Montalcino is situated high on a hill, between the Brunello vineyards. The impressive castle or Fortezza, which was built by the Sienese in 1361, dominates this well-preserved medieval town. The town takes its name from il leccio or holm oak, a variety of oak tree that once covered the terrain. The very high site of the town offers stunning views over the Asso, Ombrone and Arbia valleys of Tuscany, dotted with silvery olive orchards, vineyards, fields, and villages. The lower slopes of the Montalcino hill itself are dominated by highly productive vines and olive orchards. Even more than because of its historical heritage, Montalcino is known for its famous Brunello di Montalcino wines. Some pleasant enoteca or wineries can be found in the heart of the city. In the early hours, when the locals prepare everything for the incoming visitors, The historic center of Montalcino has been pedestrianized, so it is a pleasant place to stroll around or linger over at a café on the square and practice your Italian with the locals. Parking is easy on Via Pietra Strozzi (Parcheggio Viale Strozzi). At the end of Via Pietra Strozzi is the Chiesa della Madonna del Soccorso. Behind the church, there is a small square offering a marvelous view over the Val d’Arbia in the direction of Siena. Montalcino is situated in the heart of Val d’Orcia in a postcard-like scenery. The city is part of the Val d’Orcia, a part of southern Tuscany characterized by gentle hills, sinuous country roads or strade bianche, and a horizon dotted with isolated cypress trees. The entire valley of the Val d'Orcia with this magnificent natural scenery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2006.'San Gimignano delle belle Torri' is in Tuscany, 56 km south of Florence. It served as an important relay point for pilgrims travelling to or from Rome on the Via Francigena. The patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses (some as high as 50 m) as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance. The town also has several masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art.