Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake

Reviewed · MILAN

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 has a forest you can picnic in. This is a simple, low-stress way to swap city noise for shade, birdsong, and hidden corners in Boscoincittà, then finish with a Lake of Turtles picnic. I like how the walk feels local and unforced, with a guide who keeps pointing out what is around you.

Two things I really like: you get a guided route to places most people do not think to seek out, and the end-of-walk food moment is built in, not an afterthought. You do not just stroll and leave, you also stop for tastings and a relaxed aperitif rhythm that makes the whole outing feel like a treat.

One consideration: this is only a 2-hour experience, so if you want a longer hike or lots of time sitting, you may want to pair it with another Milan area after.

Key points before you go

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Key points before you go

  • Boscoincittà in Milan: a real pocket of green inside the city limits.
  • A guided route to quieter spots: you follow hidden paths instead of wandering randomly.
  • Picnic by the Lake of Turtles: the most relaxed part of the tour, with Italian products.
  • Stops along the way: photo moments, an aperitif, and tasting breaks keep it from feeling like a single long walk.
  • A guide who talks through the route: expect lively commentary in English, Italian, or Spanish.
  • Built for mixed needs: the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Milan moves fast — pick your moment and the city opens up.

Milan’s Wooded Reset at Boscoincittà

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Milan’s Wooded Reset at Boscoincittà
If your Milan plan is all fashion streets and big monuments, this tour gives you an easy counterweight. You trade crowds for trees, ponds, and calm paths in the forest area called Boscoincittà. The setting helps you slow down fast, and that is half the value.

I also appreciate the tone. This is not a survival walk. It is a guided stroll that mixes movement with pauses. You spend time looking around, taking photos, and learning how to read the place as you go. Even for a short outing, it feels like you are doing something different from the standard checklist.

The best part is the payoff: you end with a picnic at the shores of the Lake of Turtles. That final step matters. In a lot of city activities, food is either missing or squeezed into a quick break. Here, relaxation is part of the design.

The 2-hour plan, step by step, from Via Giorgio de Chirico

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - The 2-hour plan, step by step, from Via Giorgio de Chirico
The experience runs for about 2 hours, with roughly 1.5 hours spent in the Boscoincittà area. You start and end at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7, which keeps things simple if you are planning your day.

Start at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7

You meet at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7. The tour then guides you into the forest area, so you are not left figuring out the route on your own. One practical upside is that starting and finishing in the same spot usually makes timing easier, especially if you are fitting this between other Milan plans.

The Duomo is the start of the story, not the whole of it.

Boscoincittà: the walk with built-in pauses

Once you are in Boscoincittà, expect a rhythm of small stops. The schedule includes a break, a photo stop, and then a steady flow of walking with guided commentary. You also have an aperitif and beer, plus tastings like cheese tasting and food tasting later on.

This is where the tour works for real life. You are not walking for 90 minutes straight. You have moments to rest, sip, and reset your legs. You also get scenic stops along the way, so the route changes as you progress, not just on arrival.

Sunset time included

The itinerary includes sunset during the walk segment. That matters because it changes the feel of the forest light. If the timing matches your date, you are likely to get that soft, end-of-day glow that makes the whole outing feel more cinematic than it is. It is also a good reminder to arrive on time so you do not miss the light shift.

Return to Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7

At the end, you go back to the starting address. Because the tour loops, you are not stuck with logistics or extra transport, which makes this a solid pick for a day with multiple activities.

Secret corners, photo stops, and wildlife spotting in the city forest

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Secret corners, photo stops, and wildlife spotting in the city forest
The tour’s core promise is that Milan has a greener side you can experience by walking. You explore the forest area through centuries-old trees and hidden paths, with opportunities to observe wild and botanical life.

What I think you will appreciate most is the guide’s attention to the surroundings. The outing is designed so you notice more than just trees. You get cues about what is around you and why the route is worth following. In one case, the guide Davide was described as speaking with the group the whole journey and clearly loving the route. That kind of energy tends to make the walk feel like a conversation, not a lecture.

Also, the structure helps you actually look up. If you wander on your own, your eyes are usually down on the path. With stops and photo moments built in, you naturally pause where a good viewpoint or a quiet pocket exists.

One note: wildlife viewing is never guaranteed, even in a nature-rich area. The tour does set you up to see more by choosing the right forest paths, ponds, and park-like zones, but you should treat wildlife as a bonus, not a promise.

Lake of Turtles picnic: what you get and why it feels special

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Lake of Turtles picnic: what you get and why it feels special
The finish is the picnic on the shores of the Lake of Turtles. This is the part where the tour becomes a proper experience, not just a walk. You relax, eat, and slow your pace until the city feels far away.

You will enjoy a picnic with Italian products. The tour also includes tastings, and during the Boscoincittà portion you have an aperitif and beer. Together, those stops make the meal portion feel more like a planned food break than a random snack.

Why this works: picnics in cities can be awkward. Either you have to pack everything, or you end up buying something fast and eating while standing. Here, the setting does the heavy lifting, and the food stops keep the moment from feeling rushed.

The Lake of Turtles is also a name that pulls you in. Even if you do not spot turtles, the location itself signals the mood: calm water, a slower pace, and a place to sit without thinking about what comes next.

Price and value at about $29 for two hours

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Price and value at about $29 for two hours
At $29 per person for a 2-hour guided experience, the key value is not just the walk. It is the package: a guide, a route designed for hidden corners, and the picnic setup that saves you time and planning.

If you were to do something similar on your own, you would likely need to figure out where to go in the forest and then assemble your own picnic, or find food options nearby. Here, you pay for someone to handle the route and the meal rhythm. Add in tastings and an aperitif, and the price starts to look more reasonable than a typical walk-only activity.

Who should think about this as good value? If you want:

  • a nature break without a half-day commitment
  • guided time in a place that is easy to miss
  • a picnic moment that feels genuinely part of the experience

It is also a nice pick when you want a lighter activity day. You can do Milan sights in the morning and still have a calm reset later.

Getting there: metro directions that actually work

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Getting there: metro directions that actually work
Getting to the meeting point is part of the success of any short tour, so here is the practical approach the tour uses.

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

If it is easier for you, you can use the Lilac Metro (M5), direction San Siro stadium dazn. Get off at the terminus, then take bus 64 toward Bonola, and get off at Piazza Rosa scolari.

If you drive, one useful note is that people have found parking around the meeting point easier than expected. Still, I recommend you plan for some searching, especially during busy Milan hours.

What kind of traveler fits this best?

This tour is a good match if you like nature but do not want to spend your day on it. The timing is short enough to fit into a packed itinerary, and the food component means it feels like a real outing, not a chore.

It is also appealing if you value structure. The guided route is built for finding quiet corners, and the snack and tasting stops keep your energy steady.

If you prefer doing everything entirely on your own, you might not love the guided format. But if you want someone to point you toward the right places in Milan’s forest area, this is a clear yes.

Should you book Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake?

Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake - Should you book Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake?
Book it if you want a gentle nature experience in Milan that ends with a proper picnic by water. The combination of guided forest time, scenic stops, and an included food rhythm makes it feel like you get more than what the clock says.

Skip it or rethink your plan if you want a long trek, lots of time sitting in the same spot, or a deep outdoor challenge. This is short, easy to manage, and designed for a relaxed reset.

If your ideal Milan day includes both city sights and quiet green time, this one earns a spot.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes a guided walk, a picnic, and a bottle of water.

Where is the picnic held?

The picnic is on the shores of the Lake of Turtles.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live guide offers Italian, English, and Spanish.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What happens during the Boscoincittà portion?

You walk with guidance through the forest area with break time, photo stops, an aperitif and beer, plus cheese tasting and food tasting, along with scenic views.

Is the tour mostly walking or sitting?

It is mainly a guided walk through Boscoincittà, with built-in breaks and food stops. Expect about 1.5 hours in the wooded area portion.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. You can reserve now & pay later, meaning you book your spot without paying today.

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