+61 430 347 910
monique@australianracingtours.com.au
Enjoy one of the most amazing cultural racing experiences the world has to offer. This is a bi-annual race which takes place in the charming Piazza Del Campo; the centre square of Siena. The Palio is steeped with history and dates back to medieval times. A thrilling spectacle as jockeys race around the square bareback, using force to push past any opponent who stands in the way.
The package includes an insight into the culture and traditions of this Tuscan town and the race which brings together each of the small contrades (city subdivisions) to battle for the ultimate title. Experience a banquet of Tuscan delicacies and listen to stories and tales of times gone by.
Enjoy the luxuries of the Castel Monastero hotel hidden amongst the rolling hills and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. Relax and enjoy the spa, pool, restaurants, and elegant rooms at this stunning location and prepare for the energetic jamboree that is the Palio De Siena.
PAYMENT – $1500pp deposit due on booking, balance due 60 days before the tour begins.
On arrival in Florence or Pisa, you will be transferred to the stunning Castel Monastero where you can relax and recover beside the beautiful pools with a drink or two. Then enjoy a fine dining experience at “Contrada, the hotels premium restaurant. On the menu are classic flavors of Tuscan cuisine, re-worked in a modern key. Maximum attention is paid to local products, which are selected directly by their chefs.
After a relaxing breakfast, we’ll head off into the Tuscan countryside to enjoy some beautiful local wines and lunch. Then relax by the pool before we head into Siena for the Palio eve dinner.
We’ll join one of the seventeen contrades for their local dinner where the jockey, trainer and ‘mayor’ will be presented. The atmosphere is one you have to experience as 800+ locals dine outdoors, sing, chant and generally, get excited for the race tomorrow. This concludes around midnight.
It’s race day but things don’t kick off until mid/late afternoon so you will have a chance to have a spa treatment and relax in the stunning hotel’s surrounds and pools.
We make our way to our apartment overlooking the Piazza Del Campo where we have beautiful food and wine waiting as we watch all the events unfold in front of us. Each person has a spot reserved in a window with a fantastic view overlooking the square.
Enjoy the build-up as all the contrades and horses are presented, then be ready to be left stunned as the race unfolds and the winner is crowned. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before and won’t soon forget.
A bus is available to take you back to the hotel after the race but we suggest you stay in Siena, head to the winning contrades to fully absorb it all then find a table for dinner in the square as the partying continues late into the night. Taxis are freely available to get back to the hotel.
Following a busy few days, now is your chance to relax and enjoy the stunning hotel facilities and surrounds.
Enjoy your complimentary spa treatment before relaxing by the pool to enjoy a cocktail or two. The afternoon and evening is yours to relax or maybe organise a visit to another local winery.
After breakfast, the tour concludes and we all head our separate ways back to Australia or onto another adventure in Europe.
