Florence
Day trips
Arezzo - This charming old hill town less than an hour from Florence is noted for the Piero della Francesca frescoes in the Bascilica of San Francesco.
Around the Piazza Grande stop into a cafe for a gelato. Since Etruscan times, Arezzo has been famous for it's goldsmiths, and today, the world's largest gold manufacturing plant is in Arezzo. Spend some time browsing in the gold and silver shops for souvenirs.
Museo Leonardiano di Vinci (Vinci) - Visit the town of Vinci to see a Leonardo da Vinci museum, situated in a medieval castle.
The museum is chock full of exact models of Leonardo's inventions - steam cannon, revolving crane, removable bridge, automatic weaving loom, multi-barreled gun, self-propelling cart, hydraulic saw, mechanical clock, boat with paddle wheels, along with animated digital reconstructions.
After visiting the museum, go up to the panoramic terrace for views and go for a walk on trails through the countryside around Vinci. Kids can imagine Leonardo sketching the Tuscan landscape.
The museum is open daily, but try to go on a weekday, weekends can be crowded.
Tip: Read our blog post "Leonardo da Vinci's Inventions."
