Car & Van Hire - Siena

Siena's architectural heritage seeps into the very soil. The city offers monuments and medieval structures from the very eras that defined democracy. Siena is, of course, also the home of the much-celebrated horse race, the Palio, which usually falls on 2 July and 16 August. The race is free of charge, so find yourself a balcony and settle in for the ride.

The Piazza Pubblico is, perhaps, Siena's most famous building. This Tuscan masterpiece was wrought from stone and brick in 1297, and it's been the heart of civic life ever since. Your tour of the palace will include a series of secular frescoes, including a pieta and a 1315 artwork by Simone Martini.

The city is divided into three districts, each with its own collection of restaurants and boutiques. Terzo di Camollia lies in the shadow of the Basilica San Francesco: a 13th-century church that's at its most exquisite after sunset. Terzo di Citta is Siena's highest-lying district, and you can absorb the view from its Botanical Garden. Finally, Terzo di San Martino occupies Siena's Eastern border. This is where you'll find the Church of San Martino and the charming monthly antique market.

Siena is far more than its history. This district will introduce you to the finest Tuscan cuisine, so take a quick bite at Te Ke Voi or immerse yourself in gastronomic sophistication at Le Logge. The latter is a homely diner that's peppered with antiques. It's known for its creative flare and exotic ingredients. For a more rustic experience, head to the vegetable garden of All'Orto de' Pecci, where diners can enjoy Florentine and Tuscan flavours.

The Piazza del Campo is often called the universal symbol of Siena itself, so no trip to the city is complete without it. This medieval square is an architectural marvel that hosts a series of festivals throughout the year.

Siena might not be known for its musical heritage, but it has a vibrant array of concert halls and events. Un Tubo hosts jazz concerts every Friday, so it's the perfect spot to seek out after you've explored Piazza del Campo. For a more traditional musical experience, try The Tea Room just behind the Piazza.

Siena's spirit is best communicated through its artistic heritage. It has a lively contemporary art scene, but if you want to experience its Renaissance side, The Pinacoteca Art Museum is the perfect place. It exhibits masterpieces dating back to the 13th to 17th centuries. 

Siena connects to the outside world through the autostrada and superstrada: two busy highways that will carry you to Florence and Rome. There are picturesque backroads that are well worth using if you'd like to take in Tuscany's prettiest vistas.

The autostrada is a toll road that accepts credit card payments. As you drive, you'll pass six small villages that are well worth stopping for. Orvieto is a short drive from the A1, so you might want to take a detour to view its magnificent cathedral. A car rental is perfect for this trip, especially if you pack a picnic. You'll be able to stop off at Tuscany's secret enclaves on your own schedule. It's the kind of road trip you don't want to miss.

The autostrada's rush hour is at its worst in the mornings. If you're using a car or van rental in Siena from Florence, the superstrada generally has faster-moving traffic, but it lacks the views of the autostrada. If you prefer the freedom of an open road, schedule your trip no earlier than 10:00. When you arrive at Siena's city walls, you'll find plenty of taxis at Piazza Indipendenza, a short walk from II Campo.

The city is a limited traffic area, so drivers need a permit to gain access. Visitors aren't permitted to drive cars or four-wheel vehicles within the city walls, but scooters or motorcycles are welcome.

There are several car parks outside the ZTL zone, so you can safely stash your car at II Campo, II Duomo or Santa Caterina. The latter is a large territory a stone's throw away from the Santa Maria complex. There are ample taxis to carry you further into the city.

Via di Citta is one of Siena's main streets. It's a pedestrian pathway linking many of the city's most important historical buildings. The city's steep hills can be difficult to manage, particularly the roads to Porta Tufi and San Marco, so plan your route accordingly. If you're relatively fit, however, you might want to try the 2.6-km loop trail between Piazzetta delle due Porte and Palazzo Saracini via Piazza del Campo.