VALIDITY: Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. from 25th April to 30th September
DEPARTURE: Foro Bonaparte 76

The origins of the Navigli date back to about 1100, but this stretch of water was only made navigable from the Ticino to the center of Milan at the end of the 14th century, to help transport the marble that was needed to build the Duomo. The Milan Wharf, an important commercial port for river transport for many centuries, was still working up to the end of the Second World War, and then permanently closed in 1979.
Today the Navigli make up one of the most charming places in Milan, a place of both nostalgia and innovation with the old, typical “case di ringhiera” houses and antique shops. An artsy quarter and a hopping nightlife scene with hundreds cafes, shops, bars and restaurants standing on each side invading the banks of the river in the evenings and weekends, especially from April to September with their open-air tables.
The tour includes a 50 minute cruise on the Naviglio Pavese and the Naviglio Grande to enjoy the pictoresque atmosphere of the antique houses and shops, a 90 minute walking tour to visit the main historic sites such as the Porta Ticinese, one of the 6 main doors which have been the only entries to the city until the end of 19th century, the Church of S. Eustorgio where the remains of the Wise Kings are conserved. Don't miss the famous Portinari Chapel inside. The tour continues along Porta Ticinese St. to reach the ancient church of San Lorenzo Maggiore (IV century) with its impressive columns.