A short but multifaceted journey: the landscapes are as varied as the wines – from the picturesque shore of Lake Garda with its light Bardolino wine, over the soft vineyards of the Soave region with its white wines in Valpolicella, a green area with picturesque valleys and hills, castles and villas, famous all over the world for the great Amarone wine. The accommodation is in a very cozy country house with its own wine production and wonderful cuisine in a breathtaking location on a small hill, with a wonderful view over Verona. …
Benvenuti a Verona!
1st day: own arrival to San Mattia and check-in. First dinner with the delicious products of the country house.
Lake Garda from its unknown side
2nd day: The Germans’ favorite lake has so many secrets beyond it spruced up promenades. Drive to Punta San Vigilio near Garda, a picturesque place right on the lake, whose peace and quiet are best enjoyed in the morning. Hike on a rocky path through a cozy forest towards Torri del Benaco. On the way you will always come across antique rock engravings, some of which are said to date from pre-Christian times and some are more recent. You finally reach some beautiful olive groves from where you have wonderful views of the lake. The path leads a little further down towards Garda, where you have a short lunch break and you can walk through the town. In the afternoon a small winery will be waiting you for a visit. This family business has been producing wine with the local Corvina, Rondinella grapes since 1984 and Garganega, and since 2009 all wines produced are organic. After a short tour of the vineyards, visit the wine cellar and of course you can taste the different wines.
Walking time on this day: approx. 3.5 hours walking time, altitude difference +/- 350 m
Soave, vineyards with history
3rd day: On this day you hike the picturesque area at Soave. Starting at the imposing castle of the small town you cross extensive vineyards that are on ancient volcanic hills. Your hiking guide will give you a lot of interesting information about the small places, churches and pilgrimage routes that you’ll meet on the way. At lunchtime you’ll come back to Soave and have some free time to explore around. Do not miss a delicious ice cream in one of the best ice-cream parlor of the area! In the afternoon we have a visit and tasting in one of the smaller wineries in the famous growing area: a friendly family business, whose roots date back to the 16th century. In addition to the differently developed Soave, there is also a good Pinot Noir and the classic reds of the area.
Walking time approx. 3 hours walking time, +/- 300 m
From Verona to the King of Veneto wines, in Negrar
4th day: Today you start your hike directly from your country house. From here a hiking trail leads down the Torricelle to former laundry place Avesa, where you have the opportunity for a little espresso break. Pass by the washing stations on the way back up to Valpolicella. On clear days you can get a panoramic view of the Valpolicella hills and Lake Garda. Then you descend on a comfortable path and reach Pedemonte. In the afternoon we have a visit and tasting in one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries. The Valpolicella is wonderful, the Amarone is simply stunning. No dinner is planned in the country house on this day. Overall, it is a shorter day program, which can end wonderfully in Verona. Walking time on this day: approx. 3-3.5 hours of pure walking time, +400 m / -700 m
Organic wine growing on Lake Garda
5th day: Lake Garda is on the program again. High above the Lake is effortless, passing through picturesque natural scenery and olive groves, old hamlets and lonely farmsteads. A highlight is the medieval one Campo di Brenzone with the chapel of San Pietro in Vincoli. The Hiking trail leads through shady sections of forest to then give views of the lake. The destination is the small town of Cassone, which already belongs to the municipality of Malcesine. The picturesque place presents itself with a well-kept lake promenade, harbor, small churches and small fishing museum. In the afternoon, visit the today’s winery, a small, beautiful winery above Lake Garda. The owner changed a while ago the production of organic and biodynamic wines. Have fun listening to him, strolling through his vineyards and get carried away from his enthusiasm and love for nature. Then sit in the cozy shade of a small arbor and try the wines.
Walking time on this day: approx. 3 hours walking time, altitude difference +/- 400 m
The Valpolicella, Nature & Architecture
6th day: We kept one of the highlights of the trip for the end, one whole day in Valpolicella. You’ll hike one of the most picturesque areas of the Valpolicella, alternating forest and vineyards, past ancient churches and small hamlets. In spring there are whole meadows full of orchids to admire. You finally reach one of the most beautiful and oldest Romanesque buildings in the area, the Church of San Giorgio, enchanting in its mystical simplicity! Finally, visit one of the most interesting and exciting wineries in the world: here you can expect not only an exciting architectural concept, but above all many delicious wines, Valpolicella and Amarone.
Walking time on this day: approx. 3-3.5 hours of pure walking time, +400 m / -700 m
Arrivederci e alla prossima!
7th day: departure or extend your stay.
Prices
Services
- 6 nights in double room in an Agritourism, 6 x breakfast and 5 x dinner.
- Prosecco aperitif in the hotel.
- Hiking guide for all hikes.
- All transfers in the private bus according to the program.
- 5 Wine tastings with visits to local wineries. 1 Tasting of local specialties.
