TOUR 3: DESENZANO TO VENICE - 6 days
Wednesday July 14 - Monday July 19, 2010

This tour takes in the delights of the beautiful Italian lakes region, commencing as it does in Desenzano,
the ‘Jewel of Lake Garda’. The tour accompanies the northern/eastern sweep of the Grand Tour,
through Lombardy and the Veneto, visiting Venice and finishing in Milan.

There are two challenging golf courses with the common theme of water, two of northern Italy’s best wine producers,
three dinners and a relaxing lunch, all featuring regional produce and excellent local wines.

DAY 1 LOMBARDY
Wednesday July 14

After arrival into Milan, your transfer will take you to the Italian lakes region and the ‘Jewel of Lake Garda’, the old fishing port of Desenzano. Accommodation is at one of the area’s leading hotels right on the lakefront, with unparalleled views up the lake to the alps, particularly from the rooftop swimming pool! The evening features a Bellavista reception.

DAY 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 DEPARTURE
Monday July 19

Departure. After breakfast, our coach will transfer you to Milan Malpensa airport or Milan City for on-stays.