Venice and the Venetian Lagoon: the best 10 experiences

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

Guided winery tour with wine tasting and lunch of typical local products on a farm in Padenghe sul Garda offers several possibilities:

Visit and wine tasting

Experience includes winery tour includes tasting of a selection of 4 wines accompanied by a board of local products.

Lunch

This option begins with a guided winery tour and continues with a tasting of 4 premium wines. The tasting is accompanied by a sampling of local products.

The experience continues with lunch, which includes.

•    1 appetizer of your choice from the menu
•    1 main course of your choice from the menu
•    Water
•    Coffee

Wines and extra drinks are excluded.

Deluxe Lunch (From 2 to 10 people)

In addition to a guided tour of the winery, a 5-course tasting menu paired with locally produced wines is included. The menu changes according to seasonality (you can contact the winery after booking to receive information about this).

This tasting itinerary includes four premium wines paired with as many local dishes, prepared using raw materials and products from the Bottega Contadina line.

The experience concludes with a tasting of one of the local spirits, accompanied by a homemade traditional dessert.

In warm weather, the premium experience takes place on the patio.

In case of food intolerances, please notify the property at the time of booking. Vegetarian options are available, which must be notified at least 72 hours in advance to the facility.

Deluxe tasting takes place along with lunch.

Languages available: Italian and English.

Horseback riding in the countryside between Lake Garda and Verona.

Once you arrive at the stables, after a brief introduction to the basics of horseback riding, you will set off on your walk. You will be able to choose from 2 different types of outings depending on the duration.

Accompanied by an equestrian guide, you will be able to walk on horseback and discover the wonderful natural landscapes of the Custoza Morainic Hills. Immersed in unspoiled nature, among hills and vineyards, you can relax and rediscover the beauty of the countryside.

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 winery tour with Amarone tasting at Farina winery will allow you to discover the typical products of Valpolicella.

The activity begins with a walk through the winery's vineyards where you will be told about the history of the area followed by a guided tour of the winery where the winemaking process will be explained. At the end you can choose between 2 activities.

Classic Tasting

Includes a tasting of 6 locally produced wines, including 2 glasses of Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, accompanied by a typical board of cold cuts and cheeses.

Light Lunch

This activity includes a tasting of 6 wines that will be accompanied by cold cuts, local cheeses and focaccia. Following this, you will be served a typical dessert along with a tasting of 2 Grappas of Amarone.

The wines being tasted in both activities are:

•    2 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
•    Rosso Veronese IGT
•    Valpolicella Ripasso DOC Classico Superiore
•    Valpolicella DOC Classico Superiore
•    Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG Classico

Walk through the vineyards of Valpolicella, visit the winery and taste wine produced in this renowned winery in Negrar di Valpolicella.

To personalize your experience you can choose from 3 different options:

The Traditions of Valpolicella

The tour begins with a walk through the vineyards, a visit to the aging rooms and then concludes with a tasting of 5 organic wines accompanied by a selection of cured meats, cheeses and other typical products.

The wines you will taste are: Valpolicella Classico DOC BIO, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC BIO, Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC BIO, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO, Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO.

The Greats, Face to Face.

Again you will start with a walk through the vineyards, then continue with a visit to the aging rooms and conclude with a tasting of 5 wines, each paired with cured meats, cheeses and other typical products.

The tasting will be structured as follows: Comparison between Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Ca' Besi BIO and Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC Colombarino BIO; Comparison between Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO and Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Austernia; Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO

Light Lunch between Vineyards and Winery

This food and wine tour is perfect for those who want to learn about the indigenous grape varieties of Valpolicella without sacrificing a tour of the estate and a rich traditional gastronomic offering. You will taste 5 organic wines: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO, Verona Rosato Frizzante IGT "Sui Lieviti" Bollicella, Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG BIO, Valpolicella Classico DOC BIO, Valpolicella Classico Ripassato DOC BIO.

All accompanied by a light lunch that includes: a wide selection of typical local cheeses and cold cuts, a tasting of Olio Evo and Miele Bio Millefiori, giardiniera, fresh bread, focaccia, dessert, grappa and coffee.

Horseback riding in the Euganean Hills è an exciting opportunity to explore picturesque trails and enjoy breathtaking views. 

Horseback rides in the Euganean Hills are available by reservation Tuesday through Sunday and last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The activity begins with a half-hour lesson, followed by a 1-hour ride.

The walk is suitable for everyone, including beginners, and the minimum age requirement is 14 years.

To finalize your reservation you will be asked to state your weight and height, please enter the correct values so that the facility can provide you with the appropriate resources.

The horseback ride between Vicenza and Padua, in Montegaldella, can take an hour or two, depending on your preference, and is ideal for a relaxing experience in excellent company.

It starts at a local ranch and continues into the Vicenza wilderness, with the option of ending the experience at sunset by choosing the 4 p.m. tour.

Your guide will also teach you how to clean and prepare your horse, before you mount.

The tour is organized exclusively and can be either 1 hour or 2 hours long. It is suitable for everyone, including beginners.

Participants should send ID and social security number to the facility following booking.

A guided winery tour in Vo', outside Padua, will immerse you in the wine culture of the Veneto region. You will taste historic Veneto wines on the winery's panoramic terrace, overlooking the Euganean Hills, or inside the barrique cellar.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the wine laboratory where you will learn about the winery's traditional production processes and aging techniques. Afterwards, you will taste 3 or 5 local wines, depending on the option you choose, paired with a charcuterie board.

Overview (1 hour 30 minutes)

The tasting takes place on the winery's panoramic terrace, which offers a beautiful view of the Euganean Hills. The tasting includes 5 wines:

•    2 white wines
•    2 red wines
•    1 sweet wine

The tasting is accompanied by:

•    Bread crostini with extra virgin olive oil DOP
•    1 type of local cured meats
•    1 type of cheese
•    Bread and water

A complimentary bottle of wine offered by the winery is provided for couples.

In the barrique cellar (2 hours)

The tasting takes place inside the winery's barrique cellar and includes 3 Riserva wines, paired with:

•    Bread crostini with extra virgin olive oil DOP
•    2 types of local cured meats
•    2 types of cheeses
•    Bread and water

Complimentary 2 bottles of wine offered by the winery are provided for couples.

The visit to the winery is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the production of the historic Veneto wines and to taste excellent wines in the company of friends, relatives or your partner.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

A unique experience designed for young children who want to approach the world of horseback riding in total safety.

The activity takes place entirely on the property and includes:

•    First saddle in the field with basic instruction
•    Guided ride on the meadows with an up-and-down trail
•    Breathtaking panoramic views during the ride

Children will always be accompanied by experienced staff in a safe and controlled environment.

Horseback riding in the Euganean Hills allows you to see picturesque views in the company of friends or your partner.

You will also be provided with a basket with a blanket to place on the hay meadows.

The picnic will be composed of typical local products with zero km:

•    wine
•    beer
•    sliced meats
•    cheese
•    bread

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

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

Wine Tasting in the Berici Hills between Padua and Vicenza can be developed, depending on your preferences, according to three different options: 

Edgard Tasting 

You will taste the most characteristic wines of the winery. From the highly prized Sior Marco 2020 to the winery's Arcadia.

All é accompanied by fragrant appetizers consisting of products closely linked to the territory that have been part of the traditional Veneto gastronomy since time immemorial. During the tastings, locally produced materials are preferred.

This tasting is available daily at 10:00 am or 5:00 pm.

Interlude Tasting

You will be offered 4 excellent labels specially selected for you accompanied by bread cookie. The experience lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

This tasting is available on Fridays at 5:30 pm.

Tasting Raixe Grixe 

You will be offered 4 excellent labels selected especially for you accompanied by pan biscotto and Asiago cheese, which are typical local products that are an integral part of the history of our area.

This tasting is available on Fridays at 5:30 pm.

Before the tastings, you will be offered a tour of the vineyards surrounding the winery, the historic villa, the little church and the fountain: a setting steeped in history that will remind you of your roots.

During the visits with tasting you will have the opportunity to taste different wines, paired with typical products of the local gastronomy, such as cured meats, cheeses and artisan-made bread.

At the end of the tour and tasting, you will have the opportunity to purchase products from the winery.

Tour from Venice with visit to Murano and Burano, demonstration of glass making, and free time to explore and have lunch.

Program

It is possible to depart from San Marco or Santa Lucia Station.

The first stop on the tour is Murano, where you visit a glass factory and watch a demonstration of glassmaking, with about an hour of free time to explore or store in the island's stores.

Continue on to Burano, renowned for its lace and colorful houses, where there is two hours of free time to have lunch, stroll through the streets or enjoy an aperitif or ice cream in the center's cafés.

Boat tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello with guided tour and free time to explore and have lunch.

Program

The excursion departs from San Marco or Santa Lucia station.

The first stop is Murano, where you visit a local glassworks and watch a glassmaking demonstration, followed by about an hour of free time to explore or shop.

Continue on to Burano, famous for its lace and colorful houses. After a brief introduction by the guide, there are two hours of free time to have lunch, stroll the streets or enjoy an ice cream.

The last stop is Torcello, an ancient town in the lagoon, where you have about an hour to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and admire its Byzantine mosaics.

Return to San Marco is scheduled in the early evening.

Day tour to Burano with a visit to a glassworks, free time on the island and return to San Marco in the afternoon.

Program

The excursion includes a day exploring Burano, famous for its colorful houses and the art of lace making. A stop at a glassworks in the lagoon is planned during the cruise to watch a demonstration of glassmaking and have about 1 hour of free time.

After about 30 minutes of travel, you will reach Burano, where you are scheduled to have 3 hours of free time to visit the island on your own and have lunch in local restaurants or cafes.

Return to San Marco is scheduled in the afternoon, arriving around 5:30 pm.

Discover Venice from a privileged vantage point, cruising along its water profile and among the city’s most intimate and fascinating canals.

This tour is the ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the true Venetian essence, away from the crowds, lulled by the sound of the water and surrounded by breathtaking views.

You will sail along the perimeter of the city admiring iconic views and hidden corners. You can also explore the smaller canals while experiencing the authentic soul of Venice.

On board you will be offered water, wine, soft drinks and small snacks.

Discover the Venetian Lagoon by double or single kayak from Cavallino Treporti.

You can rent a kayak for 2 or 4 hours. During the tour you will sail along the Lagoon, observe rare species of birds and enjoy sports in the park of Cavallino Treporti.

Before departure, you will receive life jackets and, upon request, a waterproof bag for your belongings. In addition, you will be provided with a detailed map of the routes with stopping points for lunch in the Lagoon.

Good swimming skills and athletic and mental/physical fitness are required.

Explore the authentic heart of the lagoon with a tour that takes you among the three most fascinating islands of Venice: Murano, Burano and Torcello.

This experience allows you to experience a journey between tradition, beauty and ancient knowledge, to be lived with tranquility and curiosity.

During the tour you will sail along the northern lagoon and the following stops are planned: Murano, Burano, Torcello and San Francesco del Deserto.

In Murano you can visit a historic furnace with a demonstration of glassmaking, while in Burano a stroll through colorful houses and a visit to a traditional lace atelier await.

Torcello, the oldest island in the lagoon, is perfect for a moment of relaxation or a walk between art and nature.

The last scheduled stop is at San Francesco del Deserto, a place of silence and spirituality, where Franciscan friars still live surrounded by nature. If available, it is possible to visit the convent with an in-house guide.

Water and snacks will be available on board.

Horseback riding in the Prosecco hills in the area of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene will allow you to immerse yourself in nature and cross an area recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

In the walk, you start from the riding stables and walk through the hills to admire the view of the village of Rolle di Cison di Valmarino. It can be done during the day or at sunset, with the possibility of an aperitif following the walk.

At the end of the hike it is possible to stop at an agritourism in the area to have an aperitif and enjoy typical local products accompanied by a glass of Prosecco. 

The horseback riding experience IS suitable for anyone over the age of 14, even those riding for the first time, and the maximum number of participants is 5. It is appropriate clothing for horseback riding is recommended, such as closed shoes and long pants.

The half-day (4h 30 min) or middle half-day (10am-4:30pm) quad bike excursion to Mt. Grappa, with an intermediate stop for lunch.

Half Day (10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

Departure from Romano d'Ezzelino; after a few km necessary for the transfer to the mountain, the hike gets into full swing. Interesting passages, views and the stop in the malga give an intense pleasure that you will remember for a long time. Excursion of medium physical commitment.

Half-day Central (10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

After a few miles on the quad bike necessary for the transfer to the mountain, the hike gets into full swing. Interesting passes, views and a stop at an alpine hut for lunch give an intense pleasure that we will remember for a long time. Longer "Half Day" hike that allows trespassing in the northernmost area of the Grappa Massif.

Tour from Venice with visit to Murano and Burano, demonstration of glass making, and free time to explore and have lunch.

Program

It is possible to depart from San Marco or Santa Lucia Station.

The first stop on the tour is Murano, where you visit a glass factory and watch a demonstration of glassmaking, with about an hour of free time to explore or store in the island's stores.

Continue on to Burano, renowned for its lace and colorful houses, where there is two hours of free time to have lunch, stroll through the streets or enjoy an aperitif or ice cream in the center's cafés.

Horseback riding in the Euganean Hills è an exciting opportunity to explore picturesque trails and enjoy breathtaking views. 

Horseback rides in the Euganean Hills are available by reservation Tuesday through Sunday and last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The activity begins with a half-hour lesson, followed by a 1-hour ride.

The walk is suitable for everyone, including beginners, and the minimum age requirement is 14 years.

To finalize your reservation you will be asked to state your weight and height, please enter the correct values so that the facility can provide you with the appropriate resources.

Boat tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello with guided tour and free time to explore and have lunch.

Program

The excursion departs from San Marco or Santa Lucia station.

The first stop is Murano, where you visit a local glassworks and watch a glassmaking demonstration, followed by about an hour of free time to explore or shop.

Continue on to Burano, famous for its lace and colorful houses. After a brief introduction by the guide, there are two hours of free time to have lunch, stroll the streets or enjoy an ice cream.

The last stop is Torcello, an ancient town in the lagoon, where you have about an hour to visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and admire its Byzantine mosaics.

Return to San Marco is scheduled in the early evening.

For the vineyard picnic in Valdobbiadene, you can choose from two different baskets:

Little Red Riding Hood

The "Little Red Riding Hood" basket includes a bottle of Prosecco Marchet Extra Dry, smoked Giacomino salami or half salami, smoked ricotta, a loaf of bread and two 0.50-liter bottles of Italian water.

Flavors of Valdobbiadene

The "Flavors of Valdobbiadene" basket includes a bottle of Marchet Extra Dry Prosecco from Terra di Guia winery, half a salami, a smoked pork tenderloin called "Giacomino," malga cheese, smoked ricotta, sweet and sour giardiniera, a loaf of bread and two 0.50-liter bottles of Italian water.

Both offerings will give you an authentic gastronomic experience of the Valdobbiadene region, with high-quality local products and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.