discovering brescia

28
Brescia Discovering Proposals for your holidays Regione Lombardia Turismo

Upload: brescia-tourism

Post on 18-Nov-2014

127 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

DESCRIPTION

Holiday packages for your vacation in Brescia

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Discovering Brescia

BresciaDiscovering

Proposals for your holidays

Regione LombardiaTurismo

Page 2: Discovering Brescia

Around Bresciathe historical city and the lakesBrescia is a surprising city, promising unexpected discoveries in a beautiful setting. Rich with artistic masterpieces,dynamic and hospitable, Brescia is surrounded by several art cities such as Milan, Verona, Mantua, Bergamo andCremona, all of which are less than an hour away. Brescia is a city with a vocation for tourism and a unique ability topropose various different types of tourism ensuring the highest levels of quality. Art, culture, fun, flavours, colour,outdoor sports, history: these are only some of the possibilities Brescia has on offer. Come to explore the beauty ofnature, the wealth of the historical, artistic and cultural heritage, the lakes and the hills which will surprise you with thegift of enchanting panoramas. Brescia the art city offers much to discover: the largest archaeological park in northernItaly is situated around the Capitoline Temple, the most important remaining monument of the Roman city of "Brixia".Architectural styles from various eras stand side by side harmoniously and the delightful City Museum is located in thevery lovely Santa Giulia Monastery. Brescia has developed its historical-cultural vocation with the "Splendore dell'arte"project which has made the city the centre of a series of international modern art exhibits featuring the Impressionistsand the Twentieth Century. It's no wonder that Brescia holds fourth place in the ranking of the world's Top Ten artexhibits!Near to the city of Brescia's captivating enticements, you will find three enchanting lakes. Lake Idro is the favoured beauty spot of nature lovers and unites mountain charms with water views; it is located in theValsabbia mountains and equipped for every kind of water sport, especially sailing and windsurfing. If you love natureand have a taste for adventure, this is the lake of your dreams! Lake Iseo boasts a magnificent natural setting, untouched and very charming, yet offering all the services required bymodern tourism. Because of its privileged position, it enjoys a mild climate throughout the year and allows you to practiceevery kind of sport, from paragliding to sailing to windsurfing. At the centre of the lake you will find beautiful Montisola,Europe's largest inhabited lake island, which is completely free from cars. Lake Garda is Europe's most important lake with a great deal on offer throughout the year: art (Vittoriale House Museumand the historical villas), fun (water parks, concerts, events, the most fashionable discos), nature (lemon groves, parks,gardens), sports (sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, canyoning, rafting, paragliding, hiking, excursions), and all the mostexclusive shopping, offering a variety of sensations, flavours and perfumes which will fill every day of your holiday. And of course outstanding Italian cuisine: as a matter of fact, this area also offers acclaimed typical products such aswines (reds and whites of the highest quality) from around Franciacorta, extra virgin olive oil and tasty traditional fishand meat dishes. Everything for those who seek the best!

Page 3: Discovering Brescia

Brescia, the Capitoline Roman Temple

Brescia, the Castle Lake Idro

Salò Lake Iseo

Brescia, Piazza LoggiaHarbour on Lake Garda

Centomiglia Regatta

Page 4: Discovering Brescia

The area around Brescia presents an extraordinary variety of natural environments: snow-capped mountains, romanticlakes, green plains and rolling hills. The Brescian plains are not yet well known to tourists but they offer a wealth ofcharm and delightful vistas. All of this is yours to discover as you explore the verdant countryside embellished withancient castles and beautiful historical residences which evoke the atmosphere of a remote past, romantic andmysterious. In the Brescia countryside, you will also find many important works of art, such as the two fine EighteenthCentury paintings by Tiepolo on display in the Verolanuova basilica. However, the castles truly mark the best touristitinerary along the Brescian plains: travel back through time from Urago d'Oglio to Villagana. The countryside surrounding Brescia offers much to enjoy: not just plains, not just lakes and hills, but mountains too.Valcamonica, one of Italy's principal mountain valleys, follows the northern coasts of Lake Iseo as far as the border withthe Trentino region. This area welcomes you with its major forests, valleys, mountain cliffs and a vast network of pathsand mountain refuges ideal for serious sports enthusiasts as well as nature lovers. Valcamonica is especially famous forskiing: the Pontedilegno-Tonale area is equipped with modern facilities and a network of more than 125 km of runs. Notjust for skiing: you can enjoy snowboarding, skating and sledding, along with top quality tourist services which guaranteefun all day and all night. As well as offering sports activity throughout the year, there is an historical and cultural heritageof inestimable value: here we find the Rock Engravings which date back to pre-historical times, recognised by UNESCOas a world heritage site. Another protagonist of this area is nature: the Stelvio and Adamello national parks are areasof outstanding natural beauty - enjoy the flora and the fauna as you walk or cycle along trails through greenery. Finally,we can not forget the artistic-cultural heritage of this area: from the frescoes realised by Il Romanino to the very beautifulwood sculptures, a craft with ancient roots in this area and whose most celebrated representative is Beniamino Simoni.Finally, last but certainly not least, don't forget to indulge in the local food and wines: polenta, salmì (ragout), game andcheeses are all to be enjoyed at the end of a rich and tasty day, stimulating from every point of view.

Around Bresciaplains and mountains

Page 5: Discovering Brescia

Tenesi Valley

?

Camonica Valley, Rock Engravings Camonica ValleyTrompia Valley

Brescia’s plain

Camonica Valley

typical mountain lake

Page 6: Discovering Brescia

Music Festival, Art and culture, sport, amusementsBrescia and its surrounding area offer more than just a rich history; the area is alwaysstimulating and active, with meeting points for art and culture, and events throughout theyear. These events involve all of the locations of this rich land: little towns, lake shores,mountains, historical cities. There are festivals of wine and olive oil, musical festivals,theatrical performances, circuses, regattas, exhibits. These are just some of the proposalswhich compose the cultural and artistic scene in Brescia and its surrounding area: anoffer which will charm and surprise you 365 days a year.

ArtlakesgolfBrescia

Around Brescia365 days of events

Page 7: Discovering Brescia

IN BRESCIA:LO SPLENDORE DELL'ARTE: a series ofinternational art exhibits held in the Santa GiuliaMuseum, in the Castle and in the Tosio-MartinengoArt Gallery. From 18 October 2008 to 25 January 2009 the newseason of exhibits will present something totallyinnovative in Italy: "Van Gogh Drawings andPaintings".www.bresciamusei.com

ARTURO BENEDETTI MICHELANGELIINTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL: from April toJune 2008, the 45th annual Festival will include a fullprogramme of concerts held in the Teatro Grande inBrescia, as well as in nearby Bergamo, showcasingworks by the best composers of all times.www.festivalmichelangeli.it

OPEN COURTYARDS: for just one day every Maythe noble palaces of the old town open their doors tothe public offering new and unexpected images ofcivic history. www.adsi.it

INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY BIENNALE:personal and collective exhibits, photographicworks of art, international authors, workshops,meetings and conferences invade Brescia and itssurrounding area during the summer months. Anunmissable occasion to review the history ofphotography from its beginnings to our times, inthe atmospheric exhibition spaces of Brescia.www.museokendamy.com

INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPORARY CIRCUSFESTIVAL: from June through July, the old town ofBrescia lights up with unique shows. Three weeks ofopen air displays and theatrical performances, withcircus acts, dance, shows, acrobats and artisticperformances. www.festadelcirco.it

BRESCIA MUSIC WEEKS: from December to June,several Brescian theatres will host a series of culturalevents focussing on classical music.www.associazionesoldano.it

NEAR BRESCIA:HARMONIES BENEATH THE ROCCA: internationalfestival of classical music in the splendid setting ofLake Garda. Held in August in Manerba del Garda.www.lediecigiornate.it

BAGOLINO CARNIVAL: charming popular traditionwhich dates back three centuries, animating thestreets of the ancient town of Bagolino. Thefestivities take place on the Monday and theTuesday before the beginning of Lent. It's acarnival with a difference: a marvel of sounds,colours, ancient dances and traditional costumes. www.bagolinoweb.it

GIGANTISSIMO: this slalom competition forprofessional skiers takes place in April inPontedilegno.www.adamelloski.com

SALÒ GOLOSA: every May, this cultural andgastronomic route saunters along the streets andalleyways of the old town of Salò, to offervisitors the highest quality local foods andwines. Music, poetry readings, meetings withartists and players inside shops, villas,courtyards and directly along the shores of thelake. This is a tasty and fun event set against thesplendid backdrop of Lake Garda.www.salogolosa.it

MOLMENTI TROPHY: the prize for the best extravirgin olive oil and Chiaretto are awarded in themiddle of May, in Moniga del Garda.

TINCA WEEK: in July, in Clusane, along the shoresof Lake Iseo, local restaurants propose menusentirely dedicated to this special local lake fish(tench).www.clusane.it

CRAFTS AND ANTIQUES MARKET: Bienno, inValcamonica, has been declared one of the 100 mostbeautiful small towns in Italy. Every year in August ithosts a crafts and antiques market.www.mostramercatobienno.it

FRANCIACORTA FESTIVAL: in Erbusco, inSeptember, this festival celebrates the best ofBrescia's sparkling wines. Among other events,tastings and visits to the cellars are planned. www.franciacorta.net

CAMUNA GASTRONOMY WEEK: in Valcamonica, in

October, various local restaurants and trattoriaspropose typical menus to highlight the valley's culinarytraditions.www.fiepet.it

EXPO SAPORI: food show held in Boario Terme inOctober to showcase typical products of theValcamonica gastronomic tradition. www.sycomor.it

SKYRACE: marathon held every year on the firstSunday of July at an altitude of over 2,000 m inCorteno Golgi.www.voli.bs.it/4luglio-skyrace/

CHIARETTO FESTIVAL: show during which acommission of experts is called to appoint the bestchiaretto produced in the various cellars.www.paliodelchiaretto.it

EVENTS NOT TO MISS:MILLEMIGLIA: every year May brings the "mostbeautiful race in the world", MilleMiglia, which, since1927, has hosted the most beautiful classic cars of alltimes: Bentley, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Bugatti, Lancia,BMW and Aston Martin. The cars and the drivers travelan exciting journey: 1,600 Km (1,000 miles) fromBrescia to Rome and back, through the art and historyof the most attractive piazzas of some of Italy's mostdelightful cities such as Verona, Ferrara, Ravenna,Gubbio, Assisi, Siena and Florence. www.millemiglia.it

CENTOMIGLIA: established in 1951 by members of theGargnano Sailing Club, this regatta takes place everyyear in September. Together with this regatta there arethen two other events: the Centomiglia Cup, reservedfor the winners of the various editions of theCentomiglia, and 100 Week, a sailing week whichincludes competitions for the Gorla, Marchi, Castellaniand Omboni trophies. www.centomiglia.it

OPEN AIR THEATRE AT THE VITTORIALE HOUSEMUSEUM: according to the wishes of the poet Gabrieled'Annunzio, the villa is home to a theatre which facesonto the splendid panorama of Lake Garda, whosewaters act as a natural backdrop. The Theatre's summerseason proposes interesting shows every July andAugust, with evenings dedicated to theatre, ballet,opera, classical music and cabaret.www.teatrodelvittoriale.it

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITEWWW.BRESCIATOURISM.ITBrescia, International Piano

Festival A.B Michelangeli

Bagolino, Carnival

Centomiglia Regatta

wellnessCulture sportnature

Page 8: Discovering Brescia

Brescia simply has everything to offer - come and see for yourself! Bresciatourism promotes Brescia and thesurrounding areas and can help you take advantage of all the opportunities on offer. From nature to culture, fromart to gastronomy, from sports to fun...without forgetting everything that this fantastic land has to show to you. Thewebsite www.bresciatourism.it allows you to discover all of this and more and to build your bespoke ideal stay,according to your specific tastes and requirements. The proposals in this guide represent only some of the manypossibilities: further information and useful advice can be found at www.bresciatourism.it to satisfy your desireto discover the beauties of an authentic art city and stimulate your curiosity with regard to the pleasures of thetypical Italian style of Brescia.

Your ideal holidaywith Bresciatourism

Rediscover the Italian taste for art and more...

Page 9: Discovering Brescia

Brescia, the Old Cathedral Lake Garda, Sirmione

Lake Garda, Isola del Garda

Brescia, Teatro Grande

Brescia, ContemporaryCircus Festival

Brescia, the TosioMartinengo Art Gallery,painting by V. Foppa

Wines of Lake Garda

Page 10: Discovering Brescia

Travels through history

An art city to discover and enjoy,Brescia offers a wide range ofdelights for culture vultures. Don'thave much time? No problem atall. You can enjoy a weekend of artand culture in the city which inrecent years has seen recordnumbers of visits to the artexhibits held at the Santa GiuliaMuseum (2005, Monet exhibit:11th most visited in the world.2006, Gauguin and Van Goghexhibit: 4th most visited in theworld).

Day 1In the morning: visit to thesplendid Santa Giulia Museum, anancient medieval abbey and one ofItaly's largest museums, which ishome to permanent exhibits ofRoman and Medieval art as well aspresenting the "Splendore dell'arte"series of great modern artexhibits: in 2004 Monet, in 2005Gauguin and Van Gogh, in 2006Turner and Mondrian and in 2007"America! History of Paintingsfrom the New World" showcasingthe best of modern Americanpainting. Lunch in one of the typicalrestaurants of the old town. In the afternoon: explore the oldtown with an audio guide providedby the Municipal Tourism Office(Piazza della Loggia). Exploremonuments, churches andpalaces, discover antique shops,

high fashion boutiques, bookshopsand stop off for a coffee break orto enjoy a "pirlo", the typicalBrescian aperitif.

If you want to explore the city in adifferent way, ride one of theoriginal trams (built to an earlyTwentieth Century model) for aguided visit to the major piazzas ofthe old town and the mostsignificant monuments.

Day 2In the morning: walk to the Castle,overlooking the city from Cidneohill. One of the richest Europeancollections of ancient arms andarmaments (the "Luigi Marzoli"Arms Museum) is located inMastio Visconteo, whereas it ispossible to visit the Civic Museumof Italian Unification, established

in 1887, in the Grande Migliobuilding. Lunch in a typicaltrattoria in the old town. In the afternoon: visit the TosioMartinengo Art Gallery in PiazzaMoretto, rich artistic collectionwhich proposes a voyage throughthe history of Brescian art fromthe Fourteenth to the EighteenthCenturies, with works by Raphaeland by the greatest Brescianartists: Foppa, Moretto, Romanino,Savoldo.

www.bresciamusei.com

Brescia the art city

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

Brescia, the Castle

Brescia, SantaMaria in Solario,Desiderio's Cross

Brescia, the Santa Giulia cloister

Page 11: Discovering Brescia

Walking through history

With the "Splendore dell'Arte" project, Brescia has become a fully fledged European artcapital. Brescia itself is a splendid jewel of art and history and its old town is home to thelargest archaeological area in Northern Italy. So why not spend a day sauntering throughthe streets of old Brescia, to discover the artistic treasures that this city has to offer?

Roman Brescia Follow the route from the Santa Giulia Museum, filled with monumental archaeologicalartefacts, including the celebrated Winged Victory and the Domus dell'Ortaglia, two nobleresidences recently completely restored. The visit continues in the adjacent Piazza del Foro,site of the majestic Capitoline Temple erected by the Emperor Vespasian between 73 and 74AD. The nearby Roman Theatre, located on the slopes of the Cidneo Hill, was built in theFlavian era (69-96 AD). It could hold up to 15,000 spectators and was one of the mostimportant of the region. Traces of Roman Brescia are also to be found in Piazza dellaLoggia, just a short walk away. In the middle of the Fifteenth Century, fragments of Romaninscriptions were inserted into the marbles which decorate the facade of the Monte di Pietàbuilding. According to the intentions of the architects of the time, this was designed togrant prestige to Brescia's ancient origins.

Medieval and Renaissance Brescia The Old Cathedral or Rotonda (Twelfth Century) is a charming building rich with works ofart, including the Fourteenth Century sarcophagus of Bishop Berardo Maggi andmasterpieces by Il Moretto and Il Romanino. The adjacent Palazzo del Broletto was the siteof the town hall in the Medieval era and home to the offices of the Venetian authorities whoruled Brescia from the Fifteenth to the Eighteenth Century. Continue walking to the Castle;the internal walls of the important fortified barbican (75,000 square metres) are the work ofthe Visconti family, who ruled the city from 1337. This is the site of Piazzale della TorreMirabella (Thirteenth Century) and the Thirteenth Century Mastio Visconteo. The visitcontinues to the San Salvatore Monastery, founded in 753 by the Lombard King Desiderio,father of tragically famous Ermengarda, the bride repudiated by Charlemagne. Inside thecomplex, as well as the basilica of San Salvatore, we can admire the Nuns' Choir, theRomanesque oratory of Santa Maria in Solario (with the famous Desiderio Cross) and thecloisters. The visit to Renaissance Brescia begins in Piazza della Loggia, theatricalreconstruction of a Venetian piazza in Brescian territory which dates back to 1433 andbears witness to the period of Venetian domination. Palazzo Loggia, the Monti di Pietà andthe charming Torretta dell'Orologio, with two bronze men who mark the hours, all face ontothe piazza. A few steps away, in Piazza Paolo VI, stands the New Cathedral, built between1604 and 1825. Its cupola is the third highest in Italy.

A city of music and fun

From contemporary circus to classical music concerts, fromcoffees sipped in street cafes to music played in the piazzas,in the courtyards or in the shade of trees, on a peacefulspringtime day.

The sensual movements of the body, the emotion of the voice,dangerous balances atop a medieval tower, marionettes, thesonorous melodies of the Far East illustrated by a streetmusician and much, much more. From June to July, the oldtown of Brescia is ablaze with colour: a month of open airevents and theatrical shows, with fanfare, dinners under thestars, street parades, art and photography performances,nights of dance, cinema and video displays. All of this is theInternational Contemporary Circus Festival, an eventdedicated to contemporary circus.

www.festadelcirco.it

Ten days of events dedicated to classical music. Frommorning to night, the city welcomes artists of global renownand young artists.

www.lediecigiornate.it

Urban Speleology at the Castle

Every weekend from April to October, the AssociazioneSpeleologica Bresciana offers guided visits to the internalchambers of the Castle (towers, galleries, walkways and bastions)and adventurous speleological itineraries designed to teachhistory and the stories associated with the monument in a funway.

www.speleoasb.it

Diocesan Museum

The museum contains and promotes the precious artistic assetsof the diocese, giving value to their historical and religioussignificance. Illuminated manuscripts, sacred fabrics andornaments are only some of the documents collected with careand conserved until today.

www.museodiocesanobrescia.it

Mille Miglia Museum

The museum tells the history of the famous classic car rally and is housed in the ancientBenedictine monastery of Sant'Eufemia. An original meeting with the history of worldautomobile history, between tradition and innovation. A restaurant and meetings rooms areavailable to groups and individuals.

www.museomillemiglia.it

Brescia, Santa Maria inSolario

Brescia, the Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery Brescia, the Santa Giuliacloister, Emperors portraitsmade of golden bronze

Brescia, the Tosio MartinengoArt Gallery, Gentleman'sportrait, Moretto

Brescia, San Francesco d’Assisi

Page 12: Discovering Brescia

Art routes

Treasures of the area sorrounding Brescia

An itinerary which touches some ofthe major points of interest of thearea surrounding Brescia, from thecity itself, at the heart of this area,to Lake Iseo, with romanticMontisola and the wines ofFranciacorta, to the major Italianlake, Garda. A week whichpromises to provide moments,flavours, perfumes and landscapeswhich will remain impressed uponyour mind.

Day 1: FranciacortaIn the morning: guided visit toPalazzo Torri, beautiful SeventeenthCentury fortified residence inNigoline di Cortefranca, visited inthe past by Italian romantic poetssuch as Carducci and Pascoli andknown as "the villa of delights". Visit and wine tasting at a localfarm. In the afternoon: visit to Abbazia di

San Nicola in Rodengo Saiano, thelargest Oliveto abbey in Italy,established in 1050, with frescoesby Il Romanino, Il Moretto andGambara.

Day 2: Lake IseoIn the morning: transfer by boat toMontisola, imposing andpicturesque island in the lake,happy marriage between naturalsetting and local traditions. Typicallunch with lake specialities. In the afternoon: guided visit toIseo, a medieval town with a verybeautiful historical area, the perfectmix of culture and fun.

Day 3: BresciaIn the morning: guided visit to theSanta Giulia Museum, the mostimportant historical testimony ofBrescia and its surrounding area,with an opportunity to visit theprestigious temporary exhibitions.Lunch in a restaurant in the citycentre. In the afternoon: free time to visitthe city on your own. Walk to thecastle to enjoy enchanting views.

Day 4: Lake GardaIn the morning: guided visit to theRoman Villa and Catullus' Grottosin Sirmione, the traditional holidaytown for the wealthy burghers ofVerona. Lunch in a lakeside restaurant. In the afternoon: transfer by boat toIsola del Garda, guided visit to the

Nineteenth Century villa (built inVenetian Gothic style) and theEnglish and Italian gardens. Theday ends with tasting of localproducts from Valtenesi (olive oil,wine and snacks).

Day 5: Lake GardaIn the morning: guided visit to theVilla Vittoriale Museum, the superbformer home of the poet Gabrieled'Annunzio in Gardone Riviera toview furnishings and objects whichreflect various aspects of hiscomplex personality. Lunch in alocal restaurant. In the afternoon: free time forshopping and exploring in GardoneRiviera and nearby Salò, an elegantlittle city with an illustrious past.

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

Gardone Riviera, the Vittoriale, open-air theatre

Gardone Riviera, theVittoriale

Lonato, the “Podestà” House

Page 13: Discovering Brescia

Romanesque Garda

An ambitious objective of cultural valorisation of the territory was born around aproject of historical research, which involves the tourist in discovery of the localhistorical and artistic heritage, starting from guided visits to Romanesquereligious buildings. Everything is based on medieval parishes and churches in thearea between Brescia, Verona, Mantua and Trento, facing the waters of LakeGarda.

Environment, culture and history are united to exalt the beauty of the Gardalandscapes and present its treasures, the cultural milestones dating back to thePalaeolithic age, leaving numerous anthropological traces in their wake. You willmarvel at masterpieces of painting and sculpture, barbicans, churches andcastles of various architectural styles located throughout the area. It is possibleto organise excursions and guided visits through out the Garda area with highlyqualified cultural operators, setting up training courses and cultural, gastronomicand environmental itineraries.

[email protected]

Sailing through Franciacorta

One day, three days, or an entire week with MetaFacile®, the hand held sat-navcomputer, for an exciting tour of wineries, gentle hills, vineyards, patrician villas,castles and monasteries in Franciacorta; there is a choice of three thematicitineraries (in Italian, English or German):

1. History and Culture: helping us to discover artistic treasures in an atmospherewhere art and tradition tell their stories.

2. Nature and Sport: leads us through picturesque scenery, through a routededicated to those who love relaxation and the environment.

3. The Franciacorta wine road: an 80 Km route to discover the wineries whichproduce the noble Franciacorta DOCG.

www.stradadelfranciacorta.it

A step back in time

Valcamonica is known for its skiing, but it also is home to art andhistory treasures of immense value and by following majorsignposts, we can create a true route back through time. Webegin from Pisogne, at the north end of Lake Iseo: there arefrescoes by Il Romanino inside the little church of Santa Mariadella Neve. Then we reach Capo di Ponte and the various RockEngravings, declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site:thousands of engravings on large rocks which date back to theNeolithic Age (middle of the fourth millennium BC). This is anew, fantastic and educational excursion, absolutely not to bemissed. In order to discover the history and the archaeologicaland artistic heritage of Valcamonica, we also suggest that youvisit two theme parks for family fun: Archeopark in Boario Termeand Graffitipark in Capo di Ponte.

www.invallecamonica.itwww.graffitipark.it www.archeopark.net www.agtvallecamonica.itwww.capodiponte.eu

Valle delle Cartiere

In the Fifteenth Century, the city of Toscolano Maderno was thecentre of the paper making industry for the Republic of Venice.Over the last two centuries, the production of paper constituteda significant element of the local economy of the Garda area.Then came the closure of the production factories and thetransfer of the machinery. In the Toscolano valley, there are stillsome old buildings, some machinery and working implements.Their recovery has given life to an original museum situatedpartially outdoors (along the steep banks of the stream) andpartially inside the buildings themselves. The Paper Museum inToscolano is the first step in an ambitious project which seeksto recover the entire Valle delle Cartiere and return it to touristsand visitors. Guides are available (many of them formerworkers in the factories) and will show you the various stagesof paper production, illustrated with intriguing anecdotes andstories.

www.rivieradeilimoni.it

Mazzucchelli Museums

There are three interesting exhibits at Villa Mazzucchelli inCiliverghe di Mazzano: the Museum of Fashion (rich collectionof old clothes and objects), the Gianmaria MazzucchelliMuseum and finally the Wine and Cork Museum (instrumentsand materials regarding winemaking, tasting and consumptionof wine).

www.museimazzucchelli.it

The Via Crucis in Cerveno

The Seventeenth Century church of San Martino, in Cerveno, a small town situated inthe middle of Valcamonica, is home to an exceptional Via Crucis comprising 198 statuesof natural size, sculpted in poplar wood. This important treasure, completed in 1764 bythe sculptor Beniamino Simoni, aided by the Fantoni brothers and the Milanese sculptorGiovanni Selleroni, is a work of relevant artistic value and deeply valued in localtraditions.

www.comune.cerveno.bs.it

Casa del Podestà

In the municipality of Lonato, you will find this splendid building of Fifteenth Century origin(seat of the representatives of the Republic of Venice). It is home to the admirablecollections of Ugo da Como, Brescian senator and scholar of the last century, including thesmallest book in the world. Very pleasant walk along the barbican and in the old town.

www.fondazioneugodacomo.it

Gargnano, Villa Feltrinelli Gardone Riviera, the Vittoriale Brescia, the Clock in Piazza Loggia Lonato, Drugolo Castle Cerveno, Via Crucis

Page 14: Discovering Brescia

Lakesto discover

The jewels of Lombardy

A tour of the most famous lakes inthe world, with delights includingelegant homes, wine and flavours,picturesque scenery and shopping.The tour is based in Basso Garda(Sirmione) and includes a visit tothe art cities of Brescia, Bergamoand Como.

Day 1: Lake Garda In the morning: walk in the oldtown of Sirmione, the pearl ofLake Garda: friendly atmosphere,fashionable shops, relaxation andviews over the lake. Visit to theRocca Scaligera dating to theThirteenth Century and Catullus'Grottos, the remains of the Romanvilla attributed to the family of theLatin poet, situated on thesouthern coast of the lake in apanoramic position. Lunch in a restaurant in the centreof town. In the afternoon: relax at the"Aquaria" spa in Sirmione, the idealplace to find energy, beauty andinterior harmony.

Day 2: Lake Garda The clear blue waters of the lakeact as a mirror to the splendidvegetation of the parks andgardens of Gardone Riviera. Weshall visit the Villa VittorialeMuseum, the picturesque home ofpoet Gabriele D'Annunzio. FromBarbarano di Salò, we embark fora cruise to Isola del Garda, a siteof rare beauty, full of history,

memories and legends.

Day 3: Lake ComoIn the morning: following a twohour drive we reach Lake Como.After a walk in the city centre, youwill take a boat excursion alongthe west shore as far as Bellagioto admire the elegant villas. Lunch in a restaurant in the centreof town. In the afternoon: second excursionon the lake, returning to Como andthen Brescia.

Day 4: Bergamo and Lake Iseo In the morning: Bergamo is lessthan one hour away. Walk throughthe old town to marvel at ancientbuildings, churches andmonuments. Lunch. In the afternoon: stop in Iseo for awalk along the lake shore or for aboat trip to Montisola, Europe'sbiggest and most charming lakeisland. Located in one of Italy'smost beautiful locations, this car-free island is immersed in verdantvegetation.

Day 5: BresciaIn the morning: in half an hourwe reach the old town of Brescia.Visit Piazza Loggia with itsRenaissance architecture, PiazzaDuomo with Medieval andRomanesque architecture side byside, Piazza Vittoria withrationalist style architecture. The

visit continues in the Romanarchaeological area and to the SantaGiulia Museum, site of the SanSalvatore Monastery and the churchof Santa Maria in Solario with thefamous Desiderio cross. Lunch in the old town. In the afternoon: visit to the Castleto admire the cityscape panorama

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

Lake Garda

Gardone Riviera, the Vittoriale

Sirmione, Catullus Grottoes

Page 15: Discovering Brescia

Tradition and technology: tour of the naval shipyards of Lake Iseo

While you are on holiday on Lake Iseo, discover an unusual itinerary in the localshipyards. Visit the traditional workshops where still today, like once upon a time, theexpert masters of Montisola ply their craft, then visit the exclusive Riva shipyards inSarnico: dream boats and yachts worthy of James Bond himself…

In the morning: arrival at Lake Iseo. Visit to the Riva Yacht naval shipyards in Sarnicoand aperitif, followed by lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon: travel by boat to Montisola and visit to the naval shipyards of ErcoleArchetti, master craftsman. Guided visit of Montisola. Return to Iseo and walk along thelake shore.

Lemon groves: nature and emotions

From Gargnano to Limone you can admire the typical lemon groves, an evocative paththrough local history with fantastic views over the lake. Buy the famous locally producedlimoncello liqueur directly from the producers - ideal to wash down the famous Toscolanocake with lemon cream!

www.rivieradeilimoni.it

The flowers of Garda

In the enchanting setting of the clear blue waters of the lake,discover the beauty of the plants and flowers in the historicaland botanical gardens. This and more awaits you in the threeday itinerary to spend in and around Lake Garda, to discover itsunique floral landscape.

Day 1In the afternoon: visit to the André Heller Foundation BotanicalGardens in Gardone Riviera, in a picturesque flowery context,comprising approximately 3,000 species of plants from all overthe world.

Day 2In the morning: guided visit to the Ghirardi Botanical Gardens,dedicated to medicinal plants, in Toscolano Maderno. Lunch in a typical restaurant. In the afternoon: transfer to Garda Island, the largest island inthe lake of the same name: guided visit to its Italian gardens andEighteenth Century villa.

Day 3Full day: guided visit to Upper Garda Park, a splendid naturalenvironment and one of the best observation points for views ofthe entire lake. Don't forget your camera!

And a touch of romance…

A dinner by candle light on a cruise on Lake Iseo or an oldfashioned voyage on one of the old steam boats, "Italia" or"Zanardelli", on Lake Garda for an occasion to remember.

www.navigazionelagoiseo.itwww.navigazionelaghi.it

Zone pyramids

Walk through nature to discover "fairy chimneys", curious clay columns which rise within a green valley, like mushrooms rising from the earth. Don't forget to wearsports clothing and hiking shoes. www.parks.it/riserva.piramidi.zone/

Bird-watching on Lake Iseo

Just a few km from Brescia, you will find one of the most important bird watchingparadises of Europe: the Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve, where you will find variousspecies of birds, both native and migratory (the latter appear in Winter and in Spring).

For your excursion don't forget comfortable shoes (you will walk along a flat and eventrail and without any kind of problem, even for baby carriages) and a fine set ofbinoculars. Have fun!

www.torbiere.it

The lake seen from the lake

Park your car, forget the traffic and discover the lake from another perspective. All you needis a small motorboat to lose yourself in the wide open spaces of Lake Garda, to savour thebeauty of views which can not be admired from the road. Along the route, from Sirmione toGargnano, you can enjoy the marvellous Art Nouveau style villas and palaces from variouseras which elegantly overlook the lake.

Flavours and surroundings: Wineries and Torbiere NatureReserve

A day in Franciacorta, with visit to the Monastery of San Pietroin Lamosa and the Torbiere del Sebino Park, accompanied by theflavours of DOCG wines of world renown.

In the morning: visit some of the most famous wineries ofFranciacorta and the local vineyards. Tasting of the best localwines and local gastronomic specialities. Visit to the RicciCurbastro Agriculture Museum in Capriolo. Typical lunch at a restaurant in Franciacorta. In the afternoon: visit to the Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosaand the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve on the southernshores of lake Iseo.

www.stradadelfranciacorta.it

Magasa Hay Lofts

If you love nature, silence and the mountain atmosphere, Magasa offers you a very differentvacation in one of their five typical hay lofts, recently renovated to host tourists searching adirect contact with the farming world. And don't forget a visit to the ethnographical museum.

www.comune-magasa-bs.it/fienili.htm

Lake Iseo, Loreto Island Montisola, Peschiera Maraglio Lake Iseo, the peat-bogs Zone, the rock “Pyramids”Relax on Lake Garda

Page 16: Discovering Brescia

Taste and Art: Lake Iseo and FranciacortaDedicated to true gastronomes, thisis a very special opportunity totaste Clusane's famous baked tinca(tench) and typical fish recipesfrom Montisola, ideallyaccompanied by the famous winesof Franciacorta. Don't forget to trythe celebrated olive oil of Sebino,as well as the very sophisticated artand shopping along the shores ofLake Iseo.

Day 1In the morning: arrival at LakeIseo and lunch in a typicalrestaurant in Clusane, the townfamous for its baked tincaspecialties. In the afternoon: visit and tastingin a typical winery of the beautifulFranciacorta region, which extendsfrom the suburbs of Brescia to theshores of Lake Iseo, where thevineyards are planted aroundmajestic castles, frescoedchurches and historical estateswith famous wineries.

Day 2In the morning: transfer by ferryboat to Montisola, the picturesquelake island, Europe's largest, for aguided visit to its enchantingscenery and sights.Lunch in a typical restaurant.In the afternoon: guided visit toIseo, a typical medieval townoverlooking the eponymous lake.

Day 3In the morning: guided visit to theMonastery of San Pietro inLamosa, a Lombard Romanesquebuilding with a cycle of frescoesdating from 1300 to 1500 and adelightful panorama. Lunch in a typical restaurant inFranciacorta with tasting of thebest local wines. In the afternoon: visit to thenearby Torbiere del Sebino NatureReserve, located on the southernshore of Lake Iseo; a specialenvironment, habitat for manyspecies of vegetation, fish andbirds.

Food, Wine & Lifestyle

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

vigneti in Franciacorta

Page 17: Discovering Brescia

Colli dei Longobardi Wine Route

From the Pusterla vineyard, along the slopes of the Cidneo Hill, Brescia's heart and siteof the first local settlement, stretching east to Botticino, world famous for its marble,and then to the south, through Rezzato, Castenedolo, Montirone, to Capriano del Colleand Poncarale. Travel through flavours, culture, traditions and art along the Colli deiLongobardi Wine Route.

Day 1In the morning: you will be welcomed to a winery with a presentation of the typicalwine and gastronomy products of this area, wine tasting and tasting of local foodproducts. External visit to Brescia Castle and the Pusterla Vineyard (the world's largesturban vineyard). Lunch in one of the typical restaurants of the old town. In the afternoon: visit to picturesque sites along the Wine route: Museum of Women,Children and Wine in the Villa Mazzucchelli Museum complex in Ciliverghe di Mazzano.

Day 2In the morning: guided visit to the Botticino Marble Museum. Lunch in a typical local restaurant. In the afternoon: visit to a winery and other productions sites: cheese factories,distilleries, workshops for semi-precious stones.

www.stradadelvinocollideilongobardi.it

Flavours of Garda

The prestigious wines and olive oil of the Garda region, art andculture, exclusive bars and restaurants and the most sophisticatedshopping along the shores of the king of Italian lakes. All of this canbe enjoyed in three unforgettable days.

Day 1In the morning: arrival in Lake Garda and lunch in a restaurant on thelake shore.In the afternoon: visit and tasting in a typical winery. Taste DOP salamiin Pozzolengo. Free time for shopping and independent visit toDesenzano.

Day 2In the morning: guided visit to the Roman Villa and Catullus' Grottosin Sirmione, one of Italy's most extensive and interestingarchaeological parks, where it is possible to enjoy a breathtaking viewover the lake as you walk through olive groves. Lunch in a lakeside restaurant. In the afternoon: visit an olive producer to learn from an expert aboutthe typical features and the qualities of the prized Garda olive oil.Guided tastings. Opportunity to buy olive tapenade, olive oil and othertypical products.

Day 3In the morning: guided visit to a lemon grove for tastings oflimoncello, extra virgin olive oil and lunch with fish and localspecialities. In the afternoon: free time for shopping and independent visit to theelegant city of Salò.

Franciacorta in Bianco

Don't miss Castegnato if you enjoy cheese and dairy products. Here you will find aunique presentation of the best of Italian cheeses and Brescian specialities.

www.franciacortainbianco.it

Brescia con Gusto

Wine and gastronomy itinerary through the piazzas, cloisters, and courtyards in the old town. The flavours of the highest gourmet quality are mixed together withthe pleasure of discovering the most evocative corners of Brescia's old town.

www.slowfoodbrescia.it

Cooking course on Lake Garda

Every year, the restaurants of Brescia are listed in the top rankings of the best Italianguides. There must be a reason!

The quality of the products, the Mediterranean climate enjoyed here, the sunshine, thefresh air, the ancient wisdom of the Italian cooking tradition which here finds numerousvery personal expressions. Discover Brescian cuisine. In the mountains, it is based ongame, salmì (ragout), soups; lakes Garda, Iseo and Idro offer an abundance of lucci,salmerino (char), sardines and other species; in the plains flavours are spicier in areaswhere livestock is raised, fields are cultivated and cooking is based on the simplicity ofgrandmother's recipes, with authentic flavours. Many specialised schools as well ashotels and trattorias offer the possibility of a half day, a week end or an entire week ofpractical lessons. This is a joy to share with friends right away as soon as you returnfrom your holiday, when you can cook for them just like a great chef.

www.castalimenti.it

A day on the roads of Franciacorta

Immersed in the panorama of your dreams and accompanied bythe finest local wines, an unforgettable day awaits you.

In the morning: guided visit to a winery with tasting of a glass ofFranciacorta DOCG accompanied by various snacks.Lunch in restaurant specialising in local cuisine, washed downwith Franciacorta wine.In the afternoon: boat trip on Lake Iseo. Alternatively, you maywish to take a guided visit to a Seventeenth Century manorhouse (Castello Quistini or Palazzo Torri) or to amonastery/convent/abbey (Oliveto Abbey of San Nicola - TenthCentury or Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa - EleventhCentury or Convent of the Annunciation - Fifteenth Century).

www.stradadelfranciacorta.it

Page 18: Discovering Brescia

Activeholidays

A week of sports

If you love physical activity andnature, this is the ideal way tospend a week in the splendidsurroundings of Lake Garda! Witha …tasty finish!

SUNDAY: mountain bikeA bike ride through nature todiscover some of the mostpicturesque sites and evocativeviews. Some of the mostinteresting possibilities are:- departure from Salò for thesmall lakes in Sovenigo, Valtenesiand Rocca di Manerba- departure from ToscolanoMaderno for Pulciano, Gavazzo,Valle delle Camerate, Bezzuglioand Fasano- departure from Gargnano forFontanelle, Piovere, Tignale andreturn to Gargnano.

MONDAY: hikingIf you think that the best way tosee the world is on foot, then thisis the "ideal" sports day for you.Suited to all fitness levels, this is a

day that will be good not only for thebody but also for the mind. You canchoose from a variety ofdestinations, including:- departure from Gardone Riviera forSan Michele - Pirlo allo Spino refuge(possibly Mt. Pizzoccolo)- departure from Toscolano Madernofor Gaino, Gavazzo, Monte Castle,Valle delle Camerate and Cartiere- departure from Gargnano for Sasso,San Valentino, Denervo and return.

TUESDAY: climbingBreathtaking panoramas, theopportunity to test yourself, thesatisfaction of reaching every goal.This and more in a real challenge tothe force of gravity.

WEDNESDAY: canyoning and whitewater raftingImmerge yourself in uncontaminatedenvironment between the noise ofthe water and the greenery of theforest. An adventurous day todiscover the sinuous routes of thewaterways.

THURSDAY wire equipped trailA "walk" between the rocks, a test foradventure seekers, a route whichleads from earth to heaven forunforgettable experiences.

FRIDAY: Canoeing and sit-on-topFollow the current of the lake,observe the variations of its bluecolour and the contrast with thegreen of the hills, leave your mindfree and live intensely for a day.

SATURDAY: culture-gastronomyexcursionAfter an adventurous week, rest yourbody and allow yourself a welcomerest. Choose from one of thefollowing itineraries:- departure from Magasa, Valvestinoalong the historical route Magasa-Cima Rest- departure from Salò, GardoneRiviera for Barbarano, Morgnaga andSan Michele- departure from Tignale forCampione del Garda, San Micheleand Prabione- departure from Limone for Val delSingol and Campaldo.

Dedicate another day to one of thefollowing sports:Paragliding: a breathtaking flightfollowing air currents, dominatingthe lake and the green spaces fromon high, experimenting a sense ofunforgettable freedom.Kitesurf: the meeting of water andsky. Look at yourself in the clear bluemirror of the lake, allow yourself tobe transported into the blue of theheavens. A memorable experience.Fishing: a tranquil day to discoverlocal fish…and enjoy a tasty supper!

www.rivieradeilimoni.it

Active holidays on lake Iseo:www.agenzialagoiseofranciacorta.itwww.cooptur.itAnd in Valcamonica:www.adamelloski.comwww.agtvallecamonica.it

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

Page 19: Discovering Brescia

Adventure and emotions on Lake Idro and in Val Sabbia

A weekend for an experience of nature and the outdoors on Lake Idro and in Val Sabbia, theideal setting for an authentic contact with nature and for unforgettable emotions.Excursions, walks, paragliding, mountain biking, these are just some of the activities thatwill reawaken your taste for adventure.

Day 1 In the morning: arrival and lunch on Lake Idro.In the afternoon: tour of the lake and transfer to Vesta. Brief excursion and try "ClimbingSteps", "Climb", "Double Rope Descent". Transfer to Capovalle-Monte Stino. Return todescent by tandem paragliding tandem with instructor (landing in Idro).

Day 2In the morning: transfer to Bagolino and walk through the town. Trasfer to Gaver mountain,cycle by mountain bike to the small lakes in Bruffione and return to Gaver. In the afternoon: canyoning preparation and descent.

Day 3In the morning: transfer to Anfo, sail boat excursion on the lake. Brief walk around the Anfomountains. In the afternoon: free time.

www.liberavventura.it

Page 20: Discovering Brescia

Activeholidays

Other sports...

on snow...

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

Ski Week in Tonale (8 days - 7 nights)

A week in the snow to enjoy the slopes of the Upper Valle Camonica.All the equipment has just been replaced for going up in the newPontedilegno-Tonale area. More than 100 km of runs of differing levelsof difficulty for skiers from all over the world looking for newchallenges, safety and fun. Hotel services of the highest levels respondto all the needs of tourists and sports enthusiasts; the picturesque littletown, full of shops and restaurants, offers a friendly greeting to singlesand groups on holiday 365 days a year. There is always snow on themajestic Presena glacier and with such a lengthy season the fun neverends.

www.adamelloski.com

Il Gigantissimo

If you are more athletic and competitive than most, then perhaps youwould like to try the most exciting and challenging competition of thewinter calendar. Every year in March or April the Bleis Giuliana run isopen to hundreds of athletes who attempt this prestigious competition.Good luck!

www.adamelloski.com

Snow shoes

Walk on fresh snow, surrounded by uncontaminated nature whichoffers unique countryside every step of the way and an amazing senseof quiet and calm: this is what you will experience when you try snowshoes (also known as webs). This excursion is perfect for all agegroups but don't forget to dress for the snow and wear your hikingboots. Have a pleasant walk!

www.valtrompiaturismo.itwww.adamelloski.comwww.vallecamonica.infowww.agtvallecamonica.it

Sledding: a sport for everyone

Little more than one hour's journey from the cities of the Po Valley youwill find husky dogs with their grey eyes awaiting you. It's easy to learn!With the guidance of a seasoned musher, you can learn to drive thedogs in less than one hour.You will experience the emotion of lightly gliding on a sled whichappears very fragile but is actually extraordinarily resistant, thesensation of undertaking an environmental activity, the relationship withthese splendid animals - all elements which make sledding anunforgettable experience. Even children (from age 10 up) can enjoy thissport.

www.scuolaitalianasleddog.it

Page 21: Discovering Brescia

To discover the Brescian plains

Are you curious to discover the history and traditions of the plains?

This land of farm houses, agricultural production and small crafts workshops holds many treasures. These are the local museums which tell the storyof men and women, their work, their traditions, some of which are now lost. The Archaeological Museum in Manerbio, the Archaeological Museum inRemedello, the Repossi Art Gallery and the Morcelliana Library in Chiari, the Rosina Storchio Opera Museum in Dello, the Farming Museum inMairano, the Giacomo Bergomi Museum, the Armaments Museum in Bonoris Castle in Montichiari.After lunch in a local restaurant or trattoria, you can rent bicycles, canoes, dinghies or horse drawn carriages to continue on your way. You can learnhow to purchase Castegnato flour or spelt and wines from Capriano del Colle. It is also possible to make excursions on the local cycle paths or travel the Oglio River by canoe. The routes and the itineraries, both focussing onnature and focussing on culture are easy to follow using the MetaFacile®, GPS sat-nav.

www.pianurabresciana.it

Biking weekend in Franciacorta

Do you prefer "two wheels"? Try cycling through Franciacorta todiscover the local treasures.

One day: first bike exploration. Visit a winery and enjoy a glass ofFranciacorta DOCG with various snacks. The area has much tooffer: you can cycle to Lake Iseo, climbing the nearby hills, spendthe morning cycling around the lake, visit Maglio Averoldi (FifteenthCentury forge-museum) in Ome, with demonstration of thesmithy's work; or cycle to the Oliveto Abbey of San Nicola (TenthCentury) in Rodengo Saiano. Numerous castles decorate the hills ofFranciacorta and many of them belong to the great wine producingestates. You can also explore churches, abbeys and littlecountryside towns or stop at typical restaurants and purchase localproducts.

www.bresciainbici.it

Motors and fun

If you enjoy challenges and speed…

spend a day of fun motoring at the Franciacorta racetrack in Castrezzatoor South Garda Karting in Lonato racing go carts with breathtakingacceleration: from 0 to 90 km/h in 6 seconds! You can also visit the MilleMiglia Museum located in the ancient Benedictine monastery ofSant'Eufemia, just outside Brescia.

You can even try the Mille Miglia Slot Track, if you really want to cutloose! Upon request it is possible to arrange a one day safe drivingcourse at the Franciacorta racetrack.

www.southgardakarting.itwww.museomillemiglia.itwww.autodromodifranciacorta.it

If you love water sports, the lakes near Brescia offer windsurfing,sailing and much, much more. Numerous sailing centres organisecourses for regatta, manoeuvre, skiff, centreboard, cabinato and Asso99 and you can even study for your boating licence. Don't miss theCentomiglia regatta (every September), the most important lakesailing competition with more than 350 participants.

www.centomiglia.it

...motorised... ... by bicycle...

...on the lake...Rent a classic car and spend your holiday in an unusual, fun andabsolutely unique way.

www.luzzago.com

...snob...

...and on the plains

Page 22: Discovering Brescia

This is the ideal holiday if you wantto leave stress behind andrediscover your energy and thedesire to play sports with others. InBrescia, it is possible for golfers ortourists to play on a different courseevery day of their holiday. Coursesare located close to one another,and all of them are located instunning places of natural beautywhich attract cosmopolitan tourism.The day does not end on the green -after golf you can enjoy art andnature excursions and enjoy Italianrestaurants and shops.

Spend the first day at Arzaga GolfClub. This golf club is located in agreen oasis on the hills of LakeGarda. Inside a finely restored,sumptuous Fifteenth Century palaceyou will find a 5 star hotel withoriginal frescoes decorating many ofthe rooms and hallways. There isalso a wellness centre withswimming pools, an elegantrestaurant and a more informaldining room. There are two golfcourses: Arzaga I, 18 holes par 72,designed by Jack Nicklaus; ArzagaII, 9 holes par 36, designed by GaryPlayer. The Arzaga Golf Academy isthe top European PGA Teaching andLearning Centre in Italy. Here theatmosphere is very relaxing but thebright lights of fashionableboutiques and lively night clubs in

nearby Desenzano offer all the funyou would wish for.

www.palazzoarzaga.it

Less than half an hour away, inToscolano, you will find GolfBogliaco. Located in a green valleyof oleanders, laurels, cypresses,olives and other typicalMediterranean vegetation, there is asplendid vista over the lake. This isthe third golf course to beestablished in Italy and the club'satmosphere is familiar and direct.The course itself is rougher, withseveral obstacles. After your game,enjoy a sailing excursion on the laketo Isola del Garda or visit one of thetypical lemon groves which wereonce an essential component of thelakeside economy.

www.golfbogliaco.com

Gardagolf is recognised by theexperts and one of the best coursesbuilt in Italy in recent years. Itextends for 110 hectares and wasdesigned by the British firm Cotton,Penninck Steel & Partners. The 27hole route goes from Rocca diManerba, to Soiano Castle and theValtenesi hills, with enchantingpanoramic vistas. The bestinternational players come here,mixing with tourists and golfenthusiasts who want to experiencethe greens where the Italian Open is

played. Gardagolf is held in high esteemby excellent players who also appreciatethe opportunity to enjoy excursions toart cities such as Brescia, Salò,Sirmione, Verona.

www.gardagolf.it

You can complete your sporting week atthe Franciacorta Golf Club in CorteFranca, a short distance from Lake Iseoand in the heart of the exceptionalFranciacorta wine district. The courseextends over 60 hectares and is yetanother aspect of the high level touristoffer available in the area allowingvisitors to enjoy golf together withwellness, haute cuisine and a delightfulnatural setting. After your game, youcan enjoy a visit to the fine localwineries and the best of Italian cookingfor the most sophisticated palate.

Golf & wellness

Golf course tour

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

Page 23: Discovering Brescia

Relax at the Sirmione spa

Between one game of golf and another, find some time for yourselfand allow yourself to be spoilt by the precious thermal waters ofSirmione. At the Aquaria wellness centre, you will rediscoverbalance and energy and a highly qualified team of experts will be atyour complete disposal for anything you might need. You can choose personalised programmes for fitness, beauty andhealth and choose from various wellness proposals which include aBeauty Day or a longer stay of 6 or 12 days. And don't forget thatthe spas are also open at night until 10pm with specially organisedtheme nights. Just relax!

www.termedisirmione.com

Grape massage

Try an invigorating and rather original week-end submerged in wine.Here in Franciacorta the properties of some substances contained inwine which, in moderate doses, are good for the skin have lead to thedevelopment of new therapies. So, between a visit to an elegantrestaurant and a game of golf, between a swim in Lake Iseo and amountain bike ride, you can also enjoy a red wine jacuzzi and anapplication of wine yeast and honey in Corte Franca, in the middle ofFranciacorta, or in Brescia.

www.locandafranciacorta.itwww.vitaespa.it

Yin & Yang

Yin and Yang are two expressions of Qi, the energy of the universe.Our potential for good health is dependant on our continuous searchfor the balance between these forces and the Tao Centre bases itsactivity on this concept of ancient oriental philosophy. The Tao Centreis a very modern structure located in an elegant 5 star hotel inLimone sul Garda, offering a wide range of treatments: an energisingdetox and slimming diet, olive therapy, aromatherapy massage,reflexology, colour baths and anti-stress programmes, as well abeauty and care products for sale. The Tao Centre is a paradise ofattention dedicated to the mind and the body, in an elegantatmosphere ideal to promote wellbeing.

www.centrotao.it

Sophisticated hospitality

Charm and hospitality, holiday and fitness. These are the elementswhich typify the offer at Villa Paradiso, an elegant place wherewarmth, elegance, hospitality and holistic health meet. It is locatedin Fasano di Gardone Riviera, facing the lake and in a tranquilatmosphere. A short distance away you will find the Maison duRelax, another place in which relaxation, well being, prevention andcooking come together to offer the guest an example of thesophisticated Brescian offer in this sector. Two holistic healthcentres oriented to the total research of physic and physical wellbeing through the combination of medical-scientific methodologiesboth traditional and complementary methods.

www.villaparadiso.com

Wellbeing from France

The Albereta Wellness Space in Erbusco in Franciacorta is managedby Henry Chenot. His philosophy is based on the recognition thatthe harmony between mind and body has a fundamental role to playin the development of the energetic potential of every individual. Ifwe understand it and use it to our greatest advantage, this canallow us to use our vital energy fully, thereby combating andslowing the ageing process. Wellness comes from water, fromtreatments, from colours and from the elegance and style of theatmosphere at Albereta, a splendid Relais & Chateau resort whereexcellent cuisine, the finest hospitality and modern treatments areall designed to make you feel more fit and happier.

www.albereta.it

Water & wellness

Aquaria is the new wellness centre at the Sirmione Spa, an idealspace for finding your emotional and physical wellbeing andrediscover energy, beauty and interior harmony. The essentialelement is the thermal water, rich with curative elements. You willalso enjoy the Sirmione Spa experience, which has created a uniqueand modern wellness centre in a traditional spa town with atradition dating back to the times of the Roman Empire. Thesophisticated and modern structure of the spa was designed tooffer guests a place to relax and rediscover beauty, energy,emotional and physical wellbeing and harmony. Relax in a thermalwater pool right in front of the lake with whirlpools, effervescentbeds, water jets, aromatherapy showers and vascular treatments, aswell as wellness rooms where you can enjoy beauty treatments.Exercise in the gym, equipped with all of the most modernequipment.

www.termedisirmione.com

T h e T h e r m a l S p a s i n t h e p r o v i n c e o f B r e s c i a

Page 24: Discovering Brescia

Castles and Villas in Franciacorta (category: Art &culture)

Ancient towers, city walls, convents, museums: thefascinating mystery of history which took placebetween the wineries and vineyards of Franciacorta andthe nearby Lake Iseo.An unforgettable excursion to Montisola, the largest lakeisland in Europe, with its intact atmosphere. Three daysof holiday to discover local history through guided visitsto some of the most atmospheric castles and villas ofFranciacorta…and last but not least the castle whichsurmounts a city of very ancient roots: Brescia.

Day 1In the morning: visit to the Oldofredi Castle (EleventhCentury) and the Sant'Andrea parish. Transfer toProvaglio d'Iseo for a visit to the Monastery of SanPietro in Lamosa, with picturesque panorama over theTorbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve. Transfer by boat toMontisola, one of Italy's most charming small towns.Fish lunch in a typical fisherman's trattoria.In the afternoon: excursion to the island.

Day 2In the morning: guided visit to the castle of Bornatoand the nearby Villa Bornati - Secco d'Aragona.Transfer to Passirano for a visit to its two medievalcastles.Lunch in a typical restaurant.In the afternoon: transfer to Rovato for a guided visit toQuistini Castle and the delightful Rose Gardens. Returnto Iseo.

Day 3 Transfer to Brescia for a visit to the castle, within whichyou will find the Ancient Arms Museum and theMuseum of Italian Unification. Walk in the old town andfree time for shopping.

Castle Riviera in Lake Garda (category: Art & culture)

A weekend in Valtenesi, a land of castles and churches whichembellish local towns and villages, bearing witness to the civiland religious history of centuries past. Visit the beautifulwalled towns of Padenghe and Moniga, inhabited by localsand open to summer festivals. You may also wish to admirethe city walls of Soiano or Puegnago, surmounted by towers.The many examples of religious architecture include LombardGothic and Romanesque styles, as well as Renaissance andBaroque. Inside the churches and at roadside shrines, you willfind frescoes and paintings by some of Italy's most famousartists of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries.

shakeyour weekend?

we can!

Solutions for thosewith little time to spare:find the weekend that's rightfor you!

Book your holiday: www.bookingbrescia. i t

Page 25: Discovering Brescia

The iron route: emotions in Val Trompia (category: Activeholidays)

The art city of Brescia is also heir to a very ancient tradition ofcraftsmanship, commerce and industry which can be discoveredin Val Trompia, the valley which opens behind the industrial cityand is famous at an international level for its steel and armsproduction, along the valley you can follow the history of miningover more than a millennium, visiting important archaeologicalsites, ethnographic museums, mines and miners' paths.Immersed in greenery winds the Iron Route and the Mines, anemotional voyage in time and in space, where culture, traditionsand territory blend into an atmosphere which is truly uniquewithin Italy. Give space to adventure and don't miss the appealing MineAdventure where you can combine sport, discovery and emotions!

www.miniereinvaltrompia.it

The Limone Riviera and North Garda (Category:Lakes to discover)

Breathtaking panoramas, intact nature, lemongroves and hundred year old olive trees. Theseare the principal features of the countrysidearound Limone sul Garda, for a weekendenjoying nature and the good things of the earth.

Day 1 Full day to discover the trails and nature ofValvestino. Lunch in a typical restaurant in CimaRest.

Day 2 In the morning: visit to the Prà della Fam LemonGrove and other sites of major cultural andlandscape interest such as the Forra and theTerrazza del Brivido (Terrace of Shivers) inTremosine, the visitor's centre of the Alto GardaPark in Tignale. Free time in the afternoon (or else: visit to winecellars, olive oil production or cheeseproduction).

A weekend on horseback near Brescia (category: Activeholidays)

Are you a fan of riding and of culture?

A new way to discovery Brescia and its treasures is on horseback.Enjoy the splendour of the natural landscapes choosing betweenthe lake scenery or the hills of Franciacorta and, when theexcursions are over, don't forget to take a walk in town todiscover the traces of history and the richness of the museumsand monuments.

Brescia: football and rugby city (category: Active holidays)

If you are a football or rugby fan and you are curious to learn more about the local teams, come to a game with the"Brescia Football Club", currently in serie B, or the Calvisano Rugby Club which is currently in the Super 10. Support ourplayers and you will enjoy an excellent sporting experience, spectacular and brilliant play and the distinctive Bresciantenacity.

www.bresciacalcio.it www.rugbycalvisano.it

Winter Weekend in Montecampione (category:Active holidays)

Montecampione, easily reached in Valcamonica,is the ideal location to spend a few days enjoyingsports. Not only does it have all the equipmentrequired for a winter sports weekend, but thereare also various panoramic trails on offer forevery level of skiing ability.

www.montecampione.it

S p o r t a n d r e l a x ( M o n t i c h i a r i , B o n o r i s c a s t l e )

Page 26: Discovering Brescia

BY CAR:

From Torino and Milan, highway A4,Brescia Centro exit.Alternate route: from Torino, highwayA21.From Venice or Verona, highway A4 inthe direction of Milan, Brescia Centroexit.From Bologna, Florence or Rome,highway A1 to Modena, highway A22 toVerona , highway A4 to Brescia Centro. From Genoa and Liguria, highway A7 toTortona, highway A21 to Brescia.

www.autobrennero.itwww.autostrade.it

BY AIR:

Verona - VillafrancaValerio Catullo Airport (50 km) www.aeroportoverona.itMontichiari (Province of Brescia)Gabriele D'Annunzio Airport (15 km)wwww.aeroportobrescia.itBergamo, Orio al Serio Airport (80 km)www.sacbo.itMilan, Linate and Malpensa Airports(100 km)www.sea-aeroportimilano.itVenice, Marco Polo Airport (100 km)www.veniceairport.it

Brescia is strategically located a short distancefrom Milan and Venice and at the intersection ofthe great European corridors connecting France toAustria (from west to east) and Germany andCentral Europe to Rome (from north to south).

BY TRAIN:

Brennero-Modena LineMilan-Venice Line

www.trenitalia.it

Page 27: Discovering Brescia

www.bookingbrescia. i t

Complete list of travel agencies www.bresciatourism.i t

[email protected]

www.centoterrebresciane.it

[email protected]

www.terramica.eu

Bresciayour holiday in

Book

your own holiday with:Create

[email protected]

www.bresciaincomingpool.it

Page 28: Discovering Brescia

www.bre sc ia tour i sm . i t

Book your holiday:www.book ingbre sc ia . i t