Milan's Magnificent Duomo

Milan is an extraordinary destination often overlooked by tourists visiting Italy. The Duomo, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” fashion houses and proximity to Lake Como make Milan a magical city.

Da Vinci's The Last Supper

The art in Milan is awe-inspiring. Most conversations start with da Vinci’s unparalleled “The Last Supper.” Your expert guide in art history will explain why this masterpiece is so renowned.

Painted on a refectory (dining hall) in Santa Maria delle Grazie, da Vinci portrays the Apostles’ reaction seconds after Jesus declares one of them will betray him. Their facial expressions are filled with a range of emotions, from shock to horror and rage.

Your guide will explain how da Vinci used an experimental technique to paint this masterpiece. He used tempera and oil on a dry plaster because he had no experience painting frescoes, which was the common method at the time.

This experimental style has made it hard to maintain the grandeur of this unique masterpiece. At most, 25 people can view it at a time, but our bespoke service ensures an even more intimate audience while you marvel at it. 

Discover the Duomo

The other must-see in Milan is the Duomo. It’s almost too magnificent for me to describe. I’ll quote Mark Twain after his visit, “What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful! A very world of solid weight, and yet it seems… a delusion of frostwork that might vanish with a breath.”

Twain wrote that in the late 19th century, decades before the cathedral was even completed. Work on the Duomo started in 1386 and was finished in 1965!

Enjoy skip-the-line entry for privileged access to the Duomo terraces for a marble-framed rooftop stroll. Try counting the statues and gargoyles while taking in beautiful panoramic views of Milan. More than 3,400 statues line the Duomo. You will get close-up views of many of them as well as the magnificent spires during your spectacular skywalk!

Inside the third largest Christian church in the world, follow your guide down the naves framed by dark stone pillars. Admire the black, pink and white marble floor, splendid stained-glass windows, or the intricate details of Saint Bartholomew Flayed by Marco d’Agrate. Expert tip: take a short detour below the altar and into the crypt, which contains the remains of Saint Charles Borromeo. 

A Shopping Paradise

Living and working in New York City, travelers often tell me they want to shop on Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue and in SoHo and Greenwich Village. I tell them Milan is where you should go! 

Design houses based in Milan include Armani, Canali, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Missoni, Prada, Valentino, Versace and Ermenegildo Zegna, to name a few.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a delightful mix of fashion and culinary delights. The mall is perfect for for a luxury shopping splurge. We can arrange private showings and fittings with the finest personal service at top boutiques in the mall or city. We can also arrange private and behind-the-scenes access at Fashion Week events in Milan. 

Beautiful Brera District

It's easy to get caught up strolling through the historic heart of Milan or shopping districts but you will want to save time to wander through quaint neighborhoods. I recommend the Brera District. The name comes from the Brera Academy (an academy for artists) and Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan’s leading art museum. The museum is the home of masterpieces by Mantegna, Raphael and Piero della Francesca.  

This district is often called “chic” or “bohemian.” You will find beautifully cobbled streets from the 18th century and small boutiques by emerging designers. Brera buzzes with style but is an oasis in this bustling international city. There are dozens of extraordinary dining options, too. 

Day Tripping to Lake Como

While the focus here is Milan, Lake Como is about an hour away and makes a great day trip. You can also spend a week in the Lake Como region. Lake Como can be considered a home away from home for luxury travelers.

Envision more than 50 square miles of tranquil water surrounded by the majestic and snow-peaked Alps. As you sail across the serene turquoise waters of Lake Como, you will see enchanting villages with historical villas in quaint towns rich in heritage and tradition. Lake Como is an idyllic spot to relax.

You are the sole focus on your chartered yacht for the day. Your private guide will give you an insider’s look as you stroll across cobblestone alleys and flower-filled parks in off-the-beaten-path towns. A day of lake hopping on a chartered cruise with inspiring views is a bucket list experience for any luxury traveler. 

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Call or text 917-225-1360 and my bespoke travel service will design your authentic and marvelous experience in Milan.