Culture & cuisine in the Veneto
In the hinterland of the lagoon city of Venice, the home of Prosecco and Valpolicella, you can play between the villas of Palladio and the thermal baths of Montegrotto. Voted "Undiscovered Destination of the Year" by the IAGTO in 2013, the region between Venice and Lake Garda is now one of the best Italy has to offer with 40 golf courses.
Culture & Cuisine & Golf
A golf trip to Veneto is like a journey through centuries of cultures with scenic and architectural contrasts, medieval towns and romantic waterways and wine routes. In the midst of it all, golf courses beckon that will delight golfers with an affinity for pleasure. Because one thing is clear: the "dolce vita" also applies to golfers here. In other words: an espresso before the round, a break after 9 holes with delicacies from the buffet and the whole range of Italian cuisine with excellent wines and grappa after the round.
Treviso lies in the middle of the Venetian Po Valley, a few kilometers north of Venice. Here, the medieval facades are picturesquely reflected in the river and in the numerous canals of the old town. You can experience medieval Treviso on a walk along the Buranelli Canal, which once played an important role in the city's defense against the French. Our recommendation: take a stroll in the lively old town around Piazza dei Signori with its typical frescoes and then enjoy a delicious meal at the ancient Ristorante le Beccherie, where tiramisu was "born". www.lebeccherie.it
If you want culture, then do it right: the Marca Trevigiana area is characterized by thousand-year-old places of art and history, gastronomic brands such as Prosecco, radicchio or the Casatella Trevigiana as well as historic villas from the Palladio era, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the 24 villas in the Veneto region is the 18th century Villa Contarini Nenzi - today a 4-star hotel set in a beautiful English park. Here you can stay in style in a historic ambience, dine amidst murals and silver decorations and enjoy the amenities of a spa. www.hotelvillacontarininenzo.com
Golf flirt with Costantino Rocca
What an experience: the golf day at GC Verona turns out to be the highlight of our trip as none other than Costantino Rocca does us the honor here. As a 60-year-old Italian golf hero, he is affable and charming and is not above giving us a few good tips on the driving range.
It has to be said that "CR" is still regarded as Italy's golfing figurehead - despite the talented Molinari brothers. Rocca almost won the majors behind John Daly on the Old Course in St. Andrews in 1995 after a legendary 18-meter putt. Two years later, he lost the Masters in Augusta to the young Tiger Woods, but won against him as Italy's first Ryder Cup player in the 1997 Ryder Cup. Today, he plays successfully on the European Senior's Tour, which he won in Ireland in 2007.
Something like that would be impossible with Langer & Co., we think, and shamelessly exploit this opportunity. In his and our honor, star chef Giuseppe D'Aquino then presents his show kitchen and delicious pasta di pomodori - at star level, of course. The stylish ambience of the clubhouse restaurant and, of course, the wine accompaniment with Prosecco di Valdobbiadene and white Custoza from the region are also perfect. Its vines also accompany us along the golf courses of the GC Verona. 18 holes with Costantino Rocca in gently undulating terrain with little water but with a few blind holes are like a lesson in golf - without the hustle and bustle, some good advice and lots of jokes. Because golf can also be fun! www.golfclubverona.com
What would an evening in Italy be without a brilliant meal? Especially as the organizers of this trip from the Consorzio di Promozione Turistica Marca Treviso also like to adorn themselves with Costantino Rocca. After a 20-minute drive to Lake Garda, we head to Locanda San Vigilio in Lago di Garda, a little gem from the 16th century with just 14 rooms and suites, some with their own private garden and a much-acclaimed restaurant right on the lake. Here, the ancient charm of antiquity meets modern, contemporary cuisine with a well-stocked wine cellar and exquisite service. www.locanda-sanvigilio.it
Pomp and morbid charm meets modern greenery
Many of Veneto's golf courses are located on land steeped in history, some even on former country estates of old noble families. This is why the clubhouses are located in lovingly restored stately villas - such as on the grounds of Villa Condulmer, a 5-star hotel from the 18th century surrounded by the 18 holes of the golf course of the same name. Even the approach through the stately park suggests a castle-like building. And you won't be disappointed: from the lobby with frescoes and ceiling paintings to the differently furnished rooms and suites, the ambience is true to the style of the aristocratic properties of 300 years ago. Even if the ravages of time have already taken their toll here and some of the 79 rooms are no longer up to date, you can enjoy the peace and quiet in the park, by the pool in the stately garden and, of course, on the golf course.
The Villa Condulmer Golf Course was originally designed by John Harris in 1960 as a 9-hole course with wide fairways between mature trees. Marco Croze has managed to update John Harris' traditional design on the second 9 holes and spice it up with a few water holes. You can therefore expect a varied game on today's championship course. The adjoining restaurant has been in the hands of the same family for over 40 years and specializes in excellent Venetian cuisine and wines. This also attracts people from nearby Mogliano and from Venice, 20 minutes away. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a typical English tea and bridge room and a large terrace with a view of the Parkland Course. www.hotelvillacondulmer.it
The best is usually saved for last: In our case, it was the GC Montecchia - a leading golf course near Padua. It was only built in 1988 by British golfer Tom Macauley and extends over 90 hectares on the edge of the Colli Euganei Nature Park. Eye-catching features include the old castle and the impressive clubhouse, which has been stylishly integrated into the existing building of a former tobacco drying plant. Two restaurants pamper golfing guests here - the La Montecchia restaurant, run by the well-known Alajmo family, has even been awarded a Michelin star.
Right next to it is the magnificent castle of Conte Emo Capodilista from the 16th century, which is also one of the Palladian villas. But that's just one of the reasons why you shouldn't miss this square. Just because of the interesting layout with many water hazards, bird breeding grounds, old trees and young flowering shrubs as well as the generously laid out, rather flat 27 holes. All fairways, greens and bunkers at "della Montecchia" are in top condition. Nevertheless, the course does have its pitfalls and the well-positioned bunkers pose a challenge for golfers of all handicaps. A concentrated game and good tactics help - as with any game. www.golfmontecchia.it
There is certainly a lot more to tell about the region and its golfing highlights. For example, about the waterways to the golf courses with overnight stays on the boat: from Villa Condulmer to Burano - GC Jesolo and on to GC Asagio. A short trip is just something to browse through. We enjoyed it anyway - maybe you will too?
Further information is available from: Laura Bortolato
Consorzio di Promozione Turistica Marca Treviso
Via Venier, 55 - 31100 Treviso (TV)
Mob.+39 3358388297
www.marcatreviso.it
Info German: Andreas Höllerl
marketing@golfinveneto.to
Info from the tour operator:
Sonja Erhard-Sworowski
Oscar Reisen T: 0821 - 50955 - 26
erhard@oscarreisen.de,
www.oscarreisen.de
Text: Elsa Honecker
