Lake Garda Adventure Park

Borghetto full-day tour with pasta cooking show and the Sigurtà Gardens

Dive into a day of food, history, and nature in the heart of northern Italy on this trip to Borghetto and Parco di Sigurtà. Alessio, one of our local expert guides, says “your first stop is at a beautifully restored 18th-century building that brings the local territory and traditions to life in the tastiest way possible – through the Italian language of food.”At the restaurant, you'll enjoy a fun cooking show where the chef spills the secrets of making tortellini, a regional favourite. Fancy giving it a go? You can try your hand at crafting those signature pasta knots yourself. After the show, you can head out to explore the Medieval village of Borghetto. Stroll its cobbled streets, cross the historic Visconteo Bridge, and snap pics of landmarks like the Scaligeri Castle and Saint Mark Church.Next, it's off to Parco di Sigurtà, a 60-hectare natural wonderland in Valeggio sul Mincio. When we say it's big, we mean it. Picture vibrant gardens, centuries-old oaks, and floral displays that include over a million tulips and 30,000 roses. Whether you're exploring on foot, hopping on a golf cart, or cycling through the park, the sights are next-level. Highlights include the Maze, the Avenue of Roses, and tranquil lakes – 18 in total. For history buffs, the Castelletto offers a glimpse into past meetings of Nobel Prize winners, while kids will love the chance to meet animals at the farm.

Tour of Bassano del Grappa and Soave with wine-tasting

When you imagine rural Italy, you might picture the rolling countryside bursting with vineyards, mountains framing towns of white-stone houses, or Medieval castles standing proudly on hills. On this trip to Bassano del Grappa and Soave, you'll find all of this and more. Mirco, a local guide, says “the town of Bassano del Grappa is known as the home of Grappa. On our tour here, you can visit Poli Grappa Museum, which is dedicated to sharing the age-old secrets of how our national spirit is produced – of course they offer tastings, too!” Your day kicks off with a scenic journey from your hotel to Bassano del Grappa, where you'll have free time to roam this pretty Venetian town. Aside from its namesake spirit, the town is famous for the Ponte Degli Alpini. This red wooden bridge, which spans the River Brenta, is an engineering masterpiece and was used by the Italian Alpini army to reach the frontlines during World War One. Word to the wise, you can't visit this place without treading its boards at least once.After you've had your fill of Grappa and found a great spot for lunch, it's off to Soave. You'll pass endless vineyards as you approach Scaliger Castle, at the heart of this Medieval town. Famous for its distinctive floral Soave wine, it's only fitting to visit Cantina del Castello for some tastings. Mirco adds “you'll try three wines with local cheeses and meats in a stone cellar with vaulted ceilings and learn how the team here is going organic with a more sustainable approach to winemaking.” In the late afternoon you'll head back towards your hotel in time for dinner – perhaps with a nice glass of Soave?

Bolzano and Renon tour with panoramic train ride

South Tyrol is the most un-Italian part of Italy. It's not just the Alpine location that sets it apart but its languages, architecture and culture. This excursion mixes the best of both worlds with time in the regional capital, Bolzano, and scenery-rich train ride through the Renon plateau. Martin, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The railway was first opened in 1907, and originally incorporated a cog section ascending 1000 metres from Bolzano, but in 1966 that section was replaced by the original cablecar.'Bolzano, or Bozen as German-speaking locals call it, is the elegant and prosperous capital of South Tyrol. Its star attraction is the Archaeological Museum, home to Ötzi the Iceman – a naturally mummified 5,300-year-old Copper Age shepherd. You can choose to visit the museum during your free time in the city – entrance not included – or you can stroll the handsome streets and piazzas of the city, browse the shops or try some local specialities like apple strudel.And on the next leg of the trip, you'll hop into a cable car in Bolzano and ascend to the Renon plateau in a matter of minutes. Then it's time for the narrow-gauge train journey though pastoral landscapes and pretty villages. A 20-minute walk away through nature are the plateau's famous earth pyramids – well worth checking out. These bizarre pillars can reach heights of up to 30 metres, and while one pyramid vanishes, further up the same slope, nature is already forming a new one.

Lake Garda olive oil mill and winery tour with Salo visit

Two of Italy's well-loved gourmet offerings shine brightly on this full day experience. Not only will you visit an olive oil mill and a winery, you'll enjoy your very own 'La Dolce Vita', with tasting sessions in both. There's also a visit to Salò, a quaint town on the banks of Lake Garda. Julia, one of our local expert guides, says "olive oil and wine are integral parts to Italian cuisine, contributing to the rich and diverse flavours that people worldwide have grown to love. On this tour, we'll deep-dive into the heart of production, cultivation and the secrets behind top-quality produce, as well as savour the flavours."You'll start the day at the Frantoio Manestrini olive oil mill and estate. Here, you'll tour the olive groves and mill, whilst learning the secrets behind olive oil making, from pruning and harvesting to pressing. Julia says "with over 40 years on the map, Frantoio Manestrini sure know how to make a good oil. Their attention to detail is paramount in the ever-changing world of production." After, there'll be a real treat for the palate — five high-quality oils to taste along with fresh bread.With your appetite awakened, you'll head to the lakeside town of Salò for some free time to explore and grab some lunch. Your final stop of the day will be at a nearby winery. Take a tour of the estate and find out how both traditional and modern methods are used to create local wines. You'll round off with a tasting session of three wines.

Lake Molveno Honey and Liqueur Tastings

Lake Molveno is a scenic gem with the Brenta Dolomites as a backdrop. On this tour, you'll have time to explore the lovely lake and town of Molveno, and you'll try some typical products from the Trentino region. Johann, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The area boasts some of Mother Nature's finest work. Molveno took the top spot in the Best Lake in Italy awards for seven years running until 2021. This prestige was awarded by the Italian environmental body, Legambiente.'Your first stop is at a bee-keeping farm where you'll find out about the fascinating world of the apiary. Spend some time observing the bees with an expert beekeeper, then taste three different types of honey. Next, we'll head to Lake Molveno, a glorious splash of turquoise at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have free time to take a dip in the lake or perhaps explore the lake by kayak, pedalo, e-boat or paddleboad. You could opt to take the cable car for stunning views of the lake from above, go for a scenic walk or simply find a spot for lunch in the pretty lakeside town. We'll finish off at the Marzadro Distillery, where you'll learn about the process of making liqueurs. There's a guided tour of the facility and an explanation of the distillation process, then you'll have a tasting of a selection of liqueurs. There's a big variety here including limoncello, gin, cream liqueurs, and Italy's favourite digestif - grappa. As well as the liqueurs, you'll be able to try some local olive oil, to experience the flavours that are typical of the Trentino region.

Grand Dolomites Tour to Fassa Valleys, and Pordoi Pass

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Lake Garda tour with boat trip from Gardone, Salo' and Maderno

Embark on this full-day guided tour exploring the shoreside villages of Lake Garda. You'll be picked up from your accommodation and driven to your first stop, Limone. Italian for the word lemon, Limone is famously known for its historic lemon houses. You'll wander the yellow-painted streets before boarding a public ferry for a relaxing journey across the lake. You'll arrive at the Medieval village of Malcesine, which is home to Scalinger Castle, a 13th Century fortress that overlooks the town. The castles 31-metre-high tower is the perfect place to capture some panoramic views. A fantastic destination for food lovers, you'll stop here for lunch, too. With a mix of traditional Italian flavours and authentic dining options, there's plenty to choose from. After lunch, you'll head to Bardolino, your final stop, known for its wine, olive oil and scenic charm. You'll have some free time to explore boutique shops, the lively piazzas and visit the Church of San Severo, a 12th Century Romanesque masterpiece of Medieval religious art. After a full day of sightseeing and exploring, you'll head back to your accommodation to unwind.

Lake Garda wine-tasting tour from western hotels

The valleys near Lake Garda are home to an excellent selection of vineyards. This winery tour introduces you to the finest in local vino. You'll learn all about the wine production process, rounding off your visit with a tasting session.Whether you fancy yourself as a wine buff or you're just keen to find out more about the local varieties, then this trip caters to all tastes. The Lake Garda area is home to a number of officially recognised regional quality assurance labels – so you're spoilt for choice.During the visit, you'll explore the vineyards and tour the production areas, finding out about the grape varieties. A wine tour wouldn't be complete without the chance to sip, sample and savour the fruit of their labour. What's more, the settings are unbeatable – you'll enjoy a new perspective on the region's scenic landscapes.

Lake Garda wine-tasting tour from northern hotels

The valleys near Lake Garda are home to an excellent selection of vineyards. This winery tour introduces you to the finest in local vino. You'll learn all about the wine production process, rounding off your visit with a tasting session.Whether you fancy yourself as a wine buff or you're just keen to find out more about the local varieties, then this trip caters to all tastes. The Lake Garda area is home to a number of officially recognised regional quality assurance labels – so you're spoilt for choice.During the visit, you'll explore the vineyards and tour the production areas, finding out about the grape varieties. A wine tour wouldn't be complete without the chance to sip, sample and savour the fruit of their labour. What's more, the settings are unbeatable – you'll enjoy a new perspective on the region's scenic landscapes.

Lake Garda tour with boat trip from Sirmione and Desenzano

Spend the day visiting some of Lake Garda's shoreside villages on this full-day guided tour. Your first stop is Limone, famous for the lemon groves dotted around, as well the lemon-coloured houses near around the lake's edge. Then, you'll sail across to Riva del Garda, for a wander around the Medieval-era town centre, before your last stop at Malcesine on the opposite shore. Here, you'll have time to check out the 13th century castle overlooking the lake, and see where the area's 15th century Venetian rulers used to hang their hats at the Palazzo del Capitani building.