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.

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 5 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.

Wine tasting and spa access at a winery in Padenghe on Lake Garda, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

Imagine a place where physical well-being is intertwined with inner well-being. Where you can regain your balance and cultivate your creativity in a welcoming and stimulating environment.

Turkish Bath, Sauna, Wellness Waterfalls, Rural Spring, Hammam Ritual and Hot Tub are the protagonists of this area.

Access to the SPA è maximum of 3 hours. Bathrobe, slippers and towel are included.
Dedicated treatments are available for purchase on site.

Visit to the winery will be accompanied by tasting of 4 wines and a board with local products.

During this experience you can take a walk through the vineyards, visit the winery, and taste some excellent wine produced in Valpolicella.

You can choose one of the following modes:

The Traditions of Valpolicella

This tour lasts 2 two hours and is designed for those who wish to appreciate both food and wine. After a walk through the vineyards of our winery in Valpolicella and a visit to the drying and aging rooms, you will complete the experience with a tasting of organic wines, accompanied by a selection of cured meats, cheeses and other typical products. The wines you will have the pleasure of tasting 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

I Grandi, Face to Face

This tour lasts about 2 hours and begins with a walk through the vineyards surrounding the winery, then continues with a visit to the drying, and aging rooms. The tour will be completed by the tasting of five wines, each paired with cured meats, cheeses and other typical products, 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 è perfect for those who want to learn about the native 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

Everything will be accompanied by a light lunch that includes: a wide selection of typical local cheeses and cured meats, a tasting of Olio Evo and Miele Bio Millefiori, giardiniera, fresh bread, focaccia, dessert, grappa and coffeeè.

Three Dames, Four Wines

The experience lasts 45 minutes and will allow you to taste 4 wines:

•    Verona Rosato Frizzante IGT "Sui Lieviti" Bollicella
•    Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC Ripensia
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG Austernia
•    Recioto della Valpolicella Classico COCG Bio

Water and bread are also included.

The farm will immerse you in the history of typical Veronese wines with a lunch and tasting in Valpolicella. 

You will have a choice of two experiences that will both begin with a walk through the vineyards accompanied by a guide and a tasting of Garda EVO oil. 

Trip to Valpolicella

Testing wines will be 5, representing a complete journey throughout the Valpolicella area:

•    Rosè Brioso IGT Frizzante
•    Rosato Veronese IGT
•    Corvina Veronese IGT
•    Valpolicella Superiore Classico DOC
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

These products will be paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, fresh bread and the winery's products such as jams, red wine jellies and giardiniera.

Tasting and light lunch

Also here you will have the opportunity to taste 5 wines:

•    Rosè Brioso IGT Frizzante
•    Rosato Veronese IGT
•    Corvina Veronese IGT
•    Valpolicella Superiore Classico DOC
•    Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

To match you will have a platter of cured meats and cheeses with jams made by the Fugolo Gianluca farm. In addition, you'll be able to enjoy a cold pasta dish with pesto sauce with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella in summer, and tortellini with butter and sage in winter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guided boat tour of the islands from Venice ideal for spending a day enjoying all that the Venetian islands have to offer.

Two Islands

Starting in Venice, you begin with a visit to a glass factory on Murano Island. Here you will have about 1 hour on the island to store in one of the many glass stores.

Next you visit Burano, a town known for its lace and brightly colored houses. Here you will have 2 hours of free time to buy a good lunch, typical Venetian aperitifs or have an ice cream in one of the many bars.

Three Islands

Departing from Venice you will arrive as your first stop in Murano and visit the local glass factory. Here you will have about 1 hour on the island to store in one of the many glass stores.

Next you visit Burano, a town known for its lace and brightly colored houses. Here you will have 2 hours of free time to buy a good lunch, typical Venetian aperitifs or have an ice cream in one of the many bars.

Finally, you will visit Torcello where you can see the Venetian-Byzantine mosaics at the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta.

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.

The experience is guaranteed upon reaching a minimum of 3 participants.

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.

When booking, you can choose between group and private tours.

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. 

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 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.

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.

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.

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.