Desenzano d/G: guided bike day trip + selected wines, cooking class

Discovery in Lombardy: Guided Bike Tour, Wine Tasting, and Cooking Class

Imagine cycling through peaceful, rolling morainic hills, tasting exquisite wines, and learning to cook traditional Italian dishes—all in one day. That’s exactly what this Desenzano d/G experience offers. Hosted by Licia Arvati, this tour is perfect for lovers of authentic food, wine, and scenic outdoor activities.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the way it combines active exploration with cultural indulgence, all within a small, friendly group. The guided bike ride is easy enough for most, yet still offers enough variety to keep things interesting, especially with a flexible itinerary that adapts to the season or time of day. The selection of wines, curated by a certified AIS sommelier, adds a genuine touch of expertise, and the hands-on cooking class ensures you leave with new skills and recipes.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves cycling, which may not suit everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or low fitness levels. But if you’re comfortable on a bike, this is a fantastic way to explore the region authentically. This tour is ideal for small groups seeking a mix of physical activity, culinary delights, and wine tasting, all wrapped in a scenic setting away from busy roads.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines cycling, wine tasting, and cooking in one seamless experience.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Expert Guides: Led by Licia Arvati, an AIS-certified sommelier and friendly guide.
• Flexible Itinerary: Can be adjusted for season, day, or sunset, depending on your preference.
• Cultural Highlights: Includes a visit to the historic Spia d’Italia museum.
• Valuable Add-Ons: Vertical tasting of vintage wines and Passito wine for a full sensory experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Lombardy’s Morainic Hills by Bike

One of the most compelling parts of this tour is the bike ride through the scenic morainic hills. Covering about 25 km with an elevation gain of only 90 meters, the route promises an easy, relaxed ride that showcases the area’s natural beauty. The gentle terrain makes it accessible for most, and the tour can adapt based on the season or time of day, whether during daylight hours or at sunset.

Guests often praise the contagious energy and professionalism of guide Licia, who keeps moods light and informative. She’s known for sharing insightful stories about the region’s history, such as the visit to the Spia d’Italia in Solferino, which was a key site during the Second Italian War of Independence. This spot offers a fascinating contrast to the leisurely bike ride, adding a historical layer to your day.

The ride is designed to escape traffic and stress, allowing you to connect with nature and truly unwind. The scenery is dotted with vineyards, farms, and quiet country roads that make for a peaceful cycling experience. We loved the way the route offers the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation, making it suitable even for those new to biking.

Wine Tasting with a Certified Sommelier

After working up an appetite and a bit of a glow from cycling, you’ll arrive at a local farm for the aperitif with Lugana DOC Metodo Classico. The wines are carefully curated by Licia, a certified AIS sommelier, which means you’ll get expert insights into the wines’ origins, production, and tasting notes.

The highlight here is the vertical tasting of two old D.O.C. vintages, offering a rare chance to compare different generations of award-winning wines. This tasting is described as “exceptional” by past visitors, who appreciated the depth and complexity of the wines served. The farm also produces Passito wine, which you’ll enjoy at the end of the day—an ideal way to wind down, savoring a sweet, full-bodied finish.

Guests have raved about the quality of the wines and the professionalism of Licia’s guidance. One reviewer remarked, “Licia’s passion for wine really shines through, and her recommendations helped me appreciate the nuances I hadn’t noticed before.” The setting, away from typical tourist spots, gives you a genuine taste of local craftsmanship.

Cooking Class: Traditional Dishes and Award-Winning Wines

The hands-on cooking class is another standout feature. Under Licia’s expert guidance, you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes—think hearty Italian staples—using authentic regional recipes. The class is designed with accessibility in mind and is perfect for culinary novices or seasoned cooks wanting to refine their skills.

Participants often comment on how much fun it is to get involved in the process, rather than just observing. The dishes are paired with the same award-winning wines tasted earlier, creating a full sensory experience. Many note that the class leaves them with new skills and recipes to recreate at home, transforming their understanding of regional cuisine.

The cooking session is typically followed by enjoying your creations for lunch or dinner, depending on the schedule, with the farm’s wines complementing the flavors beautifully. The overall value is notable, considering the quality of instruction, food, and wine included in the price.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, making it a comprehensive yet relaxed full-day experience. The small group size (max 15 people) ensures personalized attention, and the guide, Licia, speaks multiple languages including Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish.

Start times depend on availability and season, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance. The meeting point is at a prominent Desenzano location, near wine shops and Podere Selva Capuzza, where the guide will be identifiable by bicycle helmets.

What’s included: The guide, wine visit, and the culinary experience are part of the package. However, the aperitif, cooking class, lunch/dinner, wines, and tasting of the Passito are extra costs, which are quite reasonable considering the quality and richness of the experience.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and casual attire are recommended for an enjoyable day outdoors. Keep in mind that high heels, sandals, pets, and smoking indoors are not permitted.

Accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or low fitness levels, given the biking component and walking involved. Children over 11 and adults over 65 enjoy reduced rates, making it family-friendly within reason.

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Authentic Experience for Food and Wine Lovers

This experience offers genuine insight into the Lombard countryside, its wines, and its culinary traditions. It’s more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s an interactive, sensory immersion into local life. The combination of physical activity, expert-guided tastings, and hands-on cooking makes it highly memorable.

Guests have commented on how the tour is well-paced and thoughtfully organized. The ability to customize the itinerary based on season or sunset preferences adds to the appeal, providing a flexible experience that stays fresh throughout the year. The small group size fosters a convivial atmosphere, encouraging conversations and shared discoveries.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

For travelers seeking a balanced mix of outdoor activity and cultural indulgence, this experience hits all the right notes. The scenic bike route offers a peaceful escape from busy tourist areas, while the wine and cooking components add depth and flavor—literally. The expert guidance of Licia, with her passion for wine and regional cuisine, elevates the tour from a simple outing to an educational and enjoyable experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic food, locally produced wine, beautiful landscapes, and a bit of exercise, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially suited for those who want an intimate, well-rounded day that showcases Lombardy’s best without feeling touristy.

FAQs

Is the bike ride suitable for beginners?
Yes, the ride covers about 25 km with only 90 meters of elevation gain, making it accessible for most people with basic cycling skills.

Can I join if I’m not a very experienced cyclist?
The route is designed to be easy, but it’s best if you’re comfortable riding a bike. The tour is suitable for those who can handle short to moderate rides.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes and clothes, sunglasses, water, biodegradable sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Avoid high heels, sandals, or flip-flops.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children 11 and older are welcome at reduced rates. It’s best if they’re comfortable on bikes and can manage a 25 km ride.

What’s included in the price?
The tour guide, visit to the winery, and the overall experience are included. The aperitif, cooking class, meals, and tastings are extra, but reasonably priced.

Can I change the itinerary depending on the season or time of day?
Yes, the guided route can be adjusted based on the season, during the day, or at sunset, depending on your preferences.

Is there a museum visit?
Yes, the Spia d’Italia museum in Solferino is part of the experience, but the entrance fee (around $4) is paid on site.

What languages does the guide speak?
Licia and the team speak Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish, making it accessible for many travelers.

This Desenzano d/G experience offers a genuine taste of Lombardy’s landscapes, wines, and culinary heritage, all wrapped into a relaxed, enjoyable day. With expert guidance, scenic routes, and authentic flavors, it’s a fantastic way to connect with the region on multiple levels. Perfect for those who love active holidays combined with cultural indulgence, it promises a memorable and enriching outing—without feeling rushed or superficial.

You can check availability for your dates here: