The Milanese canals are a system of artificial and navigable canals, built between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. They were built to allow the transport of goods in both directions through water gates. The Navigli system connected Lake Maggiore, Como and the lower Ticino.

We began at the “Darsena” which is located in “Porta Ticinese”and was the ancient dock of Milan. From here, we wandered along the  Naviglio Grande and on to the Pavese canal. This is a magnificent place where we admired the famous and typical rail houses, that are typical Milanese houses that hide in the internal courtyards and are also scattered in other districts of Milan. It was fascinating to go up and down from various bridges that pass the canal below.

This area of Milan is a special area and is popular for its nightlife and is a great area for cocktail bars to gourmet restaurants that are open until late at night. Without forgetting the tradition of Milan, the aperitif - pre dinner drinks that can be alcoholic or non alcoholic, such as the famous Spritz or the Crodino non-alcoholic aperitif, one must choose between the most consumed and the most famous!

It was very nice to wander between the two canals, going up and down bridges with the flow of the canal waters below, exploring the Christmas markets on the banks of the Naviglio Grande and the many restaurants with outdoor tables. It is truly a place not to be missed!

There are cycle paths connecting the two canals. I have cycled through them and they are magnificent.

After the long walk, we stopped for lunch where I tasted burrata cheese, an Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream, which was very delicious and well served along with a Sanpellegrino orange soda, a sparkling soft drink made with 100% Italian oranges. Finally, the tour ended at Porta Genova where we took the public transportation to go home. Grazie Mille Roberta for this incredible tour and your company and the laughs we had together!