Sunset Navigli Boat Tour in Milan With Optional Aperitivo

The Sunset Navigli Boat Tour in Milan offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s historic canal system. Cruising along the Navigli Canals, passengers can witness landmarks like the San Cristoforo church and Vicolo dei Lavandai. With an optional aperitivo package, guests can enhance their experience by sipping on alcoholic beverages and enjoying delightful snacks. While reviews are mixed, the tour is praised for its relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff, making it a compelling way to discover Milan’s vibrant waterways. Those looking to unwind and enjoy the city’s rich history should consider this captivating tour.

Key Points

• The Sunset Navigli Boat Tour offers a 1-hour cruise along Milan’s historic Navigli Canals, showcasing landmarks like San Cristoforo church and Vicolo dei Lavandai.
• Optional aperitivo with alcoholic beverages and snacks is available during the tour, providing a relaxing experience for up to 50 passengers.
• The tour highlights the canals’ historical significance, including their use for transporting goods and materials for the construction of Milan Cathedral.
• Customers report a mixed experience, with positive feedback on the scenic views and atmosphere, but some issues with the audio guide and customer service.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and gratuities for the boat staff are included in the package.

Overview of the Tour

The Sunset Navigli Boat Tour in Milan offers visitors a unique perspective of the city by cruising along the Navigli Canals.

This 1-hour activity takes place in the heart of Milan, allowing travelers to admire landmarks like the San Cristoforo church and Vicolo dei Lavandai.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 50 people and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

An optional aperitivo with alcoholic beverages and snacks is available.

The tour has received 151 reviews with a 3.4/5 rating, highlighting the relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff, though some issues with the audio guide and customer service have been reported.

Highlights of the Navigli Canal

Visitors on the Sunset Navigli Boat Tour can expect to catch glimpses of Milan’s historic canals and landmarks. The cruise passes by the San Cristoforo church, a notable architectural gem.

Cruisers also see the Canottieri Milano Olona, a historic rowing club, and Vicolo dei Lavandai, a former laundry district. The tour culminates at the Darsena, a lively waterfront area.

Throughout the journey, passengers learn about the fascinating history of the Navigli canals. These waterways once transported marbles used in the construction of the iconic Milan Cathedral and were later expanded by Napoleon in the 19th century.

Historical Significance of the Canals

As the Navigli canals were critical to Milan’s development, they’ve a rich historical significance.

Constructed as early as the 12th century, the canals were vital for transporting goods, including the marbles used to build the iconic Milan Cathedral.

In the early 19th century, Napoleon oversaw the completion of the Naviglio Pavese.

However, the rise of railways in the 19th century led to a decline in canal navigation.

Despite this, the canals remain an integral part of Milan’s cultural heritage, immortalized by the renowned Italian poet Alda Merini, who lived by their waters.

What’s Included in the Tour

The boat cruise along the Navigli canals is the main highlight of this tour, allowing visitors to experience Milan from a unique vantage point.

The tour package includes:

• The leisurely boat cruise along the scenic canals
• Alcoholic beverages and snacks if the optional aperitivo is selected
• Gratuities for the boat staff

The tour doesn’t include food and drinks unless specified, nor does it provide hotel pickup or drop-off.

Guests are advised to arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour may be suspended due to bad weather conditions.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Reviewers have provided a mixed assessment of the Sunset Navigli Boat Tour, with the experience garnering a 3.4/5 rating from 151 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the enjoyable views, relaxing atmosphere, friendly staff, and good music.

However, some customers noted issues with the audio guide, lack of historical commentary, and complaints about cancellations and customer service.

Despite the mixed reviews, the tour appears to offer a unique perspective of Milan’s Navigli Canal, passing by notable landmarks and historical sites.

Ultimately, customer satisfaction seems to vary, suggesting the tour may be better suited for some visitors than others.

Preparing for the Tour

To prepare for the Sunset Navigli Boat Tour, visitors should arrive at the meeting point, Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 4, 20144 Milano MI, Italy, approximately 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

This allows time to check-in, get seated, and prepare for the cruise.

Important considerations include:

1. Dressing appropriately for the weather, as the tour takes place on the water.
2. Bringing any necessary medications, as the tour may not have provisions.
3. Ensuring any mobility aids or assistive devices are ready, as the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
4. Having a form of payment ready if the optional aperitivo package is desired.

Cancellation and Weather Policy

As per the cancellation policy, travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour’s scheduled start time. This provides flexibility for those with last-minute changes in plans. However, the tour may be suspended due to inclement weather conditions. In such cases, the tour operator will work to reschedule or offer a refund. Travelers are advised to arrive 20 minutes prior to departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Cancellation Policy	Weather Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before	Tour may be suspended due to bad weather
Refund available	Rescheduling or refund offered
Arrive 20 minutes before departure

Exploring Milan’s Vibrant Waterways

The Navigli canals weave through the heart of Milan, offering visitors a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

As you cruise along the waterways, you’ll catch glimpses of iconic landmarks, including:

1. San Cristoforo church, a historic Catholic church dating back to the 13th century.
2. Canottieri Milano Olona, a renowned rowing club.
3. Vicolo dei Lavandai, a charming alleyway that was once home to Milan’s laundry workers.
4. Darsena, a bustling hub of activity and a popular gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.

The serene boat ride provides a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, inviting you to learn about Milan’s rich cultural tapestry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Live Music or Entertainment During the Tour?

There is no mention of live music or entertainment during the tour. The tour features an audio guide and the option to purchase alcoholic beverages and snacks, but no specific entertainment is included.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

No, passengers cannot bring their own food and drinks on the boat. The tour only includes the boat cruise and any alcoholic beverages and snacks if the aperitivo option is selected.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific discounts for children or seniors. However, travelers should check the tour operator’s website or contact them directly to inquire about any available discounts or special pricing for certain age groups.

Can I Disembark at Any Point Along the Canal Route?

Unfortunately, no. Passengers must remain on the boat for the entire duration of the tour. Disembarking at any point along the canal route is not permitted. The tour follows a set route and schedule without stops.

How Stable and Comfortable Are the Boats Used for the Tour?

The boats are generally stable and comfortable, designed for scenic tours. They feature cushioned seating and a smooth ride, allowing passengers to enjoy the views along the canal without concern for unsteadiness or discomfort during the tour.

The Sum Up

The Sunset Navigli Boat Tour offers a serene and unique way to discover Milan’s historic waterways. With its optional aperitivo and accessible features, the tour caters to a variety of travelers. While reviews are mixed, the tour’s relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff make it a delightful experience for those seeking to explore Milan’s vibrant canals.