Desperately seeking 5 tickets and accommodations in the Siena area for July 1 and 2--if anyone can help, please let me know...also want to attend contrada.
thanks

I think you're way, way late to get tickets. I bought two three months ago, and even then the pickings were slim and the prices astronomical.

Hi bhi,
You should not have a problem finding accommodations during the Palio. Try Tuscany.net. I was in Siena in 2004 for a wedding and I remember that a few hotels offered Palio packages. Piccola Oliveta is one that I can recall.

The days preceding the race are great fun as there is much pageantry and excitement all over the city, and the various contrade parade thru' the city. Tickets to the Palio are ridiculously expensive, but you can stand in the center of the Campo and watch for free, if you don't mind standing in the hot sun for the entire day waiting for the race. Better still, there are two practice races in the days just before the race. You can watch one of those and avoid the insanity of the actual race.

thank you

If you are there in advance i would definitely recommend attending the service in the cathedral at which all the various groups appear, in full attire, for the blessing; very impressive.

In 2000 by pure luck we heard of the special Palio held in September in honor of the Bicentennial. We learned of it on Friday at our hotel that was located on the outskirts of Siena. (I would not recommend that hotel as it only mentioned the Palio in passing and the service was abominable.)

We cabbed in on Saturday and joined the 40,000 people standing in the square. We are in our 60's. We had plenty of water, cushions to sit on, etc. and witnessed eight hours of the most remarkable spectacle we have ever attended.

The pageantry of the contradas marching before the race, the flag-tossing, etc., are wonderful. If you have the stamina, and can not get very expensive seats, I would suggest trying this. You will never ever forget the experience.

Anthony

I stayed at this B&B last May and thought it was very nice. The location was great and the staff very warm and friendly. My room was wonderful.

http://www.residenzadepoca.it/home_ing.htm