Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake

Review · HIKING & TREKKING

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake

5.0 · 9 reviews 2 hours From $29 Operated by La Milano che non ti aspetti · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Milan can be loud, but this walk turns it quiet. You’ll follow a guide into Boscoincittà, Milan’s forest, hunting for hidden corners and small moments of wildlife life along the way. Then the day softens into a picnic scene by the Lake of Turtles, with a slow, green reset that feels like you left the city.

I also like that the experience mixes nature time with real food breaks. You get pauses built in for an aperitif, beer, and cheese or food tastings before settling down for the picnic with Italian products. It makes the route feel social without turning it into a big party.

One thing to consider: it’s only about two hours, so it’s a taste, not a long hike. Bring comfortable shoes and expect a gentle walking pace on forest paths, not a miles-long adventure.

Key things you should know before you go

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Key things you should know before you go

  • Boscoincittà in Milan: A real pocket of trees with varied wild and botanical life.
  • Picnic by the Lake of Turtles: A calm finish on the shores, with Italian products.
  • Food moments included: Aperitif, beer, and cheese or food tastings come during the walk.
  • A guide who brings the route alive: Guides speak Italian, English, and Spanish, and Davide’s style comes through in how you’re welcomed.
  • Easy meeting area access: M1 at Bonola plus a short walk, or M5 plus bus 64.

Why Boscoincittà Feels Like a City Escape

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Why Boscoincittà Feels Like a City Escape
Milan’s famous for fashion, design, and fast-moving streets. This tour flips the script and puts you in the city’s green heart, among centuries-old trees and tucked-away paths.

You’re not just passing through. The guide leads you to shelters and secret corners, places where you can actually hear birds and feel cleaner air compared to the center. And since the forest includes ponds and park-like pockets, wildlife spotting can be a real part of the day, not an afterthought.

You can also read our reviews of more hiking tours in Milan

The 2-Hour Wood Trek, From Via Giorgio de Chirico to the Forest

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - The 2-Hour Wood Trek, From Via Giorgio de Chirico to the Forest
You start at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7, right as you’re ready to switch modes from city navigation to footstep wandering. The tour is short on purpose, which is great if you want nature without losing an entire half-day.

Once you reach Boscoincittà, the pacing stays relaxed but active. You’ll have time for photos and a break, then you’ll move through guided walking segments that focus on the forest’s details. The route includes scenic views along the way, and the whole walk part is about 1.5 hours.

What makes this section work is the way the guide frames what you’re seeing. Instead of treating the woods like a generic backdrop, you learn how to notice small shifts, like changes in plant life and where wildlife tends to appear. It’s the difference between seeing trees and actually understanding why this place feels alive.

Practical tip: wear shoes you’d trust on uneven ground. The tour is designed to be comfortable, but it still happens outdoors on natural paths.

Aperitif, Beer, and Cheese or Food Tasting in Nature

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Aperitif, Beer, and Cheese or Food Tasting in Nature
This is one of those tours that understands the woods are better when you slow down and pause. Along the walk, you’ll have an aperitif moment and even beer included, plus cheese tasting and other food tasting.

I like this setup because it keeps energy steady without forcing a formal meal schedule. You get the chance to talk with the group, ask questions, and settle your brain between the greener parts of the route.

Also, the food theme matters here. It’s not just snacks. The tour includes Italian products, and that makes the picnic feel like it belongs to the setting, not like something you dragged in from the city.

If you’re the type who gets hangry on tours, this one is friendly. It builds small payoffs during the walk, not just at the end.

The Lake of Turtles Picnic: Quiet, Scenic, and Very Italian

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - The Lake of Turtles Picnic: Quiet, Scenic, and Very Italian
After the walking portion, you relax with a picnic on the shores of the Lake of Turtles. The whole point of this finish is tranquility, and it’s set up so you can actually enjoy it, not rush through it.

The picnic comes with Italian products, and you’re encouraged to take in the atmosphere. Think gentle lakeside stillness, soft sounds of water and birds, and a real sense of distance from traffic. It’s an easy way to end a Milan day without it turning into another museum line.

What you should do in this segment is simple: put your phone away for a bit, breathe, and let the setting do its job. You’ll remember the calm more than the photos, and that’s the goal.

If you tend to get cool near water, bring a light layer. The tour doesn’t say what the weather will be, but lakeside can feel different from the deeper forest areas.

Meeting Up Without Stress: Metro M1 or M5 Plus Bus 64

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Meeting Up Without Stress: Metro M1 or M5 Plus Bus 64
Getting to the start point is straightforward once you know the route. The meeting location is Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7, and the tour begins and ends there.

If you’re taking the Red Metro (M1), go in the direction of Rho fiera and get off at Bonola. Walk about 5 minutes from there.

If the Lilac Metro (M5) is easier, go toward San Siro stadium dazn. Get off at the terminus, then take bus n.64 toward Bonola. Get off at Piazza Rosa scolari, and you should be close to the meeting area.

One more practical note from real-world experience: there’s an option for easy free parking at the meeting point, which helps if you’re driving and want to keep the morning simple.

Price and Value: Why $29 Works for This Kind of Tour

At $29 per person for a two-hour outing, the price feels fair because you’re not just paying for walking. You’re paying for a guided route to hidden parts of the city’s forest, plus a prepared food experience.

Here’s what the money buys you, in real terms:

  • A guided walk that takes you into lesser-known corners
  • A picnic at the Lake of Turtles
  • A bottle of water
  • Food moments during the walk, including aperitif, beer, and cheese or food tastings

You can absolutely spend more in Milan for shorter, more structured experiences. This one gives you active time outdoors, a scenic finish, and included food. For many people, that turns a quick outing into something that feels complete.

If you’re trying to budget while still doing something genuinely local, this hits the sweet spot.

Who This Trek Is Best For (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits well if you want nature in Milan without the stress of planning a route yourself. It’s also ideal when you want a balanced mix of walking and sitting, with food and guidance built in.

You’ll especially appreciate it if you:

  • Like wildlife spotting and forest walks
  • Want a calm change of pace from city streets
  • Prefer guided structure, especially if you don’t know Boscoincittà well
  • Value a multilingual guide setup with options in Italian, English, and Spanish

One group might reconsider: people looking for a long, physically demanding hike. This is designed as a short, enjoyable nature experience, not an all-day trek.

Also, because the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, it’s a good choice to consider if you want outdoor time and guidance. You’ll still want to think about comfort on outdoor surfaces, but the accessibility note is a real plus.

Should You Book This Tour?

I’d book it if you want an easy way to experience Milan as more than buildings and coffee bars. The strongest reason is the combo: a guided forest walk with hidden corners, then a lakeside picnic that actually lets you relax.

It’s also a smart value choice. For $29, you’re getting the guide experience plus picnic and tastings, and you’re not spending extra time and money figuring everything out.

One final decision tip: if you can, pick a time of day when you can enjoy the setting without rushing. The experience includes a sunset element, and even if the skies change, the mood of the forest and lake is the point.

If you’re trying to see Milan in a way that feels honest and calm, this is one of the better bets.

FAQ

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7.

How long is the trekking and picnic experience?

The duration is 2 hours, with about 1.5 hours spent in Boscoincittà.

How much does it cost?

The price is $29 per person.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a guided walk that takes you to hidden places, a picnic, and a bottle of water.

What food and drink should I expect during the experience?

The itinerary includes an aperitif, beer, cheese tasting, and food tasting, and the day ends with a picnic on the shores of the Lake of Turtles.

What languages are offered for the live tour guide?

The guide offers Italian, English, and Spanish.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

How do I reach the meeting point using the Red Metro (M1)?

Take the Red Metro (M1) direction Rho fiera, get off at Bonola, then walk about 5 minutes.

How do I reach the meeting point using the Lilac Metro (M5) and a bus?

Take the Lilac Metro (M5) direction San Siro stadium dazn, get off at the terminus, then take bus n.64 toward Bonola and get off at Piazza Rosa scolari.

Can I cancel for a refund, and is pay later available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

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