Things to Do

Franciacorta & lake Iseo

Lake Iseo
Monte Isola

{9 km}

Lake Iseo is the fourth largest lake in Lombardy, Italy, and is home to the largest in-lake island of Europe: Monte Isola, recently nominated the third “European Best Destination 2019”. Monte Isola can be reached through a network of ferry connection with regular schedules. Driving restrictions are currently enforced, with mopeds and bicycles only allowed on the island. An extensive grid of dedicated bike lanes and hiking trails span all over the island, reaching the peaceful fishing villages with lakeside cafés and the Madonna della Ceriola chapel, nested near the summit of the island. A circular trail of almost 9 km (6 mi) allows a complete tour of Monte Isola.

Rent a Vespa
Motolake Tour

Franciacorta is a land of endless emotions, an unconventional way to discover the wonders of Franciacorta is definitely to rent you own vespa and wonder around a land full of thousand-year old traditions where history and nature come together to offer a unique experience to those who want to explore it. You can either rent the vehicle that will lead you to discover a land that will never cease to amaze you; or you could easily book a tour with different routes designed to enhance Franciacorta, for an unforgettable experience.

Treno dei Sapori
Food and Wine Tasting

{9 km}

Talking about the “Treno dei Sapori” it means talking about a multi-sensorial travel, which involves and stimulates every sense of the tourist. Two orange wagons help the passengers get completely absorbed by the region, during the journey visitors can admire the beauties of the landscape, sitting comfortably and tasting typical products and wines, served by expert sommeliers. In this way, sight and taste become the protagonist of the journey. The train leaves and arrives from/at Iseo railway station.

Highlights:
- This service is available every Sunday and holidays.
- Booking is mandatory.

Torbiere del Sebino
Natural Reserve

{7 km}

The "Torbiere del Sebino" Nature Reserve is between Franciacorta and Lake Iseo, located on the south shore of Lake Iseo and is the most significant wetland in size and ecological importance in the province of Brescia. It covers an area of 360 hectares, mainly composed of reed beds and ponds surrounded by cultivated fields, roads and houses. The reserve is protected and any form of disturbance to wildlife and damage to vegetation is prohibited; it is also prohibited to enter with animals, throw garbage in the area and leave the indicated trails.

Highlights:
- The use of walking shoes is highly recommended

Golf Club
Fraciacorta

{5.5 km}

The Franciacorta golf course captivates you through its fairways wonderfully embedded in the undulated terrain. Embedded in a former viticultural reserve surrounded by small lakes, creeks and old farms, golfing here becomes an experience of nature. The 18-hole golf course offers excellent playing conditions.

An outstanding feature: Each hole is truly unique. Wonderfully designed demanding holes with strategically placed bunkers and lots of water allow you to immerse in a very particular golf world.

Highlights: 18-hole golf course €60 per day from Monday to Friday, €85 per day on weekends.

Outlet Village
Franciacorta

{9 km}

A fashion dreamland, a whole little village full of stores and restaurants in case you wish to spend a day spoiling yourself and updating your closet. Franciacorta Outlet Village is the favorite destination for all the fashion lovers. It offers the best items for women, men and children.

Franciacorta Outlet Village it’s not only fashion: it proposes a large choice of furniture’s shops and design, cosmetics and optical stores, without forgetting children with a large well-equipped toys shop. All of this, located in a modern and comfortable environment in order to give you the opportunity of a unique shopping experience.

Bike Rental
Iseo Bike

{9 km}

Would you explore Iseo Lake and Franciacorta region by bike? Iseo Bike rents out city bikes, mountain bikes, and Electric bikes, available to individuals, families and groups. Our bikes can be rented whether for just a few hours or some days. Rent your bike and choose between a self-guided cycling tour around the lake and one of the various itineraries that you can find detailed on this website. A mountain bike guide can lead you through off-the-beaten-track trails, enjoying breathtaking nature sceneries and landscapes.

Two wheels lovers can enjoy a beautiful itinerary among villages and vineyards along the Franciacorta Wine Route, suitable for everyone. Stop in a cellar for a visit and tasting of the renowned Franciacorta wine.

Boario Terme
Beauty Thermal SPA

{47 km}

The Terme di Boario is the ideal place to reinvigorate both body and spirit. The Terme di Boario, its tradition and well-being culture represent a new way of being and to live which is dedicated to health and far from the rat-race and daily tensions. 
 
The 150 plus years of experience and the 5000 massages performed annually signify the excellence of our center.

Riva Yacht
Shipyard

{19 km}

The Riva boatyard was established in 1842 on Lake Iseo, in Sarnico, in the heart of Franciacorta. It was a sudden and devastating storm, which irreversibly damaged the boats of the local fisherman, who were left shocked and powerless, that persuaded a young shipbuilder and craftsman to perform a true miracle and repair most of the crafts. This was the beginning of the legend of Riva and that of a man, Pietro Riva, who became the master of his own destiny. Lake Iseo was the place where the first boats signed Riva were launched and immediately stood out for their unmatched style and personality, Riva rapidly gained respect ad recognition.

Treno Blu Storico
A Vapore

Check with our front desk for special old steam train rides. During summer time the vintage steam trains get the chance to leave their hangars and warm up their engines while spoiling travellers and adventures from all over the world and of all ages. You can sip Franciacorta fine sparkling bubbles during your ride through the vineyards while enjoying a bygone era and travel mode.

Sportaction
Sky Tour

{38 km}

Accompanied by a flight instructor from the Italian aeroclub, you will experience the excitement of a flight on Lake Iseo with an advanced two-seater aircraft. A unique and unrepeatable experience: within a few dozen kilometres you can admire views and natural landscapes rich in history and tradition.

The motor flight on Lake Iseo is a unique and unforgettable experience, in a few tens of kilometers you can admire natural landscapes rich in history and tradition.

Highlights:
- Duration of the excursion: 20 or 60 minutes
- Minors must be accompanied on-site by a parent
- You can only fly in favourable weather conditions.

Iseo Mongolfiere

Fly above the Franciacorta wine district like you’ve never done before. Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise over the stunning Franciacorta Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards. We promise the view its worth the early wake up call!

Via Monte Napoleone
Milan Shopping

{75 km}

Via Monte Napoleone is an upscale shopping street in Milan, Italy, and Europe’s most expensive street. It is famous for its ready-to-wear-fashion and jewelry shops, and for being the most important street of the Milan fashion district known as the Quadrilatero della moda,  where many well-known fashion designers have high-end boutiques. The most exclusive Italian shoemakers maintain boutiques on this street.

Local Cuisine

get ready to be amazed

Le Due Colombe
One Michelin Star

{4,5 km}

Franciacorta inside an ancient hamlet recently restored, awarded One Michelin Star since 2008. The enviroment, atmosphere and the menù they all have the same central idea: the union between tradition and modernity. Chef Stefano Cerveni gastronomic proposal includes traditional Franciacorta and family recepies together with modern and creative inspirations. 

Chef Stefano Cerveni

Il Priore 1983
High End Restaurant

{3 km}

Il ristorante Il Priore è immerso nei vigneti e nel verde della Franciacorta. La cucina alterna innovazione e tradizione, in un percorso culinario dominato dai sapori del mare e dalla scelta di materie prima di alta qualità. Notevole il fresco portico con vista panoramica, ideale per un pranzo nelle tiepide giornate primaverili o nelle calde serate estive.

Trattoria del Gallo
Top Local Trattoria

{5 km}

I sapori di una volta, le vere tradizioni del posto, la cordialità dell’oste sempre pronto a scambiare quattro chiacchiere con il cliente, per condurlo all’interno di quanto la Franciacorta possa offrire: terra non solo di vini, ma anche di carni selezionate, piatti semplici e saporiti, arte e cultura. 

Entrare “al Gallo” è sempre un’esperienza emozionante, a volte intrigante.

Ristorante Rosa Iseo
High End Restaurant

{9 km}

Excellent food, particularly the fish. Service is very good, with immaculate presentation. The pasta is always piping hot! Fausto, the owner’s son-in-law, is an excellent chef and many local people come to eat in the restaurant even though they aren’t staying in the Rosa Hotel. You need to book up, especially at weekends, as the restaurant is small. Last Friday evening they were turning people away who had just turned up, hoping for a table. Great attention to detail and special diets are no problem. I would strongly recommend this restaurant.

Come una Volta
Traditional Cuisine

{5 km}

Come una Volta è un ristornate con l’atmosfera accogliente, in cui ci si sente a casa. Si trova nel centro di Rovato, proprio nel cuore della Franciacorta dove buon vino e buon cibo sono i signori della tavola.

Ristorante Aroma Brescia
Fish, wine & more

{24 km}

The menú includes a selection of fish cruditè, Asian-inspired fusion dishes and traditional local classic dishes. Our dishes enhance the ingredients and aim to satisfy the most demanding palates or those with food allergies or intolerance. Our young Chef is ready to amaze you with a "carte blanc" menu designed according to your taste.

Ristorante Carlo Magno
High End Restaurant

{18 km}

Un approccio profondo, romantico, autentico, che punta a estrapolare l’essenza di ciò che la natura offre di stagione in stagione, cogliendone il meglio e il momento migliore senza mai esagerare nella manipolazione. La logica può sembrare quella dei colori: contrasti che relazionano senza nascondere, opposti che esaltano ogni senso, dai semplici e accurati cromatismi del piatto al lavoro coordinato delle ghiandole salivari. Il risultato è un’esperienza completa nella quale vista, olfatto, gusto e tattilità della materia si alternano in un delicato crescendo di soddisfazione unica e del tutto individuale. Ogni sapore e ogni profumo diventano ricordi personali e interiorizzati, secondo quella verità mai smentita che proprio le emozioni più difficili da scordare sono quelle che vengono dal cibo.

Ristorante Dama Bianca
Traditional Restaurant

{10 meters}

Unico ristorante raggiungibile a piedi. Aperto tutte le sere dal giovedì alla domenica e sabato e domenica anche a pranzo.

Il ristorante accoglie quattro ampie sale di diverse dimensioni, ciascuna con una propria identità, ma accomunate tutte dall’atmosfera suggestiva ereditata dal passato ancora vivida nella struttura Ristorante Dama Bianca.

Dina
High End Restaurant

{12 km}

Dina – il nome è quello della nonna materna. Retrò e contemporaneo, elegante e informale, il ristorante è una casa dove ogni stanza ha un’anima. Dina potrà essere tutto ciò che il tuo cuore ti dirà essere per te.

“Per me il cibo e la cucina sono qualcosa di viscerale, qualcosa che mi appassiona in un modo che difficilmente riesco a spiegare a parole. La cucina per me è emozione e gioia”.

Chef Alberto Gipponi

Cadebasi
Contemporary Restaurant

{7,5 km}

Moderna idea di concept restaurant, nel cuore della Franciacorta. Ristorante, mixologist bar, enoteca, Cadebasi sin dall’inizio vuole offrire un nuovo concetto di ristorazione. Ristorante Cocktail Bar con un menu all’avanguardia in continua evoluzione, sai sapori raffinati in un connubio fra tradizione e sapori etnici, mescolati con grande eleganza ed armonia.

Locanda Canogola
Monte Isola Trattoria

{Monteisola Island}

La nostra cucina è a base di pesce di lago e di prodotti nostrani. L’antipasto comprende il tipico salame di Monteisola, i nostri sottoli, i filetti di pesce marinato, la trota ed il luccio in salsa, le aoline marinate, la classica sardina secca con la polenta..
I primi piatti comprendono gnocchi di zucca e ravioli, mentre per i secondi proponiamo la grigliata di pesce di lago cotta sulla brace di legna ed i ifletti di pesce persico dorati.

Per gli orari di imbarco potete contattarci o visitare il sito www.navigazionelagoiseo.it

Ristorante la Foresta
Lake fish and more

{Monteisola Island}

La Foresta was opened in 1974, when Montisola, the pearl of Sebino, has not yet become a tourist destination of Lake Iseo. The restaurant is located on the panoramic road that connects the village of Peschiera Maraglio to the small village of Sensole and where, walking among the olive trees, you can admire the solitary beauty of the islet of San Paolo.

Closing day Wednesday, open from March to December 20 (reservations are recommended).

Ristorante Al Frate Brescia
Typical Trattoria

{23 km}

A corner in the heart of Brescia where you can remember the past and savour the excellent and simple cosmopolitan dishes served by our chef. Al Frate restaurant boasts an ancient history that dates back to the second half of the fifteen century, when the friars of the castle used to walk down to sell their product in the local shops within the ancient walls. Soon, in addition to these historical shops, a way of refreshment was added for travellers, which was so deeply appreciated that eventually became the main business.

Vivilo Franciacorta
High End Restaurant

{9 km}

L’intero locale è avvolto da un’atmosfera rilassante ed accogliente, dove la pietra e il legno sembrano voler creare un legame con la natura che lo circonda.
La sala del ristorante al piano superiore consente lo spaziare dello sguardo sulla vigna simbolo di questo luogo, mentre al piano terra l’ampia corte diventa la cornice ideale per momenti di relax.

Miramonti l’Altro
Two Michelin Stars

{18 km}

Francese di origine e innamorato dell’Italia quanto della cucina, che per definizione non ha frontiere se non quelle del gusto. Poliedrico e sempre alla ricerca di nuove esperienze e ispirazioni. Ama il pesce di cui la sua terra natale è ricca e nelle valli bresciane ha trovato il connubio perfetto per mettere radici e far crescere la sua proposta gastronomica.

Chef Philippe Léveillé.

Osteria della Villetta
Typical Trattoria

{15 km}

La cucina dell'osteria  è ispirata alle ricette tradizionali della nostra famiglia. I piatti si basano sulla stagionalità dei prodotti. La maggior parte delle verdure provengono dall'orto di proprietà ubicato sulle colline della Franciacorta o dalla cascina delle Ventighe, che si trova nel nostro quartiere.

La nostra cucina si incontra anche con i prodotti dei presidi Slow Food. Il pesce che serviamo proviene unicamente dai laghi Bresciani. La carne da macellerie Bresciane. I dolci sono tutti di nostra produzione. Per noi è di particolare valore il gelato LOVE DIFFERENCE nato da un idea di Micheangelo Pistoletto.

Maurizio e Grazia

Genuisì
Typical Trattoria

{9km}

La trattoria Genuisì si trova in una posizione privilegiata, al centro del Monte Orfano, più esattamente nel punto in cui la natura ha formato una cresta che ricorda la forma di una sella. Da qui il panorama è unico.

Tra le tante proposte i casoncelli di Barbariga, i ravioli di zucca, i morbidi risotti seguiti da carni e filetti cotte su fuoco. Anche i formaggi derivano dalla genuina tradizione lombarda e piemontese come il taleggio DOP o come quelli esemplari di Roccaverno.

Al Maló
Cucina e Miscelazione

{5 km}

Mette in chiaro sin dal nome che nella terra delle osterie, dei ristoranti storici e delle cantine, è nato un ibrido contemporaneo, dal format decisamente urbano in cui la mixology si combina a una proposta culinaria agile ma accurata.

No-Do
Fish on Lake Iseo

{14 km}

Scopri il menù realizzato dallo chef Barbi. ⁣⁣⁣Eleganza del territorio, equilibrio di sapori e semplicità saranno alla base di un'esperienza unica.

Ristorante Classico
Restaurant in historical palace

{23 km}

Ristorante Classico, un angolo di paradiso della tradizione gastronomica italiana circondato dalla magica atmosfera di uno dei borghi seicenteschi più belli di Brescia. 

Qui troverete un ambiente elegante e curato, unito alla cordialità e professionalità del nostro staff.

Che sia per una cena intima oppure un pranzo di famiglia, Classico ha il giusto menu per tutte le occasioni, pronto a conquistare i palati più raffinati con piatti di terra e ricette a base di pesce sempre freschissimo.

Ristorante Ai Frati
Fish on Lake Iseo

{26 km}

La Differenza, l'Innovazione. In questo contesto caldo, accogliente e caratteristico la nostra missione è quella di trasmettere nei piatti Il sapere e sapori della tradizione rivisitati dallo Chef Giorgio Arrighini. Grazie alla passione ed esperienza propone piatti curati dai gusti delicati. La continua ricerca di innovazione si traduce anche nella realizzazione di una deliziosa pasticceria artigianale a cura del Pastry Chef Massimo Gazzani.

Chef Giorgio Arrighini

Ristorante La Sosta Brescia
Typical Restaurant

{23 km}

Ubicato in un palazzo seicentesco, un locale ormai storico in città e alla sua seconda generazione, dove sostare per apprezzare sapori lombardi accompagnati da un buon vino e da un servizio preciso e accurato. Nei mesi estivi si cena all'aperto, ma i posti sono pochi, meglio prenotare!

Places to Visit

Unesco sites & Much More

UNESCO Tempio Capitolino
Brescia

{24 km}

The Capitolium of Brixia or the Temple of the Capitoline Triad in Brescia was the main temple in the center of the Roman town of Brixia (Brescia). It is represented at present by fragmentary ruins, but is part of an archeological site, including a Roman amphitheatre and museum in central Brescia.

The temple was built in 73 AD during the rule of emperor Vespasian. The prominent elevated location and the three identifiable cellae, each with their own polychrome marble floor, all help confirm that this temple would have represented the capitolium of the town, that is the temple dedicated to the Capitoline Triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. The Capitolium replaced an earlier set of temples, a "Republican Sanctuary", consisting apparently of four discrete temples that had been erected around 75-90 BC, and refurbished during the reign of Augustus.

The three cellae of the capitolium have been rebuilt, and the walls of the left cella are used as a lapidarium to display local epigraphs found during the 19th centuries. In front of the cellae, are the partially reconstructed remains of a portico, which was composed of Corinthian columns that supported a pediment with a dedication to the Emperor Vespasian.

UNESCO Santa Giulia Museum
Brescia

{25 km}

On June 25, 2011 the Santa Giulia Monastery and the Capitolium Archaeological area included in the site “Lombards in Italy. Places of the Power (568-774 A.D.) were listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site together with Cividale del Friuli, Castelseprio-Torba, Spoleto, Campello sul Clitunno, Benevento, and Monte Sant’Angelo.

The monumental complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia in Brescia is an extraordinary place.  This nunnery was built in 753 by Brescia’s duke Desiderius before he became king of the Lombards.

Violin Museum: Stradivari Foundation
Cremona

{70 km}

Since 1976, the Fondazione Museo del Violino Antonio Stradivari – formerly the Ente Triennale – has been protecting and promoting the value of classic and contemporary violin making in Cremona, through competitions, exhibitions, conferences, publications, congresses and concerts.

The unique capacity to make bowed string instruments of refined workmanship is at the heart of the city’s identity. An identity that has followed the tradition of fine artisanal excellence, dating back to the late Renaissance and early centuries of the modern age, and reached us today intact.

Since 2009, the foundation has also promoted the “friends of Stradivari” project, an international network linking all those who own, study, use or simply love instruments from Cremona’s classic violin-making tradition.

1000 Miglia Museum
Brescia

{26 km}

The race was established by the young Counts Aymo Maggi and Franco Mazzotti, apparently in response to the Italian Grand Prix being moved from their home town of Brescia to Monza. Together with a group of wealthy associates, they chose a race from Brescia to Rome and back, a figure-eight shaped course of roughly 1500 km — or a thousand Roman miles. Later races followed twelve other routes of varying total lengths.

The first race started on 26 March 1927 with seventy-seven starters — all Italian — of which fifty-one had reached the finishing post at Brescia by the end of the race.

The epic of the historic 1000 Miglia, a speed race held in twenty-four editions from 1927 to 1957, is presented with a virtual gallery of the time in the city center of Brescia. From the Time Line of each of the individual editions of the race, you can access 360-degree settings, which show the posters, the cards on the competition, the images of the protagonists, the historical films and the map of the route of that year.

For each setting, enveloping videos have been created that reproduce the specimens that participated in the 1000 Miglia of speed and that still participate in the re-enactment.

UNESCO World Site
Città Alta di Bergamo

{38 km}

The moon gently illuminated Piazza Vecchia, in the northern Italian town of Bergamo, one late October evening. Shadows speckled Renaissance-era buildings, houses with wrought-iron balconies and grand arched columns, while light created a glimmering sheen over the red brick squares of the plaza. From a 12th-century bell tower came the final echoes of the 100 tolls that once signified this town’s 10 p.m. curfew.

A great place to start an exploration of Bergamo is Piazza Vecchia, the heart and center of Città Alta, the medieval part of the city, which sits on a hill above the rest of town. For nearly 400 years, starting in the early 15th century, Bergamo was part of the Republic of Venice; it was the Venetians who built the stone walls around Città Alta. And indeed, the areas around the square look distinctly medieval, with narrow and winding cobblestone streets.

Duomo di Cremona
Cremona

{70 km}

The Cathedral of Cremona was built in the 12th century, beginning in 1185 to be exact, after the destruction wrought by Barbarossa, and is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta.

The pre-existing Romanesque church was embellished to include a Gothic structure, which makes the Cremona Cathedral one of the most outstanding examples of religious architecture of Northern Italy. Many paintings can also be admired inside.

Its location in Piazza del Comune, the heart of the medieval city, testifies to the profound bond between religious and political power that existed at the time: the fact that the cathedral is located in Cremona's government centre is certainly no coincidence, nor that it shares the square with town hall.

UNESCO Arena
Verona

{85 km}

The Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheatre in piazza Bra in Verona, Italy, built in the first century. It is still in use today and is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. In ancient times, nearly 30,000 people was the housing capacity of the Arena. Nowadays, for security reasons, the maximum attendance is 15,000 people. It would be used as the closing ceremony if Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo will be awarded the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The building itself was built in AD 30 on a site which was then beyond the city walls. The ludi (shows and games) staged there were so famous that spectators came from many other places, often far away, to witness them. The amphitheatre could host more than 30,000 spectators in ancient times.

The round façade of the building was originally composed of white and pink limestone from Valpolicella, built after a major earthquake in 1117, which almost completely destroyed the structure's outer ring, except for the so-called "ala" (wing), the stone was quarried for re-use in other buildings. Nevertheless, it impressed medieval visitors to the city, one of whom considered it to have been a labyrinth, without ingress or egress.

Duomo di Milano
Milan

{87 km}

The construction of the Duomo di Milano initiated in 1386 on the site of the ancient basilicas of Santa Tecla and Santa Maria Maggiore, which were then demolished at a later date. Dedicated to Maria Nascente, the cathedral was commissioned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti and had a dual purpose: the plan was to replace the sites of worship in the heart of Milan with an imposing edifice and it was also intended to celebrate the Visconti Signoria and its ambitious expansion policy.

It is the largest and most complex Gothic building in Italy, made of pink-veined white marble from the Candoglia quarries, in the Val d'Ossola. It is 157 metres in length and covers an area of 11,700 m2. The highest spire measures 108.5 and, in October 1774, the golden 4,16 metre-high statue of the Madonna by the sculptor Giuseppe Perego was placed on its pinnacle.

UNESCO World Site: Incisioni Rupestri
Valle Camonica

{66 km}

The area extends over 14 hectares of rock art land, a most important section belonging in Camonica Valley’s World Heritage UNESCO site n. 94.

In this park, in a magnificently wooded environment, one can admire as many as 104 engraved rocks, endowed with information panels, divided into 5 easy-to-walk routes for about 3 km. The entire tour of all paths takes at least 4 hours.

On these broad surfaces of glacier-polished, grey-purple sandstone, ancient Valley dwellers made some figures by pecking the rock with stone strikers or, at times, with pointed tools. The rock art chronology in the Park ranges from the Neolithic (5th-4th millennium BCE) and the Iron Age (1st millennium BCE), and there are also engravings from historical times. The best represented period is undoubtedly the Iron Age, when the Valley was inhabited by the Camunni as documented by the Romans.

We hope you found all the information you were looking for.

If not, please do not hesitate to email us directly at hospitality@biondelli.com

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