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

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

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.

One night with breakfast included and access to the wellness center for one hour at the Donna Silvia Wellness Hotel in Manerma del Garda.

Program

The experience includes a one-night stay at the Donna Silvia Wellness Hotel on the Brescia coast of Lake Garda, surrounded by hilly landscapes that open up to the lake horizon.

Dinner, at the Osteria della Pieve restaurant, features traditional Garda and Brescia dishes with local ingredients and an ever-changing menu.

The hotel's SPA includes a sauna, Turkish bath, experience showers, Jacuzzi and treatments dedicated to personal well-being.

In the town of Lonato, a few kilometers from Desenzano del Garda, you will stroll through the vineyard and visit the winery of the Perla del Garda winery to learn about its renowned Lugana and Garda DOC wines.

The wines will be accompanied by a tasting of local cheeses and cured meats.

When booking you can choose between two options.

Garda Doc Vibes

The perfect balance between technical discovery and freshness, ideal for those who want to get to know the modern soul of Garda thanks to a 75-minute tour through the secrets of the barrique cellar and the breath of the vineyard.

This is followed by a guided tasting of 2 wines paired with a selection of local cured meats and cheeses.

Slow Experience

If you choose this tour, you will have the opportunity to walk among the vineyards to discover how Lugana and the refined Rosato di Valtènesi, icons of the area, are born.

Afterwards, there is a tasting of Lugana and Rosato di Valtènesi paired with a rich board of cured meats and fomraggi accompanied by Garda DOP Olive Oil.

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.

Enjoy an unforgettable sailing adventure on Lake Garda, starting from the town of Riva del Garda.

Whether you opt for a half-day or full-day trip, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will guide you through the peculiarities of the lake, giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake landscapes.

Half-day tour

With the half-day tour, you can depart from Riva del Garda and immerse yourself in a sailing experience that will take you along the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the Ponale Falls and swim in the lake's enchanting coves. This trip is ideal for those who want a brief taste of the beauty of Lake Garda. The tour lasts 3.5 hours.

Full-day tour

The full-day tour allows you to spend more time discovering the wonders of the Lake: you can explore its islands, waterfalls and hidden beaches while listening to the valuable information the experienced skipper will provide. The tour lasts 8 hours.

Sunset aperitif sailing on Lake Garda will give you a romantic and picturesque experience.

This event is ideal for celebrating an anniversary, birthday or simply to surprise someone with a special gift, providing a relaxing atmosphere that will make your moment unforgettable.

Departure is scheduled from Riva del Garda at 6:30 p.m., guaranteeing a view of the sunset over the lake. The return is scheduled for 8:30 pm, allowing you to enjoy the lake in its evening hours. Throughout the entire experience, you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will make your trip carefree and full of curiosity.

The aperitif on board the sailboat will consist of a selection of savory snacks, Trento DOC bubbles and non-alcoholic drinks. This will allow all participants' tastes to be satisfied.

The boat can accommodate up to 11 people, but smaller boats are available for couples or smaller groups.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a relaxing evening with a dinner and tasting in Scanzorosciate, in the hills outside Bergamo.

Every weekend, an atmospheric wine and food experience accompanied by a cozy winery atmosphere awaits you.

The experience includes a seasonal 4-course menu that celebrates seasonal produce:

•    Antipasto
•    First course
•    Second course
•    Sweet

Each course è accompanied by a glass of wine that enhances the flavors and creates a'harmony between food and wine.

On request, é can take a guided tour of the winery to learn about the winery's history, production methods and the unique characteristics of the wines.

In case of food allergies or intolerances è it is possible to contact the facility following the reservation.

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).

Explore Lake d’Iseo with a boat tour aboard an elegant Ligurian gozzo boat that will take you on a discovery of the lake’s most picturesque places.

During the navigation you will skirt the Bogn di Riva, the Castro waterfall and the Lovere lakefront. You will then continue to Monte Isola, among natural landscapes and small typical villages.

The navigation is done in a slow and relaxed manner, allowing you to fully enjoy the views and atmosphere of the lake. In addition, there are stops at the most suggestive spots to take pictures and relax.

You can choose between private or group tours, with different durations and departures available in the morning or afternoon, so you can enjoy the experience according to your preferences.

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.

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.