The Palio of Siena is a unique life experience. The magic of a tradition hundreds of years old in which the residents live for this moment, having conserved the same rites and atmosphere since the middle ages. Arrive at your arranged accommodation facility and live with us during these fascinating days, seeing through the eyes of true ‘contradaioli’ who will explain the secret hidden traditions that are behind ancient rituals and rites of control.
The contradas combat for supremacy with the same regulations of an ancient unwritten cavalier code embedded in the DNA of the city. Her enchanted atmosphere will no doubt transport you as if by magic into ancient history.
An historical and cultural itinerary will give you noteworthy memories.
PROGRAM:
13 August
Arrive and check in to the arranged accommodation facility.
14 August
Free time for individual activities.
At 21:00 Dinner in one of the contradas among the songs of the ‘contradaioli’.
15 August
At 10:00 Guided half-day tour of the historical center of Siena with a specialized guide who can tell you thousands of our traditions and many secrets of our splendid city, with a unique visit to one of the contrada’s museums.
Afternoon free for personal interests
At 21:00 Dinner at the Prova Generale: participate in a vigil dinner, where all of the ‘contradaioli’ celebrate the long awaited event among wine and a choir. In an unforgettable experience among thousands of people you will live the authentic spirit of the Palio.
16 August
Morning free time.
At 14:00 We will take you to the ceremony
of the benediction of the horses, during which the people of all contradas unite
in the church. It is during this rite that the celebrated phrase, “Go, and
return in victory!” is chanted.
At 15:30 From the piazza of the Duomo the
famous historical procession departs, and we will be able to appreciate up close
the finesse of the cloth and styles of clothing worn in the procession.
At 17:30 you will take your place in the reserved areas situated around Campo square to see the historical performance and the following horse race.
At 21:00 After the excitement of the race, you may
take part in the joy of the winning contrada sitting at a table in a restaurant
located in the Piazza del Campo for a traditional Tuscan dinner. In front of you will pass the victory procession as well as the disappointed losers!
Return to the accommodation facility.
17 August
Breakfast, check out and departure.
