The 8 best things to do in and around Piacenza

Discover Como Brianza, near Lake Como, on horseback and immerse yourself in the woods of the beautiful hills at the base of the Larian Triangle, between the lakes of Montorfano and Alserio.

The horseback trail is at a walking pace, suitable for beginners or those climbing into the saddle for the first time.

Private or group rides for up to 12 people are available. For groups from 7 people, a 30-minute field lesson will be given before departure.

Long pants and sneakers are required. Protective equipment of helmet and back protector will be provided by the riding school and is included in the price of the walk.

With this horseback ride in the Ticino Nature Park you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the horses, brush them and prepare the necessary equipment for an enjoyable ride.

The experience begins with a short introductory lesson that will help you learn how to tame your horse.

During the horseback ride, which will have an effective duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will ride through the forest and spring areas, rich in waterways and vegetation. If lucky, you may see storks, herons and other migratory species.

There is also an opportunity to picnic on horseback.

Take a horseback ride along the banks of the Serio River, within the nature park of the same name on the border between the provinces of Bergamo and Cremona. Depart from Romano di Lombardia.

Relying on your guide you will have the opportunity to admire the protected natural area, rich in biodiversity and pristine habitats.

Before or after the horseback ride you can rest inside the center's characteristic clubhouse, enjoying an aperitif, or book lunches and dinners or stay in the comfortable B&B, all with a background of ambient music.

Enjoy this equestrian experience as a couple, with family, with friends, and ensure a moment of happiness and relaxation.

Choose horseback riding in the hills of Bergamo and ride along the trails and dirt roads in the area, surrounded by the green woods of the park.

The horseback riding tour routes are suitable for both beginners and experts. The rides are one to two hours in length and take place throughout the week.

You will be led by an experienced guide, who will be with you for the duration of the excursion, showing you the most beautiful places and leading you through the most striking landscapes of the Bergamo area.

(The walk will be at a walking pace and not a galloping pace).

The horseback ride in the Brianza hills lasts 1h preceded by a short riding lesson of about 30 minutes.

A pleasant ride through the beautiful and unspoiled nature of the Brianza region, which stretches between Monza and the Montevecchia Regional Park, will give you a unique experience. Depending on the season in which you decide to participate, you will see landscapes ranging from the lush green of spring to the warm yellow and red tones of autumn.

This is an experience suitable for all families, groups of friends and couples, including beginners. During the week, the maximum number of participants is 4. On the weekend, up to 2 people can participate and you will be placed in a larger group.

Finally, to ensure a pleasant experience, all our rides are accompanied by a guide experienced in equestrian tourism.

Horseback riding along the Adda River, lasting one to two hours, through the surrounding woods is an experience not to be missed.

The horseback rides are also suitable for beginners, as they consist of comfortable and wide paths located within the Adda Park.

Thanks to this ride you will have the opportunity to explore the nature that characterizes these places, and to let the horses water within the river.

During the horseback ride, departing from Rivolta d'Adda, you will be accompanied by two equestrian guides, who will lead you for the duration of the excursion.

During this horseback ride in the Emilian Stirone Park you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of the Apennines.

The horseback rides will take place on trails of low and medium-low difficulty suitable for all levels of experience, but also for those who have never been on horseback before.

You will be provided with all equipment for the excursion, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed-toe shoes.

The tasting in the medieval village of Torrechiara will be based on wines and typical products in the evocative setting of a winery.

You will have the opportunity to taste products vinified inside the centuries-old walls of this fortress, made with grapes from the vineyards behind the castle.

Processing is entirely artisanal from the moment of harvest to vinification. The wines ferment naturally in the bottle and rest inside an underground cellar, once a cistern dedicated to collecting rainwater.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to visit this cellar, located three meters underground, in which, at the time of restoration, archaeological artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age were found.

Wine tasting in Torrechiara will be accompanied by some local products.

The estate tasting in Emilia will allow you to taste the traditional wines of Emilia while surrounded by acres of vines and cultivated fields. You can choose from two different options for this tour, both including a guided tour of the estate and accompanied by local products.

The Parmigiano Reggiano tasting with visit is a tour that lasts about an hour and consists of a short theoretical introduction followed by a visit to the dairy with illustrated all the stages of Parmigiano Reggiano processing, up to the maturing warehouse.

At the end of the visit you will participate in a tasting of typical products.

Full Tasting

With tasting of various ripenings of Parmigiano Reggiano, ricotta, Crema di Parmigiano Reggiano choice, balsamic vinegar, jams and/or mostarde, accompanied by water and Lambrusco wine.

The winery visit in Santa Maria della Versa will allow you to discover the wines that characterize the Oltrepò Pavese area. You will have a choice of two different experiences.

Tour with tasting

The activity starts with a walk through the vineyard, then you will continue with a guided tour of the winemaking cellar and the Metodo Classico aging room where they will explain details about the products.

To conclude the experience, you will have the opportunity to have a tasting of 4 wines represented by the winery (including organic) accompanied by small samples (vegetable flan, cheese and tart).

Tour with brunch

For a more complete gastronomic experience, at the end of the winery tour it is possible to have the tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by a brunch consisting of:

• Mixed appetizers.
• Risotto.
• Dessert.

Allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs should be communicated to the facility in advance.

Horseback riding along the Adda River, lasting one to two hours, through the surrounding woods is an experience not to be missed.

The horseback rides are also suitable for beginners, as they consist of comfortable and wide paths located within the Adda Park.

Thanks to this ride you will have the opportunity to explore the nature that characterizes these places, and to let the horses water within the river.

During the horseback ride, departing from Rivolta d'Adda, you will be accompanied by two equestrian guides, who will lead you for the duration of the excursion.

Discover the natural beauty of an estate in the Oltrepò pavese by E-bike and enjoy an aperitif in the open air.

In this fantastic experience, in addition to renting the E-bikes, you can discover the techniques of the estate's winery with a guided tour.

You will be given the E-bike with set up of its basket that includes everything you need for an aperitif in the open air, including:

• a selection of artisanal food products from Oltrepò
• wine to choose from: Saint Valier, Costa del Nero, Maria Novella and Saignée della Rocca.

During the Oltrepò Pavese winery tour and wine tasting, you will have the choice of three different experiences.

The first tour of the vineyards and vines lasts 1h30 and includes the tasting of 4 glasses.

The second option lasts 2h, and is recommended for lovers of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

The last type of experience you can choose instead includes a tour of both the vineyards and the winery, and ends with wine tasting.

Dinner in the Vineyard with a guided tour will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of Oltrepò Pavese and its vineyards.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the farm where owner Patrizio will introduce you to the cultivation and production techniques of their Lombard wines. Afterwards, you will be taken to the vineyard where dinner under the stars will begin, based on several courses paired with a tasting of local wines.

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is held in the summer. The menu may be subject to change based on winery availability.

The vineyard dinner is ideal for families, groups of friends or couples who want to experience a romantic moment in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Languages spoken: Italian and English. A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

The picnic in the vineyard with tasting in the Oltrepò Pavese is a unique opportunity to have lunch with friends in the hills of Lombardy and to learn about the history of the production of the best-known local wines.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the farm, overlooking the hills, and its wineries and then proceeds to its vineyards where the picnic will begin. The picnic includes:

• Sandwich with roast beef, grana cheese and salad
• Sandwich with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula
• Tart with fruit jam
• Water

The picnic is accompanied by a tasting of 4 local wines, including a Provincia di Pavia IGT Pinot Noir "Columban".

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. It is a fun and romantic experience to enjoy with friends in the Oltrepò Pavese.

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.