Cheap Flights to Florence (FLR) from UK Airports

Visit Florence and See One of the Most Exciting Horse Races in the World

Florence is a popular destination and, this year, City Jet introduced new flights from London City airport. Florence is not only a fantastic tourist destination, it also stages a number of international events which brings thousands of people to the city.

Florence stages many events and festivals throughout the year, but the surrounding area also offers plenty of interest. One of the most exciting events of the year takes place in Sienna, which is a short distance from Florence. The Corsa del Palio is held in Sienna in July and August. This event is one of the most famous in Tuscany. The history of the event stretches back to 1283 and is a bareback horse race which attracts thousands of spectators. Sienna, itself, is a beautiful city to visit with its ancient buildings. Gothic palaces, medieval gates and towers and its narrow streets transport the visitor back to the Middle Ages. Its cathedral is stunning, but the centrepiece of Sienna is the large scallop-shaped Piazza del Campo. It is here that the horse race is held. Ten horses and riders take part, representing ten of the 17 city wards. The riders wear the colours of their city ward and the buildings are decorated with the flags of the appropriate ward. Before the race commences there is a magnificent pageant. On the eve of the race, food and wine is abundant on the streets and young men roam the streets in the colours of their contrada. A dirt track is laid around the Piazza del Campo and the race itself is fast and exhilarating.