Vino & Veneto: Travel Department Lake Garda FAM: Day 2
The group started the day in Hotel Majestic Palace, their 4-star accommodation, waking up to a beautiful buffet breakfast.
Well rested, they met at 11am and headed to the bus to start their Italian Alps Wine Tour, an excursion that is set to become included for customers on the Travel Department Lake Garda tour from 2027. The group was guided by the wonderful, Renate, who had so much knowledge to share with everyone.
Along the way, breath taking views were at every corner, as the bus weaved through towns such as Torbole and Riva del Garda. Torbole itself is an area of Lake Garda that is ideal for anyone looking to participate in wind sports during their trip, as it attracts wind from the north. Riva is also great for an active holiday, if a client is looking to rent a bike or be close to scenic walking trials.
Both areas were only a short drive from Majestic Palace. And would it be the perfect holiday destination without an Irish pub? Marilyn is located right in Riva del Garda, offering live music and cocktails. For those looking to stay in Riva, when booking with the Travel Department, they can stay in the 3-star Hotel Brione, which is a short distance from the beach making it a dream for all types of travellers.
With Lake Garda sitting at 65 metres above sea level, the group travelled up to 175 metres, to the small village of Canela. The cobbled streets were quaint and uncrowded, with just over 50 residents and very few tourists.
The group were lucky and had the chance to visit Casa delgi Artisti, a home to many beautiful pieces of art, which should have been closed at the time they arrived. Fascinatingly, a framed signature from the guestbook could be found, that of former Irish President, Michael D Higgins, dated a few years prior. Before heading back on the road, they enjoyed a drink at Taverna Bianca, upon recommendation of the guide.
Driving on towards the final stop of the family owned winery, the surreal turquoise water of Lake Tenno could be seen from the bus, offering a terrific photo opportunity. Before reaching the winery, the group stopped to refuel with coffee and apple strudel at a nearby café. Here, they could also enjoy the gorgeous mountainous views and taste some locally grown grapes.
Once the bus arrived at Cantina Pisoni, the group were thrown straight into learning all about the process of making wine. They explored the vineyard itself, where the grapevines grew and had another chance to try the fruit straight from the source. As the tour went on, the group travelled down into the cellar, learning even more about the storage process and having any questions they had answered.
Waiting for them upstairs were delicious charcuterie boards, with a variety of cheeses and meat to pair with the wines they were about to try. Starting with white, everyone was offered both a glass of folada and codecce. Moving onto red, each were generously offered a glass pradi and reboro, before ending the wine tasting with a perfectly sweet vino santo.
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