DESCRIPTION
The Palio is a bareback horserace through the ancient streets of impossibly quaint Siena - a medieval tradition, it has been held annually since 1633, and is as popular today as ever! The Palio is as much a celebration of the city as a horserace - with each contrada (or rider) representing a different district as they compete for civic pride. The race culminates in the Piazza del Campo - the cities principal public space and one of Europe's great medieval squares. Indeed, the entirety of Siena's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Palio is a fun, and rioutous cultural experience that feels somewhat timeless. Our package for this thrilling, colourful and enthralling experience includes premium seating at the starting line for the Palio, and a traditional contrada meal the evening before the race. The city of Siena comes alive for this celebration of culture and tradition - the parades, pageantry and good-natured civic competition are just as captivating as the race itself! 15:00 - The jockeys and their horses appear in their respective contradas (city quarters), and are blessed by local priests in a mystic rite designed to bring them luck. After that, the contrada procession crosses the historic centre of Siena, stopping at Piazza Salimbeni, the Casino dei Nobili, in front of Palazzo Chigi Saracini and in Piazza del Duomo with their flags and pageantry. They will arive in the Piazza del Campo (where the Palio takes place) at around 17:00pm. We would recommend you to go to the Piazza Madre Teresa di Calcutta, in the San Domenico zone, where you will be able to witness the Contrada del Drago Blessing. 17:00 - This is the latest time we would recommend you take your place in the Piazza del Campo ready for the Palio. 19:00 - The race begins! Sample Itinerary – VIP Package DAY ONE Upon your arrival in Italy, transfer to the incredible Villa Casa Del Fiume, operated by Rosewood Hotels. Sleeping eight, and including an in-villa breakfast, the gorgeous rural property is only 45 minutes from the centre of Siena, and has a private pool in which to enjoy the summer sun! Depending on your arrival time, you will have the rest of your first day here to enjoy at leisure, or - if you wish - we can arrange a half day guided walking tour through the medieval delights of Siena, or even through Florence, the home of the Renaissance, which you will pass through on your transfer to the villa. DAY TWO This morning, you will transfer to the stables of one of the Palio's most famous jockeys in order to meet the team, tour the stable complex, and learn about the preparations for the Palio itself, as well as discovering more about the different breeds of horses kept for this specialist race. You will even have a chance to spend a chunk of your day riding on hourseback with the stable jockeys! A traditional Tuscan lunch will be supplied and organised to enjoy at the stable, and a special present for the children will be included - some signed memorabilia from the contrada jockey himself! You are welcome to continue riding into the afternoon should you wish. DAY THREE Transfer to Siena this morning - with a private guide - in order to learn about the history of the Palio - a tradition stretching back to 1633! The bareback horserace runs straight through the ancient streets of impossibly quaint Siena, and is as popular today as ever! As much a celebraton of the city as a race, each comptetitor or 'contrada' represents a different district of Siena. It culminates in the aforementioned Piazza del Campo - the cities principal public space and one of Europe's great medieval squares. Indeed, the entirety of Siena's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Palio is a fun, colourful and rioutous cultural experience that feels somewhat timeless! After learning about some of the intricacies and mystiques of the event from your guide, they will take you to a famous restaurant on the Piazza for lunch, before you will visit the contrada to meet the local team (some of which you will already be acquainted with from yesterday)! The evening before the famous Palio is a lively and atmospheric affair, with lanterns and heraldry lining the streets as local cuisine is served to at special outdoor 'contrada' tables. You will join the procession to the practice race, and watch with the local partisans from a medieval building in a great location overlooking the Piazza! After the practice race is complete, you will walk with the locals to your contrada or civic area, where we have arranged for you to be sat at a central contrada table for dinner. The jockey will personally wait for you to arrive in order to greet and join you for dinner, and you will celebrate the occasion together with the locals, and the hero himself, enjoying an al fresco meal and learning first-hand from the residence about the history, civic pride and rivalry involved in the Palio! After dinner, transfer back to your villa for the evening. DAY FOUR Rise this morning and transfer from your villa back to Siena - Race Day has finally arrived! Upon arrival into the city, you will meet your guide from the contrada, and you will have so me time to walk the streets to soak up the atmosphere as anticipation and excitement builds. As the crowds begin to arrive, you will take your position for the main event! We have reserved your seats in a balcony just overlooking the track, in a superb position on the Curva San Martino. Watch the action unfold before your eyes, and after a new champion is crowned for another year, you will enjoy a delightful dinner in one of Siena's finest restaurants, before a transfer back to your villa! DAY FIVE Depending on your choice of departure slot, enjoy your time today at leisure, before a private transfer to your chosen airport.