Siena. Siena is only just over an hour away from Poggio Pelliccia. There is obviously too much to report on this fascinating and very beautiful medieval town. Worth pointing out to visitors who know very little about Siena, is the Palio, Siena's bareback horse race around the world famous Campo. To every outsider's astonishment, the Palio still maintains its seriousness and is still underlined by rivalry and chicanery.

It is the most spectacular event in Italy and is broadcast every year on TV. There are thousands of tourists who come to Siena twice a year to see the Palio and if they manage to gain a worthwhile view of the race, the hours of waiting in the Campo is all well worth the unique experience.

Dates of the palio are July 2 and August 16, but it is preceded by days of preparation and ceremonies. The race has been held since the beginning of the fourteen century and is today also surrounded by lively and passionate discussions by animal rights supporters. The palio itself is an embroiled banner and is offered as a prize to the winning contrada. The palio however is for the contrade not a festival, as it would be seen by an outsider. Round the palio revolves intrigue and rivalry, months of preparation and expectations by the many contrade. For married couples, belonging to different contrade, life can become rather tense. Every contrada has every year high expectations to be finally the winner, some of them have been waiting for this for decades and true hatred is shown towards different contrade, long-lasting rivals.

There are only 10 contrade out of 17 allowed in the palio, hence exclusion and disappointments already starts from here. Contrade are chosen by lot for each race in order to ensure fair chance for all. The next most important selection is the horse. They are chosen by lot too, and everyone knows that the horse attribution to a contrada may insure the winning of the palio. Worth noting that a palio might be won by a horse without a jockey. The jockey is selected by the contrade and conspiracies between contrade and jockeys are renowned.

The palio does not start until 7 or 7.45 in the evening and lasts just a few minutes. However there are ceremonies starting from early afternoon, for example the blessing of the horses in church by the contrade, at around 5 pm the town hall bell begins to ring and the first ceremony. Page drummers in medieval costume start their ceremony with spectacular flag-twirling. To secure yourself a place at the palio you should either book months ahead for very expensive seats at the stands round the Campo (see specialised travel agents) or by doing what most passionate visitors do, secure yourself a space in the campo, by sitting from the early hours of the afternoon in the place. Especially during the last two hours preceding the start of the palio you will not be able to move, so make sure you have plenty of water and no need of toilets. As it is going to be very hot, make sure you have food and drinks.

Be also prepared to some pushing by swell of crowd and to some disorder before the start of the race. Guard your position carefully again, bring something to read or to listen to if you intend to secure good viewing places. It is a long wait, but well worth it. As to the attraction of Siena, they are innumerable. Travel Guides will surely give you more info on this fantastic medieval town, with narrow medieval lanes and a particular flair. The campo is one of the historical areas many visitors are still fascinated about, and leaves no disappointment each time one comes back. One piece of advice. Eating in campo at sunset is one of the experiences I'll never forget, however do not expect gourmet meals or fantastic service out of the restaurants around the square. For this you will have to move to other restaurants in the city.

Pisa. Pisa is only a little over an hour away and if you arriving by air, you might be able to fit a few hours into the visit of the city. Its main attraction is obviously the Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli. The Leaning Tower has been reopened since December 2001. The whole area is truly spectacular but expect a lot of tourists and heat in the summer periods.

Rome. Rome is and remains a unique and amazing experience for most visitors. The city, capital of Italy, very renowned for its well accepted and picturesque disorder, offers the visitor a most unique experience. Better visited during the spring or the autumn period, Rome is a town where art and pleasure cannot be separated. Every corner in town has visible traces of its past. The old Roman civilisation permeates the town and its life. Traffic and scooters do not do any favours and justice to this truly wonderful town. The city becomes unbearably hot in the summer months with levels of pollution which make life to visitors difficult. Rome and its surrounding area merits more than a quick visit. It has a lot to offer. For more details refer to your travel guide.