Varese: top 20 weekend experiences

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.

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.

The boat tour allows you to visit the main points of interest on Lake Como for a maximum of 8 people. Duration varies depending on the type of outing you prefer to take.

2-hour tour:
Starting from the center of Como you will have the opportunity to see the new Electric Life, the Voltiano Lighthouse, the Voltiano Temple, Villa la Rotonda and Villa Olmo. You will then arrive in Cernobbio where we can admire its center, Villa Erba, Villa D'Este and Villa Pizzo. We will then meet the Borgo di Moltrasio with Villa Fontanelle (former Versace) and then arrive at the Borgo di Laglio, with Villa Oleandra, a curious Pyramid and the Ernesto Riva shipyard; from here we will move to the opposite shore stopping at the Forra di Nesso to admire the waterfall and have a nice swim.

Tour 3 hours:
Then we will continue to Brienno, Argegno to get to admire the famous Comacina Island. Finally, we will be able to admire the beautiful Villa Balbianello (movie set of Star Wars and 007 James Bond).

4-hour tour:
We continue to Tremezzo where we can observe the Villa Sola Cabiati and the Grande Hotel Tremezzo in addition to the wonderful Villa Carlotta, at this point we will reach the pearl of Lake Como "Bellagio" where we will observe Villa Melzi and Villa Trivulzio. Before leaving Bellagio we will head to Varenna to observe the beautiful Vezio Castle and Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero from below, from here we will head back where we will pass Hotel Il Sereno and Villa Taverna. We reach Blevio with Villa Rocca Bruna (Hotel Mandarin Oriental), Villa Schouvaloff, Villa Usuelli, Cademartori and Villa Troubetzkoi. We then return to Como observing Villa Mirabella and finally Villa Geno and its Fountain to arrive at the departure pier.

If you want to swim, bring a swimming suit and towel!

During the excursion you will be served Prosecco wine with which you can toast while admiring the beautiful views.

Fuel is to be paid in cash directly to the captain.

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.

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.

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.

(The walk will be at a walking pace and not a galloping pace).

The boat tour allows you to visit the main points of interest on Lake Como for a maximum of 8 people. Duration varies depending on the type of outing you prefer to take.

2-hour tour:
Starting from the center of Como you will have the opportunity to see the new Electric Life, the Voltiano Lighthouse, the Voltiano Temple, Villa la Rotonda and Villa Olmo. You will then arrive in Cernobbio where we can admire its center, Villa Erba, Villa D'Este and Villa Pizzo. We will then meet the Borgo di Moltrasio with Villa Fontanelle (former Versace) and then arrive at the Borgo di Laglio, with Villa Oleandra, a curious Pyramid and the Ernesto Riva shipyard; from here we will move to the opposite shore stopping at the Forra di Nesso to admire the waterfall and have a nice swim.

Tour 3 hours:
Then we will continue to Brienno, Argegno to get to admire the famous Comacina Island. Finally, we will be able to admire the beautiful Villa Balbianello (movie set of Star Wars and 007 James Bond).

4-hour tour:
We continue to Tremezzo where we can observe the Villa Sola Cabiati and the Grande Hotel Tremezzo in addition to the wonderful Villa Carlotta, at this point we will reach the pearl of Lake Como "Bellagio" where we will observe Villa Melzi and Villa Trivulzio. Before leaving Bellagio we will head to Varenna to observe the beautiful Vezio Castle and Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero from below, from here we will head back where we will pass Hotel Il Sereno and Villa Taverna. We reach Blevio with Villa Rocca Bruna (Hotel Mandarin Oriental), Villa Schouvaloff, Villa Usuelli, Cademartori and Villa Troubetzkoi. We then return to Como observing Villa Mirabella and finally Villa Geno and its Fountain to arrive at the departure pier.

If you want to swim, bring a swimming suit and towel!

During the excursion you will be served Prosecco wine with which you can toast while admiring the beautiful views.

Fuel is to be paid in cash directly to the captain.

Rent a boat in Carate Urio and sail independently on Lake Como with friends or family.

Leaving from the pier in Carate Urio, you can explore Lake Como on an autonomous excursion, without a skipper, moving at your own pace.

You can choose the duration of the outing according to your preference from 1 hour to 1 full day.

The boat can accommodate up to 7 people.

Experience a’quad bike excursion in Sesto Calende, on Lake Maggiore, designed to spend half a day in the open air among scenic roads, dirt stretches and a stop with an aperitif overlooking the lake.

È an experience suitable even for beginners, ideal for friends, couples, families and small groups. The’activity’takes place aboard double quad bikes with the possibility of alternating driving, along a route of about 3 hours with sections mainly on asphalt, white roads, short dirt sections and a small ford. Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop in Angera with an aperitif overlooking Lake Maggiore, one of the highlights of the experience.

The trail has difficultyà 2 out of 5 and è therefore also suitable for those who è first experience.

Guided tour of the Carozzi Cheese Factory in Pasturo, Valvassina, with tasting of different types of cheeses accompanied by wine.

Program

The visit includes a guided tour of the dairy together with the Master Cheesemaker, who introduces techniques, processes and curiosities related to production.

Afterwards, you can choose between 2 tasting formulas

•    cheese tasting, paired with compotes and accompanied by 1 glass of wine
•    cheese tasting, 1 hot dish and 1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Water and coffee are included in both options.

Horseback riding in the hills overlooking Lake Maggiore to enjoy the natural surroundings.

At your arrival you will be provided with a helmet and once assigned your horse, you will have a short introductory lesson on horse handling to make sure everyone knows what to do on climbs, descents and other passes. Afterwards you will leave and with this ride you will be able to admire the view of Lake Maggiore from the hills and at the same time you will also have an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. Depending on the season, you may have to pass streams on horseback.

To personalize the experience you can choose from 2 types of tours that differ in duration and consequently in the length of the route. The two types of tours have a duration of 1 or 2 hours depending on your liking.

È appropriate clothing for horseback riding is recommended, such as closed shoes and long pants and suitable for going into the woods (no bags or hoop earrings).

In case of bad weather (rain or strong wind), the facility reserves the right to cancel or modify the route for your safety.

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.

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.

The horseback ride at Lake Orta will begin with a welcome briefing at the ranch during which your guide will explain what you are going to do and how to behave with the horses. Once each of you is assigned the most suitable horse you can begin the hour-long ride into nature on small trails. You will pass medieval bridges, woods and old mule tracks.

Finally if selected you will have the opportunity to have an excellent aperitif, ideal to enjoy the end of a wonderful day to the fullest.

Experience a’quad bike excursion in Sesto Calende, on Lake Maggiore, designed to spend half a day in the open air among scenic roads, dirt stretches and a stop with an aperitif overlooking the lake.

È an experience suitable even for beginners, ideal for friends, couples, families and small groups. The’activity’takes place aboard double quad bikes with the possibility of alternating driving, along a route of about 3 hours with sections mainly on asphalt, white roads, short dirt sections and a small ford. Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop in Angera with an aperitif overlooking Lake Maggiore, one of the highlights of the experience.

The trail has difficultyà 2 out of 5 and è therefore also suitable for those who è first experience.

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.

Rafting along the Sesia River, which flows through the verdant Valsesia, è an adrenaline and exciting experience suitable for nature lovers.

The experience begins with a welcome coffee and a short introductory theory lesson.

Depending on your preferences, you can opt for two routes: “Classic” or “Gorges”.

Classic

A 10-kilometer tour in which you will tackle the famous rapids of the Sesia: Trancia, Slalom, Ubriaco, Igloo, Morca and Fabbrica which are located between the villages of Balmuccia and Varallo Sesia, Piedmont.

Gorges of the Sesia

A tour where, due to the particular conformation of the rock, the current creates extraordinary water games, making it a water park of rare beauty.

Dives from rocky platforms and water games are offered during the descent. 

The facility will provide all the necessary equipment for the descent (neoprene wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid).

We recommend that you bring:

•    swimsuit,
•    wet sneakers,
•    synthetic sweater or fleece (for winter),
•    everything you need for the shower,
•    a padlock for the locker

Horseback riding in the hills overlooking Lake Maggiore to enjoy the natural surroundings.

At your arrival you will be provided with a helmet and once assigned your horse, you will have a short introductory lesson on horse handling to make sure everyone knows what to do on climbs, descents and other passes. Afterwards you will leave and with this ride you will be able to admire the view of Lake Maggiore from the hills and at the same time you will also have an excellent view of the surrounding mountains. Depending on the season, you may have to pass streams on horseback.

To personalize the experience you can choose from 2 types of tours that differ in duration and consequently in the length of the route. The two types of tours have a duration of 1 or 2 hours depending on your liking.

È appropriate clothing for horseback riding is recommended, such as closed shoes and long pants and suitable for going into the woods (no bags or hoop earrings).

In case of bad weather (rain or strong wind), the facility reserves the right to cancel or modify the route for your safety.