Get Yourself A Guide - Siena

The Tuscan town of Siena is best seen entirely on foot. In just two hours, the boho-chic Cinzia Mariotti, who clambers with you up and down medieval towers in high-heeled rope wedge sandals, can point to the evidence of the moment the 1348 Black Death struck - a half finished arch; then guide you through the museum (it would be nice to go slower, but not if you will miss the last flight out of Pisa) while explaining how burnt Siena became the pigment of great art. When you come to a halt at the Piazza del Campo, one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe, she will explain the rules of Il Palio, the famous horse race, leaving just enough time to shop for traditional ricciarelli almond biscuits, spicy panforte and a couple of bottles of Nobile di Montepulciano, a full-bodied Chianti Classico.

Cinzia Mariotti. + 39 347 848 3956; cinziamariotti@virgilio.it