The 20 best experiences to have in and around Brescia

Stroll through Prognol's Veronese vineyards and taste typical Valpolicella wines at the Corte Borghetti winery, along with a board of local cured meats and cheeses.

You will have a choice of two tours, and on each of the two, following the visit to the winery and vineyards, you will taste some classics of the Veronese wine tradition, with a pairing of Lessinia cured meats and cheeses, mustards and honey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a typical homemade dessert.

Classic (2 hours)

The classic tasting includes a short walk through the vineyards and Valpolicella production sites, accompanied by a tasting of the following wines:

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

Light lunch (3 hours)

This is a real food and wine tour of Valpolicella, during which, following the estate visit, you will taste the following wines:

•    Garganega in purity
•    Valpolicella Classico DOC
•    Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
•    Ripasso Classico DOC
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

For this tour, an appetizer of bruschetta with garden vegetables and a traditional first course will also be offered to accompany the wines and the platter of local cured meats and cheeses.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery tour.

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

Discover the territory on horseback through pastures, forests and dirt roads, with views ranging from the Po Valley to the Apennines and the Lagoon.

You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will follow you along the trail, telling you interesting facts about the area.

Spectacular views north to Baldo, Carega and Lessinia will open up during the walk, allowing you to enjoy the views to the fullest without hurrying.

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).

The winery tour with Amarone tasting at Farina winery will allow you to discover the typical products of Valpolicella.

The activity begins with a walk through the winery's vineyards where you will be told about the history of the area followed by a guided tour of the winery where the winemaking process will be explained. At the end you can choose between 2 activities.

Classic Tasting

Includes a tasting of 6 locally produced wines, including 2 glasses of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, accompanied by a typical board of cold cuts and cheeses.

Light Lunch

This activity includes a tasting of 6 wines that will be accompanied by cold cuts, local cheeses and focaccia. Following this, you will be served a typical dessert along with a tasting of 2 Grappas of Amarone.

The wines being tasted in both activities are:

•    2 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
•    Rosso Veronese IGT
•    Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore
•    Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore
•    Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Classico

Discover the pleasure of sailing on Lake Garda aboard the Kolmarine Teorema 20, available for charter without the need for a boat license. 

This motorboat è perfect for exploring the beautiful shores of Lake Garda safely, whether as a couple or with family or a group of friends. Thanks to its modern design and great stability, ensured by a very low center of gravity, the Teorema 20 offers pleasant and relaxing sailing even for those who è first experience.

The high bulwarks effectively protect all occupants, making the experience even more peaceful and suitable for even the youngest guests. You can stop for a dip, admire the villages overlooking the lake or just relax in the sun.

Book your rental and be won over by the freedomà to experience Garda from a unique perspective.

Horseback riding on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni plateau in Asiago will allow you to have a unique experience riding a horse.

The excursions are also suitable for beginners, in fact, before the walk the guide will explain how to mount and teach you the commands to best ride the horse.

You can choose from 1- or 2-hour hikes in which you will immerse yourself in the peaceful forests and grasslands of the Plateau. The rides are available from April through November.

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

During the horseback ride starting from Cavedine, just north of Riva del Garda, we follow trails at the foot of Mount Bondone entering a nearby forest.

The walk è suitable for and enjoyable for everyone, beginners and non-beginners; even those who have never been on horseback can participate, and will be able to take their first steps with the help of an equestrian guide.

Rent a pedal-assisted e-bike and take your own tour, following the Ponale Trail from Riva del Garda, a very beautiful route.

The tour starts from the e-bike rental shop in Riva del Garda. The store is very well located as the starting point of the main MTB trails in the Upper Garda area.

You will be advised by a local guide, in particular, the suggested route (slightly strenuous but doable by all) is to follow the very famous Ponale Trail, with sheer views of the lake and rising in height.

You can follow the trail all the way to Lake Ledro, from which you can return to Garda, or stop earlier or take a detour to go to a refuge.

Saturday and Sunday rentals are available for the full day only.

Walking in the woods in Val di Sole, suitable for beginners. The horseback ride is always organized in the company of a horseback riding guide.

1-hour ride

Leaving from the riding school, we take the path that between forest and countryside will take us to the gates of the village of Pellizzano.

It’s a loop trail mainly at the 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.

You will end the horseback riding experience with a delicious lunch at the farmhouse with a 4-course menu that includes an appetizer, a first course, a second course and a dessert and from which drinks are excluded.

Lunch is bookable only in one time slot per tour:

•    1-hour walk: 11 a.m.
•    2-hour walk: 10 a.m.

In the months of May and November, the lunch option is not available.

You will need to inform the facility directly of any allergies or special dietary needs.

The forest walk in Val di Sole allows you to experience a relaxing moment surrounded by nature and away from the city chaos.

This experience is suitable for everyone, even beginners. The horseback ride is always organized in the company of an equestrian guide.

When booking you can choose between two options.

1-hour walk

Starting from the riding stables you take the path that between woods and countryside will take you 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.

Please remember to wear comfortable clothing with long pants and closed shoes.

Try wakeboarding in the safest way at Lake Ledro, just a few miles from the northern tip of Lake Garda. The lake is equipped with cables that tow you and give you the speed you need to glide balanced on the water.

It is organized in the following way: for each participant, there is a short briefing on the tricks to follow at the beginning, techniques for using the board, and tips on how to perform evolutions in the water for the more experienced. It lasts about 5-10 minutes.

After that, you enter the water. A wetsuit, protective helmet and life jacket are provided; from here you can start the real water ride, which lasts 10 minutes or more each (you go in the water one at a time, not all at once). You are always supervised by an instructor, who supports you and gives you tips to go better.

Additional laps can be booked for those who want to do more during the day. There is one lap per person included in the price of the basic option. You can then ask your friends how many extra rides you want to take and book them in advance.

The experience also covers younger children to whom a bodyboard is provided where it involves sliding through the water on your knees or lying on a floating board.

Other things to keep in mind
Sufficient experience with water is recommended. Avoid eating before entering the water. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

A guided winery tour with lunch at Ambrosini Estate will give you an insight into Franciacorta wine production techniques and a lunch of local products.

The activity begins with a walk through the farm's vineyards, followed by a guided tour of the winery.

This is followed by lunch based on the selected menu.

Lunch

Lunch consists of 4 courses:

•    Appetizers based on typical Brescian cured meats, savory pies, zucchini frittatas and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG paired with Franciacorta T.A. EXTRA BRUT DOCG
•    Spiedo Bresciano based on mixed meats cooked on the grill with side dishes, paired with Franciacorta T.A. BRUT DOCG
•    Dessert paired with Franciacorta SATEN Millesimato DOCG

Gold tasting

The lunch consists of 4 courses:

•    Appetizers of typical Brescian cured meats, savory pies, zucchini frittatina and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta wine Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG
•    Brescian spit of mixed meats cooked over charcoal with side dish
•    Dessert

The lunch is accompanied by a tasting of 5 Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG wines.

Platinum tasting

The lunch consists of 5 courses:

•    Appetizers of typical Brescian cured meats, savory pies, zucchini frittatina and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta wine Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG
•    Brescian spit of mixed meats cooked on the grill with side dishes
•    Cheese board from the Brescian valleys paired with Franciacorta RISERVA "Lorenzo Ambrosini" vintage 2011 DOCG
•    Sweet

The lunch is accompanied by the tasting of 6 Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini wines including the Eccellente Riserva 2011.

The visit with lunch has a total duration of about 3 hours and is ideal for groups and families, but also to have a romantic lunch with your partner. At the end of the experience it will be possible to go to the wine shop.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

Enjoy a horseback riding experience through the Franciacorta vineyards with a breathtaking view of Lake Iseo, starting from the only riding stable in the area with a direct view of the lake. Choose from a variety of rides, including those lasting several hours, suitable for all skill levels.

Let us guide you along trails surrounded by nature, through the famous Franciacorta vineyards, and enjoy unique panoramic views of Lake Iseo. Along the way, you’ll experience the area from a different perspective, taking in relaxing landscapes and picturesque vistas.

Whether this is your first time riding or you’re already an experienced rider, you’ll find the perfect companion for your excursion: the horses are selected to ensure safety, tranquility, and fun. You can choose the duration that suits you best and enjoy an authentic experience, perfect for spending a few hours outdoors surrounded by nature, vineyards, and unforgettable views.

Wine tasting with lunch on Lake d'Iseo allows you to visit a winery and taste local wines paired with a hot dish.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see all stages of wine and classic method production, from the arrival of the grapes to bottling and labeling.

Following è will be a tasting of 5 wines with gastronomic pairing that includes:

•    Flûte of “Crystal Rime – 56*16” Pinot Noir Brut Metodo Classico paired with Taleggio dop 
•    Calice di “Arlecchino” 2023 Varietal Chardonnay paired with Culatello di Zibello 
•    Calice di “Arlecchino Bergamo” 2017 Rosso della Bergamasca I.G.T. paired with Salame “Le due lune di Agosto”
•    Calice di “Satiro” 2013 Rosso della Bergamasca I.G.T. Cabernet S. paired with Roccolo della Valtaleggio 
•    1 hot first course: lasagna ancient recipe “Nonna Maria” 
•    Calice of Moscato di Scanzo DOCG Passito Rosso paired with artisanal biscuits

To personalize the experience you can choose from 2 time slots:

•    10:30 - 11:30 visit to the winery, 11:30 - 12:30 tasting with lunch
•    15:00 - 16:00 visit to the winery, 16:00 - 17:00 tasting with lunch

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

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.

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).