, followed by a tour of the Uffizi Gallery.
  • Day 3The train from Florence to Siena arrives in a town surrounded by olive groves and Chianti vineyards, with Romanesque architecture including the Duomo.
  • Day 4A second day in Siena allows a walk through vineyards and olive groves, or a trip to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to Brunello wine.
  • Day 6In Lucca, the cathedral of San Martino, the churches of San Michele and San Frediano, and the Guinigi Tower are on the day's list, followed by shopping and a glass of local wine in Piazza San Michele.

Included

  • Rail travel as specified in itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Siena
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lucca
  • Small Group tour of Florence including the Accademia gallery and Florence Duomo
  • Small group tour of the Uffizi gallery

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel is included throughout, from Florence to Siena and on to Lucca by regional Tuscan train.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A small-group tour of Florence's Accademia Gallery and Duomo, and a small-group Uffizi Gallery tour; the days in Siena and Lucca are largely free time.
Which hotels are used?
A choice from 15 hotel options across Florence, Siena, and Lucca, including the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze and the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Two nights each in Florence, Siena, and Lucca, across 7 days and 6 nights.
How much free time is there?
Siena's second day and much of the Lucca stay are unguided, with optional activities such as a trip to Montalcino or a walk through the vineyards near Siena.
What is the starting price?
From $529 per person, about $76 a day.

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