Italy Golf Tours: Luxury & Small Group Golf Holidays, Designed by Local Experts

Italy is more than a golf destination – it’s a way to travel. Championship courses framed by vineyards and Renaissance towns, five-star resorts, Michelin-starred eateries and private cellars, all woven into one seamless journey. Golf Tour Experience is an Italian tour operator and DMC that designs Bespoke golf holidays For discerning travellers from the United States, Canada and Australia. Not a reseller: we are on the ground, with the relationships, the access and the eye for detail that turn a golf trip into the trip of a lifetime.

Why travel with an Italy-based golf travel specialist

• Designed locally, runs seamlessly. We live where you'll play. Private transfers, guaranteed tee times where available, hand-picked hotels – every detail handled.
• Golf, wine, culture and the Dolce Vita. Pair iconic courses with Brunello tastings, lakeside dinners and Etna wines. Perfect for golfers and non-golfers travelling together.
• Bespoke, never off-the-shelf. Itineraries built around you — for couples, small private groups, and golf clubs.
• Member of IAGTO. Part of the international golf travel network, with the standards that come with it.

Our signature Italian golf tours

• Tuscany golf holidays — Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, the Val d’Orcia and Brunello di Montalcino. Golf and wine at their most refined.
• Lake Como golf tours — Circolo Golf Villa d’Este, private boat experiences and five-star lakeside living.
• Sicily golf holidays — Verdura Resort by Rocco Forte, Mediterranean links golf, Taormina and Mount Etna.
• Rome & Marco Simone golf tours — play at the home of the 2023 Ryder Cup, stay in the Eternal City.

We also craft golf journeys across Italy and beyond — Sardinia, Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Mauritius, Oman, Ireland, and Morocco.

Small group golf tours in Italy

Alongside private journeys for couples, we run Small group golf tours for golf clubs, societies and groups of friends — typically between 8 and 24 golfers. We take care of the entire package: tee times and tee-off sheets, competition formats and prizes, group transfers and dedicated assistance on the ground, plus a parallel programme for non-golfing partners. Group itineraries are quoted per person, and organisers of larger groups travel on preferential terms.

Please tell us your group size and travel dates And we'll build both the itinerary and the quote.

What every Golf Tour Experience journey includes

Hand-picked 5-star hotels and resorts · guaranteed tee times where available · private transfers and dedicated assistance · curated wine, food and cultural experiences · itineraries tailored to golfers and non-golfers alike.

Tell us your dates and dream courses — we’ll craft a tailor-made itinerary and quote, with no obligation. Request your bespoke quote.

Plan your Italian golf tour region by region

• Golf in Sardinia - Is Arenas, Is Molas, Pevero and Tanka Golf Club, situated between the Costa Smeralda and the west coast.
• Golf courses on Lake Como Villa d’Este, Menaggio & Cadenabbia, Monticello and the clubs of the pre-Alps.
• Golf courses on Lake Garda — Arzaga, Gardagolf, Bogliaco and the resorts of the morainic hills.
• Golf in Sicily — Vegetables, Il Picciolo Etna and the three resorts about to change the island.
• Golf in Rome — Marco Simone, home of the 2023 Ryder Cup, plus Olgiata and Parco de’ Medici.

Frequently asked questions by destination

Tuscany

You play golf at high-end golf clubs and resorts offering premium services, scenic courses and, often, accommodation and fine dining. These tours typically allow you to experience the beautiful Tuscan landscape while enjoying world-class golf facilities.
The centrepiece is Castiglion del Bosco Golf Club, a private course within the Rosewood estate in the Val d’Orcia, complemented by courses such as Royal Golf La Bagnaia near Siena, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi and Ugolino near Florence.

Certainly, non-golfers can absolutely enjoy a Tuscan golf trip. While the golf courses offer a fantastic experience for enthusiasts, Tuscany itself is rich with activities and sights that appeal to everyone, regardless of their golfing prowess. Here's why a Tuscan golf trip can be enjoyable for non-golfers: * **Stunning Scenery and Relaxation:** The rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees of Tuscany are incredibly picturesque. Non-golfers can enjoy these views from the comfort of resorts, terraces, or while exploring the countryside. Many golf resorts also offer spa facilities, beautiful gardens, and swimming pools, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation. * **Culinary Delights:** Tuscany is world-renowned for its exceptional food and wine. Non-golfers can indulge in wine tastings, cooking classes, visiting local trattorias and Michelin-starred restaurants, and savouring regional specialities like Chianti, olive oil, Pecorino cheese, and Bistecca alla Fiorentina. * **Cultural and Historical Exploration:** The region is dotted with charming medieval towns, historic cities, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Non-golfers can explore places like Florence (home to world-class art museums like the Uffizi and the Accademia), Siena (famous for its Piazza del Campo), San Gimignano (known for its medieval towers), Pisa (with its iconic Leaning Tower), and Lucca (with its intact Renaissance walls). * **Day Trips and Sightseeing:** Many golf courses are located within easy reach of these popular tourist destinations, making day trips straightforward. Non-golfers can spend their days exploring ancient Etruscan ruins, visiting local markets, or simply soaking in the atmosphere of these historic places. * **Other Activities:** Depending on the resort and location, non-golfers might also find opportunities for activities such as hiking, cycling, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, or boat trips if near the coast. * **Social Aspect:** Even if not playing golf, non-golfers can still be part of the group, enjoying evening meals, socialising after golf, and sharing in the overall holiday experience. In summary, a Tuscan golf trip offers a multi-faceted holiday experience. The golf is a central theme for some, but for others, it serves as a beautiful backdrop to a holiday filled with incredible food, wine, culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Absolutely. While golfers play, partners can enjoy Brunello di Montalcino tastings, cooking classes, spa time and guided visits to Siena, Montalcino and Pienza. It’s one of our most popular tours for couples.

The best time for a Tuscan golf holiday is generally spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, with warm sunshine and mild temperatures, ideal for playing golf. The summer months (July and August) can be very hot, which may make playing golf uncomfortable.
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the finest weather and the harvest season for wine lovers.

Castiglion del Bosco is a truly special place. It's a vast wine estate in the heart of Tuscany, boasting an exclusive club for a select few. What sets it apart is its stunning natural beauty, its exceptional wines, and the unparalleled sense of privacy and luxury it offers its members. It's a place where you can experience the best of Italian country living in an atmosphere of refined elegance.
It pairs a private, members-style golf experience with the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco resort — a restored medieval borgo surrounded by its own Brunello vineyards.

Lake Como

Here are a few golf clubs on Lake Como: * **Golf Club Villa d'Este** (Montorfano) - This is a very prestigious and historical course, opened in the 1920s. It's known for its challenging layout and beautiful surroundings. * **Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club** (Grandate) - This is one of the oldest golf clubs in Italy, dating back to 1907. It offers lovely views and a classic parkland course. * **Golf Club Lanzo** (Pognana Lario) - This club is located directly on the western shore of the lake, offering stunning lake views from many of its holes. * **Bergamo Old Course** (Almenno San Salvatore) - While not directly *on* Lake Como, it's within reasonable driving distance, especially if you are staying on the southern end of the lake. When planning, it's always a good idea to check the individual club's website for current opening times, green fees, and booking requirements.
At the historic Circolo Golf Villa d’Este, regularly ranked among Italy’s finest parkland courses, with Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club nearby.

A luxury Lake Como golf vacation typically includes a range of exclusive experiences beyond the fairways. This often encompasses: **Accommodation:** * **Five-star hotels or private villas:** Expect opulent rooms or entire properties with breathtaking lake views, marble bathrooms, fine linens, and personalized service. * **Spa and wellness facilities:** Access to high-end spas offering massages, treatments, saunas, steam rooms, and infinity pools with stunning vistas. **Dining:** * **Michelin-starred restaurants:** Gourmet dining experiences featuring exquisite Italian cuisine, often with wine pairings curated by expert sommeliers. * **Private chef services:** For villa stays, the option of having a private chef prepare bespoke meals. * **Exclusive lakeside dining:** Romantic dinners at renowned restaurants accessible by boat, offering unparalleled ambiance. **Activities & Excursions:** * **Private boat tours:** Explore the lake in style on a private Riva boat or luxury yacht, visiting charming lakeside towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. * **Guided tours of villas and gardens:** Discover the history and beauty of iconic Lake Como villas such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi. * **Wine tasting experiences:** Visits to local vineyards in the Lombardy region for tastings of regional wines. * **Cultural excursions:** Opportunities to explore local markets, artisan workshops, and historic sites. * **Water sports:** Depending on the package, activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or even guided scenic hikes might be included. * **Shopping:** Access to high-end boutiques and designer stores in the charming towns around the lake. **Transfers & Concierge Services:** * **Luxury airport transfers:** Chauffeured service from airports like Milan Malpensa or Linate. * **Private transfers between locations:** Seamless transportation via private car or boat. * **Dedicated concierge:** A personal advisor to handle all bookings, reservations, and any special requests to ensure a flawless experience. **In essence, a luxury golf vacation on Lake Como is about bespoke indulgence, combining world-class golf with the unparalleled beauty, culture, and sophistication of this iconic Italian destination.**
Five-star lakeside hotels, private boat experiences on the lake, fine dining and easy access to Milan and its lakeside villas and gardens.

Yes, Lake Como is very suitable for couples and non-golfers.
Ideal. The lake offers boating, gardens, shopping and gastronomy, so non-golfing partners have a full programme while the golfers play.

The best times to visit Lake Como for golf are generally spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, ideal for playing golf. Summer can be quite hot and crowded, which might not be ideal for a golf holiday.
From late spring to early autumn (May–September), when the lake and the courses are at their best.

Sicily

You can play golf in Sicily at several attractive locations. Some of the most popular courses include: * **Verdura Resort:** This is a premier golf resort located on the southwest coast, featuring two championship 18-hole courses designed by Kyle Phillips, offering stunning sea views. * **Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa:** Situated in the southeast, near Ragusa, this resort boasts two 18-hole courses, the "Parkland" and the "Links," both set within beautiful natural landscapes. * **Terre di Eolo:** Located in the north of Sicily, near Messina, this course offers a unique experience with rolling hills and views of the Aeolian Islands. * **Club Borgo di Villa Grazioli:** While closer to Rome, there are some driving ranges and smaller courses that may be accessible from parts of Sicily for a more casual experience. When planning your trip, it's advisable to check the specific course details, book tee times in advance, and consider the best time of year, as summers can be very hot for playing golf.
Principally at Verdura Resort by Rocco Forte, a Mediterranean links-style destination on the southern coast, with Il Picciolo Etna Golf Club set against the volcano.

A golf package at Verdura Resort offers a truly special experience, combining world-class golf with luxurious accommodation and exceptional service. What sets it apart is the unique integration of golf into the resort's overall opulent offering. This means you're not just getting access to the golf courses; you're getting an all-encompassing luxury escape. Key reasons why a Verdura Resort golf package is special include: * **Championship Golf Courses:** Verdura boasts two stunning 18-hole championship courses designed by Kyle Phillips. These courses are renowned for their challenging layouts, breathtaking sea views, and immaculately maintained fairways and greens. The design ensures an engaging game for golfers of all skill levels. * **Integrated Luxury Experience:** The golf isn't separate from the resort's five-star amenities. Your package will likely include elegant accommodation, access to gourmet dining, spa facilities, and other leisure activities. This creates a seamless and indulgent holiday where golf is a highlight, not the sole focus. * **Exceptional Service:** Verdura is known for its attentive and personalised service. From the moment you arrive, you can expect staff to cater to your needs, ensuring your golf rounds and overall stay are relaxing and hassle-free. This includes things like buggies being ready, tee times managed smoothly, and any specific golfing requests being handled efficiently. * **Stunning Mediterranean Setting:** The resort is located on the coast of Sicily, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding countryside. The natural beauty enhances the golfing experience, making every shot and every moment more memorable. * **All-Inclusive Options (often):** Many Verdura golf packages are designed to be comprehensive, sometimes including green fees, accommodation, and even certain dining and beverage options. This provides excellent value and allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience without worrying about extra costs. * **Focus on Wellbeing:** Beyond golf, Verdura is committed to wellness. Guests can enjoy the resort's state-of-the-art spa, fitness centre, and healthy dining options, complementing the active nature of a golf holiday. In essence, a Verdura Resort golf package is special because it elevates the golf holiday into a holistic luxury retreat, where the sport is played in a magnificent setting, supported by superior facilities, service, and accommodation.
Verdura combines two championship links courses, a renowned spa and direct sea access — a rare blend of serious golf and resort luxury on the Mediterranean.

Beyond golf in Sicily, you can explore ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, visit Mount Etna for hiking and wine tasting, discover charming towns such as Taormina and Cefalù, indulge in delicious Sicilian cuisine and street food, relax on beautiful beaches, go sailing or snorkelling, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and history.
Explore Taormina, ascend Mount Etna, taste Etna wines and discover the island’s Greek and Baroque heritage and seafood cuisine.

The best seasons for golf in Sicily are spring and autumn.
Sicily's mild climate makes it a long-season destination — spring and autumn are ideal, with golf possible even in winter.

Rome & Marco Simone

Can I play the Ryder Cup course near Rome?
Yes. The Marco Simone Golf & Country Club hosted the 2023 Ryder Cup and is the highlight of our Rome golf experiences, alongside courses such as Olgiata and Parco de’ Medici.

Where do you stay on a luxury Rome golf trip?
In five-star hotels in the heart of the Eternal City — for example, Hotel de Russie — combining championship golf with Rome’s art, history and cuisine.

Is a Rome golf holiday good for couples?
Indeed. Rome is one of the world's great cultural cities, so non-golfing partners can enjoy the Colosseum, the Vatican and Roman dining while golfers play Marco Simone.

The best times to play golf near Rome are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with lower temperatures and less humidity compared to the hot, sticky summers. This makes for a more comfortable and enjoyable golfing experience. Summer (July and August) can be very hot, which may be challenging for longer rounds of golf. Winter (November to March) is generally milder than in many other parts of Europe, but can be wetter and cooler, with daylight hours being shorter.
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures; Rome’s climate allows golf for most of the year.

Planning your Italian golf tour

A typical golf tour to Italy can last anywhere from 7 to 14 nights, depending on your preferences and the number of courses you wish to play. Many tours are designed around a week to ten days, allowing for a good balance of golf and exploration of the local culture and attractions.
Most of our Italian golf holidays last between 5 and 8 nights, with 3 or 4 rounds of golf. This leaves plenty of time for wine, food and sightseeing between games. Multi-region itineraries, such as Tuscany and Rome, or Lake Como and Lake Garda, typically start from 8 nights.

Do you organise small group golf tours in Italy?
Yes. We arrange small group golf tours for golf clubs, societies and groups of friends, typically 8 to 24 golfers, including tee times and starting sheets, competition formats, group transfers and a parallel programme for non-golfing partners.

How far in advance should we book an Italy golf tour?
For the high season (May, June, September and October) we recommend booking 4 to 6 months in advance, as the best tee times and leading resorts get booked up first. We can still accommodate shorter notice bookings – tell us your dates and we will honestly advise on what is available.

How do I get a quote for a golf tour of Italy?
Send us your preferred dates, the number of golfers and the regions you are considering.. You will receive a tailor-made itinerary and quote within 24 hours, with no obligation.