River Cruises, Italy and Golf!

River cruises, Italy and golf may not be such an unlikely combination as it first appears.If you're a golfing enthusiast but you also like the idea of a water-based cruising holiday, then you may think that you may have to arrange two separate breaks if you want to pursue both activities.

If you also add spectacular scenery, world famous heritage sites, amazing food and wines and lots of sunshine onto your wish list, you may be forgiven for thinking that your ideal holiday just doesn’t exist. In fact you couldn’t be more wrong!

A holiday of choice

All you need to do is to think about river cruises, Italy and its scenery, architecture and history. Then throw in some top class golf courses and the names of some of the towns and cities you’d like to visit, like Venice, Mantua and Chioggia and just see how closely this matches your idea of the perfect holiday.

Up to 20 guests can be accommodated on some of the barges – also known as floating hotels - offering cruises in this beautiful area of rivers and canals. Group bookings are welcomed, so you know you will be sharing your experience with like-minded people. The barges offer luxuriously appointed accommodation and top quality chefs produce dishes showcasing the quality produce this fertile part of Italy has to offer. Sound good? Read on for more…

What to expect

Mornings may typically be spent cruising along the River Po or some of the canals of the Venetian lagoons. When it comes to river cruises, Italy has so much diversity, and your itinerary may include a visit to the historic town of Chioggia, which is steeped in Etruscan and Byzantine history. There’s also a fish market there.

At either end of the River Po, Mantua and Venice both obviously have their share of world famous attractions and visits to cathedrals, Ducal palaces and castles, will most certainly appear on your list of things to do. Don’t forget though that this part of Italy is home to some of the most famous of Italian wines, including Bardolino, Valpolicella and Soave, and your cruise will include the opportunity to take part in some wine tasting at one on the many local vineyards.

Then, in the afternoon you can work off some of those extra calories you might have been indulging in at one of the splendid golf courses in the area before heading back to the barge for a sumptuous dinner with some of the most splendid views you could imagine.

Don’t worry though if your partner doesn’t share your enthusiasm for sport and is not all that keen on a golfing holiday, it’s not compulsory on Italian river cruises! Italy can be enjoyed in all its splendor without the exertions of walking round 18 holes – but the beauty is the choice is yours. While you may be enjoying your afternoon’s exercise in the warm Italian sunshine, your non-golfing partner’s cruise will continue as the barge journeys on to the evening pick-up point.

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, a provider of luxury, all-inclusive barge holidays. If you're looking for river cruises, Italy has some of the world's most picturesque waterways. We also offer experiences in France, Holland and the UK.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.