Sports and Wine at Lake Iseo 2017

We took a rich breakfast in the hotel quite early this day, because a day full of water sports activities at the Sport Action Center of Castro was waiting for us. The weather during the transfer to “Sportaction” near Lovere was still relatively friendly. However, we knew or suspected by the information of the weather app, that this friendly weather would not remain the whole day like this.

The first exciting thing to do was to put on the neoprene suit, which stretched smoothly over our athletic bodies. For our sport activities we first tried kayaking and then stand-up paddling (SUP).  While the first activity was mainly dedicated to the upper arms, the second exercise, standing on the SUP board tested our balance skills to the maximum. The instructor Nicola had much fun in letting us perform all sorts of exercises on the board.

Of course, most of them ended in the cool waters of Lake Iseo.  Our guide Armin was suddenly caught by a wave two hundred meters off the shore, and landed in the refreshing water. When Peter could no longer hold on laughing, the same fate caught him. We had a lot of fun. Despite the rainy weather we were all in a good mood. And cold feet can be reheated with a hair dryer at any time.

By the way, the big “Sports lunch” with several courses was prepared by the cooking chef in a room, in which hardly more than 2 SUP boards could stay.  And it was excellent. Those who were not enhancing their water sports experiences, spent the morning either with jogging or with hiking to the surrounding steep mountains.  They came back and showed us photos with the magnificent view  over Lake Iseo and this made us a little bit jealous.

Only the sailing activity which was in the afternoon could not been executed as a victim of the lacking wind Still thanks to engine support, a lake trip was possible.

However, the planned walking tour over the panoramic path to Lovere was impossible because of the intensifying rain. Some of us took the opportunity to leave the ship in Lovere. Beer, Aperol and other tasty drinks were a worthy preparation for the dinner.

This dinner, which was a very well-earned one after the great physical activities of this day, took place at the “Ristorante Campagnola” in Lovere. Some of our gourmets were somehow astonished that today already after two courses the tasty, homemade gelato with fresh fruits was served. We were already accustomed to three courses after the first two lovely evenings.

We all thought “The early bird catches the worm”, and committed for an Aerobic morning class with instructor Gabi. She made us sweat. After the relaxing shower the breakfast with Capuccino was appreciated.  Then, with new energy empowered, we were prepared for the visit of the weekly market in Iseo.  After a short walk in sunny and warmer weather, we reached the first market stands and were informed by Armin where several things like shoes, leather belts and bags could be found and bought. We were already enthusiastic and had all  different buying intentions. Sooner or later we found the others either at the market stands or at the bar for an aperitif.  Almost everybody of us was packed with one or more bags. These were full of gifts and souvenirs for ourselves or for the family members who stayed at home.

The time in the afternoon was used for leisure or for jogging and walking training.  Afterwards, we met for dinner. The restaurant “Trattoria Fontani” is about half an hour walk from the hotel and as the weather was excellent, this was an ideal “appetizer-walk” along the ponds of the nature reserve Torbiere. This was followed by a lovely dinner. There were several courses with different, typical dishes such as red wine risotto or stew combined with the right wine.

After the meal, we were offered to have some grappa or limoncello. Since the restaurant owner brought the bottles to the table at this time and not “just” a round of glasses, we served ourselves. So we were blessed with his generosity. During our way back to the hotel we sung a lot of songs and had great fun. We arrived at the hotel, again somewhat thirsty, so some liquid was needed to moisture the throat and the palate – but just one drink. So there was nothing to stop a soothing sleep.

Today the excursion to Monte Isola was on the agenda. Monte Isola is the largest island in a lake in Central Europe The walk to the ferry stop already disclosed to us a blue sky and  promised us a day with best weather conditions. The ferry to the island was well occupied and plowed through the water at a brisk pace. After a short drive and already rewarded with some beautiful views, we arrived safely at the footbridge of the island. We immediately started with our island-march. The rich green of the forested part of the island changed with picturesque villages. After a while we heard the church bells, which announced an imminent wedding.  And we were lucky, we actually caught a glimpse of the bride and the groom.

This was a great hiking tour with fantastic weather. Finally we climbed the stairs at our final destination “Castello Oldofredi” and enjoyed an overwhelming panorama from the comfortable armchairs.

Together with the fine cocktail canapes and the Franciacorta sparkling wine from ”Camossi”, this was the perfect scenery to simply let the mind dangle and enjoy life. Dolce Vita for advanced Gourmets.

After this lovely lunch break we went back to Iseo by ferry boat. Some of them took part in a jogging or walking round in the nature reserve, others strolled through the village and enjoyed a few relaxing hours.

Later in the afternoon, we met in charming and some even in festive dress in front of the hotel. The bus brought us to the nearby winery “Al Rocol “ in Ome, situated on the hills behind Iseo.

As this producer sells only from winery, the number of guests was correspondingly high. We were especially impressed by a large travel group, which was a choir from Norway. They inspired us with their music and sounds. With pleasure, we combined this four-tone-sound with the wines of the house the next time. We also tasted different kinds of cheese, meat and bread. A highlight was the self-made olive oil, which was excellent.

The culinary highlight, however, was still to follow, and this was already apparent when we entered the location “Hostaria Uva Rara” in Monticelli Brusati. From different menus (Lake, Sea, Territory or Vegetarian) one could choose what he/she liked best. A glass of fine sparkling wine from the Winery “Montina” was the perfect starter into the coming palate delights.

Beautifully prepared and savory dishes were served, each in keeping with the motto of the chosen menu. It was a wonderful feast from the starter to the dessert.  A successful final of an outstanding day.

Early in the morning we had a further aerobic session with Gabi. After breakfast and check out, we said “goodbye” to the hotel, which was our home during this trip.

On time, we went to the Tenuta Castello Bonomi in Coccaglio for the final wine tasting by bus.  There we could once again enjoy fine cheeses and salami while we were tasting the presented sparkling wines, white wines and red wines. One of these sparkling wines has been awarded as “Best Italian Sparkling Wine”.

At noon, the bus started from the winery with the second bus driver on board to Uster.

The weather was like at the beginning of our trip, cloudy and rainy. And when we passed the region of San Bernardino, the “weather god” sent us heavy snowfall.  On the way, everyone was allowed to use the onboard microphone to share the most beautiful moment with the others. Of course, we also thanked Armin for organizing such an awesome tour and for the good services of the two drivers.

Tired and with many great impressions of the past week, we had to say “bye bye” to each other, knowing that we had found some new friends and already determined for a date to meet again.