Siena and the Palio: private tour with a visit to a Contrada

Start the day with a 3-hour walking tour of Siena, during which you’ll have the chance to visit the Duomo cathedral and the spectacular Town Hall (Palazzo Pubblico) with your private guide, as well as some hidden corners off the beaten track. After a leisurely coffee break in the piazza (or an optional break for lunch), we will unlock the secrets of Siena's most ancient tradition, the Palio horse race, and its Contradas. There are 17 “contrade” in all, which are the 17 beating hearts of this proud city. Each contrada has its own symbol (such as a dragon, an owl, a wolf), its own flag, & its own motto. These original houses of Siena still compete twice a year in the 400-year-old tradition of the Palio horse race. Join us in the grand palace of one of these contrade, where a house member will show you historic artifacts & share with you the story of Siena’s deep & rivalrous medieval history. Maybe you’ll even find out the contrada’s plan to defeat the neighboring houses in the next Palio!