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The “Palio dei Somari” is an event that takes place each year on the Sunday following the 19th of March (Or on the 19th of March itself should it fall on a Sunday). Do you like horseracing? Does your heart pound at the thought of sitting in the grandstand, cheering on your favourite in an electric atmosphere as colours flash past you and the grass is flattened under the hooves of some of the most majestic animals in the world? If so, then take a trip to Torrita di Siena and brace yourselves for an event you will never forget!

If you have heard of the "Palio di Siena" then brace yourselves for this twist on the traditional horse race between the "Contrade".
The Palio dei Somari is a race held for the prize of the "Palio" in which the Saint that inspired it (St.Joseph) is depicted. Every year the Palio can change hands from one district to another, depending on the champion, however, there is one difference between this race and that of Siena. Horses are not used in the race at all. Instead, the people race on donkeys. Yes, you did read that correctly.

Discover the natural beauty of two lakes in the Valdichiana area of Tuscany during your next vacation here and learn all about the history and legends that surround them.

One is called Chiusi Lake and is located close to the town of the same name and the other is near Montepulciano.

From most of the towns and villages in the valley, tourists can usually see the glimmer of two beautiful lakes in the distance that mirror the clear Tuscan skies. They're both small lakes but support a huge ecosystem.



Lots of rare and colourful flora and fauna grow here. Those wishing to stay in the Valdichiana district for a few days have a huge selection of holiday villas in quaint Orange Flag towns like Trequanda, Sarteano and Montepulciano!

Siena city in Tuscany is a very popular tourist destination with lots to see and do. If you’re staying at a vacation rental in Siena and want to go on a day trip outside of the city then here are some towns within driving distance worth visiting.

Just over 50 kilometres from Siena is the Renaissance town of Pienza. Situated in the heart of Val d’Orcia, this site was awarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The main sights here are the beautiful cathedral and the Palazzo Piccolomini.

On a pretty hilltop near Siena, the quaint medieval town of Montepulciano stands proudly over the surrounding countryside. A place full of Renaissance beauty and splendour, Montepulciano is the perfect spot to visit on your travels of Tuscany!

Walk around the many spectacular palaces, ancient churches, market squares and mysterious corners and corridors of this enchanting town! Montepulciano offers superb views of the surrounding Val d’Orcia and Valdichiana for tourists to enjoy when they get here.

Stay in a stunning vacation rental in Montepulciano where you can relax and unwind in peaceful scenery after a few days of touring around the area.

Montepulciano is close to the lovely towns of Pienza and Montalcino as well as the natural outdoor thermal pools of Bagno Vignoni. Despite the famous Hollywood vampire saga film ‘New Moon’ suggesting part of its location in the Tuscan city of Volterra, a lot of the movie was actually filmed here in Montepulciano.

There are many great, beautiful, and historic wineries located all around Tuscany that produce incredible wines. If you are a wine-lover that is planning a trip to the region, you will never find yourself in short supply of options for vineyard tours and wine tastings as most areas have wineries located in them and many boast famous and celebrated wineries. However, amongst all of those options that you may have in front of you, few are so lauded and lovely as Avignonesi.

Located in Montepulciano, southern Tuscany, and named for the family that originally founded it, Avignonesi is a truly beautiful wine estate that is one of the region’s most respected producers, making wines that are celebrated worldwide. If you have found a
vacation rental in Montepulciano and are interested in the wine culture of the region, it is one of the undisputed highlights and a key attraction in the area.

The impossibly picturesque, sprawling estate of Avignonesi is made up of 200 hectares of grounds, the majority of which are in the Montepulciano DOCG. While the complex is made up of a few different areas, the main estate of Le Capezzine is comprised of a traditional vinsantaia (a facility in which Vin Santo is made), some cellars, rows upon rows of grapes in the vineyard, and the renowned Vigna Tonda, which is an experimental vineyard known for its distinct landscaping with a section that is planted in a unique circular formation.