Type: Art, Historic Buildings, Photo Stops
Length: 4 Hours
Walking: Easy
Mobility: Folding wheelchairs OK (some sites may be inaccessible, advance notice required)
Guide: Licensed English Speaking Guide
Language: English

Milan, Italy - The highlight of this tour is a visit to the Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie for a viewing of Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper mural. Also included is a visit to the Milan Cathedral.

After meeting your driver and guide you immediately drive to the Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie. The convent dates back to the late 15th century and is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Located in the refectory of the convent is The Last Supper mural which was commissioned around 1495 as part of renovations to the church and its convent buildings.

During WWII the church was struck by a bomb but the mural survived because the wall where it is located had been lined with sandbags to prevent damage should the church be hit.

Seeing the mural is a treat which is limited to only a select few. Each hour a small number of people can gain access by prior reservation. Typically reservations are sold out about 3 months in advance. You must arrive early to claim the tickets and then wait for an assigned entry after passing through security and air controlled chambers which help protect the masterpiece from outside air or condensation.

Your guide will be with you through this process telling you the history of the building and about the mural. Once you have gained access to the refectory room your guide will provide explanations about the techniques used in making the mural and some of the controversies about the subject itself. Then you will have a short amount of time to enjoy the masterpiece on your own before completing the visit.

Next you drive to the largest gothic cathedral in the world. The Milan Cathedral, or Duomo, dominates the main square and it dates from 1418. Your guide can provide insight about the building and its interior.

Nearby you have the chance to walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. This was the first and still the finest glass covered shopping street in the world, dating back to 1865. Milan stands shoulder to shoulder with Paris as the undisputed capitol of fashion.

Finally you see the La Scala Opera House which opened in 1778 and is one of Italy's top historic opera houses.

You driver will bring you back to your hotel at the end of your tour.