What to do on Lake Orta: the 4 best activities

Horseback riding among the Langhe vineyards is ideal for those who love hilly views and vineyards. The trip is scheduled to start from San Marzano Oliveto. The excursion crosses the hills of Monferrato and proceeds mostly on dirt trails, beautiful to ride on horseback.

The stable is close (less than an hour's drive) to Asti, Alessandria and is just over an hour from Cuneo and Turin.

Group horseback riding is ideal for friends or even families with children; in fact, from age 8 and up, you can ride the pony. The age of the child should be communicated by phone to the guide once the confirmation of the reservation request has been received.

Walk with aperitif:
From San Marzano Oliveto, in the province of Asti, you will stroll through scenic vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by the majestic backdrop of the Alps. There will be a chance to visit an agritourism in the area, where an aperitif will be served with two glasses of wine per person and mixed platters of cured meats and cold cuts.

Recommended attire for horseback riding tours includes closed shoes and long pants.

The horseback ride is suitable for beginners and first-time riders, professional equestrian guides will accompany you on this wonderful adventure.

The ride lasts about 2 hours and ends with the return to the riding stables.

The quad bike excursion in the Monferrato hills departing from Conzano will allow you to experience an adventure driving a quad bike in an area considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be able to choose between two tours:

Quad Tour

The excursion is suitable for everyone and lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Together with an experienced guide, you will drive along a mostly unpaved route through vineyards and forests from which you can admire the area's evocative landscapes. On the way back you will pause at scenic spots to take some nice photo shoots while sitting on the Big Benches (giant benches that characterize these hills).

Quad bike tour and winery visit

Driving a quad bike you will be accompanied to discover the hills of Monferrato, driving along the dirt roads that pass through the vineyards and reveal the most striking landscapes. Along the way you will see where the typical products of Monferrato's wine and farming culture come from, as well as reach the most representative historical and artistic sites, including medieval castles, ancient quarries, country churches and open-air museums.
Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop at an authentic winery where you will be able to exclusively visit an Infernot, a cellar carved by hand into the cantonment stone, considered a Unesco World Heritage Site (You can add on the spot a tasting of typical products accompanied by the winery's wines).

You will have the opportunity to take a walk with alpacas every weekend either in the morning or in the afternoon.

You will begin with an initial briefing, during which you will be explained all about the way of the alpacas and get to know your fellow adventurers better.

Then you will do the actual walk, lasting about 1 hour, during which you will rope the alpacas in the woods adjacent to the farm.

At the end of the walk you will have the opportunity to visit the farm with black Piedmontese pigs in the wild.

If selected, you can end the experience with a rich picnic of cold cuts, omelet, homemade bread, butter and anchovies, and wine.

The winery tour with tasting in the Monferrato hills will allow you to discover the typical products of the Piedmont hills in Montemagno.

The activity begins with a walk through the farm's vineyards followed by a guided tour of the winery where the wine production process will be explained to you. At the end you will be able to choose between 2 tastings.

Classic tour

Includes the tasting of 5 locally produced wines accompanied by a typical charcuterie and cheese board.

Ruchè Tasting

This activity includes a tasting that will allow you to discover a particular type of wine, Ruchè. You will be served a course of 5 wines with the addition of Ruchè grappa, all accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses.

In case of bad weather and inability to do the vineyard walk, you will be given a bottle of wine for every 2 people regardless of the selected tasting.

Wine tasting with a guided tour of the winery and vineyard in Alba is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the hills of Piedmont and discover the Langhe region.

The experience begins with a walk through the vineyard from where you will admire the view of the Barolo and Barbaresco hills. Then you will continue into the winery and be shown all the rooms that characterize the wine production process.

At the end of the visit, you will be treated to a tasting of 5 wines including:

• 2 glasses of white wine of your choice
• 1 glass of Rosè di Nebbiolo
• 2 glasses of red wine of your choice

The wines will be accompanied by a board of typical products.

To participate in the tasting you must be over 18 years of age. Minors will not be allowed to taste.

The quad bike excursion and wine tasting in the Langhe from Alba is a delightful and fascinating experience that combines the quad bike ride with a fantastic wine tasting.

This quad bike excursion in the Langhe can be developed in two fantastic ways:

A vineyard aperitour and wine tasting.
During this half-day tour you will have the opportunity to ride an ATV as a couple, with friends or with your family on scenic routes in the heart of the Langhe and Barolo hills.

The route includes a stop among the vineyards, during which you will enjoy an aperitif with traditional Piedmont flavors.

On the way back, a delicious tasting of Arneis, Orange Wine, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Barolo will await you, directly from a producer, certified, of 100% organic wines.

Langhe tour and wine tasting
During the quad bike excursion in the Langhe you will discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Unesco World Heritage territories while driving your quad bike. You will have the opportunity to admire up close vineyards, hazelnut groves and the special features of this area.

Upon returning from the quad bike experience, you will be treated to a tasting of 6 100% organic wines at a certified winery within walking distance of Grinzane Cavour Castle.

A maximum of two participants, one driver and one passenger, can ride on each quad bike.

You will have the opportunity to take a walk with alpacas every weekend either in the morning or in the afternoon.

You will begin with an initial briefing, during which you will be explained all about the way of the alpacas and get to know your fellow adventurers better.

Then you will do the actual walk, lasting about 1 hour, during which you will rope the alpacas in the woods adjacent to the farm.

At the end of the walk you will have the opportunity to visit the farm with black Piedmontese pigs in the wild.

If selected, you can end the experience with a rich picnic of cold cuts, omelet, homemade bread, butter and anchovies, and wine.

The visit, followed by a tasting, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the historic local winery of the Luzi Donadei winery in the heart of the Langhe.

The duration of the experience is about 2 hours and, with favorable weather conditions, the visit will conclude with a walk through the streets of the village to discover the estate's vineyards. It is also possible to conduct the visit in English and French.

The visit is suitable for all ages and animals are also allowed.

Piedmont Classics.

Tasting of 3 local wines:

• Langhe Doc Chardonnay
• Dogliani Docg
• Langhe red

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of cured meats and cheeses.

Piedmont's top wines

Tasting of 4 local wines:

• Donna Cecilia Dogliani Doc Sup.
• Claves Januae Barbera d'Alba doc Sup.
• Barolo docg
• Ester Ferrero Brut Metodo Classico

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of cured meats and cheeses.

Choose horseback riding in Lurisia Terme and aperitif, and spend a pleasant and peaceful horseback ride through the woods and beautiful landscapes of the area in the province of Cuneo.

A horseback ride is a panacea for body and mind. In the company of equestrian hiking guides, you will have an unforgettable experience, discovering the treasures of the area and experiencing the authentic emotions of a ride in nature.

Also in the two-hour horseback riding tour, you can choose, after the excursion is over, to enjoy a fantastic aperitif in the open air!

The horseback ride begins at the riding school in Lurisia Terme, a hamlet of Roccaforte Mondovì, in the province of Cuneo. For beginners, there will be a time to approach and become familiar with the horses.

An itinerary of varying length (depending on the level of the participants and the duration chosen) will be covered on wooded trails around Lurisia. This is a very interesting area from a naturalistic point of view, offering valuable spring waters for wellness and spa treatments.

The horseback riding excursion will take place on a trail totally surrounded by greenery, of great relaxation and coolness, particularly suitable for those who are new to horseback riding, but very enjoyable for the more experienced as well.

Rafting in the Stura Valley is a very fun experience among the rapids of the Stura di Demonte River in Gaiola.

Rafting is an exciting and fun sport, suitable for people of all ages and experience levels. It allows you to spend an unforgettable day with family and friends, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Stura di Demonte River.

The river's waters offer spectacular scenery that will leave both beginners and experts speechless.

The Stura River stands out for its unique and pleasant landscape, which allows for an immersive experience between water, nature, and sports. In addition, the stories and legends associated with the river add an extra element of fun to the descent.

The actual outing will be preceded by a short theory lesson and a short practical test. During the excursion all technical equipment is provided, you will only need to bring a swimsuit and T-shirt.

What are you waiting for? Book this magnificent experience in Stura Valley and give yourself unforgettable moments!

Horseback riding in the Langhe hills will give you a relaxing experience riding a horse. You can choose from 1-hour, 1 1/2-hour or 2-hour rides (minimum experience required for the 2-hour ride).

Departure is from Farigliano, in the province of Cuneo, where the instructor will give you directions to ride to the stables. Afterwards you will leave for the hike where you will have the opportunity to discover Piedmontese collies and immerse yourself in the trails and vineyards of the Langhe.

At the end of the walk you can complete the experience by adding an aperitif of typical products.

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

The experience begins in Sergio's cozy tavern, where the presentation takes place. This is followed by a tasting of 7 wines, accompanied by typical local products.

Sergio shares the story of each wine, from its birth in the vineyards to the winemaking process in the cellar. Meanwhile, dishes associated with each wine are served. The tasting is accompanied by samples of tonnata sauce, raw salami, bacon, lard, tuma con la cugnà and cookies.

The selected wines are as follows:

• Roero Arneis DOCG
• Dogliani Sambu DOCG
• Dogliani Superiore DOCG
• Piedmont Barbera DOC
• Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
• Langhe Rosso Excelso DOC
• Barolo DOCG

After the tastings, you will move to the winery, where you will have a close look at the work of the cellar: from fermentation to the racking and aging stages, to bottling and labeling. Following the winery tour you will have the opportunity to purchase the wines you tasted earlier.

The visit lasts about two hours. The experience can accommodate up to 15 people and does not allow pets. Gluten-free products for those with celiac disease are provided upon reservation.

Wine tasting with a guided tour of the winery and vineyard in Alba is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the hills of Piedmont and discover the Langhe region.

The experience begins with a walk through the vineyard from where you will admire the view of the Barolo and Barbaresco hills. Then you will continue into the winery and be shown all the rooms that characterize the wine production process.

At the end of the visit, you will be treated to a tasting of 5 wines including:

• 2 glasses of white wine of your choice
• 1 glass of Rosè di Nebbiolo
• 2 glasses of red wine of your choice

The wines will be accompanied by a board of typical products.

To participate in the tasting you must be over 18 years of age. Minors will not be allowed to taste.

The quad bike excursion and wine tasting in the Langhe from Alba is a delightful and fascinating experience that combines the quad bike ride with a fantastic wine tasting.

This quad bike excursion in the Langhe can be developed in two fantastic ways:

A vineyard aperitour and wine tasting.
During this half-day tour you will have the opportunity to ride an ATV as a couple, with friends or with your family on scenic routes in the heart of the Langhe and Barolo hills.

The route includes a stop among the vineyards, during which you will enjoy an aperitif with traditional Piedmont flavors.

On the way back, a delicious tasting of Arneis, Orange Wine, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Barolo will await you, directly from a producer, certified, of 100% organic wines.

Langhe tour and wine tasting
During the quad bike excursion in the Langhe you will discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Unesco World Heritage territories while driving your quad bike. You will have the opportunity to admire up close vineyards, hazelnut groves and the special features of this area.

Upon returning from the quad bike experience, you will be treated to a tasting of 6 100% organic wines at a certified winery within walking distance of Grinzane Cavour Castle.

A maximum of two participants, one driver and one passenger, can ride on each quad bike.

A winery tour with tasting of Barolo in the Langhe in Castiglione Falletto is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the hills of Piedmont.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the property. You will begin with a walk through the surrounding vineyards and fields. You will be on top of the hill famous for the Bussia and Pugnane Cru. Afterwards you will be escorted to the winery. At the end of the tour you will have a choice of activities.

Aperitif (white wine or Barolo)

At the end of the guided tour, you will have an aperitif on the viewing tower. You will have a choice between a glass of white wine or one of Barolo. The glass will be accompanied by appetizers.

Lunch or Dinner

In addition to the aperitif in the turret, on the weekend, you can have lunch or dinner on site. You will be offered a typical 6-course Piedmontese menu:

• 3 typical appetizers
• First course (ravioli del plin or risotto)
• Second
• Dessert

The courses will be paired with wines from the cellar.

Overnight stay

You will be met by the host who will give you directions to your overnight stay and accompany you to your double bedroom. You will be able to decide whether to take the tour with tasting at 12 noon or 7 p.m. and depending on the time you will have lunch or dinner consisting of:

• Trio of appetizers
• First
• Cheese board with jams
• Dessert
• Accompaniment of local wine

You will also have access to the wellness area with solarium, sauna, Turkish bath and the outdoor hot tub over the entire surrounding Langhe landscape. Breakfast is also included in the overnight stay.

The winery tour and wine tasting inside Verduno Castle includes three different tastings with varying durations depending on the type chosen. They are open to everyone over the age of 18.

Tasting 1: Nebbiolo
This tasting of local wines includes, in addition to a visit to the historic winery, a set of wines made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. This itinerary is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the different expressions of this wine.

Tasting 2: Tasting Menu.
This itinerary opens with a visit to the historic cellars, followed by a rich tasting menu consisting of five courses. A tasting of four wines from the Castle's cellars will be offered as a pairing. This service is available only for lunch on weekends. The cost of lunch for non-tasting adults is €55; lunch consisting of 2 appetizers, 1 first course, 1 second course and dessert. (A la carte menu recommended for children)

Tasting 3: The Wines of the Castle
Within this wine tasting, lasting about 1h30min, is a tasting of 4 local wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco.

Horseback riding in Mongrando in the Biellese region will allow you to immerse yourself in the nature of the Biellese greenhouse.

You must be at least 15 years old to participate, and after an initial time of knowledge and assessment of skills in the field, you will go out to explore the surrounding area of the Elvo Valley.

Walks of 1 hour or 2 hours are available, preceded by a short lesson to learn. The route will be agreed from time to time according to the participants' needs, age and expertise.

During the hike you will be surrounded by greenery and will be accompanied by a certified guide who will take you on a discovery of picturesque landscapes through forests and meadows.

For the horseback riding excursion you will be provided with all the equipment you need to ride a horse, including a helmet. Recommended clothing includes closed shoes and long pants.

During this horseback ride you will be accompanied by a guide through the picturesque setting of the Baraggia Biellese.

With a scheduled departure from Cascina San Grato, the route includes an easy and scenic hike through the Baraggia valley on the backs of trained and quiet horses, suitable even for those who have never ridden a horse before. Throughout the walk, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will convey his passion for nature.

The route has variations depending on the duration you choose (1 hour, 1 1/2 hours, 2 hours).

Clothing sportswear (long pants and closed shoes) is recommended.

Prices do not include daily insurance costing € 3.00 per person to be paid on site.

Nature walk with views of Lake Maggiore, departing from Taino. The walks last 1 hour and are also suitable for those who have never ridden a horse before. In some cases the rider may be accompanied on foot by a guide.

After a brief introductory lesson on how to guide your horse, you will set out inside the Bruschera Oasis, a nature reserve that stretches entirely along the lake.

The route is through meadows and woods in the hills, with views of the Rock of Angera. The walk is entirely on trails, with the exception of 100 meters of paved road.

The minimum age to participate is 14 years old. For underage passengers, the presence of an adult is required.

A maximum of 2 people can participate.

The Ronchi Varesini wines wine tasting and vineyard tour in Albizzate is a wonderful experience.

The tour will begin with a tour of the vineyards and description of pruning techniques, grape varieties and their cultivation, and harvesting and winemaking; an explanation of the Ronchi Varesini PGI and history of Varese wine is included, possibly with a Power Point lecture projection on the topic.

This will then be followed by the sensory experience with guided tasting. During the tasting you will taste two wines and they will be accompanied by breadsticks and taralli.

Depending on weather conditions, the tasting will be in the tasting room or on the terrace or vineyard.

Quad bike excursion to Sesto Calende on Lake Maggiore, great for fun with friends.

Scenic hike (3 hours):

• 20% dirt/wooded trail.
• Mid-hike there will be a stop with aperitif on Lake Maggiore.
• Departure morning 9:30 a.m. or 4 p.m. afternoon

If you want, lunch or dinner can be arranged at Antica Trattoria San Giacomo, but you have to pay locally, a facility close to the starting point and with an agreement (in Vergiate, VA)
1) appetizer with fried dumpling and cold cuts, 1 bis of first course, water, sweet wine and coffee : 25€/person

In both cases you will be provided with helmet, mud suit and gloves. Gasoline and third-party liability are also included in the price.

It is necessary to have a B license to drive the quad bike, for the passsenger there are no special requirements.

Recommended clothing is sportswear with closed boots.

The weight limit of each quad bike is about 160 kg. Beyond this weight it will be necessary to book 2 individual quads.

You will begin the experience by preparing the horses together with the guides, taking a few minutes to become familiar with your riding companion.

Once ready you will set off on your walk accompanied by a walking guide for each rider, to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment of the excursion.

The guide will help you learn the basics of horse handling as you travel the mule tracks and trails of the hill, which wind through small vineyards and dense forests inhabited by jays, buzzards, badgers, squirrels and deer.

With any luck you may encounter some of these animals!

The donkey walk lasts about 2 hours and takes place in the woods and vineyards of St. Michael's Hill.

You will prepare the donkeys together with the guides and thus have a chance to start getting familiar with them before the experience begins.

The guide will choose the most suitable donkey for you from Osvaldo, Domenico, Mina, Solima, Strega and little Cocco.

One of the donkeys will carry the stick with the snack baskets. Once ready you will leave for the walk accompanied by the guide who will explain how best to communicate with the donkeys.

You will walk along the mule tracks and paths of the hill, which wind through small vineyards and dense forests inhabited by jays, buzzards, badgers, squirrels and deer. With a little luck you may encounter some of these animals !

Once you reach the top of the hill you will stop to enjoy a snack while the donkeys enjoy a break in the fresh grass.

With the Lake Maggiore dinghy tour departing from Lisanza you will visit the scenic, artistic and architectural beauty of the Lake. The main destinations of the excursion are Lisanza, the islets of the Lake, the quaint town of Ranco, Arona, Rocca di Angera and the Borromean Islands.

The duration of the tour can vary according to one's needs. You can choose:

• Half Day in the morning (9:30 am-1:30 pm)
• Half Day in the afternoon (2:30-6:30 pm)
• Full Day (10:30am-5:30pm)

In the "Full Day" package, lunch is not included, but you can have lunch at Fishermen's Island at an affiliated restaurant, or bring a packed lunch.

The dinghy you will have at your disposal is motorized Yamaha 150hp, is equipped with showers and can accommodate a maximum of 12 people.

It is recommended that you bring a bathing suit, towel, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen.

The boat is delivered with a full tank, but fuel is excluded from the rental fee, which must be paid for when the boat is delivered.

Quad bike excursion in Sauze di Cesana

The quad bike ride in the mountains of Piedmont in midsummer, starting from Sauze di Cesana, is a unique and adventurous excursion. ATV rides are either 2-hour or half-day tours, even at night (in the evening). Tastings can also be included in the tours.

Classic Excursion (2 hours)

This quad bike tour has an exciting route that will take you to discover one of the most beautiful Alpine Valleys in Italy. You will admire waterfalls, pastures and green forests you will come in contact with the true essence of Piedmont thanks also to a tasting of high mountain cheeses.

Half-day excursion (3h30-4h)
This tour will take you to discover the Mountains of the Moon. You will drive on former military border roads will pass through the heart of the Piedmont mountains. The route through green forests will give space to admire incredible territorial peculiarities and exclusive panoramic views.

All accompanied by a tasting of typical products!

Night Excursion (2 hours)

The night version of the quad bike tour will allow you to explore the Argentera Valley. This is a guided tour that will allow you to admire the changes in light and colors from sunset to nightfall. It will be accompanied by a tasting of typical products at dusk.

There is an opportunity to do the 1h/2h/3h walks.

• 1h walk

Before the start, there will be a short briefing where you will meet and get to know the horses you will be hiking with.

Then you will enter the Avigliana Lakes Nature Park and, after walking along trails, woods and dirt roads, Lake Grande will appear on the horizon. You will skirt the shores of Lake Grande of Avigliana and then return to the stable.

In all, the route will take about an hour, and you will see the Avigliana Lakes on horseback. With this walk, you will not reach Avigliana Castle.

• 2 or 3 hour walk

Horseback ride to Avigliana Castle, near Turin and starting from the town of the same name.

You will ride through forests and ascend on horseback to the Castle, from where you can admire a fantastic view of the valley below. The hike is also suitable for beginners with no horseback riding experience.

Finally you will pass through the medieval village and finally return to the stable, heading towards Lake Avigliana.

Have a fantastic experience in the snow with a snowmobile excursion in the woods in Sestriere and on the ski slopes and forests.

This is ascenic snowmobile excursion, highly recommended for the driving experience and the beauty of the views. For those who like more sporty driving, there is also a specially created circuit to enjoy the practice.

The total duration of the tour is one hour where you will receive a short 15-minute briefing with tips on how to ride the snowmobile, brief description of the route and safety practices, and then you will drive for the remaining duration immersed in the scenery.

The snowmobiles are new Yamaha, model Nytro 1000cc (135 hp) or Venture 500cc (90 hp), approved for 2 people and 1 person respectively.

Depending on snow conditions, the guide may move the experience to Sansicario (about 10 minutes away by car).

It is possible for two people to ride the snowmobile with a child between the two adults, maximum age 10.

The snowmobile tour in Sauze di Cesana, Susa Valley, will allow you to ride your snowmobile in the middle of the woods and surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Upper Susa Valley offers the opportunity to rent a snowmobile and experience snow adventure in total safety with the help of our expert guides. In fact, before each tour, you will be shown the controls of the snowmobile and the main tracks to follow.

Forests, beautiful scenery, and fun await you. The snowmobile is two-person maximum, so you can share this experience with your friend or partner or family member

Take the opportunity to take part in the enchanting snow aperitour!
Have fun as a couple, with friends or with your family riding a snowmobile surrounded by the picturesque mountains of the Upper Susa Valley. Share the excitement of a fabulous happy hour, the magic of reaching a cabin in the snowy forest, and the chance to admire exclusive panoramic views.
What better idea to celebrate a special event.

Snowmobiles are equipped with headlights, so you can book a tour at sunset or in the evening when it gets dark.

Suggestive snowshoe hike in Sestriere in the province of Turin in a fairy-tale atmosphere. If you choose this experience you will have the opportunity to spend a special day immersing yourself in nature and silence, practicing a physical activity suitable for everyone, healthy and relaxing.

The environment of Sestriere offers perfect harmony with nature and the body. Your guide will pass on the secrets of this special and beneficial practice.

During snowshoeing the body works, but fatigue is felt less: the use of poles distributes the load to the whole body, also reducing the feeling of fatigue while keeping the body fit.

Have a fantastic experience in the snow with a snowmobile excursion to San Sicario and the ski slopes.

This is a scenic snowmobile excursion, highly recommended for the experience of the guide and the beauty of the views. An aperitif or full lunch can be added at the end of the activity.

Snowmobile tour

The total duration of the tour is approximately one hour where you will initially receive a 15-minute briefing with tips on how to drive the snowmobile, brief route description and safety practices and then drive for the remaining duration immersed in the scenery.

Aperitour

At the end of the snowmobile tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy an aperitif-lunch in the snowy forest consisting of a mixed charcuterie and cheese board, wine and drinks.

Up to 2 people can ride on the snowmobiles.

Depending on snow conditions the snowmobile tour may be moved to Sestriere (about 10 minutes away by car).