Italian Dream Academy

A fascinating reflection on the 80th anniversary of women's first vote in Italy, told through the memories of those who lived it.
We are delighted to see that one of the Italian women featured in the article is the great-aunt of one of our students, reminding us how history is not only found in books but also lives on through the stories of our families and communities.

Tra pregiudizi e soddisfazioni: il 2 giugno 1946 nei ricordi di cinque donne Le storie delle donne che votarono per la prima volta nel 1946: dai confronti in famiglia alle emozioni, fino allo stigma e le difficoltà incontrate al seggio. La votazione fu un’occasione per confrontarsi in famiglia e lasciarsi alle spalle, una volta per tutte, le sofferenze della Seconda guerr...

The same man who sculpted the Pietà at 23, was commissioned the David at 26, painted the Sistine Chapel’s vault at 36, and was appointed chief architect of St. Peter’s Basilica at 71 - Michelangelo Buonarroti

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Language Group Classes - Italian Dream Academy Our language courses are limited to just 8–10 students per class, creating an intimate and welcoming environment where you can truly connect with people from around the world while learning La Bella Lingua together.

IDA SA26 – Final Days in Amboise

Our final days in Amboise felt like a Renaissance dream. This charming town seems to have stepped straight out of a fairy tale.

We visited the magnificent Château d’Amboise and the Chapelle Saint-Hubert, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried. We also spent time at the Clos Lucé, the manor where Leonardo lived during the last three years of his life after being invited to France by King Francis I of France. A great admirer of Leonardo’s genius, Francis I welcomed him as Premier Painter, Engineer and Architect to the King, giving him the freedom and support to pursue his work in his final years.

Standing there, we reflected on the entire journey that brought us here: Florence, Vinci, Anchiano, Milan, across France, Paris, and finally Amboise. Following in Leonardo’s footsteps has been an emotional, inspiring, and truly extraordinary adventure.

IDA is profoundly grateful. 🩷🍀

IDA SA206 – Day 7 ☀️

We have been traveling for a week now. It all began in Tuscany, where Leonardo was born in 1452. After an extraordinary life in Italy, he later moved to France.
Today we visited Paris, exploring some of the most iconic places shaped by the visionary spirit of Francis I. We shared many conversations, enjoyed great food, and walked for miles across the city.

Later, we took another train to Amboise, a small village in the Loire Valley. We’ll spend two full days here, taking in the final atmosphere that Leonardo himself once experienced. It’s easy to understand why he chose to live here toward the end of his life. So magical, so peaceful, and filled with natural beauty.

À bientôt. 🇮🇹 🇫🇷

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. 🤩💙