Italian Dream Academy

IDA SA26 – Day 6 – Il viaggio continua… 🇫🇷

Leonardo da Vinci was invited by King Francis I to bring the spirit of the Renaissance to France. In 1516, at the age of 64, he left Italy and crossed the Alps in a journey by carriage and es**rt that likely took between six and eight weeks. It was not simply travel, but a carefully arranged passage between two courts, carrying ideas, sketches, and the intellectual legacy of the Italian Renaissance.

After a delicious breakfast and an unforgettable pizza lunch, we boarded a Frecciarossa high-speed train that brought us to Paris in just over six hours. As we crossed regions and landscapes, we could imagine Leonardo making a similar journey passing through valleys, mountains, and changing territories on his way to the French royal court.

A new chapter of our journey begins here in Paris, and we are all incredibly excited to continue following in the footsteps of Leonardo and Francis I as the Renaissance unfolds across France.

IDA SA – Day 5 😊

If you spend time in Italy, you are bound to hear the word sciopero… a strike! Unfortunately, we experienced one today. We headed to the train station hoping to make our day trip to Varenna on Lake Como, but with most trains cancelled, we quickly had to switch to Plan B.

We spent the morning exploring Milan’s modern district and admiring the iconic Bosco Verticale, a striking example of innovative and sustainable architecture. After lunch in the beautiful artistic Brera neighborhood, we visited the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, home to the famous Codex Atlanticus - the largest collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, notes, and scientific studies. The museum’s intimate collection allowed us to experience these treasures up close.

We ended the day with an aperitivo near the magnificent Duomo di Milano, enjoying one of Italy’s most beloved traditions: gathering over drinks and small bites while watching the city come alive in the evening.

A day that began with cancelled trains ended with art, architecture, great food, and a deeper appreciation for everything Milan has to offer. 🇮🇹✨

Day 4 - What a Day!!!

Seeing The Last Supper was an emotional highlight for all of us! Standing in front of Leonardo’s masterpiece in person was a very powerful experience that stayed with us.

We then visited Castello Sforzesco, exploring its impressive collections, including the moving Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo. The scale of the fortress is striking, and it adds real context to Leonardo’s time in Milan. In his famous letter to Ludovico Sforza, he presented himself above all as a military engineer, outlining his ability to design fortifications, weapons, and defensive systems… an image that resonates strongly when you are standing inside the castle itself.

In the evening, we enjoyed aperitivo at Caffè Leonardo near La Scala, followed by an incredible ballet at Teatro alla Scala. An unforgettable finale to an extraordinary day. 🇮🇹

IDA Study Abroad – Day 3 🇮🇹

After breakfast, we left Florence and boarded a Frecciarossa train that took us to Milan in less than two hours. Since Leonardo da Vinci spent more than 15 years in Milan working for Ludovico Sforza, known as “Il Moro,” we could not miss exploring this important chapter of his journey.

Our visit here began with a special tour dedicated to Art Nouveau architecture and the charming Quartiere Arcobaleno, discovering a side of Milan far from the usual tourist routes. We ended the evening with a wonderful dinner featuring some of the city’s most iconic specialties, including cotoletta alla Milanese and risotto allo zafferano.

More beauty along the way! 😊

IDA SA2026 – Day 2 🇮🇹✨

Today we headed to Vinci and Anchiano, exploring the beautiful Tuscan countryside where Leonardo da Vinci was born and spent his early years before moving to Florence.
Our morning began with a wonderful wine tasting at ! Stunning views, exceptional wines, and such a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It was one of those unforgettable Tuscan experiences filled with laughter, stories, and incredible moments. 🍷☀️

In the afternoon, we enjoyed guided visits to the Museo Leonardiano in Vinci and the Casa Natale di Leonardo, beautifully nestled among the Tuscan hills. Walking through the places connected to Leonardo’s childhood was truly special.

We returned to Florence just in time for dinner, gelato, and a perfectly blue Tuscan sky. 🤩💙

Kicking off the IDA Study Abroad 2026 in Florence!
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We gathered in Piazza della Repubblica, a place that perfectly reflects the many layers of Florence’s history: once the site of the ancient Roman forum, later home to the Mercato Vecchio and the Jewish Ghetto, and eventually transformed in the 19th century into the elegant square we see today.

We started with un aperitivo at the historic Caffè Gilli, followed by lunch at Osteria dell’Oca.

Since this year’s Study Abroad is centered around Leonardo da Vinci’s journey, we spent our introductory day at the Leonardo Interactive Museum, exploring the brilliance of his mind — from civil and hydraulic engineering to painting, architecture, and beyond.

Coffee and gelato, and we ended the day with a sunset stroll before heading to Braceria All’11 for a special dinner filled with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, tortelli, ravioli, and plenty of fun. ✨

Stay tuned for more from our viaggio in Italia! 🇮🇹

🌟 NEW CLASSES AT IDA 🌟

Start from zero or continue building your skills with our latest courses:
📘 Beginner Intensive
📘 A1 Part 2
📘 Topical Classes for all levels

Interactive lessons, experienced teachers, and a fun learning atmosphere.

Enrollment is now open!

Send us a message to learn more or visit our website! Vi aspettiamo 🇮🇹

The countdown to our Study Abroad adventure has officially begun!
We’ll be tracing the extraordinary journey of Leonardo da Vinci! Beginning in Tuscany, where he was born and first began shaping his genius, and ending in Amboise, France, where he spent the final years of his remarkable life. Along the way, we’ll explore Milan and many other places that helped shape his legacy and influence the world.
Each student will receive a custom-designed notebook filled with inspiring quotes, reflection prompts, and space to capture their own thoughts and discoveries throughout the journey.
We are beyond excited for this experience and can’t wait to share it with you. Follow along as the adventure unfolds.
A presto! 🇮🇹✈️🇫🇷

🇮🇹🙌

A big Grazie to the students who joined IDA in New York City for our visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the extraordinary exhibition Raphael: Sublime Poetry.
As the first comprehensive U.S. exhibition dedicated to Raphael, it brings together more than 170 works—including drawings, paintings, and tapestries—showcasing the brilliance of his artistic journey from Urbino to Florence and Rome.
Grazie mille for sharing this inspiring experience with us! 🇮🇹 🇺🇸 Now the countdown begins for our Study Abroad in Italy and France! ✨