Full day trip
The departure of the itinerary is from our marina at Cantiere Nautico Piantoni.
VILLA SURRE
Villa Surre is the work of genius and imagination of the greatest Italian exponent of the Art Nouveau style: Milanese architect Giuseppe Sommaruga (1867-1917). Built in 1912, it is a majestic and intricate construction of rare elegance that overlooks the western coast of Lake Iseo. The villa and its lush, elegant park provide the most appropriate setting for weddings, gala dinners, anniversaries, receptions, presentations, press conferences, photo shoots, and film sets.
An enchanted place where art, nature, and elegance come together and blend in perfect harmony.
CANTIERI RIVA
The Sarnico shipyard, established in 1842 on Lake Iseo, gave birth to the entire history of Riva, through the construction of legendary wooden hulls to the current yachts, ranging from 27 to 68 feet.
The heart of the shipyard is the office of Engineer Carlo Riva, who designed it directly. Called "la Plancia" (the Dashboard), the studio is located in the center of the large vault of the hangar, with a 40-meter-wide arch supported by two additional side pillars, which also hold two overhead cranes, each capable of lifting boats weighing over 20 tons. The shipyard, protected by the Superintendence for Environmental Heritage, covers a total area of 36,000 square meters, of which 17,000 are covered, and boasts 10 available berths, 2 flagpole cranes, 4 painting cabins, and a 50-ton capacity trolley used for transporting finished boats to the quay and for all internal handling of shells or bulky elements.
TORBIERE DEL SEBINO
The Sebino Nature Reserve is a protected area located in the Lombardy region of Italy, in the northern zone of Lake Iseo. The reserve covers an area of approximately 900 hectares and encompasses various types of habitats, including marshes, forests, meadows, and wetlands.
This nature reserve is characterized by a great diversity of flora and fauna, with numerous waterfowl, rare plant species, and a wide range of wildlife. It is an important stopover site for migratory birds and a crucial habitat for many protected species.
The Sebino Nature Reserve offers opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and outdoor recreational activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of this precious natural area.
ISEO
The city of Iseo is a charming place with its cobbled streets and characteristic squares, where you can stroll among shops, cafes, and restaurants. The majestic Tower of Porto dominates the landscape, offering an extraordinary panoramic view of the city and the lake.
SAN PAOLO ISLAND
A private island that can only be circumnavigated, at the center of global attention thanks to the temporary art installation "THE FLOATING PIERS" by artist Christo.
LORETO ISLAND
In 1900, the neo-Gothic style castle and the conifer garden were created, along with the marina and two lighthouse towers. The island is private and can only be circumnavigated.
PIRAMIDI DI ZONE NATURAL RESERVE
Looking towards the area, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the natural reserve of the erosion pyramids. The Piramidi di Zone Natural Reserve is a protected natural area characterized by the presence of fairy chimneys, which are the result of water erosion. Traveling along the road that leads to the municipality of Zone from the eastern shore of Lake Iseo, one is faced with a fascinating landscape that represents an important testimony to the geological evolution of the Alpine glacial and post-glacial period. The surrounding area has been declared a regional reserve and is a significant tourist attraction. Admission to the reserve is free, and there is a circular hiking trail inside that can be completed on foot in about an hour.
CORNA DEI TRENTAPASSI
The Legend of the Name "Corna Trentapassi"
The legend about the origin of the name "Corna Trentapassi" tells that one day (when there was still no road connecting the two towns), a stranger arrived in Vello wearing a long overcoat, wanting to be ferried to Pisogne. Once he reached the foot of the Corno mountain, the stranger took off his clothes and revealed his true form: he was the devil himself. With only thirty steps, the devil reached the top of the horn. Since then, the horn was named Trentapassi.
Corna Trentapassi in the background of the Mona Lisa
In the background of the famous painting of the Mona Lisa, to the right of Monna Lisa, there is a mountain that, when seen in the mirror, resembles the Horn (the reason could be Leonardo's technique of writing from right to left). This theory is supported by Sandro Albini in the book "Alla destra della Gioconda: dipinti, disegni e trascorsi di Leonardo sul lago d'Iseo" (To the right of the Mona Lisa: paintings, drawings, and Leonardo's experiences on Lake Iseo), hypothesizing that he has also discovered the exact point from where Leonardo drew inspiration: the village of Maspiano, located in Sale Marasino.
PRESOLANA
Presolana is probably the most important mountain in the province of Bergamo, although it is not the highest (that distinction goes to Pizzo Coca, reaching 3,050 meters) and despite the fact that the normal ascent route is relatively easy. The reason is related to the large number of climbing routes (often extremely challenging) that traverse its walls, as well as the relatively low altitude that facilitates access even during less favorable seasons. The summit of the Western peak was first reached by Carlo Medici, Federico Frizzoni, and Antonio Curò (founder of the Bergamo section of the Italian Alpine Club) on October 4, 1870.
At its slopes, there are ski lift facilities for winter sports (particularly downhill skiing) in Colere and Passo della Presolana, and the surrounding towns are tourist destinations of certain importance.
LOVERE
The history of Lovere is rich in events, given its strategic location between the upper Sebino and the entrance to the Val Cavallina for land connections, and at the northern end of Lake Iseo for water transport. The first documented settlements date back to a period between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC, as evidenced by the presence of a Celtic settlement in a strategic position, still called Castelliere.
In the following centuries, Roman domination arrived, and they built an important communication route, later known as the San Maurizio road, and constructed a substantial settlement on the shores of the lake. Numerous artifacts have been discovered, including many burials with accompanying tombstones dating from the 1st to the 4th centuries. Additionally, a significant quantity of coins and jewelry, known as the "tesoretto di Lovere," was found in the area and is now housed in the Archaeological Museum of Milan. Excavations for the recovery of the Roman necropolis began in 2013. In 200 AD, Emperor Alexander Severus transformed the San Maurizio road into a military road named Via Alessandra Augusta, allowing rapid movement of armies from the plain to the Danube.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the territory fell under the rule of barbarian hordes, which eventually gave way to the Lombards. The Franks succeeded them and established the Holy Roman Empire, ushering in the feudal system and the medieval era.
Initially, the territory was entrusted to the monks of Tours (Marmoutier Abbey, Latin text available on Wikisource), who later exchanged it in favor of the Bishop of Bergamo, succeeded by the Celeri family. These were the years of factional conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, and Lovere found itself at the center of numerous clashes. As a result, the town fortified itself with towers and walls, positioned dominantly overlooking the lake. Some remnants from that period still exist, such as the tower houses, including Torre Soca, Torre degli Alghisi, and the round Torricella of the ancient city walls.
In 1263, Cavalcano Sala, Bishop of Brescia, died in Lovere after being expelled by Ezzelino da Romano.
The conflicts persisted until the first half of the 15th century when the territory came under the rule of the Republic of Venice, which demolished numerous fortifications and granted the desire of part of the population to be under the administration of Bergamo (1441). Each year, a podestà from the city of Bergamo came to administer justice.
The Most Serene Republic implemented numerous laws aimed at reviving the social and economic situation, reviving the urban center, and improving the living conditions of the inhabitants. It was a period of remarkable prosperity, especially due to the flourishing production of Lovere Cloth, a highly sought-after woolen fabric at the time, which made Lovere known throughout Europe.
The rule of the Venetian city lasted until 1797 when it was replaced by the Cisalpine Republic. In 1815, it became part of the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, Province of Bergamo, District XVI of Lovere, to which Rogno was annexed on March 10, 1836.
During that period, numerous industrial activities in the steel sector began to develop, bringing prosperity and development to the entire area until the 20th century, when the town decisively shifted its focus towards tourism, aiming to enhance its rich natural and cultural heritage.
ORRIDO DI CASTRO
Impressive rocks arranged in vertical slabs towering over the water, reached by following the coastal road exiting the town, heading south.
BAIA DEL BOGN
A stunning natural cove to be experienced from the lake and perfect for taking a swim in the water, without the need for anchoring.
Now, stop and look at Monte Isola: what a view!
A mountain in the middle of the lake, declared one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Monte Isola has a total area of 4.5 square kilometers, a circumference of about 9 kilometers, and reaches an altitude of 600 meters. It boasts twelve characteristic villages, some on the hills and others by the lake, characterized by narrow streets and alleys that demonstrate the island's fundamental role in the economy, which has always been based on the construction of wooden boats, net production, and fishing.
TASSODI'S ROAD
The beautiful road of Tassodi, which plunges its roots into Sebino and marks the changing of seasons with its colors.
LA MEZZA TORRE
Villa Lanza is located in Predore, on the western shore of Lake Iseo. It was built in 1454 on the ruins of the Predore Castle, which was destroyed during internal conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. The only remaining evidence of this fortification is the Foresti Tower (13th-14th century), also known as the half-cut tower.