Siena Palio: a very local experience

Don’t miss Italy’s most famous sporting event, held twice a year in Siena during July and August.  The Palio horse race is undoubtedly the weekend’s highlight, but visit a local contrada (‘district’) the night before the race for an atmospheric dinner in city.  On race day itself enjoy perfect views of the excitement from a private balcony overlooking the square. After all the festivities retreat to the stunning Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, located in the nearby Tuscan Hills and the perfect place from which to explore the region further as well as sample some ‘super Tuscan’ wines.