Venice and the Venetian Lagoon: the best 15 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

Stroll through Prognol's Veronese vineyards and taste typical Valpolicella wines at the Corte Borghetti winery, along with a board of local cured meats and cheeses.

You will have a choice of two tours, and on each of the two, following the visit to the winery and vineyards, you will taste some classics of the Veronese wine tradition, with a pairing of Lessinia cured meats and cheeses, mustards and honey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a typical homemade dessert.

Classic (2 hours)

The classic tasting includes a short walk through the vineyards and Valpolicella production sites, accompanied by a tasting of the following wines:

•    Valpolicella Classico DOC
•    Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
•    Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

Light lunch (3 hours)

This is a real food and wine tour of Valpolicella, during which, following the estate visit, you will taste the following wines:

•    Garganega in purity
•    Valpolicella Classico DOC
•    Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC
•    Ripasso Classico DOC
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

For this tour, an appetizer of bruschetta with garden vegetables and a traditional first course will also be offered to accompany the wines and the platter of local cured meats and cheeses.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery tour.

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.

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

Visit of the olive grove and farm among the moraine hills and Lake Garda, with tasting of different types of oil, olive samples, infusions and patè.

The experience includes a tour of the olive grove, where you can watch the harvest (October/November) or the pruning of the olive trees (February to April). You will visit the workshop and taste three tiolopogies of quality extra virgin olive oil: from the Garda DOP-certified oil, to the Premium and Oro del Vajo selections, along with condiments made naturally by infusion, olives and paté on good bread. 

The guided tour of the winery will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of the Veneto region and introduce you to the production techniques of Valpolicella wines.

The activity, lasting about 3 hours, begins with a tour of the vineyard and the historic winery where wine production takes place. Next, you will be shown the family chapel and the Villa, which dates back to the 16th century and is a historical symbol of the family.

At the end of the tour you will taste different vintages of 4 local wines paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses and a dessert. A tasting of Amarone Recioto grappas, produced by the winery, concludes the tasting.

The Valpolicella wine tasting is a unique opportunity to learn about the wine culture of the Veneto region and taste excellent wines with friends and couples.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 including a visit to Murano and Burano, a glassblowing demonstration, and free time to explore and have lunch.

Itinerary

You can depart from St. Mark’s Square or Santa Lucia Station.

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

The tour continues to Burano, renowned for its lace and colorful houses, where you’ll have two hours of free time to have lunch, stroll through the streets, or enjoy an aperitif or ice cream at the bars and cafes in the town center.

A return ferry to Santa Lucia departs from Ferrovia at 5:30 p.m.

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.

Enjoy a boat tour of the Venice Lagoon, taking in the scenery surrounding the city directly from the water. Choose between a daytime or sunset tour and discover the lagoon from an authentic and relaxing perspective.

As you sail, you’ll traverse the vast expanses of the lagoon, observing Venice and its surroundings from a distance, taking in panoramic views, open waters, and the unique atmosphere that makes this place so special.

You’ll sail aboard the Fata Buona, an elegant wooden boat built in Venice in the late 1970s and fully restored in 2021. Crafted from marine plywood and mahogany, it retains all the charm of Venetian nautical tradition, combining classic lines with functional design.

During the excursion, you can relax and admire the view while sipping a glass of prosecco accompanied by potato chips.

Thanks to its simple and maneuverable design, the Fata Buona offers a comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience.

Enjoy a boat tour of the Venice Lagoon, the perfect way to admire the city and its surroundings directly from the water. Daytime and sunset tours are available, perfect for relaxing while taking in the lagoon’s scenery.

As you cruise, you’ll sail through vast lagoon expanses and open waters, viewing Venice from an unusual and evocative perspective. This tour is designed for those seeking a brief yet memorable experience—ideal as a first introduction to the lagoon or as a pleasant break during your stay.

You’ll cruise aboard the Dolce Vita, a contemporary-designed boat that combines style and comfort. At the bow, a spacious, convertible sun deck offers the perfect space to relax and enjoy the view, while the removable awning provides protection from the sun, wind, or light rain without sacrificing the pleasure of cruising in the open air.

Thanks to its amenities and comfortable sailing experience, Dolce Vita is the ideal choice for couples, families, or small groups.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.