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Last supper/cathedral

Looking for suggestions to purchasing tickets to last supper and gothic cathedral (including rooftop). It is last minute as we are looking for may 23, 2015 and most tours sold out. any tour suggestions that might include above? what are chances of arriving same day at ticket booth and getting cancellations. our flight arrives at 6am so we will def be there by 8am.

also we will have our luggage in tow due to not staying in milan (staying in sermione if we get early tour). looking for place to store luggage for the day there if anyone can advise to this as well. we will only have backpacks and carry on luggage.
thank you so much!
renee

Posted by
1994 posts

I am puzzled by your comment that the tours are sold out. How many companies have you checked? A quick look at DarkRome indicates they have availability.

You don't really need a tour to see the cathedral or its roof. In my experience in May and Sept, I've not find found sizable lines.

Finally, I think you may be optimistic in assuming that your flight will be on time, deplaning will occur promptly, and therefore that you can be at a start point for a tour 2 hours after your scheduled to land. Is this an international flight? Or a very short regional flight? But either way, I would be more comfortable with a 3 to 4 hour time cushion.

Posted by
21 posts

i also thought dark rome had tickets available, however when you go to check out it states no tickets available. I went on about 7 different tour groups and unable to find tickets. any specific suggestions for groups that may be available?

as for our plane. our arrival time is 6am. so thinking we should hopefully be able to do 930a or 1030a tour. however even if we can get tickets and do on our own is fine as well. it was my understanding we needed tickets to even get into the cathedral and rooftop from sites i have read. if not, great! :) we can do tour by downloading rick steves audio tours if i remember correctly.

Posted by
1573 posts

You can check your luggage at the train station. My wife and I did that when we passed through Milan last May.

Posted by
1994 posts

You don't need tickets for the duomo. However, you do need tickets for the roof and the excavations under the duomo. I've never prepurchased those, and not seen a line for purchasing them.

You definitely do need a reserved ticket to get into the last supper.

Posted by
35 posts

Regarding your luggage, I would suggest you check your bags at the main train station, Milano Centrale (buses from the airport leave for Milano Centrale every 20 minutes). After visiting Milan, you can reclaim your bags at the station, and catch the train to Sirmione.

It would be chancy to count on being in an appointed place at 9:30am after a 6am scheduled arrival. It has been my experience in Italy that most things take about twice the time you would think, for example, checking and/or reclaiming your bags at the train station. Over- planning can result in serious frustration.

It might be possible to purchase tickets for the Last Supper by phone through Vivaticket (from the US dial 011-39-02-9280-0360, open Mon-Sat 8:00-18:30), even though the website does not show tickets available. Hopefully, you will be able to get a slot, and then once there pay the extra €3 for their audioguide. Rick Steves does not have audioguides for Milan - yet!

Posted by
11613 posts

You might find tickets for Leonardo's Last Supper through a broker; I use Select Italy.

One other thing: if the weather is not good, you will not be allowed to go to the roof of the Duomo. La Rinascente department store across the street has a rooftop cafe with great views of the Duomo roof (6th or 7th floor). Pricey but a good alternative if the Duomo elevator/stairs are not available.

Posted by
21 posts

thanks everyone. unfortunately everything is booked for last supper except 915am by one company so fingers crossed we make it in time. good thing is we are only doing checked baggage, buy train ticket, and head to milan cintrale and check our luggage in and RUN to meet tour. UGH!!
2nd part of question. is it best to buy train ticket upon arrival? or since we dont know exactly time we would be avail for departure to purchase then? where is quickest place/way to get tickets upon arrival?

Posted by
5188 posts

good thing is we are only doing checked baggage, buy train ticket, and head to milan cintrale and check our luggage in and RUN to meet tour. UGH!!
2nd part of question. is it best to buy train ticket upon arrival? or since we dont know exactly time we would be avail for departure to purchase then? where is quickest place/way to get tickets upon arrival?

If you will be arriving at Malpensa Airport, you will need to take the 'Malpensa Express' train to Milano Centrale (buy tickets at the ticket window next to train tracks. Travel time is about 52 minutes.

Once you arrive to Milano Centrale, follow signs to 'Deposito baggagli'(left luggage), located on ground floor (take escalator down)
see more info here: http://www.milanocentrale.it/en/service/detail/left-luggage1

There may be a line at the luggage storage office...

Here is a map of Milano Centrale:http://www.milanocentrale.it/en/map/

I'd recommend taking a taxi from Milano Centrale to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (site of The Last Supper masterpiece)

You can also take the Metro from Milano Centrale to Cadorna station (very close to above church), but since you may be rushing, a taxi may be your best option.

Keep in mind that you need to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your reservation time.

You can always return to the train station after visiting the Last Supper where you can purchase your train tickets for your next destination.

You can purchase them at the ticket office or at a self-service ticket machine, see this website for more information:
http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#Self-service_ticket_machines

Have a wonderful trip!