If you love to shop, you'll find a true shopping paradise at the Franciacorta Outlet Village, where there are 160 shops selling all the very latest fashion trends, accessories, homeware and furnishing accessories at  fantastic prices.

And the shopping and good times continue at the Porte Franche shopping centre, just outside Erbusco.

You can do water sports like windsurfing, kite-surfing and sailing on the lake. At a slightly more laid-back pace, explore the area by bike or on foot; there are lots of cycle paths by the lake and in the countryside.

Golfers can show off their skills at the exclusive Franciacorta Golf Club in Nigoline di Corte Franca, a huge 27-hole course where you can hire golf carts and manual and electric trolleys.

Lovers of car racing and motorcycling can do safe driving courses at the Franciacorta International Circuit and watch the FIA World Rally Cross Championship in September.

Together with its wine and sparkling wine production known worldwide, Franciacorta's gastronomy is another of its fundamental components, and delicious local dishes worth trying include baked tench (freshwater fish) with polenta (a culinary speciality of Clusane), Rovato beef with olive oil, Gussago spit-roast meat, Marone oil and amazing grappa.