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.

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.

Spa day with a 5-course tasting dinner and a bottle of Franciacorta wine at a relais in Erba, in the province of Como.

Program

The spa è located inside the relais Castello di Casiglio. With the admission you can enjoy two Turkish baths, two Finnish saunas, a Water Paradise shower for body regeneration, a salt room for body purification, two relaxation areas, a herbal tea area and an olfactory corner to complete the sensory journey.

In the spa è there is also a heated swimming pool that extends in and out of the facility, overlooking the magical scenery of the castle.

Finally, there will be a dinner with a 5-course tasting menu, made according to the seasonality, and a bottle of Franciacorta.

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.

Join us for a relaxing experience discovering the natural and architectural wonders of Lake Como aboard a comfortable private boat guided by a skipper.

The boat, perfect for small groups with a maximum capacity of 7 people, guarantees an intimate and authentic experience on the lake. During the tour, the skipper will guide you along the shores of the lake, passing enchanting lakeside villages, historic villas and luxury mansions, and breathtaking views.

The boat is perfect for small groups.

The captain will share with you curiosities, stories, and insights about the area, while you enjoy onboard music, prosecco, and the tranquil atmosphere that makes Lake Como one of Italy's most fascinating destinations.

Protective covers on board ensure maximum comfort in all weather conditions.

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.

Spa day with a 5-course tasting dinner and a bottle of Franciacorta wine at a relais in Erba, in the province of Como.

Program

The spa è located inside the relais Castello di Casiglio. With the admission you can enjoy two Turkish baths, two Finnish saunas, a Water Paradise shower for body regeneration, a salt room for body purification, two relaxation areas, a herbal tea area and an olfactory corner to complete the sensory journey.

In the spa è there is also a heated swimming pool that extends in and out of the facility, overlooking the magical scenery of the castle.

Finally, there will be a dinner with a 5-course tasting menu, made according to the seasonality, and a bottle of Franciacorta.

Join us for a relaxing experience discovering the natural and architectural wonders of Lake Como aboard a comfortable private boat guided by a skipper.

The boat, perfect for small groups with a maximum capacity of 7 people, guarantees an intimate and authentic experience on the lake. During the tour, the skipper will guide you along the shores of the lake, passing enchanting lakeside villages, historic villas and luxury mansions, and breathtaking views.

The boat is perfect for small groups.

The captain will share with you curiosities, stories, and insights about the area, while you enjoy onboard music, prosecco, and the tranquil atmosphere that makes Lake Como one of Italy's most fascinating destinations.

Protective covers on board ensure maximum comfort in all weather conditions.

This farmhouse above Bellagio, offers an organic wine tasting and visit to the vineyards overlooking Lake Como.

The tasting includes tasting of a Cascina Teresina Nebbiolo accompanied by a board with a selection of cheeses, sliced meats and a seasonal side dish.

In addition, the tasting includes water, homemade bread and coffeeè.

Before or after the tasting è it is possible to take a tour of the vineyards overlooking Lake Como, at an altitude of about 700 m.

The tasting will take place in a relaxing environment perfect for a day of vacation or a weekend getaway. The farmhouse has a panoramic veranda and a terraced garden from which to admire the view of the Lake.

In case of food allergies or intolerances è you can contact the property following the reservation.

With the e-bike tour along the Tremezzina from Argegno, you can rent a pedal-assisted electric bike to explore the lakefront and mountains overlooking Lake Como on your own, without the guidance of a guide.

Before departure, you will receive a briefing of about 10 minutes from a local guide who will help you choose a route best suited to your level and give you practical advice on how to navigate your way along the route.

A recommended route includes a stop at Bar La Torre to admire the view of Lake Como and the possibility of extending the tour with a visit to Rifugio Venini for spectacular views at an altitude of 1,600 meters and, for those who wish, a lunch break.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A visit with wine tasting at Fontechiara Winery in Borgomanero allows you to spend a relaxing day in the Novara Hills, between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.

Cantina Fontechiara is a small, family-run winery located in Upper Piedmont that produces red, rosé and white wines made from native grape varieties such as Nebbiolo and Vespolina. The wines are natural, unmodified and certified vegan with the VEGANOK label.

This experience will begin with a tour of the winery during which you will be told the history of the winery and will be shown the cultivation methods and winemaking techniques.

This will be followed by a tasting, which can be of two types.

Of 2 wines from the winery's production served in combination with a selection of cured meats, cheeses and other local artisanal products. Includes:

•    Colline Novaresi DOC Vespolina, accompanied by Gorgonzola DOP on artisan-made bread
•    Colline Novaresi DOC Nebbiolo barrel-aged accompanied by a board of typical local products: horse salami, donkey salami, seasoned toma cheese, semi-seasoned toma cheese from our valleys, homemade jam or honey and fresh bread.

Of 3 homemade wines served in combination with platters of salami, cheeses and other typical local products, all fresh and homemade. The tasting includes:

•    Rosato paired with samples of fresh robiola mantecata with herbs from the garden
•    Vespolina DOC accompanied by Gorgonzola DOP on artisan-made bread
•    Barrel-aged Nebbiolo DOC accompanied by a board of typical local products: horse salami, donkey salami, seasoned toma cheese, semi-seasoned toma cheese from our valleys, homemade jam or honey and fresh bread.

Wines and vintages may vary based on availability.

A minor option is also available that includes:

•    Water or soft drink
•    Cutting board with artisanal pizzas and flatbreads.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Wine tasting with a visit to the steamship Lombardia 1908, aboard a historic boat moored on Lake Maggiore, in Arona, among history, local wines and local products.

During the experience you will discover anecdotes and curiosities about the steamship and the productions passed down from generation to generation, in a unique and evocative setting.

You will be able to choose from three different tasting routes:

3 wines, 4 wines or 5 wines, choosing which wines to taste from labels such as Francigeno, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG, Metodo Classico Redentum, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG San Michele, Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG Passito Ardorem, San Martino macerated white wine, rosé wine, Canavese DOC Barbera Abbazia, Canavese DOC Nebbiolo Saio and Carema DOC.

Each tasting is accompanied by local cheeses and breadsticks, with home-grown products at km 0.

For those who wish to extend their stay, it is possible to select the tasting tour with overnight stay that includes, in addition to the tasting of 3 wines, a night in a double suite with breakfast, sauna and private jacuzzi.

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.

Discover the charm of Monferrato Casalese on an electric or muscle bike! An immersive experience among hills, vineyards and UNESCO sites, suitable for all levels.

You can choose from four tour options: half-day or full-day, with or without a guide.

Half-day without a guide

Unguided tour through scenic hamlets, it runs mainly on secondary paved roads with low traffic, with some short dirt sections for even more authentic immersion in local nature.

Half-day with guide

Guided tour through scenic hamlets, develops mainly on secondary paved roads with low traffic, with some short dirt sections for an even more’authentic immersion in local nature.

A full day with guide

A guided one full-day tour to experience Monferrato at leisure, enjoying breathtaking landscapes. The route winds through the most’beautiful villages in the area, along paved secondary roads and a few short sections of dirt road. 

A full day without a guide

Take your bike for a’full day and experience Monferrato at your leisure, enjoying breathtaking landscapes. The route winds through the most’beautiful villages in the area, along paved back roads and some short dirt sections.