Following the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci in 9 days
Join our private journey into the world of the Renaissance and follow in the footsteps of history's greatest mind, Leonardo da Vinci. Through carefully selected destinations across Italy's Renaissance capitals, follow the evolution of the artist, inventor, scientist and, above all, visionary, in search of the source of his extraordinary creative genius. Local, expert guides give you privileged access to art, culture and history along the way.
What's included
Itinerary
Welcome to Milan, a capital of fashion, innovation and history. After checking in to your hotel, visit Castello Sforzesco, the Sforza family's stronghold and now a place of cultural interest. The connections to Leonardo da Vinci begin here, with the Sala delle Asse, his unique series of frescoes. Continue on to see his inventions and scientific studies across the city's museums.
Today's focus is Leonardo da Vinci's artistic and intellectual contributions during his years in Milan. Visit the remarkable fresco The Last Supper, in the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Then continue through Milan's principal cultural institutions to admire Leonardo's drawings, manuscripts and speculations as an artist, an engineer and a scientist.
Travel by train to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, a city and land of creativity and discovery. In the city's museums, visit the Museo Galileo to discover how the greatest minds of the Renaissance changed our perception of the world. Walkl along Florence's elegant historic streets and admire the Renaissance architecture and art that made this city the capital of innovation.
Explore the masterpieces that mark Leonardo's early career at the Uffizi Gallery. With your expert guide, uncover the stories behind his Florentine works and gain insight into his evolving techniques, from his study of human expression to his revolutionary approach to painting.
Continue your exploration of Florence's artistic treasures with visits to the Bargello Museum, Palazzo Strozzi and Palazzo Vecchio. The relationship between Leonardo and the Renaissance artists around him comes into focus today, alongside the magnificent palaces and collections that reflect the ambition, creativity and elegance of this extraordinary era.
Travel into the Tuscan countryside to visit Vinci, Leonardo's birthplace. Explore the museum dedicated to his inventions and imagination, then visit the landscape that inspired his observations of nature. Enjoy a memorable Tuscan meal surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and the flavors of the region that shaped Leonardo's early life.
Continue to Rome, where ancient history and Renaissance brilliance come together. Visit a special Leonardo-focused exhibition exploring his scientific studies, inventions and engineering concepts, where his ideas connect the classical world with a vision of the future.
The artistic wonders of Vatican City are today's focus, with a private guided visit. Explore the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, home to masterpieces by the Renaissance masters who followed in Leonardo's footsteps and shaped Italy's cultural heritage.
Enjoy a final morning in Rome, savoring the atmosphere of the Eternal City. As your journey comes to an end, reflect on the extraordinary story of Leonardo da Vinci and the places that inspired his art, inventions and lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Your private transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey.
