Stella is a fantastic story teller! We were delighted with her tour and her invaluable personal insight into Sienese history. We will highly recommend her to our friends.
Siena Palio Tour
Understand the race as a living expression of Siena’s civic pride
The Finer Details
Unleash your passion and ignite your senses on your journey to the heart of Siena's Palio, a biannual horse race that is steeped in tradition and rivalry. You will feel the adrenaline surge as you step into the Piazza del Campo, the iconic arena where the Palio takes place.
Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere as your expert guide, a proud member of the Torre contrada, unravels the mysteries of this captivating event. Let the magic unfold as you explore the contrada museums and discover the hidden gems of this enchanting city. You will discover the secrets behind the contrade, Siena's distinct and fiercely loyal districts that compete for glory in the Palio. You will also visit a contrada museum, where you will learn about the animal symbol adopted by each one.
From there, your guide will lead you through a journey of delving into the fascinating history of the Palio, dating back over 350 years, and witness how it continues to shape the rhythm of Sienese life. You will explore their meeting houses, adorned with centuries-old banners and trophies, and learn about their unique traditions and symbols. By the end of the tour, you will have dived into the fascinating history of the Palio, dating back over 350 years, and witness how it continues to shape the rhythm of Sienese life.
Unforgettable experiences await on this immersive tour of Siena's Palio, where passion ignites and history comes alive.
Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere as your expert guide, a proud member of the Torre contrada, unravels the mysteries of this captivating event. Let the magic unfold as you explore the contrada museums and discover the hidden gems of this enchanting city. You will discover the secrets behind the contrade, Siena's distinct and fiercely loyal districts that compete for glory in the Palio. You will also visit a contrada museum, where you will learn about the animal symbol adopted by each one.
From there, your guide will lead you through a journey of delving into the fascinating history of the Palio, dating back over 350 years, and witness how it continues to shape the rhythm of Sienese life. You will explore their meeting houses, adorned with centuries-old banners and trophies, and learn about their unique traditions and symbols. By the end of the tour, you will have dived into the fascinating history of the Palio, dating back over 350 years, and witness how it continues to shape the rhythm of Sienese life.
Unforgettable experiences await on this immersive tour of Siena's Palio, where passion ignites and history comes alive.
Choose this tour if...
- You're a culture lover interested in immersing yourself in local traditions and customs
- You’re hoping to discover the city through the eyes of a local expert
- You want to discover the stories and insights behind this world-famous event
Sites Visited
- Piazza del Campo – the main public space of the historic center of Siena, considered one of Europe's greatest medieval squares.
- Contrada Museums – unique museums that showcase the rich history, traditions, and culture of each of Siena's 17 contrade or districts.
Logistics
Tickets
- We don't pre-arrange tickets for this tour. Tickets and various entrance fees can occur during the tour.
Headsets
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets, in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order.
Resources
- For more information on planning your tour, read more about how to arrange your next visit to Siena in our Context Story!
- Check out our upcoming lectures on Tuscany to prepare for your trip.
Accessibility
Itinerary
- This tour is partially accessible. The tour is relatively walking-intensive and involves maneuvering on cobbled streets. However, the itinerary can be adapted for clients with mobility issues.
Wheelchair accessibility
- Clients who use wheelchairs may bring their own as they are not available to rent on-site.
- If you have mobility concerns, please contact us to discuss the best tour option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Can we take the tour on the day of the Palio?
Yes. The Palio in Siena takes place twice a year, on 2 July and 16 August. The atmosphere in the city on the days before and after the races is very rich and interesting. During the two Palio events, only the museums that are in the 7 districts that are not taking part in the race will be open.
Can we take the tour on the day of the Palio?
Yes. The Palio in Siena takes place twice a year, on 2 July and 16 August. The atmosphere in the city on the days before and after the races is very rich and interesting. During the two Palio events, only the museums that are in the 7 districts that are not taking part in the race will be open.
Are any tickets included with the tour?
No, you are prepaid for the tour only. There will be nominal site entrance costs or other fees (around 10 euros per person) that are not included in the price of the tour. It is a good idea to have some local currency on hand for these.
Can we be met by our guide in Florence?
Your guide is a local expert, so you will meet directly in Siena. If you would like the convenience of help getting to Siena, please contact us to arrange a private car for you.
How can I get to Siena from Florence?
The best way to reach Siena from Florence is with the SITA bus line. The SITA bus line leaves the bus depot on Via Santa Caterina di Siena, just a block southwest from the front of Santa Maria Novella station, at least once an hour on weekdays, and the ride is about 75 minutes. Taking the train to Siena is discouraged- the bus stop is in the middle of Siena, while the train will leave you on the outskirts, forcing you to get a taxi.
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Can we be met by our guide in Florence?
Your guide is a local expert, so you will meet directly in Siena. If you would like the convenience of help getting to Siena, please contact us to arrange a private car for you.
How can I get to Siena from Florence?
The best way to reach Siena from Florence is with the SITA bus line. The SITA bus line leaves the bus depot on Via Santa Caterina di Siena, just a block southwest from the front of Santa Maria Novella station, at least once an hour on weekdays, and the ride is about 75 minutes. Taking the train to Siena is discouraged- the bus stop is in the middle of Siena, while the train will leave you on the outskirts, forcing you to get a taxi.
Do you reserve headsets for this tour?
Depending on your group size, we may be required by the venue to order headsets, in which case you’ll see a “Headset Fee” added to your order. If you would like to guarantee headsets for your tour regardless of your group size, please email us, and we’ll be happy to get them reserved for you.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Piazza del Campo
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Contrada Museums
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Rita was fantastic! Knowledgeable and great English. Added on the cathedral despite originally telling Context we didn’t care about seeing it. Her explanations there were fantastic
Very knowledgeable and shared places only locals would know about.
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Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
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