We had a magic time in Siena a few weeks ago with Anna Piperato (SienaItalyTours.com), a guide whom I found through Rick's website. Anna conducted private walking tours for us during the week before the August Palio. She is a real expert - a Massachusetts native, now a Siena resident and member of La Lupa contrada's leadership, with a PhD in art history and a special concentration in Siena and Tuscany. She is also a great communicator and a really wonderful person!
Anna crafted a tour adapted to our interests, especially around the Palio. On the day before the race, she arranged for us to view the Prova Generale (an especially elaborate practice run) from an upper room on the Campo, then led us through town and down the long hill to Lupa's festive pre-Palio dinner (cooked and served, this year, by the teen girls of the contrada). Although the Palio attracts international tourism, Anna helped us understand that this 800-year-old event really is continued by and for the people of Siena, full of traditions and rivalries.
We highly recommend Anna and hope for another tour with her!
Posted by
Southeast US
3843 posts
What a great find! Thanks for sharing. I'm sure she appreciates you spreading the word.
Posted by
Cape Cod
144 posts
I have been following Anna on Facebook after seeing her on RS site.. she is wonderful. If I am ever in Siena Italy again I would hire her in a flash. I enjoy watching her..