Renowned for its fashion and cutting edge design, Milan is Italy’s most international city, with a vibrant cosmopolitan feel. Although famous for its shopping, Milan is a city that is also rich in history and culture, home to world-class museums, spectacular frescoed churches and contemporary art galleries. The Duomo, the symbol of the city, is probably Milan’s most recognisable landmark, with its white spires and intricate gargoyles, although the city harbours numerous lesser-known sights and attractions waiting to be discovered by guests of Four Seasons Hotel Milano.
“I often say that Milan is Italy’s best kept secret. Not only is it a prime shopping destination, but it also offers excellent museums, art galleries, stylish restaurants and laidback cafés, as well as beautiful hidden courtyards that lie tucked away behind secret doors. Every day, guests can experience a new facet of this vibrant city. There’s plenty to suit all tastes,” reveals General Manager Andrea Obertello.
The Hotel designed an itinerary that takes in authentic Milanese experiences for guests to experience the city like a local. Guests will be able to discover some of Milan’s hidden secrets and off-the-beaten track spots on a vintage Vespa, and will have the opportunity to learn about Milan’s famed aperitivo ritual with a hands-on mixology workshop at one of Milan’s most fashionable bars. This immersive itinerary also includes lunch at a traditional Milanese restaurant serving iconic regional dishes.
Guests looking for a more bucolic experience can opt for a second itinerary that takes in the sights of glamorous Lake Como, which lies a one-hour drive north of Milan. Hemmed in by mountains, Lake Como is sprinkled with grand lakefront villas with lush gardens, while dotted around its shore are charming fishing villages that have retained an authentic Italian feel. Dubbed “the pearl of the lake,” Bellagio is probably the lake’s most well-known destination, with cobbled streets dotted with elegant boutiques, although there are plenty more villages bursting with charm and a heavy dose of romance.
Milan Confidential offers guests the chance to choose between the following two itineraries:
Explore Milan on a Vintage Vespa
The experience begins with a short pleasant walk from Four Seasons Hotel Milano to the city’s iconic Teatro alla Scala, where guests will take part in a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s leading opera and ballet theatres. Following the tour, guests will enjoy a break at Marchesi 1824, one of the city’s oldest and finest pastry shops located in the sumptuous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, where they will indulge in delicious pastry creations, signature chocolates and classic Milanese panettone.
Guests will then meet their expert Vespa guide from IDI Travel, partner of Four Seasons Hotel Milano, who will zip them around the historical centre, exploring the hidden backstreets of the artistic quarter of Brera, characterised by pretty cobbled streets infused with a timeless bohemian atmosphere. Guests will also discover some of Milan’s hidden courtyards, veritable architectural jewels of unexpected beauty, before soaking up the bustling energy of Corso Como.
Next, guests will take part in a fun mixology workshop at Radetzky, one of the city’s most famous bars to enjoy an aperitivo, where expert mixologists will reveal all the secrets behind making the very best Negroni and Spritz, two of Italy’s most celebrated drinks.
The experience will end with lunch in a traditional Milanese restaurant serving authentic Lombard dishes including veal Milanese and risotto alla Milanese, a classic saffron-infused risotto that is the pride of the city.
The Ultimate Lake Como Experience
This itinerary allows guests to take part in a range of exciting activities as they discover Italy’s most fashionable lake. The experience begins with a road trip from Milan to Como behind the wheel of a 1961 Giulietta Spider or a Lancia Fulvia Coupè Rally, two iconic Italian classic cars. Once guests reach the southern branch of the lake, which is hemmed in by snow-capped mountains, they will be able to wind along narrow lakeside roads and soak up panoramic views of one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.
Guests will then enjoy a 90 minute ride aboard an elegant wooden-hulled Riva speedboat that combines luxury, comfort and timeless elegance. Guests will be able to take in the lake’s most impressive sights, from picture-perfect lakefront villages to grand historic villas, as they sip on Champagne and enjoy a bespoke picnic featuring handmade Italian delicacies expertly crafted by Executive Chef Fabrizio Borraccino.
For the return journey to Milan, guests will hop behind the wheel of their chosen vehicle to cruise back to the hotel.
About the Milan Confidential Package
Starting from EUR 3900 for a Superior room with double occupancy for a two-night stay, breakfast included, and one of the itineraries.
