Venice and Northern Italy: Golf and Culture

Arrival at Venice Airport where an hostess will accompany you to the pier for a private transfer by boat to your accommodation in central Venice. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in a 5* Hotel in central Venice

Meet your expert guide and prepare to uncover the timeless splendor of two of Venice’s most iconic and storied landmarks. Once the vibrant center of political power and religious devotion in the Serenissima Republic, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace remain enduring symbols of the city’s magnificence. Begin your journey inside the Doge’s Palace, the former seat of Venice’s government and the Doge’s private residence. Wander through grand chambers where justice was once dispensed and pivotal decisions were made. Admire the exquisite masterpieces that adorn the gilded ceilings and step into the Doge’s opulent private apartments. Then, cross the legendary Bridge of Sighs and descend into the shadowy prisons below—each stone whispering tales of intrigue and fate. Continue your exploration at the majestic St. Mark’s Basilica, where tradition holds that the remains of the Evangelist Mark rest. Let yourself be awed by the breathtaking golden mosaics that blanket the interior, depicting biblical stories and centuries of devotion. With its soaring domes, intricate details, and radiant splendor, this sacred masterpiece stands among the most inspiring churches in the world. The rest of the day is at your disposal. Overnight in Venice

In the morning a private boat will transfer you to the island of Lido and from there a van will transfer you to one of the most peculiar golf courts in Italy. This historic course, one of Italy’s oldest, offers sweeping sea breezes, lush fairways, and views of the lagoon, of Venice and distant Dolomites. Designed in classic links style, its gently undulating terrain provides both challenge and beauty for players of all levels. After your round, relax at the welcoming clubhouse before being transferred back to Venice. Late in the afternoon, guided by a local culinary expert, stroll through Venice’s charming streets and hidden squares, pausing at handpicked venues to savor the city’s most enticing culinary delights. Begin with cicchetti, the quintessential Venetian small plates, before enjoying a perfectly prepared risotto or pasta paired with fine regional wine. Conclude your journey with a delectable dessert and matching wine, the perfect finale to this full, circle gastronomic experience. Overnight in Venice.

Time to leave Venice and head west to Lake Garda. A short boat transfer will lead you from your accommodation to Venice’s car terminal, from there a van will take you to Golf Club della Montecchia, set amid the elegant countryside near Padua and the Euganean Hills. Once part of a historic noble estate, the course blends refined Italian charm with a modern, championship-caliber layout. Designed by Tom Macaulay, its 27 holes wind through gently rolling terrain, strategic water features, and tree-lined fairways that test players of every skill level. Impeccably maintained greens and thoughtful design make each hole both challenging and rewarding. After your round, unwind at the stylish clubhouse or terrace restaurant. Proceed to the rolling hills surrounding Lake Garda and check in at your new accommodation. Overnight at your hotel. 

Begin your day with a guided tour of Verona, one of Italy’s most fascinating and romantic cities. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you’ll discover the historical and artistic treasures that make this city unique. Stroll through the elegant streets of the old town, past medieval and Renaissance palaces, and arrive at the magnificent Piazza Bra, dominated by the imposing Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.

Continue on to Piazza delle Erbe, once the site of the Roman forum and now lively with cafés and colorful market stalls, and then to Piazza dei Signori, the city’s former political heart, surrounded by noble palaces and graced by Dante’s statue. Your guide will then lead you to Juliet’s House, with its famous balcony that inspired Shakespeare, and to Ponte Pietra, offering beautiful views of the Adige River and the surrounding hills. After some free time for lunch or shopping in the historic center, the tour continues in the afternoon into the gentle hills of Valpolicella, a land of fine wines and ancient traditions. Here, you’ll visit a prestigious winery, where you’ll discover the secrets of the renowned Amarone production and enjoy a guided tasting of selected wines. Return to your hotel for the overnight.

Start your day with a round of golf at the prestigious Arzaga Golf Club, set amid the rolling landscapes of Lake Garda. The resort features two world-class courses: an 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus II and a 9-hole course by Gary Player; each offering a distinctive challenge. Wide fairways, strategic bunkers, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills create a perfect balance of beauty and precision. In the afternoon transfer to Sirmione, where you will meet a local guide who will give you special insights of the monuments and the history of the village. Your guided walking tour of Sirmione begins at the entrance to the old town, where you’ll cross the drawbridge of the Scaliger Castle, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress that once guarded the peninsula. As you stroll through charming cobblestone streets, your guide will lead you past the Casa di Maria Callas, the elegant villa where the legendary soprano once stayed, sharing stories of her time in Sirmione and her enduring connection to the town. You’ll then visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, a 15th-century gem built on Roman foundations, featuring delicate frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere. The tour continues uphill to the Church of San Pietro in Mavino, Sirmione’s oldest church, dating back to the 8th century. Surrounded by olive trees, it offers stunning views of Lake Garda and ancient frescoes. Return to your hotel for the overnight.  

Check out from your hotel on lake Garda, and reach with a comfortable private transfer Milan, enjoying scenic views as you leave the tranquil lakeside behind for Italy’s vibrant fashion and cultural capital. Upon arrival, drop the bags at your hotel and meet your expert local guide for a captivating guided tour of Milan’s historic heart, a city where timeless elegance meets cutting-edge style. Your exploration begins at the awe-inspiring Duomo, an architectural masterpiece adorned with thousands of marble spires and statues. Step inside to admire its soaring vaults and the play of light through the stained-glass windows, or ascend to the rooftop terraces for breathtaking views over the city’s skyline. Just steps away lies the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century arcade of glass and iron, where Milan’s refined spirit comes to life among luxury boutiques and historic cafés. Continue to the celebrated Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, and learn about its illustrious history and famous performers. As you wander through elegant streets and picturesque piazzas, your guide will reveal the stories that shaped Milan—from its Roman origins and Renaissance splendor under the Sforza family to its role today as Italy’s capital of fashion and design. Overnight in central Milan