I'm starting to plan a family trip to Italy for early summer 2010, and we would like to include a 3-night stay in Siena. I don't have exact dates yet, but it looks like we will be close to the July 2 Palio. While I know this is an exciting event, we would prefer to avoid the crowds and high prices that accompany it. Would we be all right in the last few days of June? Or do the lodgings book up (and raise their prices) for the whole previous week (to enjoy the pre-race events)? Should I schedule the whole trip so we arrive in Siena afterwards?
Thanks for your help!