Itinerary
To get our mini brochure for this holiday please click here, and we will email you a PDF copy.
Day One: Welcome to Siena
Touch down in Florence and you’ll be whisked by private transfer to Siena, where preparations for the Palio are already in full flow. After some time to check in and relax at your hotel, you are free to explore this movie-worthy medieval city. During the celebrations, the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else: 40,000 locals watch the proceedings each year, alongside 20,000 visitors. They come to watch the trial races in the Piazza, see all of Siena’s museums and galleries (which open as normal during the festivities) and savour coffees and pastries in perfectly-preserved Gothic squares. As an optional extra, we can arrange hard-to-get access to one the Palio’s famous open-air Contrada dinners, held the night before the proceedings by the boroughs taking part in the race. These invitation-only events are primarily for people who live in the area, and make a fantastically authentic way to kick off your time at the Palio. For related costs, please see the Extras tab.
Overnight in Siena
We offer a variety of hotel classes to suit different budgets. You can choose the style that’s right for you.
Select from Classic, Premium or Deluxe when booking, and click hotel name below for more details.
Classic - Hotel Minerva
Premium - Hotel Athena
Deluxe - La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort
Meals included: None
Day Two: Prepare for the Palio!
After a free morning to soak up the excitement of race day, it’s time to grab your seats for the Palio, in the Curva Casato seated grandstand. We also offer ticket upgrades to another grandstand or a seat on a balcony (for related costs, please see the Extras tab). Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable afternoon as you watch the dramatic proceedings from your privileged position.
Overnight in Siena
Classic - Hotel Minerva
Premium - Hotel Athena
Deluxe - La Bagnaia Golf & Spa Resort
Meals included: Breakfast
Day Three: Arrivederci Siena!
After an action-packed couple of days, return to the airport by private transfer.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overall meals included: 2 breakfasts
What's included:
- Private transfers unless stated otherwise
- Meals as listed
- Mandatory taxes and service fees
- Entrance tickets and permits unless stated otherwise
What's not included:
- International flights to/from experience:
call 0208 432 0885 for AX specially negotiated flight rates - Tips for guides, drivers, hotel and restaurant staff
- Any visa, customs, airport taxes or similar charges before or after the tour
- We cannot guarantee the included hotel breakfast for early departures
- Drinks during meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses, such as laundry
If you intend to travel solo, contact us on 0208 432 0885
GETTING THERE
Economy flights from London to Florence take around two and a half hours, and cost from around £400 return in July and August.
Experience start point: Florence (FLR)
End point: Florence (FLR)
This holiday's departures up to 31st October 2019 are part of our Pioneers Club promotion. Click here for more information.
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