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

Stroll through Prognol's Veronese vineyards and taste typical Valpolicella wines at the Corte Borghetti winery, along with a board of local cured meats and cheeses.

You will have a choice of two tours, and on each of the two, following the visit to the winery and vineyards, you will taste some classics of the Veronese wine tradition, with a pairing of Lessinia cured meats and cheeses, mustards and honey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a typical homemade dessert.

Classic (2 hours)

The classic tasting includes a short walk through the vineyards and Valpolicella production sites, accompanied by a tasting of the following wines:

•    Valpolicella Classico DOC
•    Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
•    Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

Light lunch (3 hours)

This is a real food and wine tour of Valpolicella, during which, following the estate visit, you will taste the following wines:

•    Garganega in purity
•    Valpolicella Classico DOC
•    Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
•    Ripasso Classico DOC
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

For this tour, an appetizer of bruschetta with garden vegetables and a traditional first course will also be offered to accompany the wines and the platter of local cured meats and cheeses.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery tour.

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.

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

Visit of the olive grove and farm among the moraine hills and Lake Garda, with tasting of different types of oil, olive samples, infusions and patè.

The experience includes a tour of the olive grove, where you can watch the harvest (October/November) or the pruning of the olive trees (February to April). You will visit the workshop and taste three tiolopogies of quality extra virgin olive oil: from the Garda DOP-certified oil, to the Premium and Oro del Vajo selections, along with condiments made naturally by infusion, olives and paté on good bread. 

The guided tour of the winery will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of the Veneto region and introduce you to the production techniques of Valpolicella wines.

The activity, lasting about 3 hours, begins with a tour of the vineyard and the historic winery where wine production takes place. Next, you will be shown the family chapel and the Villa, which dates back to the 16th century and is a historical symbol of the family.

At the end of the tour you will taste different vintages of 4 local wines paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses and a dessert. A tasting of Amarone Recioto grappas, produced by the winery, concludes the tasting.

The Valpolicella wine tasting is a unique opportunity to learn about the wine culture of the Veneto region and taste excellent wines with friends and couples.

Enjoy a horseback riding experience through the Franciacorta vineyards with a breathtaking view of Lake Iseo, starting from the only riding stable in the area with a direct view of the lake. Choose from a variety of rides, including those lasting several hours, suitable for all skill levels.

Let us guide you along trails surrounded by nature, through the famous Franciacorta vineyards, and enjoy unique panoramic views of Lake Iseo. Along the way, you’ll experience the area from a different perspective, taking in relaxing landscapes and picturesque vistas.

Whether this is your first time riding or you’re already an experienced rider, you’ll find the perfect companion for your excursion: the horses are selected to ensure safety, tranquility, and fun. You can choose the duration that suits you best and enjoy an authentic experience, perfect for spending a few hours outdoors surrounded by nature, vineyards, and unforgettable views.

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 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.

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 è 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

To personalize the experience you can choose from 2 time slots:

•    10:30 - 11:30 visit to the winery, 11:30 - 12:30 tasting with lunch
•    15:00 - 16:00 visit to the winery, 16:00 - 17:00 tasting with lunch

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

Take a friendly walk with alpacas on the Serio River in Romano di Lombardia in the province of Bergamo.

Before starting the walk there will be a small briefing to get to know these docile and curious animals.

The walk begins at the ranch and continues through the landscape of the Serio River Park, before arriving at the river, a protected natural area rich in biodiversity and pristine habitats.

During the experience you can take souvenir photos with your new friends. 

An alpaca will be delivered for each adult couple.

Children, up to age 7, participate in the walk free of charge and must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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.

Llama and alpaca hike of about an hour in the Moraine Hills. The trail is 3-4km and will take about 1 hour.

You will walk with docile and soft alpacas and llamas along trails, dirt roads and short sections of roads with little 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 because the weather is too hot.

There must be at least one adult per reservation.

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) .

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 and Garda DOC wines.

The wines will be accompanied by a tasting of local cheeses and cured meats.

When booking you can choose between two options.

Garda Doc Vibes

The perfect balance between technical discovery and freshness, ideal for those who want to get to know the modern soul of Garda thanks to a 75-minute tour through the secrets of the barrique cellar and the breath of the vineyard.

This is followed by a guided tasting of 2 wines paired with a selection of local cured meats and cheeses.

Slow Experience

If you choose this tour, you will have the opportunity to walk among the vineyards to discover how Lugana and the refined Rosato di Valtènesi, icons of the area, are born.

Afterwards, there is a tasting of Lugana and Rosato di Valtènesi paired with a rich board of cured meats and fomraggi accompanied by Garda DOP Olive Oil.

Visit the Monte del Frà wineries and participate in a wine tasting in the Moraine Hills in Sommacampagna.

You have a choice of 4 different types of tours:

Exploratory Tour

Accompanied by a guide, you will begin this short tour with a visit to the winery and museum room of the Monte del Fra' estate. Afterwards you will taste 3 wines of your choice.

Children and adults who do not taste participate for free.

Classic Tasting

Accompanied by a guide, you will begin your tour with a visit to the winery and museum room of the Monte del Fra' estate. You will then taste four wines accompanied by a platter of cured meats and cheeses.

In this case it is also possible to participate with children or non-tasting adults.

Grand cru tour

This tour explores the Monte del Frà reserves, including unique terroirs, stylistic research and international awards. A guided tour accompanied by authentic terroir flavors selected to enhance each glass. The experience includes 5 wines and an extra virgin olive oil produced by the winery.

Tasting for groups

In this atmospheric experience, dedicated to groups of a minimum of 7 people (up to 45 people), you will have the opportunity to taste 6 wines with the bottles covered, so as to activate all your senses and go on a discovery of the flavors. During this activity you will be accompanied by a guide.

Choose the tasting that best suits your taste and enjoy good wine in this beautiful historic location.

The Mincio River Boat Tour from Mantua has a duration of one hour and will take you to discover the most famous architectural monuments and lakes surrounding the Lombard city.

You will sail the boat to Lake Inferiore, admiring the spectacle of the Gonzaga Palace that seems to float on the water and then enter "Vallazza," one of the most interesting wetland environments, now protected by the WWF.

During the excursion you can admire fauna and flora typical of this Nature Reserve.

In the "with water elevator" option you will experience the transition into the navigation lock: the boat will be raised or lowered in level to change watercourse.

The experience is suitable for everyone. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stages may change.