This twilight tour of the Navigli district in Milan is organized as an early evening traditional Italian stroll, designed for travelers to appreciate the city and rub shoulders with locals. In this case, we're bringing along a local insider who will shape your stroll into an introductory aperitivo tour. You’ll discover a charming area of Milan known as Navigli, a favorite among locals, where hopping nightlife lines the placid canal and, more importantly, where you will delve into the history of the aperitivo, spending time together sipping on delicious cocktails and tasting local Italian snacks. This is a great way to begin a trip to Milan and answer a lot of the questions that come up on our first night in a foreign city.

Our tour begins at Piazza Sant’Eustorgio, where your guide will introduce the overarching themes of the tour. When services are not taking place, you’ll pop into the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio, one of the oldest churches in Milan, where you’ll discuss the fourth-century church and original relics (bones of the Three Kings) that were housed here. The plunder of the church in 1164 by Frederick Barbarossa and the subsequent arguments over the return of the precious relics may be discussed as well.

As we leave this ancient church behind, you will meander through Navigli along the canals more commonly associated with Leonardo da Vinci. While Venice may be much better known for its series of canals, its Milanese counterparts also make for a tranquil stroll (with significantly fewer crowds). You’ll talk about the system of waterways that once connected the lakes to Milan, their function in transporting materials such as the marble used for the Duomo, and why the canals were covered over. You’ll admire the design and layout of the canals as you potter along the roads, pedestrian walkways, and bridges while discussing how da Vinci is believed to be instrumental in designing the system of locks for the canals in the fifteenth century. 

Your guide will take a seat with you as you engage in the typically Milanese activity: the aperitivo. You'll learn how and why this became one of Italy’s most treasured traditions. Your guide will help to explain why this leisurely ritual, undertaken before eating, has become so entrenched in the city's culture. You’ll have the choice of drinks like Campari, Aperol, or a prosecco-based cocktail (or a non-alcoholic beverage for those who feel so inclined) and taste some snacks from the region and Italy in general, such as olives, local cheeses, and small toasts heaped with fresh ingredients. This will be a perfect time to ask your guide any questions you might have about Italian traditions and culture, as well as any lingering ambiguities around making the most of your time in Milan.

At the end of your time together with your guide, you will leave one another sated, relaxed, and with a greater understanding of the endearing area of Navigli. Your guide will have shared their knowledge of the area, Milanese history, and delved into the subject of the aperitivo and its place in Italian culture.