Best 10 experiences in the Mincio Valley

Horseback riding with lunch on Lake Garda, in Caprino Veronese, allows you to enjoy a unique experience surrounded by nature.

This experience is suitable for everyone, even those who are approaching the equestrian world for the first time.

After a brief initial briefing, you will mount your saddle and set off on an approximately 2-hour ride along the various equestrian trails that line the ranch.

You will be accompanied by an experienced guide and enjoy a unique experience in the midst of nature: vineyards, forests, hills and olive trees will frame your ride.

The facility is located within the Rivoli Moraine Hills Park and you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you about the history of the places.

On returning to the ranch, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch or dinner full of typical local products.

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

Horseback riding on the banks of the Mincio River with an experienced equestrian guide who will lead you to discover the river and the park of the same name.

You will be able to choose between two types of rides: one lasting 2h, recommended especially for beginners, and the other a full-day ride with tasting at three local wineries and lunch included.

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.

Boat trip to discover 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 beautiful Sirmione by staying on board or by getting off for two hours or more on the mainland.

Return is scheduled 2 hours after the start of the stop in Sirmione. For example, if you book the tour departing at 11:00 a.m., you will disembark at Sirmione around 11:40 a.m. and the return should be 2 hours later, with the 1:40 p.m. tour.

The return will be 2 hours later.

As for the tour departing at 5:00 pm, there is no return as there is no boat doing the 7:40 pm service.

The points of interest to be seen will be Desenzano Castle, Villa Maria Callas, the Boiola Spa and spring, Catullus Caves, Scaliger Castle and the Medieval Port.

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

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 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 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.

For the picnic in the hills of Bergamo in Scanzorosciate, you will be greeted upon arrival by Daniela, who will take you on an hour-long experience that will take you from the winery to the vineyards, olive grove, orchard and forest, to the beehives, explaining the winery philosophy and the history of Moscato di Scanzo.

After the walk, you will be treated to a delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif, during which you will be shown to the picnic site.

You will find everything you need for the picnic and aperitif already on site, from blanket to pillows, books to seating.

You will receive your picnic basket containing a bottle of red table wine, water and a delicious seasonal menu consisting of appetizer, main course and dessert, prepared with healthy food from km 0 and combined with EVO oil, jams, honey and fruit from the farm.

All the products that you will find inside the basket are zero km, prepared fresh for you, we only ask you in case of food allergies or intolerances, to notify us in time so we can satisfy you making your experience unique and unforgettable!

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.

Boat trip to discover 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 beautiful Sirmione by staying on board or by getting off for two hours or more on the mainland.

Return is scheduled 2 hours after the start of the stop in Sirmione. For example, if you book the tour departing at 11:00 a.m., you will disembark at Sirmione around 11:40 a.m. and the return should be 2 hours later, with the 1:40 p.m. tour.

The return will be 2 hours later.

As for the tour departing at 5:00 pm, there is no return as there is no boat doing the 7:40 pm service.

The points of interest to be seen will be Desenzano Castle, Villa Maria Callas, the Boiola Spa and spring, Catullus Caves, Scaliger Castle and the Medieval Port.

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

A sunset boat ride on Lake Iseo is a beautiful and relaxing experience! You will rent a classic Venetian Taxi style boat, driven by a skipper and take a tour of the Lake of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The boat tour can be taken during the day or at sunset to enjoy the beautiful colors of the Lake as the sun goes down. Excellent Franciacorta wine will be served during the tour.

For this mini-cruise, the boat is booked exclusively and has a maximum capacity of 20 people.

Horseback riding on the banks of the Mincio River with an experienced equestrian guide who will lead you to discover the river and the park of the same name.

You will be able to choose between two types of rides: one lasting 2h, recommended especially for beginners, and the other a full-day ride with tasting at three local wineries and lunch included.

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.

The experience begins inside the winery, located in the Morenic Hills, south of Lake Garda, where 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. Afterwards, a picnic will be organized in the vineyard with different courses made by the Chef of Relais "La Casina." Depending on the option chosen, the picnic may be preceded by a tasting of selected wines from the area.

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

The Trellis

The guided tour of the wineries (at 10:00 am) is followed by a picnic in the vineyard (at 12:00 pm) of 4 courses, made by the Chef of the Relais "La Casina," paired with a bottle of wine (every 2 people) from the Garda or Colli line.

The Lymph

Guided tour of the wineries (at 10:00 am) is followed by a tasting of 3 wines of your choice from the winery's catalog with appetizer. The experience concludes with a picnic in the vineyard (at 12:00 noon) of 3 courses, created by the Chef of Relais "La Casina," paired with a bottle of wine (every 2 people) from the Garda or Colli line.

For children, the picnic consists of three courses by the Chef accompanied by a cold drink.

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.

Quads excursion on the Morenic Hills departing from Lonato del Garda, below Sirmione. È you can choose between the 2 1/2-hour or half-day (5-hour) excursion, conducted 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.

At the start you will be explained the use of the ATV and safety rules and then perform a practical test in the parking lot of the Park.

To ride an ATV è you must have a B license, the passenger must not have any special requirements, children under 12 years old do not pay.

You will be provided with a helmet (mandatory) with disposable headphones, we recommend sportswear 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 be 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 45minutes at refreshment point on the river where, if you wish, you can refresh yourself (extra cost to be paid locally).

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.