Spring over linjen: Eftermiddagstur i Milano

Our guide Christine was wonderful. She clearly knew her Milan history, and even educated constitutional lawyer me in how “Italy” transitioned from multiple dukedoms to a unified monarchy and then in 1948 became a constitutional democracy. She knew her art history too. She prepped the whole city tour to give our group insights in the Last Supper painting. Highly recommend Christine. Just be SURE you scope out meet point in advance. That could havre been clearer—meeting strangers in a busy piazza in Italy means they need clear instructions on exactly where to meet.

The actual tour was great. The guide was very knowledgeable with her description of the Last Supper. Our only complaint was with the meeting spot. We were told to meet in a certain location but no one was there. Several others from our tour were also searching for the guide. We finally found the guide across the square but would have appreciated an update to the meeting location.

Right up there with Michelangelo’s “The David” and the Sistine Chapel, both of which I have experienced, The Last Supper has been on my Bucket List since I was in 9th grade Art History class. The first two left me in awe, and this did not disappoint! Fortunately I had been doing so much research prior to our departure to Milan, months of research actually, so I had discovered how important it was to buy your tickets well in advance and not wait until you arrive in Milan! The museum releases three of months of tickets at a time and I’m guessing that the major tour companies like Viator and Get Your Guide swoop in and buy them up because when I first started looking to buy tickets, the museum was sold out and the average ticket with the two tour companies was anywhere between $200-$300 per ticket! The museum sells them for what, 20 Euros! But I persevered and found them with Booking.com for a total of 192 Euros and the tour was a one hour experience with a knowledgeable guide, who met us in front of the church, exactly as promised, giving each of us a headset so we could hear every word she said. Our group was only 29 people and we glided through the entry and security like total rock stars! When we finally entered the room, a hush descended on each one of us. You only wanted to speak in whispers about the beauty and devotion in that space. We were granted 15 private minutes with just our small group, to take in Leonardo’s painting on one end of the hall and on the other, the painting of the crucifixion on the opposite wall. To learn that for centuries, only monks sat daily with their meals in the dining hall, facing outward to contemplate both paintings and the impact that the behaviors of men have defined humanity. That essence still fills the room. That devotion to The Christ still fills that room. It’s humbling to see and to feel. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. It was worth every penny we paid for it!

+5

Great tour! Learned a lot about the Last supper’s history. I even got emotional looking at the painting and thinking of all the meanings behind it. The guide was entertaining 😆

This is a must do. The second time I have seen the Last Supper but the first with a guide! It was so enjoyable and very informative. Worth every penny for the added knowledge of this incredible painting.

This is amazing to see this masterpiece! Very good organization and our guide was so competent woman!

It was hard to tell where to pick up the tickets in advance, so I went back and forth for more than 20 minutes. I was very anxious that I would not be able to participate. At first, I thought if I waited in the square, they would give me a flag to mark my arrival, but when the time approached, they didn't show up, and I checked with the museum office and the entrance staff only to find out that a dark uncle in the square was handing over the tickets.

Less food than other tours of this type, but our tour guide was amazing. Fun, helpful, friendly. Like spending the afternoon with a really knowledgeable Friend. And the food was amazing. He helped us find a spot for dinner that night!!

Sylvia was awesome and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this. Thank you Sylvia, awesomeness

Really interesting commentary. Our guide was fantastic. The actual moment you see The Last Supper is breathtaking.