Summary
Short description
A four-day break, taking in the spectacular Il Palio di Siena festival
British Airways Sale
The British Airways Sale is now on, with superb savings to a wide range of worldwide destinations. Book by 25 January 2025.
Highlights
- Take in the colour and pageantry of Italy's most famous horse race
- Enjoy included dinners and seats with first-class views
- Spend a day at leisure taking in Siena's historical landmarks
- Stay in style at Castel Monastero - a luxury spa hotel surrounded by the Chianti countryside
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Activity adventure | August holidays | City | History & culture | Music & Special Events | Short break
More than a simple horse race, Il Palio di Siena, held twice a year in July August, is the culmination of an ongoing rivalry and competition between the contrade, with part of the game being to prevent a rival from winning. When the winning silk is presented to the victorious ward the spectacular celebrations start immediately and are something to behold. Resplendent in the colours of the city wards (contrade) ten horses and their rider's race bareback three times around the circular Piazza del Campo in the city centre. The winner is the first horse to cross the line, with or without its jockey. The race is preceded by a spectacular pageant, the Corteo Storico, which includes flag wavers in medieval costumes and a squad of carabinieri on horseback, wielding swords, demonstrating a mounted charge around the track.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Siena
After complimentary airport lounge access, board a flight to Florence. Upon arrival we've arranged a private car transfer to the Castel Monastero, your accommodation for the next three nights.
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. In the evening enjoy a typical dinner for two at a local Contrada restaurant enjoying a tasting menu, before being transferred back to your hotel.
Stay: Castel Monastero, Tuscany
Meals: B D
Day
3
Il Palio
This is the day of the Il Palio and a chance for you to savour the pomp and pageantry of this event. 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 1,000 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. To make the day run smoothly, we've included return transfers to Siena from Castel Monastero on the day of the Palio, a window space overlooking the Piazza del Campo, cocktails and refreshments during the afternoon, and a light buffet dinner with a selection of local specialties at the end of the event.
Stay: Castel Monastero, Tuscany
Meals: B D
Day
4
Departure
Breakfast at leisure and we have arranged a private car transfer back to Florence in good time for your return flight home.
Meals: B
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
4-day tailor-made city break
from £3,230 pp incl. flights
Superior Room package
Valid for travel
- depart UK 30 Jun or 14 Aug for 3 nights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights to Florence
- Return private arrival transfers
- Welcome amenities in your room on arrival
- 3 nights at Castel Monastero with buffet breakfast
- Return transfer to Siena and dinner in one of the local Contrada restaurants in Siena (01 Jul or 15 Aug)
- Tasting menu in the Contrada restaurant (drinks excluded)
- Return transfer to Siena, a shared terrace space in a historical palace overlooking Piazza del Campo (02 Jul or 16 Aug) and light Tuscan buffet dinner and open bar during the race
- Access to the Monasterii SPA at Castel Monastero
- One 50 minute Spa treatment per person per stay by Spa experts
For an additional charge, you can attend the "tratta dei cavalli" on 29 Jun or 13 Aug where the draw and horse assignment for each Contrada is made, also it is possible to attend "trial runs" 29 Jun / 30 Jun / 01 Jul or 13 Aug / 14 Aug / 15 Aug
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on
You might also like
offer
Early booking savings – Save up to £245pp
Book by: 31 January 2025
With ample time to explore at your own pace, this fly-drive showcases the best of Tuscany, from its headlines to its off-the-beaten-track gems. Indeed, you'll pair the icons of Florence and Pisa with castle stays and visits to medieval hilltop towns.
This four-day break pairs the luxury in Tuscany with the rare opportunity to see the Andrea Bocelli, acclaimed guests, international artists and the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra perform in his home town.
