Venezia

Founded in 1928, Circolo Golf Venezia stands among Italy's oldest courses. Originally a classic Scottish links course on Alberoni's sandy dunes, it has evolved into a highly technical, tree-lined course, set against the backdrop of an ancient Venetian fort. The Venice course, frequented by historical figures, offers a challenging yet memorable experience, consistently ranked in Italy's top 10. Its proximity to Venice makes it a sought-after destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Adjacent to the enchanting city of Venice, Circolo Golf Venezia offers a timeless escape. Designed by Cruikshank and refined by C.K. Cotton and Marco Croze, this course winds through dune landscapes, complemented by poplar, pine, and olive trees. The enduring British influence ensures a forgiving round, though caution is still key in this serene setting with water hazards and prevailing winds adding an exciting challenge. Plan your golfing adventure today at Circolo Golf Venezia, a historic gem on Italy's golfing map.

Firenze Ugolino

Golf Club dell'Ugolino, near Florence in scenic Chianti, offers an 18-hole course amid lush hills and vineyards. Designed by Blandford & Gannon, it's a challenging par 72. First nine holes traverse elevations, the second nine flatter but demanding. Circolo Golf Firenze, Italy's oldest, opened in 1933, boasting a hilly course. While not long enough for pros, it's perfect for amateur tournaments, emphasizing precision. Enjoy the beauty and history at Ugolino, and complement your visit with a glass of local Chianti wine.

Le Pavoniere

Golf Club Le Pavoniere, just 2 miles from Prato near Florence, underwent a transformation from a 6-hole layout into a captivating 18-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer. Prato, a historical industrial hub turned economic star, boasts the Pecci Foundation, a rare Italian contemporary art museum.
Situated in a fertile plain along the Arno River, the course incorporates water features and gently undulating terrain. Holm-oak woods, cluster pines, and iconic Tuscan cypresses adorn the landscape. Play the strategically designed course, suited for various skill levels.

Marco Simone

You can bet that very few foreign tourists coming to visit Rome have heard of Tivoli. Yet it is one of the most magic spots imaginable, particularly with the gardens and fountains of la Villa d'Este or the archaeological wealth of the villa Adriana, the former mansion of Emperor Hadrian. The 27 holes that grace the Marco Simone golf course are less than 10 kilometres away, laid out over steeply rolling countryside (buggy recommended). Leaning against a former castle belonging to designer Laura Biagiotti, the club-house is huge and facilities luxurious, including tennis courts, swimming pool and health centre but reserved for members only. The course, designed with much imagination by architect Jim Fazio, has the merit of being tough from the back tees but easier the further forward you go, which is only logical. Water hazards and the shaping of greens and bunkers create a very American feel, tempered only by the landscape of the Roman countryside. A very good course, already mature.

Roma Acquasanta

In countryside as lazy and as peaceful as this, it is hard to believe you are so close to the centre of Rome and a few hundred metres from Cinecittà. Maybe we are on the "new" Via Appia, alongside the old one. The view from the aqueduct that carried spring water to the capital of the Roman empire is a constant reminder of the history that surrounds this part of Italy. The Acquasanta course is all part of it, being the oldest club in Italy and one that has entertained kings, princes and movie stars. above all, it is a great old-style course in a superb setting of plants and trees, although the latter are never too present. This is a pleasantly sloping course crossed by streams, often just in front of the greens. And thanks to the variety of the layout, you are never tired of playing here. Both spectacular and natural, the course blends delicately into the landscape of typical Roman countryside. A golf very much "dolce vita" style.

DELUXE option

Palazzo Sant’Angelo

Venice Nights 1 – 2
A stay at Sina Palazzo Sant’Angelo, a luxury hotel in Venice overlooking the Grand Canal, between Ponte di Rialto and Ponte dell'Accademia, is always unique and unforgettable.
Rooms and suites are decorated in a Venetian classical style with a special attention to detail and many of them offer a lovely view of the Grand Canal.
The La Fenice Theater and the Accademia bridge are just a few steps away from the Hotel.

Relais Santa Croce

Florence Nights 3 - 4 – 5
Located in the historic centre, Baglioni Relais Santa Croce is a noble 18th century Palazzo, the only Relais & Châteaux charming property in Florence. Be enraptured by the enchantment of a truly extraordinary place surrounded by fine furnishings and frescoed ceilings.
Baglioni Relais Santa Croce is also home to the Guelfi & Ghibellini Restaurant, on the 1st floor of the Palazzo, and to the Enoteca Pinchiorri, three Michelin-starred, one of Italy’s most famed gastronomic establishments.
A monumental chandelier hung in the centre of the Sala della Musica, a majestic ballroom, supported by a historic wooden trusses based on a Leonardo da Vinci design. Guests can still admire its rare beauty on the upper floor. Relive the Renaissance’s atmosphere by discovering all cultural and musical events scheduled in this exclusive Florentine Salon.

Bernini Bristol

Rome Nights 6 - 7 – 8 – 9
The Bernini Bristol in Rome is the iconic 5-star hotel with over 140 years of rich history and considered to be one of the Eternal City’s luxury hôtellerie milestones. With its strategic position facing the stunning Piazza Barberini, located at the beginning of Via Veneto and a few steps from Piazza di Spagna and the Trevi Fountain, this luxury hotel has one of the most enviable locations in the Eternal City.
Each space has been renovated to celebrate Baroque art and reinterpreted in a modern style. Details and shapes of elegant and sophisticated beauty, which offer guests an experience of extraordinary exclusivity, are enhanced according to a Baroque aesthetic and refreshed by a contemporary design.
The rich juxtaposition of colors – predominantly gold and red – the sinuous lines that trace out voluptuous carvings, the mellow refinement of the materials and fabrics create an atmosphere that invites the guest to indulge in the most ecstatic and bewitching relaxation.
To complete your luxurious stay at Sina Bernini Bristol, savor the outstanding cuisine at The Flair - Rooftop Restaurant admiring the breathtaking view which overlooks the Eternal City. Guests can also spend some precious moments of pure relaxation at the WellBe Spa and Wellness Center.

SUPERIOR option

Bonvecchiati Palace

Venice Nights 1 – 2
Boutique hotel, design hotel, luxury hotel, the Palace Bonvecchiati is all this: an authentic contemporary luxury hotel located in the historical heart of the city, although away from the usual tourist bustle, and in an excellent position from where to visit the city on foot: in the labyrinth of narrow streets and small squares around the hotel you can find the most beautiful and popular sites of Venice, the stunning Saint Mark’s Square, with the Basilica, Museo Correr, Ducal Palace and the historical Caffè Florian and Quadri, theatres, the most prestigious boutiques of the master glassmakers of Murano and Italian and international designer brand shops.

Hotel Pierre

Florence Nights 3 - 4 – 5
4-star hotel in Florence, the Hotel Pierre awaits you in a fascinating Gothic style residence, in the splendid artistic and architectural context that has made Florence one of the world’s capitals of culture.
Among hotels in the center of Florence, the Hotel Pierre offers the best amenities and furnishings for a perfect balance between modernity and classic taste, rendering each one of its spaces and rooms comfortable and full of charm.
Just a short distance from the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio, the Hotel Pierre is the ideal choice for your stay in Florence.

Luxe Rose Garden Hotel

Rome Nights 6 - 7 – 8 – 9
The Luxe Rose Garden Hotel Roma is located in a restored historical townhome just off Via Veneto. Our rooms are spacious, elegant, and beautiful, offering gracious amenities and all the comforts of home. Step outside, and you’ll find the best shopping, dining, and sightseeing in Rome all within easy walking distance.
At Luxe Rose Garden Hotel Roma, your happiness is at the forefront of everything we do. That’s why each of our 57 double rooms and 8 spacious suites has been thoughtfully designed with your comfort and style in mind, featuring Louis XV furniture, refined wood floors, refreshing rain showers, and breathtaking city views available from the upper floors. For the best hotel rates in Rome, browse our collection of room types below.

Cicchetti in Venice

One of the traditional activities in Venice is drinking wine, and often with something tasty to eat, the famous cicchetti. If you go to one of the many taverns that are located in the city, the so-called bacari, you can hear authentic Venetians ask the bar tender for a ‘shadow.' But ... what is it? Just a glass of wine, usually red.
This curious way of calling it has its roots in the symbol of Venice: St Mark's Square. As can be seen in various prints and paintings, in the past the square was full of stalls, usually arranged around the base of St Mark's bell tower: junk shops, bakers, spice sellers, wine shops, etc....
The square was therefore the ideal place to meet and talk, usually accompanied by a good glass of wine. The wine merchants were very busy and in order not to spoil the precious liquid and keep it cool despite the heat that sometimes choked the city, they moved their stall around the Bell Tower chasing its shadow as the sun turned around. The wine had to maintain its quality, by being kept in the shade and the glass of wine remained forever... the shadow.
Would you like to taste an excellent 'shadow' combined with typical tasty snacks, the cicchetti? With our ‘Venetian savors: traditional Venice happy hour tour’ you will be accompanied to the best bars and osterie of the city to try the real Venetian aperitif! By Insidecom Editorial Staff

Michelangelo’s David

Curiosities Did you know that in Florence there are three copies of Michelangelo's David? The original sculpture of the David is in the Accademia Gallery of Florence. The second copy of the David is located in Piazza della Signoria (Duomo Square), just opposite the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace). The third copy is in the middle of Piazzale Michelangelo.
Did you know that David possesses the energy that characterizes Michelangelo's work? This wonderful sculpture transmits drama through its eyes with a body full of tension, the mark of its tendons, muscles and veins do not have violent gestures, but they are the elements that we can see in other works of this artist of the Renaissance.
Did you know that the gigantic Carrara marble block that was used by Michelangelo to sculpt the David was ruined? Three different artists tried to work in this block of marble leaving the work after having damaged it. The block of marble was in a state that no other sculptor wanted it, but Michelangelo accepted the challenge to sculpt it.

Why visit Michelangelo's David?

Michelangelo's David is one of the most representative works of the Italian Renaissance as well as being one of the most famous sculptures in the world. During the Renaissance, great Florentine sculptors such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Verrocchio carried out works by taking up the theme from the Bible where David is represented as a teenager, after having decapitated Goliath.
However, Michelangelo decided to represent with this work the moment before the confrontation. So we see a young David ready to hit the giant holding a stone in his right hand with a sling resting on his left shoulder.
The tension of this young shepherd in front of his terrible enemy was represented by Michelangelo with details like an intense expression in his eyes, an accurate contraction of the muscles showing the veins in relief where it would seem that the blood ran. Definitely Michelangelo's David is a masterpiece of the history of Florentine art and one of the most famous works in the history of mankind.

San Gimignano Towers

During the Medieval Times there was a general idea of isolation. As a matter of fact this is the reason why all the houses that were built during those years were towers, house-towers! House towers, or casa torre, had very small and narrow windows, as their only purpose was to change the air.
San Gimignano is also known as the city of beautiful towers; in fact once there were 72 towers within the walls. Nowadays, there are 14 survivors left. There are actually three kinds of towers in the village: bell towers, always by the Churches, house-towers as already mentioned, and watching towers along the walls, which were used to spot the enemies and to defend the inhabitants from a protected height.
In San Gimignano the towers have nicknames! The main tower is the torre grossa (thick tower), it is the biggest and tallest, belonging to the mayor. The there are the torri gemelle(twin towers), which were built by one single family wanting to celebrate the birth of two twins. There is also the torre rognosa (angry tower), which earned the nickname because after the family left it, it was turned into a prison (with a lot of angry people in it).

The naval battles at the Colosseum

The Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheater and one of the most recognizable symbols of Rome.
The construction began in 70 AD and ten years later it was completed. The building’s opening ceremony in 80 AD was as impressive as the Colosseum itself, lasting for 100 days with games such as animal fighting and gladiator duels.
With dimensions of 513 by 620 feet, the Colosseum held between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators.
The Colosseum was a venue for more than just gladiatorial games, though, used also for public executions and mythological plays. The Romans would often re-enact famous military victories, with free admission and food for all visitors. Perhaps the most spectacular events at the Colosseum, though, were the mock naval battles in the flooded arena.
These staged sea battles, called naumachiae, were held in places which could easily be flooded.
The first naval battle at the Colosseum was held in 80 AD, during the arena’s opening ceremony. Emperor Titus ordered the amphitheater to be flooded and had special flat-bottomed ships designed to accommodate for the shallow water.
The first naumachia at the Colosseum had 3000 combatants and replicated the battle between Athens and Syracuse. There was even an artificial island made in the middle of the arena, where the sailors landed and continued the fights.