The Palio horserace, a twice-yearly event on July 2 and August 16, is Siena's biggest — and, arguably, most kid-thrilling — attraction, pitting a selection of Siena's seventeen districts against one another in a breakneck derby around the main Piazza del Campo. But, unless you've got a masochistic need to herd your group through throngs of worked-up race fans, you'll visit at any other time, when the shell-shaped piazza is a stage for flocks of pigeons, and, yes, handfuls of day-trippers. ...read more
The Palio horserace, a twice-yearly event on July 2 and August 16, is Siena's biggest — and, arguably, most kid-thrilling — attraction, pitting a selection of Siena's seventeen districts against one another in a breakneck derby around the main Piazza del Campo. But, unless you've got a masochistic need to herd your group through throngs of worked-up race fans, you'll visit at any other time, when the shell-shaped piazza is a stage for flocks of pigeons, and, yes, handfuls of day-trippers.
Kids who are into Eragon but haven't quite moved on to D&D will dig Siena for its moody, medieval feel, while the young ones will be able to make a game looking for the mascot of each neighborhood. Each district, or contrada, is represented by an animal, such as a tortoise or owl, or by something more nebulous, like a forest, which makes a simple family stroll through Siena's cobbled streets more like a scavenger hunt.
Although the city has several worthy hotels within its borders, a holiday here is best when coupled with a stay in the Sienese countryside. Hotel Borgo Grondaie, located about a mile outside of town, offers comfortable apartments with kitchenettes and washing machines.
Hotel Borgo Grondaie, Apartment for four people start at €178 (or $242)
http://www.borgogrondaie.com
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