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DA VINCI’S MILAN: POLITICS, SECRETS & MAGIC
With private access to some of Da Vinci's legendary works.
MILAN - THE SECRETS OF THE RENAISSANCE
On a journey designed in collaboration with Mandarin Oriental, Milan, trace the intriguing history of the court of the Sforza brothers in the city during the Renaissance, and Leonardo da Vinci's place in it. A ruthless tale of power, love, art and magic, see some of Da Vinci's greatest works up-close and in private.
Milan in the late fifteenth century was a thriving centre for esoteric sciences and the occult, fostered by the court of the Sforza dukes. Astrology, mathematical divination and a fascination with predicting the future, combined to create an atmosphere of intellectual speculation, and intimate relations.
Leonardo da Vinci served Ludovico Sforza for 18 years. Follow the passions of Leonardo himself, his love affairs, and his obsessive fascination with exploring the hidden secrets of the natural world.
DAY 1 - ALONE WITH 'THE LAST SUPPER'
In the early afternoon, meet an expert guide at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. Walk to the Castello Sforzesco, a vast palace fortress and main residence of the Sforza Dukes in Renaissance Milan. Explore the relationship between the dukes and their astrologers in the palace's Trivulziana Library. In the ducal apartments, hear scandalous tales of notorious characters at the Sforza court, where politics, magic and spectacle were mainstays.
Continue to the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, a church with exquisite architectural modifications by Donato Bramante, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rebuild was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, who was most adept at attracting talent in the arts and sciences to the city. He was obsessed with the occult and predicting the future through astrology and tarot.
The afternoon ends in the church’s convent with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Joined by an expert, spend time alone with ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci, in total privacy and without the crowds.
Return to the hotel, where arrangements can be made for a session with an esoteric and tarot practitioner, followed by dinner at the illustrious two-Michelin-starred Seta, in the courtyard of Mandarin Oriental, Milan.
DAY 2 - LEONARDO'S SECRETS
Following breakfast, join the expert at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana for a closer examination of Leonardo da Vinci’s connection to the ducal court and the degree to which he felt free to express his true self in Sforza Milan.
The library guards one of the most important collections of pages from Leonardo’s notebooks, the ‘Codex Atlanticus’, revealing his fascination with the natural world, as well as the place of the Earth in the Cosmos.
Take the afternoon at leisure, and return to Mandarin Oriental, Milan by transfer, or perhaps a leisurely stroll, taking in the sights, sounds and renowned Milanese boutiques.
Enjoy the evening at leisure. The Luminaire can make recommendations and reservations, from authentic trattorias favoured by locals, to vibrant cocktail bars.
DAY 3 - DEPART MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MILAN
After a leisurely breakfast, and possibly a parting treatment at the expansive Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, bid the city farewell.
THE STAY
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MILAN
This journey is available exclusively with a stay at Mandarin Oriental, Milan.
Housed in four elegant 18th century buildings, offering a charming mix of Milanese style and design in the fashionable heart of the city, this 5-star hotel is just a few steps from the Duomo.
FROM £6,795 PER PERSON
For three days, based on two guests sharing.
INCLUSIONS
2 nights at Mandarin Oriental, Milan.
A private guide and expert who brings the stories of the Renaissance period to life with tales of intrigue, politics, and the occult.
Private viewing of Leonardo’s ‘Last Supper’ in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Exclusive access to the historic Trivulziana archives and library and privately guided visit of the ducal apartments at the Castelllo Sforzesco.
Guided visit of the Biblioteca Ambrosiana to see da Vinci’s Codex Atlanticus.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
Magnificent in all seasons.
Experiences are subject to availability.
EXCLUSIONS
Flights to/from Milan.
Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned.
ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE
The experience can be enhanced with a consultation with a tarot reader to determine your fortunes, followed by a unique dinner at Mandarin Oriental, Milan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Seta.
Make the visit to the Biblioteca Ambrosiana, to view treasures including Da Vinci's 'Codex Atlanticus' completely private.
EXCLUSIVE COLLABORATION
A PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP
The Luminaire designs and operates luxury travel experiences for Mandarin Oriental guests and Fans that are rooted in culture and curiosity, with additional products launching each month in close collaboration with Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world.
From a private masterclass with one of the world’s finest watchmaking ateliers in Switzerland, to an immersive trip to the private site where Van Gogh painted his last canvas just outside Paris, each experience has been designed by experts in their field – art historians, conservationists, sommeliers. Discover exciting new ways to explore each Mandarin Oriental destination and enjoy the signature service for which each hotel is renowned.
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