Nestled in the stunning Lombardy region, Lake Iseo offers a wealth of activities and cultural experiences. Here, you can savor Italy’s natural beauty, fine wines, and historic charm. Below are some of the best experiences categorized by starting points to help you plan an unforgettable visit to Lake Iseo and its surroundings.
Starting Point: Lake Iseo Area
1. Iseo Lake: Tours on a Historic Sailboat
Begin your journey on Lake Iseo by setting sail on Nessa, a beautifully preserved 1975 sailboat captained by an experienced local skipper. This tour offers a unique perspective as you cruise around Lake Iseo’s three main islands: the celebrated Montisola, Europe’s largest lake island, and the smaller, enchanting San Paolo and Loreto Islands. The sail can be customized to include lake swimming, lakeshore stops, or even a hands-on sailing lesson. Highlights include the dramatic cliffs at Bogn, the Riva di Solto waterfall, and the nearby nature reserve, making this an ideal adventure for nature enthusiasts.
2. Food and Wine Experience
For an unforgettable gastronomic journey, enjoy a tasting in a medieval building dating back to 1192, adorned with frescoes from the 14th century. This culinary experience includes local cured meats, artisan cheeses from nearby valleys, and delicately seasoned raw beef. Paired with natural wines from local producers, this tasting can be enjoyed indoors in the frescoed hall or outdoors in a scenic courtyard. This blend of history and fine dining brings together the best of the area’s heritage and local flavors.
Book your food and wine experience here
3. Half-Day Food and Wine Experience in Franciacorta
Explore the Franciacorta wine region with a half-day trip that includes a traditional meal and a guided winery tour. This experience begins with a comfortable minivan ride through the region’s rolling hills. At a local restaurant, savor traditional dishes accompanied by Franciacorta’s finest sparkling wines. The tour continues at a nearby winery, where an expert sommelier will guide you through the winemaking process, including a visit to the cellars where the wines mature. Finish with a tasting of two Franciacorta DOCG wines before heading back along the scenic Franciacorta Wine Route.
Book your Franciacorta experience here
4. Iseo Lake: Half-Day Kayak Trip to Monte Isola
For a more active adventure, try a guided kayak tour on Lake Iseo. Starting at the meeting point, you’ll receive all necessary equipment and a quick lesson in paddling. Once on the water, paddle past San Paolo Island, the impressive Rocca Martinengo fortress, and the hilltop Ceriola Sanctuary with panoramic views of the lake. This excursion culminates with a stop at Monte Isola’s main village, Peschiera Maraglio, before returning. The tour offers a unique chance to experience Lake Iseo’s landscapes from the water, making it perfect for those seeking both activity and scenic views.
Book your kayak trip to Monte Isola here
Starting Point: Bergamo/Milan
5. From Bergamo: Winery Tour in Franciacorta with Lunch
This half-day tour from Bergamo takes you through the heart of Franciacorta, Italy’s premier sparkling wine region. Travel in a private minivan to Lake Iseo and then to the vineyards, where you’ll stop for a three-course lunch at a local restaurant, paired with a glass of Franciacorta wine. The experience continues at a winery, where an expert sommelier will guide you through the winery’s cellars and introduce you to the sparkling wine production process. Finish with a tasting of two Franciacorta wines before your return to Bergamo along the picturesque Franciacorta Wine Route.
Book your Franciacorta winery tour from Bergamo here
6. From Milan: Franciacorta Winery and Bergamo Day Trip with Lunch
On this full-day tour from Milan, combine the historic charm of Bergamo with a taste of Franciacorta’s renowned wines. Start with free time in Bergamo, where you can explore the city’s cobblestone streets and UNESCO-listed Venetian walls. From Bergamo, travel to Franciacorta for a three-course lunch accompanied by fine wines. The tour includes a visit to a local winery, where a sommelier will guide you through the cellars and a tasting session featuring Franciacorta’s sparkling wines. Finish with a scenic drive through the Franciacorta Wine Route, taking in views of Lake Iseo on your return.
Book your Bergamo and Franciacorta winery tour from Milan here
7. From Milan: Full Day in Franciacorta, Two Wineries & Lunch
For a more comprehensive experience, this full-day tour from Milan includes visits to two Franciacorta wineries. Travel in a comfortable minivan through the Franciacorta Wine Route, with stops at a family-owned winery and a historic estate. Begin with a guided tasting at the first winery, followed by a traditional three-course lunch paired with local wines. The second winery tour dives deeper into the Franciacorta production process, offering tastings of different wine varieties. With scenic vineyard views along the route, this immersive wine tour highlights why Franciacorta is known as Italy’s sparkling wine capital.
Book your Franciacorta winery tour from Milan here
From scenic sailboat tours to culinary adventures, Lake Iseo and its surrounding regions offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in history, fine wines, or outdoor adventures, these experiences showcase the best of the area’s beauty and charm.
P.S. all photos are taken from the official GetYourGuide website and represent the content of each experience