Bucket list experience:
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
According to many of its citizens, Siena is the most perfect medieval city in the world. A glorious ensemble of red brick buildings and exquisite monuments, it’s famous for its fan-shaped Campo and the twice-yearly Il Palio horse race.
Any visit to the city should begin in the sloping Piazza del Campo, the city’s main square, fringed with cafes that are perfect for a doppio espresso and a spot of people-watching. The square is dominated by the Mangia Tower and the Palazzo Pubblico – and climbing the tower is a great way to start your visit, giving wraparound views of the city and surrounding countryside.
The old town is relatively compact and the best way to explore is simply by strolling through the ancient streets and alleyways.
Art lovers should dip into the Civic Museum (Museo Civico) for its dazzling array of paintings by Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and other Sienese masters. There’s another fabulous collection in the National Art Gallery (Pinacoteca).
The ex-hospital of Santa Maria della Scala is another must-see for its brilliant archaeological museum and frescoed Pilgrim’s Hall. The Gothic, zebra-striped Duomo houses a celebrated polychrome floor; usually covered for protection, it’s normally visible in August and September.
Siena is famous for its sweet delicacies; almondy ricciarelli biscuits, aniseed-flavoured cavallucci and the solid, dried fruit-based panforte. One of the best places to sample them is the Antica Drogheria Manganelli in Via di Citta 71-73.
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Destination Guide >Siena lies around 70km south of Florence, down the toll-free superstrada. Parking is forbidden in the city centre but there are large car parks around the edge. There are good bus and train links; the train station is 1.5km from the city centre, but there is a frequent bus service. The bus station is closer in Piazza San Domenico.
Wandering on foot is the best way to discover the secrets of the Palio; keep your eyes open for the little ceramic plaques with symbols of the 17 contrade (districts) on street corners and buildings.
The main tourist office is in Piazza del Campo; they have details of tours in and around the city plus maps and information brochures.
Unless you specifically want to see the Palio, avoid visiting around the two annual race dates, July 2nd and August 16th, when the worst of the crowds jostling along the streets close to Piazza del Campo.
May to September is always extremely crowded. Winter is a wonderful time to visit, but if that’s not possible try and make an early morning start.
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
A must-see for its collection of paintings by Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and other Sienese masters. One of the highlights is Simone Martini’s Maesta fresco (1315); another is Lorenzetti’s fresco cycle The Allegory of Good and The Effects of Bad Government (1338-40).
Best for ages: 18+ | £8
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
A 15th-century palazzo housing more than 1,500 artworks, one of Italy’s foremost collections includes an array of dazzling Sienese fondi d’oro paintings (with gilded backgrounds). Expect works by Guido da Siena, Lorenzetti, Sodoma and Beccafumi.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
Located a minute’s walk from Piazza del Campo and occupying a former grocer’s shop with a retro vibe, Le Logge is a classic osteria. They offer a creative take on regional dishes such as tagliatelle with Tuscan ragu, stuffed rabbit with blueberries, black garlic and fermented carrot and braised beef cheek.
Best for ages: 13+ | £30
Siena, Tuscany, Italy
A historic cafe and pastry shop that’s been around for almost a century. It’s a great place to sample and buy panforte (the dense, flat cake made with nuts, dried fruit, spices and honey) and light, almond-y Ricciarelli biscuits.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Siena, Tuscany, Italy[0.9 miles]
With its old-fashioned atmosphere, central location and wonderful Italianate garden, three-star, aristocratic Palazzo Ravizza is a great base for exploring Siena.
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Tuscany, Italy[12.7 miles]
A rambling luxe retreat set in a timeless Tuscan landscape of vineyards and olive groves; it’s also a working wine estate producing award-winning vintages.
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Gaiole In Chianti SI, Tuscany, Italy[17.8 miles]
This impressive, beautifully restored castle lies in the heart of the Chianti Classico wine-producing area and offers easy access to Florence and Siena.
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Casole D'Elsa SI, Tuscany, Italy[19.9 miles]
A luxurious country estate, complete with 10th-century castle, set in 4,200 acres of unspoilt Tuscan countryside and home to a world-class spa and fine dining restaurant.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Tuscany, Italy
The astonishingly beautiful region of Tuscany has it all: art cities and ancient hill towns, high mountains and long sandy beaches, alongside luxurious hotels and some of Italy’s best food and wine.
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Colle di Val D'Elsa, Tuscany, Italy[19.8 miles]
Colle Val d’Elsa Food writer/blogger and photographer Giulia Scarpaleggia and her husband run the excellent ‘Jul’s Kitchen’ offering a range of hands-on cooking classes alongside courses in food writing and photography. Classes are held in their house in the countryside between Siena and Florence.
Best for ages: 13+ | £70 | 3 hours
