Nestled amid the rolling Tuscan hills, perfectly located between Florence and Lucca, Montecatini Terme is the ideal base for exploring the medieval towns and Renaissance cities of glorious Tuscany.
Its pastel-hued palazzos and tree-shaded piazzas transport visitors back to the time when it was one of Europe's premier spa resorts. Nowadays, Montecatini Terme attracts tourists due to its famed opera festival that puts on incredible shows from April to October.
The rich musical heritage of Montecatini Terme
Montecatini Terme's links to opera are long established. Giuseppe Verdi - the composer of La Traviata and Aida - was a regular visitor during the final 25 years of his life. One of the main streets, Viale Verdi, is named in his honour. This grand thoroughfare connects the town centre with the funicular that carries people up to the historic hilltop settlement of Montecatini Alto. Occupying pride of place is the Verdi Theatre, outside of which stands a statue to the composer.
Giacomo Puccini also sought relaxation in Montecatini Terme, and a bronze statue of the La Bohème composer can be found relaxing on a bench on Viale Verdi.
While connections to these operatic giants might be well known, its appeal has also drawn more modern icons to this quintessentially Tuscan town - as our Chief Operating Officer, Steve Lee, discovered on a recent visit.
And what's more, these surprising associations can be uncovered at two of the hotels featured on Great Rail Journeys tours!
Grand Hotel Francia & Quirinale
An elegant Art Nouveau hotel near the expansive Parco delle Terme and spas, customers on our Classic tour, Highlights of Tuscany, have been staying at this 4-Star hotel for many years.
Steve says: "This traditional hotel was built in the Liberty style by a wealthy French family in 1908, and it has been in the ownership of the Giusfredi family since 1920. On one wall of the lounge bar hangs a 17th-century Flemish tapestry, while a statue of Venus that dates from 200BC sits in the centre.
"The hotel has some strong musical connections too. In one of the lounges, you can find a Steinway grand piano on which Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli entertained guests when he stayed at the hotel.
"At the other end of the musical spectrum, one of the individually styled suites is a favourite of Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant. The Black Country rocker bases himself at the Francia & Quirinale whenever he visits nearby Florence!"
Hotel Columbia Wellness & Spa
Just moments from the heart of Montecatini Terme, this new hotel for Great Rail Journeys can be enjoyed on our Discoveries tour, Wonders of Tuscany.
Steve says: "As you enter, you can't fail to notice the enormous original painting of Jim Morrison that adorns the wall behind reception. The owner, Luca, is a long-time fan of The Doors and commissioned a local artist to create the portrait. The artwork compliments a guitar once owned by Doors guitarist Robby Krieger that hangs on the wall above Luca's desk in the reception!
"Luca's family also own a nearby agriturismo and a large bowl of local produce is in reception for hotel guests to enjoy - as well as family-produced olive oil and Chianti to purchase."
Experience Montecatini Terme with Great Rail Journeys
This popular spa town and cultural centre provides a great base for our tours to Tuscany.
You can experience Montecatini Terme and this beautiful region of Italy for yourselves by joining us on the following tours.
