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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Try wakeboarding in the safest way at Lake Ledro, just a few miles from the northern tip of Lake Garda. The lake is equipped with cables that tow you and give you the speed you need to glide balanced on the water.

It is organized in the following way: for each participant, there is a short briefing on the tricks to follow at the beginning, techniques for using the board, and tips on how to perform evolutions in the water for the more experienced. It lasts about 5-10 minutes.

After that, you enter the water. A wetsuit, protective helmet and life jacket are provided; from here you can start the real water ride, which lasts 10 minutes or more each (you go in the water one at a time, not all at once). You are always supervised by an instructor, who supports you and gives you tips to go better.

Additional laps can be booked for those who want to do more during the day. There is one lap per person included in the price of the basic option. You can then ask your friends how many extra rides you want to take and book them in advance.

The experience also covers younger children to whom a bodyboard is provided where it involves sliding through the water on your knees or lying on a floating board.

Other things to keep in mind
Sufficient experience with water is recommended. Avoid eating before entering the water. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

Vespa ride on Lake Garda with departure from Riva del Garda

To personalize the experience, you can choose from 4 options:

Day around Lake Garda

Starting at 10:00 am, it has a duration of 8 hours and a length of 118 km with medium difficulty level.

Starting from Riva del Garda, you descend along the coast of the lake until you reach Toscolano Maderno, where you cross by ferry and then continue uphill until you return to Riva del Garda.

Included in this option is a digital guidebook to download to your smartphone, rental of 1 125cc Vespa, 2 helmets and Kasko insurance.

Discovering Upper Garda

It starts at 11:00 am, has a duration of 5 hours and a length of 72 km with a low level of difficulty.

This tour involves moving along the west coast of Lake Garda, passing through Limone sul Garda and the Upper Garda Park.

Included in this option is a digital guidebook to download to your smartphone, rental of 1 125cc Vespa, 2 helmets and Kasko insurance.

Ledro Lake Tour

It starts at 10:30 am, has a duration of 7 hours and a length of 57 km with a low level of difficulty.

Starting from Riva del Garda, you will go around Lake Ledro reaching scenic spots and then return to Riva del Garda.

Included in this option is a digital guide to download to your smartphone, rental of 1 125cc Vespa, 2 helmets and Kasko insurance.

Towards Monte Baldo

It starts at 10:00 am, has a duration of 9 hours and a length of 119 km with an average level of difficulty.

The itinerary includes a Vespa ride in the northeast area of Lake Garda to explore Mount Baldo.

Included in this option is a digital guidebook to download to your smartphone, rental of 1 125cc Vespa, 2 helmets and Kasko insurance.

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.

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.