The 10 best experiences to do in Franciacorta

The boat tour allows you to visit the main points of interest on Lake Como for a maximum of 8 people. Duration varies depending on the type of outing you prefer to take.

2-hour tour:
Starting from the center of Como you will have the opportunity to see the new Electric Life, the Voltiano Lighthouse, the Voltiano Temple, Villa la Rotonda and Villa Olmo. You will then arrive in Cernobbio where we can admire its center, Villa Erba, Villa D'Este and Villa Pizzo. We will then meet the Borgo di Moltrasio with Villa Fontanelle (former Versace) and then arrive at the Borgo di Laglio, with Villa Oleandra, a curious Pyramid and the Ernesto Riva shipyard; from here we will move to the opposite shore stopping at the Forra di Nesso to admire the waterfall and have a nice swim.

Tour 3 hours:
Then we will continue to Brienno, Argegno to get to admire the famous Comacina Island. Finally, we will be able to admire the beautiful Villa Balbianello (movie set of Star Wars and 007 James Bond).

4-hour tour:
We continue to Tremezzo where we can observe the Villa Sola Cabiati and the Grande Hotel Tremezzo in addition to the wonderful Villa Carlotta, at this point we will reach the pearl of Lake Como "Bellagio" where we will observe Villa Melzi and Villa Trivulzio. Before leaving Bellagio we will head to Varenna to observe the beautiful Vezio Castle and Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero from below, from here we will head back where we will pass Hotel Il Sereno and Villa Taverna. We reach Blevio with Villa Rocca Bruna (Hotel Mandarin Oriental), Villa Schouvaloff, Villa Usuelli, Cademartori and Villa Troubetzkoi. We then return to Como observing Villa Mirabella and finally Villa Geno and its Fountain to arrive at the departure pier.

If you want to swim, bring a bathing suit and towel!

During the excursion you will be served Prosecco wine with which you can toast while admiring the beautiful views.

Fuel is to be paid in cash directly to the captain.

With this horseback ride in the Ticino Nature Park you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the horses, brush them and prepare the necessary equipment for an enjoyable ride.

The experience begins with a short introductory lesson that will help you learn how to tame your horse.

During the horseback ride, which will have an effective duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will ride through the forest and spring areas, rich in waterways and vegetation. If lucky, you may see storks, herons and other migratory species.

There is also an opportunity to picnic on horseback.

Discover the beauty of the forests and hills around Lake Como with a group or couple horseback riding tour.

Depending on your preference, you can choose from the following tours:

Horseback riding with aperitif (private)

The horseback ride with aperitif includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by an aperitif at the Ca Verda agriturismo with drinks and appetizers.

Horseback ride with lunch (private)

The horseback ride with lunch includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by lunch at the Ca Verda agriturismo. The menu changes according to seasonality and includes an appetizer with cheeses and cold cuts, an encore of first courses and a second course of meat accompanied by potatoes.

Horseback ride with dinner (private)

The horseback ride with dinners includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by dinner at the Ca Verda farmhouse. The menu changes according to seasonality and includes an appetizer with cheese and cold cuts, an encore of first courses and a second course of meat accompanied by potatoes.

The walk takes 1 hour and is suitable for everyone, including beginners. Each tour has a maximum number of 4 participants. Minimum age: 14 years.

The riding school providing the experience uses the Ca Verda farmhouse to arrange lunch, aperitif or dinner.

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.

For the picnic in the hills of Bergamo in Scanzorosciate, you will be greeted upon arrival by Daniela, who will take you on an hour-long experience that will take you from the winery to the vineyards, olive grove, orchard and forest, to the beehives, explaining the winery philosophy and the history of Moscato di Scanzo.

After the walk, you will be treated to a delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif, during which you will be shown to the picnic site.

You will find everything you need for the picnic and aperitif already on site, from blanket to pillows, books to seating.

You will receive your picnic basket containing a bottle of red table wine, water and a delicious seasonal menu consisting of appetizer, main course and dessert, prepared with healthy food from km 0 and combined with EVO oil, jams, honey and fruit from the farm.

All the products that you will find inside the basket are zero km, prepared fresh for you, we only ask you in case of food allergies or intolerances, to notify us in time so we can satisfy you making your experience unique and unforgettable!

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.

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

Picnic among the beautiful vineyards of Lake Garda, on a farm in Padenghe. Ideal for those who want to relax while being with friends and enjoying an excellent glass of wine.

After a short walk among the vineyards you can enjoy a Picnic. The package includes (each two people):

•    Focaccia stuffed with local salami or Mortadella, Asiago cheese, seasonal salad, tomato and mayonnaise
•    Mini tasting of locally produced cheeses and jams
•    Sablè with Grana Padano cheese
•    Black cracker with cereals and buckwheat flour
•    Amaretto Bonnet
•    The Apple
•    Water
•    A Bottle from the Opera Roses Winery Selection.

Glutenfree and lactose-free available. Dishes may vary according to seasonality.

A sunset boat ride on Lake Iseo is a beautiful and relaxing experience! You will rent a classic Venetian Taxi style boat, driven by a skipper and take a tour of the Lake of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The boat tour can be taken during the day or at sunset to enjoy the beautiful colors of the Lake as the sun goes down. Excellent Franciacorta wine will be served during the tour.

For this mini-cruise, the boat is booked exclusively and has a maximum capacity of 20 people.

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.

Boat trip to discover the Sirmione peninsula departing from Desenzano, one of the pearls of Lake Garda.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to relax along the way, admiring the surrounding landscape and coastline from the calm waters of Lake Garda. Once you reach your destination, you can discover beautiful Sirmione by staying on board or by getting off for two hours or more on the mainland.

Return is scheduled 2 hours after the start of the stop in Sirmione. For example, if you book the tour departing at 11:00 a.m., you will disembark at Sirmione around 11:40 a.m. and the return should be 2 hours later, with the 1:40 p.m. tour.

The return will be 2 hours later.

As for the tour departing at 5:00 pm, there is no return as there is no boat doing the 7:40 pm service.

The points of interest to be seen will be Desenzano Castle, Villa Maria Callas, the Boiola Spa and spring, Catullus Caves, Scaliger Castle and the Medieval Port.

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

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 sunset boat ride on Lake Iseo is a beautiful and relaxing experience! You will rent a classic Venetian Taxi style boat, driven by a skipper and take a tour of the Lake of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The boat tour can be taken during the day or at sunset to enjoy the beautiful colors of the Lake as the sun goes down. Excellent Franciacorta wine will be served during the tour.

For this mini-cruise, the boat is booked exclusively and has a maximum capacity of 20 people.

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.

The tasting and visit to Bornato Castle is a beautiful experience.

Bornato Castle and Villa Orlando, located in the heart of Franciacorta, is a rare example of a Renaissance villa built inside a medieval castle.

Built in medieval times, it was later remodeled in later periods, resulting in a very interesting architectural complex.

You can decide whether to take a tour with lunch, or have a tasting with wines from the winery.

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.

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.