Il Palio: Sienna's Historic Horse Race, Hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo
A 7-Day Escorted Journey in Florence and Tuscany
The Palio bareback race is steeped in folklore and legends of bribery, bravado and rivalry - sometimes even life and death.
Twice annually, visitors and residents from the 17 contrada (neighborhoods) pack into the Piazza del Campo to witness the spectacle. Dating back to the early 1300’s, the race lasts only 90 seconds and is the culmination of months of preparations as well as a full day’s pageantry.
Coveted balcony views are nearly impossible to obtain, but AuthentEscapes travelers will be hosted at a comfortable distance from the fray.
Your host Salvatore Ferragamo welcomes you to Italy with a Cocktail Reception in Florence and a Wine Reception and Private Dinner in the Cellar at Il Borro.
Price: Per person fare based on double occupancy, TBA.
Price Details: A 25% deposit is required to reserve. Second payment of 25% is due 6 months prior to traveling, with full payment required 3 months prior to departure. See Refund Policy below to learn how you can cancel for any reason and protect your trip investment.
Inclusions: 3 nights' deluxe accommodation at the Grand Hotel in Florence; 3 nights' deluxe accommodation at the private Villa del Borro; Breakfasts daily, plus hotel service charges and taxes; Transfers, tours and meals as referenced in Itinerary; Exclusive viewing of the famous Palio horse race in Sienna; Gratuities for guides; Escort of an AuthentEscapes travel advisor throughout.
Exclusions: International air tickets, telephone calls, personal gratuities and items of personal nature, meals and optional tours as indicated on itinerary.
Disclaimer: Rate is based on a minimum number of travelers. Activities, special guests, properties and itinerary are subject to change. We strongly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to protect against injury, illness and unforseen circumstances in the destination.
Il Palio: Sienna's Historic Horse Race, Hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo: Accommodations
Grand Hotel
Situated in central Florence, the scenic Grand Hotel has been the preferred stop of seasoned travelers since the 18th Century. Steps a way from iconic landmarks, it offers an unrivaled immersion into the cradle of the Renaissance. Experience the myriad storied Florentine aesthetics in our 94 spacious guest rooms and 13 distinctive suites. Affixed with rich colors, custom frescos and sparkling crystal chandeliers, the antique décor pays homage to the city’s artistic heritage.
Villa Del Borro
Constructed in 1848, the Villa del Borro was the fashionable summer residence for royals until the Ferragamo family acquired the estate in 1993. Comprising seven stories of stately elegance with family photos and memorabilia throughout, guests have the option of cozy or more spacious rooms as well as one Master Suite.
Il Palio: Sienna's Historic Horse Race, Hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo: Itinerary
"Our experience in Italy was everything and much more than we ever thought it would be! We are probably boring our friends silly, but we can't stop talking about our adventures. You are gracious hosts and your attention to every detail made it a very special and memorable trip. Thank you for making Italy the 'trip of a lifetime'!" -Suzi M. Palio with Salvatore Ferragamo, 2007
Monday June 27: Florence
Airport arrival in Florence and transfer to hotel
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight Grand Hotel
Tuesday June 28: Florence [B]
Walking Tour: The Artisans and Back Streets of Florence
Retrace Florence’s prosperity during the Middle Ages – the time of Dante and Giotto – and the Renaissance under the rule of the Medici family – a time that produced greats such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Visit Piazza della Signoria, one of the most beautiful squares in the world, with its open-air display of masterpieces of Renaissance and Baroque sculpture. The backdrop is the medieval Palazzo Vecchio.
Continue onward to the Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge” to browse the hand-made gold jewellery that is a “centuries-long” tradition in Florence.
Visit a family-run working Mosaic workshop en route to the Franciscan church of Santa Croce and its neighborhood to view a pantheon of monuments to Italian genius and fine examples of famous artists’ work.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure and then resume the tour to visit the ‘Scuola del Cuoio’ leather crafting workshop. Learn this refined art from Master Craftsmen at the most famous school in Florence.
Afternoon visit to the Ferragamo Museum and Store
Cocktail party at a special location with host Salvatore Ferragamo
Overnight Grand Hotel
Wednesday June 29: Florence [B]
Walking Tour: Highlights of The Renaissance on the Left Bank
Begin by wandering through the fresh food market at Piazza Santo Spirito and cross the Arno to the Church of Santa Trinita and then stroll the Via Tomabuoni, famous for its haute couture shopping. Continue to the Duomo square and onward to the Accademia: The Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1563, where Michelangelo’s David is on display.
Return to the hotel with lunch and the remainder of the day at leisure
Overnight Grand Hotel
Thursday June 30: Tuscany [B]
Morning drive to Tuscany
Arrive at Il Borro for private winery tour and tasting
Dinner is on your own and the evening is at leisure
Overnight Villa del Borro
Friday July 1: Tuscany [B, D]
The day is at leisure to explore the array of activities at Il Borro: A Cooking Lesson at the Osteria del Borro, Hot Air Ballooning, Gliding, Mountain Biking, Fishing or Golf (Contact us in advance for reservations)
Cellar Dinner hosted by Salvatore Ferragamo
Overnight Villa del Borro
Saturday July 2: Sienna [B, L, D]
Depart for Sienna for full day Palio event
View the Palio race and enjoy the day's pageantry from windows overlooking the square.
Return to Il Borro in the evening
Overnight Villa del Borro
Sunday July 3: Departures [B]
Check out and return to USA or continue traveling on customized extensions to Rome, the Amalfi Coast or other favorite destinations in Italy
My husband and I had the most fabulous time. I have been fortunate to travel a lot over the years, and so I have great comparisons. We agree that it is doubtful that, in all of our future travels, we will ever be able to even come close to the experience that we had in Italy. We cannot thank you enough!!
–Jeanne C. Italy with Salvatore Ferragamo, 2009
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