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

Quads excursion in the Morainic Hills with departure from Cavriana (Mantua ) 20 minutes from Peschiera del Garda . You can choose between the 2 and a half or half day (5 hours) excursion, carried out 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.

On arrival you will be explained the use of the ATV and the safety rules ; you will sign the ATV rental contract and then perform a practical test in the parking lot.

To be able to drive an ATV you must have a B license, the passenger must have no special requirements.

You will be provided with a helmet (mandatory)with a disposable cap, we recommend sporty and seasonally appropriate clothing 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 take place 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 45 minutes at refreshment point on the river where , if you wish, you can refresh yourself (extra cost to be paid locally) .

Mini cruise on Lake Garda with lunch on board a boat. Departure from Peschiera del Garda allows you to visit the entire southern part of the lake.

During the cruise, the boat will head to the following points of interest: Lazise Castle, Rocca di Garda, Villa Canossa, Punta San Vigilio, Garda Island, San Biagio Island, Baia Verde, Rocca di Manerba Nature Park, Jamaica Beach Sirmione, Grotte di Catullo.

Depending on the weather, the boat can go clockwise or counterclockwise around the lower lake. There will be a guide on board who will explain the various points you are going to see.

A light lunch (usually a pasta dish) and a soft drink during the boat ride is also included in the boat tour.

A stop for swimming will be made for those who wish. The use of a life jacket is mandatory. No other stops are planned during navigation.

Small-medium sized dogs with muzzles are allowed on board. There is a bathroom and there is a bar where snacks or drinks can be purchased.

Boat trip exploring 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 the beautiful Sirmione by staying on board or going down for two hours or more on the mainland.

Return is scheduled about 2 hours after the start of the stop in Sirmione. For example, if you book the tour departing at 11:00 am, you will get off in Sirmione around 11:40 am, and the return should be 2 hours later with the 1:40 pm tour. If you take the 1:00 p.m. one from Desenzano, the return from Sirmione will be at 3:40 p.m., and if you take the 3:00 p.m. one from Desenzano, the return will be at 6:40 p.m. from Sirmione.

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

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

Enjoy a fantastic sunset boat ride on Lake Garda around the Sirmione Peninsula with a glass of prosecco on board.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to take a complete tour around the Sirmione Peninsula, one of the most famous and important points of the whole Lake Garda. The departure will be directly from the Lungolago Diaz in Sirmione.

Points of interest include the Ex-villa of Maria Callas, the Aquaria Spa Center, the Boiola Thermal Spring, the Catullus Caves, the Scaliger Castle and the Medieval Port.

On board during the boat ride, a glass of Prosecco will be served to enjoy right on the lake with the sunset in the background.

The excursion is available daily from May to September.

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.

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

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 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 exploring 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 the beautiful Sirmione by staying on board or going down for two hours or more on the mainland.

Return is scheduled about 2 hours after the start of the stop in Sirmione. For example, if you book the tour departing at 11:00 am, you will get off in Sirmione around 11:40 am, and the return should be 2 hours later with the 1:40 pm tour. If you take the 1:00 p.m. one from Desenzano, the return from Sirmione will be at 3:40 p.m., and if you take the 3:00 p.m. one from Desenzano, the return will be at 6:40 p.m. from Sirmione.

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

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

Enjoy a fantastic sunset boat ride on Lake Garda around the Sirmione Peninsula with a glass of prosecco on board.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to take a complete tour around the Sirmione Peninsula, one of the most famous and important points of the whole Lake Garda. The departure will be directly from the Lungolago Diaz in Sirmione.

Points of interest include the Ex-villa of Maria Callas, the Aquaria Spa Center, the Boiola Thermal Spring, the Catullus Caves, the Scaliger Castle and the Medieval Port.

On board during the boat ride, a glass of Prosecco will be served to enjoy right on the lake with the sunset in the background.

The excursion is available daily from May to September.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.