Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy
ShowingFilter 241-260 of 645 listings.
Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di Lucca)
The main church in Lucca is its cathedral, the Duomo di Lucca, built in the 11th century. The structure stands at one side of the Piazza San Martino, and inside, visitors will find the most revered relic in town: the Holy Face of Lucca (Volto Santo). This wooden cross is said to have been carved by Nicodemus, and although the one on display is a 13th-century copy, it's no less important to the church or town. There are two times each year when the Volto Santo is celebrated, dressed in special vestments in the cathedral. The church was rebuilt in the 14th century, although the campanile (bell tower) from the original structure remains, which is why one arch is quite a bit smaller than the other.
Other points of interest inside the Duomo are paintings by Ghirlandaio and Tintoretto, as well as the 15th-century tomb of Ilaria del Carretto of the Guinigi family. There is a museum in the cathedral as well.
Practical Info
The Lucca Cathedral is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 15 to November 2 (with extended hours until 6:45 p.m. on Saturdays and shortened hours from 9 to 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays). It is also open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November 3 to March 14. Admission is €3 for the cathedral only, €4 for the museum only, and €7 for a combined ticket including the cathedral, museum, campanile, and archaeological area.
Address: Piazza San Martino, Lucca, Tuscany 55100, Italy
Hours: Varies by season
Admission: €3
From $ 12
Maddalena Archipelago
Between the two huge islands of Sardinia and Corsica is a small group of islands that also belong to Italy – the Maddalena Archipelago, which is made up of seven major islands that are located just off the gorgeous Costa Smeralda on Sardinia. Visitors weren't always allowed on the islands, largely because Isola Maddalena (the largest one) is a NATO base. Today, however, travelers can much more easily discover the area. The town of La Maddelana houses the vast majority of the archipelago's local residents.
The islands are included in one of Italy's 24 national parks and are also on UNESCO's tentative list as a World Heritage site. The islands' beaches are among Sardinia's loveliest.
Practical Info
The main visitor center for the Maddalena Archipelago is on Caprera Island in the village of Stagnali. Ferries to La Maddalena depart from Palau on Sardinia.
Address: Via Giulio Cesare 7, La Maddalena, Sardinia 07024, Italy
From $ 46
Madonna delle Virtu Church
This stunning and historic church is tucked among an incredible complex comprised of dozens of caves and dates back to the early 10th century. Its unique location and iconic beauty has been attracting travelers for hundreds of years. Widely recognized as one of Matera’s most important religious monuments, Madonna delle Virtu Church, as well as nearby San Nicola dei Greci, draws pilgrims from around the world.
The church’s interior is decorated with brilliantly restored frescos and occasional temporary exhibits are also on display here. Travelers can wander the two floors containing multiple rooms, gaze out over vast landscapes and picturesque views and tour the site’s unique history on a visit to Madonna delle Virtu.
Practical Info
The church is located in Matera, just north of other religious landmarks like San Domenico and Church of Saint Francis Assisi.
Address: Via Madonna delle Virtù, Matera 75100, Italy
From $ 52
Leonardo3 Museum (World of Leonardo da Vinci)
The Leonardo3 Museum is an interactive exhibition dedicated to Italy's greatest luminary: Leonardo da Vinci. The exhibit includes more than 200 interactive machines and working models based on Leonardo's designs and a digitized version of the entire Codex Atlanticus, containing the inventor’s notes and sketches.
The Basics
Leonardo3 focuses on Leonardo as Renaissance man, both engineer and artist. Some of the physical models on display have never been built before, and all are constructed according to Leonardo's illuminated drawings. In addition, the exhibit includes a digital restoration of The Last Supper and a number of musical instruments. You can explore the museum independently or with the help of an audio guide in English, and there are a number of hands-on displays and touch screens that further explain the machines and models.
A visit to this engaging exhibition is easily combined with a tour of Milan's most famous sights, including the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco). Leonardo3 is also one of the museums included in the Milano Card pass.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its engaging, interactive collection, Leonardo3 is a fun stop for both kids and adults.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The mechanically minded are especially fascinated by the extensive collection of working machines and models.
- There is a small gift shop selling Leonardo-themed souvenirs.
How to Get There
The Leonardo3 exhibit is in Piazza della Scala, at the entrance of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II right in the center of Milan.
When to Get There
This indoor museum is the perfect place to spend a few hours on one of Milan's famously scorching afternoons in the summer or blustery days in the winter.
Leonardo's Machines
The exhibition includes a number of Leonardo's flying machines, a submarine, time machine, mechanical dragonfly, rapid-fire crossbow, mechanical eagle, and mechanical lion.
Address: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Macellum of Pozzuoli (Temple of Serapis)
In the city of Pozzuoli, just outside Naples, sits the ruins of an ancient Roman market - the Macellum of Pozzuoli - in what is the larger Phlegraean Fields Regional Park.
The market structure was likely built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, and was excavated in the 18th century. At that time, a statue of the Greek god Serapis was found among the ruins, so some believed the building to have been a temple. Though it was later determined to be a marketplace, the name Temple of Serapis is also often used to describe the ruins.
Many of the Phlegraean Fields ruins are underwater due to the volcanic shifts in the area over the centuries, and the Macellum was no exception. While there are columns rising high above the modern street level, the ground level of the market itself is well below sea level. The columns show evidence of shellfish, as they were once underwater, too.
The ground level continues to move up and down very slowly, because the market is located near the middle of the volcanic caldera that makes up the epicenter of the Phlegraean Fields. Visitors today won’t notice the shift in ground level, though geologists track the site constantly.
Practical Info
Your admission ticket to visit the Macellum of Pozzuoli also includes entry to Pozzuoli’s arena - the Flavian Amphitheater. It’s Italy’s third-largest amphitheater, and dates from the 1st century AD.
Address: Via Serapide, Pozzuoli, Campania 80078, Italy
Hours: Wed-Mon 9am until one hour before sunset
Admission: €2.50 (free with ArteCard)
From $ 75
Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (Mausoleo di Galla Placidia)
UNESCO-listed with all the other glorious Roman mosaic masterpieces in Ravenna, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia is testament to the days when the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Galla Placidia was the powerful sister of Honorius, the last emperor of Rome; she married Ataulf, King of the Visigoths, acted as regent for 12 years, died in Rome in 450 AD and is probably buried there, but nevertheless her official mausoleum is found in a terracotta-colored brick chapel among neat gardens behind Ravenna’s San Vitale Basilica. Unassuming on the outside, the chapel’s entire vaulted interior glitters with Byzantine mosaics dating from around 430 AD and representing the star-strewn night sky and intricate Biblical scenes, decorated with highly colored geometrical patterns. Gently lit by shafts of light from narrow windows, depictions of the Good Shepherd and the Martyrdom of St Lawrence adorn the niches, with figures of the Apostles floating on the upper walls. Three marble sarcophagi are reputed to contain the bodies of Galla Placidia, her second husband and son, but these were placed in the mausoleum in medieval times.
Practical Info
Via Giuliano Argentario 22, Ravenna. Open daily Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm; Apr–Oct 9am–7pm. Admission adults €9.50; all concessions €8.50;
children under 10 go free. Ticket price includes entry to the Basilica of
Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistery and the Basilica of San Vitale plus the Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel. Take Bus Line 1 to Piazza Baracca.
Address: Via Giuliano Argentario 22, Ravenna, Emilia-Romagna 48110, Italy
Hours: Daily Nov–Mar 9am–5.30pm; Apr–Oct 9am–7pm
Admission: Adults €9.50; all concessions €8.50; Children under 10 free
From $ 70
Li Galli (Sirenuse)
According to folklore, sirens once inhabited this small group of islands known as Sirenuse. But today, it’s intrepid travelers who find their way through the placid waters and scenic coastal landscapes to the three major land masses of this archipelago: La Castelluccia, Gallo Lungo and La Rotonda.
Gallo Lungo is one of Li Galli’s most popular destinations, thanks to historical roots as a home to a monastery, and later a prison. In the mid-1990s, it became privately owned by Giovanni Russo and today, offers deluxe accommodations to travelers able to afford the steep price tag. Luckily the quiet waters that surround this iconic island are open to the public, which means even visitors who will never set foot on the shores are able to at least catch a glimpse of Gallo Lungo during a swim.
Practical Info
Li Galli is located between the Isle of Capri and the Province of Salerno’s Positano just off the Amalfi Coast. They are considered part of the Campanian Archipelago.
Address: Li Galli, Amalfi Coast, Italy, Italy
From $ 49
Marina Grande
Marina Grande is the main port on the island of Capri, located off the coast of Naples, Italy. Set just north of the main town of Capri and at the foot of Mount Solaro on the norther side of the island, it was an ancient fishing port, used by the Romans during Augustan times. Since the early 20th century, it has developed into a major port and seaside resort that features the largest beach on the island. A small square overlooks the port, which is surrounded by a rainbow of traditional Capri houses with terraces and balconies. There are also a number of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops around the port.
Practical Info
All visitors to Capri arrive by boat to Marina Grande, usually coming from Naples. A tourist information office is located near the ferry and hydrofoil docks and a taxi stand and the funicular station are to the left of the docks. The funicular connects Marina Grande with the Piazzetta and a bus will take visitors to Anacapri. All tours of the island leave from Marina Grande, as do excursions to the Blue Grotto and to Palazzo a Mare, Emperor Tiberius’ seaside villa.
Address: Marina Grande, Capri, Italy
From $ 121
Leonardo's Vineyard (Museo Vigna di Leonardo)
Across the street from Leonardo da Vinci’s famous fresco of “The Last Supper” is the vineyard he was given by Milanese ruler, Ludovico Sforza, in 1495. The type of vines was identified during excavations in 2015, and the vineyard has been replanted with the same varietal Leonardo grew. The plot has been designed as it was in Leonardo’s time.
The house behind which the vineyard sits was not Leonardo’s, but he tended the vineyard himself. Visitors to the vineyard first get to see the beautifully-renovated Renaissance villa, Casa degli Atellani, and then a walk through the picturesque gardens and vineyard.
Tours of the house and vineyard are guided by a member of the staff, and every visitor receives an audio guide to help navigate through and learn about the seven distinct areas on the tour. For a special visit to this unique attraction, visitors can enjoy an evening tour with aperitivo in the vineyard or a combination ticket that includes “The Last Supper” fresco and the vineyard in one tour.
Practical Info
Tours run every 30 minutes during open hours from Monday-Thursday, and then every 15 minutes from Friday-Sunday. Tours last about 25 minutes. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially on weekends.
Address: Corso Magenta 65, Milan 20123, Italy
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm
Admission: Adults: €10; Children: Free
From $ 13
Marzamemi
The small town of Marzamemi sits at the southeastern-most point of Sicily, and is known for its pretty beach and abundant seafood. Historically, Marzamemi has long been known as an important seafood processing town. The Arabs who came to Sicily in the 9th century C.E. started some of the first fish processing operations here, and the tuna processing facility that was built in the 16th century – the Tonnara – still stands today. This historic building is no longer used for fish processing, however.
Marzamemi still serves as a fish processing center, but the town is far more popular as a summer seaside tourist destination. The small town swells in size during the summer, as visitors flock to the pretty beach and historic center. In addition to the Tonnara and the town's beautiful beach, don't miss the Church of San Francesco di Paola.
Practical Info
Marzamemi is not far from Noto, a popular stop along the southeastern coast of Sicily. It's roughly 100 miles south of Taormina, and the best way to get there is by renting your own car or booking a spot on an organized tour – public transportation to Marzamemi is non-existent.
Address: Marzamemi, Italy
From $ 58
Marina Piccola
Located on the southern side of the island of Capri, Marina Piccola was once the main port on the island, used by Roman emperors Augustus and Tiberius. Sheltered from the wind and enjoying a southern exposure, the beaches here are typically the warmest on the island. The marina is split into the Marina di Mulo and the Marina di Peannauro by the Scoglio delle Sirene cliff. Legend has it that the cliff was once inhabited by bewitching sirens described by Homer in the Odyssey.
Out to sea from Marina Piccola are the rock formations known as the Faraglioni Stacks, which must be passed when leaving the marina by boat. Near the small square where the buses stop in the marina are stairs that lead down to a pebble beach and to the Church of Saint Andrea, built in 1900. Visitors may also wish to hike along the historic Via Krupp, a switchback foot path that leads from Marina Piccola to the Charterhouse of San Giacomo and the Gardens of Augustus.
Practical Info
Marina Piccola can be reached by bus from the Piazzetta or by walking about 15 minutes from the Piazzetta along Via Roma to Due Golfi and then taking the stairs down Via Mulo.
Address: Capri, Italy
From $ 64
Marco Polo's House
In a quiet corner of Venice ,the Venetian palace (palazzo) believed to be explorer Marco Polo’s former residence is easy to miss. Stop by Corte Seconda del Milion, a square named for Marco Polo's travel memoirs, Il Milione, to honor Italy's most famous adventurer while visiting the Floating City.
The Basics
Marco Polo's House (Casa di Marco Polo), near San Giovanni Crisostomo Church and behind Teatro Malibran, isn’t open to the public, but there’s a small marble plaque on the wall commemorating its importance. The house, which faces a small triangular patch of sidewalk next to a canal in the Corte Seconda del Milion, can be quite difficult to find. Walk through a passageway (sottoportego) that cuts through what would be a building’s ground floor to reach it.
Marco Polo's House is best visited as part of a Venice walking tour or guided tour of nearby highlights, including Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge. The building is set on one of Venice's quiet internal canals not far from the Grand Canal, so it can also be seen during a gondola ride through the city. Being near to the Rialto market, it’s an easy stop on Venice street food tours that include a walk through the market stalls and surrounding neighborhood.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If exploring Venice on a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- The sidewalk facing the palace is accessible to wheelchairs, if approaching from the Cannaregio side; from the Castello side, there is a small bridge with stairs to cross the canal.
- Though you can’t tour inside the palace, its facade and surrounding neighborhood are particularly picturesque, so be sure to bring your camera.
- This is a memorable stop for history buffs.
How to Get There
Marco Polo's House is located on Calle Scaleta, on the border between the Castello and Cannaregio neighborhoods. Reach the building on foot from St. Mark's Square or the Rialto Bridge, or by water taxi from the Grand Canal.
When to Get There
Marco Polo’ house is one of Venice's quieter sights, located in a sleepy quarter of the city center. If you need a respite from the crowds during busy midday hours, this is a good spot to choose.
The Marco Polo House Plaque
The plaque marking is in Italian; the English translation reads: “Here was once the home of Marco Polo, who traveled to the furthest reaches of Asia and described his journeys. Placed by city decree in 1881.”
Address: Corte Prima del Milion, Venice 30100, Italy
From $ 3
Manarola
Perched on a rocky promontory, riddled with caves, and lapped by startlingly blue waters, Cinque Terre’s village of Manarola is the epitome of romantic. Its charms include sea-view restaurants serving ultra-fresh anchovies, a picturesque waterfront promenade, and a rugged Italian Riviera shore dotted with swimming holes—all this and small enough to explore in a single morning.
The Basics
Manarola makes a good base for for sailing and boat tours along northern Italy’s Mediterranean coast, as well as hiking and mountain biking excursions in Cinque Terre National Park, which encompasses all five Cinque Terre towns. Day tours to Manarola run from La Spezia, Siena, Florence, and Milan, and generally also visit Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore, plus nearby Portovenere.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Manarola can get busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, as the village roads are steep and often uneven.
- While many hotels and tourist attractions in Manarola are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the village’s steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with mobility issues to navigate.
How to Get There
Located in Cinque Terre National Park, just north of Riomaggiore along the Italian Riviera, Manarola is a two-hour drive from Florence or a 30-minute drive from La Spezia. Parking is limited in Manarola, so unless you are staying in town overnight, it’s best to join a tour or arrive by train from La Spezia (a 10-minute ride). Alternatively, from mid-April through October, ferries connect Manarola with La Spezia, Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore.
When to Get There
Manarola sees the most visitors and the highest temperatures—upwards of 100°F (40°C)—during the summer. Hikers may want to visit in May or September to avoid the heat, while those on a budget should note that hotel prices rise in August. It’s possible to visit in winter, but some trails may be inaccessible in inclement weather. Year-round, overnight guests can enjoy relatively quiet evenings once the day-trippers depart.
Celebrating the Holidays in Manarola
Manarola’s most unique claim to fame is its magnificent Christmas nativity—the largest in the world, according to Guinness World Records. Every year from December to mid-January, the hills above Manarola are illuminated with more than 15,000 lights that comprise a mesmerizing nativity scene of over 250 characters. Best of all, the entire display is eco-friendly, built using recycled materials and powered by a sustainable photovoltaic system.
Address: Manarola, Italy
From $ 139
Leonardo Museum (Museo Leonardiano di Vinci)
Dedicated to one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, the Leonardo Museum (Museo Leonardiano di Vinci) is housed in two adjacent buildings—Palazzina Uzielli and Castello dei Conti Guidi—in the historic center of Vinci. The collection features models of Leonardo’s weaponry, clocks, and flying machines, as well as his drawings and notes.
The Basics
The Museo Leonardiano in Leonardo da Vinci’s hometown showcases the genius of Italy's original Renaissance man, with sections where you can discover his inventions in construction and textile manufacturing, timepieces, and machines of war, and explore his innovations in architecture, mechanics, and flight. In addition, there are sections devoted to da Vinci’s scientific studies of optics and land and water transportation. Many of the displays are paired with digital animations and interactive applications, and the museum route ends in the video room, where Leonardo’s Renaissance technologies are brought to life in film.
Vinci is just 40 minutes from Florence, from where the Leonardo Museum is a popular day trip. It’s also a stop on some general sightseeing tours from Florence or shore excursions from Livorno that can also include the Tuscan towns of Pisa, Lucca, and San Gimignano. Family-friendly private tours of Florence and Tuscany often incorporate a visit to this interactive museum along with Leonardo’s birthplace. Vinci is also home to the Leonardo Library (Biblioteca Leonardiana), where you can view a limited selection of historical documents and publications.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Leonardo Museum is a must for science and engineering buffs.
- Because of the many interactive and multimedia displays, the Leonardo Museum is especially fun for kids.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather if planning on walking between the museum in Vinci and Leonardo’s birthplace in nearby Anchiano.
- The museum is fully accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Leonardo Museum is located on Piazza dei Guidi in Vinci, a pretty hilltop town about 18 miles (30 kilometers) west of Florence. It is easily accessible by car along the Florence-Livorno highway; exit at Empoli.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day of the year. The town of Vinci holds the annual Leonardo Celebrations during the weeks marking the anniversaries of Leonardo's birth (April 15, 1452) and death (May 2, 1519) with special exhibitions, conferences, shows, and guided tours.
Leonardo’s Birthplace
Casa Natale di Leonardo is in the village of Anchiano, 2 miles (3 kilometers) outside of Vinci. The state-of-the-art exhibit here focuses on Leonardo the artist, with a multimedia review of his life and achievements, and interactive digital representations of his famous works, including The Last Supper and his “lost” painting, The Battle of Anghiari.
Address: Piazza dei Conti Guidi, 1, Vinci, Florence, Tuscany 50059, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 77
Mandralisca Museum
Mandralisca Museum may not rank among Italy’s (or Sicily’s) largest cultural attractions, but visitors say it’s still worth making a stop. That’s because this small, privately owned destination is a Mecca for Greek ceramics, Arab pottery and some incredible Italian Renaissance portraits. The museum dates back nearly two centuries and houses the personal art collection of Barone Mandralisca, including an iconic portrait by Donatello da Messina.
Although the museum is full of rare wonders, travelers and locals say visitors should be prepared, as most of the museum’s signage is only in Italian. Still, the works alone make it well-worth the trip.
Practical Info
The museum is located near the corner of Via Mandralisca and Cortile Ferrara in Cefalu. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: Via Mandralisca, 13, Cefalù PA 90015, Italy
Hours: Open daily 9am-7pm
From $ 58
Marsala
You might be familiar with the name “Marsala” because of the famous fortified wine that originates in the city - and in fact, one of Marsala’s nicknames is the “Città del Vino,” or city of wine. It would be a shame to get to this city on the western coast of Sicily and not try its namesake wine, but that’s surely not the only reason to visit.
Marsala is a historic port city, the furthest point west on the island of Sicily, and is known for its history, beaches, and, of course, wine. The ancient Roman city that once occupied this spot was one of the most important on the island, thanks to its position as a busy commercial port. Today, while Marsala is still a port city, it’s more of a tourist area than a commercial center.
Things to do and see in Marsala include an archaeological museum, a former Benedictine monastery (which houses a Garibaldi exhibit), the lagoon (popular with windsurfing and kite surfing), and the nearby island of Motya (an archaeological site where an ancient Greek city once stood).
Most people coming to this part of Sicily are likely attracted by the sun, sand, and surf - not to mention the relaxed attitude toward summer. Foodies will be interested in sampling Marsala’s namesake wine. The Marsala that gets exported is a fortified wine, but you’ll find a wider variety of Marsala available in the city itself.
Visitors to Marsala can fly into nearby Trapani and then take the train along the coast (the train from Palermo to Marsala takes more than three hours). If you plan to visit multiple places in Sicily, however, you would benefit from renting a car.
Marsala is a historic port city, the furthest point west on the island of Sicily, and is known for its history, beaches, and, of course, wine. The ancient Roman city that once occupied this spot was one of the most important on the island, thanks to its position as a busy commercial port. Today, while Marsala is still a port city, it’s more of a tourist area than a commercial center.
Things to do and see in Marsala include an archaeological museum, a former Benedictine monastery (which houses a Garibaldi exhibit), the lagoon (popular with windsurfing and kite surfing), and the nearby island of Motya (an archaeological site where an ancient Greek city once stood).
Most people coming to this part of Sicily are likely attracted by the sun, sand, and surf - not to mention the relaxed attitude toward summer. Foodies will be interested in sampling Marsala’s namesake wine. The Marsala that gets exported is a fortified wine, but you’ll find a wider variety of Marsala available in the city itself.
Visitors to Marsala can fly into nearby Trapani and then take the train along the coast (the train from Palermo to Marsala takes more than three hours). If you plan to visit multiple places in Sicily, however, you would benefit from renting a car.
Address: Sicily, Italy, Italy
From $ 116
Loggia dei Lanzi
In a corner square of Florence, Loggia dei Lanzi is an open-air museum containing some of the world’s greatest works of art. Known most for its collection of Renaissance art statues, which many consider to be masterpieces, it contains works such as Cellini’s Perseus, Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women, and an ancient Roman statue of Menelaus that used to be part of the Ponte Vecchio.
Originally intended to be a space for public ceremonies, construction on the area began in 1376. It was designed in a late Gothic style, a predecessor to the emerging Renaissance style. It is named for the Swiss personal guards (‘lanzi’) of emperor Cosimo I, who were once encamped here.
The loggia opens to the street under three wide arches, seamlessly integrating with the rest of the city. The arches are supported by Corinthian capital, creating a canopy over the sculptures. It remains completely free and open to the public.
Practical Info
The Loggia dei Lanzi is located in the Piazza della Signoria in the historic center of Florence. It is free to visit.
Address: Piazza della Signoria, Florence 50121, Italy
From $ 22
Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology (Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci) features seven sections—one dedicated to the Renaissance genius, plus others covering transportation, energy, and communication. More than 10,000 objects are on display, including a historical aircraft and steam train.
The Basics
In the museum, you can admire models of da Vinci’s inventions (including cars and a flying machine constructed according to his drawings), conduct your own experiments in 13 interactive workshops, and see the inventor’s original sketches. Holders of the Milano Card and the Milan Pass receive free or discounted entry to the museum and other city attractions such as the Duomo and La Triennale Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology is a must-see for science lovers of all ages and features exhibits tailored specifically to families with kids.
- Most but not all of the exhibits are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Audio guides and an app with audio and video content are available.
- An on-site shop sells books and museum souvenirs.
How to Get There
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology is located at Via San Vittore 21, just outside Milan’s historic city center. To get there by public transit, take the M2 metro line to San Ambrogio, bus 58 to Via San Vittore/Via Aristide de Togni, or bus 94 to Carducci.
When to Get There
The museum is a popular Milan attraction and hosts many events and exhibitions throughout the year. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring, and it’s best to arrive early in the day before crowds arrive. The museum lies within walking distance of Castello Sforzesco and the Duomo, so you can plan to visit all three attractions on the same day.
Curious Objects on Display
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology has a number of interesting scientific objects on display. Highlights include a S-506 Enrico Toti submarine that you can enter, a Foucault pendulum designed in the 19th century to demonstrate the rotation of the Earth, and a piece of moon rock donated to the Italian government by President Nixon from the last Apollo mission.
Address: Via San Vittore 21, Milan, Lombardy 20123, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 16
Livorno Cruise Port
The Livorno cruise port, a busy shipping terminal set on the Tuscan coast, serves as a gateway to this famous Italian region and its capital city of Florence. With few attractions of its own, the port city of Livorno is primarily a jumping-off point to explore the Tuscan cities and countryside.
The Basics
Travelers docking at the Livorno cruise port generally head out on full-day shore excursions that include transportation and guided tours of some of the most famous cities in Tuscany, including the Renaissance capital of Florence, home to the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David; Pisa and its famous Leaning Tower; and the small medieval towns of Siena and San Gimignano. Other popular excursions explore the Chianti wine region and the picturesque hilltop villages in the Tuscan countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Florence’s Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia are among the most visited attractions in the Tuscan capital, so be sure to book a tour with skip-the-line tickets.
- Most Italian churches require that you wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
- Many city and countryside tours include significant stretches of time outdoors. Bring a hat and sunscreen in the summer months.
- City tours require a fair amount of walking, so wear comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Some wineries and hilltop villages may be difficult to navigate for wheelchair users; check in advance.
How to Get to Livorno from the Livorno Cruise Port
Large cruise ships moor at a busy shipping dock, so travelers are not permitted to walk around the area. Shore excursion tours generally include port pickup and dropoff, but shuttle buses are also available to take visitors from the port of Livorno to Piazza Grande in the city center. From here, you can grab a taxi or take a five-minute ride on bus No. 1 to the train station and then head to Florence and Pisa.
Port Information
Most of the largest cruise lines stop at the Livorno cruise port. Italian is the most widely spoken language, though English is also understood in Florence and other large Tuscan cities. The local currency is the euro.
Address: Porto di Livorno, Livorno, Tuscany, Italy
From $ 108
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)
Fiumicino International Airport is the largest and busiest in Italy, serving nearly 40 million passengers a year. Situated in Fiumicino just outside of Rome, it is the major airport serving the Rome area. It is also known as Leonardo da Vinci airport, the inventor behind some of the earliest helicopters and aircraft.
Fiumicino airport opened in 1961 to replace the smaller Ciampino airport for most major international flights. Today more than 160 airlines serving 150 destinations depart from the air travel hub. Domestic flights to other parts of Italy do depart from here, though the majority of shorter flights still leave from Ciampino. Terminals were upgraded in the 1990s and 2000s and the airport continues to grow and expand. It serves as the hub for Alitalia, Italy’s biggest airline, and is the eighth busiest airport in Europe.
Practical Info
Fiumicino International Airport is about 35 kilometers (21 miles) from Rome’s city center. Get there via train — the ride is about 40 minutes on Trenitalia’s Leonardo Express and ends at Termini station. Taxis are a flat rate of €45.
Address: Via dell' Aeroporto di Fiumicino, 320, Rome, Italy
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