Milan · NAVIGLI TOURS
The good navigli tours fill up first, often days ahead. Below: the 11 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Board a small electric boat at Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 4, for a 50-minute cruise past working-class courtyard homes, San Cristoforo, Vicolo dei Lavandai and Darsena. An Italian- and English-speaking host helps you board, while a QR code connects you to audio commentary in five languages. The boat travels along the canal and returns by the same route.
“Everything was good. I booked it afternoon so I can see the sunset.”
Settle aboard a canal boat at Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 4, and cruise for 50 minutes past old Milanese railing houses, San Cristoforo, and the Darsena. Your ticket includes one Aperol spritz or glass of red or white wine, plus finger food. An onboard QR code offers an audio guide in six languages, though you can also simply enjoy the ride.
“A nice time on the canal. Very little interaction with the crew.”
Start at 5:30 pm near Porta Ticinese and walk toward Navigli with an English-speaking guide. Expect aperitivo drinks, cured meats, street food, Milanese risotto, and gelato, with food spread across several stops. Guides such as Anna Maria, Michela, Francesco, and Chiara have led tours. The group is capped at 12.
“Learned a lot about Milan and culture here. Very enjoyable group of people we met on the tour from all over the world.”
Spend three and a half hours walking Milan’s Navigli with an English-speaking guide and up to 11 other food lovers. Tastings may include fried pizza, polenta with Gorgonzola, Ligurian focaccia, saffron risotto and tiramisu, alongside canal-side history and wine. Guides vary, with Jessica, Chiara, Laura and Giuseppe among the team.
“Wonderful 5 course food extravaganza with an amazing tour guide. MC was so knowledgeable and engaging and all the food was delicious. Highly recommend this tour!”
Walk Milan’s Navigli with a local guide, stopping at five bars and food spots for cocktails, wine, beer, regional snacks, a gourmet stuffed potato, Pizza Cone, and gelato. The 3.5-hour outing is social and informal, with guides including Giulia, Chiara, Francesco, and Anna. Expect food at every stop and a mix of English and Italian.
“Excellent local guide, great food and drinks at charming locations.”
Cruise Milan’s Navigli canals for about 50 minutes, passing towpaths, the Darsena waterfront and historic churches. The ride is usually an out-and-back trip, not a full loop, and onboard commentary may be limited or unavailable. Choose the aperitivo option for alcoholic drinks and snacks, but confirm where and when to collect them.
“Had a great time on this relaxing cruise down the canal! This was a perfect night cap after a full day of sightseeing in Milan.”
Join a one-hour guided cruise from Naviglio Grande through Milan’s Naviglio Pavese and the 17th-century Darsena. An Italian-speaking guide and Italian audio explain the canals and local life as you pass studios, shops, pubs, and flea markets. The boat has no heating or air-conditioning, and one reported departure included a short guided walk before boarding.
“The cruise was pleasant and the guide was well-prepared, but the initial organization was disastrous: there was no one at the meeting point (Libraccio), from afar we saw a boat filling up at the time indicated on our ticket (3:40 p.m.), we ran with other unfortunates to the landing stage where they told us that our reservations were not recorded. Our guide arrived and was forced to make himself heard to claim the reservation on behalf of Neiade. In the end they told us that, differently from what was written on the ticket, the time indicated was not the departure time of the boat but the meeting time, that the…”
SUPMindfulness takes you from Milan’s Darsena along the historic Naviglio Grande for a gentle paddle, mindfulness practice and a guided meditation while seated on your board. Stefano leads the session in English or Italian, with a personal lesson for solo bookings. SUP, paddle and life jacket are included, and phones can stay in guarded lockers.
“The activity was brilliant, Stefano did a lesson before hand and helped us feel comfortable.”
Spend 2.5 hours with a private English-speaking guide in Milan’s Navigli area, visiting places such as Vicolo dei Lavandai and Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore. Francesca, Salvatore, and Alessandro have led the tour, which pairs canal history and street art with local hangouts and practical recommendations.
“Francesca, our guide, was excellent. we learnt and saw sites and places that we would not have sent without our guides help. Highly recommended.”
Spend two hours with a private local guide in Milan’s Navigli district. Start at Basilica of St. Eustorgio, visit the Portinari Chapel, then walk the canals and Vicolo dei Lavandai. The guide explains canal history, Leonardo da Vinci’s contribution, and the neighborhood’s past and present. Tours are offered in English, French, German, and Italian.
Follow a story-driven puzzle on the Questo app through southern Milan, starting on Via Vetere and ending near Ponte Alexander Langer. You’ll pass medieval gates, Piazza Vetra, Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio and Navigli canals. There’s no guide or attraction entry fee, and the game is designed for your group to play together on a phone.
“This was a lot of fun! I did this tour with my granddaughters and we all enjoyed it! Great way to see the “untouristy” Milan. However we did experience extreme difficulties in downloading the information and even though I paid for three “tickets” we could only get it to work on my phone. Disappointing as the girls would have liked access to the game afterwards.”
Pick a ticket, a shoreline or a kitchen.
