Things to see and do
Check out the Medieval Iseo Town, explore the back streets and open-air squares and a lakefront lined with stylish cafes and bars. Iseo's main attraction is the Monte Isola, the largest land island in Europe. Monte Isola's completely pedestrianised and easily reached by boat from Iseo and Sulzano. It's a fantastic spot for a walk. Cruise the lake on the ferries or catch the train to see the other main towns: Sarnico, Pisogne and Lovere. Bergamo's also close-by. Take a day trip and get to know this historic city which dates back to the 6th Century BC.
If you love getting outdoors and being active, Iseo's a great place for walking, whether you're hiking or taking gentle lakeside strolls. The Lake Iseo railway from Brescia's a great way to explore the lake and its surrounding areas. If you're looking for gentle walks you can check out the nearby Torbiere del Sebino. It's a wetland nature reserve, and is always a highlight for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Food & Drink
In Iseo it's all about the wine! Visit one of the many mountain-side vineyards and try the famous Franciacorta DOCG sparkling wine.
If you love sardines, then Iseo's your dream place- one of their most traditional foods is dried sardines, usually eaten with Polenta. If sardines aren't your favourite then try the Casoncelli, stuffed pasta (like ravioli) or salami from Monte Isola. Cheese is always important in the Italian lake district and Lake Iseo's no exception. Silter DOP is a hard cheese from the lower Camonica Valley made from the milk of the brown cows of Monte Guglielmo. Perfect with your Franciacorta wine and salami.
Activities
For art lovers the Tadini Gallery in Lovere's full of 19th Century art and sculpture as well as an archaeological collection, put together at the end of the 18th Century in Naples. If you have a car, drive over to the Church of Santa Maria delle Neve in Pisogne, where you'll find frescoes of the Passion of the Christ by Romanino. For more art don't miss the Valcamonica rock engravings in Capo di Ponte, which have been engraved over thousands of years, from the pre-historic to medieval and iron ages. This is fantastic if you want a more personal look at the area throughout the ages.
There are plenty of castles for you to enjoy, like the 12th Century Breno Castle and the Castello Quistini. The Castello Quistini has stunning gardens which you can also visit. Find a secluded spot and think about all the amazing things you've seen so far.
