Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake

REVIEW · MILAN

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake

  • 5.09 reviews
  • 2 hours
  • From $29
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Operated by La Milano che non ti aspetti · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 5.0 (9)Duration2 hoursPrice from$29Operated byLa Milano che non ti aspettiBook viaGetYourGuide

Milan has a side you don’t expect. I love the calm, clean-air forest trails and the Italian picnic by the Lake of Turtles, with the guide pointing out what most people miss. The one thing to watch: at just 2 hours, it’s more of a reset than a full-day hike.

You get the best of both worlds: a city base, but a genuine nature outing. I also like that the pace feels social and relaxed, with little stops along the way for photos, an aperitif moment, and tasting bites before the picnic. If you’re chasing a long, workout-style trek, plan on something else—this one is designed to be enjoyable and easy to follow.

Boscoincittà: Milan’s Green Heart (and the Turtles Lake Ending)

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Boscoincittà: Milan’s Green Heart (and the Turtles Lake Ending)
This experience is all about finding green space in a place you thought was all concrete. In Milan, most people think museums, fashion, and fast streets. Here, the setting shifts to a forested area called Boscoincittà—a place that genuinely changes the pace of your day.

What makes it special is the mix of themes:

  • a guided walk that aims for quieter, lesser-seen spots
  • wildlife and botany you can actually notice as you go
  • a finale that feels local and unforced: a picnic by the Lake of Turtles, paired with Italian products

I went into this expecting a nice stroll. Instead, the magic is in how the guide turns it into a living tour of the surroundings, not just a sightseeing checklist.

And yes, the name says trekking in the wood—but the tone stays friendly. Think: walking, stopping, looking closely, and then eating.

How the 2-Hour Flow Works from Via Giorgio de Chirico to Sunset

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - How the 2-Hour Flow Works from Via Giorgio de Chirico to Sunset
The tour is short on paper—2 hours total—but it doesn’t feel rushed, because the itinerary is built around short segments and downtime.

You start at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7. From there, you head toward Boscoincittà, where the bulk of the time is spent outdoors. In the park area, the schedule includes a mix of movement and breaks: you’ll walk, pause for photos, and get time for an aperitif and refreshments.

A typical rhythm looks like this:

  • A break and photo stop early on, so you can get your bearings
  • aperitif and beer at the right moment (not just at the start)
  • a guided walk through the wood, with attention to wildlife and plant life
  • cheese tasting during the experience
  • sunset timing when it fits the day
  • food tasting that leads into—or overlaps with—the picnic moment
  • scenic views on the way (so the route itself is part of the show)

The picnic is the payoff. Instead of just getting a blanket and eating in silence, the tour structure makes it feel like a small ceremony—walk first, then slow down, then taste.

One practical note: because the tour is timed for a sunset-style finish, your comfort depends on weather and daylight that day. Pack accordingly.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Milan.

The Lake of Turtles Picnic: Italian Products and a Slow Down Moment

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - The Lake of Turtles Picnic: Italian Products and a Slow Down Moment
The best part of the tour is the ending: relaxing by the Lake of Turtles with a picnic. This is where the experience stops being about walking and becomes about enjoying.

You’re not just handed food. You’re guided toward a calmer tempo:

  • take in the water and quiet
  • enjoy the picnic sitting by the shore
  • snack on Italian products during the experience (not only at the picnic)

From the information provided, you’ll also have cheese tasting and food tasting as part of the program, plus a bottle of water included in the price. So even if the picnic itself is the headline, the tastings keep the whole outing from feeling like a long pre-meal wait.

If you care about taste and local feel more than fancy dining, this works. You get Italian food in an outdoor setting, without the usual city pressure.

Hidden Corners, Wildlife, and Why the Guide Matters

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Hidden Corners, Wildlife, and Why the Guide Matters
A big reason this tour earns strong ratings is simple: the route feels guided in a meaningful way. Not every walk does that. This one is built around the idea that you’ll see more because someone is showing you where to look.

In practical terms, you can expect:

  • stops in secret corners and sheltered spots
  • time for photos when the scenery is at its best
  • observations related to wildlife and botanical life in the forest

The guides are multilingual (Italian, English, Spanish), which helps a lot if you’re not comfortable in Italian. You also want a guide who pays attention to the details. In one of the runs, the tour operator named Davide was specifically mentioned as friendly and helpful—someone who made it feel like you were discovering an untamed Milan, not just following a route.

There’s also a nice bonus: the guide keeps the outing comfortable. That matters because walking tours can feel stiff when the energy is wrong. Here, the pacing is relaxed enough that you can actually enjoy the surroundings, and the short stops help you reset.

Views, Photos, Aperitif, and the Small Tastes That Add Up

This isn’t only about seeing trees. It’s about making the experience feel like a full afternoon, even though it lasts two hours.

Along the way you’ll get:

  • aperitif and beer
  • cheese tasting
  • extra food tasting
  • time for scenic views on the way
  • a finish near sunset when the timing lines up

These details matter for value. If you’ve done short tours that are basically “walk here, look there, move on,” you know how easily they disappoint. Here, tastings and drinks give the time a purpose beyond just movement.

Also, the “photo stop” isn’t an awkward moment where everyone stands still while you wait for others. It’s built in, so you can capture the forest mood without feeling like you’re holding up the group.

If you like gentle structure—where you’re guided but not forced—this kind of rhythm is a sweet spot.

Price and Value: Is $29 Worth It?

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Price and Value: Is $29 Worth It?
At $29 per person for 2 hours, you’re paying for three things that are hard to do on your own:

  1. Local guidance to reach the quieter corners
  2. A picnic setup with Italian products (plus additional tastings)
  3. Included extras like a bottle of water

If you tried to DIY this, you could likely find the woods and the lake area. But you’d still miss the organized flow: the built-in tastings, the timing for nicer light around sunset, and the way the guide points out what to notice.

The pricing feels fair because it’s not just “a walk.” It’s a guided nature break plus a food moment. In that sense, $29 buys you time well spent—not a long list of logistics and ticketing.

Also, the guide’s approach is part of the value. When the tour feels lively and comfortable, the experience lasts longer in your memory than the hours themselves.

Getting There from Milan: Bonola (M1) or Bus from M5

The meeting point is Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7. Getting there is straightforward if you’re using public transport.

Two suggested routes are provided:

  • Red metro (M1): go in the direction of Rho fiera, get off at Bonola, then walk about 5 minutes.
  • Lilac metro (M5): go to the terminus in the direction of San Siro stadium Dazn, then take bus 64 toward Bonola, getting off at Piazza Rosa scolari.

If you’re driving, one useful detail from an on-the-ground experience: there tends to be easy free parking near the meeting point. That’s not something to rely on blindly, but it’s a good sign if you’re coming by car.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Skip It)
This tour is a great match if you want:

  • a nature reset while you’re in Milan
  • a guided outdoor walk that’s friendly and not overly intense
  • a picnic with Italian products in a scenic, calmer setting
  • photo opportunities without the pressure of a hardcore hike

It may be less ideal if:

  • you’re looking for a long hike or a full-day excursion
  • you want a purely educational class about plants and ecology (the tone here is more experience-focused than lecture-focused)
  • you strongly dislike tasting food in an outdoor setting (though you control your pace)

The sweet spot is people who like strolling, looking closely, and enjoying food as part of travel—not as an afterthought.

Should You Book Trekking in the Wood with a Picnic by the Lake of Turtles?

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Should You Book Trekking in the Wood with a Picnic by the Lake of Turtles?
I’d book it if you’re in Milan and you want an easy, well-paced break from the usual city routine. The combination is what sells it: forest walking in Milan, plus a relaxed Lake of Turtles picnic with Italian products, plus tastings that make the whole outing feel complete.

One more reason to feel confident: the experience has a strong rating and the feedback pattern points to two big wins—scenery and a guide who keeps the outing comfortable and interesting. You’re not just paying for access; you’re paying for the way the time is guided.

So if your ideal day includes greenery, good food, and a bit of sunset mood, this is an excellent choice.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $29 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7.

How do I get there by metro and walking?

Take Red metro (M1) toward Rho fiera, get off at Bonola, then walk about 5 minutes.

What if I prefer the M5 line?

Take Lilac metro (M5) to the terminus in the direction of San Siro stadium Dazn, then take bus 64 toward Bonola and get off at Piazza Rosa scolari.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a guided walk, a picnic, and a bottle of water, plus food-related tastings during the experience.

What languages are the guides?

The live guide offers Italian, English, and Spanish.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I book without paying right away?

Yes. The offer includes reserve now & pay later.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Are there starting times?

Starting times depend on availability, so you’ll need to check when booking.

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