The 10 best things to do in and around Piacenza

Experience a’quad bike excursion in Sesto Calende, on Lake Maggiore, designed to spend half a day in the open air among scenic roads, dirt stretches and a stop with an aperitif overlooking the lake.

È an experience suitable even for beginners, ideal for friends, couples, families and small groups. The’activity’takes place aboard double quad bikes with the possibility of alternating driving, along a route of about 3 hours with sections mainly on asphalt, white roads, short dirt sections and a small ford. Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop in Angera with an aperitif overlooking Lake Maggiore, one of the highlights of the experience.

The trail has difficultyà 2 out of 5 and è therefore also suitable for those who è first experience.

Indulge in a moment of pure relaxation at the Spa at the Tenuta de l'Annunziata, nestled in the beautiful setting of Lake Como.

During your 4-hour consecutive experience, you will have full access to all the spa's wellness areas, with kit included to make the most of every tranquil moment.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose the option with aperitif: you will be served a drink accompanied by delicious hot and cold finger food prepared by our Chef, to be enjoyed comfortably in the elegant Bistrot corner inside the spa.

Start from Cascina Sant’Andrea in Misinto and experience a one’hour horseback ride immersed in nature, accompanied by experienced instructors who will guide you along picturesque wooded trails.

During the experience you will ride through Groane Park, discovering the pleasure of exploring the area from a different perspective in a group with other participants. From the first minutes you will get in tune with your horse, experiencing an’activity that combines relaxation, adventure and contact with animals.

The ride è suitable for both first-time riders and those who already have experience. The horses at the facility are selected for their balanced and reliable character, with options suitable for every level of training.

With the support of instructors, you can enjoy the course in total safety.

Choose horseback riding in the hills of Bergamo and ride along the trails and dirt roads in the area, surrounded by the green woods of the park.

The horseback riding tour routes are suitable for both beginners and experts. The rides are one to two hours in length and take place throughout the week.

You will be led by an experienced guide, who will be with you for the duration of the excursion, showing you the most beautiful places and leading you through the most striking landscapes of the Bergamo area.

It is mandatory to be at least 14 years old.

(The walk will be at a walking pace and not a galloping pace).

Rent a 7-person boat equipped with a Mercury Pro 40 CV motor—which can be operated without a boat license—and set sail from Cernobbio to experience Lake Como in complete freedom. Rental options are available for various durations.

As you cruise across the lake, you’ll be able to admire some of the most iconic villas, such as Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, George Clooney’s famous villa, Villa del Balbianello, and many other picturesque spots that make this area unique. Traveling by boat will allow you to easily reach villages, bays, and views that are hard to appreciate from the road.

Treat yourself to a stop at Isola Comacina, relax on the beaches along the lake’s shores, or take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery, free from traffic and with complete freedom to explore Lake Como from its most authentic perspective.

Visit Lake Como on a one’hour boat tour designed to showcase the Lake’s unparalleled beauty.

The tour begins at the dock, centrally located within walking distance of Como's main attractions. After a warm welcome, board the boat and get ready to explore the iconic sites of Lake Como.

The first stop è Villa d’Este, you arrive by sailing to Cernobbio to admire this world-famous luxury hotel. Once an aristocratic residence, its enchanting gardens and water views make it one of the highlights of the lake.

The first stop is the Villa d’Este.

Next stop is Villa Erba, a masterpiece of Italian architecture, often used as a venue for high-profile events and film productions.

After that, you will visit Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy, Parco Mosaici, Villa Pasta (Giuditta), Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Villa Versace, Villa Pizzo, Villages of Torno and Blevio.

During the boat ride you will be served a glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic drink, accompanied by local appetizers, while admiring the breathtaking view of the lake.

Throughout the tour, your expert skipper will tell you fascinating stories and historical insights about the villas and places of interest.

This experience allows you to visit an Emilian dairy and taste Parmigiano Reggiano in Parma.

You will be able to see live how this famous cheese is made thanks to the guided tour that allows you to witness the entire process from the first stages of milk processing (first timetable only) or the extraction of the wheels produced that morning (second timetable).

You will then continue with a visit to the salting room and, finally, the impressive maturing warehouse with thousands of wheels.

At the end of the visit, you will be able to taste Parmigiano Reggiano. When booking, you can choose from 2 options (both available in italian or in english).

Classic Tasting

If you choose this option, you will be offered a classic tasting of 3 maturations of Parmigiano (12, 24 and 36 months) accompanied by balsamic vinegar, Malvasia wine from the area, water and breadsticks.

Tasting with prosciutto

This experience includes a classic tasting of 3 ages of Parmigiano (12, 24 and 36 months) accompanied by balsamic vinegar, malvasia wine from the area, water and breadsticks. In addition, you will also sample samples of Prosciutto crudo di Parma DOP aged 24 months.

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

The tasting in the medieval village of Torrechiara will be based on wines and typical products in the evocative setting of a winery.

You will have the opportunity to taste products vinified inside the centuries-old walls of this fortress, made with grapes from the vineyards behind the castle.

Processing is entirely artisanal from the moment of harvest to vinification. The wines ferment naturally in the bottle and rest inside an underground cellar, once a cistern dedicated to collecting rainwater.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to visit this cellar, located three meters underground, in which, at the time of restoration, archaeological artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age were found.

Wine tasting in Torrechiara will be accompanied by some local products.

During this horseback ride in the Emilian Stirone Park you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of the Apennines.

The horseback rides will take place on trails of low and medium-low difficulty suitable for all levels of experience, but also for those who have never been on horseback before.

You will be provided with all equipment for the excursion, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano tasting in Langhirano with optional visit to the ham factory.

Thanks to this experience in Langhirano, the capital of prosciutto, you can immerse yourself in the Emilian tradition by tasting typical products of excellence.

When booking, you can customize your experience by choosing between two options:

Tasting at the prosciutteria

You will have the opportunity to taste cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano and bread, accompanied by a glass of wine and water (cover charge is included).

The Langhirano delicatessen, in business since 1869 and awarded the title of Impresa Storica d'Italia by Unioncamere, is located in the heart of the Food Valley and has been delighting discerning palates for 156 years. It is also possible to purchase typical local products.

Visit to ham factory and tasting

This experience begins at a family-owned artisan ham factory. The owners will guide you through the processing and curing stages, concluding with a visit to the cellar.

Next, you will move to the delicatessen to taste cured meats, Parmigiano Reggiano and bread, accompanied by a glass of wine and water (cover charge is included).

You must be self-driven for the experience, which includes a visit to the ham factory, or you can use transportation: the transfer is then self-directed.

Alpaca walking in Carpaneto Piacentino allows you to enjoy a relaxing experience immersed in the tranquility of the countryside.

You can walk along pristine paths through forests, flowering meadows and vineyards accompanied by gentle, soft alpacas.

This experience is suitable for everyone: families, couples, groups of friends or simply those looking for a relaxing time away from the daily hustle and bustle.

Alpacas are gentle, curious and peaceful creatures, perfect for a relaxing and fun experience. Following their slow, meditative pace, you will savor the silence broken only by the rustling of leaves and their quiet breathing.

At the beginning of the experience there is a brief introduction about alpacas to learn about them, how to interact with them and how to guide them safely.

Afterwards there is a walk of about 1 hour on a nature trail, with stops to enjoy the scenery and make friends with these fascinating animals.

Learn all the secrets about wine making and create your own unique blend with this workshop at the Urban Winery in Milan.

Program

As soon as you arrive, you will be served a welcome glass, which you can taste during a tour of the winery's production area, accompanied by a brief introduction to the project.

Next you will taste 3 wine bases, learning to recognize the differences related to production methods. Based on your tastes, you can then create your own custom blend.

To conclude, you will be able to unleash your imagination by decorating the bottle label of the created wine.

At the end of the experience you will be given a bottle of the wine made, one per group (group means the group that made the reservation), to take home as a memento of the experience.

Any extra bottles of the created blend can be purchased directly on site, at a price of 10€ per bottle, upon request to the facility prior to creation.

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.

Visit to the chocolate factory and chocolate tasting in Milan ideal for spending a culinary day among the many flavors of chocolate.

There are 3 different tours within the experience:

.

Base

At the beginning of the activity you will observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 3 different types of chocolate.

Media

At the beginning of the activity you will observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 5 different types of chocolate.

Premium

At the beginning of the activity, you will be able to observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 5 different types of chocolate accompanied by a glass of sweet wine.

The maximum limit who canò participate in a single visitanè of 8 people, also each tour lasts about 1 hour.

Horseback riding along the Adda River, lasting one to two hours, through the surrounding woods is an experience not to be missed.

The horseback rides are also suitable for beginners, as they consist of comfortable and wide paths located within the Adda Park.

Thanks to this ride you will have the opportunity to explore the nature that characterizes these places, and to let the horses water within the river.

During the horseback ride, departing from Rivolta d'Adda, you will be accompanied by two equestrian guides, who will lead you for the duration of the excursion.

Lunch in Oltrepò Pavese, at Calatroni Vini, to taste typical dishes and enjoy some excellent locally produced wine together.

Program

The experience begins at 12 noon with a guided tour to discover the organic vineyards, crossed by the historic Via di San Colombano.

The second part of the visit takes you to the winemaking cellar and the aging cellar to explore the world of wine.

The third moment is dedicated to flavors, both on the plate and in the glass: a set menu lunch that includes.

•    3 courses that vary according to the seasonality of the products
•    4 glasses of wine paired with each course
•    Water
•    Coffee
•    Cover charge

To personalize the experience you can choose 2 wine pairing options:

•    Basic wines: basic wines will be served with each course
•    Classic method sparkling wines: classic method sparkling wines will be served with each course

Reduced menu for children includes salami or cheese, main course and dessert.

In case of food allergies, please notify the facility following the reservation

In this tasting you will discover the food and wine soul of Oltrepò Pavese.

This wine experience will guide you through a tasting of three/five iconic glasses, paired with some local products. An unforgettable experience for the palate, rich in history and intense aromas.

You will be able to choose between two tours.

Tasting of 3 wines:

•    Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Classic Method Pinot Noir Brut. Enjoy its fine golden bubbles and vibrant freshness, an ode to joy and vivacity.
•    Oltrepò Pavese Riesling DOC. A wine with a pleasant mineral balance that will make you feel the authentic scents of our hills.
•    Barbera Riserva (Selection 2017), aged in French oak tonneaux. A red with a velvety structure and a lingering finish, for a moment of intense taste meditation.

Tasting of 5 wines:

•    Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Nero Brut, fine and persistent bubbles, freshness and elegance to welcome your palate.
•    Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Metodo Classico Pinot Nero Rosé Brut, a refined sip with fruity nuances and a lively perlage that enchants.
•    Oltrepò Pavese Riesling DOC, a white wine with character, intense aromatic notes and a vibrant minerality.
•    Cabernet Sauvignon IGT, a structured, deep red that adds an international touch to the local scene.
•    Barbera Riserva (2017 Selection), aged in French oak tonneaux. Soft, complex and with a lingering finish; the pinnacle of our tradition.

Each glass will be enhanced by a rich board celebrating local craftsmanship.

Salumi e Formaggi d'Eccellenza, a selection of typical Oltrepò Pavese products from small, passionate producers.

Adults who do not taste may attend; a soft drink will be given in lieu of wine.

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 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.

Visit Lake d'Iseo with a sunset boat ride with an aperitif on board included. During the cruise you will be accompanied by a skipper and the boat will be private.

You will sail among cliffs, villages overlooking the water and views that open only from the lake, toasting with a glass of wine and fingerfood.

The sailing is slow and relaxed, ideal for chatting, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery calmly, in an elegant but informal atmosphere.

It is the perfect experience for a couple, a group of friends or to celebrate a special occasion, experiencing Lake Iseo from an exclusive and authentic perspective.

For the boat aperitif you can choose between two boats, both made of wood but with different characteristics:

•    Motoscafo classico – charming boat launched by the historic Archetti shipyard in Montisola: more spacious, stable and comfortable, it offers a more elegant experience and, ideal for those who want comfort, views and attentive service on board (up to 11 passengers).
•    Ligurian wooden boat – more cozy and traditional, perfect for those seeking a simple and authentic atmosphere, in direct contact with the water. (up to 4 passengers).

The boat is always private and exclusive to the booking group, skipper included.

Choose horseback riding in the hills of Bergamo and ride along the trails and dirt roads in the area, surrounded by the green woods of the park.

The horseback riding tour routes are suitable for both beginners and experts. The rides are one to two hours in length and take place throughout the week.

You will be led by an experienced guide, who will be with you for the duration of the excursion, showing you the most beautiful places and leading you through the most striking landscapes of the Bergamo area.

It is mandatory to be at least 14 years old.

(The walk will be at a walking pace and not a galloping pace).

Enjoy a wine tasting with a tour of a winery near Bergamo. You can tour the winery with a guided tasting of 4 wines or experience a more comprehensive tour that also includes the elegant villa of the Medolago Albani family and its historic chapel.

If you choose the full experience, you’ll step inside the Medolago Albani family’s splendid manor house, where history, art, and tradition intertwine in a journey brimming with charm. You’ll visit the chapel dating back to the 16th century and continue on to the historic winery, where you’ll discover the production processes for the wines and other products of the estate, concluding with a guided tasting of four selected wines.

Alternatively, you can choose an experience focused on the winery, visiting the production facilities and the charming historic chapel attached to the estate. Here, too, the tour concludes with a guided tasting of four selected wines—a perfect opportunity to explore the flavors and winemaking traditions of the region.

La Freschera is a family-run farmhouse 12 km from the Bergamo shore of Lake d’Iseo, equipped with a panoramic terrace with a splendid view. In this cozy setting you will be able to taste typical Bergamo dishes: cold cuts and cheeses, casoncelli, braised donkey and polenta.

In addition to offering restaurant service, at the farmhouse it will be’possible to visit the educational farm that houses sheep, horses and donkeys, and buy the products of the menuù 

Menù bulk wine

•    Antipasto
•    Two starters
•    Two main courses
•    Caffè
•    Sweet
•    Local wine

Menù bottled wine

•    Antipasto
•    Two starters
•    Two main courses
•    Caffè
•    Sweet
•    Bottled wine

Menù juniors (ages 4 to 17)

•    A first course
•    A second course
•    Sweet

For children under 3 years old, the experience is free of charge.

The farmhouse offers specific menù for celiacs, vegetarians and vegans. For any allergies or specific dietary needs contact the facility directly after booking.

It is also possible to visit the farm animals independently before or after lunch.