Why Summer Is the Best Time to Explore Tuscany by Train

Tuscany in summer is iconic—rolling golden hills, hilltop towns glowing in the afternoon sun, and vineyards heavy with grapes. While many locals escape to the coast during July and August, this creates a perfect opportunity for independent travellers to explore inland Tuscany by train, with fewer crowds, peaceful streets, and access to some of the region’s most authentic experiences. And the best part? You can do it all without a car.

Early morning over the Chianti region

🌾 Quieter Towns, Authentic Vibes

In summer, coastal areas like Viareggio and Elba fill up with Italian families on holiday—which means smaller inland towns like Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona, and San Miniato are often calmer, more relaxed, and more welcoming to visitors looking to slow down.

Many shops and restaurants stay open, and you'll have space to enjoy sun-soaked piazzas, hidden gardens, and scenic views—all without the crowds of spring and fall.

🌿 Stunning Landscapes from the Window Seat

The Tuscan countryside is at its most cinematic in summer. Fields of sunflowers, golden wheat, and rolling green hills pass by your train window as you glide between cities.

Routes like Florence to Arezzo, Chiusi to Siena, or Empoli to Lucca are particularly beautiful in July and August, when the landscape glows under late-evening light.

🍷 Wine & Olive Oil Experiences

Many vineyards near Chiusi, Montalcino, and San Gimignano offer train-accessible tours and tastings, often including olive oil and local food pairings.

From Florence or Siena, you can:

• Take a short train to Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, then taxi to Montepulciano or a nearby cantina

• Ride to Certaldo and explore the wine estates in nearby Val d’Elsa

• Catch a train to Empoli and access the lesser-known wineries of Montalbano and Vinci

Check with wineries in advance—many will help arrange pickups or recommend easy-access tasting rooms.

🚄 Sample Itinerary: 3 Days in Tuscany by Train

Day 1: Florence → Arezzo (morning), Arezzo → Cortona (afternoon) Day 2: Cortona → Chiusi (wine tour) → Siena (overnight) Day 3: Siena → San Miniato (for olive oil tasting) → back to Florence

🌊 Escape the Heat, Keep It Flexible

Trains are a great option for hot summer days: most regional trains are air-conditioned and save you the stress of driving on winding roads or parking in historic towns.

Plus, with trains running hourly between most towns, you can create a flexible itinerary that suits your pace. Want to spend extra time sipping wine in the shade of a vineyard terrace? No problem—just hop on a later train.

🌐 Travel Tips for Summer Rail Adventures

• Book regional train tickets in advance (especially for popular routes)

• Travel early in the day to beat the heat and enjoy quieter mornings

• Carry a refillable water bottle, light layers, and sun protection

• Pair train stops with local sagre (food festivals), many of which happen in August

  
  

🚴️ Off the Beaten Track, On the Rails

Tuscany isn’t just Florence and Siena. With a little planning, you can reach Sansepolcro, Pistoia, Colle di Val d’Elsa, or even Saturnia (via Grosseto + bus) by train.

Each of these towns has its own charm—from thermal baths and medieval towers to open-air art installations and local festivals.

📢 Final Thought:

If you want to experience the real rhythm of Tuscany—the slower pace, the layered history, the scent of rosemary and stone in the sun—summer is your moment. And the train is your key.

Real Travel Guides: Discover Italy independently, sustainably, and by train.