Days of the Palio Tour - Program Details

Palio Tour Dates: June 28 to July 2 or August 12 to August 16

The Days of the Palio Tour offers 5 nights to include the 4 days of the Palio festival. Below we have outlined the itinerary and the activities relating to the tour program and the event.

Overview |Itinerary Details| Photo Gallery| Reservations | Terms & Conditions

Day 1:

Check in to Borgo Scopeto – later in the afternoon, meet and greet orientation, plus review of your Palio package. In the evening a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2:

After breakfast, arrive to Siena (9:30am) for guided city tour (2 hours), including exclusive entry to one of the Contrada museums. Afterwards free time given for lunch; later regroup for entry into the campo to witness the assignment of the horses (Tratta). One of the exciting elements of the Palio - each of the 10 participant Contrada will receive (by lottery) their horse for the race. Once the horses are assigned, they cannot be replaced for any reason, thus sealing the fate of the Contrada for the race. Afterwards suggestions for the afternoon will be given, including unescorted entrance to Palazzo Pubblico, other museums, or the Duomo. Then to wrap up the day, a special aperitif, before returning to Scopeto for dinner at your leisure.

Day 3:

A full day to explore the regions villages and wineries. You will enjoy a guided excursion to one or more historical townships (which can include Pienza, Montalcino, San Gimignano, Volterra, Castellina in Chianti). Depending on the village location, we will select a a local winery for a tour, wine tasting and follow it with a special lunch either at the winery of a nearby osteria. Afterwards, return to the hotel and the evening at your leisure.

Day 4:

After breakfast, the day provides a time to relax at the hotel to enjoy the pool and spa amenities, or if you wish to visit other local wineries or villages in Chianti, these options can be arranged. Late in the afternoon, you will transfer to Siena for the opportunity to witness the evening trail race. Full of anticipation and energy, this trial race sets the tone for the evening Contrada dinner banquets. You will have the opportunity to attend one of the 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 5:

A day of Palio related activities, before the final race in the evening. Arrival to Siena just after lunch, and in time 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 (approximately 5:00pm), the formal historical parade will begin. Then after the color and pageantry, what you came for, the most famous horse race in all of Italy - Palio di Siena.

Day 6:

After morning breakfast, check out of the hotel and continue with your travels. If you looking for other sights in Italy, let us know. Easily we would be glad to assist if you need personal transfers to say Florence or Rome.

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for more details and description regarding the Palio and ticket related issues.

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'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 museum were a must. As was the Reception and of course The Palio. We enjoyed the tour and friendship.... I wouldn't change a thing as it was all great.... ."

C. Phillips - Palio July 2010