Milan Fashion Week kicks off on 20 February 2024. To coincide, travel service Tourist Italy has launched three innovative new tours of the city which will offer a deep dive into its architecture, innovation, design, and culture. Click here for Tourist Italy’s top tips for Milan Fashion Week.
The new two-hour Modern Milan Half-Day Tour, reveals the futuristic and sustainable side of Milan. Fans of environmental architectural collaborations will love the new BAM Tree Library and the contemporary botanical gardens – an incredible calming green space that houses over 100 plant and tree species. The tour also explores the iconic award-winning Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) skyscrapers designed by Boeri Studio, where you can learn about the architecture from Tourist Italy’s expert guide. The buildings are 80 and 112 meters high, housing a total of 800 trees and plants draped from the towers. The Vertical Forest, a “home for trees that also houses humans and birds”, is an incredible project of urban reforestation that also houses offices within. Next on the tour is a visit to the Brera district, a picturesque neighbourhood full of old-world Italian charm and modern beauty.
Experience modern Milan in the morning, and then by contrast, spend the afternoon touring the rich history of Milan with Tourist Italy’s new Historic Milan Half-Day Tour. This fascinating two-hour walk starts with a viewing of the 15th Century medieval Sforzesco Castle where Leonardo De Vinci painted frescoes in several rooms. Marvel at the structure and timeless beauty from the outside before reaching the La Scala Theatre, one of the world’s most prestigious opera theatrers. Make your way through the intricate alleyways – like Via Dante – and take in the rich heritage along the way. After that, a visit to the famous 19th Century shopping arcade Galleria Vittorio Emanuele where some of the oldest shops and restaurants are situated. Finally, the last port of call is the iconic and beautiful pink marble cathedral, Milan Duomo that has a history spanning over the last 6 centuries.
Finally, the perfect Milan tour for a sundown exploration of Naviglio Grande is the Milan Naviglio Grande Aperitivo Tour. Stroll along the famous canal and soak in the vibrant buzz of the afternoon atmosphere. The tour then will take you to some of Milan’s best bars for an Italian aperitivo and cocktails close to Naviglio Grande, where you can enjoy delicious cocktails, local wines and stunning views.
All three Milan tours above can be combined for the ultimate Milan Full Day Tour.
Italy is experiencing a boom in overseas visitors. Many of the key cities say they are overwhelmed with visitors, with huge queues at many of the big attractions. Demand for travel to Italy is higher than ever and Italy’s tourist board has just announced that visitor numbers to Italy in 2024 are expected to exceed those of 2023, which saw a record 13 million overnight stays- double the number of 2022.
Tourist Italy offers small group tours that allow you to experience Italy in a very different way. The tours take you to the regular spots, but in a way that makes them more accessible. For example, some tours take place outside of the usual times when the large crowds arrive.
Tourist Italy also offers tours to unexplored parts of the country, such as rural Tuscany and to farms and factories that are exclusive to Tourist Italy. They also offer tours that focus on lesser-known cities like the historic Lucca, which encapsulates the culture, heritage, and architecture of Italy but is less known and therefore less busy. Tourist Italy’s tours are also perfect for second-time visitors to Italy, as they offer a new and unique way to explore the country.
