Events in Tuscany

The most famous horse race in Italy, The Palio is held twice a year on July 2 and August 6 in Siena. Attracting crowds from all over the world, this magnificent event also holds a huge pageant before the start of the race where a show of medieval riders put on a fantastic performance; this is also when the main squares of the town become crowded with visitors. In the main race, usually starting at 7.30pm, each horse and rider represent one of the 17 wards of the city. Make the most of your visit to Florence and enjoy a fantastic day out at The Palio. Experience the colourful pageant beforehand and then have a few bets on the main race, and if you're lucky, you'll be coming away a little more well off. The ideal day out to see Italy at its best, The Palio really is a must see event.

In its 71st year, the annual Florence Music Festival (Maggio Musicale Fiorentino) will take place between April 1, 2008 and July 1, 2008, and will be based at the 2000 seater Teatro Comunale and Piccolo Teatro, a smaller theatre seating up to 600 people. One of the oldest and most widely appreciated European music festivals first organised in 1933, along with Bayreuth and Salzburg, this two month festival combines concerts, opera and ballet with many amazing previous conductors including Vittorio Gui, Wilhelm Furtwangler, Bruno Walter, Zubin Mehta, von Karajan and Muti. With the majority of shows starting at 8.30pm, such ballets which will be performed include The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood and Hommage a Maurice. An extravagant opera concert will open the festival followed by Ricardo Muti at the Teatro. If it's culture and a touch of class that you're into, then where better than to enjoy this truly magical event than in Italy itself. From the stunning surroundings to the rich and class of the event, you really will feel like you're in the heart of the best country for opera and classical music - what better way to enjoy it!

Situated in a stunning position on a hillside, just 30 minutes from Florence, the town of Arezzo has dramatic buildings and beautiful location. On the first Sunday of every month and the following Saturday, an antique fair takes place Piazza Grande, the main focal point of the town surrounded by amazing architecture. One of the best antique fairs in Italy, the streets in the old town are closed to traffic and a vast outdoor bazaar opens for both professional and individual shoppers. You'll find an abundance of items on the hundreds of stands, mainly antiques, from furniture, maps and stamps to medical instruments and artwork. Handmade local crafts are also sold here including jewellery, furniture and ceramics. You can easily spend a day exploring this fantastic antique fair and make sure you use your bartering skills to their best as there are some great buys to be had.