Medieval & Il Palio di Siena

Arrival in Florence aiport and Private transfer to hotel.
Free time at disposal. 
Welcome dinner: a typical Tuscan meal at the hotel restaurant. 

Overnight in 4* Hotel in the countryside Relais/Resort in the amazing Tuscan landscape. 

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion to Siena exactly at the time when the city is at its maximum: during the days of the Palio Feast: 

• Private transfer by air-conditioned van from the hotel to Siena
• Visit the Duomo and the precious Cathedral complex including The Gate of Heaven: a fascinating walkway at the very peak of the Cathedral that shows a series of rooms finally open to the public. Visitors will indeed walk ‘above’ the holy temple.
• Lunch: a typical Tuscan lunch in an authentic  "Osteria”, a traditional Italian restaurant, set in the city center close to the Cathedral: genuine food and good wine in a nice and friendly atmosphere.
• After lunch free stroll of the city whose streets and squares are all dressed up for the Feast and where you find a surprise around every corner.
• Then, in the late afternoon, first insight view about the legendary Palio: watch the “Prova generale” trial race that is, among the 6 trials, the most exciting at all, also because is preceded by the so-called "carica": a squad of Carabinieri (national military police of Italy) on horseback, wielding swords, demonstrating a mounted charge around the track. They take one lap at a walk, in formation, and a second at a gallop before exiting out of Piazza del Campo from a very narrow lane. 
• Evening: the rehearsal dinner, a charming tradition. After the trial race, each Contrada will hold an invitation-only dinner in its district the night before the race. Those dinners are held out in the open air, in squares or streets and are the best way to live and feel the real spirit of the Palio: it is an experience and a show to attend, more than a food issue. Songs, toasts and speeches will enliven the whole neighborhood, "dressed up" for the Feast.
• Private transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at the hotel 4* . 

Breakfast at the hotel
Full day excursion - with private transfer and English or chinese speaking professional guide – to Siena for the Day of the Palio:

• Private transfer by air-conditioned van from the hotel to Siena
• In Siena meet your guide, that will help you to understand and appreciate this particular celebration - telling you anecdotes, rituals and traditions that are behind it - and will drive you through all the steps of this eventful day
• In the early afternoon attend one of the most emotional rituals of the Palio: the blessing of the horse and the jokey that is held in each of the ten participating contrada
• Around 4:00PM the Corteo Storico begins: a magnificent pageant, with several hundred participants, that starts from Piazza del Duomo, winds through the streets of the city and ends in Piazza del Campo with spectacular flag-waving exhibition
• Around 7 PM, the climax of the Palio: the thrilling race and the following delirious celebrations
• Dinner in Siena and private transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at the hotel 4*. 

Breakfast at the hotel
Full day excursion to the charming Val d'Elsa area visiting attractions and hamlets that seem beyond time (private transfer @disposal). 
In the late morning: transfer from the hotel to the Archeodromo. Rather than just an open-air museum it is a real archaeological park, where, inside an important site dating from the ninth century, are recreated and staged the daily life and crafts of the Middle Ages.
Then transfer to Certaldo - the enchanting birthplace of Boccaccio – where you'll visit the Pretorian Palace (with its fascinating courtyard and Knights Hall) and the House of Boccaccio. 
Pizza dinner in the characteristic village Vico d'Elsa and transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at the hotel 4*.

Breakfast at the hotel
Private transfer from the hotel to Florence.
Full day city tour, lead by an English or Chinese speaking professional guide. It will include the Cathedral and Baptistery (in the famous Duomo Square), Ponte Vecchio, Signoria Square and the worldwide renowned Uffizi Gallery: one of the most ancient and prestigious museums in the world.
Transfer back to the hotel

Overnight at the hotel 4*. 

Breakfast at the hotel. 
Full day excursion – with private transfer - to the Val d'Orcia area. The Val d'Orcia, besides being one of the UNESCO World heritage site (due to its celebrated landscapes and picturesque towns and villages) is also home to some excellent typical products and famous fine wines (such as the Pecorino cheeses from Pienza and the renowned Brunello di Montalcino).
Visit: the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Montalcino and Pienza and enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch in Montalcino.
Transfer back to hotel. 

Overnight at the hotel 4*. 

Breakfast at the hotel
During the day: free time at disposal to sightseeing the surrounding hills, to walk the famous Francigena Pilgrim route, or just to relax at the Relais enjoying its park and swimming pool. 
In the evening: Banquet at the Castle, a magnificent prologue to the medieval festival of Monteriggioni in one of the most picturesque squares of Italy. The banquet traces the history of the castle through ancient delicacies and dishes, accompanied by the band La Giostra, dancers and games.
Transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel 4*. 

Breakfast at the hotel
Private transfer from hotel to Monteriggioni to attend this very peculiar Medieval Festival that will bring you backs centuries in a truly chivalric atmosphere. Craftsman workshops, market stalls and taverns: every activity will be turned into what was in the Middle Ages and through the streets of the castle you may encounter fire-eaters or dancing dames as well as knights competing into a duel. 
When the festival begins entertainers, jesters, musicians and jugglers will wander through the alleys and squares of Monteriggioni organizing exhibitions and games for all ages. A real time travel.
Transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel 4*. 

Breakfast at the hotel
Private transfer from hotel to Florence airport according to your schedule.