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A day in Milan, from its origins to the 21st century
Hello,
I invite you to spend a day in Milan,
visiting its various historical monuments and enjoying the contemporary city.
Milan in the 21st century is a metropolis that preserves the symbols of the long and illustrious past.
We will visit the highlights of Milan, stroll in the historical center to see the remains of the ancient Roman city and will continue by walking in the charming Brera district towards the contemporary Porta Nuova with its skyscrapers.
Meeting Point
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco), in front of the Filarete tower (main entrance to the Castle)
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
Castello Sforzesco is one of the largest medieval
castles in Europe. Throughout history, this imposing complex has played many roles: defensive fortress, splendid ducal residence and military barracks.
Nowadays, its interior hosts museums and cultural institutions.
The castle is connected with the beautiful Sempione park where one can admire the Arch of Peace that marks the beginning of Corso Sempione, the first stretch of the Napoleonic highway to France.
via Dante, Piazza Cordusio, Piazza dei Mercanti, Piazza d’Affari, Corso di Porta Ticinese
Via Dante is a pedestrian street known for its bars and cafés, the Piccolo theater and palazzi, elegant city residences of nobles and wealthy citizens of the 19th century.
We will stop at the Cordusio square, center of the business district of Milan, and the medieval Mercanti square.
We will then continue to stroll around the city center to see the area that once occupied a Roman forum, the remains of the ancient Roman city and some other interesting monuments.
Cathedral square (Piazza del Duomo), Cathedral (Duomo)
The Piazza del Duomo is the greatest and most important city square, lined with elegant buildings in various architectural styles.
The Duomo is the largest Gothic building in Italy. It tells a story of faith and art spanning over six centuries.
The Cathedral surprises by the stupendous blossoming of flying buttresses, wealth of sculptural ornamentation, stained-glass windows and its interior decoration.
The early Christian archaeological excavations with remains of an old baptistery can also be seen today.
The roof of Duomo, providing an excellent panorama of Milan, boasts a rich profusion of flying arches, pinnacles, statues and spires, including the main spire with the gilded statue of Our Lady crowning the Renaissance dome.
Milan center.
Lunch time.
There are various restaurants and cafes in the city center with a choice of dishes from pizza and pasta to traditional lombard ones.
Vittorio Emanuele gallery, La Scala museum, La Scala square
A monumental arch provides access from the Duomo square to the Vittorio Emanuele gallery, one of Milan’s highlights
with its fashionable boutiques, historic bookshops, restaurants.
The gallery features an octagonal space being topped with an imposing glass dome, lavish decoration and marvellous mosaics.
The main archade runs into La Scala square (Piazza alla Scala).
We will visit the museum of the world-known Teatro alla Scala which presents an excellent collection of paintings, sketches, musical instruments, artistic objects and items connected with this legendary theater history.
Manzoni street, Brera district
We will walk from the
La Scala square to the charming Brera district. This is an artists’ neighborhood of picturesque streets lined with stately mansions, antique and art shops,
show-rooms, numerous restaurants and bars.
Corso Garibaldi, Corso Como, Porta Nuova
We will do a pleasant walk along the Corso Garibaldi and Corso Como towards the Porta Nuova district. These are commercial streets with boutiques, cafes and restaurants, but with some eye-catching architecture as well: medieval churches and one of the ancient city gates of Milan.
The Porta Nuova is a
vibrant futuristic district, one of Milan’s most contemporary and trendiest districts in Milan.
Its main square of Gae Aulenti is a perfect spot to explore the new soul of Milan.
Ending Point
Porta Nuova district, at approximately 17:00.
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
Duomo and La Scala museum tickets, transportation fee; lunch, dinner; personal expenses.
Tour Important Information
-The Cathedral tour includes a visit of its interior and the upper terraces; entrance fee is applied: 20eur per adult. The La Scala museum: entrance fee is applied: 9eur per adult. Cathedral and museum tickets are not included in the tour price and are preferably to be booked and paid in advance.
-Most of museums are closed on Monday; Duomo Cathedral is open daily. Every museum and church has its own opening hours.
-The Sforza Castle tour does not include a visit to museums, some of its museums can be visited by adding additional time, entrance fee is applied: 7eur per adult.
-Food and drinks, transport tickets are not included in the tour price.
-We will walk much during the tour, please wear comfortable shoes.
Important message from the guide
Do not hesitate to book your tour for Monday if you prefer a tour without visit of museums (most museums are closed on monday; the Cathedral is open daily).
I can be your guide in Stresa (Maggiore lake), Como (Como lake), Desenzano and Sirmione (Garda lake) if you pay the train ticket fee (I do not drive). We can also discuss the possibility of being your guide in other locations (a day trip) in case of transportation payment.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
