Milan Tours

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The 10 Best Milan Tours

One of the most popular Milan tours puts you in the presence of the famous Last Supper. Seen as Leonardo da Vinci’s most important work of art, this fresco can be found on the refectory wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie Church.

It can be a bit of a hassle trying to independently purchase church tickets, which is why a tour is the best way to see this world-renowned masterpiece. During your visit, the guide will explain the history of The Last Supper and reveal why people travel from near and far to lay eyes on Milan’s most treasured painting.

The Duomo is one of the grandest Gothic cathedrals in Italy and features on many Milan tours. It took nearly 600 years to build the Duomo, with work beginning way back in the 14th century.

The ornate architecture and the lofty central nave never fail to draw gasps from visitors, while hand-carved gargoyles and marble statues keep watch from the sidelines.

The highlight of your tour will be climbing up to the rooftop for jaw-dropping panoramic views out across the city from the Duomo Terraces. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Alps!

The best way to explore Milan is on foot, so walking tours are a no-brainer. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, then opt for a free walking tour of Milan and just pay what you feel the experience was worth.

During your excursion, you’ll stroll through historical districts and admire Renaissance architecture while taking in sights like the Duomo and The Last Supper. Home to Michelangelo’s final masterpiece - the Pietà Rondanini - Sforza Castle is another popular stop. Some tours also swing by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s most beautiful shopping arcade.

Don’t fancy walking? Then bike trips or segway tours will have you exploring the streets in style.

La Scala is a true city icon and a must for lovers of music and performance. The theater has been the inspiration and stomping ground of many famous musicians and actors over the centuries, and to walk in their footsteps is a spine-tingling experience. Verdi, Rossini, and Pavarotti have all graced the stage here, and now it’s your turn!

During these cultural Milan tours, your guide will divulge secrets about the theater and its distinguished performers. You’ll see set designs, costumes, and even instruments that have been used in some of the illustrious performances.

Some of the most popular city tours take in Milan’s museums, which uncover new layers to this captivating Italian metropolis.

At the Leonardo3 Exhibition, you’ll see recreations of the intricate machines that da Vinci invented, which give an intriguing insight into the mind of the man himself. You can admire more of Leonardo’s whacky engineering designs in the Museum of Science and Technology, as well as his house and gardens at Leonardo’s Vineyard.

Meanwhile, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana houses one of the world’s finest art collections. If you want to see works by Botticelli, Caravaggio, and Raffaello, this is the place to go!

See the city from a unique perspective by taking a boat cruise along the waterways of Milan. Tours on the Navigli Canals are a leisurely way to tick off some of the popular sights, as well as take in places that many tourists miss.

As you drift serenely along, you’ll pass traditional working-class houses and the 13th-century church of San Cristoforo. You’ll also see the Vicolo dei Lavandai, an architectural gem that once washed the clothes of noble families.

Back in the modern world, the boat tour floats through the Darsena district, where trendy bars and restaurants overlook the water.

Everyone knows that Italy has the best cuisine in the world, so why not take a food tour and discover what the fuss is all about? You’ll stop at top local eateries and markets to sample traditional favorites like cannoli (cream horns), culatello (cured ham), and fruity grappa brandy.

Want to get hands-on? Then take a cooking class and learn how to craft focaccia, ravioli, and tiramisu.

Wine lovers will enjoy a day trip to the Franciacorta region where strolling through leafy vineyards makes for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. Of course, you get to taste some prestigious wines straight from the cellars.

Fancy a bit of retail therapy? Then these Milan tours are for you. First up is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II, which is the oldest mall in Milan and features eye-catching architecture.

If you want a trip out of town, then the Serravalle Designer Outlet is a popular choice. This is Italy’s largest shopping mall, with over 180 stores featuring the likes of Gucci, Prada, and Armani. Here, you can get your hands on top brand goods for bargain prices.

The Franciacorta Outlet Village over in Brescia is another shopper’s paradise, with exclusive brands and restaurants for when you need a break.

Escape the heat and the bustle of the city with a day trip out into the lush Italian countryside. Boat tours on Lake Como are the stars of the show, where you’ll cruise past lavish lakeside villas and perfectly manicured gardens full of exotic plants.

Many tours stop at the charming village of Bellagio, which is the inspiration for the famous hotel and fountain of the same name in Las Vegas.

Back on dry land, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of fashionable Como, where the historical Basilica of Sant’Abbondio is a must-see. You’ll have free time for exploring, shopping, and of course eating gelato.

Head into the mountains for a panoramic train adventure on the famous Bernina Express. This is one of the most picturesque rail routes in the world, so don’t forget your camera!

After a coach ride to Tirano, it’s time to board the train. You’ll be whisked away from the city into an alpine wonderland, where snow-capped peaks and flower-filled meadows can be seen from your carriage windows.

The train meanders through valleys and overpasses, taking you to the glitzy town of St. Moritz across the border in Switzerland. Enjoy some leisure time for exploring and shopping before returning to Milan.

Tourists enjoying a guided tour

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Planning your visit to Milan

Discover our complete guide to visiting Milan.

About Milan

Famed for its fashion and culture, Milan stands proud in the north of Italy, attracting visitors from around the globe to its stylish streets. This financial powerhouse is the headquarters of the Italian stock exchange, with a cosmopolitan vibe, and some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in the country.

Good to know before arriving

Milan gets very hot during summer, so pace your sightseeing and take a reusable bottle to make use of the portable tap water stations scattered around the city. Meanwhile, it’s cold in winter so pack some warm layers!

Places and experiences that cannot be missed

The main reason to go to Milan is the splendid architecture, with the Duomo and Santa Maria delle Grazie church flying the flag for Gothic masterpieces. The more modern Museo del Novecento and the gold leaf tower at Fondazione Prada bring a contemporary touch to the city skyline.