The experience
There are many visible and invisible lines that connect Milano with the surrounding territory. Lines that tell the story of when the countryside still touched the city gates. These lines are the waterways.
Milan owes its urban development and the prosperity of commercial exchanges to the abundance of water and navigable canals. If, starting from the industrial era, there was a movement from mountain-peripheral areas towards Milano, now we want to retrace that path backward, following the waterways upstream, towards the sources, in a return to the origins.
We travel from south to north, from the plains to the mountains: starting from the Darsena and the Naviglio Grande, we visit the Naviglio della Martesana, then touch the eastern shores of Lake Maggiore, until we reach the border with Switzerland.
Shortly
Tour
the Navigli
Visit to some of the iconic places linked to Old Milano, such as the Darsena and the Navigli, where you can still find typical establishments and experience the atmosphere of the city from the past.
Suggested Activities for a Day in Milano:
- Guided exploration to uncover the distinctive features of Milanese ‘ringhiera’ houses in the Navigli district.
- Traditional Aperitivo along the Navigli
- During the Christmas season, enjoy a Panettone tasting at a pastry shop showcasing traditional artisanal craftsmanship.
- Explore the village of Gorla and the Martesana Canal.
- Dance night at a ballroom or bocce court.
Laveno Mombello
Transfer to Laveno Mombello, a small municipality on the Lombardia’s shore of Lake Maggiore, where you can visit the new exhibition space ‘Le Officine dell’Acqua,’ dedicated to the boats that have been the main means of transport and work in the area. For lunch, a cooking class will introduce root travelers to traditional recipes of the local cuisine, starting with the famous perch fish.
Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro
The Hermitage of Santa Caterina is one of the symbolic places of Lake Maggiore, nestled in the rock since the 14th century, perched on the sheer point deepest in its waters. A place of great evocative and spiritual power, still inhabited year-round by monks today. To fully savor its beauty, consider a boat or canoe excursion, allowing you to admire its reflection on the lake waters from a unique perspective not achievable from the solid ground, depending on the season.
Veddasca Valley
The Veddasca Valley is an example of a pre-Alpine valley from which many have emigrated in the last century. Monteviasco, in particular, combines the uniqueness of its history and location with a recent period of revival. The active community is dedicated to bringing the small village back to life, still accessible only on foot today. A guided hike to the village of Monteviasco, with a certified guide, and an encounter with a local association dedicated to territorial and cultural promotion.
Stargazing
To conclude the delightful day, enjoy a typical dinner with local valley products followed by an astronomical observation at an observation center managed by a local association.
Slow exploration and family history reconstruction
Breakfast in Monteviasco and a leisurely morning with a visit to the village and local historical sites.
In the afternoon, the option to explore beyond the village, visiting places connected to one’s family history and continuing with genealogical research.
Milano: a city of artistic excellence and talent
To complete the itinerary, you return to where you started.
Some suggested visits for the last day include the following.
- Following in the footsteps of Leonardo: Visit to Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Last Supper.
- Behind the Scenes: Visit to the workshop of the Marionette Company Carlo Colla e Figli and/or Teatro La Scala.
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