Palio Tour and Traditions in Siena

Hi! my name is Maria Elena I was born in Ecuador, my father is Italian, he is from the beautiful Sicily and I have been living in Italy since 1999. Siena is my second home, I love this city and I'm so happy that you have chosen it to visit. I studied international economics in Siena, my final thesis has been focused on economic development and sustainable tourism, and I analyzed the case of Galapagos Island. I have worked in several countries around the world (United States, Spain, and Italy). I am a licensed tour guide in Siena and around its province, I have been working as a tourist guide in this City since 2010, I also managed a tour operator in Siena for 3 years. In 2019, I completed a master's degree in international tourism management and I also became a Sommelier with a very important association in Italy, the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS). Wine is part of Italian culture, here in Tuscany, we have some of the best wines in the country. I love Tuscany, and Siena city is fantastic, is not so big and the quality of life is very high. I live here with my husband and my two kids. In my free time, I like to listen to music, go to the gym or do also some sports like swimming or basketball with my son. Siena is full of culture and history is a great place to raise your family and it is an amazing city to visit and learn. Before becoming a Tourist Guide I made several works, yes I liked them, but be a tour guide is fantastic, I love to talk to people and I enjoy teaching and working with many different cultures. My goal is to give visitors and tourists a unique experience that they can remember for life. My message: "Live Siena not as a visitor but as a resident", "taking care of the environment and respecting g the people". I offer a wide variety of tours in and around the City along with custom tours designed to meet your specific needs. Finally, after the tour, I will be happy to help you in case of needs, for any suggestion on restaurants, any recommendations, or in case you need a doctor or just help with directions or addresses. Thank you for your interest in visiting wonderful, beautiful and unique city Siena, Italy, you will be excited to see and experience this place, which has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO and I hope I can be part of your adventure. Licensed Siena Tour Guide Member of Professional Tour Guide Association of Siena (Centro Guide Siena) Member of Italian Association Sommelier (AIS) Bachelors in International Economics - University of Siena Masters in International Tourism Management - University Ostelea, Spain I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver.