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Tour

Engineering and innovation in Milan and Turin: Italy

Next trip

6 days from October 2026

ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
ÐÔÊӽ紫ý. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Booking information

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour

October 2026 - 6 days

Register for 2026 and we will contact you when confirmed details, including dates and prices, are available.


Explore the engineering and scientific marvels of northern Italy with a deep dive into Milan and Turin, two cities that have driven Italy’s industrial and technological progress.  

Embark on a journey through Milan, Lake Como and Turin designed for curious minds and lovers of innovation. From the cutting-edge laboratories of Politecnico di Milano to the intricate mechanical marvels at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, you’ll explore the evolution of engineering, robotics and energy. Witness how Renaissance ingenuity meets modern technology, and experience firsthand the ongoing research shaping Italy’s engineering future. 

Throughout the tour, you will be accompanied by an expert guide who brings science, engineering and discovery to life. Through walking seminars, interactive explanations and hands-on insights, they will highlight the principles behind historic innovations, from Volta’s pioneering experiments to Fiat’s engineering marvels to cinematic technology. Their engaging commentary ensures that every visit is not just a sightseeing experience, but a journey into the science, design and ingenuity that shaped Italy’s technological heritage. 

This tour will appeal to engineering and technology enthusiasts and curious travellers who want to explore the intersection of history, innovation and practical engineering. Whether you are fascinated by automotive design, robotics or industrial engineering, this experience offers a unique opportunity to witness Italy’s technological excellence up close while enjoying the culture, architecture and cuisine of Milan and Turin. 

In partnership with Kirker Holidays.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MILAN

Upon arrival in Milan, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, take an orientation walk through Milan’s industrial and innovation districts to get a sense of the city’s role in Italy’s industrialisation and engineering legacy. You will see modern design hubs and historic factories that showcase Milan’s transformation into a centre of innovation.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where the group will be introduced to the themes of the tour, including Italian engineering history and the significant contributions of Milanese inventors and designers.

DAY 2: MILAN CITY TOUR 

Today is dedicated to exploring Milan’s rich heritage in science and engineering. Start at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, where you can study detailed models of da Vinci’s machines, delve into early robotics and learn about aeronautics and energy. The museum’s engineering section provides an exceptional look at the evolution of mechanical and industrial design from Renaissance innovations to modern applications.  

After lunch, visit the Politecnico di Milano, one of Italy’s leading engineering universities. Here, you’ll tour the mechanical, civil and electrical engineering labs, seeing cutting-edge research in action and interacting with students and faculty members.  

The evening is free to explore at leisure.  

DAY 3: TRAVEL TO LAKE COMO AND VISIT TEMPIO VOLTIANO  

Today you will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to Como, winding through the picturesque landscapes of Lombardy with views of rolling hills, quaint villages and the shimmering waters of Lake Como.  

On arrival you will visit the Tempio Voltiano, a museum dedicated to the life and scientific achievements of Alessandro Volta, the pioneering physicist and inventor of the electric battery. Situated right on the lakefront, the museum offers a striking combination of history, science and architecture. Inside, you will find Volta’s original instruments, experimental apparatus, manuscripts and personal memorabilia, which together illustrate the meticulous work that led to the development of the voltaic pile - the first true battery. As you explore the exhibits, you will gain a tangible sense of the scientific method in action and an understanding of how Volta’s discoveries laid the foundation for modern electrical engineering, from powering everyday electronics to driving today’s renewable energy innovations. 

Return to Milan where you will have the evening at leisure.  

DAY 4: MILAN TO TURIN AND VISIT MUSEO NAZIONALE DELL’AUTOMOBILE 

After breakfast, you will set off on a scenic road journey to Turin, a drive of approximately 3 to 4 hours. Pass through the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the Piedmont region, dotted with charming villages, vineyards and orchards. Along the way, your guide will point out key landmarks and share stories about the region’s rich history, culture and contributions to Italy’s industrial and culinary heritage.

In the afternoon visit the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, where you will explore the history of Italian automotive engineering, including Fiat’s transformative innovations. The museum displays a wide array of cars, engines and design processes, illustrating the technological and engineering advances that shaped Italy’s automotive reputation.  

Enjoy dinner in one of Turin’s traditional restaurants, providing a taste of the region’s cuisine and culture. 

DAY 5: LINGOTTO FIAT FACTORY, NATIONAL CINEMA MUSEUM, MOLE ANTONELLIANA AND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM 

Today you will begin at the former Lingotto Fiat factory, one of Turin’s most iconic landmarks and a testament to Italy’s industrial innovation. Built in the early 20th century, the factory was designed with cutting-edge engineering principles to optimise automotive production and it remains a remarkable example of functional industrial architecture. Its most famous feature is the rooftop test track, an engineering marvel where Fiat cars were once tested above the city. Walking along the track, you’ll see panoramic views of Turin and the surrounding Alps while imagining the precision engineering and mechanical ingenuity required to trial vehicles at height. 

Continue to the world of cinematic science at the National Cinema Museum, housed inside Turin’s striking Mole Antonelliana. The museum explores the technological and artistic innovations that have transformed moving images over the past century. Through interactive displays, historic cameras, film projectors and early sound equipment, you’ll discover the physics behind optics, light and motion that make cinema possible. The Mole itself is an engineering wonder; its soaring spire and massive internal structure demonstrate advances in 19th-century construction techniques. A glass elevator ride to the top provides a dramatic perspective on the city, illustrating the scale and precision of the building’s design. 

Finally, visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts outside Cairo. From intricately decorated sarcophagi to colossal statues, this treasure trove offers a vivid window into a civilisation that shaped history. 

This evening there will be a farewell dinner with the group. 

DAY 6: TURIN DEPARTURE 

After breakfast, transfer to Turin airport for your return journey. 

Booking information

Contact an expert to book or discuss this tour

Highlights

  • Explore the Lingotto Fiat factory, a masterpiece of industrial design and automotive engineering 
  • Walk the rooftop test track, imagining the physics and mechanics behind high-altitude vehicle trials 
  • Examine historic prototypes and interactive exhibits to understand the engineering behind modern cars 
  • Visit the National Cinema Museum at the Mole Antonelliana and explore the science of optics, light and motion in filmmaking 
  • Ascend the Mole’s glass elevator to witness its architectural ingenuity and gain a new perspective on urban engineering 
  • Discover the Egyptian Museum’s artefacts while learning about the archaeological techniques that uncover and preserve ancient knowledge 
  • Gain insight into the chemistry of mummification and the materials science behind conservation of fragile relics 
  • Journey from Milan to Lake Como to visit the Tempio Voltiano, where Alessandro Volta’s experiments with electricity and the first battery are brought to life by expert explanation 
  • Maximum group size - 22 people

Meet the expert

Expert to be confirmed shortly. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Accommodation with breakfast for five nights
  • All sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities as described
  • The services of a Kirker tour leader and expert lecturer
  • Arrival/departure group airport transfers for those on the suggested group flights
  • 24-hour tour support

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned
  • Drinks with meals
  • Gratuities
  • Visa/ETA (if applicable)
  • Private airport transfers
  • Single supplement

HOW TO GET THERE

This tour begins in Milan and ends in Turin. Please speak to Kirker Holidays, who can offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK. 

PACE AND PHYSICALITY

There is a lot of walking on this tour – the best way to explore the cities. So please ensure comfortable footwear for hard city pavements. This tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

SOLO TRAVELLERS

All of our tours, cruises, expeditions and weekenders are perfect for solo travellers.

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