Milan: Cycling and Food Along Navigli

Milan’s picturesque Naviglio Pavese canal sets the stage for an unforgettable cycling and culinary adventure. Guided by experts, you will weave through the city’s historic heart, seeing the serene beauty of the waterways. But the journey doesn’t end there. Visitors will uncover the secrets of traditional Italian cheese-making at a 15th-century wooden mill farm, savoring the fruits of their labor during a mouthwatering farm-to-table lunch. This unique experience blends the city’s rich heritage with the finest local flavors, promising an enriching day for any discerning traveler.

This experience made our list of the 11 Best Bike Tours In Milan.

Key Points

• This 6-hour tour combines cycling along the historic Naviglio Pavese canal in Milan with a hands-on cheese-making workshop and a farm-to-table lunch.
• Participants will cycle 13 km, explore a 15th-century wooden mill farm, learn the art of cheese-making, and enjoy a meal featuring the farm’s local products.
• The tour provides an immersive experience showcasing Milan’s food heritage and natural wonders, blending outdoor adventure with culinary delights.
• The tour offers flexibility with a "reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include scenic canal views, engaging cheese-making activities, and a convivial atmosphere to savor the locally-sourced, farm-fresh lunch.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The tour, titled "Milan: Cycling and Food along Navigli," offers a 6-hour experience priced at $116.70 per person.

The tour is conducted in English and Italian and begins at 9:30 AM at the Darsena del Naviglio meeting point.

Included in the tour are a professional cycling guide, an active cheese-making workshop, and a lunch featuring farm products.

Participants will cycle 13 km along the historic Naviglio Pavese canal, opened in the 1820s, before arriving at a farm with a 15th-century wooden mill to learn about cheese-making and enjoy a farm-to-table meal.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a coffee and briefing at the Darsena del Naviglio meeting point.

From there, participants cycle 13 km along the historic Naviglio Pavese canal, opened in the 1820s.

The journey leads to a farm featuring a 15th-century wooden mill, where guests:

1. Participate in a cheese-making lesson.
2. Enjoy a lunch by the fireplace featuring farm products like cheeses, cured meats, risotto, and wine.
3. Create their own Primosale cheese to take home.

This immersive experience combines cycling, food, and history, providing a unique perspective on Milan’s Navigli district.

Culinary Experience

The cooking class focuses on the art of cheese-making, providing participants with an in-depth look at the microbiology of milk. Each person gets hands-on during the lesson, creating their very own Primosale cheese to take home.

Lunch offers a true farm-to-table experience, with cheeses, cured meats, risotto, and a glass of wine all sourced directly from the property. The menu beautifully complements the cycling portion of the tour, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their culinary labor after working up an appetite on two wheels.

This immersive experience blends Italy’s rich food heritage with the natural wonders along the historic Navigli canals.

Important Information

Participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

It’s important to know that:

1. Participants must bring their own bicycle and helmet or rent one in the city.
2. Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.
3. The tour offers a "reserve now & pay later" option for added flexibility.

This cycling and culinary experience provides an immersive way to explore Milan’s historic canals and discover the region’s rich food heritage.

With the option to cancel up to a day in advance, participants can plan their adventure with confidence.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Highlights and Features

This immersive experience combines cycling with food and history, offering participants a unique way to explore Milan’s historic canals and discover the region’s rich food heritage.

Visitors will cycle along the Naviglio Pavese, a picturesque waterway dating back to the 1820s, before arriving at a charming farm featuring a 15th-century wooden mill.

There, they’ll participate in an engaging cheese-making lesson and savor a delightful lunch showcasing farm-fresh products.

The flexibility of booking and the option to reserve now and pay later add to the appeal of this well-rounded tour that showcases Milan’s blend of outdoor adventure and culinary delights.

Cycling Through Historic Canal

Cycling along the historic Naviglio Pavese canal offers a unique window into Milan’s past. This 13-kilometer stretch is dotted with old warehouses, mills, and bridges that have stood the test of time.

As you pedal, you’ll:

1. Marvel at the intricate lock system, an engineering feat dating back to the 1820s that allowed goods to be transported efficiently.

2. Glimpse the colorful houseboats docked along the banks, a testament to the canal’s former role as a thriving commercial waterway.

3. Appreciate the peaceful ambiance, with joggers, dog-walkers, and fellow cyclists sharing the scenic towpath.

This leisurely ride offers a delightful blend of history, nature, and modern urban life.

Immersive Cheese-Making Workshop

How does the immersive cheese-making workshop unfold for participants?

Upon arriving at the historic 15th-century farm, guests dive straight into the art of cheesemaking. The professional instructor guides them through the process, sharing insights on milk microbiology. Each person creates their own Primosale cheese to take home, a hands-on experience that brings the culinary history of the region to life.

After the workshop, participants enjoy a well-deserved lunch featuring the farm’s cheeses, cured meats, risotto, and a glass of wine. This immersive culinary experience complements the cycling journey, offering a holistic exploration of Milan’s rich food traditions.

Savoring Farm-Fresh Lunch

After the engaging cheese-making workshop, participants sit down to savor a farm-fresh lunch.

The spread includes:

1. Locally-sourced cheeses, each with its own distinct flavor profile.
2. Cured meats, perfectly complementing the artisanal cheeses.
3. A hearty risotto made with ingredients straight from the neighboring fields.

A glass of robust wine and a cup of robust coffee round out the satisfying meal, allowing participants to fully enjoy the flavors of the Lombard countryside.

The rustic setting, complete with a crackling fireplace, enhances the convivial atmosphere as the group savors the fruits of their earlier labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Should I Budget for Additional Food and Drinks?

The activity description doesn’t specify additional food and drink costs, so participants should budget around $15-20 for any extra snacks, beverages, or purchases not included in the tour price.

Is There Any Age Requirement or Physical Fitness Level Needed?

There’s no specific age requirement, but participants should be able to comfortably cycle 13 km and participate in a cheese-making workshop. The tour’s pace is moderate, so good general fitness is recommended.

Can I Bring My Own Food or Snacks on the Cycling Tour?

Participants can bring their own food or snacks on the cycling tour. However, the tour includes a cheese-making workshop and a farm-sourced lunch, so additional outside food may not be necessary.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

The activity description doesn’t mention any discounts or special offers. However, there’s a "reserve now & pay later" option available, which could be helpful for some travelers. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is also provided.

Can I Request a Private or Customized Tour Experience?

Yes, private or customized tour experiences are available. Customers can contact the tour operator to discuss their preferences and request a personalized itinerary or group size. Additional fees may apply for private or customized tours.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a unique blend of cycling, culinary delights, and historical exploration. Participants can look forward to a picturesque journey along the Naviglio Pavese canal, a hands-on cheese-making experience, and a farm-to-table lunch showcasing local specialties. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a foodie, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates Milan’s rich heritage and vibrant gastronomic scene.

You can check if your dates are available here: