Golf and Po River Cruises: Italy’s Spectacular Tee Offs

When considering river cruises, Italy’s Po River is among the finest in Europe. With journeys beginning in the incomparable city of Venice and ending in Mantua, stopping at towns and cities along the coast and the river, there are few more pleasurable experiences. Regional history, awe-inspiring architecture, beautiful scenery and fine cuisine are all combined. For keen golfers, cruising along the Venetian coast and Po River is also an opportunity to tee off in some of the country's top golf courses, including Golf Cub Albarella and Frassanelle Golf Club.

Venice

The magnificent city of Venice is a fitting place to begin or end river cruises. Italy’s legendary canal city is a dream of water, stilt-rooted buildings and the boats plying between them – and the reality of the city is equally poetic. Whether walking through St Mark’s Square or cruising along the canals, past tall mooring posts and the colourful façades of houses, a visit to Venice is not soon forgotten. From Venice, golf players can head to their first tee off at the Cuc Golf Ferrara golf course. After the wonders of Venice, any game of golf is certain to be an inspired, special one, exemplifying the reasons for combining golfing with river cruises. Italy’s Lido and Alberoni await after the game, as well as a dinner of delectable Italian cuisine.

Chioggia

The ancient city of Chioggia – first mentioned in written history by Pliny – is a delightful stop along the Italian coast on the way to the Po River. The fresh fish market is a lively window into the Italian food industry, while the Cathedral and Piazzetta Vigo are beautiful works of architecture. Chioggia also marks another opportunity for a golf game, with a transfer to the Golf Cub Albarella. Designed by the renowned golf course designer John Dering Harris, it is a world-class course and a delight to navigate.

Adria

Another ancient settlement, this time with Etruscan roots in the soil metres under the modern town, Adria is a splendid stop near the mouth of the Po River. It reveals a vital side of the country that can be seen on river cruises - Italy’s ancient past. The town’s Archaeological Museum houses a selection of finds that casts some illumination on that era. Then it is time for a game of golf at the Frassanelle Golf Club, a 19th century park set against the backdrop of the Euganean Hills.

Mantua

For the fourth and final game of golf on Po River cruises, Italy’s Verona Golf Club is an exquisite setting. Matching it is the city of Mantua, where cruises generally end. While wandering through the 14th century Ducal palace, admiring the city’s architectural treats, enjoying Lombard cuisine and shopping, visitors will find Mantua is one of the Po River’s gems.

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.