Milan:Castle Sforzesco, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Duomo
Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
The tour start with an overview of the first Milanese highlight you are going to visit, the Castello Sforzesco.
Your guide will tell you the story about its construction in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification.
Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe.
Extensively rebuilt by the architect Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, it now houses several of the city's museums and art collections.
After the visit and some time for pictures, 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.
After viewing the Duomo from the exterior and the inside visit, 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.
After the visit of the museum, you will have time at leisure for lunch (not included), shopping or independent exploration of the city.
Meeting point, emergency number and city maps will be provided by the tour leader.
Relax on the picturesque drive back to port.
Schedule
Special Notes
Should the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana be closed, the Pinacoteca di Brera or the inside rooms of Castello Sforzesco will be visited, instead.
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.
Euros or credit cards are recommended for purchasing lunch, shopping and refreshments.
Please dress conservatively to visit the churches in Milan. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.
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Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
The tour start with an overview of the first Milanese highlight you are going to visit, the Castello Sforzesco.
Your guide will tell you the story about its construction in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification.
Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe.
Extensively rebuilt by the architect Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, it now houses several of the city's museums and art collections.
After the visit and some time for pictures, 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.
After viewing the Duomo from the exterior and the inside visit, 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.
After the visit of the museum, you will have time at leisure for lunch (not included), shopping or independent exploration of the city.
Meeting point, emergency number and city maps will be provided by the tour leader.
Relax on the picturesque drive back to port.
Schedule
Special Notes
Should the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana be closed, the Pinacoteca di Brera or the inside rooms of Castello Sforzesco will be visited, instead.
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.
Euros or credit cards are recommended for purchasing lunch, shopping and refreshments.
Please dress conservatively to visit the churches in Milan. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the day's conditions.
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.