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

Horseback riding among the hills of Valpolicella, departing from San Pietro in Cariano, along routes immersed in nature. The experience allows you to immerse yourself, on horseback, among the vineyards of the renowned and picturesque area also known for the production of Valpolicella wine.

The excursion is also suitable for beginners who have never ridden a horse. Depending on the length of the ride, the route varies in length. You ride through the countryside among glimpses of typical villages and wineries. The views are always beautiful and the perspective certainly unusual.

Live an adrenaline-pumping experience aboard a racing sailboat on the magnificent Lake Garda.

Accompanied by an experienced skipper by being part of a crew, you will have the opportunity to ply the waters of the lake while discovering the excitement of sport sailing.

This experience, suitable for everyone, adults and kids, will make you discover the thrill of sailing on a 10mt racing boat, working as a team, plying the lake water driven by the wind that is naturally created in the natural connection between the Alps and the Po Valley.

During half-day tour, you will admire the beauty of Lake Garda from a unique perspective, enjoying the performance of a racing boat in a unique natural setting in Italy.

Live a unique experience in contact with nature and the magnificent landscapes of Lake Garda. The horseback ride will wind through picturesque vineyards, giving you breathtaking views and moments of pure relaxation.

The activity has a total duration of 1 hour of which, about 15 minutes, will be dedicated to a brief initial briefing with introduction to the activity and explanations on horse riding.

During the ride, you will admire the beauty of the surrounding area and have an unforgettable experience riding your horse.

Dogs are allowed at the stables as long as they are on a leash.

Mini cruise on Lake Garda with lunch on board a boat. Departure from Peschiera del Garda allows you to visit the entire southern part of the lake.

During the cruise, the boat will head to the following points of interest: Lazise Castle, Rocca di Garda, Villa Canossa, Punta San Vigilio, Garda Island, San Biagio Island, Baia Verde, Rocca di Manerba Nature Park, Jamaica Beach Sirmione, Grotte di Catullo.

Depending on the weather, the boat can go clockwise or counterclockwise around the lower lake. There will be a guide on board who will explain the various points you are going to see.

A light lunch (usually a pasta dish) and a soft drink during the boat ride is also included in the boat tour.

A stop for swimming will be made for those who wish. The use of a life jacket is mandatory. No other stops are planned during navigation.

Small-medium sized dogs with muzzles are allowed on board. There is a bathroom and there is a bar where snacks or drinks can be purchased.

Horseback riding in Gavardo near Lake Garda will allow you to experience a unique activity immersed in the tranquility of nature.

Available hikes are one-and-a-half hours and extend through local vineyards passing through villages and some trails with breathtaking views.

During the first half hour, the equestrian instructor will teach you how to approach the horse and the saddle-up procedure will take place, after which the walk will start.

The rides are suitable for all levels of experience, to participate in the activity; sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dinner in the vineyard in the Euganean Hills allows you to live a unique experience: you can admire striking sunsets while sipping local wine and enjoying typical Veneto dishes.

You can dine in the company of your partner or loved ones among the fields and vineyards, under a starry sky.

You will be served dishes prepared with seasonal and local ingredients. The experience begins with an aperitif, which will be followed by dinner that includes 1 first course, 1 second course and dessert. Everything will be accompanied by locally produced wines.

This traveling experience includes stops around the Euganean Hills:

•    Saturday, June 7: Lemons and Fior d’Arancio at La Mincana Winery
•    Friday, June 13: BioDinner at Quota 101 Winery
•    Saturday, June 21: Summer Solstice at Vigna Roda Winery
•    Friday, June 27: Table at the Filò delle Vigne Winery
•    Saturday, July 5: Between Earth and Stars at the Venda Amphitheater
•    Wednesday, July 9: Sunset Dinner at Villa Beatrice d’Este
•    Saturday, July 12: Full Moon: Cantina Alla Costiera
•    Saturday, July 19: Dinner in the Vineyard at Reassi Winery
•    Saturday, July 26: Night bohémien at Cecilia's Vignale Winery
•    Thursday, July 31: Sunflower Table - Among the Sunflowers of the Bacchiglione
•    Saturday, Aug. 2: Panoramic dinner among the vines at Enoteca Monte Fasolo
•    Saturday, August 9: Goblets of Stars, Tavolata at Vignalta Winery
•    Sunday, Aug. 10: Dinner among the Sunflowers under the shooting stars, Castello di San Martino della Vaneza
•    Saturday, Aug. 16: Among the ancient trees, by Candlelight at Villa Selvatico
•    Friday, September 19: Dinner at the Castle, in the glow of a thousand candles - Castello San Martino della Vaneza 
•    Sunday, September 21: Sunday Lunch in the olive grove - Frantoio Colle del Poeta Arquà Petrarca
•    Friday, Oct. 10: The Ancient Lemon House, Candlelight Table at Villa Selvatico 
•    Sunday, Oct. 12: The End of the Harvest Lunch at Vigna Roda Winery - Vigna Roda Vò 
•    Saturday, Oct. 18: Fire Dining Table at the Brazier at Castello San Martino della Vaneza
•    Saturday, October 25: Fire Dining Table at the Brazier at Castello San Martino della Vaneza

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

Kayak tour in Dolo, a quaint little village with a beautiful mill. The river has a very gentle current and is therefore suitable for everyone, even beginners and children from 12 years old and up.

During the itinerary you can admire the most picturesque areas: from the well-known Venetian Villas to the unspoiled nature of the Brenta Riviera. The instructor will not only explain how best to paddle, but also provide you with trivia and anecdotes to learn more about little Dolo.

Remember to bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes with you.

The facility will provide you with all equipment, including a life jacket.

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.

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.

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 Venice in its most fascinating guise: that of the night thanks to this shared or private boat tour.

When the calli empty out and the canals become mirrors, the city reveals its most poetic and mysterious side. This tour is designed for those seeking a moment of quiet, beauty and suggestion.

You will sail through canals and docks illuminated by the light of street lamps and admire hidden glimpses and corners that seem suspended in time at night.

On board you will be offered water and a glass of wine or prosecco.

On request, you can listen to relaxing music, perfect for soaking in the city's magical atmosphere. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wine tasting in the picturesque location surrounded by vineyards in Jesolo will offer you an authentic experience, a true journey to discover the traditions and flavors of the area.

You will experience a sensory journey, tasting different types of wine to grasp their aromas, nuances and characteristics, comfortably seated in the garden of a historic estate or, on colder days, in the dedicated indoor room.

You will taste typical local DOC wines, such as Brut, Prosecco Rosé, red Cabernet Franc and white Chardonnay,Pinot Grigio and others accompanied by stories and trivia about the wines and the history of our family.

The wines will be accompanied by genuine local products, such as cured meats, selected cheeses and tasty vegetables in oil.

Experience an unforgettable rafting adventure by descending the stretches of river that connect Lake Mis to the Piave River, on the edge of the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.

During the descent you will cross crystal clear waters and exciting rapids surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Valbelluna, immersing yourself in the unspoiled nature of the Belluno Dolomites, in an environment where the impact of man is practically absent.

You will spot wild animals such as deer, roe deer and magnificent birds of prey flying over the mountains as you travel along the Piave River and discover the ancient traditions of the zattieri, the courageous lumber carriers who, since the 1400s, have been coming down the Piave River carrying the wood used for the foundations of Venice.

You will be accompanied by qualified IRF guides with Rescue Project river rescuer qualifications, who will take you along one of the most exciting routes in the Veneto region.

Horseback riding on the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni plateau in Asiago will allow you to have a unique experience riding a horse.

The excursions are also suitable for beginners, in fact, before the walk the guide will explain how to mount and teach you the commands to best ride the horse.

You can choose from 1- or 2-hour hikes in which you will immerse yourself in the peaceful forests and grasslands of the Plateau. The rides are available from April through November.

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate in the walk.

The vespa tour of Prosecco in Veneto è a unique experience discovering the landscapes and culinary specialties of the area.

The tour begins with Vespa rental and pickup (at 9:45 am) and then continues along the route. Return è flexible: from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to ride 75 km through the hilly landscapes of Veneto, discovering medieval testimonies, hermitages, centuries-old churches and ancient ruins.

È it is possible to stop at a winery and vineyard for a picnic, with the basket composed on site (not included in the price). Along the way, you will also find numerous places where you can taste the food and wine specialties of the area.

On this journey through vineyards, cultivations, rural houses and farms, you will encounter numerous wineries where grapes are vinified.

Be aware: Driver/s will mandatory need real and good driving skills/experience specific on medium large scooter or motorcycle, 2 wheels.