The 20 best experiences to do in and around Bergamo

Experience a’quad bike excursion in Sesto Calende, on Lake Maggiore, designed to spend half a day in the open air among scenic roads, dirt stretches and a stop with an aperitif overlooking the lake.

È an experience suitable even for beginners, ideal for friends, couples, families and small groups. The’activity’takes place aboard double quad bikes with the possibility of alternating driving, along a route of about 3 hours with sections mainly on asphalt, white roads, short dirt sections and a small ford. Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop in Angera with an aperitif overlooking Lake Maggiore, one of the highlights of the experience.

The trail has difficultyà 2 out of 5 and è therefore also suitable for those who è first experience.

Indulge in a moment of pure relaxation at the Spa at the Tenuta de l'Annunziata, nestled in the beautiful setting of Lake Como.

During your 4-hour consecutive experience, you will have full access to all the spa's wellness areas, with kit included to make the most of every tranquil moment.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose the option with aperitif: you will be served a drink accompanied by delicious hot and cold finger food prepared by our Chef, to be enjoyed comfortably in the elegant Bistrot corner inside the spa.

Start from Cascina Sant’Andrea in Misinto and experience a one’hour horseback ride immersed in nature, accompanied by experienced instructors who will guide you along picturesque wooded trails.

During the experience you will ride through Groane Park, discovering the pleasure of exploring the area from a different perspective in a group with other participants. From the first minutes you will get in tune with your horse, experiencing an’activity that combines relaxation, adventure and contact with animals.

The ride è suitable for both first-time riders and those who already have experience. The horses at the facility are selected for their balanced and reliable character, with options suitable for every level of training.

With the support of instructors, you can enjoy the course in total safety.

Dinner for 2 people on Lake Varese and overnight stay with breakfast included in Bodio Lomnago, in the province of Varese.

Program

Dinner opens the experience with a three-course menu at the Bottega Lombarda restaurant, built on seasonal ingredients. This is followed by a night for two at Hotel Equirelais, overlooking Lake Varese, with breakfast included the next morning.

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.

It is mandatory to be at least 14 years old.

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

Rent a 7-person boat equipped with a Mercury Pro 40 CV motor—which can be operated without a boat license—and set sail from Cernobbio to experience Lake Como in complete freedom. Rental options are available for various durations.

As you cruise across the lake, you’ll be able to admire some of the most iconic villas, such as Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, George Clooney’s famous villa, Villa del Balbianello, and many other picturesque spots that make this area unique. Traveling by boat will allow you to easily reach villages, bays, and views that are hard to appreciate from the road.

Treat yourself to a stop at Isola Comacina, relax on the beaches along the lake’s shores, or take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery, free from traffic and with complete freedom to explore Lake Como from its most authentic perspective.

Experience a’quad bike excursion in Sesto Calende, on Lake Maggiore, designed to spend half a day in the open air among scenic roads, dirt stretches and a stop with an aperitif overlooking the lake.

È an experience suitable even for beginners, ideal for friends, couples, families and small groups. The’activity’takes place aboard double quad bikes with the possibility of alternating driving, along a route of about 3 hours with sections mainly on asphalt, white roads, short dirt sections and a small ford. Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop in Angera with an aperitif overlooking Lake Maggiore, one of the highlights of the experience.

The trail has difficultyà 2 out of 5 and è therefore also suitable for those who è first experience.

Horseback riding in the mountains above Lecco, 558 meters above sea level, starts in the town of Primaluna. Excursions offered for this experience are either 1 or 2 hours in length, as desired.

All horseback rides are on the bridleway along the Pioverna River, where you can admire scenic and very characteristic places in the valley. You cross the river, if possible depending on weather conditions and season, and reache the woods. 

The horseback riding experience is suitable for anyone, even first-time riders. Appropriate clothing for horseback riding, such as closed shoes and long pants, is recommended.

Indulge in a moment of pure relaxation at the Spa at the Tenuta de l'Annunziata, nestled in the beautiful setting of Lake Como.

During your 4-hour consecutive experience, you will have full access to all the spa's wellness areas, with kit included to make the most of every tranquil moment.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose the option with aperitif: you will be served a drink accompanied by delicious hot and cold finger food prepared by our Chef, to be enjoyed comfortably in the elegant Bistrot corner inside the spa.

Wakeboarding on Lake Como is an adrenaline experience suitable for everyone, for beginners it is recommended to choose the 30-minute tour.

The experience is structured with boat rental in mind: the instructor and pilot will accompany your group guiding the boat and giving valuable advice to those being towed into the water.

The boat is a brand new, state-of-the-art one, capable of generating waves so that you can use them as ramps to jump into the air with your wakeboard.

The membership is not included and will have to be paid on site.

Dinner for 2 people on Lake Varese and overnight stay with breakfast included in Bodio Lomnago, in the province of Varese.

Program

Dinner opens the experience with a three-course menu at the Bottega Lombarda restaurant, built on seasonal ingredients. This is followed by a night for two at Hotel Equirelais, overlooking Lake Varese, with breakfast included the next morning.

Rent a 7-person boat equipped with a Mercury Pro 40 CV motor—which can be operated without a boat license—and set sail from Cernobbio to experience Lake Como in complete freedom. Rental options are available for various durations.

As you cruise across the lake, you’ll be able to admire some of the most iconic villas, such as Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, George Clooney’s famous villa, Villa del Balbianello, and many other picturesque spots that make this area unique. Traveling by boat will allow you to easily reach villages, bays, and views that are hard to appreciate from the road.

Treat yourself to a stop at Isola Comacina, relax on the beaches along the lake’s shores, or take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery, free from traffic and with complete freedom to explore Lake Como from its most authentic perspective.

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

Hikes 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. 

To participate sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is necessary.

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

1-hour excursion

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

2-hour hike 

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

1-hour excursion with lunch or dinner (Sunday evening dinner not possible due to closing shift)

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

In this experience a lunch or dinner with 3-course tasting menu are included, dessert and coffee, drinks included (dishes with seasonal and local ingredients).

Lunch is prepared for 12:30 / 13:00, is thus preceding the walk. Dinner, on the other hand, is prepared for 7:30 / 8:00 p.m. (Sunday evening excluded due to closing shift) and is held after the walk.

Lunch and dinner include:

•    3 courses
•    Dessert
•    Coffee
•    Drinks

This option is only available from March to September.

2-hour excursion with lunch

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

In this experience lunch is included (available all year round). Lunch is prepared for 12:30 / 13:00, is then following the walk.

Lunch includes:

•    3 courses
•    Dessert
•    Coffee
•    Drinks

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.

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

Visit and wine tasting

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

Lunch

This option begins with a guided winery tour and continues with a tasting of 4 premium wines. The tasting is accompanied by a sampling of local products.

The experience continues with lunch, which includes.

•    1 appetizer of your choice from the menu
•    1 main course of your choice from the menu
•    Water
•    Coffee

Wines and extra drinks are excluded.

Deluxe Lunch (From 2 to 10 people)

In addition to a guided tour of the winery, a 5-course tasting menu paired with locally produced wines is included. The menu changes according to seasonality (you can contact the winery after booking to receive information about this).

This tasting itinerary includes four premium wines paired with as many local dishes, prepared using raw materials and products from the Bottega Contadina line.

The experience concludes with a tasting of one of the local spirits, accompanied by a homemade traditional dessert.

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

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

Deluxe tasting takes place along with lunch.

Languages available: Italian and English.

A wine tasting with a guided tour of the "Il Dosso" winery in Corte Franca is a unique opportunity to learn about the production processes of the famous Franciacorta and immerse yourself in the hills of Brescia, not far from Lake Iseo. 

The experience begins with a tasting, led by the producer, of selected Franciacorta wines offered by the winery, accompanied by a sampling of local cured meats and cheeses. It will continue with a visit to the winery, where you can learn about Franciacorta production techniques. 

It is possible to add an additional mixed platter of selected cured meats and cheeses to share (recommended for 2 people) for an additional fee.

A taste experience immersed in the tranquil olive groves of Lake Garda, with a visit to the Oil Mill, oil tasting and full lunch of grilled meat.

The tour begins with a guided tour of the olive mill, discovering the stages of EVO oil production: from olive processing to the birth of the precious “green gold”. This is followed by a guided tasting of Venturelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mostolio and Garda D.O.P. Oil will allow you to recognize its distinctive aromas, characteristics and qualities.

The experience continues with lunch in the mill's open-air restaurant, overlooking the olive groves.

The tasting menu includes appetizer with cured meats, cheeses, sottoils and jams, mixed grill of meat (Tagliata or Asado de Tira) with potatoes and vegetables, dessert of the day, coffee and a glass of wine of your choice from Groppello, Lugana or Chiaretto (or non-alcoholic beverage).

Picnic among the beautiful vineyards of Lake Garda, on a farm in Padenghe. Ideal for those who want to relax while being with friends and enjoying an excellent glass of wine.

After a short walk among the vineyards you can enjoy a Picnic. The package includes (each two people):

•    Focaccia stuffed with local salami or Mortadella, Asiago cheese, seasonal salad, tomato and mayonnaise
•    Mini tasting of locally produced cheeses and jams
•    Sablè with Grana Padano cheese
•    Black cracker with cereals and buckwheat flour
•    Amaretto Bonnet
•    The Apple
•    Water
•    A Bottle from the Opera Roses Winery Selection.

Glutenfree and lactose-free available. Dishes may vary according to seasonality.

Horseback riding in the mountains above Lecco, 558 meters above sea level, starts in the town of Primaluna. Excursions offered for this experience are either 1 or 2 hours in length, as desired.

All horseback rides are on the bridleway along the Pioverna River, where you can admire scenic and very characteristic places in the valley. You cross the river, if possible depending on weather conditions and season, and reache the woods. 

The horseback riding experience is suitable for anyone, even first-time riders. Appropriate clothing for horseback riding, such as closed shoes and long pants, is recommended.

Wakeboarding on Lake Como is an adrenaline experience suitable for everyone, for beginners it is recommended to choose the 30-minute tour.

The experience is structured with boat rental in mind: the instructor and pilot will accompany your group guiding the boat and giving valuable advice to those being towed into the water.

The boat is a brand new, state-of-the-art one, capable of generating waves so that you can use them as ramps to jump into the air with your wakeboard.

The membership is not included and will have to be paid on site.

Wakeboarding at Como Lake Cable Park, a small lake near Colico, is an adventurous and adrenaline-pumping experience.

The experience includes 15-minute "laps" scattered throughout the day, during which you are always supervised by an instructor.

In addition, it is possible to purchase a 15-minute introductory wakeboard lesson: a first part of 5/10 minutes on land and then in the water the rest of the time.

It is strongly recommended to conduct the lesson if it is your first approach to the discipline.

Unlike classic wakeboarding in which a boat pulls you, cable wakeboarding allows you to glide across the water with a board thanks to an electric towing system, therefore "green."

The system consists of two poles about 100 meters apart, and allows the instructor to adjust the speed of the tow, making it easier to learn.

Discover Villa Cipressi botanical garden in Varenna, on the shores of Lake Como.
Located in Varenna, the villa complex - built between the 15th and 19th centuries and recently restored - combines historical charm with the elegance and comfort of one of the most beautiful historic villas on Lake Como.

A favourite destination for scholars and garden enthusiasts, the park surrounding the property boasts exceptional beauty and invaluable cultural significance, showcasing the biodiversity of different regions of Italy.

From November 1st to January 6th, the botanical garden of Villa Cipressi becomes Villa Cipressi Christmas Garden: a magical wonderland of lights, music, and Christmas flavors. Come and experience the magic in the green heart of Varenna!

This ticket will allow you to enter the Villa's garden and stay inside as long as you wish, during opening hours.

This experience allows you to have a unique experience aboard the first catamaran on Lake Como.

You'll find a living area in the stern and a large, sprung sunbathing net in the bow that will allow you to relax.

On board you will begin a slow and pleasant cruise to Comacina Island, passing some of the most famous villas around the lake: Villa Balbianello, Villa Cassinella, Villa Monastero.

On reaching Comacina Island for a short scenic stop with a chance to take a few dips you will set off again in the direction of Bellagio, which you will sail along and then stop for a longer stop during which you will be served an aperitif with typical Italian products and good wine.

At the end of the cruise you will sail between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio and return to the port of departure.

Group Tour

You will share the catamaran with other people, just like a real boat party, to have a good time between music and an aperitif with local products and wine.

You can choose whether to relax on the overflow net on the water, launch yourself with dives or try the SUP experience.

Two departures are planned for the group tour: from Tremezzo or Laglio.

Private tour

You will have the opportunity to discover the hidden coves of Lake Como in tranquility and in the company of your family or friends.

This exclusive experience will allow you to feel like you are in your own personal boat, but with the comfort of having a skipper at your complete disposal.

For the private tour you can choose the departure location by contacting the facility following your reservation.

Experience a shared catamaran tour on Lake Como, a 2-hour experience designed to discover the lake at leisure, departing from Varenna.

Sailing touches iconic places such as Bellagio and Comacina Island, alternating with coves and lesser-known stretches of coastline, with itinerary varying according to weather conditions. Aboard the 9-meter-long Maru catamaran, you'll find an essential, cozy space with a wooden table and carpets on deck to sit comfortably; small snacks are included depending on the time.

Maximum of 7 participants to provide a curated and relaxed experience among water, scenery and conviviality.

Lunch in Oltrepò Pavese, at Calatroni Vini, to taste typical dishes and enjoy some excellent locally produced wine together.

Program

The experience begins at 12 noon with a guided tour to discover the organic vineyards, crossed by the historic Via di San Colombano.

The second part of the visit takes you to the winemaking cellar and the aging cellar to explore the world of wine.

The third moment is dedicated to flavors, both on the plate and in the glass: a set menu lunch that includes.

•    3 courses that vary according to the seasonality of the products
•    4 glasses of wine paired with each course
•    Water
•    Coffee
•    Cover charge

To personalize the experience you can choose 2 wine pairing options:

•    Basic wines: basic wines will be served with each course
•    Classic method sparkling wines: classic method sparkling wines will be served with each course

Reduced menu for children includes salami or cheese, main course and dessert.

In case of food allergies, please notify the facility following the reservation

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

The activity begins with a guided tour of the farm, overlooking the hills, and its cellars and then proceeds with a guided tasting of 4 wines. At the end of the tasting, the picnic bag will be handed out, which includes per person:

•    Sandwich with coppa and goat cheese
•    Sandwich with salami
•    Pie made by us
•    Water
•    1 bottle of Campo Dottore or Vigio wine for every 2/3 adult persons

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

The shared scenic hot air balloon flight in the Milan area is an unforgettable experience with unique views of the entire Po Valley and surrounding hills.

The duration of the activity is about 3-4 hours including balloon inflation, flight of about 1 hour, recovery, balloon packing, aperitif and return to the meeting point.

The meeting point is in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano and together with the staff you will head to the take-off area in San Colombano al Lambro.

The activity can be done immediately after sunrise or at sunset during the months of March to May and September to October. The flight path varies each time depending on the intensity and direction of the wind.

During the experience you will be able to admire Pavia, Piacenza and with a little luck the skyscrapers of Milan from the other side. On the horizon you will also be able to see the foothills of the Alps and the Apennines.

Once you land before returning to the meeting point you will be offered a glass of aperitif for a toast.

Required attire to participate is seasonally appropriate sportswear with long pants and closed-toe shoes without heels.

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.

Alpaca walking in Carpaneto Piacentino allows you to enjoy a relaxing experience immersed in the tranquility of the countryside.

You can walk along pristine paths through forests, flowering meadows and vineyards accompanied by gentle, soft alpacas.

This experience is suitable for everyone: families, couples, groups of friends or simply those looking for a relaxing time away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Alpacas are gentle, curious and peaceful creatures, perfect for a relaxing and fun experience. Following their slow, meditative pace, you will savor the silence broken only by the rustling of leaves and their quiet breathing.

At the beginning of the experience there is a brief introduction about alpacas to learn about them, how to interact with them and how to guide them safely.

Afterwards there is a walk of about 1 hour on a nature trail, with stops to enjoy the scenery and make friends with these fascinating animals.