Join us to experience the most exciting horse race that no one has ever heard of!
Overview
Experience the Palio, a week-long cultural event culminating in a thrilling horse race in the square of the charming city of Siena. Here, you’ll witness one of the most fascinating and complex cultures on the planet. You’ll marvel at the colorful outdoor light fixtures that line the contrada…or neighborhoods, the huge vibrant banners that hang over the streets, and enthusiastic neighborhood parades, complete with flag-tossing, drum beating, and passionate singing. The Palio is a 500-year-old social, political, historical and religious event that pits neighborhood against neighborhood in an ancient rivalry and truly defines life in Siena.
You will stay in the midst of all of this excitement for several days to wander and experience one of the most vibrant cultures in all of Europe. Best of all, you will witness the most amazing race you’ve ever seen. You’ll visit one of the contrada that is running the race, visit their museum, attend their private pre-race dinner, hang out with them, and cheer “our” horse on in the race! Once you understand the significance of the contrada and the constant daily influence of the Palio, the spirit of Siena will come alive, and you’ll feel like a part of it all!
From the emotion-laden Drawing of the Horses to the dinner, parades, practices, and pageantry…it all leads up to a wild 3-lap race that is the culmination of the year for the people of Siena. We’ll be immersed in the excitement and cheering our contrada on from the comfort of our private apartment (with food and wine, of course) overlooking the square, complete with huge balconies for a viewpoint that can’t be beat!
During the week we’ll also manage to get out into the lovely Tuscan countryside to visit some vineyards, taste some wine, learn how to cook Tuscan-style, and have plenty of free time to explore on our own. We generally only have 12 people on our Palio extravaganza, drop us a line if you’re interested.
Hotel
Due to availability at the time of booking, hotel listed may change to similar hotels
Siena - 4 Star Hotel Athena
This hotel has a superb location in the city center of Siena. With furnishings by local artisans, colors that echo the tones of the Tuscan landscape and the many comforts available, you will feel completely at home. For the last 47 years the Hotel Athena has been perfecting each stay with the very best in hospitality, attention and courtesy.
Image Gallery
Siena and the Palio
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