Uncover the secrets of underground crypts, listen to intriguing commentary about centuries-old relics, and enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the Duomo di Milano. With a local guide to lead you, skip the lines and explore the sights and stories of this legendary cathedral at the center of Milan.

Kick off your behind-the-scenes tour by skipping the long lines and heading straight inside the Duomo's airy interior. Once inside, go downstairs to start your bottom-to-top excursion with a look at the cathedral's crypt. Hear about the church's early construction efforts in the 14th century and check out evidence from its early days, including an octagonal baptistry and relics from Saint Charles Borromeo.

Back on the main level, admire the massive columns topped with ornate statues, the colorful stained-glass windows, and the exquisitely formed marble floor. Don't forget to find the red light that marks the placement of a Holy Nail said to be from the Crucifixion, and check your watch against the church's sundial before boarding an elevator and riding to the rooftop terraces.

At the top, walk to the edge for unencumbered views across Milan's bustling and crisscrossing streets. Check out the Gothic architecture and snap photos of the hundreds of gargoyles that share your breathtaking vista.

Wrap up your afternoon with a walk beneath the glass domes that cover the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the city's oldest shopping arcades and the perfect place to welcome the evening.