Varese: top 20 weekend experiences

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.

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.

You can choose from the following tours for an excursion to Lake Como by Cranchi motorboat:

2-Hour Tour

This 2-hour private tour will take you around the western part of the Lake, passing through its surrounding villages and arriving at the famous Villa Balbianello. The tour departs from Como, but can also be arranged from other nearby locations. The tour includes stops in Nesso, Isola Comacina, Villa Balbianello, Cernobbio and Como.

3-Hour Tour

The 3-hour private tour will give you the opportunity to add a special visit to Bellagio, in addition to the stops on the 2-hour tour.

4-Hour Tour (with dinner)

The 4-hour private tour with dinner starts just before sunset. With a few boats in sight, you can sip a glass of wine or have an aperitif on the boat. You can end the evening with dinner (not included in the price) at one of the recommended restaurants overlooking the Lake. You can choose from Crotto del Misto, La Tirlindana, Trattoria del Porto, and Locanda dell'Isola.

6-Hour Tour

This 6-hour private tour will show you the beauty of Lake Como and have lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants.

Quads excursion to Sesto Calende on Lake Maggiore, perfect for a day out with friends.

You can choose from 3 types of tours:

.

Excursion on dirt/forest trail (1.5 hours):

•    90% dirt/forest trail suitable for inexperienced and beginners
•    Driving time 1h
•    Departures at 9:30 am, 11;45 am or 2 pm and 4:15 pm

Dirt/forest trail hike (2.5 hours):

•    90% dirt/forest trail suitable for inexperienced and beginners
•    Driving time 2h
•    Departures at 9:30 am, 11;45 am or 2 pm and 4:15 pm

Panoramic excursion with aperitif (3 hours):

•    20% unpaved/forested trail.
•    .
•    Halfway through the hike there will be a stop with aperitif on Lake Maggiore.
•    Departures at 9:30 am or 4:00 pm

On request, è possibility to combine lunch and/or dinner in affiliated facilities or paintball and/or softair.

The driver must have a B license, while the passenger must be at least 7 years old.

We recommend sportswear with closed-toe boots.

The weight limit of each ATV è is about 160 kg. Above that weight it will be necessary to book 2 individual quads.

The weight limit is about 160 kg.

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).

A brunch in the hills outside Bergamo in Scanzorosciate with a wine pairing to taste at Cascina San Giovanni.

Brunch è perfect for sharing convivial moments with friends and family. From sweet to savory, you will find everything you desire. You will be able to select four dishes to pair with our wines and more.

The Cascina San Giovanni farm does not è only wine: from the beehives allocated in the Maffioli vineyard two honeys are obtained, millefiori and chestnut.
From the olive groves, a wonderful evo oil, from the orchard of fragrant jams, to spread on bread or to taste combined with cheeses, all km0 products.

Brunch è available from April to October.

You can choose from the following tours for an excursion to Lake Como by Cranchi motorboat:

2-Hour Tour

This 2-hour private tour will take you around the western part of the Lake, passing through its surrounding villages and arriving at the famous Villa Balbianello. The tour departs from Como, but can also be arranged from other nearby locations. The tour includes stops in Nesso, Isola Comacina, Villa Balbianello, Cernobbio and Como.

3-Hour Tour

The 3-hour private tour will give you the opportunity to add a special visit to Bellagio, in addition to the stops on the 2-hour tour.

4-Hour Tour (with dinner)

The 4-hour private tour with dinner starts just before sunset. With a few boats in sight, you can sip a glass of wine or have an aperitif on the boat. You can end the evening with dinner (not included in the price) at one of the recommended restaurants overlooking the Lake. You can choose from Crotto del Misto, La Tirlindana, Trattoria del Porto, and Locanda dell'Isola.

6-Hour Tour

This 6-hour private tour will show you the beauty of Lake Como and have lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants.

Quads excursion to Sesto Calende on Lake Maggiore, perfect for a day out with friends.

You can choose from 3 types of tours:

.

Excursion on dirt/forest trail (1.5 hours):

•    90% dirt/forest trail suitable for inexperienced and beginners
•    Driving time 1h
•    Departures at 9:30 am, 11;45 am or 2 pm and 4:15 pm

Dirt/forest trail hike (2.5 hours):

•    90% dirt/forest trail suitable for inexperienced and beginners
•    Driving time 2h
•    Departures at 9:30 am, 11;45 am or 2 pm and 4:15 pm

Panoramic excursion with aperitif (3 hours):

•    20% unpaved/forested trail.
•    .
•    Halfway through the hike there will be a stop with aperitif on Lake Maggiore.
•    Departures at 9:30 am or 4:00 pm

On request, è possibility to combine lunch and/or dinner in affiliated facilities or paintball and/or softair.

The driver must have a B license, while the passenger must be at least 7 years old.

We recommend sportswear with closed-toe boots.

The weight limit of each ATV è is about 160 kg. Above that weight it will be necessary to book 2 individual quads.

The weight limit is about 160 kg.

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.

Explore Lake Como in complete autonomy with your friends by renting a comfortable boat. 

This experience allows you to spend a few hours in total freedom exploring Lake Como like real captains. You will discover unique and evocative places: villas, gardens and unforgettable views.

When booking you can choose from several options:

•    30-minute rental
•    1-hour rental
•    2-hour rental
•    3-hour rental
•    4-hour rental
•    5-hour rental
•    daily rental (8 hours)

You will board a boat that can accommodate up to 7 people, safe and equipped with every comfort.

On board you will also find a mini fridge to keep your drinks cool and a large tablet connected to speakers thanks to which you can listen to the history of the most prestigious villas and major attractions of the lake.

Fuel is not included and will have to be paid on site.

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 and reach 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.

This three-hour skippered group tour of Lake Como is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable experience, admiring the lake's charms from a unique perspective: the water.

Aboard a modern Capoforte SX200 boat, capable of accommodating up to seven people, you will share the sailing with other travelers and discover together the wonders of this iconic place.

The itinerary will take you through striking landscapes and picturesque villages. During the navigation you will admire some of the most beautiful and fascinating villas on the lake, such as the historic Villa Pliniana and the spectacular Nesso waterfall. Afterwards there is a one-hour stop in Bellagio, the famous "Pearl of the Lario."

On the return trip you will see other iconic residences, including the scenic Villa del Balbianello, George Clooney's villa, the elegant Villa Fontanelle, once owned by Gianni Versace, and the renowned Villa d'Este.

With a professional skipper at the helm, you won't have to worry about a thing: just let yourself be lulled by the waves, enjoy the view and fully experience the magic of the lake in a convivial and pleasant setting.

An experience suitable for everyone, perfect for those who want to travel light and carefree, immersed in the natural beauty of one of the most fascinating lakes in the world.

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.

Quads excursion to Sesto Calende on Lake Maggiore, perfect for a day out with friends.

You can choose from 3 types of tours:

.

Excursion on dirt/forest trail (1.5 hours):

•    90% dirt/forest trail suitable for inexperienced and beginners
•    Driving time 1h
•    Departures at 9:30 am, 11;45 am or 2 pm and 4:15 pm

Dirt/forest trail hike (2.5 hours):

•    90% dirt/forest trail suitable for inexperienced and beginners
•    Driving time 2h
•    Departures at 9:30 am, 11;45 am or 2 pm and 4:15 pm

Panoramic excursion with aperitif (3 hours):

•    20% unpaved/forested trail.
•    .
•    Halfway through the hike there will be a stop with aperitif on Lake Maggiore.
•    Departures at 9:30 am or 4:00 pm

On request, è possibility to combine lunch and/or dinner in affiliated facilities or paintball and/or softair.

The driver must have a B license, while the passenger must be at least 7 years old.

We recommend sportswear with closed-toe boots.

The weight limit of each ATV è is about 160 kg. Above that weight it will be necessary to book 2 individual quads.

The weight limit is about 160 kg.

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.

Horseback riding in Olgiate Comasco allows you to experience a relaxing time in the woods and hills around Lake Como.

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

You will be accompanied by an experienced guide along the entire route.

Following a brief explanation on how to ride a horse, you will ride through the hills of the Como area in total safety, thanks to the helmets and protections provided directly by the facility.

Sporty and comfortable clothing with long pants and closed shoes is recommended.

The horseback ride lasts 1 hour. When booking you can choose between private and group tours.

Each tour has a maximum number of 4 participants.

Minimum age: 14 years old.

Discover the beauty of the forests and hills around Lake Como with a group or couple horseback riding tour.

Depending on your preference, you can choose from the following tours:

Horseback riding with aperitif (private)

The horseback ride with aperitif includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by an aperitif at the Ca Verda agriturismo with drinks and appetizers.

Horseback ride with lunch (private)

The horseback ride with lunch includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by lunch at the Ca Verda agriturismo. The menu changes according to seasonality and includes an appetizer with cheeses and cold cuts, an encore of first courses and a second course of meat accompanied by potatoes.

Horseback ride with dinner (private)

The horseback ride with dinners includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by dinner at the Ca Verda farmhouse. The menu changes according to seasonality and includes an appetizer with cheese and cold cuts, an encore of first courses and a second course of meat accompanied by potatoes.

The walk takes 1 hour and is suitable for everyone, including beginners. Each tour has a maximum number of 4 participants. Minimum age: 14 years.

The riding school providing the experience uses the Ca Verda farmhouse to arrange lunch, aperitif or dinner.

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

The 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.

Following this, there will be a tasting of 3 home-made wines served in combination with platters of salami, cheeses and other typical local products, all fresh and homemade.

The tasting includes:

•    Rosato cheese paired with samples of fresh robiola mantecata with herbs from the garden
•    Vespolina DOC accompanied by Gorgonzola DOP on homemade bread
•    Barrel-aged Nebbiolo DOC
•    Tagliere 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 according to availability.

It is also available an option for minors that includes:

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

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