Castles, vineyards, walled cities, and a fierce medieval rivalry that lingers today--these are the adventures in the Italian hill towns. The base is dramatic Siena, home of the intensely competitive Palio horse race. From Siena, the multi-towered town of San Gimignano, is explored; grapes are harvested at a winery; and the cheese festival in Pienza is visited. Then, south to Rudy's secret pick--the haunting hill towns of Pitigliano and Sovana. In Umbria, Etruscan tombs are discoverd, the home of St. Francis of Assisi is encountered, and some pottery is picked up in quaint Gubbio. Tips are given on driving through the maze-like streets of a hill town, and finding a place to stay.