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

Experience the magic of sunset on Lake Garda aboard an elegant sailboat departing from Malcesine. Choose between the classic version with aperitif or the experience with live music, both lasting 2 hours.

Let yourself be lulled by the waters of the Upper Garda as the sun sets on the’horizon.  During the sailing you can enjoy an aperitif on board accompanied by selected appetizers. 

If you choose the option with live music, you will experience an even more engaging evening thanks to musical entertainment with chill house DJ sets or DJ sets accompanied by live instruments such as sax, electric violin or handpan. The’experience includes two drinks and a catering service with local specialties, perfect for spending moments of fun and relaxation with friends.

With the ’classic option, you'll sail among some of the most romantic views of the ’Alto Garda, admiring the Bay of Val di Sogno, the ’Island of Love, the quaint village of Cassone, known as the “Little Venice of Garda”, and the striking Scaliger Castle. All accompanied by a glass of wine and tasty appetizers, for an authentic and unforgettable experience on the lake.

Horseback riding with lunch on Lake Garda, in Caprino Veronese, allows you to enjoy a unique experience surrounded by nature.

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

After a brief initial briefing, you will mount your saddle and set off on an approximately 2-hour ride along the various equestrian trails that line the ranch.

You will be accompanied by an experienced guide and enjoy a unique experience in the midst of nature: vineyards, forests, hills and olive trees will frame your ride.

The facility is located within the Rivoli Moraine Hills Park and you will be accompanied by an expert guide who will tell you about the history of the places.

On returning to the ranch, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch or dinner full of typical local products.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, you can contact the facility following your reservation.

Experience horseback riding among the hills and woods surrounding Lake Garda. The rides start from Limone di Gavardo and wind along scenic trails with striking views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Before departure, we will spend some time getting to know the horse and provide all the necessary guidance to feel safe and comfortable in the saddle. The activity is accompanied throughout by an experienced operator who will guide you along the route.

You will have a choice of two options:

•    1-hour walk
•    2-hour walk
•    1-hour walk with dinner
•    2-hour walk with lunch

The lunch/dinner menu includes:

•    Tasting of selected local zero km cold cuts
•    Cheese from Valsabbia with fruit compote and giardiniera
•    Trio of soft polenta served with gorgo ragout and mushrooms
•    Homemade dessert of your choice
•    Water
•    Coffee

A taste experience immersed in the tranquil olive groves of Lake Garda, with a visit to the Oil Mill, oil tasting and full lunch of grilled meat.

The tour begins with a guided tour of the olive mill, discovering the stages of EVO oil production: from olive processing to the birth of the precious “green gold”. This is followed by a guided tasting of Venturelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Mostolio and Garda D.O.P. Oil will allow you to recognize its distinctive aromas, characteristics and qualities.

The experience continues with lunch in the mill's open-air restaurant, overlooking the olive groves.

The tasting menu includes appetizer with cured meats, cheeses, sottoils and jams, mixed grill of meat (Tagliata or Asado de Tira) with potatoes and vegetables, dessert of the day, coffee and a glass of wine of your choice from Groppello, Lugana or Chiaretto (or non-alcoholic beverage).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunset boat tour from Venice, passing through Murano and Burano, accompanied by jazz music.

Starting from the heart of the city, you will sail to Murano, the island of glass, and then head to the vibrant colors and magical atmosphere of Burano. During the sailing you will have the opportunity to attend the contemporary art exhibition on board.

The trip will be accompanied by a jazz music selection.

Included in the total price is drinks and food of your choice.

It is necessary to show a valid ID at embarkation.

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.

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 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 Ezzellini Hills quad bike ride in Veneto is an excursion into the heart of the region that will take you through the beautiful countryside and mountain landscapes to the top of Mount Grappa.

After a briefing on driving the quad bike, you will set off and travel along dirt roads that connect the beautiful villages of the Grappa foothills. Possible crossing of a few fords or rusciello in the off seasons.

Renting quads on this tour also takes you to discover an area rich in history and charm in the land of the Ezzelini. A minimum of 3 quads is required for departures. 

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.

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.