A Stop in Montecatini Alto
A medieval village above the spa town. Reach it by historic funicular, walk the quiet lanes and enjoy panoramic views over the Valdinievole — one of Tuscany's best-kept secrets.
📍 Hilltop Village
⏱ 1 Hour Stop
🚗 Private Chauffeur
✅ NCC Licensed since 2004
Why Stop in Montecatini Alto
Above the Spa Town — Unchanged by Time
Most visitors to Montecatini Terme never look up. High above the famous thermal spa town, perched on a rocky hilltop surrounded by olive groves and woodland, sits Montecatini Alto — a perfectly preserved medieval village that has barely changed since the Middle Ages. It is one of those rare places in Tuscany that still belongs entirely to its residents.
The easiest and most memorable way to arrive is by the historic funicular railway, which has been connecting the two towns since 1898. The short ride offers extraordinary views over the Valdinievole plain and the surrounding hills. At the top, the village rewards those who take the time to explore — a small Romanesque church, a handful of excellent restaurants with terrace views, and a quiet piazza where life moves at the pace it always has.
For guests staying in or passing through Montecatini Terme, a stop in the Alto is a natural addition to any transfer. Our drivers know the village well — we are based here, licensed by the Comune di Montecatini Terme since 2004. This is our home, and we are happy to share it.
The Thermal Baths
Terme Montecatini →
Montecatini Terme is home to one of Europe's most celebrated thermal spa complexes — nine historic establishments set in elegant Liberty-style buildings, offering treatments from drinking cures to full wellness programmes. Book in advance, especially for the flagship Tettuccio and Excelsior establishments.
Where to Eat in Montecatini Terme
Michelin Guide →
From terrace restaurants in Montecatini Alto with views over the Valdinievole to refined Tuscan cuisine in the spa town below — the area has a strong dining scene. The Michelin Guide lists the best options across both towns, updated each season.
1 hrRecommended Stop
1898Funicular Since
2004NCC Licensed Since
24/7Available Year-Round
Transfer Routes
Journeys That Pass Through Montecatini Alto
Montecatini Alto sits along several key routes between Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. Here are the most popular transfers where a stop makes perfect sense.
Route 01
Florence → Cinque Terre with stop in Montecatini Alto
Travelling from Florence to the colourful villages of the Cinque Terre? Montecatini Alto sits naturally along the route — just off the motorway in the Valdinievole hills. Take the historic funicular up to the medieval village, enjoy a coffee on the terrace with views over the valley, and continue north to the Ligurian coast refreshed and unhurried.
Florence
📍 Montecatini Alto · 1 hr
Cinque Terre
Route 02
Portofino → Florence with stop in Montecatini Alto
Leaving the glamour of Portofino and heading south to Florence? Montecatini Alto makes a perfect halfway stop — a quiet, authentic contrast to the Ligurian Riviera. Ride the funicular up to the medieval hilltop, walk the lanes of the old village and enjoy the views before continuing your journey south into the heart of Tuscany.
Portofino
📍 Montecatini Alto · 1 hr
Florence
Route 03
Lucca → Venice with stop in Montecatini Alto
The long journey from Lucca to Venice passes through the Valdinievole — and Montecatini Alto is an ideal place to break it. Just 10 minutes from Lucca, the hilltop village offers a completely different perspective on Tuscany: medieval, quiet and with extraordinary views. A short stop here before the long drive north to Venice makes the journey genuinely memorable.
Lucca
📍 Montecatini Alto · 1 hr
Venice
Route 04
Forte dei Marmi → Bologna with stop in Montecatini Alto
Leaving the beaches of Forte dei Marmi and heading north to Bologna? The route passes directly through the Valdinievole, making Montecatini Alto a natural detour. Spend an hour in the medieval village — a complete contrast to the Versilian coast — before crossing the Apennines into Emilia-Romagna and arriving in Bologna in time for dinner.
Forte dei Marmi
📍 Montecatini Alto · 1 hr
Bologna
What to See in Montecatini Alto
Make the Most of Your Stop
One hour is enough to experience the best of Montecatini Alto. Here is what we recommend to first-time visitors.
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