Milan, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana & Da Vinci's Last Supper
Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
When you arrive at Castello Sforzesco, you'll embark on a guided pedestrian tour through the heart of the city, known as the Piazza del Duomo.
One of the main landmarks in Milan, the Piazza del Duomo is a fitting showcase for the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Construction on the church began in 1386 and took approximately five centuries to complete, it is the third-largest church in Christianity.
View the exterior of the Duomo which is a splendid display of Gothic spires in white Candoglia marble with the golden statue La Madonnina on top.
Continue on to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a breathtaking structure built in the 1870s and designed by Giuseppe Mengoni. It is most famous for its towering glass ceiling and elegant boutiques and restaurants. To the side of the building, you'll find Piazza della Scala, a beautiful square, home to the grand opera house Teatro alla Scala. In the center of Piazza della Scala stands a monument to the great artist Leonardo da Vinci. Across the Piazza, look for Palazzo Marino, Milan's City Hall.
Enjoy a visit to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and view the library of Leonardo da Vinci. Since 2009 the Federiciana Hall of the Ambrosiana is also home to the "Codex Atlanticus" exhibition, a collection of drawings and writings by the famous artist. You can admire works like Raffaello's cartoon for "The School of Athens" fresco; Caravaggio's "Basket of fruit"; Botticelli's "Madonna con Bambino e tre angeli " and many more.
The pièce de résistance is of course a visit to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the world's most iconic images, Leonardo da Vinci's magnificent The Last Supper.
The Last Supper, a complex and ambitious work of art believed to have been completed at the end of the 15th century, is found in the refectory of the church and is a stunning depiction of Christ and his disciples just moments after Christ revealed his knowledge of Judas's impending betrayal.
The history behind the painting is quite unique. Leonardo da Vinci painted his masterpiece directly onto a dry wall of the refectory using oil pigments, a departure from the conventional fresco technique, which would have required the artist to work quickly on a wet plaster. He chose this technique because it afforded him time to work at a slower pace, but unfortunately the process caused the paint to flake and crack within a few years from completion. The first attempt to restore this impressive work, which spans 460 x 880 cm (15 x 29 feet), was made in the 1700s, but it was unsuccessful and work continued on the through the centuries. In 1978 a major restoration attempt was made, and after more than 22 years of painstaking work, the masterpiece is now free of grime, dust and scaffolding and can be seen in its glory.
After the visit of the Cenacolo, you will be transferred back to the city center and have time at leisure for lunch (not included), shopping or independent exploration of the Dome. Meeting point, emergency number and city maps will be provided by the tour leader.
Relax on the picturesque drive back to port..
Points of interest
Milan
Schedule
Special Notes
Should the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana be closed, the Pinacoteca di Brera or the inside rooms of Castello Sforzesco will be visited, instead.
Euros or credit cards are recommended for purchasing lunch, shopping and refreshments.
Proper attire that covers shoulders and legs must be worn by both men and women in religious places - mini-skirts, swimwear and shorts above the knee are not acceptable. In addition visitors are often required to check-in large bags at the entrance desk. Please do not carry large backpacks or bags with you as delays may occur. Large backpacks and bags may be left onboard the transportation.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
This tour is very popular and typically sells out. Alternative tours with similar content may be available, including GOA-150 Milan & Da Vinci's Last Supper and GOA-180 Highlights & Milan On Your Own.
Bring your ID, as it may be requested at the entrance to The Last Supper.
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Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
When you arrive at Castello Sforzesco, you'll embark on a guided pedestrian tour through the heart of the city, known as the Piazza del Duomo.
One of the main landmarks in Milan, the Piazza del Duomo is a fitting showcase for the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Construction on the church began in 1386 and took approximately five centuries to complete, it is the third-largest church in Christianity.
View the exterior of the Duomo which is a splendid display of Gothic spires in white Candoglia marble with the golden statue La Madonnina on top.
Continue on to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a breathtaking structure built in the 1870s and designed by Giuseppe Mengoni. It is most famous for its towering glass ceiling and elegant boutiques and restaurants. To the side of the building, you'll find Piazza della Scala, a beautiful square, home to the grand opera house Teatro alla Scala. In the center of Piazza della Scala stands a monument to the great artist Leonardo da Vinci. Across the Piazza, look for Palazzo Marino, Milan's City Hall.
Enjoy a visit to the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and view the library of Leonardo da Vinci. Since 2009 the Federiciana Hall of the Ambrosiana is also home to the "Codex Atlanticus" exhibition, a collection of drawings and writings by the famous artist. You can admire works like Raffaello's cartoon for "The School of Athens" fresco; Caravaggio's "Basket of fruit"; Botticelli's "Madonna con Bambino e tre angeli " and many more.
The pièce de résistance is of course a visit to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the world's most iconic images, Leonardo da Vinci's magnificent The Last Supper.
The Last Supper, a complex and ambitious work of art believed to have been completed at the end of the 15th century, is found in the refectory of the church and is a stunning depiction of Christ and his disciples just moments after Christ revealed his knowledge of Judas's impending betrayal.
The history behind the painting is quite unique. Leonardo da Vinci painted his masterpiece directly onto a dry wall of the refectory using oil pigments, a departure from the conventional fresco technique, which would have required the artist to work quickly on a wet plaster. He chose this technique because it afforded him time to work at a slower pace, but unfortunately the process caused the paint to flake and crack within a few years from completion. The first attempt to restore this impressive work, which spans 460 x 880 cm (15 x 29 feet), was made in the 1700s, but it was unsuccessful and work continued on the through the centuries. In 1978 a major restoration attempt was made, and after more than 22 years of painstaking work, the masterpiece is now free of grime, dust and scaffolding and can be seen in its glory.
After the visit of the Cenacolo, you will be transferred back to the city center and have time at leisure for lunch (not included), shopping or independent exploration of the Dome. Meeting point, emergency number and city maps will be provided by the tour leader.
Relax on the picturesque drive back to port..
Points of interest
Milan
Schedule
Special Notes
Should the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana be closed, the Pinacoteca di Brera or the inside rooms of Castello Sforzesco will be visited, instead.
Euros or credit cards are recommended for purchasing lunch, shopping and refreshments.
Proper attire that covers shoulders and legs must be worn by both men and women in religious places - mini-skirts, swimwear and shorts above the knee are not acceptable. In addition visitors are often required to check-in large bags at the entrance desk. Please do not carry large backpacks or bags with you as delays may occur. Large backpacks and bags may be left onboard the transportation.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
This tour is very popular and typically sells out. Alternative tours with similar content may be available, including GOA-150 Milan & Da Vinci's Last Supper and GOA-180 Highlights & Milan On Your Own.
Bring your ID, as it may be requested at the entrance to The Last Supper.