DAY 1 ROME
Monday July 5

After arrival at your luxury hotel, the group will meet Michael Trembath and Elizabeth Toumbos for a welcoming drink, followed by a dinner at one of their favourite restaurants.

DAY 2 ROME
Tuesday July 6

Golf begins today at Italy’s 9th highest rated course. As one of Italy’s oldest golf courses and located in the heart of Rome, it is not surprising that we play alongside ancient Roman aqueducts! The evening is free to explore the eternal city.

DAY 3 TUSCANY
Wednesday July 7

We depart this morning for the town of Castellina in Chianti Classico, staying in the beautifully-renovated municipal Palazzo. Lunch is free to explore the cobbled streets, followed by an afternoon visit to Brancaia, multi-award
winning winery and home to the Super Tuscan ‘Il Blu’. The evening will be spent enjoying Chianti and artisanal wood-fired Pizza.

DAY 4 TUSCANY
Thursday July 8

Today’s golf course is Italy’s oldest, originally built in 1889 and it features some challenging long par 3s and some equally challenging short par 4s! The rest of the day is free to soak up the magnificent view from the swimming pool, stroll the shops or join in a local Cheese and Chianti Classico tasting at the nearby enoteca.

DAY 5 TUSCANY
Friday July 9

This morning, we depart for Florence travelling through Radda and around the base of the ancient volcano of Vertine, stopping at Poggerino. Winemaker Piero Lanza is one of the leading Chianti Classico producers and will host a winery tour and tasting, followed by a lunch of local specialties. In Florence, we stay adjacent to Brunelleschi’s famous duomo and the evening is free to enjoy a ‘passegiata’.

DAY 6 TUSCANY
Saturday July 10

The second Tuscan golf course is Arnold Palmer designed and home to the Ladies Italian Golf Open. In the evening, we will dine at Cibreo Trattoria, one of Florence’s finest dining experiences.

DAY 7 PIEDMONT
Sunday July 11

Today we depart for Bra, Piedmont, the home of ‘Slow Food’. Our journey there follows the Italian Riviera and allows for free time on the way in Santa Margherita and Portofino over lunch. The evening is free to discover Bra’s eno-gastronomic delights.

DAY 8 PIEDMONT
Monday July 12

Today we play a delightful course winding around the lakes and streams formed by the conjunction of the Tanaro and Stura rivers. Pines, sycamores, hornbeams and oaks abound. The evening is sure to delight with a dinner in the ‘giardino’ of one of Piedmont’s classic countryside restaurants.

DAY 9 PIEDMONT
Tuesday July 13

Forget the golf - this day is, fittingly, all about wine and food. Firstly, Manuel Marchetti at Marcarini will explain the mysteries of the Nebbiolo grape, responsible for the statuesque Barolo and Barbaresco wines. The views from his hilltop winery are as breathtaking as the wine itself! Lunch will be under the pergola at a nearby Osteria, boasting an equally spectacular panorama. Following lunch, we will visit the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, where we will have exclusive access to the old Royal Cellars and the ‘Banca del Vino’. Evening free.

DAY 10 LOMBARDY
Wednesday July 14

We head for the Italian lakes region and the ‘Jewel of Lake Garda’, the old fishing port of Desenzano. Enjoy a free evening in Desenzano.

DAY 11 LOMBARDY
Thursday July 15

Today’s golf is at the Jack Nicklaus Jr. designed Palazzo Arzaga. Resting golfers might like to take advantage of the resort’s spa facilities. In late afternoon, we will take a ferry ride across the lake to Sirmione. The medieval moated fortress rises above the town and its two delightful ‘piazze’, in one of which we will enjoy a dinner of regional specialities including lake fish.

DAY 12 LOMBARDY
Friday July 16

One of the highlights of the tour will be today’s visit to Bellavista, the leading Italian producer of Franciacorta, Italy’s Champagne-style sparkling wine. Our visit will be hosted by Italy’s 2008 ‘Enologist of the Year’, Mattia Vezzola, followed by a relaxing lunch on the property. A quick trip down the ‘Autostrada Serennisima’ will see us in the old walled town of Soave and the cellars of Pieropan, the appellation leader and best producer of this delightful Chablis-style dry white. Evening free.

DAY 13 VENICE
Saturday July 17

We are staying at a sumptuous hotel on the Dorsoduro, near the Accademia and Guggenheim museums. Our early afternoon arrival should leave plenty of free time to explore the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’s’ canals, bridges, museums and cafes.

DAY 14 VENICE
Sunday July 18

Not many people are aware that there is a very good golf course in Venice, let alone one that has hosted three Italian Opens. There’s more. It’s on The Lido (the tongue of land that forms the lagoon); it’s in Italy’s Top 10 and to get to it, we have to take a water taxi. Once there, club in hand, your options are simple: 1) Fairway 2) Trees 3) Water!! Tonight’s farewell dinner features traditional Venetian cuisine and wine.

DAY 15 DEPARTURE
Monday July 19

Departure. Our chartered coach will transfer you to Milan Malpensa airport or Milan City for on-stays.