Watch the famous Siena Palio in VIP Style with Castel Monastero, Tuscany

Watch the famous Siena Palio in VIP Style with Castel Monastero, Tuscany
Guests staying at Castel Monastero, the exclusive Tuscan Retreat just 23km from Siena have the opportunity to experience an exciting ancient Tuscan tradition in true VIP style - the famous Palio di Siena, which is held twice a year on 2nd July and 16th August. The breathtaking race, in which each Contrada (districts within Siena) spend all year preparing for, features bareback horse riding, circles the central Piazza del Campo in Siena and sees the winning Contrada celebrate for weeks following the event. After an exciting day in Siena, spend the rest of your visit in true Tuscan style at Castel Monastero.

Castel Monastero stands in a unique corner of Italy, once a small medieval village called Monastero dell'Ombrone, it has survived from the 11th century, and today, within the thousand-year-old walls, the hotel stands with 76 guestrooms and suites. The hotel is inspired by an elegant and rustic Tuscan style enhanced by magnificent views of the village square and surrounding vineyards. The retreat has two restaurants; Gordon Ramsay's Contrada, with its gourmet menu and the traditional La Cantina, serving Tuscan cuisine and delicious local wines, as well as a spectacular spa, indoor water area and outdoor pools.

The Palio Package costs from £1761 per person and includes:

• A three-night stay at Castel Monastero on a B&B basis
• Return transfer to Siena from Castel Monastero on the day of the Palio
• A window space on the "San Martino" curve
• A Champagne cocktail during the afternoon
• At the end of the event, a light dinner with a selection of specialities
• One SPA treatment per person (50 minute, face or body)
• Access to the SPA at Castel Monastero
• Return flights direct from London Gatwick to Florence and private transfers

For bookings, contact Classic Collection Holidays (0800 294 9315 www.classic-collection.co.uk) *£1761 based on 15 August departure and based on 2 sharing a superior room. Prices for July 1 departure start from £1847 per person.

Hotel website: www.castelmonastero.com