5 Reasons Siena, Italy is going to be your Favorite European Vacation

Looking for a wonderful European vacation destination for the summer? Consider Siena, Italy and catch the most famous horse race in the world, Il Palio. Here are our top 5 reasons to visit:

1. Siena is home to Il Palio, a famous horse race held on July 2nd and August 16th every year.


Festivities surrounding Il Palio span numerous days during the months of July and August. Participate in the excitement by watching the trial races, experiencing the pageantry of the Corteo Storico - a historical costume parade on July 2nd, snagging tickets to the Final Rehearsal Dinner, and finally, witnessing 90-seconds of sheer excitement as the horses race around the Piazza del Campo.


2. Siena is a beautiful city filled with history and medieval beauty.


Siena, Italy, dates back to medieval times and was once one of the Europe’s wealthiest cities. Built on a hill overlooking a gorgeous vista, many of the city’s buildings were created between 1260 and 1348. Inside Siena, you’ll find beautiful, narrow streets lined with brick buildings. Vehicular traffic is limited within the city, so be prepared to take in much of the city’s history by foot.


3. Siena, Italy, is a central hub for exploring cities not to be missed during your European vacation.


While staying in Siena, you’ll have easy access to Florence, Chianti, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, and Cartona, among numerous others. Enjoy the quiet home base of Siena while exploring these surrounding cities via car, bus, or train. When travelling to Siena, your best bet will be to fly into Pisa, for transatlantic flights, or Florence for flights within Europe. Air transfers between Florence and Siena are about 60-75 minutes in duration. Siena does have a local airport, but does not have a regular flight schedule. Trains are reliable and run frequently.


4. The food and wine are epic in Siena, Italy.


Explore the food by tasting the local cuisine or by taking cooking classes. Or, take advantage of being in Tuscan country and learn about the numerous wines of the region. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed in Siena, Italy.


5. The city holds a vast collection of Italian art and hosts classical and jazz music festivals.


Siena was home to many famous Italian artists and still hosts an extensive art collection. You won’t want to miss the Piazza del Duomo, the Siena Cathedral Floor (only revealed at certain times during the year, but viewing can be timed with the mid-August il Paleo), the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, or the Pinacoteca Nazionale. During the summer months, you can also catch the Siena Jazz Festival or classical music at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana or numerous other locations around the city during the Settimana Musicale Senese. 

Let us help you plan a fabulous trip to Siena, Italy. We’ll make sure this beautiful, exciting city becomes your favorite European vacation destination.