Get to know Milan like a local with this three hour tour covering the highlights. This tour begins at the iconic Duomo Cathedral, then travels to the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then on to the Piazza della Scala Milan's famous opera house. Afterwards you will stroll down the charming Brera district seeing typical Milan houses and balconies, then onto the Sforza Castle. The experienced guide is happy to tailor the tour to suit your personal interests, though all tours will begin with the Cathedral Duomo di Milan. The cathedral is the fifth largest in the world and the largest in Italy.  It took over six centuries to build and is one of the world’s leading examples of Gothic architecture. As you wander through its interior your guide will explain about the art and architecture that make this cathedral so special. The city of Milan has its origins in the 6th Century B.C. and for about 200 years was the seat of the Roman Empire. Today it is a wonderful mix of old and new. On the tour you will visit one of the earliest shopping malls, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This 19th Century structure has two magnificent glass-vaulted arcades and a glass dome. You can take a little time out to browse through the shops or perhaps have a drink in one of the many cafes or bars, as Milan’s great poets, artist and writers of the 19th Century used to do. Milan also has a tradition for wonderful music and the world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, Milan’s Opera House is another not to be missed delight. Designed by Guiseppe Piermarini it was built over the ruins of a former theatre and was opened in 1778.  People come from all over the world to see this wonderful theatre and to enjoy its magnificent operatic performances. A final piece of Milan’s history is the medieval Sforza Castle that was built by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan in the 15th Century.