Siena is the name of one of the provinces of the Region of Tuscany, as well as the name of the main city of this province. Siena is a splendid medieval town, well known for its annual horse race, the Palio, and its distinctive architecture. The city is built on three hills, with the uniquely shaped Piazza del Campo at its heart. Go to the top of the Torre del Mangia for amazing views of Siena and the Tuscan countryside. Nearby is Montepulciano, a exceptionally beautiful renaissance hill town. Also well worth visiting is the city of towers, San Gimignano.

If you want to get active on your Siena villa holiday, ballooning, cycling, hiking and horse riding are all readily available. There are also many tours to local wineries and Etruscan tombs as well as culinary tours of regional villages.

A Typical Tuscan meal begins with Crostini - large pieces of toasted Italian bread, served with dip or with assorted toppings. This is usually followed by pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or soup, such as Ribollita. Try the lasagnes or pasta flavoured with game. Tomatoes, leafy greens, beans and Chestnuts grow abundantly in this region and can be tasted frequently in the regional cuisine. Roasted or pan-fried beef, pork and chicken, flavoured with local herbs, are popular for main courses. Many cafes and restaurants will also offer a wonderful assortment of salamis and cheeses, delicious with the local mild-tasting (salt less) breads. Tuscan Pecorino cheese, served with fruit and wine, is a wonderful way to finish your meal. Siena is famous for its Panforte, - a rich fruitcake, flavoured with honey and almonds. Try a glass of the famous local wines, Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Brunello di Montalcino.

Distinctive local products such as paper, silk, gold jewellery, fabric and ceramics would make wonderful souvenirs of your Siena vacation.

Festivals and Events in Tuscany - Siena
Siena - Open-air market in the streets around the Fortezza (every Wednesday)
Siena - Antique Market, Piazza del Mercato (3rd Sunday of every month)
Siena - Treno Natura train trips through countryside south of Siena (Spring until Autumn)
Siena - Palio Horse Race and Pageant - (July-August)
Siena - Siena Jazz Festival (July-August)
Siena - Week of Senese Music, Academia Musicale Chigiana (July, August and November)
Montepulciano - Historical Pageant and Games (August)