Have you decided to treat yourself to a winter weekend in Franciacorta? Excellent choice: you can enjoy the local culinary delicacies, the excellent Franciacorta DOCG wine and above all the beauty of the area in the tranquility typical of this period, before the return of the typically spring and summer tourist flows. Here are some tips on points of interest not to be missed.

Franciacorta in winter: the charm of the Torbiere del Sebino

There is no season to experience the charm of the Torbiere del Sebino, the nature reserve declared “wetland of international importance” which bathes the Municipalities of Iseo, Provaglio and Timoline di Corte Franca. With its very important specimens of flora and fauna – among the many species we remember the red heron, the marsh harrier, the black kite, the royal perch – the peat bogs are an oasis of peace and offer splendid sunsets to be enjoyed as a couple or with the family.

Opening hours: all year round

Entrance fee: € 1 (tickets can be purchased at the automatic dispensers)

For details and access routes, visit  http://www.torbieresebino.it/?lang=en

Monte Isola uncrowded

Back in the international limelight with the installation “The Floating Pier” by Christo and, more recently, for the appointment as third European Best Destination 2019, Monte Isola is a favorite daily destination for most of those visiting the areas of Lake Iseo and Franciacorta. A deserved success for this very particular promontory, rich in nature and tasty gastronomic products such as Monte Isola salami, which has recently seen the influx grow to such an extent that long queues have been created waiting for the ferries.

Winter is therefore the perfect time to visit Monte Isola in complete tranquility: you can have fun on board the boat, stroll along the wonderful lanes of Carzano and enjoy the suggestive panorama from the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, with a view to Franciacorta.

Cost of ferry Sulzano – Monte Isola: € 2 (duration 60 minutes) + € 1 of landing tax. Departure every 20 minutes from the port of Sulzano. Continuous service 24/7.

For details on times and rates visit http://www.navigazionelagoiseo.it/eng

The magic of Bornato Castle

A majestic 13th century building converted into a stately villa in the 16th century. Bornato Castle, a beautiful hamlet of Cazzago San Martino, opens its doors to the public on weekends from March to November with guided tours to discover the elegant Italian garden, walls, buttresses and towers to the secret cave and to the ancient cellar where you can taste excellent qualities of Franciacorta wine. A visit not to be missed, together with the whole family.

Opening hours: from March to November, on weekends and public holidays.

Entrance fee: adults guided tour € 12.00, reduced € 10, children 0-10 years free.

For information and reservations visit  https://castellodibornato.com/en/

The charm of an ancient Franciscan convent

The charm of history continues to live again at the Cappuccini Resort, a place that brings together incredible historical riches: the ancient cloister of the friars currently dedicated to hospitality, relaxation and events, the well of the convent converted into a cellar, the remains of the Roman tower and finally the peculiar calidarium located in the former concierge (today SPA & wellness center).

Come and see for yourself: the owner Rosalba will be happy to accompany you on a real journey backwards and show you all the services that the structure offers today.