Milan – Navigli Boat Tour

The Milan – Navigli Boat Tour offers visitors an immersive glimpse into the city’s storied past. Cruising through the historic canals, travelers can marvel at stunning architectural landmarks and learn about the area’s rich heritage. From the distinctive Case di Ringhiera to the origins of the beloved Mascarpone cheese, this tour provides an engaging audio-guided experience that showcases Milan’s vibrant culture. Whether seeking a relaxing aperitif or simply an appreciation for the city’s waterways, this excursion caters to a variety of interests. With a maximum capacity of 50, the tour provides an intimate setting for discovering the Navigli district’s captivating charm.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Milan.

Key Points

• The Navigli Boat Tour offers a unique exploration of Milan’s historic canals, showcasing architectural landmarks and the origins of renowned Mascarpone cheese.
• The tour includes a relaxing boat cruise along the canals, allowing participants to enjoy the sights at their own pace.
• The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and those with strollers, with a maximum capacity of 50 travelers for a comfortable experience.
• Travelers can choose between a standard tour or an aperitif option, which includes alcoholic beverages and snacks.
• The tour has received mixed reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the relaxing ambiance and quality of snacks, while some travelers reported issues with communication and organization.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Navigli Boat Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historic canals of Milan, providing an immersive audio-guided experience that showcases the city’s architectural landmarks and cultural heritage.

Beginning at Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4, the tour takes passengers on a journey along the Navigli Canal, highlighting key sights such as the Case di Ringhiera, San Cristoforo Church, and the origins of Marscarpone cheese.

Passengers will also witness the impressive Canottieri Milano Olona, wander through the picturesque Vicolo dei Lavandai, and discover the vibrant Darsena, home to a lively array of bars and clubs.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Scodellino Bridge, Trophy Bridge, and Conchetta – all designed by the legendary Leonardo da Vinci.

Included Amenities

Depending on the options selected, the Navigli Boat Tour includes alcoholic beverages, snacks, the boat cruise itself, and gratuities, though food and drinks beyond what’s specified are not covered. The included amenities can be seen in the table below:

Included Amenities	Aperitif Option	Standard Tour
Alcoholic Beverages	Yes	No
Snacks	Yes	No
Boat Cruise	Yes	Yes
Gratuities	Yes	Yes
Food and Drinks	No	No

The tour provides a relaxing cruise along the historic Navigli canals, allowing participants to take in the sights at their own pace with the help of an audio guide.

Meeting and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Navigli Boat Tour is located at Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 4, 20144 Milano MI, Italy.

Participants are advised to arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure, as the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and those with strollers, and service animals are allowed.

Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate. The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers, which ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Whether you’re exploring the historic canals of Milan or simply taking in the scenic views, the Navigli Boat Tour offers a unique and accessible way to experience the city.

Cancellation Policy

Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation of their reservation.

In case of inclement weather, the tour may be temporarily suspended.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Plus, a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option is available, providing flexibility for tour participants. This enables them to secure their spot without immediate payment, potentially making the tour more accessible.

The cancellation policy and reservation flexibility ensure a hassle-free booking process and allow guests to plan their Milan excursion with confidence, knowing they can make adjustments if needed.

Tour Reviews

Travelers have offered a mix of reviews about their experiences on the Navigli Boat Tour, with both positive and negative sentiments expressed across the 138 total reviews.

On the upside, many guests have described the cruise as a relaxing and enjoyable experience, praising the pleasant ambiance and the quality of the provided snacks and drinks.

However, some travelers have voiced disappointment with certain aspects of the tour, such as miscommunication about the tour content, lack of engaging commentary, and issues with the overall organization and customer service.

A few have even reported missing tours due to traffic problems.

Navigli Canal Cruise

Navigating the serene waterways of Milan’s historic Navigli Canal system, the Navigli Boat Tour offers visitors a unique perspective on the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Gliding past picturesque bridges, historic buildings, and bustling cafes, the tour provides an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The audio guide, available in multiple languages, brings the canal’s storied past to life, highlighting landmarks like the Case di Ringhiera, San Cristoforo Church, and the origins of the beloved Marscarpone cheese. Whether you opt for the aperitif package or simply enjoy the scenic cruise, the Navigli Boat Tour is a delightful way to explore the heart of Milan.

Highlights	Highlights
Case di Ringhiera	Scodellino Bridge
San Cristoforo Church	Trophy Bridge
Marscarpone cheese origin	Conchetta by Leonardo da Vinci

Landmarks and Sights

Along the serene waterways of Milan’s historic Navigli Canal system, travelers can enjoy a wealth of captivating landmarks and sights.

From the charming Case di Ringhiera to the iconic San Cristoforo Church, each destination on the tour offers a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will also learn about the origins of the renowned Mascarpone cheese and explore the picturesque Canottieri Milano Olona, a historic boathouse.

The tour winds through the lively Vicolo dei Lavandai, a former laundry district, before reaching the vibrant Darsena area, home to bustling bars and clubs.

Architectural gems like the Scodellino Bridge, Trophy Bridge, and Conchetta by Leonardo da Vinci complete the captivating journey through Milan’s waterways.

History of Navigation

For over five centuries, the Milan-Pavia navigation basins have facilitated vital waterborne transportation, connecting the city’s economic and cultural heart to surrounding regions.

This intricate system of 14 canals and locks was a marvel of engineering, allowing goods and people to move efficiently between Milan and the Po River valley.

The basins’ construction began in the 15th century, with further expansions and improvements over the centuries.

At their peak, these navigable waterways were instrumental in Milan’s growth, powering its industries and commercial activities.

Though their importance has diminished in modern times, the Navigli Canals remain an iconic feature of Milan’s landscape, showcasing the city’s rich maritime heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers are generally not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the boat tour. The tour typically includes snacks and alcoholic beverages, depending on the selected options. Guests should check the tour details for specific information on what is and is not allowed.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour offers audio guides in multiple languages, allowing participants to enjoy the experience in their preferred tongue. English is likely the primary language, but other options may be available depending on the specific tour provider.

How Long Is the Boat Cruise Portion of the Tour?

The boat cruise portion of the tour typically lasts around 1 hour. The duration may vary depending on factors like water traffic and weather conditions, but it provides ample time for guests to enjoy the sights along the Navigli canals.

Are Discounts Available for Students or Senior Citizens?

Discounts may be available for students and senior citizens, though the details are not specified in the tour information provided. Customers should inquire about any potential discounts when booking the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary or Visit Additional Sights?

While the standard tour itinerary is fixed, some providers may offer custom or private tours that allow you to visit additional sights or adjust the itinerary. However, this would likely come at an extra cost. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour company.

Recap

The Milan – Navigli Boat Tour offers an immersive experience exploring Milan’s historic canals.

Travelers can admire architectural landmarks, learn about local culture, and enjoy an aperitif as they cruise through the picturesque waterways.

With its audio-guided tour and intimate group size, this tour provides an engaging and relaxed way to appreciate the rich heritage of Milan’s Navigli district.