Signature Aviation Spring 2025

Plan a trip to Siena, set in the heart of Tuscany’s rolling hills, and a few must-do experiences come to mind: A few hours spent awestruck by the work of old masters in the Pinacoteca Nazionale, perhaps, or maybe a jaunt out of town to visit a nearby vineyard — and don’t forget working your way through the city’s plentiful gelaterias. Watching a horse race, however? An odd suggestion — or so you might think. In fact, the Palio di Siena, comprised of two annual horse-racing events — one of which has taken place in Siena since the 13th century — marks one of the most important cultural events on Italy’s calendar. Taking over the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo, on July 2 and August 16, the fi ercely competitive occasion on each date sees a team from 10 of Siena’s city districts (known as contrade ) come together to take on three laps of the square’s makeshift race course; the fi rst horse (with or without its jockey, who rides bareback) to complete the course wins. While the buzz of the city around each event is electric, Unforgettable Travel Company takes visitors under the skin of this time-honored event with a fi ve-day immersion into the buildup and the race itself. In the days preceding the Palio, guests can experience a private visit to a jockey’s stables, where they will learn more about the rigorous training program before sitting down to lunch with the jockey and their family for tales of races gone by. The day before the Palio, enjoy a private tour of Siena and its secrets, including a VIP visit to one of the 17 contrade for a behind-the-scenes look at the history of this special race. And then, the big day. Perched high above the chaos of the square below, Unforgettable Travel Company guests will view the race from a private balcony with prime views of the fi nish line, in the very location that the Sienese elite have frequented for decades. From $26,950 per person. Contact info@unforgettabletravel.com, +1 844 879 7838, unforgettabletravel.com Flight of fancy An exclusive viewing of Palio di Siena, Italy

Words Kim Ayling. Illustration Kate Evans - Folio Art