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DAYS
5
TOUR CODE
MILA-27
COST
£2995
DAYS
5
TOUR CODE
MILA-27
COST
£2995
This new tour introduces travellers to Milan's world-renowned art collections, from works by Renaissance masters, including Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci, to Gothic architecture and contemporary galleries.
Overview
Milan's art collections are among the most prestigious in the world, and are best known for preserving many legendary works of the Renaissance. The Pinacoteca di Brera will introduce us to captivating paintings by Caravaggio, including The Supper at Emmaus, and our visit to Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie will allow us to witness one of the most renowned paintings in history, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The Museo Poldi Pezzoli is also a highly significant institution showcasing masterpieces by Botticelli, Bellini and Hayez, as well as unique collections of armour, textiles and porcelain.
Our artistic exploration of Milan will continue at the Pirelli HangarBicocca, an iconic site for contemporary art. Established in 2004, this converted industrial factory forms an innovative space in which to hold marvellous temporary exhibitions, and is home to the monumental Seven Heavenly Places, a series of seven towers symbolising spiritual ascent by artist Anselm Kiefer.
A particular highlight of our tour will be a visit to the beautiful Villa Necchi Campiglio. Designed by Piero Portaluppi in the 1930s, its elegant marble exterior conceals sumptuous interiors inspired by Art Deco aesthetics, where the motif of green with gold and rich wooden furnishings makes for a tranquil yet decadent ambience.
Further artistic achievements can be seen in the city's ecclesiastical structures. The colossal Duomo di Milano is the largest cathedral in Italy, taking nearly six centuries to complete. Its Candoglia marble façade showcases thousands of exquisitely carved statues crowned by an abundance of spires, marking it as the pinnacle of Milan’s Gothic identity. San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, meanwhile, initially appears to be a simple convent, yet it contains some of the most magnificent interiors in the city. Here we can marvel at the splendour of the 16th century frescoes that cover the walls, and its beguiling false vaulted ceiling adorned with celestial iconography.
An excursion to Bergamo will broaden our experience of Lombard art and culture. As we meander through its charming old town, we will be met with glorious medieval treasures including the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, where the Lombard-Romanesque origins are wonderfully preserved, and the magnificent Baroque Duomo di Bergamo. The Cappella Colleoni is another important location, where a series of frescoes by Tiepolo adorn its interiors.
We also hope to delight in a performance at La Scala, one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, exemplifying Milan’s artistic excellence as well as incredible theatrical shows. Please note that the specific performance will be confirmed closer to the time of departure.
Tour Director
Marie-Anne Mancio
Marie-Anne is an art historian, writer and experienced tour leader and lecturer, accredited with the Arts Society. She has led many tours in Italy, and looks forward to introducing travellers to the wonderful art on display in Milan.
This tour will be led by Marie-Anne Mancio, MPhil, DPhil, an art historian, writer, experienced tour leader and Arts Society accredited lecturer. Marie-Anne originally trained as an artist before gaining a DPhil at the University of Sussex in art and critical theory. She has written and presented courses for Tate and Dulwich Picture Gallery; writes reviews, catalogue essays and historical fiction; and is a frequent visitor to Italy.
- ACE customer on a 2024 Italian art tour tour led by Marie-Anne Mancio
Our Accommodation
Our tour will be based at the four-star Rosa Grand Milano Hotel, a luxurious establishment with sleek and elegant interior design. Our accommodation enjoys a central location in the heart of Milan, making it an ideal hub from which to explore the city.
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London Heathrow on British Airways 0825 arriving Milan Linate 1130. Transfer to Rosa Grand Milano Hotel for four nights. Visits to the Duomo di Milano (Gothic emblem of Milan) and Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (gallery founded in 1618, housing Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruit). Welcome and introduction.
Day 2
Visits to Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie (Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper) and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (Benedictine chapel with important 16th century frescoes). Free evening.
Day 3
Visits to Pinacoteca di Brera (world renowned gallery containing Caravaggio’s The Supper at Emmaus) and Museo Poldi Pezzoli (one of Europe's richest art collections, featuring masterpieces by Botticelli, Bellini and Hayez, alongside historical artefacts and crafts). Free afternoon for independent exploration followed by free evening.
Day 4
Whole day excursion to Bergamo: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Lombard Romanesque), Duomo di Bergamo (Catholic Cathedral with grand Baroque dome), Cappella Colleoni (frescoes by Tiepolo). Afternoon: Palazzo Moroni (exceptionally preserved interior, rich art collection and Italianate garden with orangery).
Day 5
Morning visits to Villa Necchi Campiglio (iconic 1930s Art Deco design by Piero Portaluppi) and Pirelli HangarBicocca (modern and contemporary art collections). Depart Milan Linate 1855, arriving Heathrow 2000.
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our full list of frequently asked questions please visit our general FAQs here.
What is the maximum group size of this tour?
What is the deposit cost for this tour?
What tour staff will be on this tour?
Am I fit enough to travel on this tour?
Fitness Requirements
The majority of ACE Cultural Tours are active in nature. To make the most of our time in a destination and provide excellent value for money, they are busy – there are often several visits included each day. As such, our tours require a certain minimum level of physical and mental fitness, mobility and stamina.
Many visits will involve navigating several steps, uneven ground, steep ascents and descents, and could involve embarking and disembarking aircraft, coaches, trains and cruise vessels. Plenty of walking, punctuated by lengthy periods of standing, is the norm. Some tours may involve long coach journeys.
It is essential that all customers are sufficiently fit and able enough to fully participate. Furthermore, every tour comprises a group of guests. We cannot allow the entire group to be negatively impacted by one participant, either holding up the pace we reasonably need to maintain or disproportionately requiring the attention and support of the tour staff.
We carefully consider the intensity, fitness and other requirements of each itinerary and describe them on the tour pages of our brochures and website. Please study these descriptions closely. When you call to book, we will reiterate those requirements and ask you to confirm that all group members are indeed fit enough and otherwise able to meet the criteria. It is your responsibility to answer fully and honestly. If it transpires that you are not able to keep pace with the tour and/or it reasonably appears you are negatively impacting (or are reasonably likely to negatively impact) the enjoyment of the rest of the group (including their ability to complete all scheduled visits), we may ask you to sit out certain days/visits, take a taxi at your own expense (if available in the location), or even, if we consider there is no other reasonable alternative, ask you to leave the tour and make your own way home.
Please note that this tour involves a significant amount of walking within historical city centres. Participants should be prepared for traversing uneven or slippery ground, cobbles and steps (sometimes without handrails), as well as spending time standing in galleries and churches, which can be dimly lit, and where there are not always opportunities to sit down. Bergamo Old Town is situated at an elevation and the streets here are undulating. Many of the sites do not have lifts available. Please consult ACE’s fitness criteria in our Booking Terms & Conditions before booking your place.
As a minimum, participants should be able to successfully complete the following self- assessment tests:
- Walk for one hour at a reasonable pace and without needing to take a break to rest
- Climb at least two flights of stairs at a reasonable pace
- Stand unaided for at least 30 minutes
- Stand up and sit down ten times in one minute
- Carry or otherwise move your own luggage
Please ensure you have read and understand our full fitness requirements as described in our terms and conditions.
UK Government Travel Advice
For additional travel information from the UK government please consult the following pages.
Flight Information
For customers who wish to make their own travel arrangements, ACE is pleased to be able to offer a flight reduction of £180.
Cost Details
Milan: Gothic Spires & Modern Masters
February 1 - 5, 2027
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a deluxe twin or double bedded room, concert performance at La Scala (subject to confirmation), four breakfasts, two dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, deluxe double room for single use supplement £495.
Places are limited.
Please contact the office for more details on 01223 841055.
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