The Palio Spectacle

Participating in the spectacle of the Palio is an opportunity to peer into the heart and soul of Italy. All its history and rivalry is there for everyone to see on 2 spectacular days every year.

We recommend a 2 night break to get the best out of this event.

DAY 1: Fly to Pisa. Tour Pisa and Wine Tasting and dinner at vineyard. Transfer to Florence.

Arrive at Pisa airport where you will be met and taken for lunch followed by a tour of Pisa. You will visit the Cathedral of the Baptistery and of Camposanto and see the leaning Tower from the outside.

Afterwards you will depart for Montecarlo di Lucca for wine tasting and dinner at vineyard Fattoria La Torre, famous for the production of the red and white wine Montecarlo Docg. Your will then be transferred to arrive late at your hotel in the centre of Florence.

DAY 2: Morning at Leisure. Transfer and guided walk of Siena streets to see the medieval pageant build up, See Palio race from exclusive balcony, celebrate in district with victorious Contrada.

Morning and lunch at Leisure.

Early afternoon you will be transferred to Siena where your guide will walk you through the streets to ensure you witness the traditional build up during which each Contrada takes its horse and jockey into a church for a blessing for a successful outcome in the race, after which there is a very colourful historical parade through the centre of the town.You will take your seats at around 4pm to watch the unfolding spectacle and witness the climax – the Palio. We have a number of positions to suit your budget from exclusive balconies overlooking the Campo to a range of the best Grand Stand seats.

Enjoy dinner at the Restaurant Al Marsili in Siena – 4 course menu with drinks included.

After dinner your guide will take you to visit the victorious Contrada (District) of Palio where you can immerse yourself in the celebration with the people- flags, colours and singing will be the order of the night. Return to you hotel late.

DAY 3: Half day tour of Florence incl Ufizzi and transfer to airport.

Half day tour of Florence with English speaking guide,including the Ufizzi gallery which will be pre-booked to save queuing. Admire masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli,Pinturicchio, Caravaggio amongst many others.