What to do on Lake Orta: the 4 best activities

The tasting and visit to the Infernot wineries in Monferrato takes place in Cella Monte, which joined the Borghi più Belli d’Italia since 2018 and includes: a visit to the historic winery and infernot, followed by a tasting of 4 wines.

For those who like it, you can add a small board with cold cuts, cheeses, bruschettine.

The infernot are underground caves dug by hand, which allowed the Monferrato territory to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Langhe and Roero territories in 2014.

The visit concludes with a tasting of four of the winery's wines accompanied by a small cutting board of local products and breadsticks. For the cutting board è you can request a vegetarian version.

During the tasting you will taste:

•    Mariulin (Piedmont DOC Chardonnay, Sparkling Brut Martinotti Method)
•    Dedalo (Monferrato DOC White from Arneis grapes)
•    Solista (Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC)
•    Carisa (Piedmont DOC Barbera)

For the visit of the wineries in Monferrato we recommend clothing appropriate for the low temperatures and high humidity; present in the premises.

At 7:00 pm there will be a welcome drink with wines from the winery.

Dinner will be served around 8:00 pm and the menu consists of:

•    Monferrina-style raw meat
•    Traditional veal tonnato
•    Stuffed bell pepper
•    Agnolotti with roasted gravy
•    "La Graziosa" bubbly risotto
•    Braised beef with barbera with seasonal side dish

All accompanied by locally produced wines.

This experience allows you to relax and immerse yourself in nature with a picnic in Monforte d'Alba, between Barolo and the Langhe.

You will be provided with a fine vintage-style picnic basket, a support cloth and a detailed map. You will thus be able to explore the picturesque landscapes of the Langhe and capture magical moments with your camera.

The basket will be filled with local specialties:

•    fine cheeses
•    selected cold cuts
•    tasty appetizers
•    fresh bread
•    1 delicious dessert
•    water
•    1 bottle of wine per couple

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

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).

The winery tour with tasting in the hills of Monferrato 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 can choose between 2 tastings.

Classic Tour

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

Tasting Ruchè

The 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 meats and cheeses.

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

Gold Tasting

The experience will be fully supervised by the winery winemaker and consists of a tour of the vineyards surrounding the estate, a visit to the winemaking cellar and the underground barrique cellar, and a tasting of 5 home-made wines accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses.

In case of bad weather, instead of the vineyard tour, a 10% discount will be applied on any wine purchase.

The alpaca walk and picnic in the Langhe is a perfect experience to spend a relaxing time with friends or family.

You will begin with an initial briefing, during which you will be explained all about the world of 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.

You will then conclude the experience with a rich picnic that includes:

•    Salami
•    Lard
•    Omelet
•    Cheese
•    Homemade bread
•    1 bottle of wine for every two people.

For the little ones (children under 12) there is a basket with:

•    Sandwiches
•    Drinks

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

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.

embark on an adventure with a snowmobile excursion in Limone Piemonte. Guided tours can be one hour or one hour and 45 minutes starting from Limonetto, and will give you an experience immersed in the beauty of the Maritime Alps.

The tour è perfect for immersing yourself in the snowy landscapes, allowing you to savor the adrenaline rush as you pass through silent forests and admire breathtaking views.

Snowmobiles are designed for a maximum of 2 people and please note that è a B driver's license is required to ride them, ensuring a safe and immersive experience among alpine wonders.

Ambark on an adventure with a snowmobile excursion in Entracque. Guided tours in the Gesso Valley can be 45 minutes or an hour and a half with departure from Entracque. 

Both tours are a wonderful opportunity to admire the snowy landscapes of the Marettime Alps, allowing you to have an adrenaline-filled and fun experience driving a snowmobile or as passanger.

Snowmobiles are designed for a maximum of 2 people, and please note that è a B driver license is required to drive them. The partner will provide you with the safety equipment and it is very important to follow the guide opener.

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.

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.

At 7:00 pm there will be a welcome drink with wines from the winery.

Dinner will be served around 8:00 pm and the menu consists of:

•    Monferrina-style raw meat
•    Traditional veal tonnato
•    Stuffed bell pepper
•    Agnolotti with roasted gravy
•    "La Graziosa" bubbly risotto
•    Braised beef with barbera with seasonal side dish

All accompanied by locally produced wines.

This experience allows you to relax and immerse yourself in nature with a picnic in Monforte d'Alba, between Barolo and the Langhe.

You will be provided with a fine vintage-style picnic basket, a support cloth and a detailed map. You will thus be able to explore the picturesque landscapes of the Langhe and capture magical moments with your camera.

The basket will be filled with local specialties:

•    fine cheeses
•    selected cold cuts
•    tasty appetizers
•    fresh bread
•    1 delicious dessert
•    water
•    1 bottle of wine per couple

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

This winery tour with tasting in Castagnito, in the heart of Roero, will immerse you in the history of the production of Piedmont's best-known wines. You will have the opportunity to taste 4 or 6 wines, depending on the option you choose, paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses.

Once you are welcomed, you will be escorted to the hills near the vineyards to admire the views of the surrounding hills, and you will be offered water and seasonal zero-mile fruit.

After a few minutes you will be escorted to the winery, where you will learn about all the stages of production and aging of the most historic wines of the Roera tradition. The explanation is followed by a tasting of local wines, paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, a glass of Passito and a hazelnut dessert.

Roero and Beyond (2 hours 30 minutes)

The tasting includes 6 wines:

•    Roero Arneis DOCG
•    Roero Arneis DOCG Cortine
•    Langhe Dolcetto DOC
•    Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
•    Roero DOCG
•    Barbera d'Alba DOC

The tasting is paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, a glass of Passito and a hazelnut dessert.

Roero 100% (2 hours)

The tasting includes 4 wines:

•    Roero Arneis DOCG
•    Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
•    Roero DOCG
•    Barbera d'Alba DOC

The tasting is paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, a glass of Passito and a hazelnut dessert.

The experience is suitable for everyone, and during spring and summer can be offered outdoors.

A tour of the Marrone winery will introduce you to the history of wine production at one of the most historic wineries in the Langhe, including the well-known Barolo.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the main rooms where the wine production process takes place. Afterwards, you will have the posssibility to taste selected wines from the area, along with bread and breadsticks.

Classic (1 hour)

Guided tour of the winery followed by a tasting of 5 wines of your choice from the winery's most representative production, including the famous Barolo.

Top (1 hour)

Guided tour of the winery followed by a tasting of 4 "top of the line" wines representative of the winery's production. In particular, the tasting includes:

•     Langhe doc "Servaj"
•     Barolo docg, the most classic among Barolos
•     Barolo docg "Pichemej" (Pichemej, from the dialect "more than better")
•     Barolo docg "Bussia"

Tastings are accompanied by bread and breadsticks. Upon request, a charcuterie or cheese board can be added for an additional charge.

A sweatshirt is recommended for visiting the winery.

The winery tour with tasting at Castello di Razzano offers an engaging experience for wine lovers and those who wish to learn about the local wine culture. Located in the charming Castello di Razzano, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and production of wine in the region and Monferrato.

After visiting the museum, you will have the opportunity to explore the aging cellars of Razzano Castle. Wine tasting is a highlight of the visit. Each person will have the opportunity to taste three different wines, representative of Castello di Razzano's production. The wine selection could include both white and red wines, depending on your preferences or specialties of the region. To accompany the tasting, you will be served a platter of typical local cured meats and cheeses, which pair perfectly with the wines.

Positioned in one of the most evocative corners of Monferrato and surrounded by an estate of great scenic beauty, Castello di Razzano is the ideal reference point for those who wish to enjoy eno-gastronomic experiences of the area.

The winery tour with tasting on the Cannubi hill will allow you to discover the typical wines of the Piedmont hills, including Barolo.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the winery where the wine production process will be explained to you. At the end you can choose between 2 tastings.

Classic tour

Includes tasting of 6 locally produced wines including 2 glasses of Barolo DOCG. The tasting è accompanied by artisanal breadsticks.

Barolo Tour

The activity includes a tasting tour that includes 7 wines. You will have the opportunity to taste 7 different Barolo DOCGs. The tasting è accompanied by artisanal breadsticks.

After the tasting is over, you can relax by walking through the farm's picturesque vineyards independently.

Wine tasting of Ronchi Varesini wines and vineyard visit in Albizzate è a wonderful experience.

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

Then follows 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 either in the tasting room or on the terrace or vineyard.

When booking, you will be able to select a small extra cutting board that will include a sampling of cured meats and cheeses.
 

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.

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.

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.

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!

Sailing Aperitif at Lake Maggiore departing from Angera is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing moment while enjoying aperitifs and appetizers overlooking the lake. You will have a choice of 3 different tour options:

Sunset Tour

The Sunset Tour includes passing under the Fortress of Angera, a salute to the San Carlone, and a view of Arona's lakeside promenade. Samples of local dishes accompanied by cocktails will be served. The tour lasts 3 hours.

Half-Day Tour

The Half Day Tour includes passing under the Fortress of Angera, a salute to the San Carlone, and a visit to the Gulf of Quassa, where it will be possible to admire the openness of the lake that stretches as far as the eye can see to about its halfway point. The last stop before returning to port will be the Pantegora islet, with the Rocca as a backdrop. Included is a 50cl bottle of water, a few savories, and coffee on the way back to port. The tour lasts 4 hours.

Full Day Tour

The Full Day Tour will depart by h 10:00 am. Upon arrival you will be offered a welcome coffee and then depart north. You will admire the Lombard coastline called the "flowery shore" because of its vast vegetation, and, after about an hour's navigation, you will arrive below the Hermitage of St. Catherine where you can make a brief stop to photograph the monastery that has risen sheer above the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore . The navigation will continue to the Gulf of Quassa, where it will be possible to take a swim, have lunch and relax. Around 6:30 p.m. an aperitif is planned under the Fortress of Angera, and then return to port. The tour lasts 8 hours.

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.

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.

A one-hour scenic snowmobile-guided excursion departing at 6 p.m. from Sestriere on snowy trails through the woods. After the tour you will be taken on a guided snowmobile directly to the hut on the ski slopes.

Once you arrive at the hut, you will stay at altitude from about 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You are greeted by an aperitif and then a typical Piedmontese dinner will be served at the hut. The menu consists of first course, second course and dessert, wine and beverages included. Any intolerances should be communicated to the guide before the hike.

Clothing should be ski wear, with waterproof jacket and pants, boots or boots and gloves.

Experience an unforgettable snowmobile excursion and dinner in Sestriere, one of the most beautiful winter resorts in Piedmont, by driving the snowmobile and enjoy a typical dinner directly at the refuge.

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.

Evening snowshoeing in the Susa Valley è an evocative and unique experience. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will have the opportunity to discover the territory of the Piedmont Alps.

You will undertake a moderately strenuous hike in the Thures Valley, with a route of about 10 km and an elevation gain of less than 400 meters. As well as enjoy the immersive experience of "forest bathing" in the winter forests.

The experience also includes dinner at a typical hut, about halfway along the trail. You can relax, warm up and recharge your batteries and then get back on the trail.

The dinner è consists of three courses, first course, second course and dessert, while drinks are excluded. The choice of dishes will be made on site according to those proposed by the house.

We recommend layered snow clothing, hiking boots (no Moon Boot, no flat shoes), headgear, gloves, backpack to carry a dry change and any food and water. Snowshoes and poles are included in the price. 

In case of allergies or dietary needs you will have to contact the guide directly once booked.