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Palio Tickets |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the race run for the Palio in Siena?
Since the mid 1600s the Palio di Siena has been run for both the July 2nd and August 16th race in the city's famous city 'square', Piazza del Campo. The piazza is not in a typical square or rectangular shape, but more in the shape of sea shell, curved at the top, flat on the bottom. The race is run (3 laps) in a clockwise direction around the perimeter of the piazza.
What reserved viewing options are available to see the race?
Reserved tickets for the Palio and the historic parade that proceeds it, come in 3 location categories - 1) balcony (on the buildings that surround the campo) offering seated, or standing positions, or both depending on the particular balcony; 2) grandstand (bleachers or 'palco' as they are known) with individual seats; the grandstands sit on the perimeter of the race track, in front of the buildings; and 3) positions from windows in the same buildings that overlook the campo.
Where are the Palio Tours tickets located?
We can offer options '1' or '2' of the ticket options described above. Our package will offer either grandstand or balcony positions. These ticket options, along with the accommodations are given on the Palio Reservation Request Form. Grandstands are reserved seating, balconies offer reserved seating or assigned standing positions. The tickets are in several different locations around the campo, but always in the shaded sections.
What are the prices or how are ticket prices arrived at for Palio Tickets?
There are some guidelines set down by the city of Siena, and somewhat ignored by the 100+ so called 'ticket owners' (private owners of the grandstand sections, balconies and windows), but in essence prices are based on your proximity to the start/finish line, known as the 'mossa'. The closer you are, the higher the price. 2008 prices for individual tickets will range from 300 euro up to 700 euro.
Tell us more about the hotels or other accommodation options?
Our base package (3 nights) provides a choice of 3 or 4 star hotels in Siena. More information is provided on the following webpage - Siena Hotels. Other options include a B&B property outside of Siena.. for more B&B Options. Villas and other property rentals will also be available - note in most cases they will require a 7 night stay.
Is there a reason to stay 4 nights?
The Palio festival, in both July and August, is 4 days. The first day of each festival is devoted to the selection and random assignment of the horses (Tratta) to the 10 Contrade. This activity takes place in Piazza del Campo between noon and 1:30pm on either the 29th of June (July race) or August 13 (August race). Later, in the evening, the first trial race (Prove) is held. Since horses who may have won previous Palio can b in the lot of 10 horses, their assignment to a particular Contrada is considered a great start to the festival for those Contrada who are so fortunate - even without such fortune, the excitement and or emotions of the Contrada members are on full display in the campo for all to see during this critical moment.
Tell us more about the balcony positions?
Balconies offer seated as well as standing positions. We offer both. Typically the seats are in the form or individual chairs or in some cases benches and are placed in front of a step-up bench used for the standing positions. In either case the positions are assigned - in other words if you decide to leave your position and for instance step inside the adjoining apartment or shop your will not loose your position to someone else on the balcony.
Is it possible to have a private balcony?
Yes - Balconies or individual windows can be reserved for private use, but in part our ability to provide them depends on the number of persons in your party and or your willingness to pay for the entire capacity of the balcony or window option - while several of these private options may be available at the outset, we typically to do not reserve them in advance as we do other ticket options and therefore need to request the availability at the time of your request.
When will we receive our tickets?
You will receive a information package in April for the Palio based on the ticket package and other services you have ordered. Actual Palio tickets for the race and reservation tickets for the Contrada dinner will be given to you in Siena. This system is in place primarily for practical security reasons. Only one set of tickets is printed a few weeks prior to the race dates. To avoid any problems (i.e. lost in the mail; forgotten at home; last minute cancellations) actual tickets are distributed in Siena for the respective races (July 2 or August 16th). However, your information package to be given to you in April (when balance payments are due) will list all the necessary Siena contact information. Our tour director and other company personnel are in Siena for each race and will deliver the tickets to those clients staying in Siena. For those staying outside of Siena other delivery arrangement must be made.
Can we order just Palio tickets or other options without accommodations?
Individual Palio ticket orders will be accepted, but our best tickets will be assigned to those clients who also reserve our available accommodations and basic package of options. Festival activities, including, Contrada museum/city tour and the Contrada dinners, plus other options (cooking class, winery tours) will be provided based on their availability, but can only be reserved in combination with a Palio Ticket order. Please Contact Us with your specific request.
Is it less expensive to order just Palio tickets?
No, not if your are considering the needs for accommodations and or other options. Our ticket prices are less expensive when included in the Days of the Palio package.
Would it be less expensive to order tickets from someone in Siena?
Not really, unless you be-friend one of the many 'owners' of the grandstand sections or balcony/window locations. Short of that, some agencies in Siena or the surrounding area will sell you Palio tickets, but in this case by Italian regulation since they are purchasing the tickets from someone else (and possibly not even directly from one of these 'owners'), the agency must apply a 20% tax to your purchase - we are not required to apply such a tax - as well we only purchase our tickets directly from the 'owners' - there are no middlemen. So our tickets are less expensive.
Our children will join us on this trip - can they attend the Palio? Are there discounts for children?
Yes, children can attend, but suggest the minimum age to consider is 6 years. Unfortunately, however, discounts are not offered for children.
I have a small child - can they sit on my lap while we are in our seats?
Sorry it is not possible. This is primarily due to lack of sufficient space in either the reserved grandstands or seated balcony positions, as well as general safety concerns. In addition, it should be noted you will be in your reserved seats for 3+ hours - the short 3 lap race is preceded by a lengthy historical parade.
Will food be served during the Palio or should we bring food?
Some of the Balcony options will serve a light buffet in the adjoining apartment (or shop), and in some cases wine or beverages, during the two-hour parade that precedes the race. Therefore, with these options it is not necessary to bring your own food and it is otherwise requested not to bring any food items, additional wine, alcohol or glass bottles. For grandstand reserved seating you are permitted to bring your own beverages in plastic bottles; possibly some light food is also permitted, but in either case these items cannot be carried in coolers or other large containers; Restrooms are not available for the grandstand seating, some of the balcony/apartment locations will provide a restroom.
What is featured in the city tour and contrada museum; how long does it last?
The city tour lasts about 2 hours and includes the major highlights of Siena, including the most unique part of the tour, a visit to one of the Contrada Museums. Each Contrada (17) has their own museum, which contains many historical and artistic pieces, representing the history of the Contrada and Siena. One of the items of interest are the victory banners (drappellone) taken by the Contrada when it wins a Palio. During the Palio, only through a special reservation request can one access these museum treasures. Our package provides you this reservation.
What is the 'Contrada Dinner' and who attends?
Known to the Sienese as the 'Cena Prove Generale', each of the 10 Contrada who will participate in the race will hold and invitation-only dinner in Siena the night before the race (July 1st or August 15th). The setting for each dinner is outdoors in a special street or piazza within the respective Contrada (district). Depending on the size of the Contrada, some dinners are served in this fashion for well over a 1,000 Contrada members and their guests. The dinners are by invitation only (you cannot arrive in Siena and simply walk up to purchase a ticket) and each person, including members, pays for his/her dinner. It is a way to raise money to support the needs of the Contrada. The dinner is 4-courses, served with wine and the ambiance of a very special evening.
In which Contrada will we have our dinner?
The selection for the Contrada is naturally based on who runs (only 10 of the 17 Contrade are in any one race) and who we have member contact with. We personally know individuals in many of the Contrade, so we are sure to have these very special tickets to offer to our clients. Contrada dinner tickets are not sold separately. In most cases you will be informed of which Contrada dinner you will attend once you arrive in Siena. At least one of our representatives will attend the dinner with you.
What or when are the Trial Races?
There are 6 trial races (prove) during the 4 Days of the Palio. The most exciting of these are the 3 evening prove (7:00pm on June 29, 30, July 1st, or August 13, 14, 15th) - members of each Contrada will be in the campo to support their cause. Tickets are necessary for reserved grandstand seating or balcony locations. Of the 3 evening races, the most typical choice is the last one on either July 1st or August 15th, known as the 'prove generale', given it precedes the Contrada dinner (Cena Prove Generale) held later in the evening. We are able to provide trail race tickets as an option to be included in your package. Note for various reasons, trial race tickets may or may not be in the same location as your Palio Tickets.
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