Milan day tour suggestions - including The Last Supper

Yes, you can do the Duomo on your own. And, yes! go up to the roof! You don't need to do the elevator unless you have a condition that makes walking a problem. The stairs are not bad and the wait for the elevator always looks crowded. The ticket office used to be behind the Duomo (it may have changed, I don't know).
As far as the Last Supper , if you are going after September this year, go to this website exactly 3 months before you go and buy a ticket for the exhibit alone. No need to spend a lot on a tour. https://cenacolovinciano.vivaticket.it/ita/event/cenacolo-vinciano/63954?idt=744

You will await in a hallway while other tours have a lecture, then you will move from one glass enclosed room to another (this ensures that the painting isn't exposed to harmful things). You will have a limited time to view the painting (don't miss the one on the opposite wall as well!)
Hope this helps.
Lori

Hi Lori,

Thanks for the detailed information. I think I will do the Duomo the way you suggested - that was precisely the information I was looking for.

As for The Last Supper - they are not showing any tickets available for my date.

It's a tour then for the Last Supper. I would go with the most economical. One the bright side, you will get all the background information on it! It is an interesting story. BTW, don't forget Sforza Castle and definitely have dinner at Piz! (it's a pizza place that is oriented to locals). They only have 3 types of pizza, but when you get there, they give you a complimentary slice of pimiento (I love it so much, I order a whole one for dinner instead of the pizza) and a glass of prosecco. After dinner they offer a complimentary shot of meloncello (OMG! delish!). I don't stop there, I have a shot of hazelnut cello and my fav.... pistachio cello! Yummmmmm........
There is also a gelato shop called Ciacco. Have a limone e basilico for me, please ;)

Suggest finding a tour that includes the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and The Last Supper. The tour we took was excellent as was the guide. We met at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana where she guided us through with special focus on da Vinci, then walked to Santa Maria delle Grazie where we spent some time before entering for our 15 minutes to see The Last Supper. We were given great background information on The Last Supper along with da Vinci himself.

Highly recommend finding something similar it you prefer art and less shopping. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana was very quiet with hardly any tourists the day we were there. We were in the same situation - no tickets available for the one day we had to see The Last Supper. It was our second visit to Milan and we didn't want to miss the opportunity again. It was definitely worth the price.

Hi Lori,

What great (and enthusiastic!) information ! Any other tips...? I really appreciate it.

@ Mother Duck - Do you happen to remember the name of the tour or guide?

Thanks....

It was purchased through Viator (it looks like they no longer offer it), but the tour was with Zani Viaggi - Walking Tour of Milan following Leonardo da Vinci.

The guide also added a stop at the Church of San Maurizio on the way to see The Last Supper.

I dont remember which company we used, but it included a tour of La Scala, which we enjoyed more than anything. Realize that you only get to be in the room with The Last Supper for 15 minutes, so the more other stuff you get to see, the better, IMO.

There is a Frog Tour in Milan (it's a free walking tour done by volunteers- you just tip them at the end). If anything is playing at La Scala, go. Someone else mentioned a tour of La Scala. It is cool. They have a box that is open for people to visit, then there are museum rooms with posters and La Scala - related memorabilia.
There is a Leonardo museum on the back side of the Galleria with wooden models of his inventions. It's interesting, but not at the top of your list.
Check online for events that may be happening while your there. The last time I was there, they had a public concert on the Piazza by a famous conductor and orchestra. It was amazing.
The lawns behind Sforza Castle can have an almost carnival atmosphere on the weekends as the locals picnic out there and have different activities (last time it was a dog show).

One time I went to Sunday Mass (I'm not Catholic - lol) and just absorbed the whole experience in those amazing surroundings. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. I always stay at UNA Maison Milano and it is wonderful (on the corner of the Duomo piazza).
Lori

Oh, I just remembered. Check at the Church of Santa Maria della Grazie (where the Last Supper is) for any concerts while you are there. I did this on one of my visits and loved the experience of gazing at the church whilst listening to beautiful music.

I used Walks of Italy which included tickets to the Last Supper. Excellent walking tour.

@ Judy - Walks of Italy is booked up.
@ all what great suggestions. I am busily working on getting it all sorted.

@Lori - I was reading through some old threads. I see you did a day trip to Verona. What train did you end up purchasing and which site did you book on?

I don’t remember why, but I didn’t end up going. I think I was too tired.