Things to do in Lake Garda: the 20 best acivities

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

With this experience, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic horseback ride in the surrounding countryside in Verona. You can decide whether to take a one-hour or two-hour ride.

On the one-hour horseback ride, you will traverse the fascinating banks of the northern Adige River, while on the two-hour ride you will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque hills surrounding the riding stables.

At the end of both horseback tours, you will be offered the opportunity to relax and refresh yourself with a delicious aperitif, if selected. During the aperitif, you will be treated to a tasting of three glasses of Valpolicella, accompanied by an assortment of high quality meats and cheeses, selected to enhance your taste buds and satisfy your senses.

You must be over 14 years old to participate.

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.

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

Quads excursion on the Morenic Hills departing from Lonato del Garda, below Sirmione. È you can choose between the 2 1/2-hour or half-day (5-hour) excursion, conducted on different days; you can book the group excursion, or alternatively the private one for couples.

During the excursion you will stop for photography or to visit some historical places.

At the start you will be explained the use of the ATV and safety rules and then perform a practical test in the parking lot of the Park.

To ride an ATV è you must have a B license, the passenger must not have any special requirements, children under 12 years old do not pay.

You will be provided with a helmet (mandatory) with disposable headphones, we recommend sportswear and to bring sunglasses an eye drops if you are allergic to dust or have sensitive eyes and a bandana or scarf.

Also ideal for bachelorette or bachelor parties. In case of light rain, kway will be provided.

Trip 2h 30min:The'hike will be 70% off-road, in total safety.

Trip 5 hours:From the Risorgimento hills to the Rocca di Manerba on the shores of Lake Garda. 3 hours of actual driving through all the landscapes of the Morenic Hills and Valtenesi with glimpses of the Lake. A journey full of twists and turns through Nature, Culture and Flavors. At noon planned stop of about 45minutes at refreshment point on the river where, if you wish, you can refresh yourself (extra cost to be paid locally).

Horseback riding in the countryside between Lake Garda and Verona.

Once you arrive at the stables, after a brief introduction to the basics of horseback riding, you will set off on your walk. You will be able to choose from 2 different types of outings depending on the duration.

Accompanied by an equestrian guide, you will be able to walk on horseback and discover the wonderful natural landscapes of the Custoza Morainic Hills. Immersed in unspoiled nature, among hills and vineyards, you can relax and rediscover the beauty of the countryside.

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 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 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.

The guided winery tour with lunch at the Ambrosini Estate will allow you to learn about Franciacorta wine production techniques and enjoy a lunch of local products.

The activity begins with a walk through the estate's vineyards, followed by a guided tour of the winery.

Followed by lunch based on the selected menu. 

Lunch

Lunch consists of 4 courses:

•    Antipasti based on typical Brescia 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
•    Brescian skewered mixed meats cooked on the grill with a side dish, paired with Franciacorta T.A. BRUT DOCG 
•    Sweet paired with Franciacorta SATEN Millesimato DOCG

Gold Tasting

Lunch consists of 4 courses:

•    Antipasti based on typical Brescian cold cuts, savory pies, zucchini frittatina and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG
•    Brescian skewered mixed meats cooked on the grill with side dishes
•    Sweet

The lunch is accompanied by a tasting of 5 Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG wines.

Platinum tasting

The lunch consists of 5 courses:

•    Antipasti based on typical Brescian cold cuts, savory pies, zucchini frittatina and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG
•    Brescian skewered mixed meats cooked over charcoal with side dishes
•    Tagliere di Formaggi delle Valli bresciane paired with Franciacorta RISERVA "Lorenzo Ambrosini" 2011 vintage DOCG
•    Sweet

The lunch is accompanied by the tasting of 6 Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini wines including the "Eccellente Riserva 2011.

The tour with lunch has a total duration of about 3 hours and is ideal for groups and families, but also for having 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.

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.

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 snowmobile dinner in Folgarida in Val di Sole is a unique opportunity to enjoy the snowy landscape of the Dolomites with a typical chalet dinner.

Departure is at 7 p.m. from Folgarida Alta where a driver will take you by snowmobile to the chalet along the snowy slopes that characterize the area. The duration of the ride is about 10 minutes.

You will be greeted with a welcome drink that you can enjoy while admiring the snowy peaks. Dinner will continue with a menu consisting of two first courses, main course and dessert. Water and house wine are included.

Among the dishes you will be able to find typical dishes such as polenta with mushrooms, shank or fresh pasta with local products.

At the end of dinner you will be taken back to the village to the meeting point with the snowmobile.

The carriage ride in Andalo will allow you to enjoy a unique experience as a family, a couple or with friends and admire the picturesque landscapes of the Dolomites, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everyone can participate, for children under 3 years old it is free and they must be held.

The tour has as its meeting point the riding center, where you can use the parking lot for free.

The outing is entirely in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, skirting the Andalo karst lake and through the snowy forest, until you arrive at the Baita Tana dell'Ermellino hut for a stop of about 15 min. Then it will be back to the Center.

Dinner in a chalet nestled among soft snow and conifers in Lavarone in the province of Trento with snowmobile transportation.  

The chalet è built in rustic style, surrounded by the snowy forest, in a picturesque and scenic setting, è the ideal place to relax and enjoy a pleasant evening. Wait until dinner is served while enjoying the peace of these landscapes and warm yourself next to the falò.

The dishes are mainly centered on traditional Trentino cuisine, repurposed with the same natural and genuine ingredients as in the past.

The menuù consists of:

•    Antipasto: platter of sliced meats of our own production with sweet and sour pickles.
•    Single course: platter of the glutton with golden cannellone (breaded lasagna with a filling of local cheeses) potato polenta storo mushrooms and your choice of venison bites, gulash or grilled lucanica.
•    Dessert: berry panna cotta or apple strudel.
•    Drink: 1/4 Trentino merlot red wine and 1/2 water

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.

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.

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.