Milan Highlights Shore Excursion from Savona

This private shore trip visits Milan to see the classic sites, including the Castello Sforzesco, the Vittorio Emanuele II Arcade, the Piazza della Scala and its Opera House, and an interior visit to the famous Duomo.

You are met in Savona by an English speaking driver who transports you to Milan. On arrival you meet your licensed guide, who leads you on a private 3-hour tour of Milan's classic sites.

Your first stop is Milan's castle, known as the Castello Sforzesco. Its origins date to a Visconti-era fortress built between roughly 1358 and 1370; after the Sforza family took control of Milan, Francesco Sforza rebuilt it into the castle seen today in the 1450s. The castle sits right in the city center, and its courtyards form one of the city's public parks, free for you to walk through. If you are staying in Milan for a few days, several museums inside the castle interior are worth a return visit.

Next you see La Scala Opera House. The theater opened on August 3, 1778, commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, and remains one of Italy's most important opera houses.

Nearby you have the chance to walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Its foundation stone was laid in 1865, and the glass covered arcade opened to the public in 1877, making it one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world. Milan stands shoulder to shoulder with Paris as the undisputed capital of fashion. Stores feature designer goods that are an essential point of reference for travelers who want to keep their finger on the pulse of world class trends, and even if shopping is not on your agenda, it is worth seeing what is trendy in the world today.

Your final stop is the Duomo di Milano, construction of which began in 1386 and which remains one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Following your tour you have 2 hours of free time to enjoy lunch in one of the many nearby cafes or restaurants. You might also take the elevator to the rooftop of the cathedral for views over the city and a close up look at its gothic statues, or let the Galleria draw you back in for more browsing.

After your free time, your driver brings you back to Savona.

• Folding wheelchairs are welcome, though some sites on this tour may not be fully accessible. Please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. This is a long touring day, about 10 hours round trip, with roughly 2.5 hours of driving each way between Savona and Milan.