Bernina Red Train and St. Moritz Journey from Milan

Nat Geo Day Tour: Roman Life Uncovered - Villas of Oplontis & Pompeii

Begin with a short drive to the foothills of Mt. Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii, an ancient city preserved by volcanic eruption. Wander down cobblestone streets to the Forum, once the hub of Roman life. Follow ancient paths to impressive villas and grand spaces like the House of the Faun with its rich mosaics. Sit in the arena of the theater and study the colossal columns of the Basilica. You'll also visit areas of everyday life like the baths and taverns. You will see the exterior of the opulent Casa della Regina Carolina, one of the ancient city's largest villas located in an elite neighborhood near the Forum. Learn insights into the ongoing research started by National Geographic Explorer Caitlin Ellis Barret as you hear about the villa and the daily domestic activities of its wealthy inhabitants. After a light lunch, continue your journey to the port of Torre Annunziata, where you'll descend below street level to ancient Oplontis. As a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area and its two sprawling villas boast some of the best-preserved wall paintings of the Roman period. Your archeologist guide will offer historical, cultural and architectural context as you take in Oplontis' wonders. Once inhabited by the Roman elite, marvel at Pompeiian-style frescoes and mosaics, finished with deep azures, oranges, and sunny golds. The intricate use of colour and shading gives these paintings a three-dimensional feel, adding a lifelike quality to these ancient scenes.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Gragnano, the Epicenter of Dried Pasta Production

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Gragnano, the epicenter of dried pasta production. The tour starts with a picturesque bus ride along the Sorrentine Coast, offering panoramic views. Throughout the day, your National Geographic-trained guide will provide intriguing insights into Campanian culture. Your first destination is the idyllic Valley of the Mills, nestled between the towns of Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Here, you'll have the rare privilege of exploring the historical site, together with a local historian and retired miller who is dedicated to this important restoration project. He will explain in detail the ingenious engineering that powered the mills, a captivating revelation exclusively reserved for National Geographic travelers. As you take a leisurely stroll through this lush landscape, you can connect with the natural beauty that has inspired generations. The next stop is a renowned pasta factory with deep-rooted traditions. Prepare to be amazed by the creativity of chief pasta maker, Antonino Moccia, and the factory's 140 different shapes of pasta, some of which are patented. Accompanied by the factory's owner, you'll embark on a tour of the museum, hearing intimate stories that have shaped this industry over the centuries. Before the tour ends, you will don protective garments and go backstage to the production area to see the pasta-making process step by step, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistry and precision that goes into crafting each piece of pasta. You'll discover the meticulous packaging techniques that ensure the final product reaches homes around the world in pristine condition.

Nat Geo Day Tour: In Verdi's Footsteps

Giuseppe Verdi is celebrated as one of the most influential opera composers of the 19th century, and his work still enjoys great popularity today. Among his best-known operas are La Traviata, Rigoletto and Aida, each telling a very different story but all offering dramatic music and emotional intensity. Taking a tour of Verdi's Milan spotlights his musical genius and reveals his fierce dedication to becoming a maestro of Italian Opera. Discover the legacy he left in Milan, a city he both loved and loathed, with a visit to the Fondazione Giuseppe Verdi, the house that the Opera maestro built to host retired artists and musicians. Here, you'll get a close up look at the life of Verdi and his wife, including their personal belongings, furnishings, art collections, and their final resting places. Next on the itinerary is an opportunity to meet the current residents of Casa Verdi, many of whom are internationally acclaimed artists, and listen to their extraordinary life stories. You are also invited to attend an exclusive performance for National Geographic travellers by one of the residents. Your penultimate stop is La Scala Theatre. Visit the museum and find out the behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Verdi's relationship with the theatre. At the end of the tour, you'll follow in Verdi's footsteps and take a break at Grand Hotel et de Milan, where Verdi lived for 27 years and in fact, where he took his last breath.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Handmade in Milan

Explore Isola district's heritage and get behind-the-scenes access to artisan workshops, from furniture restoration and violin making to handmade clothing and ethical jewelry – plus a trattoria lunch.

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper guided tour with local expert guide

Book a guided tour of the Last Supper in Milan to discover the mysteries hidden behind one of the most important works ever!

Duomo Cathedral private tour with a local guide

Discover the Duomo of Milan with a private local guide! Visit the cathedral, explore the crypt and reach the rooftop to admire the breathtaking view of the city.

Navigli Canals of Milan private walking tour with a local guide

Discover the Navigli Canals of Milan with a private local guide, enjoy a nice walk along the canals admiring the hidden gems, visit the Portinari Chapel and discover the most picturesque and historical corners of Milan.

Exclusive guided tour of Milan with La Scala, Duomo Square and the Galleria

Book an exclusive tour of Milan city center, visit La Scala Theatre and its museum and explore Piazza del Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

St. Moritz and Swiss Alps with Bernina Red Train from Milan

Gain a deeper understanding of the history and natural wonders of St. Moritz and Tirano, guided by a local expert who unveils cultural treasures.

Como, Bellagio and Lugano Day Tour from Milan with Lake Cruise

Enjoy a guided walking tour in the historic centre of Como, take a stroll in Lugano, and board an exclusive panoramic cruise in Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como.