Witness a traditional Tuscan horse race on exclusive Abercrombie & Kent adventure
By LISA KLEIN
The varied culture of Italy, from historic sites to cuisine to local events, is on full display with an upcoming trip from luxury tour company Abercrombie & Kent.
Italy and the Palio will give travelers an insider’s look at the breathtaking country and some of its most famed traditions, such as the Palio di Siena horse race in Siena, Tuscany.
“Italy and the Palio is a journey close to my heart,” said founder Geoffrey Kent, who is hosting the trip, in a statement. “Spectating the iconic Palio di Siena is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that immerses you in the beating heart of Italian tradition.”
Culture club
Billed as Abercrombie & Kent’s “most exclusive Italian adventure yet,” the 11-day trip takes place this coming August, 2024.
Co-hosted by His Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, Charles Innes-Ker, guests will travel from Verona to Tuscany and finally the Amalfi Coast.
The stay in Verona is the Villa Cordevigo, from which visitors will explore the romantic city that was the setting for William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet.
In Tuscany, wine tastings and a stay at Villa Centinale await, followed by a journey around the island of Capri and along the Amalfi Coast by private yacht while staying at the Caesar Augustus.
Eye-opening cultural activities throughout the trip include a tour of a 14th-century castle, a pasta factory visit, cooking lessons, Michelin-starred dining, a meal and private opera concert with a Count, and a tour of Pompeii with an archaeologist.
The main event takes place in Tuscany at the Palio di Siena, where guests will have a premium-seat view and a behind-the-scenes peek of the horse race.
The centuries-old tradition takes place in Siena’s Piazza del Campo square, which is covered in clay for the event.
The “contrade,” or different wards, of the city all compete against each other in the race, with 10 of 17 participating in each one.
Followed by a spectacular parade through the city, jockeys race bareback, and must be the first to complete three circles around the piazza.
“I can’t wait to share this extraordinary event with our guests, offering them the opportunity to witness the Palio’s excitement and history in a way that very few ever have,” Mr. Kent said.
For more exciting adventure ideas, read “Far and few between,” about trips around the world by private jet, in the latest issue of Luxury Portfolio magazine.