The 10 best experiences to do in Valpolicella

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

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.

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.

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 DOP wines.

The wines will be accompanied by baked goods and traditional Lombard gastronomic products.

You will be able to choose between two different tours:

Classic (1 hour and 30 minutes)

The classic tour includes a guided tour of the winery and vineyards along with a tasting of three types of Lake Garda wines:

•    Lugana DOC
•    Garda DOC
•    Valtènesi DOC

Vintage (2 hours)

The vintage experience includes a guided tour of the winery and vineyards along with a tasting of five Lugana DOC wines from Lake Garda, including wines awarded 3 Glasses by Gambero Rosso.

Get ready for a tasty and relaxing experience near the shores of Lake Garda, surrounded by nature and the landscapes of Lombardy.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 DOP wines.

The wines will be accompanied by baked goods and traditional Lombard gastronomic products.

You will be able to choose between two different tours:

Classic (1 hour and 30 minutes)

The classic tour includes a guided tour of the winery and vineyards along with a tasting of three types of Lake Garda wines:

•    Lugana DOC
•    Garda DOC
•    Valtènesi DOC

Vintage (2 hours)

The vintage experience includes a guided tour of the winery and vineyards along with a tasting of five Lugana DOC wines from Lake Garda, including wines awarded 3 Glasses by Gambero Rosso.

Get ready for a tasty and relaxing experience near the shores of Lake Garda, surrounded by nature and the landscapes of Lombardy.

Horseback riding in the Euganean Hills è an exciting opportunity to explore picturesque trails and enjoy breathtaking views. 

Horseback rides in the Euganean Hills are available by reservation Tuesday through Sunday and last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The activity begins with a half-hour lesson, followed by a 1-hour ride.

The walk is suitable for everyone, including beginners, and the minimum age requirement is 14 years.

To finalize your reservation you will be asked to state your weight and height, please enter the correct values so that the facility can provide you with the appropriate resources.

A guided winery tour in Vo', outside Padua, will immerse you in the wine culture of the Veneto region. You will taste historic Veneto wines on the winery's panoramic terrace, overlooking the Euganean Hills, or inside the barrique cellar.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the wine laboratory where you will learn about the winery's traditional production processes and aging techniques. Afterwards, you will taste 3 or 5 local wines, depending on the option you choose, paired with a charcuterie board.

Overview (1 hour 30 minutes)

The tasting takes place on the winery's panoramic terrace, which offers a beautiful view of the Euganean Hills. The tasting includes 5 wines:

•    2 white wines
•    2 red wines
•    1 sweet wine

The tasting is accompanied by:

•    Bread crostini with extra virgin olive oil DOP
•    1 type of local cured meats
•    1 type of cheese
•    Bread and water

A complimentary bottle of wine offered by the winery is provided for couples.

In the barrique cellar (2 hours)

The tasting takes place inside the winery's barrique cellar and includes 3 Riserva wines, paired with:

•    Bread crostini with extra virgin olive oil DOP
•    2 types of local cured meats
•    2 types of cheeses
•    Bread and water

Complimentary 2 bottles of wine offered by the winery are provided for couples.

The visit to the winery is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the production of the historic Veneto wines and to taste excellent wines in the company of friends, relatives or your partner.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

Horseback riding in the Euganean Hills allows you to see picturesque views in the company of friends or your partner.

You will also be provided with a basket with a blanket to place on the hay meadows.

The picnic will be composed of typical local products with zero km:

•    wine
•    beer
•    sliced meats
•    cheese
•    bread

This experience is suitable for everyone, even those who are approaching the world of horseback riding for the first time.

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

The horseback ride between Vicenza and Padua, in Montegaldella, can take an hour or two, depending on your preference, and is ideal for a relaxing experience in excellent company.

It starts at a local ranch and continues into the Vicenza wilderness, with the option of ending the experience at sunset by choosing the 4 p.m. tour.

Your guide will also teach you how to clean and prepare your horse, before you mount.

The tour is organized exclusively and can be either 1 hour or 2 hours long. It is suitable for everyone, including beginners.

Participants should send ID and social security number to the facility following booking.

Wine Tasting in the Berici Hills between Padua and Vicenza can be developed, depending on your preferences, according to three different options: 

Edgard Tasting 

You will taste the most characteristic wines of the winery. From the highly prized Sior Marco 2020 to the winery's Arcadia.

All é accompanied by fragrant appetizers consisting of products closely linked to the territory that have been part of the traditional Veneto gastronomy since time immemorial. During the tastings, locally produced materials are preferred.

This tasting is available daily at 10:00 am or 5:00 pm.

Interlude Tasting

You will be offered 4 excellent labels specially selected for you accompanied by bread cookie. The experience lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

This tasting is available on Fridays at 5:30 pm.

Tasting Raixe Grixe 

You will be offered 4 excellent labels selected especially for you accompanied by pan biscotto and Asiago cheese, which are typical local products that are an integral part of the history of our area.

This tasting is available on Fridays at 5:30 pm.

Before the tastings, you will be offered a tour of the vineyards surrounding the winery, the historic villa, the little church and the fountain: a setting steeped in history that will remind you of your roots.

During the visits with tasting you will have the opportunity to taste different wines, paired with typical products of the local gastronomy, such as cured meats, cheeses and artisan-made bread.

At the end of the tour and tasting, you will have the opportunity to purchase products from the winery.

Farm lunch with farm visit outside Padua allows you to spend a relaxing time in direct contact with nature and animals.

You will be welcomed by a farm that is located in the Paduan countryside, in an area traversed by waterways and enriched by the presence of the Euganean Hills, just minutes from Padua, Vicenza and Venice.

Here you can enjoy traditional and vegan cuisine. All dishes offered are prepared with local and seasonal ingredients.

The menu offered by the restaurant is fixed and it changes every week. It includes:

•    appetizer
•    1 first course
•    1 main course
•    1 dessert

Drinks are not included.

You can also take a walk and visit the farm.

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