Jackie and Mick Parsons of Hedonistic Hiking have created a once-in-a-lifetime walking holiday in August to witness Italy’s greatest spectacle - the crazy bareback horse race known as The Palio. This world-famous race is run twice each year in Siena’s Piazza del Campo in the heart of the city, one of the country’s most beautiful squares.

Anglo-Australian couple Mick and Jackie live half of the year in the hills north of Siena and have a particular understanding of the rich history and traditions surrounding this Tuscan festival, as well as a life-long passion for the cooking, the wines and the stunning landscape of the area.

As Jackie explains:  “Many people watch the race on TV or even stand in the square on race day but that barely scratches the surface of what is a fabulous tradition.  We will follow the “Quattro giorni del Palio”  and will totally immerse people in the medieval rituals and folklore of this unique event.”

The holiday runs from 12th - 18th August 2012 and includes luxury accommodation, fully guided walks through the Sienese countryside, seats for the race, exclusive entry to a private art collection and dinners in some of the city’s best-loved restaurants.

Jackie and Mick own and operate Hedonistic Hiking, a company specialising in fully-guided gourmet walking tours in Australia and Italy.  They are passionate about the food, the wine and the walking of both countries.