Best 10 experiences in the Mincio Valley

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

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.

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 5 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.

During this experience you can take a walk through the vineyards, visit the winery, and taste some excellent wine produced in Valpolicella.

You can choose one of the following modes:

The Traditions of Valpolicella

This tour lasts 2 two hours and is designed for those who wish to appreciate both food and wine. After a walk through the vineyards of our winery in Valpolicella and a visit to the drying and aging rooms, you will complete the experience with a tasting of organic wines, accompanied by a selection of cured meats, cheeses and other typical products. The wines you will have the pleasure of tasting 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

I Grandi, Face to Face

This tour lasts about 2 hours and begins with a walk through the vineyards surrounding the winery, then continues with a visit to the drying, and aging rooms. The tour will be completed by the tasting of five wines, each paired with cured meats, cheeses and other typical products, 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 è perfect for those who want to learn about the native 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

Everything will be accompanied by a light lunch that includes: a wide selection of typical local cheeses and cured meats, a tasting of Olio Evo and Miele Bio Millefiori, giardiniera, fresh bread, focaccia, dessert, grappa and coffeeè.

Three Dames, Four Wines

The experience lasts 45 minutes and will allow you to taste 4 wines:

•    Verona Rosato Frizzante IGT "Sui Lieviti" Bollicella
•    Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC Ripensia
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Austernia
•    Recioto della Valpolicella Classico COCG Bio

Water and bread are also included.

Wine tasting and spa access at a winery in Padenghe on Lake Garda, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

Imagine a place where physical well-being is intertwined with inner well-being. Where you can regain your balance and cultivate your creativity in a welcoming and stimulating environment.

Turkish Bath, Sauna, Wellness Waterfalls, Rural Spring, Hammam Ritual and Hot Tub are the protagonists of this area.

Access to the SPA è maximum of 3 hours. Bathrobe, slippers and towel are included.
Dedicated treatments are available for purchase on site.

Visit to the winery will be accompanied by tasting of 4 wines and a board with local products.

Vespa ride on Lake Garda with departure from Peschiera del Garda.

To personalize the experience, you can choose from 3 options:

Day around Lake Garda

It starts at 9:00 am, has a duration of 10 hours and a length of 170 km with medium difficulty level.

The itinerary starts from Peschiera del Garda, climbs to Bardolino until you reach Riva del Garda and then descends along the other side of the lake. Arriving in Toscolano Maderno, you cross the lake by ferry and then return to Peschiera to return your wasps and helmets.

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

Valpolicella Tour

It starts at 9:00 am, has a duration of 7 hours and a length of 106 km with an average level of difficulty.

This itinerary, departing from Peschiera del Garda, includes a tour within the famous Valpolicella area.

Included in this option is a digital guidebook to download to your smartphone, rental of 1 125cc Vespa, 2 helmets and Kasko insurance. In addition, you can choose to have a visit and wine tasting at a family-run winery.

Discovering the hills of Garda

It starts at 11 a.m., has a duration of 8 hours and a length of 64 km with a low level of difficulty.

Starting from Peschiera del Garda you could discover the beautiful area below Lake Garda by following the Mincio River and driving through the moraine hills.

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

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.

Wine tasting with lunch on Lake d'Iseo allows you to visit a winery and taste local wines paired with a hot dish.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to see all stages of wine and classic method production, from the arrival of the grapes to bottling and labeling.

Following there will be a tasting of 5 wines with gastronomic pairing that includes:

•    Flûte of “Crystal Rime – 56*16” Pinot Noir Brut Metodo Classico paired with Taleggio dop 
•    Calice di “Arlecchino” 2023 Varietal Chardonnay paired with Culatello di Zibello 
•    Calice di “Arlecchino Bergamo” 2017 Rosso della Bergamasca I.G.T. paired with Salame “Le due lune di Agosto”
•    Calice di “Satiro” 2013 Rosso della Bergamasca I.G.T. Cabernet S. paired with Roccolo della Valtaleggio 
•    1 hot first course: lasagna ancient recipe “Nonna Maria” 
•    Calice of Moscato di Scanzo DOCG Passito Rosso paired with artisanal biscuits

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility following the reservation.

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

Wine tasting with guided tour of the winery in Corte Franca è 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, guided by the producer, of selected Franciacorta wines offered by the winery, accompanied by a mixed platter of local cured meats and cheeses. It will then continue with a visit to the winery, where you can learn about Franciacorta production techniques. 

Icons

The tasting includes the following 3 wines:

•    3 Franciacorta Millesimati

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed board of local cured meats and cheeses. 

Cantiniere

The tasting includes:

•    4 wines of your choice 

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of local meats and cheeses. 

Countryman

The tasting includes:

•    6 wines of your choice

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of local meats and cheeses.

The art of time

This exclusive event allows you to discover the classic expression of Franciacorta DOCG. You will taste 4 selected vintages that will be accompanied by a sampling of local cured meats and cheeses.

Golosa

The tasting includes:

•    8 wines of your choice

The tasting is accompanied by a mixed platter of local meats and cheeses.

It's possible to add an additional mixed platter of selected meats and cheeses to share (recommended for 2 people) for an additional charge.

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.

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 5 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.

In the town of Lonato, a few kilometers from Desenzano del Garda, you will stroll through the vineyard and visit the winery of the Perla del Garda winery to learn about its renowned Lugana DOP wines.

The wines will be accompanied by baked goods and traditional Lombard gastronomic products.

You will be able to choose between two different tours:

Classic (1 hour and 30 minutes)

The classic tour includes a guided tour of the winery and vineyards along with a tasting of three types of Lake Garda wines:

•    Lugana DOC
•    Garda DOC
•    Valtènesi DOC

Vintage (2 hours)

The vintage experience includes a guided tour of the winery and vineyards along with a tasting of five Lugana DOC wines from Lake Garda, including wines awarded 3 Glasses by Gambero Rosso.

Get ready for a tasty and relaxing experience near the shores of Lake Garda, surrounded by nature and the landscapes of Lombardy.

Horseback riding in the countryside between Lake Garda and Verona.

On arrival at the stables, after a brief introduction on the basics of horseback riding, you will set off on your ride. You will be able to choose between 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 Moreniche Hills of Custoza. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, hills and vineyards, you can relax and rediscover the beauty of the countryside.

The picnic in the vineyard in lower Garda in Lonato will give you a relaxing experience while admiring picturesque views.

This tour includes a visit to the winery and a picnic in the vineyard. You will be provided with a blanket and picnic basket with:

•    bread
•    cured meats
•    cheese from Lombardy
•    can of 100% Turbiana white wine
•    1 bottle of water

This experience allows you to taste traditional flavors paired with local wine to give you an innovative and sustainable tasting experience.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

The experience begins inside the winery, located among the Morainic Hills south of Lake Garda, and you will be accompanied by a guide through the history of the winery. The visit will immerse you in the production processes of Mantua's best-known wines, which you will later have the opportunity to taste along with a board of local delicacies.

The experience lasts about 2 hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

Journey to the Stefanoni Cranes

The visit to the wineries is followed by a tasting 3 Linea Cru and Sparkling wines. The tasting is accompanied by a board of local delicacies.

Journey in the Garda

The visit to the wineries is followed by a tasting 4 wines. The tasting is accompanied by a cutting board of local delicacies.

At the Root of Taste

The visit to the wineries is followed by a 4-wine tasting of fine wines that will engage all your 5 senses, accompanied by a cutting board of local specialties.

Minors and non-tasting adults will be served a cool drink paired with a typical Mantuan chopping board at the end of the visit.

This experience is a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the winery and taste its delicious wines in excellent company.

A hike with llamas and alpacas of about an hour in the Moraine Hills. The trail è is 3-4km and will last about 1 hour.  

You will walk with docile and soft alpacas and llamas along trails, dirt roads and short sections of roads with low traffic.

Through forests, peat bogs, meadows and cultivated fields you will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty offered by the Morenic Hills and the municipalities of Castiglione delle Stiviere, Lonato del Garda and Solferino.

During the summer season, alpaca walks are suspended due to the excessively hot weather.

A horseback ride outside Mantua, in the Mincio Park and along the edges of the river before it enters the Po River.

The activity includes a first part of approaching the horse that includes cleaning and caring for the horse: brushing, combing, cleaning, making contact to get to know it better.

This first part of the activity concludes with saddling; you will be accompanied step by step by a qualified technician the entire way.

Next, you will be saddled inside the facility, where the basics of riding and leading the animal outside will be explained: what to pay most attention to, how to stop it, how to move forward, how to turn, etc.

Once this first part is finished, we will proceed with thehorseback riding excursion in the nature of the Mincio Park below Mantua.