The Palio of Siena is an on-horseback race held twice each year in Siena during which 10 horses and jockeys ride bareback on the Piazza which is transformed into a dirt race track.
Along with La Tomatina in Bunol, Spain and "The San Fermin/Running of the Bulls" in Pamplona the Palio is one of the true highlights of the European Summer!
Join the day trip we have organised for you to immerse yourself with the locals, enjoy all of the drama during the race as well as joining the parties afterwards.
The tour departs from Florence at 12pm. During the journey to reach Siena, your local guide will give you maps, info about the event and the historical town of Siena and most importantly tips from a local point of view about the Senese and their contrade. The Palio is a fantastic event but it's easy to get into a fight without the right recommendations.
Once in Siena, your guide will escort you to Piazza del Campo (passing by the major tourist attractions) where the event takes place. In Siena you will have free time to visit the Cathedral, buy some refreshments or watch the parade along the main streets. We will meet you back again inside the square where 3000 people will have gathered while the excitement of the race mounts. Your guide will be at your disposal any time for questions or explanations about the race.
At the end of the race, you will have free time either to follow the celebration of the winning contrada or simply refresh with a beer in the square.
We departs from Siena at 10:30pm approx. We will get back to Florence approx at 11.30pm.
WHEN | 2nd July & 16th August |
MEETING TIME | 11:45am |
MEETING POINT | in front of our office on via nazionale 149R opposite hotel Galileo |
PRICE | € 75 |
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE | Transport, a fun guide on board, maps and info pack and last but not least the opportunity to continue celebrating after the horse race into the evening long after all public transport back to Florence has finished. |
NOTE |
This tour is not suitable for people with walking disabilities, sensitive to heat. This tour is not suitable for children under 18 and adults over 60. |
IMPORTANT: if you wish to reserve a seat on the main square where the race takes place,send us an email but keep in mind that the cost is € 300 per person
CANCELLATION POLICY: In case of rain or due to the many fake starts of the race, there might be a chance that the Palio horse race in Siena is cancelled by the Senese authorities and postponed to a different day. In this event the tour is not refunded.