Choose from 645 Fun Things to Do in Italy
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House Museum of Soap (Casa Museo del Sapone)
The House Museum of Soap (Casa Museo del Sapone), created by an artisan soap company in their estate’s historic Sicilian farmhouse, is dedicated to the history and science of soap-making. You can view old presses and agricultural tools, see demonstrations, and even make your own soap during the guided tour.
The Basics
Surrounded by olive groves in the countryside outside of Sciacca, the House Museum of Soap sits next to the workshops where Saponi e Saponi make their artisan soaps and natural cosmetics from their estate’s extra-virgin olive oil. The 19th-century building that houses the museum was carefully renovated to preserve its original stonework and high ceilings. Then in 2015, the family who owns the company turned the farmhouse into a museum that traces the history of soap dating back to 2800 BC. The museum is open only for guided tours, so you must book ahead to visit; tours of the museum make for a fun day trip from Agrigento and include a workshop where you can make your own soap.
Things to Know Before You Go
- With its hands-on workshop, this is a fun stop for older kids and crafty folks.
- Tours are offered in English.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The House Museum of Soap is located in Contrada Cartabubbo, a country hamlet near Sciacca in the Agrigento area of southwest Sicily. There is no public transportation to the museum, so the best way to visit is by driving or joining a guided tour that includes transportation.
When to Get There
The museum is open year-round. Visits are by prebooked guided tours only, so there are no set hours.
Sciacca Toy Museum
If you would like to explore Sciacca further, consider visiting the Museo del Giocattolo Sciacca, a small but excellent toy museum in the center of town.
Address: Contrada Cartabubbo, Sciacca, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 6
Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti)
Piercing the sky high above Verona’s historic Piazza delle Erbe, the 12th-century Torre dei Lamberti is one of the most eye-catching landmarks in this UNESCO-listed city. Climb 84 meters (275 feet) to the panoramic terraces and belfry at the top for 360-degree views over Verona’s historic center.
The Basics
The original tower was built by the powerful Lamberti family in 1172, but the top was damaged by lightning in 1403. Forty years later, the tower was restored and expanded into the tallest in Verona. Today, the Lamberti Tower is one of the most popular attractions in the Piazza delle Erbe—home to the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, crenellated Casa dei Mercanti, and frescoed Mazzanti houses—and is included in walking tours of Verona along with the Roman arena in Piazza Bra, the Castelvecchio bridge and museum, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The views from the top of the tower are the best in Verona, so be sure to bring your camera.
- You can reach the top via the 368 steps inside of the tower, or the glass-sided elevator.
- Kids especially love the vertiginous climb up to the scenic platform.
- The tower is accessible to wheelchair users via the elevator.
How to Get There
Verona is located in Italy’s Veneto region, halfway between Venice and Milan and just west of Padua. Piazza delle Erbe and the Lamberti Tower are in the historic center of Verona, about a 30-minute walk from the train station or 15 minutes by bus.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the tower is morning or late afternoon, when the light is perfect for taking photos of the view. Verona is known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and the city holds its Verona in Love festival each year around Valentine’s Day, with special events and exhibitions.
The Bells of Torre dei Lamberti
The Lamberti Tower was originally built as a city watchtower to warn the citizens of impending disasters such as fire or attacks by the Venetians. Two bells were installed in the tower: the smaller, the Marangona, was used for fire alerts; the larger, the Rengo, was used to call citizens to arms or to call city council to meetings.
Address: Via della Costa, 1, Piazza delle Erbe, Verona 37121, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 21
House of Augustus (Domus Augusti)
The House of Augustus, imperial residence of Caesar Augustus, is one of the most imposing Roman ruins on the city’s ancient Palatine Hill. This palace is home to remarkably well-preserved fresco wall paintings from the first century BC, depicting landscapes and theatrical scenes in bright colors and meticulous detail.
The Basics
Roman Emperor Augustus built his opulent Domus Augusti (or Augustus' House) adjacent to the Temple of Apollo on Palatine Hill and decorated the inside with sumptuous frescoes that can still be seen during a private tour of the palace today. A number of palaces and villas built during the Roman empire are located in this archaeological complex, as well as the Palatine Museum, home to a collection of artifacts and a reconstruction of the huts where Rome's founder Romulus and his brother Remus lived.
The House of Augustus and other Palatine Hill ruins are not easy to interpret, as they are much less preserved than those in the Roman Forum. To best understand the palace's role in Roman history, join an Ancient Rome private tour that includes special access to the House of Augustus and the House of Livia (Augustus' wife), along with other ancient Roman monuments like the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The ruins are only open to guided tours reserved in advance, so booking a House of Augustus tour ahead of time is imperative.
- Many small-group tours of the ancient city include a skip-the-line Colosseum tour and visits to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ruins.
- Parts of the ruins are open to the elements, so bring sunscreen and a hat in the summer, and dress warmly in winter.
- The House of Augustus is located on the hillside along rough paths and uneven surfaces, so not recommended for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The House of Augustus is located inside the Palatine Hill archaeological complex near the Roman Forum and Colosseum. You can take one of the many city buses to the terminal in Piazza Venezia, or metro line B to the Colosseum stop.
When to Get There
Parts of the ruins are outdoors, so visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. During summer, the best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon. The House of Augustus is closed Tuesday and Thursday.
The House of Livia
Along with the House of Augustus, some of the best examples of ancient Roman frescoes are in the adjacent House of Livia, residence of Augustus’ wife.
Address: Via di San Gregorio 30, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 45
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
From $ 16
Largo di Torre Argentina
A small and relatively unknown archaeological site of ancient Rome, the Largo di Torre Argentina is a square set around the sunken Area Sacra. The remains of four temples built between the 2nd and 4th centuries BC are some of the oldest ruins in the city. What’s left of the Republican-era structures was only just discovered in the 1920s due to construction in the area. The remains of the Theater of Pompey were also found here, said to be the site of Julius Caesar’s assassination.
The four temples are distinguished by letters A, B, C, and D, with temple D being the oldest (it is estimated the columns date back to the 2nd century BC.) They’re off limits to humans — however, the piazza has become somewhat of a cat sanctuary. There are nearly 300 stray cats that stay there, lounging on ancient platforms and strolling among history. The area is maintained by volunteers. Sidewalks surrounding the ruins lead to viewing platforms where visitors are welcome to interact with the cats.
Practical Info
The square is located on Via di Torre Argentina, just to the west of the Teatro Argentina. Multiple bus lines run to the Largo di Torre Argentina stop. The cat sanctuary can be visited daily from 12 to 6 pm. It is free, though donations are accepted.
Address: Largo di Torre Argentina, Rome, Italy
Hours: Daily 12pm-6pm
From $ 22
Lecce Cathedral (Duomo di Lecce)
Lecce is famous for its sumptuous baroque architecture, and the Italian city’s main cathedral (Duomo di Lecce) is one of the most ornate examples. Its magnificently carved and adorned Leccese-stone facade is a 17th-century masterpiece and one of the highlights of this city on Puglia’s Salento peninsula.
The Basics
The original Norman cathedral was built on Piazza del Duomo in the mid-12th century. More than 500 years later, the church was completely reworked in the baroque style and finished by Giuseppe Zimbalo, who had a hand in many of Lecce’s most beautiful churches and palaces, and is now buried beneath the church’s altar, dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The 17th-century Bishop’s Palace and 18th-century Palazzo Seminario and cloister are also located in the square alongside the Duomo, and looming over everything is the 230-foot (70-meter) bell tower.
The city, and the entire surrounding province of Lecce, has some of the loveliest baroque architecture in Europe, and walking tours of the city include stops at the Duomo and other important architectural monuments. For a more in-depth tour of the interior of the cathedral and other buildings on the piazza, opt for a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lecce and its baroque treasures are especially fascinating for architecture buffs.
- Piazza del Duomo is ringed by buildings and has only one entrance, so you cannot walk through the square.
- You must have your shoulders and knees covered to enter the cathedral.
- The Duomo and surrounding square are accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Piazza del Duomo and Lecce Cathedral are about a 3-minute walk from the city’s main Piazza Sant'Oronzo, through a jumble of streets of the old town (centro storico).
When to Get There
Lecce celebrates its three patron saints each year on August 23, 24, and 25. The entire city celebrates with light displays, music, and festivities, so it is an especially memorable time to visit Lecce and its cathedral.
Lecce’s Baroque Masterpieces
In addition to its Duomo, Lecce has a number of other 17th-century architectural treasures in its historic center, including the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Church of Santa Chiara (Chiesa di Santa Chiara).
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Lecce 73100, Italy
From $ 37
I Faraglioni
A trio of rocky spurs looming out from the ocean off the southeast coast of Capri island, the natural landmark known as ‘I Faraglioni’ has become one of the island’s most memorable postcard images. The distinctive rocks, formed over years of coastal erosion, lie just a few meters off land, and tower up to 100 meters above the waters of the Mediterranean, making for a dramatic sight. The rocks are so famous they even have their own names - ‘Stella’ is the closest to shore; ‘Faraglione di Mezzo’ is the central and smallest rock; while ‘Faraglione di Fuori’ or ‘Scopolo’ is the largest and furthest from shore.
The best way to view the Faraglioni is on a boat tour of the coast, but the rock stacks can also be seen from shore, with great views from La Fontelina and da Luigi beaches. If you do opt for a boat cruise, you’ll have the chance to not only circle the rocks, but sail right through the middle – passing beneath the natural arch of Faraglione di Mezzo. Legend has it that couples that kiss beneath the arch will be bestowed with good luck, so be sure to test out the theory!
Practical Info
The I Faraglioni rock formations are located off the southeast coast of Capri Island.
Address: Capri, Italy
From $ 25
Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Museo Leonardo da Vinci)
Inside the Galleria Agostiniana and part of Rome’s must-see Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, the small Leonardo da Vinci Museum is dedicated entirely to Italy's great engineer and artist, featuring a collection of more than 60 inventions modeled after Leonardo’s machines.
The Basics
Initially a temporary exhibition, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is now permanently housed adjacent the church on the busy Piazza del Popolo. The museum’s collection includes more than 120 pieces, including life-size machines built from Leonardo’s codices, anatomical studies, and sketches of his most famous Renaissance art, including The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man, and the Sforza equestrian sculpture. The museum is a popular stop during Rome city tours, so booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid a long wait to enter.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Before or after your museum visit, stop inside the adjacent Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo to see its famous Caravaggio paintings.
- The museum has a number of interactive machines and multimedia videos, making this a good option for families traveling with children.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Due to its small size, there are no food or beverage stands in the museum, though there are a number of dining options on the square.
How to Get There
The museum is located in Piazza del Popolo, not far from the Spanish Steps. Take tram 2; bus 89, 61, 495, 490, or 117; or metro line A (Flaminio stop).
When to Get There
The museum is a nice respite from the heat of Rome during summer, so plan to visit during the warmest midday hours.
Leonardo da Vinci Museums in Italy
Larger museums dedicated to the life and work of Leonardo are in Milan, Florence, and the artist’s hometown of Vinci, but the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome offers a comprehensive look at his Renaissance works.
Address: Piazza del Popolo 12, Rome, Lazio 00187, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 12
Lamborghini Museum (Museo Lamborghini)
The Lamborghini Museum and factory is a tribute to the passion and life’s work of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini. It showcases Italy’s most famous luxury vehicles in a journey through the past, present, and future of the coveted car brand.
The Basics
Visitors can see a range of vehicles—from the first 350 GT model built in 1964 through race cars and concept cars—and get a sense of the passion behind the manufacturing process. The museum displays the famed Lamborghini Murciélago, Miura supercar, Countach, Sesto Elemento, and Diablo, along with the new Urus. Many of the older cars come from Ferruccio Lamborghini's personal collection, and the museum offers behind-the-scenes glimpses into Automobili Lamborghini's evolution, including scale models and parts of cars that were never made. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a prototype out for testing.
A visit to the museum includes a factory tour to see models coming off the production line; aficionados can even take a test drive with a Lamborghini dream car. Consider joining a complete Motor Valley tour, which includes visits to other famous car museums and factories nearby.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lamborghini Museum is a must-see for supercar enthusiasts and luxury lovers.
- The beautiful cars on display make for great photos, so be sure to bring your camera to the museum. No photos or videos are allowed during the factory and production line tour, however.
- The museum and factory tour are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Lamborghini Museum is located in Sant’Agata Bolognese, between Bologna and Modena, Italy. There is one public bus from Bologna to Sant'Agata (bus 576 to Crevalcore), but the best way by far to reach the factory is by car or on a private tour including transportation from Venice, Bologna, Florence, or Milan.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily all year, except on select holidays, and is the perfect indoor activity on wet winter days or hot summer afternoons.
Emilia-Romagna's Automotive Museums
The tiny triangle of land between Bologna and Modena is known as "Motor Valley" due to the concentration of Italian car manufacturers based there. If you're a true gearhead, consider taking a private Motor Valley tour to visit the Ferrari Museum, the Pagani factory, and Ducati motorcycle headquarters.
Address: Via Modena, 12, 40019, Bologna, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 284
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
National Roman Museum-Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
The National Roman Museum has four branches in Rome, but the main seat is Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, where one of the world's most important collections of classical art covers four floors, including sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, coins, and jewels dating from the late Republican period to the end of the Roman empire.
The Basics
The 19th-century neo-Renaissance Palazzo Massimo is known as Palazzo Massimo alle Terme due to its close proximity to the Baths of Diocletian. The palazzo was used as a Jesuit college until the 1960s and became the main branch of the National Roman Museum (Museo Nazionale Romano) in the 1980s. Today, it is home to important works like the Boxer at Rest, Sleeping Hermaphrodite, Discus Thrower, and Augustus as Pontifex Maximus sculptures; portrait busts from the Republican and Imperial Ages; frescoes and mosaics from the Villa of Livia; and an extensive coin collection.
A visit to the National Roman Museum is a must for ancient history buffs, and you can join a private or small-group tour with skip-the-line tickets for both the museum and the nearby Baths of Diocletian.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum covers four full floors and there is a lot to take in, so wear shoes that are comfortable for walking and standing.
- The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Visitors are assigned a time to enter the hall where the Villa di Livia frescoes are displayed. Reserve your ticket in advance so you can time your arrival at the museum according to your assigned entry time.
How to Get There
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is located just opposite the main Termini train station in central Rome, and can be reached on foot by crossing Piazza dei Cinquecento. Both of the city's metro lines and numerous bus lines stop at Termini.
When to Get There
The museum is closed on Mondays, but open all day the rest of the week. Stop in around midday when most visitors are taking break for lunch to enjoy the collection with fewer crowds.
The Baths of Diocletian
Ancient Rome's largest thermal complex, the Terme di Diocleziano could once accommodate up to 3,000 bathers. The ruins of this vast complex are just next to Palazzo Massimo alle Terme and today house a branch of the Museo Nazionale Romano; the collection includes memorial inscriptions, bas-reliefs, sarcophagi, statuary, and monumental animal-head sculptures, thought to have come from the Trajan’s Forum.
Address: Piazza del Cinquecento 67, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 19
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Perhaps one of the world's most beloved architectural mistakes, the Leaning Tower of Pisa's imitable tilt has made the UNESCO World Heritage site an icon of Tuscany and all of Italy. Travelers flock to take the must-have photo in which they pose as if holding up the famous leaning tower, which was originally intended as a bell tower for Pisa Cathedral. If you're up to the challenge of ascending the leaning tower's 294-step spiral staircase, you'll be rewarded with stunning views over Pisa. And you won't have to worry about toppling over—thanks to expert engineering using cables and counterweights, the tower is completely stable.
The Basics
Due to the Leaning Tower of Pisa's global renown and unstable subsoil, tickets to the 12th-century tower are strictly limited and visits are timed. With that, booking in advance is a must and skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended—jumping a long queue could save you hours of precious sightseeing time.
All Pisa tours cover the Leaning Tower, generally depart from Florence or Rome, and often include other Pisa sights such as the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Piazza dei Cavalieri, which boast the sublime Pisa Baptistry and Duomo, a marvel of Romanesque architecture. Travelers short on time can combine a visit to Pisa with whistle-stop tours of Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and Florence, all of which travel through the serene Tuscan countryside.
The Basics
Due to the Leaning Tower of Pisa's global renown and unstable subsoil, tickets to the 12th-century tower are strictly limited and visits are timed. With that, booking in advance is a must and skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended—jumping a long queue could save you hours of precious sightseeing time.
All Pisa tours cover the Leaning Tower, generally depart from Florence or Rome, and often include other Pisa sights such as the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Piazza dei Cavalieri, which boast the sublime Pisa Baptistry and Duomo, a marvel of Romanesque architecture. Travelers short on time can combine a visit to Pisa with whistle-stop tours of Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, and Florence, all of which travel through the serene Tuscan countryside.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located on Piazza dei Miracoli, locally known as Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). From Pisa Central, take either the LAM verde, 2, 4, or 13 metro line to station Pacinotti 1, from where the tower is about a 10-minute walk. From Florence, the RV Express train departs for Pisa every 30 minutes and takes one hour; from Rome, take a direct train to Firenze and make your connection to Pisa from there. If arriving in Livorno by cruise ship, catch a bus or metro into the city center and you'll find that direct, 15-minute trains to Pisa Central Station depart regularly.
When to Get There
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is open daily. Hours are from 9am to 6pm in November, February, and March; from 10am to 5pm in December and January; from 9am to 8pm from April to September; and from 10am to 7pm in October. If visiting in June, expect large crowds and festive euphoria in equal measure—La Luminara di San Ranieri celebrations take place on June 16, illuminating the city with thousands of candles and fireworks.
- Book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and dodge the long lines.
- Opt for a private tour of Pisa, Tuscany, or the Cinque Terre to travel with a tour guide who will customize your itinerary.
- Children under the age of 6 are not permitted to ascend the tower.
How to Get to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located on Piazza dei Miracoli, locally known as Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square). From Pisa Central, take either the LAM verde, 2, 4, or 13 metro line to station Pacinotti 1, from where the tower is about a 10-minute walk. From Florence, the RV Express train departs for Pisa every 30 minutes and takes one hour; from Rome, take a direct train to Firenze and make your connection to Pisa from there. If arriving in Livorno by cruise ship, catch a bus or metro into the city center and you'll find that direct, 15-minute trains to Pisa Central Station depart regularly.
When to Get There
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is open daily. Hours are from 9am to 6pm in November, February, and March; from 10am to 5pm in December and January; from 9am to 8pm from April to September; and from 10am to 7pm in October. If visiting in June, expect large crowds and festive euphoria in equal measure—La Luminara di San Ranieri celebrations take place on June 16, illuminating the city with thousands of candles and fireworks.
Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Tuscany 56126, Italy
Hours: Daily April–Sept 9am–8pm; Oct 10am–7pm; Dec–Jan 10am–5pm; Nov, Feb–March 9am–6pm
Admission: Tower climb €30
From $ 12
House of the Vestal Virgins
Reopened to the public in 2011 after over 20 years of restoration work, the House of the Vestal Virgins is among the most fascinating of Rome’s ancient ruins. Dating back to the 6th century BC, the 50-room complex stood next to the Temple of Vesta, and was home to the six high priestesses of the Cult of Vesta. The priestesses, virgins chosen from noble Roman families, were tasked with keeping the sacred flame - revered as a symbol of Rome’s eternal life - of the Temple of Vesta alight and each served up to 30 years.
Today, the sparse ruins merely hint at the once-lavish residence and mostly date back to 64AD, when it was rebuilt after a fire. Visitors can follow the ancient Via Nova from Palatine Hill to the Temple of Vesta, and view the remains of the large atrium, two-story portico and a series of statues the Vestales.
Practical Info
The House of the Vestal Virgins is located next to the Roman Forum in central Rome and is open daily from 8.30am until 1-hour before sunset. Admission is included in the entrance fee for the Colosseum and Roman Forum, starting from €16 for adults.
Address: Piazza Santa Maria Nova 53 and Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6, Rome 00186, Italy
Hours: Open daily 8:30am-1hr before sunset
Admission: Adults: from €16; Children: from €4.00
From $ 23
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
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
House of Livia
Among the ruins on the Palatine Hill is a structure that experts believe was built for Emperor Augustus' wife, Livia. It's known as the House of Livia, and is still being excavated.
The House of Livia was probably built in the early 1st century B.C.E., with frescoes added later in that century. Livia made this her primary residence, staying even after the emperor had died, when her son Tiberius became Rome's second emperor. The building's frescoes are wonderfully well-preserved, and feature an ancient trompe l'oeil effect with painted ceilings designed to look like coffers and painted scenes made to look like views through open windows.
Practical Info
The ruins on the Palatine Hill are open to the public starting at 8:30am, with the closing time varying from 4:30pm-6:30pm depending on the season. A 48-hour combined ticket that includes the Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill costs €12. Children under age 18 are admitted for free, and there's free admission the first Sunday of every month. The House of Livia is still undergoing excavation and restoration work, so is only accessible with a guided tour.
Address: Via della Villa di Livia, Rome, Italy
Hours: Open to the public starting at 8:30am, with the closing time varying from 4:30pm-6:30pm depending on the season.
Admission: 48-hour combined ticket €12
From $ 70
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
Lecce Roman Amphitheatre
Lecce is known for its 17th-century Baroque beauty, but the city’s history stretches back to the Roman empire. Nowhere is this legacy more evident than in Lecce’s Piazza Sant’Oronzo, where an amphitheater from the second century BC is still used today for performances.
The Basics
Discovered in the early 1900s and excavated in 1938, Lecce’s Roman amphitheater was once five stories high. It seated 25,000 spectators and hosted gladiator bouts to entertain the legions of Roman soldiers billeted in what is now the region of Puglia. Beneath the arena, the pens that once housed animals, prisoners, and slaves can be seen among the ruins. Under the watchful eye of the statue of Sant’Oronzo—the patron saint of Lecce—which sits atop a Roman column, the amphitheater is currently used for more peaceful pursuits, including a summer series of concerts and plays.
Because of its archaeological importance, it's best to visit Lecce’s Roman amphitheater with a walking or bike tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Many tours also include visits to Lecce’s famous Baroque Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, and Chiesa di Santa Chiara.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Roman amphitheater in Lecce is outdoors, so wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Though the amphitheater is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, it is easy to view the archaeological site from the piazza above without entering.
- The amphitheater hosts musical and theatrical performances in the summer, and may be partially covered by stage structures.
- A tour of the theater is particularly interesting for archaeology buffs.
How to Get There
The amphitheater is located in Lecce’s main Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the heart of the city’s historic center and an easy walk from the train station and other important sights and attractions.
When to Get There
The city of Lecce can get uncomfortably hot in the summer, so plan to visit first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon from June to September. Lecce celebrates its three patron saints each year August 23–25, with light displays, music, and festivities, making it is an especially memorable time to visit.
The Baroque Center of Lecce
Lecce is famous for its sumptuous architecture, including magnificently carved and decorated churches and palaces made of Leccese-stone and dating from the 17th-century. These structures are considered masterpieces of the Baroque style. The most famous examples include the Cathedral (Duomo), the Basilica of Santa Croce, and the Church of Santa Chiara.
Address: Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Lecce, Italy
From $ 29
Mount Etna
Set on the eastern coast of Sicily, Mount Etna is among Europe’s tallest (and the world’s most active) volcanoes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, the volcano has shaped Sicilian history and continues to impact life on the island today. Visitors can explore the mountain’s smoldering volcanic craters and lava fields.
The Basics
You can hike, ride, or take a cable car up Mount Etna, with full- and half-day tours from the nearby cities of Catania, Taormina, and Messina. The Funivia dell’Etna runs a cable car from the Rifugio Sapienza up the mountain to about 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). From there, you can join a guided hike of the volcanic area known as the Valle del Bove, or a less strenuous 4x4 jeep ride. Combine a visit to Mount Etna with a stop at the nearby Alcantara Gorge, carved out by an ancient lava flow. Mount Etna sunset tours are especially spectacular, and wine enthusiasts can choose a tour that combines a visit to Mount Etna with wine tastings at some of the wineries located along the slopes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you’re exploring Mount Etna on foot, be sure to wear appropriate shoes, a hat, and sunblock, and carry ample water.
- You’ll want to capture the breathtaking sunset views; don’t forget your camera.
- For kids, a visit to the volcano can be a welcome break from sightseeing, so consider a family-friendly hike or fun 4x4 tour.
- The cable car is accessible to wheelchair users, as is one mountain trail.
- There is only one public bus daily from Catania to Mount Etna, so it’s best to visit on a private tour that includes transportation to the mountain.
How to Get There
The closest major city to Mount Etna is Catania, and buses run daily to the Rifugio Sapienza, the starting point for many hikes and jeep tours. Otherwise, take the Catania-Messina highway and exit at Gravina di Catania to visit the south side of Etna, or at Giarre to visit the north-east side.
When to Get There
Eruptions occur on Mount Etna with such regularity that there’s always the possibility of witnessing one. Eruptions that come from the summit of the mountain (rather than out from the side) can be the most visually stunning, especially at night, when brilliant orange lava spits into the dark night sky.Sunset is also a beautiful time to visit.
Wine and Food at Mount Etna
Despite the fact that eruptions have been responsible for serious damage to the cities and towns near Etna for millennia, people still continue to inhabit the mountain. The rich volcanic soil is particularly fertile for raising fruit, vegetables, and vineyards—many prestigious wines come from these mountain slopes, and it’s easy to sample these labels by joining a tour that includes wine tastings.
Address: Sicily, Italy, 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