MILAN CRUISE & STAY
Welcome to Milan
Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our great range of Milan Cruise & Stay Holidays. These packages all feature a cruise sailing from the port of Civitavecchia. This means that Cruise Nation bring you massive choice on cruise lines to sail with throughout the year.
Our Milan Smart Packages feature FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Milan providing you with the ideal base from which to explore all that this exciting destination has to offer.
With an array of different cruise liners including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises – Cruise Nation is dedicated to offering the biggest range of savings on the top Milan holidays. Budget-savvy travellers will love our Smart Packages, allowing you to both cruise and stay, or cruise and fly, at unbeatably low prices.
Often described as Italy’s most fashionable city, Milan is effortlessly striking from the outset. Architectural masterpieces such as the Duomo will render you speechless and priceless pieces of art like The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci will leave you feeling inspired by the impact it still has on society some 500 years after it was painted.
Indulge in some shopping in the Golden Rectangle which is aptly named due to the volume of high-end designer boutiques that have made their home here such as Prada, Versace, Chanel and Armani. It’s the ultimate destination for haute couture.
After a spot of shopping you’ll find many elegant and chic cafes and patisseries that will transport you back in time to a more refined era where opulent chandeliers hung from the ceilings and ladies would rendezvous over lunch or coffee and cake.
Milan is a city which oozes with culture and a trip to the world’s most famous theatre, Teatro all Scala where you can watch world-class ballet and opera performances shouldn’t be missed.
If you’re looking for a cruise and stay experience in a city which is a treasure trove of history, design, cuisine and culture then you’ll find all that and more in Milan. Read our travel guide below to find out just a handful of the highlights this epic Italian city has in store for you.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Things to do in Milan
Visit the Duomo
Milan’s Duomo is not just another church. It is the city’s most important landmark located in the centre of it all.…
Visit the Duomo
The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan and one of Europe’s greatest architectural and cultural landmarks. Located at the heart of the city, all of Milan’s main streets radiate from this spot.
Constructed over a span of nearly six centuries, the cathedral’s construction began in 1386 and was completed in 1965. The original plan for a Gothic cathedral with a cruciform nave and transept was commissioned by Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo. The construction introduced High Gothic into mainland Italy from across the Alps and northern Europe.
The cathedral is made of pink-hued white marble from a dedicated quarry. It is one of the largest and most magnificent churches in the world, and the largest church in the Italian Republic. Its enormous dimensions—about 126,000 square feet—make it one of the world’s largest Roman Catholic cathedrals.
Inside the vast interior, capable of holding 40,000 visitors, five great aisles stretch from the entrance to the altar. Enormous stone pillars dominate the nave, which is constructed of brick and encased in marble. The walls and niches house more statuary than any other building in the world—a staggering 3,159 images.
The cathedral’s most famous effigy, the Madonnina (Little Madonna), rests on top of the tallest spire covered in 3,900 pieces of gold leaf. The cathedral also houses a nail said to have been used for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The roof bursts with spires, gargoyles, and marble statues and offers stunning views of the city. The cathedral is not just another church, it is the city’s most important landmark located in the centre of it all.
Sip drinks in the Navigli District
Constructed over hundreds of years with input from da Vinci himself, Milan’s system of navigable and interconnected canals granted the landlocked city more access to the outside world.…
Sip drinks in the Navigli District
The Navigli District is a historic and vibrant area located in the heart of Milan. The district is known for its charming canals, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
The district was originally built in the 12th century as a network of navigable canals to facilitate the transportation of goods. Today, it gets its name from the two man-made canals that cross it – the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese. These canals were used for the transport of goods and people as well as for irrigation.
The Navigli District is a testament to Milan’s rich history and culture, offering visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. The district is filled with cool bars and art galleries, hip restaurants and vintage shops. It also hosts Milan’s best flea and antiques market, held every last Sunday of the month.
The Navigli District is also known for its thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing works by local and international artists. The nightlife in the district is legendary, as the area comes alive after dark with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.
So, if you’re in Milan, a visit to the Navigli District is a must. Whether you’re looking to explore quaint boutiques, enjoy a laid-back evening sipping cocktails by the canal, or dance the night away in one of the area’s trendy clubs, the Navigli District has something for everyone.
Explore the Monumental Cemetery
Known for its artistic tombs and monuments, it’s more like an open-air museum.…
Explore the Monumental Cemetery
The Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale di Milano) is one of the two largest cemeteries in Milan, Italy.Established on 1 January 1867, the cemetery was designed by the architect Carlo Maciachini. It was planned to consolidate a number of small cemeteries that used to be scattered around the city into a single location. The cemetery is noted for the abundance of artistic tombs and monuments.
The cemetery is home to a wide range of contemporary and classical Italian sculptures as well as Greek temples, elaborate obelisks, and other original works. Many of the tombs belong to noted industrialist dynasties, and were designed by artists such as Adolfo Wildt, Giò Ponti, Arturo Martini, Agenore Fabbri, Lucio Fontana, Medardo Rosso, Giacomo Manzù, Floriano Bodini, and Giò Pomodoro.
The main entrance is through the large Famedio, a massive Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval style building made of marble and stone that contains the tombs of some of the city’s and the country’s most honored citizens, including that of novelist Alessandro Manzoni.
The cemetery also has a special section for those who do not belong to the Catholic religion and a Jewish section. Near the entrance, there is a permanent exhibition of prints, photographs, and maps outlining the cemetery’s historical development.
The Monumental Cemetery is more than just a resting place for the departed. It is an open-air museum that offers a unique insight into the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or architecture, a visit to the Monumental Cemetery in Milan is a must.
Visit the Sforza Castle
A historic fortress with several museums and art collections.…
Visit the Sforza Castle
The Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) is a medieval fortification located in Milan, Northern Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe.
The castle is situated at the northern end of Via Dante. It was extensively rebuilt by Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, and now houses several of the city’s museums and art collections. These include the Museum of Antique Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Picture Gallery. The “Rondanini Pietà,” Michelangelo’s unfinished last work, is also housed there.
The castle was the main residence in the city of its Visconti lords, and was destroyed by the short-lived Golden Ambrosian Republic which ousted them in 1447. In 1450, Francesco Sforza began reconstruction of the castle to turn it into his princely residence. In 1452 he hired the sculptor and architect Filarete to design and decorate the central tower, which is still known as the Torre del Filarete.
The castle is open to the public, and the courtyard is a public park. It is a significant cultural and artistic landmark, offering visitors a unique insight into the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or architecture, a visit to the Sforza Castle in Milan is a must.
RESTAURANTS IN MILAN
Fioraio Bianchi
Part florist, part restaurant, Fioraio Bianchi looks like the backdrop of a high-fashion photoshoot. The walls are artfully scraped down giving it a shabby chic appeal and the large bouquets of flowers provide the blooms of colour. The menu here is focused on delivering traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary flair.
Dry
At Dry you can enjoy gourmet pizzas created by skilled Chef, Andrea Berton. There’s also an intriguing cocktail menu with options such as Gin Gin Mule which includes gin, mint and ginger beer.
Cova Milano
Whilst this is more of a patisserie than a restaurant, we just had to give it a mention. Cova Milano was first established in 1817 as a literary cafe which became a fashionable rendezvous point. The decor of Cova is still as elegant and refined as it was when it was founded over 200 years ago. Visit Cova for a cup of tea or coffee and some of the most delicious cakes and pastries available in the city. If you’re looking for a treat to bring home for a friend or family member then a box of Cova’s finest chocolates should do the trick.
Contraste
Prepare all your senses for a dining experience at Contraste. It’s not simply somewhere you go to enjoy a meal, it’s somewhere you go for a culinary adventure. The dishes here are designed to tell a story and whilst some are inspired by pop culture like their Pulp Fiction dish which looks like blood, bullets and cocaine on a plate, others are more sedate and inspired by the ingredients which are available.
Seta
Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is the highly acclaimed restaurant Seta which has been awarded 2 Michelin Stars. The restaurant is operated by Chef Antonio Guida and the decor is contemporary and stylish. The menu offers an exciting array of traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist.
Milan Nightlife
HClub
Located in the Hotel Sheraton Diana Majestic, HClub is a favourite for the fashion crowd as a summer drinking scene. The garden here is stunning with its magnolias, cyclamens, water fountain and mature trees.
Alcatraz
If you want to dance until the early hours, then head to Alcatraz – one of Milan’s most popular night clubs. Each evening brings with it a different theme and style of music from Peace and Love parties inspired by the 60’s and 70’s to the slightly more intense music of Papa Roach.
Bar Basso
Bar Basso has an authentic atmosphere which is reflected in the decor and choice of cocktails including signature Negroni Sbagliatos which are a mix of sweet vermouth, campari and slightly sparkling wine garnished with orange peel and served over ice.
Nottingham Forest
When you first walk into this bar which appears very unassuming from the outside, your first thoughts will most likely be ‘What have I just walked into?’ but the unique decor isn’t where the surprises end because the cocktails here are on another level. Dressed up in all sorts of manners from scientific beakers and syringes to beach shells, each is a carefully thought out mixology masterpiece. Some of the more extravagant cocktails are complemented with an item of food that will enhance the flavours. Nottingham Forest was founded in 2007 and it’s consistently voted as one of Europe’s best bars.
EVENTS IN MILAN
Milan Fashion Week
Fashion Week occurs twice a year in Milan; the Autumn/Winter event is held in February/March and the Spring/Summer show is held in September/October. Whilst many of the shows are by invitation only, there are some which are open to the public. If you have a passion for fashion, you might just enjoy watching the guests turning up so you can check out their outfit choices.
La Notte Bianca
A white night in Italy usually means a sleepless one! For one night each year (usually mid June), bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and cinemas prepare to celebrate and stay open until the early hours of 6am.
Mercarto dei Fiori
Held along the canal, this flower fair adds a splash of colour to Milan as over 200 nurseries and horticultural schools come from all over Italy to create displays. The Mercato dei Fiori is held every year in April along the Naviglio Grande.
MiArt
This is one of Europe’s biggest contemporary art shows and it welcomes artists, dealers, critics and collectors from all around the world. If you’re interested in attending it’s held in early April.
Salone Internazionale del Mobile
This notable furniture fair welcomes top designers from around the world who display their exquisite furniture and fittings for visitors to browse. If you have a keen interest in interior design this is definitely one for you. The event takes place in Rho in mid-April.