A tour between culture and taste: Varese and its Holy Mount

Milan , Italy

A tour between culture and taste: Varese and its Holy Mount

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About this experience

A few kilometers away from Milan and Como lies Varese, a quite unknown destination which, indeed, was chosen as a leisure site by many wealthy and aristocrats families between the 17th and 20th century. The town has thus become a "garden city", thanks to the several gorgeous villas and their gardens.
This private tour will allow you to explore the artistic and architectural wonders of Varese town centre, besides of enjoying a typical dessert in a historical cafeteria. Later, you will reach the UNESCO heritage of the Sacred Mount, a Renaissance sanctuary connected to the valley by a cobbled way, dotted by fourteen magnificent baroque chapels. On the small and charming village close to the sanctuary, Santa Maria del Monte, you will enjoy an exclusive tasting of Borducan, a liqueur made of orange and aromatic herbs.

Available options

A tour between culture and taste: Varese and its Holy Mount

What's included

Private transportation

Tasting of a typical local sweet, in a historic cafeteria

Qualified private guide

Tasting of a local liqueur, served with a slice of cake

Detailed itinerary

The palace was built in a Lombard "Barocchetto" style with Neoclassical influences, as a leisure residence for Francesco III D'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio Emilia. After the Duke's death and due to the high maintenance costs, the palace changed various owners until it was bought in 1837 by Carlo Pellegrini Robbioni, who made some modifications to the garden, according to the English romantic taste of the age.
In 1882 the mansion was acquired by Varese City Hall and open to the public the following year.

Stop 2

In the small village of Santa Maria del Monte, close to Varese, the tradition tells about a Romanesque monastery dedicated to the Virgin since the 11th century. In 1472 the site was entirely reconstructed, since the pristine structure was no more sufficient to provide shelter and hospitality to the great number of pilgrims coming from the surroundings.
In XVII century, a series of 14 chapels was built along the cobbled way connecting to the sanctuary, under the art direction of Giuseppe Bernascone. The chapels are beautifully integrated in the landscape and are symbolically associated to the Mysteries of Rosary

What's not included

Gratuities

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Milan

Milan, the vibrant capital of Lombardy, is a city where ancient history meets modern luxury. Known for its fashion, art, and design, Milan is a dynamic metropolis that offers a rich cultural experience and a thriving culinary scene.

Top Attractions

Duomo di Milano

The Milan Cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the third-largest church in the world. It took nearly six centuries to complete and is a symbol of the city.

Architecture/Religious 1-2 hours €10-€15

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

This historic shopping gallery is one of the world's oldest and most beautiful. It features luxury boutiques, cafes, and the famous mosaic floor of the bull.

Architecture/Shopping 1 hour Free to enter, shopping varies

Santa Maria delle Grazie

This church and convent house Leonardo da Vinci's famous mural, The Last Supper. The painting is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and a must-see for art lovers.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours €10-€15 (advance booking required)

Castello Sforzesco

This medieval castle was built by the Duke of Milan and later renovated by Ludovico Sforza. It houses several museums and art collections, including works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €5-€10

Teatro alla Scala

One of the world's most famous opera houses, Teatro alla Scala is a symbol of Milan's rich musical heritage. Guided tours are available to explore the historic theater and museum.

Cultural/Entertainment 1 hour €10-€15

Must-Try Local Dishes

Risotto alla Milanese

A creamy saffron risotto, a staple of Milanese cuisine.

Main Course Contains dairy, can be made vegetarian.

Ossobuco

Braised veal shanks, traditionally served with gremolata.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made gluten-free.

Panzerotti

Fried dough pockets filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and other ingredients.

Snack Contains dairy, can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Cotoletta alla Milanese

A breaded and fried veal cutlet, similar to schnitzel.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby Alps Cycling along the Navigli canals Aperitivo in Navigli Shopping in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Visiting museums and historic sites Attending opera or ballet performances Boat tours on Lake Como Swimming in Lake Como

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

The best time to visit Milan is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded. These months offer ideal conditions for exploring the city's attractions.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Milan is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Be cautious with your belongings and stay alert.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of distractions and common scams

Getting there

By air

Milano Malpensa Airport • 50 km from city center
Milano Linate Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

Milano Centrale, Milano Rogoredo

By bus

Lampugnano Bus Station, San Donato Milanese

Getting around

Public transport

The Milano Metro system consists of four lines (M1, M2, M3, M5) and is efficient and easy to use. It is the quickest way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Brera Navigli Quartiere della Moda Isola

Day trips

Lake Como

50 km • Full day

Lake Como is a stunning alpine lake known for its beautiful villas, gardens, and scenic views. It is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Bergamo

50 km • Half day

Bergamo is a charming medieval city with a well-preserved old town and a rich history. It offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and local cuisine.

Verona

150 km • Full day

Verona is a romantic city known for its association with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. It offers a mix of historic sites, romantic landmarks, and cultural attractions.

Festivals

Milan Fashion Week • February and September Milan Design Week • April Milan Film Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Duomo early in the morning to avoid crowds and long queues
Explore the Navigli district in the evening for a vibrant aperitivo experience
Use the ATM Milano app for real-time public transportation schedules and maps
Consider purchasing a Milan Card for discounts on attractions, transportation, and dining
Try local specialties like risotto alla Milanese and panzerotti