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

Enjoy an authentic experience among the olive groves of Lake Garda, discovering the secrets of extra virgin olive oil through a tasting followed by an aperitif of titpic products. 

The tour begins with a guided tour of the olive mill, during which you will learn about all stages of production: from olive harvesting to pressing, to bottling the precious “green gold”. At the end of the visit you will participate in a guided tasting of the most renowned labels, Venturelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mostolio and Garda D.O.P. Olive Oil, learning to recognize their scents, aromatic notes and distinctive features.

The experience concludes with a pleasant aperitif in the restaurant of the oil mill, with artisanal salumi, local cheeses, sottoli and a glass of wine to choose from Groppello, Lugana or Chiaretto (or soft drink), for a convivial moment immersed in the quiet of Lake Garda.

Walk through the vineyards of Valpolicella, visit the winery and taste wine produced in this renowned winery in Negrar di Valpolicella.

To personalize your experience you can choose from 3 different options:

The Traditions of Valpolicella

The tour begins with a walk through the vineyards, a visit to the aging rooms and then concludes with a tasting of 5 organic wines accompanied by a selection of cured meats, cheeses and other typical products.

The wines you will taste are: Valpolicella Classico DOC BIO, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC BIO, Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC BIO, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO, Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO.

The Greats, Face to Face.

Again you will start with a walk through the vineyards, then continue with a visit to the aging rooms and conclude with a tasting of 5 wines, each paired with cured meats, cheeses and other typical products.

The tasting will be structured as follows: Comparison between Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Ca' Besi BIO and Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Colombarino BIO; Comparison between Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Austernia; Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO

Light Lunch between Vineyards and Winery

This food and wine tour is perfect for those who want to learn about the indigenous grape varieties of Valpolicella without sacrificing a tour of the estate and a rich traditional gastronomic offering. You will taste 5 organic wines: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO, Verona Rosato Frizzante IGT "Sui Lieviti" Bollicella, Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO, Valpolicella Classico DOC BIO, Valpolicella Classico Ripassato DOC BIO.

All accompanied by a light lunch that includes: a wide selection of typical local cheeses and cold cuts, a tasting of Olio Evo and Miele Bio Millefiori, giardiniera, fresh bread, focaccia, dessert, grappa and coffee.

The picnic in the vineyard in lower Garda in Lonato will give you a relaxing experience while admiring picturesque views.

This tour includes a visit to the winery and a picnic in the vineyard. You will be provided with a blanket and picnic basket with:

•    bread
•    cured meats
•    cheese from Lombardy
•    can of 100% Turbiana white wine
•    1 bottle of water

This experience allows you to taste traditional flavors paired with local wine to give you an innovative and sustainable tasting experience.

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

Canyoning for beginners at Vajo dell'Orsa, next to Lake Garda.

The experience begins at the meeting point where you can change your clothes and put on your swimsuit. Here you will also be distributed all the necessary equipment for the outing.

Once all participants are ready, there will be a technical briefing to explain the safety procedures to be followed during the activity.

You will then leave on foot to reach the entrance to the creek where the actual canyoning experience will begin, which will last about 2 hours.

For the duration of the excursion you will be accompanied by an experienced guide to whom you can ask questions pertaining to the route or the history of the place.

The trail has a length of about 1 km with an elevation gain of 100m. In total you will see 6 waterfalls, the highest of which è is 15m, while the highest jump you can make è is 5m (not obligatory).

At the end of the activity you will return to the starting point with about 20 minutes of walking on the trail and once you arrive, you can take a hot shower.

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.

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

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.

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.

Enjoy an authentic experience among the olive groves of Lake Garda, discovering the secrets of extra virgin olive oil through a tasting followed by an aperitif of titpic products. 

The tour begins with a guided tour of the olive mill, during which you will learn about all stages of production: from olive harvesting to pressing, to bottling the precious “green gold”. At the end of the visit you will participate in a guided tasting of the most renowned labels, Venturelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mostolio and Garda D.O.P. Olive Oil, learning to recognize their scents, aromatic notes and distinctive features.

The experience concludes with a pleasant aperitif in the restaurant of the oil mill, with artisanal salumi, local cheeses, sottoli and a glass of wine to choose from Groppello, Lugana or Chiaretto (or soft drink), for a convivial moment immersed in the quiet of Lake Garda.

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.

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.

Dinner in the vineyard in the Euganean Hills allows you to live a unique experience: you can admire striking sunsets while sipping local wine and enjoying typical Veneto dishes.

You can dine in the company of your partner or loved ones among the fields and vineyards, under a starry sky.

You will be served dishes prepared with seasonal and local ingredients. The experience begins with an aperitif, which will be followed by dinner that includes 1 first course, 1 second course and dessert. Everything will be accompanied by locally produced wines.

This traveling experience includes stops around the Euganean Hills:

•    Saturday, June 7: Lemons and Fior d’Arancio at La Mincana Winery
•    Friday, June 13: BioDinner at Quota 101 Winery
•    Saturday, June 21: Summer Solstice at Vigna Roda Winery
•    Friday, June 27: Table at the Filò delle Vigne Winery
•    Saturday, July 5: Between Earth and Stars at the Venda Amphitheater
•    Wednesday, July 9: Sunset Dinner at Villa Beatrice d’Este
•    Saturday, July 12: Full Moon: Cantina Alla Costiera
•    Saturday, July 19: Dinner in the Vineyard at Reassi Winery
•    Saturday, July 26: Night bohémien at Cecilia's Vignale Winery
•    Thursday, July 31: Sunflower Table - Among the Sunflowers of the Bacchiglione
•    Saturday, Aug. 2: Panoramic dinner among the vines at Enoteca Monte Fasolo
•    Saturday, August 9: Goblets of Stars, Tavolata at Vignalta Winery
•    Sunday, Aug. 10: Dinner among the Sunflowers under the shooting stars, Castello di San Martino della Vaneza
•    Saturday, Aug. 16: Among the ancient trees, by Candlelight at Villa Selvatico
•    Friday, September 19: Dinner at the Castle, in the glow of a thousand candles - Castello San Martino della Vaneza 
•    Sunday, September 21: Sunday Lunch in the olive grove - Frantoio Colle del Poeta Arquà Petrarca
•    Friday, Oct. 10: The Ancient Lemon House, Candlelight Table at Villa Selvatico 
•    Sunday, Oct. 12: The End of the Harvest Lunch at Vigna Roda Winery - Vigna Roda Vò 
•    Saturday, Oct. 18: Fire Dining Table at the Brazier at Castello San Martino della Vaneza
•    Saturday, October 25: Fire Dining Table at the Brazier at Castello San Martino della Vaneza

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

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.

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 unique experience designed for young children who want to approach the world of horseback riding in total safety.

The activity takes place entirely on the property and includes:

•    First saddle in the field with basic instruction
•    Guided ride on the meadows with an up-and-down trail
•    Breathtaking panoramic views during the ride

Children will always be accompanied by experienced staff in a safe and controlled environment.