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Navigli District Walking Tour: Discover Historic Milan in a Small Group
5.0
2 Ratings
Milano
Explore Milan's historic Navigli district on a captivating walking tour. Discover the fascinating story behind the canals, bridges, and alleyways that have shaped the city's rich history.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Navigli - Milan was once a city of water. Hard to believe, right? Nowadays, with its traffic-filled streets and towering buildings, it’s difficult to imagine. There are five canals (known as “navigli” in Italian): “Bereguardo”, “Grande”, “Martesana”, “Paderno”, and “Pavese”, each with a rich history. Today, the Navigli and Darsena district is teeming with educational and cultural routes. This area represents a new, trendy side of Milan. Strolling along the towpath of the “Naviglio Grande”, you’ll find a lively, somewhat bohemian neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, ethnic markets, trendy shops, and many tourists. This part of Milan has a unique atmosphere, distinct from the rest of the city.
- Darsena - Your walk will lead you to the “Darsena”, Milan’s ancient dock. The new dock is where the “Naviglio Pavese” and the “Naviglio Grande” converge. In the 1600s, this area was a bustling port for boats navigating Milan’s canals, remaining active until the 1960s. Located in “Porta Ticinese”, the “Darsena” is now a pleasant spot for a stroll or an ice cream, a small lake in the city’s heart, echoing Milan’s watery past. During the tour, you’ll learn about the canal’s history from the 12th century and how Leonardo da Vinci later enhanced the lock system. You’ll also hear about the ancient trades and the people who lived along the waterways.
- Vicolo dei Lavandai - Cross the Triumph Bridge and walk along the Naviglio Pavese, passing picturesque alleys until you reach the Naviglio Grande, Milan’s main canal. With your guide, you’ll walk to Vicolo dei Lavandai, a historically preserved corner.
- Aperitivo - At night, Navigli transforms into a vibrant area with a lively atmosphere, thanks to its numerous bars and restaurants where people, young and old, gather. After the tour, you might want to stay for an aperitivo at one of the canal-side bars or enjoy a meal at a traditional Milanese trattoria (at your own expense).
What's Included
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
The “Navigli” and the “Darsena” are must-visit locations in Milan due to their unique history and breathtaking charm. Explore the old Navigli neighborhood in Milan and gain insight into its rich past and customs during this 1.5-hour walking expedition. The sequence of canals surrounding the ancient city of Milan creates a captivating backdrop for this exploration journey. Highlights include the historic trading port, bridges, and narrow lanes that showcase the attractions, coupled with a glimpse into the centuries-long history of these waterways.
Please note, this is a pedestrian tour and does not include a boat ride.
Location
Piazza Sant'Eustorgio
Saint'Eustorgio Church
Address: Meet your guide in front of the Church of Saint' Eustorgio
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
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(2 Ratings)
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Cmk201818
May 18, 2019
Campari Along the Canals - Relaxing walking tour of the Navigli district of Milan to view history - such as the laundry stones dating back to 1700 - mixed with modern life of bars and restaurants. View the Roman and Spanish boundaries of the city while exploring the 12th century canals of this former commercial port. The evening ended with apertivo enjoyed canal side. Salute!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
