Siena: Palio Walking Tour

Learn about the unique history of Sienna on a walking tour of the medieval old town with an informative guide. Get to know the different "contrade" or districts that make up the city and hear how they date back to medieval times. Stroll through the Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race takes place every year on July 2nd and August 14th, featuring a contestant from each of the contrade. Visualize the colorful banners and crests of the competing contrade and learn how the competition has defined civic life in the city for centuries. Hear stories about the life and culture of the city from locals and visit the Museum of the Contrada for a more official account. Then head to the Duomo of Siena and check out the characteristic black and white marble interior of the cathedral designed to symbolize the black and white horses of the city's founders. Afterwards, switch gears and enjoy a local tasting experience at a traditional cafe. Try Panforte, Ricciarelli, and Cavallucci, typical sweets famous around the world. Wash them down with a glass of Vin Santo del Chianti.