Neiade Tour & Events

Neiade Tour & Events is a Milan-based company that has been organising guided cultural visits in and around the city since 2004. Its programme is aimed largely at local residents and Italian visitors, and it covers a wide range of subjects: museums and temporary exhibitions, churches and abbeys, art galleries, food and wine traditions and the history of the city's neighbourhoods. Tours are led by qualified guides, and the company also arranges private visits for groups, schools and companies.

One of its most distinctive outings is the walking and boat tour of the Navigli. It starts on foot in the Ticinese district near the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio and continues by boat along the Naviglio Grande, past the Vicolo dei Lavandai washhouse and the church of San Cristoforo, then back through the Darsena and under the Scodellino bridge to the Conchetta lock on the Naviglio Pavese. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, groups are limited in size, and radio headsets are provided so you can hear the guide.

Other regular tours include the TRAMezzino, a ride on a historic Milan tram with a snack on board, guided visits to the Abbey of Chiaravalle on the southern edge of the city, the San Fedele complex in the centre and the Royal Villa of Monza. Seasonal and themed tours change through the year, including evening visits and rooftop experiences, so it is worth checking the calendar on the website.

Most public tours are run in Italian, so they suit Italian speakers or visitors with a good working knowledge of the language. Travellers who do not speak Italian can ask about private tours in other languages. The visits suit adults with an interest in history, art and local life, and some are well suited to families.

Book through the website, where each tour lists its meeting point, date, duration and price. Tours need a minimum number of participants to go ahead, and refunds are offered if a tour is cancelled. Read the cancellation policy before booking, as changes are free only until about ten days before the visit. The office in Viale Romagna is open on weekdays by appointment.