The 20 best experiences to have in and around Brescia

Vespa tour with rental on Lake Garda, with special emphasis of the food and wine part: you will go to discover the landscapes and flavors of Valpolicella, east of the lake, just above Verona.

Tour coordinates:

• Starting point: Peschiera del Garda (or Bardolino)
• Distance: 95 km
• Duration: 8-9 hours

This itinerary was created in collaboration with Stefano Cantiero, one of the best experts on Veneto gastronomy. A culinary journey of discovery of tastes and smells awaits you: a breakfast in a small bakery; local cold cuts and cheeses; and the famous wines of Valpolicella. A full day of exciting tastes, breathtaking views and indelible impressions.

Program:

• Stop for breakfast at a real bakery in the village (to be paid locally)
• Have lunch at Valentino Marconi's with platters of typical cured meats and cheeses with wine to match.
• Take a walking tour of the historic Veja Bridge on foot (15 min)
• In the afternoon, a winery tour and wine tasting awaits you at Albino Armani's

Horseback riding in the hills overlooking the western shore of Lake Garda from Toscolano Maderno, on trails surrounded by nature.

The excursions are suitable for beginners who are going horseback riding for the first time. You ride through the countryside and woods and reach high ground from where you can admire beautiful views, and you can stop for short breaks.

1-hour hike

The excursion includes a tour of about 5/6 km around Gaino passing through historic places and opening the heart to the views of the Brescian Garda.

2-hour excursion

Tour of about 12 km along the hill between Gargnano and Toscolano, passing through historic places and opening the heart to the views of Garda Bresciano.

When the walks return, the reception continues with a lunch or dinner with a 3-course tasting menu, dessert and coffee, drinks included (dishes with seasonal and local ingredients).

Lunch is prepared by 12:30 / 1:00 pm. (preceding the walk). Dinner, on the other hand, is held after the walk.

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate.

Minimum age: 14 years old. Maximum weight: 95 kg.

The tour of the Albino Armani winery in Valpolicella with tasting is an unforgettable experience for all visitors who wish to discover the more unspoiled side of this territory.

The rock-cut winery, which serves as the guide for the tour, offers a unique and evocative environment that allows visitors to discover an ecosystem that had been forgotten but has now been rediscovered.

The tour includes multiple activities, including a guided tour of the winery where visitors can learn in detail about all the production processes, from grape to bottle, thanks to the expert guidance of the winery staff.

In addition, during the visit to the production areas, it will be possible to admire up close the care and attention that goes into the cultivation of the vineyards, which are located in unspoiled and wild territory.

Finally, there will be no shortage of opportunities to taste the best wines of Valpolicella, such as Valpolicella Classico Superiore Egle, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG and Recioto della Valpolicella DOC. These wines represent the best of local production and are appreciated worldwide for their intense flavor and elegance.

A winery brunch is available by reservation every Saturday and Sunday. An extremely delicious new winery tasting proposal!

The brunch includes potatoes from Valdadige, to be enjoyed with eggs and oil from the estate in Castelnuovo del Garda, which will enrich the board of cold cuts and cheeses, territorial excellences selected and paired with 3 wines from the winery's production.

Before the tasting, however, it will be possible to immerse oneself in the quiet of the resting vineyard and breathe in the scents of the aromatic herbs surrounding the winery.

The tour with brunch includes:

• Tour of the production spaces, fruit cellar and barrel room
• Tasting of 3 wines paired with brunch

WINES:

• Prosecco Rosè DOC
• Valpolicella Classico Superiore Egle
• Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

Enjoy a fantastic sunset boat ride on Lake Garda around the Sirmione Peninsula with a glass of prosecco on board.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to take a complete tour around the Sirmione Peninsula, one of the most famous and important points of the whole Lake Garda. The departure will be directly from the Lungolago Diaz in Sirmione.

Points of interest include the Ex-villa of Maria Callas, the Aquaria Spa Center, the Boiola Thermal Spring, the Catullus Caves, the Scaliger Castle and the Medieval Port.

On board during the boat ride, a glass of Prosecco will be served to enjoy right on the lake with the sunset in the background.

The excursion is available daily from May to September.

Guided winery tour with wine tasting and lunch of typical local products on a farm in Padenghe sul Garda offers several possibilities:

Wine tour and tasting

Experience includes winery tour includes tasting of a selection of 4 wines accompanied by a board of local products.

3-course lunch

In addition to the winery tour and tasting of 4 wines, lunch is included with a first course of your choice from the menu, a side dish of seasonal vegetables, a dessert of your choice from the menu, water, coffee and cover charge, while wines are excluded.

Deluxe Lunch (From 2 to 12 people)

In addition to the winery tour, a seasonal tasting menu consisting of 5 courses (including dessert) and the pairing of 4 wines is included. Lunch includes.

• Chef's fancy amuse bouche
• Appetizer: He who sleeps does not catch fish - our marinated trout tartare with citrus from the Lake and Olio Evo Casaliva
• First course: Tortello Belante - Tortello stuffed with goat cheese on a summer velouté from the garden or "Muto come un pesce" - Tagliolino with lake ragout
• Second course: Agnus Dei - Cut of lamb depending on availability
• Dessert: And if they are roses they will bloom - Rose cake with custard

In warm weather the premium experience takes place on the patio.

In case of food intolerances please notify the facility at the time of booking. Vegetarian options are available, which must be notified at least 72 hours in advance to the facility.

Deluxe tasting takes place along with lunch.

Languages available: Italian and English.

The experience begins inside the winery, located among the Morainic Hills south of Lake Garda, and you will be accompanied by a guide through the history of the winery. The visit will immerse you in the production processes of Mantua's best-known wines, which you will later have the opportunity to taste along with a board of local delicacies.

The experience lasts about 2 hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

Journey to the Stefanoni Cranes

The visit to the wineries is followed by a tasting 3 Linea Cru and Sparkling wines. The tasting is accompanied by a board of local delicacies.

Journey in the Garda

The visit to the wineries is followed by a tasting 4 wines. The tasting is accompanied by a cutting board of local delicacies.

At the Root of Taste

The visit to the wineries is followed by a 4-wine tasting of fine wines that will engage all your 5 senses, accompanied by a cutting board of local specialties.

Minors and non-tasting adults will be served a cool drink paired with a typical Mantuan chopping board at the end of the visit.

This experience is a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the winery and taste its delicious wines in excellent company.

Horseback riding on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni plateau in Asiago will allow you to have a unique experience riding a horse.

The excursions are also suitable for beginners, in fact, before the walk the guide will explain how to mount and teach you the commands to best ride the horse.

You can choose from 1- or 2-hour hikes in which you will immerse yourself in the peaceful forests and grasslands of the Plateau. The rides are available from April through November.

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate in the walk.

Enjoy an unforgettable sailing adventure on Lake Garda, starting from the town of Riva del Garda.

Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day trip, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will guide you through the peculiarities of the lake, giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake landscapes.

Half-day tour

With the half-day tour, you can depart from Riva del Garda and immerse yourself in a sailing experience that will take you along the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the Ponale Falls and swim in the lake's enchanting coves. This trip is ideal for those who want a brief taste of the beauty of Lake Garda. The tour lasts 4 hours.

Full-day tour

The day tour allows you to spend more time discovering the wonders of the Lake: you can explore its islands, waterfalls, and hidden beaches while listening to the valuable information the experienced skipper will provide. The tour lasts 8 hours.

Sunset aperitif sailing on Lake Garda will allow you to enjoy a romantic and evocative experience.

This event is ideal for celebrating an anniversary, birthday or simply to surprise someone with a special gift, offering a relaxing atmosphere that will make your moment unforgettable.

Departure is scheduled from Riva del Garda at 6 p.m., guaranteeing a view of the sunset over the lake. The return is scheduled for 9:30 pm, allowing you to enjoy the lake in its evening hours. Throughout the experience, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will make your trip carefree and full of curiosity.

The aperitif on board the sailboat will consist of prosecco, chips, fresh water, juices and a variety of soft drinks. This will allow all participants' tastes to be satisfied.

The boat can accommodate up to 11 people, but smaller boats are available for couples or smaller groups.

Book a horseback ride in the Giudicarie forests, an experience in which the trails are on a loop route, characterized by ups and downs. You'll pass through villages, including Rango, one of the most beautiful in Italy; forests; fields; and country roads.

The view is of the outer judicature surrounded by the Dolomites.

The horseback ride is an activity suitable for both experts and beginners 14 years and older.

Walk in the woods in Val di Sole, suitable for beginners. The horseback ride is always organized in the company of an equestrian guide.

1-hour walk

Starting from the riding stables, we take the route that between woods and countryside will take us to the outskirts of the village of Pellizzano.

It is a loop trail mostly at a walking pace. Depending on the level of the group, it will be possible to include stretches of leading at a trot.

2-hour walk

The 2-hour horseback ride will take you along forest trails to Ossana, at the foot of Castel San Michele. It is a pace and trot route, recommended for riders with a minimum of experience.

During the horseback ride starting from Cavedine, just north of Riva del Garda, we follow trails at the foot of Mount Bondone entering a nearby forest.

The walk is suitable for and enjoyable for everyone, beginner or not; even those who have never ridden a horse can participate, and will be able to take their first steps with the help of an equestrian guide.

A wine tasting and visit to the historic Mosnel winery in Franciacorta is an experience not to be missed!

After the guided tour of the cellars, choose 3 of the 5 Franciacorta wines that have come to define the Mosnel winery style: Brut, Brut Nature, Pas Dosé, Rosé, Satèn.

All wine tastings are accompanied by a small sampling of local bread, charcuterie and cheese to better succeed in tasting the wines on offer.

You can request a mixed board of cured meats from Az. Agricola Danesi + CISSVA shavings + breadsticks (for 2 people), for the cost of €15 per board.

You will taste 3 to choose from the following wines:

• Brut - Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes that defines our style.
• Brut Nature - Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc with the structured touch of Pinot Noir, aged at least 24 months on the lees.
• Pas Dosé - Matured at least 30 months to express the harmony of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes.
• Rosé - Fragrant blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with roundness of Pinot Blanc.
• Satèn - Elegant Franciacorta with creamy, rich and refined perlage.

For this tour, it is recommended to bring headgear to cover yourself adequately even in summer.

Accompanying pets in the cellars is not allowed.

Horseback riding among the vineyards in Franciacorta near Lake Iseo from Corte Franca will provide a unique activity immersed in the tranquility of nature.

Available rides are 1 or 2 hours and extend through local vineyards passing through villages and some of the most renowned wineries such as Berlucchi.

The walks are suitable for all levels of experience, and the instructor will teach you the basics of riding as well as accompany you throughout the itinerary.

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate in the activity.

Enjoy an original experience in the heart of Franciacorta with a quad bike tour suitable for everyone, even those who have never ridden on an ATV.

You will be able to choose one of two available tours:

Aperitivo (3 hours)

The quad bike tour with aperitif includes a loop through the vineyards with departure and arrival in Erbusco, near Brescia.

Halfway through the tour an aperitif awaits you in a place overlooking the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve.

• 25+15 km
• 2h30' of actual driving
• Total duration: 3h

Tasting (3h30')

During the excursion with tasting you can visit one of the most renowned wineries in Franciacorta.

• 25+10 km
• 2h of driving
• 1h visit to a winery + 2/3 Franciacorta tastings
• Total duration: 3h30min

Wineries visited: Contadi Castaldi (usually Saturday afternoon), Ferghettina (usually Sunday morning) and Ronco Calino.

In case rain is expected, you will be contacted by phone the day before. It is possible to take turns while driving.

The guided tour at the museum and winery, located in the hinterland of Franciacorta near Lake Iseo, will immerse you in the history of the winery and introduce you to the production process of Franciacorta DOCG and Curtefranca DOC wines. The visit is followed by a tasting of 2/3 selected Franciacorta wines, accompanied by breadsticks.

The experience lasts 1 1/2 hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

The Encore

The tasting includes 2 wines:

• Franciacorta Brut DOCG
• Franciacorta Satèn Brut DOCG millesimato.

The tasting is accompanied by breadsticks.

The Tris

Tasting includes 3 wines:

• Franciacorta Brut DOCG
• Franciacorta Satèn Brut DOCG vintage
• Franciacorta Extra Brut DOCG millesimato

The tasting is accompanied by breadsticks.

The wines in the tasting may vary depending on product availability or vintage.

Picnic in the vineyard in Franciacorta, ideal for those who want to spend a relaxing day among the hills and vines typical of the area.

Inside the picnic basket, you will find food and wine delicacies prepared with local products by the Chef of the restaurant "La Dama Bianca" to offer you a unique and surprising culinary experience.

Upon your arrival, the staff will provide you with everything you will need: towels on which to lie down, pillows to offer you maximum comfort and a basket stocked with all the necessary dishes. To accompany your lunch, bubbles of Franciacorta will be served.

During the duration of the picnic you will be able to stretch out in the meadow, surrounded by vineyards, and enjoy breathtaking views with an evocative view of the ancient Castle of Bornato.

Menu (adults):

• spelt salad with vegetables and chicken
• ham and omelette sandwich
• marinated steaks in finger food version
• dessert
• water and coffee
• a bottle (every 2 people) of Franciacorta bubbles from Castello di Bornato.

Menu (kids): same as the adult menu without the bottle of wine.

Menu (children): 2 sandwiches with cold cuts, bites of grana padano cheese, cold rice with peas, cooked ham, sausage and cheese, soft drink and chocolate dessert.

Vegetarian\vegan\intolerance and allergy are also available upon prior notice.

Available on Saturdays and Sundays.

A visit to the vineyards and wineries with wine tasting in Franciacorta is the ideal experience for lovers of good wine and those curious about organic viticulture.

The tour will begin with a brief history of the area and the winery and will continue by moving into the teaching vineyard for an in-depth look at the unique characteristics of this area and the practices of organic viticulture.

For this winery tour in franciacorta you will have a choice of two tastings, depending on your preference.

Tasting 1: Tradition

This tour focuses on the tradition of the area, where at one time not too long ago red grapes excelled. You will taste three local wines: the Golf, the Rosè and the Curtefranca Rosso, tracing the local tradition and the innovative path of the first organic Franciacorta.

Tasting 2: The Organic Franciacorta.

The area's product of excellence is organic Franciacorta, a wine that is the result of a meticulous and innovative process. During the experience you will taste three wines, Animante, Rosè and Satèn, and discover the secrets of the production of Organic Franciacorta, which represents a cultural change before even a productive one, based on respect and the search for authenticity.

The tastings are accompanied by water, breadsticks and a single serving of Organic Parmigiano. The visit including tasting lasts about 2 hours.

Some areas of the winery have temperatures around 12° C and high humidity; consequently, we recommend appropriate clothing. The visit also includes a tour of the vineyard and, therefore, we suggest comfortable and suitable footwear.