Varese: top 20 weekend experiences

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.

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).

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:

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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.

Wine-tasting experience in Bergamo Alta, with three different routes, designed to offer a complete journey among Tuscan wine excellence, accompanied by typical local products.

All tastings begin with a welcome bubbly and are accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, including salami, prosciutto, sbriciolona, dried sausages and pecorino di Pienza in different seasonings, to best enhance the pairings.

The experience is available in three different tours, each with a specific wine selection and duration:

• Tasting of 3 wines

• Tasting of 4 wines

• Tasting of 4 premium wines

For children who consume there is a dedicated option with a small cutting board and a beverage of their choice, if they do not consume participation is free of charge.

Skippered boat tour of Lake Como, available in both private and group formats, designed to give you a scenic experience among historic villas, iconic landscapes, and tranquil waters.

Aboard an elegant wooden speedboat, you can choose the duration that best suits your needs: 1 to 4 hours for private tours or 1 to 2 hours for group tours. During the navigation you will discover the most charming views of the lake, including villas overlooking the water, small villages and breathtaking views, with the possibility to relax and enjoy the trip in total comfort.

An ideal experience for couples, families or groups of friends who want to experience Lake Como from an exclusive perspective, accompanied by an experienced skipper.

Skippered boat tour of Lake Como, available in both private and group formats, designed to give you a scenic experience among historic villas, iconic landscapes, and tranquil waters.

Aboard an elegant wooden speedboat, you can choose the duration that best suits your needs: 1 to 4 hours for private tours or 1 to 2 hours for group tours. During the navigation you will discover the most charming views of the lake, including villas overlooking the water, small villages and breathtaking views, with the possibility to relax and enjoy the trip in total comfort.

An ideal experience for couples, families or groups of friends who want to experience Lake Como from an exclusive perspective, accompanied by an experienced skipper.

The Lake Como bike tour is a tour that will take you to discover the vineyards and enchanting landscapes of Lake Como.

You can choose between two tours:

Half-day

A scenic and meaningful route from Bellagio to the legendary Madonna del Ghisallo Chapel and the Ghisallo Cycling Museum, the spiritual heart of Italian cycling.

This guided tour will take you along a route of winding hairpin bends that reveal new views of Lake Como at every turn. The climb from Bellagio is the official climb of the Giro di Lombardia, a route steeped in cycling history and tradition.

Reaching the summit, we will visit the Sanctuary of Madonna del Ghisallo, dedicated to the patron saint of cyclists, and the Museum of Cycling, where you will discover memorabilia, stories and artifacts celebrating more than a century of Italian cycling culture. Continue along the route south to Asso, turning into the Valle delle Sorgenti to pass the Valbrona Cyclists' Fountain and then back to Bellagio along the road that runs along the lake.

The tour will last about 3 hours and 35km will be covered. The tour includes rental, guide, helmet, water bottle and ticket to Ghisallo.

Full day

The ideal starting point for this electric bike tour is Tremezzo or Menaggio (you can get there by ferry from Bellagio), as you pedal to the northern tip of the lake for a 7-hour tour during which 65km of one-way traffic-free roads and trails are covered.

Alternatively, it will be possible to choose a 35-km route along which you visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo and the Cycling Museum, where you can discover relics, stories and artifacts celebrating more than a century of Italian cycling culture, and then return to Bellagio along the lakeshore road.

The terrain is mixed between bike paths, old mule tracks, and trails along the lake, with constant ups and downs and views of the lake as we pass through old villages and hidden roads. The tour includes E-MTB rental, private guide, return transportation to Cadenabbia, Menaggio or Bellagio.

Also possible to include a food and wine tasting at Cantina Sorsasso.

Recommended clothing: sports shoes and clothes.

Treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation at the Tenuta de l’Annunziata Spa, nestled in the stunning setting of Lake Como.

During your 4-hour experience, you’ll have full access to all the spa’s wellness areas—including both indoor and outdoor spaces—with a kit included so you can make the most of every moment of tranquility.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose the option that includes an aperitif: you’ll be served a drink accompanied by delicious hot and cold finger foods prepared by our chef, to be enjoyed in the comfort of the elegant Bistrot corner inside the spa.

Nature walk near Lake Maggiore, departing from Brebbia. The walks last 1 hour and are also suitable for those who have never ridden a horse before. In some cases the rider may be accompanied on foot by a guide.

After a brief introductory lesson on how to guide your horse, you will set out inside the Bruschera Oasis, a nature reserve that stretches entirely along the lake.

The route is through meadows and woods in the hills, with views of the Rock of Angera. The walk is entirely on trails, with the exception of 100 meters of paved road.

The minimum age to participate is 14 years old. For underage passengers, the presence of an adult is required.

A maximum of 2 people can participate.

Horseback riding in the mountains above Lecco, 558 meters above sea level, starts in the town of Primaluna. Excursions offered for this experience are either 1 or 2 hours in length, as desired.

All horseback rides are on the bridleway along the Pioverna River, where you can admire scenic and very characteristic places in the valley. You cross the river, if possible depending on weather conditions and season, and reache the woods. 

The horseback riding experience is suitable for anyone, even first-time riders. Appropriate clothing for horseback riding, such as closed shoes and long pants, is recommended.

The horseback ride, starting from Viggiù, a town in the province of Varese near the Swiss border, will take you through the territories of Monte Orsa, along the Cadorna Line, a place rich in history.

The experience begins with a short briefing of about 15 minutes that aims to get to know the horse and hang some basic rules for your own safety and that of the horse. After the briefing is over, you will leave the facility in the direction of the Cadorna Line and Monte Orsa.

During the walk, in addition to being able to admire nature and the splendid view of Lake Ceresio, also known as Lake Lugano, you will see the trenches and fortresses of the Cadorna Line. The guide will tell you some anecdotes regarding the area and, in particular, concerning the history of the defensive line, which became famous during the First World War.

For those who want, the experience does not end once you return to the facility. In fact, it is also possible to purchase an aperitif that includes a drink and appetizers.

In case of allergies or specific dietary needs, please contact the facility directly for the aperitif.

Become a cheesemaker for a day and taste aged cheeses on an authentic farm in the Novara region of Italy.

You will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in farm life and participate firsthand in all stages of cheesemaking.

Upon your arrival at the farm, you will begin the complete cheese-making process, taking part in each step, accompanied by clear and detailed explanations:

•    milk loading
•    curdling and fermentation
•    manual extraction and shaping of the cheese
•    start of stewing

After work at the dairy, a tasty natural snack of yogurt and fresh cheese will await you.

Next, you will participate in a workshop on aged cheeses, during which you will make some of the farm's typical aged cheeses, such as the famous wine cheese.

To end the day, you will enjoy a selection of aged cheeses served buffet style and accompanied by carefully matched wines.

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

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.

Become a farmer for a day and participate in a tasting of local products at a farm in the Novara region of Italy.

Through this experience, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in farm life and spend a day in close contact with friendly animals.

Once you arrive at the farm, you will participate in milking the goats, either by hand or with the help of machinery.

Afterwards, you will feed the animals and collect and arrange the eggs. Any extra seasonal activities are also planned, such as harvesting vegetables in the garden during the summer.

To conclude this experience, you will taste local products accompanied by selected wines.

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

Horseback riding in Monferrato outside Casale Monferrato will allow you to immerse yourself in nature and spend a relaxing day on horseback. The riding is English style and the saddles are of high quality to provide maximum comfort throughout the horseback ride.

Before starting with the excursion, there will be a 30-minute lesson to familiarize you with the horse.

The excursion will start from the stables will proceed to the picturesque hills of Piedmont where you can enjoy the breathtaking views that the entire Monferrato area has to offer.

The duration of the trail is about an hour in which you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will help and guide you for the duration of the trail.

The walk is also suitable for beginners. You must be at least 2 people and you can participate up to 4 and you must be at least 18 years old. The maximum weight is 85kg.

Fitted long pants and closed shoes are required for the experience.

Nature walk near Lake Maggiore, departing from Brebbia. The walks last 1 hour and are also suitable for those who have never ridden a horse before. In some cases the rider may be accompanied on foot by a guide.

After a brief introductory lesson on how to guide your horse, you will set out inside the Bruschera Oasis, a nature reserve that stretches entirely along the lake.

The route is through meadows and woods in the hills, with views of the Rock of Angera. The walk is entirely on trails, with the exception of 100 meters of paved road.

The minimum age to participate is 14 years old. For underage passengers, the presence of an adult is required.

A maximum of 2 people can participate.

Sailing Aperitif at Lake Maggiore departing from Angera is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing moment while enjoying aperitifs and appetizers overlooking the lake. You will have a choice of 3 different tour options:

Sunset Tour

The Sunset Tour includes passing under the Fortress of Angera, a salute to the San Carlone, and a view of Arona's lakeside promenade. Samples of local dishes accompanied by cocktails will be served. The tour lasts 3 hours.

Half-Day Tour

The Half Day Tour includes passing under the Fortress of Angera, a salute to the San Carlone, and a visit to the Gulf of Quassa, where it will be possible to admire the openness of the lake that stretches as far as the eye can see to about its halfway point. The last stop before returning to port will be the Pantegora islet, with the Rocca as a backdrop. Included is a 50cl bottle of water, a few savories, and coffee on the way back to port. The tour lasts 4 hours.

Full Day Tour

The Full Day Tour will depart by h 10:00 am. Upon arrival you will be offered a welcome coffee and then depart north. You will admire the Lombard coastline called the "flowery shore" because of its vast vegetation, and, after about an hour's navigation, you will arrive below the Hermitage of St. Catherine where you can make a brief stop to photograph the monastery that has risen sheer above the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore . The navigation will continue to the Gulf of Quassa, where it will be possible to take a swim, have lunch and relax. Around 6:30 p.m. an aperitif is planned under the Fortress of Angera, and then return to port. The tour lasts 8 hours.