There’s something extra special about seeing a world-famous painting in the exact spot that the artist created it. And that experience is even more memorable when combined with the helpful expertise of a local guide. So, what are the best tours of the Last Supper? Find out here so you can choose the best tour for you.
Pro Tip: Preparing your trip to see da Vinci’s Last Supper? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it. Also check out our guide to Milan for more planning resources, our best Last Supper tours for a memorable trip, and whether a tour of the Last Supper is worth it.
Should You Book a Tour of the Last Supper?
Short answer: Absolutely!
The moment Leonardo Da Vinci finished ‘The Last Supper,’ it began to deteriorate. Because of the technique that Leonardo used, the painting was in an awful condition by the 16th Century. In the 18th Century, it survived botched restorations, and in 1943, it was the only wall left standing when the Allies dropped a bomb on it.
No wonder then that you must go through a series of glass cubicles equipped with air filtering systems to enter. Only forty people are allowed inside at any time, and visits are limited to fifteen minutes. So, are you trying to get tickets? Yeah, that is challenging.
I’m writing this in the middle of October, traditionally the beginning of the low season. Crowds begin to dissipate, and tickets to most sites become available. Right now, the next available ticket is early December.
Tour companies (like us) can help solve this problem. On a logistics front, our long-standing relationship means we often have availability when the general sale is finished. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t sell out ourselves.
On the experience front, do you want to go through all the hassle of getting tickets, traveling halfway around the world, going through airlocks, to spend your fifteen minutes reading about the Last Supper in a guidebook? An expert guide will let you concentrate on the artwork while learning about it and Leonardo’s fascinating history.
The best tours solve logistics, impart knowledge and entertain. Great tours do all three!
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a tour of the Last Supper is worth it.
The Best Tours of the Last Supper To Take
You might already know that the Last Supper is found in a tiny little church near the center of Milan. What you might not know is that this space is tightly controlled to help preserve this fragile painting that has a tragic past filled with many restorations. That means tickets can often sell out quickly, especially during the height of travel season. With all of our tours, tickets and entry are guaranteed.
- Skip the Line Last Supper Tour in Milan
- Da Vinci’s Last Supper Tour and the Duomo: Milan in Half a Day
Skip the Line Last Supper Tour in Milan
The best part about taking a tour of the Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie is that you’ll stand right where Leonardo da Vinci stood as he painted this world-famous mural. Inside this original dining hall, you’ll get up close and personal to one of the most important paintings in art history. And you’ll be even more wowed since your guide will have prepped you with crucial facts and tales about this painting (and the second lesser-known painting found here too).
After your 15 minutes inside this part of the church, you’ll follow your guide to the Museo Cenacolo Vinciano. This museum depicts the storied history of this painting, the church, and the many restoration processes. It’s the perfect way to finish your Last Supper tour.
Highlights
- 1 hour
- Guaranteed tickets and timed entry
- Explanation of the two murals inside the church
- Guided tour of the museum
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a tour of the Last Supper is worth it.
Da Vinci’s Last Supper and the Duomo: Milan in a Half Day
On this combo tour of the Last Supper and Milan Cathedral, you spend a few hours with a passionate, local expert in the history of Milan.
With guaranteed tickets and a guide, you’ll be well prepared to see the famous mural on the wall of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. Discover the tragic history of this painting that has been painstakingly restored over the decades. Then head to the small museum onsite to see images and artefacts relating to the amazing mural’s history.
Next you’ll walk with your guide and small group to the city center, while passing famous sites like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the Sforza Castle, and more. This is where your guide really comes in handy to help you understand the historical significance of these sites.
Once again armed with skip-the-line you’ll head right inside the 600-year-old Milan Duomo. This stunning cathedral is Milan’s crown jewel that wows visitors from around the world. And since you’re with a local expert guide, you’ll learn so much about its history and construction, plus the archaeological area and crypts.
This isn’t just one of the best tours of The Last Supper, it’s also one of the best tours of Milan.
Highlights
- 3 hours
- Guaranteed tickets and timed entry at Last Supper
- Guided tour of the museum
- Walking tour of Milan’s central city and Brera district
- Skip-the-line entry and guided tour of Milan Cathedral
Not ready to book a tour? Read up on how to visit the Milan Duomo.
Where To Stay in Milan
Milan is a small city with plenty to explore from iconic landmarks to a vibrant art and design scene and old-world charm. Plan where to stay in the best neighborhoods in this beautiful city.
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