Siena

Living Siena: Contrade, Craft & Sacred Spaces

Traditions & Heritage • 3 hours 5

(95)

Living Siena: Contrade, Craft & Sacred Spaces

Explore Siena's traditions through contrada pride, sacred rituals, and artisan craft, guided by your host and shaped by your interests.

What makes this experience special

Experience Siena beyond the surface as your host guides you through district traditions, sacred spaces, and workshops where centuries-old customs still thrive.

Key highlights

Discover the passion and pride of Siena’s contrada communities
Explore Palio relics and stories of neighborhood rivalries
Step into sacred spaces tied to medieval devotion and civic pride
Visit a working artisan studio keeping local craft alive
Choose quieter, atmospheric parts of Siena’s cathedral complex
Reflect among Renaissance frescoes in a peaceful oratory
Wander Siena’s hidden alleys where tradition hums beneath daily life

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Piazza del Campo, Il Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Piazza del Campo, Il Campo, 53100 Siena SI, Italy

Contrada Museum

Begin with the traditions that define Siena’s identity.

Living Siena: Contrade, Craft & Sacred Spaces

Step into a contrada museum filled with banners, relics, and stories. Learn about Palio pride, rivalries, and tradition—explore exhibits or chat with a local for a personal glimpse into history.

Siena’s Duomo (Exterior + Baptistery or Crypt)

Trace layers of faith beneath the Duomo’s grandeur.

Go beyond Siena’s famous cathedral facade to explore hidden gems like the frescoed Crypt or painted Baptistery. Discover how guilds, saints, and tradition shaped this sacred heart of the city.

Traditional Artisan Workshop

See Siena’s living heritage in the hands of a craftsman.

In tucked-away studios, discover the world of Siena’s traditional crafts, like banner painting or woodcarving, still alive today. Your host will help you explore the space and its quiet connection to Siena’s cultural rhythm.

Oratorio di San Bernardino

Reflect in a space where faith and community meet

Step into the peaceful Oratorio di San Bernardino, adorned with soft Renaissance frescoes and a long tradition of civic gathering. This serene stop offers a moment to pause, reflect, and absorb the spiritual threads that quietly anchor Sienese life.

Contrada Alley or Via di Città

End your experience where Siena’s rhythm slows

If you wish, conclude with a slow walk down a narrow contrada street or along graceful Via di Città. These quiet backstreets, where laundry flutters above sandstone walls, reveal the daily continuity of tradition that makes Siena unlike anywhere else.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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Sunlit Streets and Shared Laughs

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Family Smiles Under Italy’s Archways

Toasting New Friendships with a Taste of Italy

A Perfect Afternoon Under the Italian Sky

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Savoring Simplicity: A Relaxed Italian Snack with Local Flavors

Sunlit Strolls and Warm Hellos on a City Walk

A Group of Explorers Soaking Up the City’s Energy

Lost in the Lanes of Venice with New Friends

Curious Souls Beneath the Tuscan Sun

Warm Welcome in a Timeless Italian Square

Capturing Joy in Every Corner

Discovering Italy’s Charm Together – A Family Day Out

Twilight Traditions and Timeless Stories

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

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What travelers think of our Italy experiences

June 2025

Our guide was excellent! She was very kind and answered all of our questions and was willing to personalize our tour.

June 2025

Armando was terrific. He customized our tour exactly as we envisioned it. It was ideal and his passion for Naples came through loud and clear. A wonderful experience!

June 2025

Ono was amazing, he went above and beyond. He took us to places that were non touristy, we learned a lot about local history. There was not a question he couldn’t answer. He even helped us to travel to our next destination safely. We would highly recommend him.

Ricky Jun 2025

Our guide (Daniela) was extremely knowledgeable about the sights and historical places of Naples. She was accommodating to our interests- best place for gelato and pastries the shopping area, the Spanish quarter. It was an extremely hot day but we weren’t rushed, it was our tour and Dan was so accommodating. On reflection it was great value for money as we saw lots and learnt lots about the fantastic Naples, the culture and history. Truly fascinating city.

Madilyn Jun 2025

Bea was very personable and friendly! She made the experience very enjoyable

June 2025

Our guide, Martina, was extremely knowledgeable and gave us just the right amount of history/facts about all the sites we were seeing. Loved that she tailored the tour exactly to our needs and wants. Great experience. Thank you Martina!

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.