Milan Navigli Canal Cruise with Aperitivo
Glide past launderers' alley and San Cristoforo with spritz, snacks, and audio guide stories
The Navigli district fills up fast at aperitivo hour, with locals claiming their favorite canal-side tables before you even know where to look. This scenic boat cruise saves the evening by bringing Milan's famous pre-dinner ritual straight to you. Float along Naviglio Grande in an electric boat, passing canal-side houses and the 13th-century Church of San Cristoforo while sipping spritz or wine with gourmet finger food. It's aperitivo without the guesswork, and the view beats any crowded bar.
What You Get With This Tour
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Multilingual audio guide
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50-minute canal cruise
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One drink (wine, spritz, or soft drink)
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Gourmet finger food
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Additional drinks
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4
Your boat's waiting at the pier in the Navigli district, where locals gather every evening along the canals. Hop aboard the electric boat and settle in as your captain prepares to glide you through the heart of Milan's canal district. -
2
Railing houses and Naviglio Grande
First, you'll cruise past pastel-colored railing houses with iron balconies practically touching the water. These buildings once housed working families and now shelter wine bars and trattorias. Your audio guide explains how these canals once transported marble to build the Duomo. -
3
Aperitivo time with wine or spritz
By now you've got your drink—maybe white wine, red, or the classic Milanese spritz with Aperol and prosecco. Pair it with finger food while floating past historic buildings. Aperitivo is Milan's sacred pre-dinner ritual, and you're doing it the local way with the best view in town. -
4
Church of San Cristoforo
The boat slows as you approach San Cristoforo, a simple brick church standing since the 1200s. Its facade rises straight from the canal edge with no grand entrance, just old stone and quiet presence. Medieval pilgrims once stopped here on their journey through Lombardy. -
5
Canottieri Milano Olona headquarters and launderers' alley
You'll float past the historic rowing club headquarters, established when canals served as Milan's transport routes. Then comes vicolo dei lavandai, a covered washing station where residents scrubbed clothes in the canal before running water existed. -
6
Your tour finishes at Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4
The boat returns to the starting pier. You step off relaxed, slightly buzzed, and full of canal history. Ask your captain for gelato or aperitivo bar recommendations—the Navigli evening is just getting started, and now you know which spots locals actually use.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific concerns, please contact us at support@thetourguy.com before booking so we can ensure a smooth boarding process.
Dress Code: Casual attire is perfect. This is a relaxed canal cruise with no formal dress requirements.
Weather Advisory: This tour runs rain or shine. Please bring a light jacket during cooler months.
Alcohol Consumption: Alcoholic drinks are only served to those over 16 years of age. Please bring a government-issued ID if you plan to partake.
Check-in: Arrive 20 minutes early for check-in at Alzaia Naviglio Grande 4 so the boat can depart on time.
Your 1-hour tour includes:
50-minute electric boat cruise on Naviglio Grande
Multilingual audio commentary via QR code
One alcoholic drink (red wine, white wine, or spritz) or non-alcoholic option
Gourmet finger food
Wi-Fi onboard
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Light jacket (in cooler months)
Camera
Money for additional beverages
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol on the boat?
Yes, alcoholic drinks are served, but only to guests aged 16 and above.
Are there any safety rules on the boat?
It is strictly forbidden to lean out of the boat at any time. Please stay seated or stand safely while moving around.
Is there a refund if I miss the boat?
No refund will be issued after the tour has departed.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for younger guests, and the electric boat provides a smooth, quiet ride suitable for all ages.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific concerns, please contact us at support@thetourguy.com before booking so we can ensure a smooth boarding process.
