Milan: Navigli Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe

If you’re headed to Milan and want to see a side of the city that’s both lively and authentic, a walking food tour through the Navigli district offers an ideal blend of history, local flavor, and conviviality. For around $115, you get about four hours of wandering alongside knowledgeable guides, sampling hand-stretched pizza, carpaccio, Gorgonzola, and even learning how to craft your own Tiramisù. The tour is designed for a small group, ensuring a friendly, personalized experience, and it’s recommended by 99% of past travelers, making it a popular choice booked well in advance.

What we particularly love about this experience are two key details: First, the chance to explore hidden foodie spots that you might overlook on your own, and second, the combination of delicious tastings with cultural stories—it’s not just about the food but understanding how Milanese cuisine reflects local history and traditions. The only possible consideration is that the tour involves some walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must.

This tour suits foodies, history buffs, and travelers who enjoy lively neighborhoods. It’s also a fantastic choice for solo travelers looking to connect over shared meals and stories or for small groups eager to discover Milan’s culinary heartbeat.

• Authentic Milanese Flavors: From pizza to risotto, enjoy a curated selection of local specialties.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Giuseppe and Chiara are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Hidden Gems: Visit lesser-known spots that offer a genuine taste of Milan life.
• Cultural Stories: Learn about Milan’s history, from Leonardo da Vinci to the Navigli canals.
• Interactive Experience: Make your own tiramisù and customize it for a memorable hands-on activity.
• Well-Structured Itinerary: Diverse stops encompass bakeries, canalside eateries, and markets.

The Beginning: Meeting in Piazza Ventiquattro Maggio

Your journey starts in a lively part of Milan, right near the Columns of San Lorenzo. This area strikes a nice balance between modern Milan and its ancient roots—perfect for setting the tone of the tour. It’s a spot where you’ll feel the city’s energy immediately, with plenty of nearby cafes and shops to soak in the local vibe. The meeting point is easy to find, and the small group size (max 12 travelers) ensures an intimate experience.

Stop 1: Forno Del Mastro – Organic Bakery and Pizza

The tour kicks off at an award-winning bakery renowned for its organic ingredients and biodiversity focus. Here, you’ll taste Pizza alla teglia, which is a thick, flavorful style of pizza baked in a large tray. This stop is not just about the food but about understanding Milan’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable ingredients. Visitors often appreciate the craft beer pairing, which complements the freshly baked pizza.

A common sentiment from travelers like Tiffany: “The food was good, but the wine experience and conversations made it special.” The bakery offers a glimpse into Milan’s modern food scene, emphasizing organic choices that align with current trends toward healthier, environmentally conscious eating.

Stop 2: Ripa di Porta Ticinese – Canal-side Charm

Next, your group strolls toward the canal area, where a cozy restaurant offers Polenta, Carpaccio, and Gorgonzola. This spot balances a classic Milanese menu with a contemporary ambiance—a theme you’ll notice throughout the tour. The setting, right next to the canal, provides a picturesque backdrop for tasting Milan’s traditional dishes.

Reviewers like Deb_H appreciated the wide spectrum of foods sampled and the ability to accommodate gluten-free options, making it clear that the stops are flexible and tailored. The Polenta and Carpaccio are staples of Milanese cuisine, and being able to savor them in a lively, modern setting helps bridge the old and new.

Stop 3: Via Vigevano – Ligurian Focaccia (Farinata)

A brief walk leads to a spot famous for Farinata, a simple chickpea focaccia. It’s cooked in tinned copper pans, a detail that highlights the authenticity of the preparation. Many travelers find Farinata to be a surprisingly delicious, protein-rich snack, offering a taste of Ligurian cuisine that’s not often featured on typical tourist menus.

Travelers like Melissa_B comment: “My guides told us stories about the area, and the farinata was a delightful surprise.” The focus here on regional specialties adds depth to the tour’s culinary tapestry.

Stop 4: Officina del Riso – Risotto Heaven

This stop is dedicated to Risotto alla Milanese, famous for its vibrant yellow color and saffron flavor. Officina del Riso is a creative hub that showcases rice variations, blending Mediterranean ingredients with local rice. You’ll learn how this dish became a symbol of Milanese pride, and enjoy a well-prepared plate in a setting that’s as charming as the dish itself.

The reviews praise the pace and quality of tastings, with Deb_H noting how the variety of foods across the tour was impressive, and gluten-free options were easy to find.

Stop 5: Mascherpa Tiramisù Boutique – Make Your Own Dessert

One of the tour’s highlights is at Mascherpa, a boutique specializing in Tiramisù. Here, you’ll receive a step-by-step guide to creating this iconic Italian dessert, and then you get to customize your own version. Many find this activity both fun and delicious—plus, it offers a memorable hands-on experience.

Melissa_B summed it up: “The tiramisù craft session was a lot of fun, and I loved trying different flavor combinations.” It’s a great way to end the tasting journey on a sweet note.

The Iconic Navigli Canals and Neighborhood

After the tastings, the tour typically visits the canal area, which dates back to the 12th century. This scenic stretch is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering a real sense of Milan’s social and cultural life. The trendy bars, shops, and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

Travelers like Linda appreciated the combination of walking and tasting, with Chiara providing plenty of stories about the history and modern life along the canals.

Porta Genova and the Local Market

The tour also includes a visit to Porta Genova, a historic city gate and transportation hub. If you’re planning to continue exploring Milan independently, this is a convenient point to connect to public transportation, making your day flexible and stress-free.

Final Stop: (R)esistenza Casearia – Local Cheese Tasting

The tour wraps up at a high-end cheesemonger in a covered market, where you’ll sample Gorgonzola and other regional cheeses. Many travelers, like ZhiHao_Q, comment on the quality of the cheese, which comes from local farms and producers. The focus on local Lombard cheeses adds another layer of authenticity and supports regional producers.

Overall, this tour provides a balanced mix of tasting, learning, and strolling. The small group size makes conversations more personal, and guides like Giuseppe, Chiara, Julia, and Alex are repeatedly praised for their knowledge, warmth, and passion for Milanese food.

The tastings are generous enough to leave you full but not overwhelmed, with a focus on quality over quantity. The interactive element—especially making tiramisù—adds a memorable touch that sets this tour apart from more typical tasting experiences.

Timing is carefully managed, with each stop lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, allowing you to savor each dish without feeling rushed. The walks between stops are short but scenic, giving you a real feel for the neighborhood’s character.

At $115, this tour offers excellent value considering the quality of food, the expert guidance, and the unique experiences like making tiramisù. Past travelers have noted how guides went out of their way to accommodate gluten-free diets, and the diversity of tastings ensures you experience a broad spectrum of Milanese cuisine.

The tour’s focus on local specialties and regional ingredients means you’re not just eating for fun but gaining insight into Milan’s culinary identity. Plus, the small group setting ensures a more relaxed, conversational atmosphere—something larger tours often lack.

If you’re a food lover eager to discover Milan’s hidden culinary gems, this tour is perfect. It’s also great for history buffs who enjoy learning stories behind each dish and the neighborhood’s past. Solo travelers will find it a fantastic way to meet like-minded people, and small groups will appreciate the personalized touch.

Travelers who value authentic experiences over tourist traps will find this tour’s focus on local spots and regional flavors especially rewarding. And if you’re keen on hands-on activities, the tiramisù workshop will make this outing even more memorable.

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions? You should inform the guides beforehand. The tour can accommodate gluten-free diets at every stop, according to reviews, but it’s best to specify your needs when booking.

How long is the walking involved? The entire tour lasts about 4 hours, with walking between stops being short—around 10 to 20 minutes at a time—making it manageable even for those who prefer light activity.

Are drinks included? The tour includes a craft beer at the bakery and aperitivo options, but it does not specify additional drinks beyond those provided during tastings.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, creating an intimate environment where guides can give personalized attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, receiving a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or families? The focus is on adult tastes and stories, but families with older children interested in food and culture may enjoy it. Be mindful of the walking and activity involved.

Where does the tour end? The final stop is in the Via Edmondo de Amicis area near the canals, close to transportation hubs like Porta Genova.

Do I need to bring anything? Comfortable shoes, a sense of curiosity, and perhaps a camera to capture the scenic views and food moments.

This Navigli Food & Drinks Tour is a fantastic way to get beneath the surface of Milan, experiencing its culinary traditions in a lively, friendly setting. The guides’ expertise and the quality of tastings make it an experience worth the price, especially if you’re hungry for authentic flavors, local stories, and a taste of Milanese life.

It’s well-suited for solo travelers, couples, and small groups looking for an engaging, delicious, and educational outing. Whether you’re new to Milan or a returning visitor, this tour will leave you with full stomachs, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for this vibrant city.

Enjoy your Milan adventure—bon appétit!