A half day excursion can be taken into the rolling countryside of the Val d'Orcia to the south of Siena. The Val d'Orcia railway (tel: (0577) 207 413; website: www.ferrovieturistiche.it) runs round trips on vintage trains in peak season. Times vary, so check with the operator. One of the most popular full day excursions is a visit to the medieval walled town of San Gimignano (tel: (0577) 940 008; website: www.sangimignano.com), famous for its ancient towers, built when wealthy families fortified their homes in the Middle Ages. It can be reached by bus from Siena in an hour.