Itinerary

Day 1.Siena.Arrive in  Florence. Upon arrival we have arrange a private car transfer to the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena. Upon arrival at the only 5* luxury hotel located within the old city walls. A 3-course dinner (including a bottle of specially selected wine) has been included for you.Accomodation Grand Hotel Continental

Day 2.Siena.Today has been left free for you to explore the historic medieval city of Siena, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site hosting such architectural treasures as the Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral. Siena also has a rich tradition of arts and artists and many well known Renaissance pieces still remain in galleries or churches in Siena.

Day 3.Siena.This is the day of the Il Palio and a chance for you to savour the pomp and pageantry of this event. We can offer assistance in purchasing tickets to the race. First Class Seats are in Bleacher, a high and shady position very near to the start at one of the best views of the square.Throughout today you'll be able to experience the traditional build up to the Palio including the "Jockey Mass", celebrated by the Archbishop of Siena and followed by the final trial, known as the "provaccia". Later in the morning, in the presence of the Mayor, the jockeys are enlisted before a blessing that takes place at around 3:00pm in the contrade church. The horses and their jockeys will then gather at the Piazza del Duomo from where they'll move, in order, to the Piazza del Campo for the start of the race a three lap dash covering around 1000 metres. After the race the festivities begin with the people of the winning contrada receiving the Palio banner and heading to the Duomo for thanksgiving.

Day 4.Siena.A day for you to rest following the celebrations and exertions of the previous day.

Day 5.Siena.Breakfast at leisure and we have arranged a private car transfer back to Florence in good time for your return flight home