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

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.

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.

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.

25-minute group boat trip to discover the most picturesque places of Sirmione, one of the pearls of Lake Garda.

During this experience you will have the opportunity to admire the surrounding landscape and coastline from the calm waters of Lake Garda.

This tour departs directly from the port of Sirmione. On a 25min boat excursion you will take a complete tour around the peninsula and visit points of interest directly from the lake.

During the tour, you will admire:

•    Maria Callas' former villa
•    Aquaria spa center
•    Boiola thermal spring
•    Caves of Catullus
•    Scaliger Castle
•    Medieval harbor

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

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.

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.

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.

25-minute group boat trip to discover the most picturesque places of Sirmione, one of the pearls of Lake Garda.

During this experience you will have the opportunity to admire the surrounding landscape and coastline from the calm waters of Lake Garda.

This tour departs directly from the port of Sirmione. On a 25min boat excursion you will take a complete tour around the peninsula and visit points of interest directly from the lake.

During the tour, you will admire:

•    Maria Callas' former villa
•    Aquaria spa center
•    Boiola thermal spring
•    Caves of Catullus
•    Scaliger Castle
•    Medieval harbor

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

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) .

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.

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.

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.

The boat tour with navigation on the Mincio River will take you through the shallow lakes of Mantua and the Mincio Oasis, surrounded by nature.

Departing from the Andes Wharf in Mantua, the navigation begins at 11:30 am. You will have a view of the Castle with its towers and, later, discover the famous Mincio Oasis, known for its water lilies and lotus flowers.

During the navigation you will be treated to a lunch on board based on typical Mantuan products, which includes:

•    Appetizer based on Mantuan cured meats
•    First course: traditional pumpkin and sausage lasagna
•    Middle course: roast of the Gonzaga ducal table with rosemary baked potatoes
•    Dessert: homemade sbrisolona - lemon sorbet
•    Mantuan Lambrusco DOC wine
•    Mineral water

The excursion lasts 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. Depending on weather conditions and skipper's decisions, the stages may be subject to change.

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.