Do this because

Learn the secrets of Milan's unique Isola district, where age-old crafts flourish alongside futuristic architecture

Visit some of the most influential 'botteghe artigiane' and explore some of the city's oldest and most intriguing artisan workshops, usually closed to the public while learning from the artisans themselves about their passion for jewelry, fashion, musical instruments and furniture restoration

Explore the interplay between tradition and modernity, witnessing how concepts like sustainability, reusing materials, working ethically, and social inclusion are embraced in the work of these artisans

Appreciate the diverse blend of architectural styles that defines Isola as a neighborhood and delve deeper into the traditional Milanese "casa di ringhiera" and its "casa e bottega" concept, which combines living space with a workshop.

Enjoy a typical Milanese lunch at a local trattoria

Access

Immerse yourself in the destinations and attractions you explore through exclusive access and hands-on experiences based on National Geographic’s existing relationships around the globe.

Knowledge

Discover the world through the lens of National Geographic as National Geographic-trained guides and local experts share their knowledge and passion of the places and locations you visit.

Give back

Experience meaningful explorations with a commitment to sustainable tourism, with all tours meeting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and a portion of proceeds dedicated to fund research.

Local immersion

Become inspired to care about the planet and its people by gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and inhabitants of the places you visit through interaction and insights into their daily lives.

Storytelling

Be a part of the story of each destination you visit through the unparalleled content and research from National Geographic you’ll be exposed to, making you reflect on different current realities.

What to expect

Weave through the heart of Milan's Isola district to discover the city's artisanal heritage through a story about inclusion, sustainability and tradition. This exclusive tour opens the doors to some of the most influential 'botteghe artigiane' - craft workshops, where the fusion of tradition and modernity takes center stage. Your National Geographic-trained guide will reveal the history and evolution of the Isola district, transporting you into the world of Italian craft making, where reverence for materials, people, and sustainability prevails.

Start your tour with a burst of color and passion at KeChic fashion atelier. Valeria and Cheikh will share the heritage and artistry behind their handmade garments, designing each creation with a genuine love for their work.

The reverence for traditional skills continues at Bertucci Romani bookbinders shop. Discover the lab above the shop, normally closed to the public, where you will watch the process of bookbinding and witness the creativity of the owners in realizing cards, posters and building boxes for all occasions and events.

Continue your tour to the family-run Laboratorio Cagliani, where you'll witness the intricate process of breathing new life into timeless pieces of furniture. Specializing in restoration using the same skills as when the original piece was crafted, the Cagliani workshop upholds the spirit of the past.

The last stop is Uroburo atelier. A jewelry shop, a gold laboratory and a social cooperative: they promote environmental sustainability by using fair trade raw materials and social inclusion by employing people with mental illnesses and allowing them to learn a job.

Your tour will end with a delightful typical Milanese lunch at a local trattoria in the Isola district.

Important to know

Not suitable for:

wheelchair users and people who struggle to walk distances

Know in advance:

there are two toilets at Angolo Milano Trattoria. Each lab/shop has a toilet if needed
activity level is moderate
distance in kilometers is 2.6km and approx 30 min. walking
your lunch will be served at Angolo Milano Trattoria
this tour can host a min. of 1 and a max. of 10 people

Remember to bring: