Twice a year Siena stops for ninety seconds of pure drama. Ten horses, ridden bareback, race three times around the Piazza del Campo. You watch from a palazzo above the square.
The Palio di Siena has been run since the seventeenth century, with roots in medieval contests. It takes place on 2 July and 16 August. The city's seventeen contrade, or districts, compete fiercely, and the prize is a painted silk banner called the palio.
On this round trip from Rome, La Dolce Vita Orient Express brings you to Siena for the race. You take your place in a historic palazzo overlooking the Campo for an aperitivo, then watch from an exclusive vantage point.
Afterwards a Tuscan dinner is served, before the after party continues on board. We arrange flights and hotels in Rome around the journey.
Siena, home of the Palio
Journey Highlights
A Palazzo View
An aperitivo in a historic palazzo, then a prime vantage point for the race.
Tuscan Dinner
A refined Tuscan dinner with regional wines after the Palio.
The After Party
Piano, cocktails and conversation in the Bar Car.
Slow Travel
A morning gliding through Tuscany before the big event.
Day by Day Itinerary
Timings are a guide only. The train operator confirms exact times with your travel documents, and they can change with rail and weather conditions.
An Evening Departure
A private transfer brings you to the La Dolce Vita Lounge at Rome Ostiense. The train leaves as evening falls, and dinner by Heinz Beck is served with fine regional wines as the twilight landscape of Tuscany slips past.
Later a pianist and vocalist bring the Bar Car to life.
First night on board. Dinner.
Palio Day
Wake to soft Tuscan light. After breakfast the day is yours to enjoy on board, with table games in the Bar Car or simply the views. Lunch is served before a private transfer takes you into Siena.
In a historic palazzo overlooking the Piazza del Campo an elegant aperitivo awaits, before you step out to an exclusive vantage point to watch the Palio.
The race itself lasts about ninety seconds, but the build up takes all day. Each contrada blesses its horse in church, and a grand historical procession in Renaissance costume circles the square before the start.
As twilight falls, enjoy a refined Tuscan dinner, then rejoin the train for the after party.
Second night on board. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Palio viewing.
The towers of Siena
Return to Rome
Breakfast is served as the train glides through the Tuscan hills, arriving at Rome Ostiense in the late morning.
Breakfast.
Prices and Booking
Tailor made, price on application
This journey is not available as a ready made package, so we build the holiday around you. We reserve your cabin on the train, then add flights, private transfers and hotel nights in Rome and Tuscany, and quote one all inclusive price.
Call us on 0333 405 0192 or send an enquiry with your preferred month and cabin, and we will come back with dates and a price.
When it runs: Timed for the Palio on 2 July and 16 August. Ask us for availability.
What the train fare includes
- Your private cabin or suite with en suite shower room
- All meals on board, with menus created by three Michelin star chef Heinz Beck
- Selected wines, spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee
- Live music and entertainment in the Bar Car
- Transfer to the departure station and use of the La Dolce Vita Lounge where available
- Local host assistance at each stop, plus all taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
The Palio di Siena is held on 2 July and 16 August each year. The journey is timed around the race.
From an exclusive vantage point reached through a historic palazzo overlooking the Piazza del Campo, after an aperitivo.
About ninety seconds, three laps of the Campo. The pageant and procession before it last for hours.
We arrange this journey as a tailor made holiday with flights and hotels. Call us on 0333 405 0192.
Yes. Palio places are very limited, so book as early as you can.