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Turin has recently made headlines as the hometown of Francesco Molinari. Together with Piedmont, of which it is the capital, they are gaining recognition among golfers who have discovered outstanding courses (among the best in Italy) and exceptional wines (in fierce competition with those from Tuscany).
With these two highlights in mind, we have crafted an enticing itinerary for golf enthusiasts with a penchant for fine wine. The journey begins in the Langhe, the region's renowned wine area, and concludes in Turin. Turin, once the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy before its transfer to Rome, still retains its historical charm and significance
Meet and greet at the airport of Milan Malpensa MXP. Porters will take care of your luggage at the carousel. Our assistant will help you with the rental car procedures. Drive along the motorway westwards to Turin and check-in at your hotel Late in the afternoon, you will meet a local guide in the hall of the hotel and together you will visit the town ending at the famous Caffè Al Bicerin (read more in the Curiosities), a historical bar where you can taste the bicerin: the typical hot drink of Torino was born here, made according to the old original recipe with coffee, chocolate and cream. Something you cannot miss!
Today, you will play one of the two courses at Royal Park I Roveri. Once back to the hotel, you will be on your own at the discovery of this fascinating town covering different themes: from the Egyptian Museum, the second in the world after the one at Cairo, to the Museo dell’Auto (Car Museum) to the Centro Storico Fiat (the FCA) hosts a collection of automobiles, mementos, models and advertising manifestos spanning the company's entire history. Without forgetting the chocolate, whose Turin is the world capital, the wine, the famous Martini: as you can see, there is something for everyone.
Today, you have to drive for 50 minutes to reach one of the best golf courses in Europe: Biella Le Betulle. This area is very famous for the production of the wool and cashmere and many are the factory outlets open to the public. Take your time to visit one of them. You will be provided with a complete list of them.
Today, you will leave your car at the hotel because you will visit some vineyards in the Langhe Wine Area and, considering you are going to taste some wines, you cannot drive by yourselves: a private car will be at your disposal for the day. You will visit a wine cellar followed by a lunch and by a visit to the Wine Bank where you will enter a different wine activity: a pairing of Aged white wines with traditional cheese. It will be a snapshot of the Italian world of white wine, through a selection of 5 different white grapes paired with traditional cheese or “Presidi Slow Food“. You will taste 5 white wines from Italy paired with cheese
Today, you will play one of the two courses at Torino La Mandria, the home golf club of Francesco Molinari. In the afternoon, you will visit a chocolate shop and enter a chocolate tasting
After checking out from your hotel in Turin, embark on a 1.5-hour drive to Stresa, one of the most charming lakeside villages on Lake Maggiore. Along the way, make a stop at the magnificent Golf Des Iles Borromees for a delightful lunch and a round of 18 holes. Following your golfing adventure, it's time to check in at your hotel in Stresa. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind at your leisure.
Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Borromean Islands. Depart from your hotel in the morning and embark on a full-day excursion to explore Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional trattoria on one of the islands. Throughout the journey, a tour guide will accompany you, sharing fascinating stories about the history of Palazzo Borromeo and the unique monumental Baroque architecture of the area. Your package includes tickets and entry passes. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel to freshen up before indulging in a four-course dinner, complete with wine, at the hotel's restaurant. It's a perfect way to cap off your day of island exploration.
Today is the last day dedicated to golf. You won't have to travel far: the beautiful Castelconturbia Golf Club is only 40 minutes from your hotel in Stresa. There, you will play the 18 holes leisurely and relax in the clubhouse until you decide to return to your hotel. The remaining part of the day will be on your own to get prepared for the departure of the following day.
Check-out. Drive to Milan airport.
| DAY | GOLF | NIGHT |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Turin | |
| 02 | Royal Park I Roveri | Turin |
| 03 | Biella Le Betulle | Turin |
| 04 | Turin | |
| 05 | Golf Des Iles Borromees | Stresa |
| 06 | Turin | |
| 07 | Castelconturbia Golf Club | Stresa |
| 08 | Departure |
The original course was built in 1971 by architect Robert Trent Jones Senior. Born June 20, 1906, Jones designed (or redesigned) about 500 golf courses worldwide. It was said jokingly: “The sun never sets on a Robert Trent Jones golf course”.
The courses designed by Jones are famous for landscape art, the innovative use of bunkers, the widespread use of water hazards and the skilful arrangement of greens and obstacles to encourage careful game strategy. In his view golf had to be without risks: a sport without rewards: his design encourages bold play
In recent years the course has been extended by a further 18 holes whose design was entrusted to Michael Hurdzan.
Hurdzan is internationally recognized as an authority in the development of golf courses. He was the president of the American Association of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), he studied turf management at the University of Ohio, obtained a master’s degree in landscape architecture and a doctorate in physiology of landscape plants.
Players at the Betulle are always pleasantly surprised at the beautiful natural surroundings; The views are splendid: the morainic Serra hill to the left, the foothills of the Alps which seem to form the boundary of the Biella Golf Club. The 18-hole "Betulle" course, which is rated as one of the ten best courses in Italy, is situated at an altitude of about 600 metres above sea level. It was designed in 1957 by the English architect John Morrison. A natural course, of high technical calibre, for many years the club hosted the prestigious "Lancia D'Oro" Trophy where the top European professionals played. The Club's amenities also include an elegant guesthouse with 20 rooms for golfing enthusiasts who also enjoy a peaceful country holiday.
Comment from Peugeot Golf Guide
Biella has made a name for Italian design. It is also the site of one of the more discreet but also one of the greatest golf courses in the whole of Italy, a course where architectural design plays second fiddle to the beauty of the landscape and terrain that were just made for golf. Yet it still took the designer skills of John Morrison to perfect the chemistry.
The course has since been lengthened to meet the demands of the modern game, but unless you have the technique of a budding champion, we would recommend the normal tees to avoid needless suffering. There is a very British feel to this course, which brings strategically located bunkers into play, along with diabolic ditches and no end of oak, chestnut and birch trees. Add to all this a remarkable touch of variety and you'll realize that here, sobriety does not necessarily mean monotony. All in all, a great test of golf in superb surroundings, but maybe a little too tough for inexperienced players.
Torino La Mandria is the home golf club of Francesco Molinari.
This is the elderly neighbour to “I Roveri”, a 36 hole resort the most challenging section of which is the “Percorso Blu”. With very respectable yardage, it was designed by John Morrison and underwent a number of more recent changes under the supervision of Graham Cooke. Age-old trees are almost everywhere but the fairways are wide enough to avoid any risk of claustrophobia. The greens are well defended by bunkers on a course that has classic British characters. A few stretches of water have been cleverly brought into play, but here again it is always possible to make up for your mistakes. In all, this gives an easily walk-able, very pleasant and well-landscaped course that is demanding enough for low-handicap golfers and not too tough for high-handicappers. The other course, the “Percorso giallo” is more or less the same sort of layout only with more water in play and presents an excellent additional layout on this very well maintained site.
Golf Club Des Iles Borromées, situated 600 meters above sea level, offers golfers a beautiful alpine experience with views of Sempione and Val Grande mountains. On a clear day, the 18th hole tee provides panoramic views of Milan's skyline, Lago Maggiore, Lago di Varese, Monate, Comabbio, and the Ticino Alps. The course is graced by natural flora, including birches, pines, ash, larch, oak, holm oak, and chestnut trees. The layout was thoughtfully designed by architect Marco Croze, utilizing the natural terrain's slopes and hazards. Each hole presents its unique challenge, with hole 5 as a par 3, 150 meters uphill, and hole 11 as a challenging par 5 measuring 525 meters with a lake bordering the green. The course is open year-round, offering pleasant temperatures and a gentle breeze, making it a golfing paradise in the Lake Maggiore region.
Castelconturbia Golf Course is a gem designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., renowned for its stunning natural surroundings and challenging terrain. With 27 holes spread across three courses (Red, Yellow, and Blue), it provides varied golfing experiences suitable for all levels of players. The course, set against the backdrop of ancient forests and mountains, is known for its small lakes and slightly rippled terrain, creating a picturesque setting. The club offers various amenities, including a Club House with guest rooms, an excellent restaurant, a pool, tennis courts, a gym, a driving range, and putting greens.
Hole 7 on the Yellow Course: Hole 7 is a technically spectacular par 4, featuring pine woods at the tee and an oak tree area leading to the green. The view from the green, with the Club House and Monte Rosa in the background, is unforgettable. The green, perched above a small pond surrounded by weeping willow trees, creates a picturesque scene, especially when beautifully lit in the evening from the Club House terrace.
Turin Nights 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
The Albergo dell’Agenzia is a marvelous hotel in Pollenzo, in Piedmont, housed in the same complex of the University of Gastronomic Sciences and the Wine Bank.
The hotel offers rooms where the relax of the guests is taken into consideration. Indeed in the hotel and in the rooms there is available free Wi-Fi, Sky TV and free minibar.
Thanks to its history, dated back to the King Carlo Alberto of Savoy, is possible to see and explore the world of the Savoy and their royal estate, while exploring the wine world thanks to the Wine Bank, a spectacular cellar where is possible to see and taste wines that goes back to the 14th century.
The hotel also offers a wonderful and equipped SPA, where is possible to find relax thanks to the swimming pool, the wellness center and the new room completely dedicated to the massages.
Stresa Nights 6 - 7 - 8
The Grand Hotel et des Iles Borromées is a luxurious and historic 5-star hotel located in Stresa, Italy, along the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore. This iconic hotel boasts a blend of Belle Époque architecture and modern amenities, providing guests with a refined and opulent stay. The hotel offers a variety of elegantly decorated rooms and suites, many of which feature stunning views of the lake and the Borromean Islands. Its exceptional facilities include multiple gourmet restaurants, a spa and wellness center, an outdoor swimming pool, private gardens, and access to the exclusive Iles Borromées Golf Club. With its rich history and timeless elegance, the Grand Hotel et des Iles Borromées remains a top destination for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
Turin Nights 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
At the Turin Palace Hotel, you will experience an unforgettable stay in a unique atmosphere, full of appeal and absolute comfort. Our hotel is in Turin city centre, where you can enjoy a spectacular view from our wonderful terrace.
The light-filled rooms in our recently remodelled, historic 1870 building exude mystique and elegance and welcome our guests in an ambience of pleasant relaxation.
The Turin Palace Hotel is also an opportunity to refresh your body and mind in the warm Wellness Area & Spa and enjoy the pleasures of fine dining with the refined gastronomical creations at the restaurant Les Petites Madeleines.
Stresa Nights 6 - 7 - 8
The Grand Hotel Bristol is a distinguished 4-star hotel situated in Stresa, Italy, overlooking the serene waters of Lake Maggiore. This historic hotel combines classic architecture with contemporary comforts, offering guests a refined and comfortable experience. The hotel provides a range of well-appointed rooms and suites, some with enchanting lake views. Its facilities encompass a fine dining restaurant, a charming bar, an outdoor swimming pool, lush gardens, and event spaces for gatherings and conferences. Located within proximity to the Stresa town center and nearby attractions, the Grand Hotel Bristol is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of elegance and accessibility on the shores of Lake Maggiore.
At Golf in Italy, we take pride in offering truly unique and personalized tours that are tailor-made to meet the specific needs and desires of each of our clients.
To receive a customized tour that exceeds your expectations, simply send us an inquiry including dates, group size, budget, and interests. Our experienced team will work tirelessly to create a unique tour that fits your needs, with attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.
The Wine Bank is one of the most important wine collections of Italian wines in the world, all handpicked by a commission of experts.
The Wine Bank offers a unique experience: a journey through Italian wine excellence with guided visits, tasting workshops, tours of the Langhe and Roero districts in search of their fabulous cellars and vineyards. The Bank promotes wine and wine culture in collaboration with Slow Food and the University of Gastronomic Sciences, organizing a multitude of initiatives, among which the recent institution of a Master in Wine Culture, a postgraduate course designed to train wine tellers, the future ambassadors of wines from the local area.
Experience the diverse world of Piedmont's wines with our wine activities. Explore the food and wine emotions with three exquisite wine tastings paired with regional delicacies. Journey through the Terroir Piemontesi and enjoy 5 DOCG/DOC wine tastings. Delve into the Langhe vineyards with Barolo and Barbaresco, and discover Italian classics like Barolo, Brunello, and Amarone. Try aged white wines with traditional cheeses, find your ideal wine and chocolate pairing, explore the Nebbiolo grape, and experience the influence of soil diversity on wine through 5 distinct expressions.
The Caffè Al Bicerin portrayed by the writer Umberto Eco in the historical novel The Prague Cemetery:
… I pushed my way to one of Turin’s legendary places at that time. Dressed as a Jesuit, and mischievously enjoying the curiosity I arouse. I arrived at Caffè Al Bicerin, close to the Sanctuary of the Consolata, to taste their milk, fragrant with cocoa, coffee and their flavours, served in a glass with metal holder and handle. I was not to know that one of my heroes, Alexandre Dumas, would write about bicerin a few years later, but during the course of only two or three visits to that magical place I learned all about that nectar…
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It was a magnificent place, with its wrought-iron frontage edged by advertising panels, its cast-iron columns and capitals and, inside, wooden boiseries decorated with mirrors, marble-topped tables and, behind the counter, almond-scented jars with forty different types of confectionery. I enjoyed standing there watching, particularly on Sundays, when this drink was nectar for those who had fasted in preparation of communion and needed some sustenance on leaving the Consolata – and a bicerin was also much prized during the Lenten fast since hot chocolate was not regarded as food. What hypocrites.
But, pleasure of coffee and chocolate apart, what I most enjoyed was appearing to be someone else: the thought that people had no idea who I really was gave me a sense of superiority. I had a secret.
Discover Turin's iconic Mole Antonelliana, a towering masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Once a synagogue, it now houses the National Cinema Museum. Take an elevator to the panoramic viewpoint for breathtaking city views. Don't miss the interactive displays inside the museum, which delve into the fascinating history of filmmaking.
Turin boasts grand Royal Residences, including the Palace of Venaria, where you can explore opulent Baroque rooms and splendid gardens. Sample luscious chocolate at Turin's historic cafes, a treat made famous in this city. Explore the Royal Palace of Turin and its museum, home to an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts.
Embark on a truffle hunt in the Piedmont countryside, accompanied by expert truffle hunters and their trained dogs. Afterwards, savor exquisite truffle-infused dishes in charming local restaurants. Piedmont is also known for its exceptional wines, offering wine enthusiasts vineyard tours and tastings of renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines.
"Golf in Italy" is not just a suggestion; it's the name of our Italian-based company, operating since 1984 with the primary aim of promoting golf in Italy. As you can imagine, we encountered challenges in persuading golfers to consider Italy as a potential destination for their golf vacations. However, times have changed, the Ryder Cup in Rome has ended, and Italy now frequently graces the catalogs of leading golf operators worldwide. We like to believe that this newfound recognition is a testament to our unwavering belief in Italy's golfing potential all those years ago. With our extensive experience, we take pride in being the #1 choice among Italian golf agencies. We offer a level of service and assistance that sets us apart from the rest, and we are committed to delivering exceptional golf experiences in Italy.
"Welcome to Italy, the land of Food, Wine, Art, Motors, Soccer, and... Good Golf Life!
You may wonder, what does golf have to do with all of that? It's a good question! Let's find a way to connect golf with the unique aspects that define Italy.
When we began promoting Italy as a golf destination, we found ourselves up against fierce competition from well-known golf destinations like the British Isles, Spain, and Portugal. We felt like a boutique shop trying to compete with a supermarket. So, what was our solution? We decided to present Italy as a boutique destination, where clients could discover some of the most refined experiences all in one place. And what better place than Italy for such fine things?
Imagine waking up at 7 am, enjoying breakfast at 7:45 am, heading to the golf course by 9 am, teeing off at 9:30 am, savoring lunch or a beer with snacks at the 19th hole, returning to the hotel by 3:30 pm for a quick refresh, venturing out to explore the town or go on an excursion at 4 pm, indulging in an aperitif while sitting outside a bar in a charming square, watching people go by and savoring the last hours of sunshine at 8 pm, and finally, having a delightful dinner at a restaurant at 8:45 pm. At 11 pm, you can once again immerse yourself in the town for...
Doesn't it sound enticing? However, we don't want to distract you from golf, so let's discuss the golf courses in Italy."
To golf in Italy is often perceived as a sport reserved for the affluent, although, in reality, activities like skiing often entail higher costs. The misconception persists due to the absence of public courses, as Italy predominantly boasts private clubs, inadvertently reinforcing the notion that golf is an exclusive pastime that deters many from exploring it as a new sporting pursuit. In further affirmation of golf's perceived exclusivity, the highest concentration of courses is found in Northern Italy, considered the country's wealthiest area. Stretching from Turin to Venice, encompassing captivating regions like Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Milan, Lake Garda, and Verona, there are a staggering 160 golf courses to be discovered. The prime areas for golf enthusiasts, where one can revel in the opportunity to play a different course each day, include Piedmont, the Lakes District (comprising Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, and Lake Garda), Veneto (with Venice as its regional capital), Emilia Romagna, Tuscany (both Florence and the seaside), Umbria, Rome, and the emerging golf destination of Apulia in the South. Although Apulia is gaining prominence, it faces challenges due to limited flight connectivity. Last but certainly not least, Sicily, with an impressive addition of 5 new resorts, brings the total number of courses to 7. With such a concentration of golf courses within each region, travel times are minimal, and the well-developed network of roads and motorways ensures that foreign visitors can effortlessly explore the country, encountering minimal or no logistical hurdles along the way.
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Daniele Discacciati
Project Manager & Travel Agent at Golf in Italy