The 20 best experiences to do on Lake Garda

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.

È you can choose one of the following modes:

The Traditions of Valpolicella

This tour lasts about two hours and è designed for those who wish to appreciate both food and wine. After a walk through the vineyards of our winery in Valpolicella and a visit to the drying and aging rooms, you will complete the experience with a tasting of organic wines, accompanied by a selection of cured meats, cheeses and other typical products. The wines you will have the pleasure of tasting are:

• Valpolicella Classico DOC BIO
• Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC BIO
• Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC BIO
• Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO
• Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO

I Grandi, Face to Face

This tour lasts about two hours and begins with a walk through the vineyards surrounding the winery, then continues with a visit to the drying, and aging rooms. The tour will be completed by the tasting of five wines, each paired with cured meats, cheeses and other typical products, structured as follows:

• Comparison between Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Ca' Besi BIO and Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Colombarino BIO
• Comparison between Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Austernia
• Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO

Three Dames, Three Wines

The experience lasts one hour and will begin with a visit to the winery with a description of the different stages of production and will end with a tasting of the three wines: 

• Verona Rosato Frizzante IGT "Sui Lieviti" Bollicella
• Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC Ripensia
• Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Austernia

Wines of the Dame

The tour begins with a walk through the vineyards where the main steps of grape production will be introduced. We will complete the tour with a visit to the cooperage, where the wines are aged. After the tour is over, we will begin the tasting of three wines, including:

• Valpolicella Classico
• Valpolicella Ripasso
• Amarone Classico

The winery tour a with tasting in Desenzano will allow you to discover the Lugana production processes in a relaxed and modern setting on Lake Garda. You can choose from three different experiences.

Classic Tour

The activity starts with a guided tour of the winery where you will understand how the wine is produced and finally have a tasting of 3 wines (Lugana Doc, Lugana Doc Brut Metodo Classico and Il Guardiano Benaco Bresciano Rosso). The tasting will be accompanied by cold cuts and cheeses.

Lugana Tour

The activity starts with a guided tour of the winery where you will understand how the wine is produced and finally have a tasting of the 4 Lugana doc wines produced by the winery (Lugana Doc, Demesse Vecchie Lugana doc, Lugana Doc Brut Metodo Classico and Diciannove marzo Lugana Doc Pas Dosè). The tasting will be accompanied by cured meats and cheeses.

Full Tour

With this experience you will take a guided tour of the winery, a walk through the vineyards, visit the Cru vineyard, the Sparkling Cellars and the Barrique Cellar. At the end there will be a tasting of all the winery's most significant products. The tasting will be accompanied by cured meats and cheeses.

To participate in the tasting you must be of legal age.

Horseback riding among the hills of Valpolicella, departing from San Pietro in Cariano, along routes immersed in nature. The experience allows you to immerse yourself, on horseback, among the vineyards of the renowned and picturesque area also known for the production of Valpolicella wine.

The excursion is also suitable for beginners who have never ridden a horse. Depending on the length of the ride, the route varies in length. You ride through the countryside among glimpses of typical villages and wineries. The views are always beautiful and the perspective certainly unusual.

Horseback riding on the banks of the Mincio River with an experienced equestrian guide who will lead you to discover the river and the park of the same name.

You will be able to choose between two types of rides: one lasting 2h, recommended especially for beginners, and the other a full-day ride with tasting at three local wineries and lunch included.

Horseback riding at the foot of Mount Baldo departing from the locality of Prada, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, in the province of Brenzone and San Zeno di Montagna. The’experience traverses the lower part of Mount Baldo, in trails surrounded by greenery.

The’excursion è suitable for beginners who are going for the first time on horseback (older than 10 years). Depending on the length of the walk, the route varies in length. You walk through the countryside and woods and reach high ground from where you can admire a beautiful view, the ’environment è cooler, and you can’stop for short stops.

General Information:

• It’ mandatory to wear long pants and comfortable closed shoes (ankle boots or sneakers).
• You must arrive at the site about 15 minutes before the agreed upon time for the outing.
• .
• In case of bad weather, the walk will be postponed to another date agreed upon with the client.

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.

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.

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.

The winery tour a with tasting in Desenzano will allow you to discover the Lugana production processes in a relaxed and modern setting on Lake Garda. You can choose from three different experiences.

Classic Tour

The activity starts with a guided tour of the winery where you will understand how the wine is produced and finally have a tasting of 3 wines (Lugana Doc, Lugana Doc Brut Metodo Classico and Il Guardiano Benaco Bresciano Rosso). The tasting will be accompanied by cold cuts and cheeses.

Lugana Tour

The activity starts with a guided tour of the winery where you will understand how the wine is produced and finally have a tasting of the 4 Lugana doc wines produced by the winery (Lugana Doc, Demesse Vecchie Lugana doc, Lugana Doc Brut Metodo Classico and Diciannove marzo Lugana Doc Pas Dosè). The tasting will be accompanied by cured meats and cheeses.

Full Tour

With this experience you will take a guided tour of the winery, a walk through the vineyards, visit the Cru vineyard, the Sparkling Cellars and the Barrique Cellar. At the end there will be a tasting of all the winery's most significant products. The tasting will be accompanied by cured meats and cheeses.

To participate in the tasting you must be of legal age.

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.

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.

Dog trekking with huskies in the Brenta Dolomites, departing from Pinzolo and in the company of fantastic Alaskan Malamute specimens.

The activity consists of a real snowshoe hike on easy, level trails, also suitable for children of any age, tied to the dogs via a harness and an elastic rope.

The ideal routes for this activity are Malga Ritorto, with departure and arrival at the Patascoss parking lot, or Malga Mondifrà, with departure and arrival from the Grostè parking lot. At the Malga you can have lunch or dinner, upon request (the cost of lunch or dinner is not included in the price).

The dogs, in addition to affection and companionship, will help you in reaching your goal through their pulling power.

Children under 10 years of age, for safety reasons, are paired with a parent, while toddlers can be carried in suitable backpacks by a parent or our guides to enjoy the affection of our Alaskan Malamutes during breaks.

The equipment we recommend is as follows:

• backpack
• thermal clothing
• cap
• warm, waterproof shoes (wide-fitting après-ski boots not recommended)
• water bottle and snack
• sunglasses

The use of snowshoes is subject to weather conditions; in case of ice, the facility may opt to use crampons.

The dog sledding experience in Madonna di Campiglio will allow you to speed through snowy landscapes, wooded trails and picturesque valleys, guiding trained dogs along designated routes. It is an exciting experience that combines the adrenaline rush of the activity with the tranquility of alpine nature.

The sled dog excursion is a beautiful experience lasting 1 hour. You get to drive a dog sled yourself.

After an initial briefing with the instructor, you will drive the sled with 3-4 dogs first in the small track and then in the medium track we have in Nambino Plain, accompanied remotely by our instructors.

This activity can also be done in 3-4 people together and even in larger groups, and it is a fun and active way to approach the world of dog sledding. Warm snow clothing with hiking shoes is recommended to have better control over the sled's skates.

The Alaskan Malamute is a large dog with a brave and friendly spirit, friendly with other animals, always wise and caring. It is one of the oldest sled dogs, mighty with a muscular and robust body. Its elegance is proverbial, both in its thick coat and plush movements.

The head is large and well proportioned to the body. He is a friendly, affectionate dog and a devoted companion. Playful and willing to help in any circumstance, he is very dignified.

Theclothing we recommend bringing is as follows:

• thermal clothing
• cap
• warm, waterproof shoes
• sunglasses

Fat bike ride to the Ritorto refuge in Madonna di Campiglio. Fun guaranteed if you choose this excursion!

Riding a pedal-assisted fat bike equipped with studded snow tires you will ride exclusive routes immersed in the Brenta Dolomites.

The route is very beautiful and scenic, and you will need to have good balance as the roads will be icy or snow covered.

The equipment we recommend is as follows:

• backpack
• thermal clothing
• helmet (possibility to rent)
• waterproof shoes
• water bottle and snack
• sunglasses
• gloves

The fat bike tour to the Ritorto refuge in Madonna di Campiglio is an adventurous and adrenaline-pumping experience that will take you on a discovery of snowy landscapes and enchanting views.

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.

Snowshoeing in and around Paganella in Andalo is a unique opportunity to discover the Dolomites in Trentino by walking together with a snow guide. The starting point of all hikes is Andalo and you can choose from 3 different activities.

Half Day

On the Monday walk, you will head into the snow-covered forests of the Dolomites in the Lava resort for a relaxing morning hike.

For the Thursday and Saturday afternoon hikes, your guide will take you for a high altitude hike in Paganella, specifically to Conca d'argento and Sant'Antonio.

The minimum age to participate is 8 years old.

Evening

On Tuesdays you will go up to high altitude with the lifts (not included in the price) where the experience will begin. The snowshoe hike will be at Sant'Antonio Pass and you will be able to watch the sunset at the "Croz del Rasàr" viewpoint. During the walk you will also have the opportunity to have an aperitif at the refuge (not included).

On Saturday the walk will be at Prati di Gaggia and you will reach a chalet where you will have an aperitif and a dinner of typical products (not included in the price and to be booked separately). At the end of the dinner you will return to Andalo with the lifts.

Minimum age to participate is 10 years.

Full day

On Wednesday morning, you will traverse the dense snow-covered forests and travel to the Pradel Molveno plateau in the Brenta Dolomites. Lunch will be at the refuge (not included in the price) or packed lunch. The duration of the activity is 7 hours.

The minimum age to participate is 14 years.

Appropriate mountain hiking clothing is required for all hikes and bring snacks and water.

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.