Trekking in the Wood with picnic on the turtles lake

Exploring Milan’s Secret Green Space: Trekking in the Wood with a Lakeside Picnic

This walk through Boscoincitta, a lesser-known city forest just outside Milan, offers a peaceful escape into nature, complete with wildlife encounters and a relaxing picnic by a serene lake. I’ve not personally taken this tour, but based on glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s a wonderful way to slow down. Expect to wander among tall trees, crystal-clear streams, and observe wild animals like squirrels and turtles. The highlight, of course, is watching turtles sunbathe on floating trunks, a sight that seems to stop time for a moment.

Two things I particularly appreciate about this experience are its accessibility and the guide’s enthusiasm. Davide, the guide praised in reviews, is noted for proudly showing visitors the parkland built by community effort, making the experience feel authentic and local. Plus, the tour’s surprisingly affordable price of around $22 per person makes it a compelling option for travelers wanting a genuine outdoor experience without venturing far from Milan.

One potential consideration is that this tour is weather-dependent. If it rains heavily, the experience might be canceled or less enjoyable. Luckily, the company offers full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance, so you can plan with confidence. Overall, it’s an easy, low-impact outing that suits anyone looking to connect with nature in a relaxed setting.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Nature Experience: A peaceful walk through a city-owned forest revealing local wildlife and flora.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wild rabbits, herons, squirrels, frogs, and turtles—a rare treat for urban dwellers.
• Scenic Lakeside Picnic: A short break on the lake’s shore provides stunning views and the chance to relax among turtles sunbathing on floating logs.
• Expert Guide: Davide is praised for his proud, friendly approach and for sharing insights about the park’s construction and natural inhabitants.
• Affordable and Accessible: At under $23, this two-hour tour offers excellent value, especially given the rich experience and beautiful surroundings.
• Weather Dependency: The tour relies on good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions are fully refunded if booked in advance.

Discovering Milan’s Hidden Green Corridor

Tucked away in the suburbs of Milan, Boscoincitta is a surprising slice of tranquility that offers a stark contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle. This tour begins at Via Giorgio de Chirico, where a short walk to the forest’s entrance quickly immerses you in a different world. The guide manages to unveil the most secret corners of this urban woodland, revealing an ecosystem filled with lively animals and lush greenery.

What makes this experience stand out is the balance between a relaxed nature walk and the chance to observe wildlife up close. I love the way the sounds of nature—murmuring streams, rustling leaves, bird calls—heighten your senses and create a calming rhythm. The walk is leisurely, with the guide sharing stories about the trees, streams, and animals, making it both educational and soothing.

The highlight for many visitors is the lakeside picnic, where you can sit on the grassy bank, gaze across the water, and watch turtles basking on floating trunks. “A beautiful slice of suburban Milan,” one reviewer comments, emphasizing how rare and special this quiet retreat feels. The small size of the group (maximum 20 travelers) ensures a personal experience, and many mention how accessible and easy the Metro makes reaching the meeting point.

What to Expect on the Itinerary

Boscoincitta is more than just a walk; it’s a curated glimpse into a carefully preserved piece of natural Milan. The tour covers about two hours, with a mixture of walking, wildlife spotting, and relaxing pauses.

Stop 1: The Forest—As you enter, you’ll notice the transition from open fields to the dense woods where the terrain becomes more uneven. Your guide introduces you to the different species inhabiting the park, including wild rabbits darting through the underbrush and herons standing still by streams. Expect to learn how this green space was created through community effort, as Davide proudly shares.

Wildlife and Flora—From squirrels jumping between branches to frogs croaking near streams, this is a lively habitat. The area’s streams are crystal clear, offering a sensory backdrop of gentle water sounds that invite you to slow down.

Stop 2: The Lake and Picnic—After about an hour, you arrive at the lake. Here, the turtles are usually sunbathing on floating logs, seemingly unfazed by visitors. Sitting on the bank, you get a panoramic view of the water, which reflects the sky and trees like a natural mirror. The picnic lasts about 20 minutes, providing a perfect moment to relax, soak in the views, and enjoy a simple snack.

Return to Start—The walk concludes back at the starting point, leaving you refreshed and reconnected with nature.

Why This Tour Is a Winner for Nature Seekers

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a low-key, authentic outdoor outing that doesn’t require hiking boots or advanced planning. It’s perfect for families, casual walkers, or anyone wanting a quick escape from urban life. The small group size and friendly guide ensure a personalized and informative trip, making it accessible for most physical abilities.

Plus, at just $21.97, the tour offers remarkable value. For that price, you get a chance to see wildlife in a natural setting, enjoy a lakeside picnic, and learn about community efforts in creating this urban park. The fact that it’s booked an average of 38 days in advance shows how popular it is among locals and visitors alike.

Who Should Consider This Experience

If you love being outdoors, observing animals in their natural habitat, or just need a peaceful break without spending a fortune, this tour is a smart pick. Families with children will appreciate the gentle pace and interesting wildlife, while solo travelers or couples seeking tranquility will find it equally rewarding. It’s also an excellent choice for those interested in local community projects or simply wanting a scenic, calming walk close to Milan.

Price and Logistics

The tour costs just under $22 per person, which is very affordable considering the quality of the experience. It’s a two-hour walk, making it easy to fit into a busy sightseeing day. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, and the tour starts mid-morning, ideal for those wanting to avoid the midday heat or afternoon crowds.

Booking in advance is recommended, as most travelers reserve about a month or more ahead. The flexible cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours beforehand, giving peace of mind in case of bad weather or changing plans.

Final Thoughts

This walk through Boscoincitta is a charming way to experience a different side of Milan—one where nature quietly flourishes amidst urban surroundings. It offers a rare opportunity to see wildlife, enjoy tranquility, and learn about community efforts—all for a very reasonable price. The guide’s enthusiasm and the scenic lakeside picnic make it a memorable outing for nature lovers, families, or anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the simple beauty of a city forest.

If you’re after a peaceful, authentic nature escape that’s easy to access and packed with genuine moments, this experience is definitely worth considering. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are right outside the city limits, waiting for those willing to explore.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, including the walk, wildlife spotting, and picnic break.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Via Giorgio de Chirico, 7 in Milan and concludes back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
Yes, it’s a gentle walk, suitable for most travelers. The terrain might be uneven in parts, but overall it’s accessible.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guided walk, wildlife and plant insights, and the lakeside picnic. No additional fees are mentioned.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, bookings can be canceled for free up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. The tour requires good weather to proceed.

Is transportation to the meeting point easy?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transportation, making it simple and inexpensive to reach from central Milan.

This walk offers a delightful blend of nature, wildlife, and peaceful scenery close to the city. Perfect for those seeking a break from urban sightseeing, it’s a quiet retreat that leaves you feeling refreshed and connected to the natural world.