Siena is the tuscan town of the palio a famous horse race that takes place in the city square twice a year its also home to 17 contrade distinct neighborhoods whose proud residents boast that their contrada is the best and compete against one another in the palio this 90 minute tour combines an enlightening walk around the famous square a visit to the contrada museum an insiders look at a contrada and a gelato making excursion all in one see a side of siena many outsiders dont see