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

Quads excursion in the Morainic Hills with departure from Cavriana (Mantua ) 20 minutes from Peschiera del Garda . You can choose between the 2 and a half or half day (5 hours) excursion, carried out 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.

On arrival you will be explained the use of the ATV and the safety rules ; you will sign the ATV rental contract and then perform a practical test in the parking lot.

To be able to drive an ATV you must have a B license, the passenger must have no special requirements.

You will be provided with a helmet (mandatory)with a disposable cap, we recommend sporty and seasonally appropriate clothing 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 take place 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 45 minutes at refreshment point on the river where , if you wish, you can refresh yourself (extra cost to be paid locally) .

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.

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.

Enjoy an authentic experience among the olive groves of Lake Garda, discovering the secrets of extra virgin olive oil through a tasting followed by an aperitif of titpic products. 

The tour begins with a guided tour of the olive mill, during which you will learn about all stages of production: from olive harvesting to pressing, to bottling the precious “green gold”. At the end of the visit you will participate in a guided tasting of the most renowned labels, Venturelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mostolio and Garda D.O.P. Olive Oil, learning to recognize their scents, aromatic notes and distinctive features.

The experience concludes with a pleasant aperitif in the restaurant of the oil mill, with artisanal salumi, local cheeses, sottoli and a glass of wine to choose from Groppello, Lugana or Chiaretto (or soft drink), for a convivial moment immersed in the quiet of Lake Garda.

Boat trip exploring the Sirmione peninsula departing from Desenzano, one of the pearls of Lake Garda.

During the tour you will have the opportunity to relax along the way, admiring the surrounding landscape and coastline from the calm waters of Lake Garda. Once you reach your destination, you can discover the beautiful Sirmione by staying on board or going down for two hours or more on the mainland.

Return is scheduled about 2 hours after the start of the stop in Sirmione. For example, if you book the tour departing at 11:00 am, you will get off in Sirmione around 11:40 am, and the return should be 2 hours later with the 1:40 pm tour. If you take the 1:00 p.m. one from Desenzano, the return from Sirmione will be at 3:40 p.m., and if you take the 3:00 p.m. one from Desenzano, the return will be at 6:40 p.m. from Sirmione.

Points of interest to be seen will be Desenzano Castle, Villa Maria Callas, Boiola Spa and spring, Catullus Caves, Scaliger Castle, and the Medieval Port.

Boats with a maximum capacity of 30 people.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Horseback ride at an altitude of almost 800 meters in Arsiè, in the province of Belluno.

Venture into a beautiful mountainous landscape, nestled between the Asiago Plateau and the Grappa Massif, surrounded by the Feltre Dolomites that will provide the backdrop for your ride.

The rides are suitable for everyone, even children 10 and under, who will ride independently.

You can choose from different durations, 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours.

The experience will begin with a short introductory lesson on how to ride your horse. Throughout the excursion you will be accompanied by an experienced equestrian guide.

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.

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 e-bike tour with rental in Valdobbiadene is a tour that takes place among the beautiful Prosecco hills and its wonderful landscapes. You can take the tour in autonomous mode, without a guide, or with a guide.

During the classic tour it is possible a stop at a selected winery to taste local wines including a good Prosecco (in the guided tour it is already included in the price). Along the way, a stop for a picnic lunch is also possible at picnic areas. A short stop at the very famous Osteria Senza Oste is also possible.

At the start you will ride along the new bike path that runs along the Piave River, along the way there are small historical-naturalistic stops to admire the views and ancient villages. The tour continues, between ascents and descents, always on a bike path among rows of vines and grapevines.

There are two other tours that you can choose according to your preferences:

•    The underground tunnels and cellars tour.

During this tour you will have the opportunity to pass through the World War I tunnels you reach the wonderful Palladian-style villa, and finally to taste a very fine wine from the area!

•    The tour with panoramic aperitif among the vineyards

During this tour among the wonderful bogrhi of the area you will have the opportunity to have a Prosecco tasting accompanied by delicious typical cold cuts and cheeses!

The bikes for rent are exclusively E-Mtb electric mountain bikes of various sizes, they will be assigned to the various participants according to their height. You will also be provided with helmets. In the guided tour, also, the local E-MTB guide is to be paid on the spot.

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.