Lake Garda wine-tasting tour from western hotels

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 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.

Lake Garda Olive Oil Mill and Winery Tour with Salò 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.

Tour of Italy’s 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?

Classic Venice Tour

A masterpiece floating on the Adriatic, Venice is the mother of all bucket list must-visits. This excursion kicks off right in the heart of the action – St Mark's Square – with a walking tour of the historic centre. You'll then have free time in the maze of palace-lined canals.

Verona Day Trip

Immortalised in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Verona holds a special place in lovers' hearts. You'll get to fall in love with the city on this day trip from Lake Garda, seeing all its main sights as you wander around the history-steeped streets of its old town.

Grand Dolomites Tour to Fassa & Gardena Valleys, and Pordoi Pass

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Lake Garda tour with boat trip from southern hotels

Spend a day soaking up the scenery surrounding one of Italy's most popular lakes. Passing olive groves, cypresses and grand villas, stopping off at pastel-hued towns and enjoying a short boat trip along the way. The northern shores of Lake Garda offer dramatic mountains rising behind pretty lakeside villages such as Limone and Malcesine.Your first stop will be Sirmione, often hailed as the lake's most beautiful village. Here, you'll have an hour to soak up its charm before the journey to Limone. Spread around a bay with an exceptionally mild climate, it's undoubtedly one of the most scenic spots along the lake. The town is a gem, full of character and pretty views.Next, we'll head to Malcesine, on the opposite shore. It's an impressive medieval village crowned by a castle. You'll have an hour or so here to explore the maze of narrow streets and absorb its history.

Lake Garda wine-tasting tour from southern 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 northern hotels

Spend a day soaking up the scenery surrounding one of Italy's most popular lakes. Meander past olive trees, cypresses and rare flowers, visit picturesque lakeside villages and take a short boat trip along the way. A day in the stunning scenery surrounding one of Italy's most popular spots.In contrast to the dramatic, mountain-ringed north of Lake Garda, the south is broader and surrounded by gentle hills. You'll start by exploring the charming town of Garda, a popular and pretty lakeside town. Here, you'll find plenty of options for refreshments as you make your way into the historic lanes.Then you'll be whisked off on a scenic boat ride to Sirmione, where you can explore at your leisure. Next, we'll journey by coach to Saló, passing Roman, Scaligeri and Venetian monuments en route. As you stroll through its network of lanes and small squares, you'll have the chance to soak up the unique ambiance of picture-perfect Lake Garda.