7 nights with breakfast at Palace Hotel Desenzano, three green fees per person (Chervò Golf San Vigilio Golf Club, Arzaga and Golf Club Paradiso del Garda) and one dinner in a restaurant from our culinary programme.

We are south of Lake Garda, on lands where the Second War of Independence was fought in 1859 between the Franco-Sardinian and Austrian armies. The only battles being fought here today are fortunately the personal ones with one’s golf game, and without too many frustrations nonetheless: this is a course where even players with high handicaps can enjoy themselves (the holes have five tee boxes to adapt the course to all levels) and where you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for your ball because it’s always in plain sight (unless it ends up in one of the many water hazards!). Before going to play, climb the travertine and wrought iron stairs leading to the top floor of the bright clubhouse. Go out on the terrace where the panorama sweeps 360-degrees over the courses and the 110 hectares of property. From here, you have the best overview of the four 9-hole courses designed by German architect Kurt Rossknecht in 2008. The 18 classical competition holes are those of the Benaco – with a memorable Hole 5, a par 3 of 180 meters almost completely taken up by the lake – combined with those of the Solferino; the 9 holes of both courses are spectacular, sharing the same lake and the same immense putting green onto which the clubhouse windows look. The San Martino course is also beautiful, a rather long par 35 with many water hazards. Test your short game and try the Pozzolengo course, with its 9 executive holes that are varied and entertaining. Technical Details Course Benaco/Solferino: 9 holes, Par 36, 3427 meters. Course San Martino: 9 holes, Par 35, 2910 meters Course Pozzolengo: 9 holes, Par 27, 1025 meters Architect: Kurt Rossknecht Topography: somewhere flat, somewhere hilly; a lot of water hazards. Distinctive features: Every golf player will find here his ideal situation. Pro’s Comments The Golf Chervò – San Vigilio can be best defined as “universal”: challenging for pros and amateurs with low handicaps, fun for medium-high handicaps; congratulations to the designer who intuited his client’s needs, that is, for building a splendid “tourist” course. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s easy; it is rather long, with large greens and cross bunkers that are difficult to get over. Fun guaranteed for all. Try it.

The beauty of the magnificent mansion of the fifteenth century which hosts the clubhouse and the facilities of the five star resort will take your breath away. It’s been restored thanks to the Baron Lando Lanni della Quara, in 1998. But this is only the beginning, because the two courses are keeping the promise of an inspiring welcome. The signatures belong to two worldwide heavyweights of golf: the American Jack Nicklaus II, son of the Golden Bear, has designed the 18 holes, whereas on the 9 holes course has worked the South African Gary Player. Two very different golf courses in terms of characteristics: Player has taken advantage of the undulating terrain, arranging it to resemble a Scottish link, complete with the classical and fatal “pot bunkers”, small and deep, scattered in strategic positions as traps; the project of Nicklaus Jr is on the contrary more typically American, less complicated, with larger fairways and wide greens, that reward a powerful game and don’t penalise inaccuracy too much. Take the souvenir photo on the 18th hole championship tee, which offers a 360° fascinating view. After golf, it would be a pity not taking advantage of the gourmet cuisine of the club’s restaurant, under the enchanting vaulted ceilings or al fresco, on the large terrace surrounded by the gardens. To release the tension and get back your energy, the ideal solution is to choose some pure relaxation, indulging in the skilled hands at the Spa. Course: 18 holes, Par 72, 6410 meters Architect: Jack Nicklaus Distinctive features: perfect for long shots, large fairways, deep bunkers, hazards Course: 9 holes, Par 36, 3027 meters Architect: Gary Player Distinctive features: scottish Links course, hilly, high greens and deep bunkers, a strategic play is required. Playing Arzaga Golf Club is a unique experience. The Jack Nicklaus II course is extremely pleasant and fair, forgives a few small technical errors, but it doesn’t mean that therefore it’s easy or ordinary, on the contrary: some wicked obstacles on the holes can penalize the player beyond measure! The 9th and the 18th holes are alone worth the expense of the green-fee: challenging to play, both have greens by the spectacular clubhouse. A not to be missed course! The 9 holes designed by Gary Player are completely different: traps everywhere with very well guarded and difficult to read greens. An entertaining and unique experience. Take care with the first shot of the 1st hole, a dog-leg to the right: if you decide to cut and you’re not strong enough, a double bogey is waiting for you!