The 20 best experiences to have in and around Brescia

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

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 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.

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

Visit of the olive grove and farm among the moraine hills and Lake Garda, with tasting of different types of oil, olive samples, infusions and patè.

The experience includes a tour of the olive grove, where you can watch the harvest (October/November) or the pruning of the olive trees (February to April). You will visit the workshop and taste three tiolopogies of quality extra virgin olive oil: from the Garda DOP-certified oil, to the Premium and Oro del Vajo selections, along with condiments made naturally by infusion, olives and paté on good bread. 

The guided tour of the winery will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of the Veneto region and introduce you to the production techniques of Valpolicella wines.

The activity, lasting about 3 hours, begins with a tour of the vineyard and the historic winery where wine production takes place. Next, you will be shown the family chapel and the Villa, which dates back to the 16th century and is a historical symbol of the family.

At the end of the tour you will taste different vintages of 4 local wines paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses and a dessert. A tasting of Amarone Recioto grappas, produced by the winery, concludes the tasting.

The Valpolicella wine tasting is a unique opportunity to learn about the wine culture of the Veneto region and taste excellent wines with friends and couples.

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.

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.

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.

Book a horseback ride in the Giudicarie forests, an experience in which the trails are developed on a loop route, characterized by ups and downs.

Step into the saddle and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the Giudicarie, in an experience that will make you feel in perfect tune with nature.

You can admire historic villages like Rango, one of the most beautiful in Italy, and enjoy spectacular views of the Dolomites that embrace the Giudicarie Esteriori.

Horseback riding è an activity suitable for both experts and beginners from 14 years old and up.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the mountains of Foppolo on a snowmobile tour in the province of Bergamo. An expert guide will accompany you through the magnificent landscapes of the Orobie Alps, starting from Foppolo and continuing on to Carona.

Departing from Baita Belfud at 5:00 PM or 7:30 PM, you’ll ride the snowmobiles—which you’ll drive yourself—up to an altitude of 2,200 meters to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Alps at sunset and take some photos. Afterward, you’ll head to a mountain hut for an aperitif dinner at high altitude with your guide and the rest of the group. This will last about half an hour, and you’ll be served a variety of charcuterie platters, with one drink per person included. 

Snowmobiles can accommodate up to 2 people. To drive a snowmobile, you must be at least 18 years old and hold a Class B driver’s license. Driving the snowmobile is not mandatory; you can book the excursion and ride as a passenger.

Appropriate winter clothing, including waterproof gear, is recommended.

Excursions are guaranteed once 3 snowmobiles are available; otherwise, your reservation may be subject to change. Excursions are also subject to change due to weather conditions.

Take a friendly walk with alpacas on the Serio River in Romano di Lombardia in the province of Bergamo.

Before starting the walk there will be a small briefing to get to know these docile and curious animals.

The walk begins at the ranch and continues through the landscape of the Serio River Park, before arriving at the river, a protected natural area rich in biodiversity and pristine habitats.

During the experience you can take souvenir photos with your new friends. 

An alpaca will be delivered for each adult couple.

Children, up to age 7, participate in the walk free of charge and must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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.