Fashion to Opera: Best of Milan in 7 Days

You will arrive at Milan’s Malpensa Airport to begin a fabulous 7-day vacation in this magnificent Italian city. You will experience the best that this thriving metropolis has to offer during the week ahead. A private transfer will escort you from the airport to your luxurious hotel that will be located in the heart of the city. After getting acquainted with your room, you will be greeted by a local guide, who will lead you on a private, afternoon tour of the world-renowned La Scala Opera House. Dating back to the 18thcentury, the opera house has hosted some of the world’s most famous singers. The grand and gorgeous interior will surround you as you step inside this legendary building. With its gold and velvet décor, sparkling chandelier, and six tiers of seating, the main auditorium is simply breathtaking. The view will get even better as you step onto the main stage and discover what it feels like to walk in the steps of Luciano Pavarotti and other brilliant performers. The tour will continue to the opera house’s accompanying museum. The opera will come to life as you view the displays of musical instruments and detailed costumes that have once graced the stage.

In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and feast on a typical dish of veal Milanese, which is locally known as cotoletta alla Milanese. With the flavor of the fried breading and soft meat still on your taste buds, you will retire to your hotel for the night.

A sweet Italian pastry that is paired with a hot coffee will be the perfect way to start the second day of your vacation in Milan. After breakfast, your guide will arrive at the hotel to begin the day’s tour of a few of Milan’s main attractions. The first stop will be the Milan Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente. Centrally located within Piazza del Duomo, which is the main square, the cathedral is stunning and grand. Although the cathedral was originally constructed back in 1386 AD, the finishing touches were not completed until hundreds of years later in 1965 AD. It will be worth the wait, as the cathedral, which is the largest in Italy, will wow you with its statues, columns, and stunning stained-glass windows. Your guide will then lead you to the rooftop, where you will explore an up-close look at the towering, marble spires and the seemingly endless number of intricate and detailed statues. The roof’s magnificent view of the city will be the perfect way to conclude your visit.

You will have the chance to enjoy a light lunch before the tour continues to another fantastic site: The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This beautiful, brick church was constructed in the 15th century, and the design of its large and masterful dome is credited to the great Italian architect, Bramante. The church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage site list, and once inside, it will be easy to see why. Your guide will lead you through the ancient church and then into the refectory, which is also referred to as the dining hall, where you will set your eyes on a true masterpiece: Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The famed mural, da Vinci’s interpretation of the Biblical story, is incredibly intricate and detailed. The realistic features and facial expressions da Vinci was able to create are still a marvel to this day. This firsthand look at one of the world’s most treasured paintings is something you will never want to forget.

As the day’s tour ends, you will enjoy wandering the streets of Milan into the evening. A Milanese style risotto and glass of wine will be the perfect end to this exciting day.

Day three of your Milanese vacation will be highlighted with the best shopping experiences this world has to offer. After breakfast, a guide will escort you to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which is the oldest shopping mall in Italy. You will quickly realize this is no ordinary shopping mall. The grand structure features an unrivaled glass and iron ceiling with an octagon-shaped central area that is covered with a magnificent glass dome. Your guide will share a little history about the Galleria before you enjoy several hours on your own to explore the many luxurious shops. The biggest names in fashion, from Prada to Versace, will be at your fingertips. You will stop for lunch at one of the many chic and elegantcafésbefore departing the Galleria.

A short walk will land you at your next shopping destination, the Quadrilatero d’Oro,or Golden Rectangle. This neighborhood of quaint and cobblestoned streets is home to some of the best high-end stores and boutiques. The window displays will be like works of art, and the smell of luxurious, Italian leather will emanate from the doorways. You will try on a supple leather jacket or a handmade pair of shoes to find the perfect souvenir before returning to your hotel.

The fourth day of your trip will feature an exciting tour of Bergamo. You will depart your hotel via private transfer to this historic and intriguing city. The city is divided intocittà alta, which is the upper city, and città bassa, which is the lower city. You will ride the funicular from the modern, lower part of the city to the ancient, upper city that is nestled in the hills. The 16th-century walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, still protect the upper city and will surround you as you discover the main attractions. The main square, Piazza Vecchia, will be full of sites to see. The history of Bergamo will come to life through Palazzo della Ragione, which served as the town hall, and the Civic Tower, which is also called Campanone.You will appreciate the unparalleled views of the city that the tower will provide before continuing to the next site, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The 12th-century basilica will fascinate you with its marble exterior and ornate interior, featuring beautiful tapestries and frescoes. Next, you will see the fantastic Baptistery and then continue to Colleoni Chapel. Considered by many to be the most exquisite building in the city, the Colleoni Chapel was built in the late 1400s in honor of Bartolomeo Colleoni, a well-known military leader of the Republic of Venice who was born in Bergamo. The gorgeous building features a stunning marble exterior and contains many remarkable works of art, including an equestrian statue of Colleoni that is made of gilded wood. The church is also a mausoleum, as Colleoni’s remains are located inside. After leaving the chapel, you will continue on the short walk to Rocca di Bergamo, which is a castle that dates back hundreds of years, where you will enjoy sweeping views of the city from this remarkable viewpoint.

With your tour concluded for the day, you will relax in one of the many restaurants and feast on a savory plate of the area’s specialty pasta: casoncelli. These little pouches of fresh pasta dough contain a tasty meat filling and are covered in a delightful butter and sage sauce. This delicious, local meal will be the perfect way to conclude your day in Bergamo before you board the private transfer back to Milan.

You will awake in Milan on day five for another inspiring journey. The first stop of the day’s guided tour will be the Pinacoteca di Breraor Brera Art Gallery. The large building was a former monastery, but today it is officially part of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. The gallery will contain an unbelievable collection of over 400 paintings and is widely considered an important cultural institution throughout Italy. As you make your way through the gallery, you will revel at Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin,Bellini’s Pietà, and countless other masterworks of art.

You can savor an espresso from a local caféas your guide leads you on the short walk to Sforza Castle. The size and grandeur of the castle will impress you, and it will be easy to see how the site was originally a fortress. Now the home of many museums, the castle was also previously the residence of ruling Italian families and a military complex. Once inside, you will marvel at the elegant furnishings and artwork. Your tour of the castle will be highlighted with a visit to see the Rondanini Pietà, Michelangelo’s last sculpture.

Next, your guide will lead you to the delightful park that is located next to Sforza Castle called Parco Sempione. The pretty flowers and lush greenery will create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, and the park will be the ideal way to conclude the day’s tour. You can enjoy the evening at your leisure, as you continue to discover all Milan has to offer.

The sixth day of the trip will start with a cappuccino and tasty breakfast before you board your private transfer for the day’s spectacular trip. After a short and scenic ride, you will arrive in the lakeside city of Como. The city is situated on Lake Como, which is one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, and will offer plenty to see and experience. The sparkling and glistening water will take your breath away as soon as you see it. It is no wonder that the lake is one of the most sought-after destinations. Your guide will lead you on a tour of the historical highlights where you will pass beautiful churches and piazzas as you make your way through the quaint streets. You will take in the sights and sounds of Piazza Cavour, the main square, and Piazza Volta, which was named after inventor Alessandro Volta. Then, you will venture inside the Como Cathedral, which dates back to the 14thcentury, where you will get an up-close look at its gothic style and intricate tapestries.

Delight in one of the most beautiful lunches you will ever have at one of the lakeside restaurants before you board an afternoon private boat tour. The warm sun and cool lake breeze will create the perfect atmosphere as you cruise along Lake Como to see more of its dazzling waterfront towns and villages. You will view stunning villas and pass by breathtaking Bellagio as you sip on prosecco and become immersed in the magic of this idyllic location. You will still feel the warmth of the sun as you return to Milan to enjoy your final night in the city.

With coffee in hand, you will stroll around the streets of Milan one last time. Your walk will lead you to the Arch of Peace, or Arco della Pace. The arch was originally designed to celebrate Napoleon’s victories but was later rededicated once Italy became unified in the 19thcentury. The arch will be quite the sight with its gorgeous marble construction and expertly carved statues. Finally, you will return to your hotel where a private transfer will wait to bring you to Malpensa Airport for your return flight home. Although you will not want the trip to end, you will be content knowing that you have experienced the best Milan has to offer during your week in this fascinating Italian city.