Discover the excitement in the run-up to one of Siena's most popular events at the Grand Hotel Continental. The five-star hotel is celebrating one of the world's most famous horse races with a special Pre-Palio package so travellers can enjoy the pre-event trials, excitement and preparation.

The biannual Palio race draws a crowd from all over the world in July and August as ten horses, representing the local Sienese districts (Contradas) and their brave riders compete in a bareback, frenzied dash around the Pizza del Campo which usually lasts no more than 90 seconds.

With lots of preparation and several trial runs, before the August event, the Grand Hotel Continental has put together a special package offering a slice of the excitement to UK travellers from £499 (€580)* per room per night.

The package offers two adults an Executive Double room on a bed and breakfast board-basis, with complimentary upgrade upon arrival, private guided walking tour of Siena and rare access to the Contrada's private museums and archives. In addition guests will find a special gourmet treat in their room on arrival as a memento of Palio and Ricciarelli (a type of cookie famed in Siena).

Culturally rich Siena has many other attractions and events for travellers to enjoy over the summer months including the Siena & Stars musical festival featuring Italian Pop, Opera, Jazz and classical stars alongside international favourites such as the Buena Vista Social Club.

The Grand Hotel Continental is the perfect place to enjoy a Siena summer, with decadent décor including priceless antiques and grandiose frescoes; even the bedrooms at the Grand Hotel Continental have precious paintings on the walls, luxurious furnishings and cool marble bathrooms.

For more information or to book, visit www.grandhotelcontinentalsiena.com

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For further information or images please contact Gillian Monahan or Liam Colman at royaldemeure@brightergroup.com or telephone 020 7326 9880.

Notes to editors

The Royal Demeure luxury hotel group has carefully built up a collection of historic, restored palazzi in some of Italy's most important cities. Frescoed halls host modern art; suites offer unsurpassed views and intimate restaurants offer traditional Italian cuisine revisited to reflect modern trends, served by welcoming, impeccably trained staff.

Travellers looking to be pampered with personalised hospitality more like that of a private luxury home can choose from any one of the unique Royal Demeure hotels: in Rome there are the Hotel d'Inghilterra, Residenza di Ripetta and the Hotel Beverly Hills Rome; in Florence the Hotel Helvetia & Bristol, in Siena the Grand Hotel Continental and in Vicenza the Hotel Villa Michelangelo.

www.royaldemeure.com