Siena: Palio Walking Tour

The Siena: Palio Walking Tour offers a captivating 3-hour exploration of Siena’s rich cultural heritage. Participants will explore the city’s vibrant traditions, including the famous Palio horse race, while visiting iconic landmarks like Piazza del Campo and Siena Cathedral. But this tour isn’t just about sightseeing – it also features a tasting of traditional Siennese sweets, adding a delightful sensory element to the experience. With free cancellation available and high participant satisfaction, it’s an enriching way to discover Siena’s unique history and customs. What more could one hope for in a guided tour?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In Siena.

Key Points

• This guided walking tour provides an in-depth exploration of Siena’s rich cultural heritage, with a focus on the city’s renowned Palio horse race.
• Participants can experience the intense rivalries and traditions associated with Siena’s historic contrade (districts) and witness the unique black and white marble interior of the Siena Cathedral.
• The tour includes a visit to the Museum of the Contrada, offering deeper insights into medieval traditions and local customs.
• Travelers can savor the flavors of Siena by tasting traditional Siennese sweets, such as Panforte and Ricciarelli, accompanied by Vin Santo del Chianti.
• The 3-hour tour is led by an expert local guide and covers key landmarks, including Piazza Salimbeni, Piazza del Campo, and Siena Cathedral.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Siena: Palio Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Siena’s rich history and cultural heritage. Priced from €290 per person, this 3-hour guided tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, including Piazza Salimbeni, Piazza del Campo, and the magnificent Siena Cathedral.

Participants can enjoy a tasting of traditional Siennese sweets as they learn about the significance of the Palio horse race and the contrada (districts) that compete in it.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a flexible and immersive experience for those eager to discover the essence of Siena.

Itinerary and Highlights

Embarking on the Siena: Palio Walking Tour, visitors start their journey at the Piazza Salimbeni, where they spend 15 minutes seeing the historical significance of this landmark. Next, they make their way to the iconic Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena, for a 30-minute exploration. The tour then leads them to the awe-inspiring Siena Cathedral, where they spend 30 minutes admiring its breathtaking interior. The final stop is the Facciatone, a scenic photo opportunity offering panoramic views of the city. The tour concludes with a 30-minute tasting of local sweets, providing a delightful conclusion to the cultural experience.

Location	Duration
Piazza Salimbeni	15 minutes
Piazza del Campo	30 minutes
Siena Cathedral	30 minutes
Facciatone	15 minutes
Tasting of Local Sweets	30 minutes

Cultural Insights

One of the key cultural insights explored during the Siena: Palio Walking Tour is the history and significance of Siena’s contrade, or districts. Each contrada has its own flag, anthem, and traditions dating back to medieval times.

Visitors learn about the intense rivalry between the different contrade and the importance of the Palio horse race, held twice a year on July 2nd and August 14th.

The tour also provides insights into the unique black and white marble interior of Siena Cathedral, which symbolizes the city’s founders’ horses.

Plus, participants visit the Museum of the Contrada to gain a deeper understanding of local culture and tradition.

Inclusions

The Siena: Palio Walking Tour includes an expert local guide who leads participants through the historic city center, providing insights into the rich cultural heritage of Siena. The tour grants access to a real contrada, or district, of the Siena Palio, allowing visitors to experience the local traditions firsthand. Plus, the tour includes entrance to the breathtaking Siena Cathedral, where guests can admire the unique black and white marble interior. During the tour, participants also have the opportunity to savor a tasting of typical Siennese sweets, such as Panforte, Ricciarelli, and Cavallucci, accompanied by Vin Santo del Chianti.

Inclusions
Local and expert tour guide	Entrance into a contrada
Entrance into Siena Cathedral	Tasting of Siennese sweets and Vin Santo

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Participant Information

The Siena: Palio Walking Tour caters to a wide range of participants, welcoming adults aged 18 to 99 as well as children between 6 and 17 years old.

Infants 5 and younger can join the tour free of charge.

The tour is offered in multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for an international audience.

Based on 7 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5, with participants praising the engaging and informative nature of the experience and the expertise of the guide.

The tour’s inclusive nature and positive feedback make it an appealing option for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to the rich cultural heritage of Siena.

Reviews

Reviewers have praised the Siena: Palio Walking Tour for its engaging and informative nature, highlighting the expertise of the guide.

Key highlights from the reviews include:

• Tour participants appreciated the guide’s deep knowledge of Siena’s history and culture, allowing them to gain valuable insights into the city’s medieval heritage.

• The opportunity to enter a real contrada, or district, and learn about the significance of the Palio horse race was a major draw for many visitors.

• Guests enjoyed the tastings of traditional Siennese sweets, which complemented the tour’s culture.

• Several reviewers noted the perfect balance between guided commentary and free time to explore the sites independently.

Starting Location

Where does the Siena: Palio Walking Tour begin? The tour starts at Piazza Salimbeni, a historic square in the heart of Siena.

This bustling plaza is home to the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, one of the oldest banks in the world. Participants will meet their local, expert guide here to commence the 3-hour walking adventure through Siena’s medieval wonders.

From this central meeting point, the group will explore the rich history and traditions of the city, exploring notable landmarks like Piazza del Campo and the Siena Cathedral.

With Piazza Salimbeni as the starting point, the tour provides an immersive introduction to Siena’s cultural heritage and the famed Palio horse race.

Tour Duration

The 3-hour walking tour allows participants ample time to enjoy Siena’s captivating history and culture.

This well-paced itinerary ensures visitors:

• Explore the iconic Piazza del Campo, the heart of Siena’s medieval center
• Marvel at the stunning black-and-white marble interior of the Siena Cathedral
• Ascend the Facciatone for breathtaking panoramic views of the city
• Indulge in a tasting of traditional Siennese sweets, such as Panforte and Ricciarelli

With a duration of 3 hours, this walking tour strikes the perfect balance, providing an in-depth, immersive experience without overwhelming participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. While the guide can provide assistance, the uneven terrain and stairs in Siena’s historic center could pose challenges. Visitors should inquire about accommodations before booking.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes tastings of local Siennese sweets and wine as part of the experience. Outside food and beverages are not permitted during the guided portion of the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for This Walking Tour?

The dress code for this walking tour is casual and comfortable. Participants are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes, as the tour involves navigating the historic streets and squares of Siena. Light layers are recommended to accommodate changes in weather.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. The tour overview mentions a "photo stop" at the Facciatone, and photos of the historic sites and buildings visited are often encouraged to capture the experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Groups or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for groups of 4 or more and for seniors aged 65+. Group discounts are available, and seniors receive a 10% reduction on the standard tour price.

Recap

The Siena: Palio Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of Siena’s rich cultural heritage. Participants will explore the city’s vibrant traditions, including the famous Palio horse race, while visiting iconic landmarks and indulging in traditional Siennese sweets. With knowledgeable local guidance, free cancellation, and high customer satisfaction, it’s an enriching experience that provides a comprehensive understanding of Siena’s captivating history and customs.

You can check if your dates are available here: