Milan, the bustling metropolis of northern Italy, is renowned worldwide as a fashion and design capital, boasting historic fashion houses and cutting-edge contemporary designers. The city's architectural treasures include the magnificent Gothic cathedral, Duomo di Milano, and the grandiose opera house, Teatro alla Scala. Milan is also a hub of cultural richness, with world-class art galleries like the Pinacoteca di Brera and Leonardo da Vinci's iconic mural, "The Last Supper," housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Milan: is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital of Lombardy. Known all over the world as the capital of business, fashion, and style, it has nevertheless continued to grow along with its history and retains splendid examples of art, architecture and design.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MILAN
Upon your arrival in Milan reach the hotel on your own and check in (transfer available as an optional extra).
Overnight in Milan.
Day 2: MILAN
After breakfast enjoy a free day at leisure. You could head out to explore the iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and its stunning rooftop terrace, then stroll through the fashionable Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for luxury shopping before immersing yourself in art at the famous Pinacoteca di Brera gallery. Finish the day by admiring Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" at the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. You can explore with our guide some of the city's oldest and most intriguing artisan workshops (not included).
Nat Geo: Handmade in Milan
(English guide, operates Wednesdays and Thursdays, shared tour, starts at 9:30 am, duration 2 hrs to 4 hrs). Weave through the heart of Milan's Isola district to discover the city's artisanal heritage through a story about inclusion, sustainability and tradition. This exclusive tour opens the doors to some of the most influential 'botteghe artigiane' - craft workshops, where the fusion of tradition and modernity takes center stage. Start your tour with a burst of color and passion at the KeChic fashion atelier. The reverence for traditional skills continues at Bertucci Romani bookbinders shop. Continue your tour to the family-run Laboratorio Cagliani, where you'll witness the intricate process of breathing new life into timeless pieces of furniture. The last stop is Uroburo atelier. A jewelry shop, a gold laboratory and a social cooperative. Your tour will end with a delightful typical Milanese lunch at a local trattoria in the Isola district. The tour includes English speaking guide, workshop and lunch.
Meeting point: Piazzale Carlo Archinto, 20159 Milano (At the corner between Piazzale Archinto and via Carmagnola, near the benches in front of the Pizzeria)
Note: Not suitable for wheelchairs and people who struggle to walk distances
Overnight in Milan.
Day 3: MILAN
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend another day at leisure to discover the contemporary art scene at the trendy Navigli district, famous for its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife, then visit the historic Sforza Castle to explore its museums and gardens. Conclude the day with a visit to the futuristic skyscraper district of Porta Nuova, where the Vertical Forest towers showcase innovative architecture and design. Or follow in the footsteps of Giuseppe Verdi with our guide (not included).
Nat Geo: In Verdi's Footsteps
(English guide, operates Mondays, shared tour, starts at 2:30 pm, duration 2 hrs to 4 hrs). Discover the legacy Verdi left in Milan, a city he both loved and loathed, with a visit to the Fondazione Giuseppe Verdi, the house that the Opera maestro built to host retired artists and musicians. Next on the itinerary is an opportunity to meet the current residents of Casa Verdi, many of whom are internationally acclaimed artists. Your penultimate stop is La Scala Theatre. Visit the museum and find out the behind-the-scenes anecdotes. At the end of the tour, you'll follow in Verdi's footsteps and indulge in an apéritif at Grand Hotel et de Milan, where Verdi lived for 27 years. The tour includes transport, English speaking guide, admission fees, a glass of wine, soft drinks and snacks.
Meeting point: Outside Fondazione Giuseppe Verdi Buonarroti square
Notes: Not suitable for wheelchairs
Overnight in Milan.
Day 4: DEPARTURE MILAN
Enjoy your last breakfast in Milan and if time permits take the last walk to say “arrivederci” to the city or do some shopping. Transfer to the airport or train station is available as an optional extra.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Italy. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
