Tuscany, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, with its architectural and artistic heritage, boasts dozens of museums, the most famous one being the Uffizi in Florence, medieval towns, and world-famous vineyards. Tuscany is pastoral Europe in its prime. Here are the top five Tuscan things to do.

No. 1: Visit medieval Siena: This is Italy's greatest medieval town. Walk through the narrow maze of streets and alleyways at the Piazza del Campo.

No. 2: See the leaning tower of Pisa: This is the famous leaning tower or Campanile, which means bell tower. It really is leaning!

No. 3: Enjoy scenic Cortona: Founded by the Etruscans, Cortona was populated as far back as the 7th century BC. The Etruscans were a curious people; they just loved to live on hills. Cortona is on of the oldest hill towns.

No. 4: Explore the city of Lucca: Built on top of a Roman colony, the city of Lucca dates back to 180 BC. Visit the Roman amphitheatre and discover the many churches and piazzas and other medieval buildings.

No. 5: Taste wine in Chianti: Tuscany produces world-famous wines, its most popular being Chianti. Travel to the Chianti region for a sojourn of bacchanalian proportions. If you still want more wine then try the rich red wines of the Montalcino vineyards and the Vino Nobile from Montepulciano. Montepulciano is the highest hill-town of the region, so take time to enjoy the views of Southern Tuscany from these heights.

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.travel-your-world.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

About the Author: Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.travel-your-world.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.