Why not extend your stay after a river cruise aboard the MS Michelangelo? After the gentle flow of the river, let yourself be enchanted by the splendor of a metropolis and the serenity of a legendary lake.
Some journeys don't end at the ship's dock. That's why CroisiEurope extends one final invitation to you, a graceful extension before returning to everyday life: an escape to Milan and Lake Como. Two destinations, two distinct atmospheres, yet one and the same essence of Italy.
Designed as a complete experience in its own right, this three-day extension is for those who love to immerse themselves in a place, understand it, and feel it fully. It is available on several cruises, allowing you to explore Italy a little more deeply.
Through this article, we invite you to discover these magical places, perhaps inspiring you to experience this getaway for yourself.
A dynamic metropolis and the bustling capital of Lombardy, Milan is also known as the world capital of design and fashion. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, constantly reinventing itself without ever losing sight of its history.
A must-see landmark, Milan's Duomo, a majestic Gothic cathedral, dominates the city with its 135 spires adorned with sculptures and its white and pink marble façades. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Inside, its impressive grandeur can accommodate up to 40,000 visitors and houses exceptional works of art. From its summit, the view over the city is breathtaking.
Just a few steps away, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II invites passers-by to stroll beneath its splendid historic glass roof, among elegant boutiques and centuries-old cafés.
Not far away, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses one of the absolute masterpieces of painting: Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, depicting Jesus Christ's final meal with his apostles. Reservations are required, often several weeks in advance, so if you wish to admire this work, be sure to plan well ahead of your departure.
Fashion lovers won't want to miss the Quadrilatero della Moda: four legendary streets (Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant'Andrea, and Via Manzoni) that are home to the city's most prestigious designer boutiques, ranging from luxury jewellery stores to haute couture.
For those who prefer to stray from the main thoroughfares, Milan has some lovely surprises in store: you'll discover a more intimate side of the city, with flower-filled courtyards, understated palazzos, and traditional trattorias where you can savour local specialities paired with a glass of regional red wine.
History and art enthusiasts, meanwhile, can explore the many museums scattered throughout the city. The Royal Villa of Milan (or Villa Belgiojoso Bonaparte), built in 1796, houses the city's modern art gallery, while the Leonardo da Vinci Science Museum, located in the western part of the city, features a large collection dedicated to the artist’s work. Numerous works by other Italian engineers and scientists are also on display there.
The Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle), a 15th-century fortress, is home to several exhibitions and museums, including the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Prehistory and Protohistory, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Furniture Museum, and more. As you stroll through the castle grounds, you'll come to the Arco della Pace, a triumphal arch completed in 1838. In 2026, this arch will also stand near one of the venues used during the Winter Olympics.
In short, Milan is a city of a thousand faces that knows how to welcome its visitors. It is one of those rare cities capable of charming art enthusiasts, food lovers, fashion aficionados, and even the simply curious in search of authenticity.
This is one of the places that has inspired some of the greatest artists. A jewel of the Italian Alps, it boasts a unique atmosphere that blends the mildness of the Mediterranean with the purity of the mountains.
The city of Como, built along its shores, invites visitors to relax and embrace the famous dolce vita. Often seen as merely a gateway to the lake, it is nonetheless well worth a closer look.
The Cathedral of Como (Santa Maria Assunta), whose construction began in the 14th century, bears witness to several centuries of transformation: Gothic in structure and Renaissance in its ornamentation, it underwent modifications up until the 18th century. Its remarkable façade was decorated by the Rodari brothers. The interior, more solemn, features Renaissance décor within a Gothic setting, including tapestries and paintings by Bernardino Luini and Gaudenzio Ferrari, as well as a moving Descent from the Cross sculpted by Tomaso Rodari.
On the shores of the lake, Villa Olmo is the villa closest to the city centre. Designed by the Italian architect Simone Cantoni and built in 1782, it offers a privileged view over its Italian- and English-style gardens. Its interior, adorned with frescoes and works of art, regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
For a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake and the Alps, don't miss the ascent to the village of Brunate, accessible via the funicular inaugurated in the late 19th century, which climbs to an altitude of over 700 metres.
Nestled in the Italian Alps, this little corner of paradise, seemingly lifted straight from a movie set, has captivated visitors for centuries. Lake Como, shaped like an inverted Y, covers more than 146 square kilometres. Italy's third-largest lake and one of the deepest in Europe, it reaches a maximum depth of 418 metres. Surrounded by mountains, with waters that shift in colour depending on the light and the season, it is quite simply one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
The best way to explore it is by boat. The ferries connecting the villages are both practical and enjoyable, offering a leisurely way to travel from one shore to the other, stop wherever you wish, and take your time. With CroisiEurope, as part of the "Milan & Lake Como" extension, we offer a boat ride on the lake so you can fully appreciate this timeless place, where Garden of Eden-like landscapes, dreamy villas, and picturesque villages line the shores.
And then there is the atmosphere. A lakeside terrace, a glass of local white wine, mountains in the background, this is undoubtedly the perfect way to conclude a trip to Italy.
This CroisiEurope extension to Milan and Lake Como transforms an intimate river cruise into a complete journey, a holiday that blends culture, relaxation, and stunning scenery. It allows you to combine the charm of canals and historic towns and villages (Venice, Burano, Murano, Mantua, Padua, Chioggia, Ostiglia, Verona…) with the energy of a vibrant cultural metropolis and the serenity of one of Italy's most beautiful lakes.
The experiences included in this extension; guided tours, traditional lunches, scenic excursions, and a lake cruise, are designed to offer the very best of the region in just three days. With two nights in a 4-star hotel in Milan or on Lake Garda, you'll be able to enjoy Italy from a different, deeper, and more exclusive perspective.
