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As reluctant as I was to leave Florence, our family was excited to move on to the next city to celebrate our cousin’s wedding. And so we hauled our luggage to the train station and were headed to Siena. Santa Maria Novella is the main train station in Florence (not to be confused with the tram that takes you to the airport). Train travel is convenient and often the most economical way to go between cities. After doing some research, I downloaded the Rail Europe app to book the trains we would need on our trip.
The image above is what the Rail Europe app looks like, should you ever decide to download and use it (there is also a website). I want to point out that the cost is $11.40 for a one-way! Isn’t that amazing? You can see that several times are listed to choose from and it will show you (once you click on the route you choose) what stops will be along the way. These do not usually take very long, but be mindful of how long it takes in case you have a time restraint. This can be deceiving too if you are choosing an express train. It doesn’t mean that you won’t make stops along the way. Also make note of the far right image with the orange “11 minute interchange”. You sometimes have to change trains. If and when you decide to go to Siena, choose “Siena” from the choices that populate. There are 2 other locations, Siena Zone Industrial and Torrita di Siena, that are different from the town of Siena mentioned here.
I never had an issue with this app and we took 3 trains as we visited 4 cities. I mentioned in the previous “Firenze” post that it is imperative you validate all train tickets. If you have a paper ticket, there will be green machines to stamp the ticket before you get on the train. You will face a hefty fine if an employee comes along asking for your ticket and it’s not stamped. Since mine were all digital, I pulled up the app and showed them my reservation for the 4 of us and never had a problem. https://raileurope.tp.st/wGVcCxmH
When we arrived at the Siena train station, we quite literally were on the other side of the track. This meant we had to carry our luggage down a flight of stairs, walk the underpass and go back up the stairs to the station where we would find a taxi. I am mentioning this because some may be surprised that an elevator isn’t always available. If you’re not in shape before your trip, you certainly will get a workout while you’re there! It is not for the lighthearted. Case in point, we helped 2 older women traveling together with their luggage…don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Now you should know by now, there’s going to be a funny story somewhere here, right? My husband and sons had a look of panic waiting outside for a taxi. They trusted me in the fact that I got them safely from one city to another, but then they wondered how in the world were we getting to the wedding venue? I decided to not rent a car, as I knew all too well, this would cause unwanted stress for our family. Rest assured, there are plenty of taxis waiting to bring tourists wherever they need to go. It was unfortunate when I saw a large taxi that would have fit us all, drive away with another family. Again, sheer panic (I laugh a little as I remember my husband’s face). But with what Italian I knew, I wrangled 2 taxi drivers and we all made it to Tenuta di Monaciano! Miracles never cease, and once again, my family’s faith was restored. Va bene.
Words are not enough to describe the drive through this small part of Tuscany to Monaciano. The winding roads, old farmhouses with vineyards and those trees! You know what I’m talking about. Those insanely tall, green columns that dwarf our NY aborvitae. This was quintessential Italy for me. We followed a meandering drive with olive trees on each side up to the estate. Could I really be here? Even now writing this after a year and a half, I am filled with emotion. There is just something about this country that feels like home. These pictures don’t do it justice. They’re beautiful to look at, but just imagine how vivid it is to see in person, it’s almost indescribable.
Monaciano is a small estate located just a few miles outside Siena. There is the main villa with elaborately decorated rooms, sculpted gardens throughout and the rustic farmhouses where my family stayed. Our farmhouse was nearly the size of my own home, with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, a large living room and a kitchen. Just outside were rows of grapes and more olive trees gently blowing in the breeze. The staff was more than hospitable and they provided delicious and substantial meals throughout the wedding weekend. This estate does provide individual stays but also hosts many weddings and other events. If you’re renting a car, sightseeing in town is clearly an option. We had no trouble calling for a taxi when we were leaving Monday morning for our next leg of the trip. http://www.monaciano.com
Since we never rented a car while in Italy, we never had a chance to see the town of Siena. My dear friend, Meera let me use her pictures that you see above. It is a fairly small and walled medieval town whose claim to fame is Il Palio, a historic horse race that takes place in the summer. You will be transported to another century as people are dressed in costume waving flags. Remember Under the Tuscan Sun when Pawel does the flag competition? That’s what I picture, it must be quite a sight! If you ever brave Italy in the summer and are in Tuscany, I suggest being a spectator to this impressive tradition. http://www.intuscany.net
And so that concludes our weekend stay in Siena. It was THE most fun wedding I had ever attended. A shoutout to Derek and Emily who let us be a part of their memorable nuptials! We called for a taxi to the same train station where we were able to grab a bite to eat before we headed out. Our next stop was to the Amalfi Coast…Positano here we come!
