b"Discoveringelegant TuscanyGetting to know our customers is not only one of the joys of our jobs, it also offers a great chance to see what we do and learn where we can keep improving. Our Chief Commercial Officer, Rob Payne, recently joined a group in Tuscany. Continuing to the picturesque spa CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTStown of Montecatini Terme, we checkedLucca is a beautiful city encircled by in to our Tuscan home. Famed for itsRenaissance walls, and home to the healing waters, it also boasts some ofannual Lucca Summer Festival (the four-the regions best opera. We spent ametre-high oil painting of Ed Sheeran great summers evening listening was a good indicator he was playing HONDARRIBIA to classics in the beautiful old spa ofthat night). The city's medieval charm Terme Tettuccio. and laid-back atmosphere make it a delightful place to unwind and soak up Experiencing thebeautiful Museum, its a modern city with a deep- SIENA TUSCANYS ICONIC LANDMARKS the Tuscan ambience. After exploring, This part of Italy is bursting withwe stopped at one of the many squares rooted history. As you explore, yourewonderful sights. Our tours takefor a quick break with a double espresso Basque Country surrounded by a mix of cutting-edgeMy first Great Rail Journeys tourcustomers to many of Tuscanyswhile watching the world go by. architecture and traditional Basquegreatest locations. In Florence, the charm. Sampling the local pintxos withtook me to an area of Italy Id neverjewel of Tuscany, a guided walking tourOur guided walk of Sienna was joyfully a glass of txakoli, the regions refreshingpreviously been. Having watchedof its UNESCO-listed centre showed usinterrupted by a neighbourhood white wine, is a must.Stanley Tuccis TV series 'Searching forthe Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio and Ponte'contrade' that parades in the Palio CEO of the Great Rail Journeys family, Dave Riley, recently visited the BasqueItaly' before I travelled, I had a picture inVecchio. With a few hours to myself, horse race on the shell-shaped Piazza Country with colleagues to follow in the footsteps of our customers and becomeSan Sebastin is another gem. Thismy mind of what to expect and I hopedI opted to enjoy the serenity of thedel Campo. Dressed in full costume with further acquainted with this scenic region of Spain.sophisticated coastal city is a haven forit lived up to expectations. Boboli Gardens, a beautiful havensilk flags and drums, it was an amazing foodies, boasting more Michelin-starredoverlooking the city. sight for us to witness. Siena has a restaurants per capita than anywhereA FIRST TASTE OF ITALYgreat culinary scene, with dishes like Being able to take some of the team toWe stayed at the Hotel Jauregui, whichelse in the world. As part of the tour,A smooth journey via Eurostar and TGVOf course, no trip to Tuscany ispici pasta and ribollita soup. However, the Basque Country was a great chanceis part of our Discoveries tour Theyoull have the opportunity to relax ontook our group to Turin for an overnightcomplete without visiting Pisa. I pre- my personal highlight was the triple-to see for ourselves this stunning areaBasque Country. This hotel has a greatLa Concha Beach or stroll through thestay. With a free morning, I visited thebooked a time at the iconic Leaningscoop ice cream from il Masgalano of northern Spain famous for its uniquelocation in the centre of town and closecharming Old Town (Parte Vieja). Lingotto Factory, the original homeTower and chose to walk up the 251Gelateria! Stanley Tucci would surely culture, rich history, incredible cuisineto the beach. The nearby marina alsoof the Fiat 500, for a walk around thesteps to the top to admire the views.have approved.and stunning coastline.has a lively but laid-back atmosphereLA RHUNE MOUNTAIN RAILWAYrooftop test track that allowed me toTogether with the obligatory picture of with a great mix of restaurantsOne of the most memorable aspectsrelive some famous scenes from Theme holding the tower up, this made for HONDARRIBIA: OUR BASEserving high quality cuisine. The hotelof our tour is a trip on the historic rackItalian Job, albeit on foot. a memorable experience.Going on tour with Great Rail Journeys After a relaxing journey by train viaspecialises in pintxos (Basque-stylerailway that takes you to the summitgave me the opportunity to meet Eurostar then a direct TGV down totapas) but if you want to explore a littleof La Rhune mountain. The vintagesome amazing people and share some the southern French coastal town offurther, Id recommend walking to thecogwheel train, dating from 1924,incredible experiences in beautiful Hendaye, we arrived at our home forAbarka Jatetxea restaurant. climbs to about 2,970 feet, giving youplaces. It was a pleasure getting to the next few daysHondarribia. Thisa spectacular view of the Atlanticknow our customers and share in their beautiful port town and its estuary BASQUE CULTUREcoastline, the lush Basque countrysideholiday. I also want to thank Ian and are situated on the border betweenBilbao is the region's cultural heart.and the peaks of the Pyrenees. AtLucy, our brilliant Tour Managers, who France and Spain.Famous for the iconic Guggenheimthe summit, the views are simplymade the trip very special. I've kept in breathtaking. This unique railwaycontact with a number of my fellow experience provides not just scenictravellers, and I hope to see thembeauty but also a sense of travelingagain on another tour.back in time, as you ascend through unspoiled landscapes. For more information on our For more information on ourWonders of Tuscany holiday The Basque Country holidaysee page 16 or visitsee page 30 or visit greatrail.com/TYSgreatrail.com/BHSSAN SEBASTIN LUCCA8 SEVILLE MEET THE TEAM 9"