Horse ride experience through the Brenta Dolomites

Classic Italian wine-tasting tour of Soave and Valpolicella

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. You'll find all this and more as you're guided across two of Veneto's celebrated wine regions. Mirco, a local guide, says, “Italy is famous for its wines, and this tour shows off some of its finest examples as you taste the crisp, peachy whites of Soave and the rich, cherry reds of Valpolicella.”Your day kicks off with a scenic journey past endless vineyards as you leave Lake Garda behind and approach Scaliger Castle at the heart of Soave. There's 90 minutes of free time to check out the Medieval town before a guided tour of the Cantina del Castello winery. You'll hear about how the team are going organic, with a more sustainable approach to wine-making. But despite the modern approach, the setting remains full of tradition. The winery is set within the 12th-century walls of the city, with a stone cellar and vaulted ceilings adding a sense of awe as you taste three classic Soave wines. After a light lunch of mixed platters with local products like cheeses, cold cuts, bread and fruit, it's time to head to the reds. Negrar di Valpolicella is just a 45-minute drive away, so you'll begin your tour of the Cà Besi vineyard in the mid-afternoon. Mirco adds, “The clay-rich soils and well-aged vines here produce premium Valpolicella, with its signature intense, aromatic flavour.” You'll take part in a guided tasting of three local wines, including a particularly special Organic Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG. After sampling some local olive oil, you'll head back to your hotel in time for dinner – perhaps with a nice glass of Soave or Valpolicella?

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. With your free time in the city you could visit the Gothic cathedral, take a walk along the Talvera Promenade for views of the mountains from the riverside, or you can stroll the handsome streets and piazzas of the city, browse the shops and 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, though worth noting it's around a kilometre walk slightly uphill. 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 with local speciality tastings

The Brenta Dolomites steal the show on this day trip – think sawtooth peaks, dramatic alpine scenery and a real sense of escape. You'll spend time soaking up the scenery around Lake Molveno, where nature puts on a seriously impressive display. Johann, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This whole area is like a postcard come to life. The Brenta Dolomites are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and what better place for a swim than Lake Molveno, where the water comes directly from the Presena glacier.'First up, you'll stop by a local bee farm, where you'll learn all about the buzzing world of the apiary from the beekeeper. Watch the bees at work, then try three different varieties of honey, each with its own distinct flavour. Then it's on to Lake Molveno – a turquoise beauty nestled at the base of the dramatic Dolomites. It's one of Italy's best lakes for swimming with the cleanest, clearest water. You'll have free time to explore – a swim, a kayak or pedalo adventure, or a ride up the cable car for jaw-dropping Dolomites views. Or simply stroll the lakeside paths and settle in for lunch in the pretty town.To round things off, we'll visit the Marzadro Distillery, a family-run spot known for its quality spirits. You'll tour the facility, hear how traditional liqueurs are made, then try a few for yourself – from limoncello and grappa to local cream liqueurs and gin. You'll also get to taste some of the region's standout olive oil, offering a real flavour of Trentino.

Verona day trip from Lake Garda

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.

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 rejoin the coach and 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 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 coach will stop first at 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 on a short boat trip, 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.

Medieval Mantua guided tour with Lake Garda boat trip

Culture, art and bags of charm are what Mantua does best. Surrounded by three lakes, it's got history and architecture aplenty. You'll start the day by following your guide on a walking tour through the city of Virgil and the Gonzagas, exploring the four grand piazzas. Once you've got your bearings, the next four hours are yours to roam Mantua. Entry to the Virgilio Museum is included, as a visit here is highly recommended to learn about the poet Virgil's birthplace within a historic 13th-century palace. Afterwards, set sail from Peschiera for a two-hour boat trip to see Sirmione peninsula and the Grottoes of Catullus. If the weather's kind, you could opt for a dip in the lake.

Garda concert ticket

Experience the glory of Garda in 2025 with these music concerts. Dive into classical melodies every Thursday at 11:30am at the Palazzo Carlotti, owned by the noble Carlotti Family. Throughout the show, the performers will share anecdotes about the palace. And, there's also an art exhibition here for you to explore, as well. After the concert, you can mingle with the performers with a drink and a helping of Garda olive oil on bread.

Lake Garda tour with boat trip from northern hotels

Spend a day soaking up the scenery surrounding one of Italy's most popular lakes. You'll be driven past olive trees, cypresses and rare flowers as you visit picturesque lakeside villages before taking 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.