Twice every year in Siena, Italy a horse race is run. The race is called the Palio and dates back to medieval times. In the ceremonies people still wear medieval clothing.

The main square of Siena, Italy is Piazza del Campo. It is where the Palio is run every year, and the rest of the time it is the hub of Sienese life. Sitting grandly at the front is the Palazzo Pubblico with the Torre di Mangia. Many excellent shops and restuarants can be found here.

Three times around the Piazza del Campo brings a year’s worth of bragging rights to one neighborhood of Siena. Surprisingly, the worst way to finish is second. 70,000 people crowd into Piazza del Campo for this huge event.

Before the Palio, the horses and jockeys make trial runs called tratta. Not made at full speed, they can still be very exciting.

The Eurochocolate Festival is held every year in Perugia, Italy. You may know Baci, the Italian answer to the Hershey Kiss, made by Perugina, a company right out of Perugia. Once a year for one week, Perugia becomes “La citta’ del cioccolato.” There are chocolate sculptures, chocolate games, face painting with chocolate, and of course lots for sale!

Cinque Terre is a series of 5 towns along the north western coast of Tuscany. Very difficult to get to, they are set among the cliffs and can be traveled between by train or hiking trails. Cars are useless here, but the scenery is worth it!