Il Palio - Program Details
Palio Dates: June 29 to July 2 or August 13 to August 16
The Palio is a 4 day festival. Below we have outlined the activities relating to the event over the four day period and how you can enjoy them as a part of your own reservation Package.
Overview |Program Details| Prices & Availability| Reservations | Terms & Conditions
Day 1:
Arrive and check in to your hotel in Siena. Of course take an opportunity to explore the city and all its medieval charm. It is a city full of artistic heritage and architecture.
Day 2:
A day to combine one or more of our Additional Options to enhance your experience. In the morning, take our Chianti Wine tour offering a visit and lunch at a historical winery; then in the evening you can take part in a cooking class followed by a buffet dinner (cooking class in conducted in both Italian and English). These options are priced separately. You may participate in one or all of these options. For more details, visit our Palio FAQ >>.
Day 3:
The morning begins with the morning prova (trial race) and then is followed by your Siena city tour, including an exclusive visit to one of the Contrada museum. The afternoon is free for your own plans - staying in Siena or going to the countryside. Later, in the evening you will have the opportunity to attend one of the Contrada banquet, invitation only dinners where the many members and supporters for each Contrade will dine al fresco in their own neighborhood within the historical city. Between the wine, the food and the friendliest of atmospheres, you will surely begin to understand how the Palio is more than just a horse race.
Day 4:
A full day of Palio related activities, before the final race in the evening. The morning brings the final trial race, then around 2:30 opportunities abound for viewing the history unfold as the contradaioli (Contrada members) begin their parade in medieval costume through the city, stopping at various key points to display their colors and flag waving skills. All paths will eventually lead to Piazza del Campo, where in the late afternoon, the formal historical parade will begin. The color and pageantry is followed by the most famous horse race in all of Italy.
Day 5:
After morning breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you looking for other sights in Tuscany please let us help you with our daily tours that feature the beautiful sights and hill top villages of the region, or if you need personal transfers to say Florence or Rome, we would be glad to provided such services.
Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for more details and description regarding our hotel/ticket package.
Customer Comments
" ...just wanted to express again how much we enjoyed the Palio experience in Siena. We appreciate all of the preparations you put into making it truly memorable. We also appreciated (the selection of) our tour guide. She was excellent. We're telling everyone about what a great experience it was....."
F. Drew - Palio July 2011" My daughters and I had a wonderful time at the Palio. We enjoyed all of the activities. The Contrada Dinner and the Contrada Tour were a must. As was the Reception and of course The Palio. We enjoyed the tour and friendship of your tour guides.... I wouldn't change a thing as it was all great.... ."
C. Phillips - Palio July 2010
