Here you can visit the extraordinary Siena Cathedral, il Duomo, a masterpiece of Italian Romenesque-Gothic architecture.  If you are feeling more lively, why not climb the 100 metre tower of the Palazzo Pubblico overlooking the Piazza del Campo, Siena’s central square.   Or spend a quiet afternoon off the beaten track in one of the many small squares, reading a book and sipping on an Aperol Spritz.

At night time the city comes alive with teeming restaurants and the whole of Siena taking in the barmy evening air.  Siena is a medieval town like no other in Italy.

Just across the valley you can see the castle of Brolio, the seat of Baron Bettino Ricasoli, former Prime Minister of Italy and the inventor of the original Chianti formula in 1872.

A drive up into the hills takes you through Gaiole in Chianti and Radda in Chianti, through myriads of pretty hilltop villages and legendary vineyards. Here you can enjoy some of the region’s best restaurants or taste the wine from some of our more illustrious neighbours!

Here, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city that so profoundly influenced our culture and left us with the many masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Donatello. Their work, along with the work of many artists can be found in the Uffizi Gallery and some of the smaller museums, including the Academy where Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the David, is now sited.

The horses represent the 17 Contrade, the regions of Siena, and for most residents of the City their lives are governed by this race of tribal rivalries.  With 4 days leading up to the spectacular bare back horse race around the Campo, the atmosphere builds up to a frenzy that has to be seen to be believed.  If you get the opportunity to attend you will see the full warmth and passion of the people of Siena during this special celebration.