Siena Palio Tour

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.

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.

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.

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? 

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.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.