Golf Holidays Italy

Bonora Golf Club (page 195).

Italy For Tuscany, there are plenty of flights from the UK to Pisa or Florence and it’s just over two hours on the plane. It is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy and covers central Italy and along the Mediterranean coast. Its rolling hills littered with vineyards and olive groves and historic houses also feature towns bursting with Renaissance art.

Florence is Tuscany’s crown jewel for art and history lovers. Siena is a small, hilltop town vying for most-art-treasures-per-capita and Pisa boasts the famous tower as well as other attractions. The lesser-known Lucca is a hidden gem and surprises everyone with its charm and culture.

For food, Tuscany is brilliant and the Chianti and Montepulciano wines are perfect for the climate and even better after a round of golf.

The “Italian Lake District” is in the north of the country not far from the Alps. Best reached

by Milan and Verona Airports, the northern Italian lakes are beautiful and atmospheric and have inspired countless artists, writers and lovers.

Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore have been popular for centuries with international tourists and offer gorgeous hotels in stunning locations. Lake Garda is Italy’s biggest lake – its southern shore of low, rolling hills contrasts with the northern end which is surrounded by towering mountains.

Montecatini Golf Club (page 197).

is an historical city with spacious piazzas, a quaint network of narrow porticos, many churches, museums and galleries. Galzignano Terme is to the south, there are some very pretty courses to discover and lovely countryside walks to be found. From here you can also visit Venice for the day.

Here’s an idea!

Learn how to cook delicious Italian dishes or visit the opera in Milan or Verona. Whether you play golf or not, we can make your holiday extra special.

Lake Como is tranquil and wooded. It is a reminder of bygone holiday elegance with regular steam cruises, elegant public gardens and a “take it easy” atmosphere. For recharging the batteries, the lakes hit the spot every time.

To the east of Lake Garda in the heart of the Veneto region sits the elegant city of Padua. It

Lake Como.

Beautiful lakes…Culture…Food…Bellissima…

192 Italy: Ideal for golfing “culture-vultures” GolfPlanet Holidays

Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays

What to see and do Parties ■ Pizzerias, Galaterias and cafés are social ‘meccas’ in Italian society and great for people watching

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Bologna

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Here’s a list of the most convenient ways to get to your holiday destination.

For further information and the latest news, please call us on 01277 824100 or visit www.yourgolfholidays.com Plane ■ Most UK airports – Milan, Bergamo, Pisa, Verona, Venice, Bologna, Florence (21/2 hours)

No currency surcharge We guarantee that the holiday price quoted to you when you pay your deposit is the holiday price you will pay. We have taken steps to avoid any possibility of surcharging our clients for currency fluctuations and any other holiday cost.

Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays

4 courses Pisa

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Poggio dei Medici Scarperia Florence

100 miles

Hotel location Main town Golf Club

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Adriatic Sea

ITALY

Rome

Mediterranean Sea

What the price includes

Our prices are based on an exchange rate of €1.27/£1.

Should the exchange rate decrease or increase, we will quote your holiday at the commercial exchange rate of the day.

All our prices are ‘’all-inclusive’’ and there are NO hidden extras. The “From” price is based on mid-week and low season, and the “To” price is based on weekend and high season. The prices include: ■

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How to get there

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Paradiso 3 courses del Garda

Romantics ■ Visit the opera in Verona ■ A moonlit dinner on the lakes

Temperatures & Rainfall

SLOVENIA

Stresa 2 Como Bergamo 4 courses Bogogno Arzaga Castelconturbia Milan Verona Venice

Explorers ■ Discover rocky cliffs, beautiful gardens and small beaches on the lakeside ■ Padua and Florence are just a few example cities that are rich in historical and fascinating churches, cathedrals, museums and galleries

Foodies ■ The Culinary Institute ‘Gianni Brera’ in Como can organise individual or group ‘hands on’ cookery classes ■ Wine tasting tours in Tuscany ■ We send a Recommended Restaurant list with your Holiday Information Pack

AUSTRIA

SWITZERLAND

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Fly-drive via UK – local Italian airport based on scheduled flights costing £150 per person Four-in-a-large hire car with all insurances The accommodation and board as detailed The selection of courses in the example itinerary Taxes and service charges A comprehensive Holiday Information Pack The knowledge and experience of our team ABTA and ATOL bonds so you know your money is safe Past Client benefits depending on your holiday spend

Please contact us on 01277 824100 for the exact price for your preferred holiday dates as prices can vary week-to-week and we may have received a relevant special offer.

Groups - save £££s per person!

Discounts range from £50 for a group of five people for a three-night stay up to £1000 for a group of 25 people on a week’s stay! See page six of the Introduction and call us on 01277 824100 for exact prices.

Suggested Itinerary Spend some time relaxing and recharging the batteries on Lake Como before venturing south to Stresa and tackling some of Italy’s finest golf courses. Here’s an example: ■ UK - Milan return flight* with taxes, golf and luggage carriage included ■ Mid-size hire car for two people with insurances for duration of holiday ■ Three nights’ b/b at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo ■ Four nights’ b/b at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées ■ Two rounds at Bogogno and one at Castelconturbia ■ Return Flight from Milan

Price

From £1095

* Flight price based on £150 “all-inclusive”.

Italy: Ideal for golfing “culture-vultures” 193 GolfPlanet Holidays

CREME DE LA CREME

CHAMPIONSHIP

Villa d’Este

Monticello

Par 69. 6099 yards. Slope 129.

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££££

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace ***** Tremezzo 1

CHARMING

SPA £££

Albergo Terminus ****LUXE Como 1

At a glance Member of Virtuoso and Leading Hotels of the World ■ Outdoor ‘lake-pool’

At a glance

This fascinating palace is set within its own private park and overlooks Lake Como.

The Albergo Terminus was born out of the complete restructuring of an early 19th-Century building and has become a landmark for discerning clientele.

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It is one of the oldest hotels on the lake and takes great pride in using vintage objects and furniture to preserve the Belle Epoch flavour.

The 96 bedrooms and suites are beautifully decorated with pastel shades, rich fabrics and original paintings.

The restaurant options include the refined La Terrazza, the more casual Escale Grill & Wine Bar and a daytime pizzeria in the gardens.

There are three outdoor swimming pools, including one within the lake!

Great location 19th-Century building

For a holiday where exploring is more important than the golf, this should be your pick.

Courses within 60 minutes

Courses within 30 minutes

Villa d’Este ■ Le Robinie

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Monticello

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Seven nights’ b/b, golf at Villa d’Este, £1175 Le Robinie & Monticello Single room supplement per night

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on request

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194 Italy: The Lakes GolfPlanet Holidays

Villa d’Este Le Robinie

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Monticello Milano

Suggested itinerary

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Five nights’ b/b, golf at Villa d’Este, £799 Milano & Monticello

£889

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Single room supplement per night

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Superb clubhouse

Laid out 80 years ago, this is beautiful holiday golf with views of Lake Como.

One of the great clubs of Italy, this 36-hole layout has hosted the Italian Open on numerous occasions.

Set out on pleasant walking terrain, there are plenty of trees and small bunkers to avoid so accuracy rather than length is the prerequisite to get anywhere near the Par of 69. The six Par three’s – all of which demand a different plan of attack – reinforce the need to know your golfing strengths and limitations. Three miles south-east of Como.

The longer of the two courses – Rosso – is generally preferred and is a parkland design with a few tighter woodland holes and a couple around water. Mid to highhandicappers won’t find the challenge too tough but the hazards will post plenty of problems for the longer and more aggressive player. Six miles south-west of Como.

The hotel occupies a splendid position on the shores of Lake Como, a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and the magnificent Cavour Square right in the heart of the town.

Each bedroom is individually furnished, keeping with the style of the hotel, with lively colours and prized fabrics made from the finest of Como silk. The interior halls feature cast iron lamps, delicate stucco work on the walls and Lombard paintings. From the main hall there is access to the restaurant and to some of the bedrooms. A lovely base and great value too.

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Superb clubhouse Excellent condition

Par 72. 6626 yards. Slope 133.

PARKLAND TARGET

Le Robinie Par 72. 6785 yards. Slope 125.

Jack Nicklaus design ■ Good maintenance ■

Milano Par 72. 6863 yards. Slope 134.

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Prestigious club Luxurious clubhouse

This is the Golden Bear at his most enjoyable…

One of the best courses in the region and certainly one of the most challenging.

Large amphitheatre fairways, lots of water and bunkers and contoured greens. You’re in for a fun day’s golf – and if you do fancy taking on the “real” course, play it off the back from where all those hazards really do come into play. Easy walking. 15 miles northeast of Milan and 15 miles south-west of Como.

Laid out on flat parkland terrain, there are three loops of nine, all of which demand accurate ball-striking due to the many trees.

The greens are of average size and wellprotected by bunkers. A very tranquil setting with the occasional roar of racing cars from nearby Monza. Easy walking. 33 miles from Como.

www.yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays

PARKLAND

CHAMPIONSHIP

Bogogno Bonora & Del Conte Paradiso del Garda

Bonora: Par 72. 6468 yards. Slope 136.

Del Conte: Par 72. 6330 yards. Slope 126.

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36 top-class holes Both rated 17/20 in Peugeot Guide

Robert von Hagge has created one of the best European 36-hole resorts.

LUXURY

SPA ££££

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées ***** Stresa 2

Both courses that will take you through forests, along wide open fairways and hopefully ‘over’ water. They should be enjoyed for their beauty and design and the lovely clubhouse and restaurant will round off your day perfectly! 23 miles south of Stresa. True hidden gems.

At a glance ■ ■

Majestic lakeside setting Charm and history

This magnificent hotel is set in a park overlooking the Lake Maggiore.

Built in 1861, it was renovated in 1991 although the original ‘Belle Epoch’ architecture remains. There are 172 bedrooms and suites, all extremely stylish. The hotel boasts an excellent restaurant and piano bar as well as two outdoor pools, tennis courts and a Spa. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the many delights of the town of Stresa. An idyllic setting for a perfect holiday.

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Bogogno

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Five nights’ b/b, golf at Bogogno (twice) & Castelconturbia Single room supplement per night

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£885 £60

£1095 £67

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Peschiera del Garda 3 At a glance ■ ■

Castelconturbia Par 72. 6477 yards. Slope 142.

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18/20 in Peugeot Guide 27 holes

Terrific value Peaceful countryside setting

This is a charming golf resort in which to spend a few days taking in the sights of Lake Garda, visit the ancient town of Verona and, of course, play some golf.

The hotel is divided into four buildings which were originally part of a typical 18th-Century Italian courtyard. The bedrooms have all been refurbished; the Classic rooms have double beds, some with terrace and the Superior rooms are wider with twin beds and bow windows.

Typically large bunkers protecting undulating greens and water hazards make for a tough but hugely exciting challenge. This course is fairly flat although some of the raised greens require care. This is a superb club and one not to be missed. 24 miles south of Stresa.

The ‘El Piriar’ à la carte restaurant serves classic Italian and International dishes and overlooks the course. There is also a small but well-equipped Wellness Centre offering an indoor pool, sauna and steam bath.

Courses within 30 minutes ■

Paradiso del Garda (on site)

Suggested itinerary

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Arzaga

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Four nights’ b/b, golf at Paradiso (twice) & Arzaga

£645

£779

Single room supplement per night

£27

£35

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Golf-hotel on site Lake and mountain-view backdrop

Designed with nature in mind, the course spreads over former vineyards and around the old lakes.

Golf Hotel Paradiso del Garda ****

This is idyllic holiday golf with the views setting the pace. A great course for Matchplay with several do-or-die hole with a grand finale too! Hilly in parts. Easy walking. 18 miles west of Verona.

TARGET

Arzaga Par 72. 6474 yards. Slope 126.

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A fantastic golf course which will delight Robert Trent Jones fans.

Castelconturbia

Suggested itinerary

CREME DE LA CREME

Par 71. 6045 yards. Slope 129.

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Excellent green-keeping Luxury hotel on-site

Less than three miles from Lake Garda is the fantastic Palazzo Arzaga Resort & Spa. The Jack Nicklaus Jnr course is typically American in design with very few trees but a lot of lakes and strategically placed bunkers.

The greens are generous in size but difficult to read with varying tiers and contours. This very fine site also boasts a second 9-hole course designed by Gary Player. Please ask for details about the five-star hotel. 28 miles north west of Verona.

Italy: The Lakes 195 GolfPlanet Holidays

Montecchia Par 72. 6450 yards. Slope 129.

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27 holes Pretty scenery

This 27-hole complex is nestled in the charming grounds of the old castle.

The natural rolling countryside makes for relaxing golf although the five lakes certainly make you concentrate, particularly on the island green of the 7th! Eight miles north of Galzignano.

PARKLAND

Frassanelle Par 72. 6180 yards.

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Variety of challenges Charming clubhouse

A very enjoyable course designed in the 1800’s, bringing a touch of English charm to the Venetian countryside.

RESORT

The blend of lakes, streams and woodland present a gentle challenge and the 17thCentury clubhouse is the perfect place to talk about your game. 11 miles north of Galzignano.

SPA £££

IFA Hotel Sporting **** Galzignano di Terme 4 At a glance Peaceful surroundings ■ Good leisure facilities ■ Practice course on-site

PARKLAND

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Padova

The hotel is the best of four on the Galzignano Revital & Golf Resort and ideally located for both Venice and Verona.

Standing in the middle of a 350,000 m2 natural park, the resort boasts its own ninehole golf course, six thermal and two sports pools, six tennis courts, a gymnasium, plus a “Revital Center” with a large range of health and beauty options.

There are 110 bedrooms, all nicely decorated in fine wood and marble with delightful views over the course and countryside. Dinner is included in our prices.

196 Italy: Tuscany GolfPlanet Holidays

Par 72. 6650 yards.

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The oldest course in the Padua area and arguably the prettiest.

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Montecchia Padova

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Frassanelle

Suggested itinerary

From

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Five nights’ half-board, golf at Montecchia, Frassanelle & Padova

£725

£895

Single room supplement per night

£20

£20

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Beautiful grounds 27 holes

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The course is a veritable botanical garden with 8000 trees and shrubs at the foot of the Euganean Hills. The 27 holes wind their way through strategically-placed ponds and bunkers and will be enjoyed by all levels of handicappers. The excellent clubhouse has a first class restaurant. Easy walking. One mile from Galzignano.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays

TARGET PARKLAND

Montecatini Par 72. 6525 yards. Slope 131.

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RESORT

SPA £££

Delightful boutique hotel on-site Fine holiday golf

Laid out among olive groves, this is a tricky layout with quite a few dog-legs requiring decent iron play off the tee.

UNA Poggio dei Medici Golf & Resort **** Scarperia 5

Every hole provides a different challenge and at the end of the game you can relax and enjoy the Tuscan scenery and welcoming clubhouse serving excellent food. Two miles from Montecatini.

At a glance Stunning Tuscan location Authentic Italian ambience ■ Adjacent to one of the best courses in Italy ■ ■

Cosmopolitan Par 72. 6605 yards. Slope 129.

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A good layout close to Pisa

Just 15 minutes from Pisa and close to the coast, this is a technical challenge calling for all the clubs in your bag.

The course is easy-walking and set within a nature reserve, so there's always some wildlife to admire if your game is not up to scratch.

However, there are plenty of "holiday golf" holes and, overall, Cosmopolitan provides a good game of golf. Nine miles south west of Pisa.

This is a tasteful "boutique" resort with just 70 bedrooms and is surrounded by glorious countryside and one of the best courses in Italy.

The resort centres on a 16th-Century villa that houses the restaurant serving hearty and tasty food and inexpensive wines. The bedrooms all have a large terrace or balcony, marble bathrooms and top-notch facilities.

If you fancy exploring, Florence, Pisa and Siena are all within an hour's drive and just 15 minutes away are the charming towns of Borgo San Lorenzo and Scarperia.

Courses within 30 minutes Poggio dei Medici (on site) ■ Le Pavoniere ■

Suggested itinerary

From

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Four nights’ b/b, a welcome drink & dinner, golf at Poggio dei Medici (twice)

£570

£745

Single room supplement per night

£42

£70

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Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays

CHAMPIONSHIP

Poggio dei Medici Par 73. 6650 yards. Slope 131.

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Rolling Tuscan countryside

PARKLAND

Le Pavoniere Par 72. 6750 yards. Slope 134.

Surrounding the UNA Poggio dei Medici Golf and Resort, this USGA-spec course is perfect for holiday golf.

Several of the holes have water obstacles and subtle challenges that take a couple of rounds to figure out. Overall, very fair and most enjoyable and there’s even a chance of a birdie or two...If you can master the large and contoured greens. Hilly in parts. 48 miles east of Montecatini.

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Designed by Arnold Palmer

PARKLAND

Ugolino Par 72. 6244 yards. Slope 131.

This is an easy-walking course with lush fairways and plenty of opportunities to attack.

However, it's not all straightforward, with plenty of pot- and grass-bunkers and mature woodland to contend with. Arnold Palmer has created an American-style golf course in beautiful Italian surroundings...The best of both worlds. 20 miles east of Montecatini.

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Rolling Tuscan countryside

The oldest club in Italy, Ugolino makes for a lovely day.

Although fairly short by modern standards, the small greens and sloping fairways make it a challenge. And if it’s all too much, there’s always a glass of Chianti in the clubhouse afterwards! Ten miles south of Florence.

Italy: Tuscany 197 GolfPlanet Holidays

ART DE VIVRE

SPA ££££

Grotta Giusti Terme & Hotel **** Montecatini Terme 6 At a glance ■ ■

Central for the sights and courses Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World

Built on an accidentallydiscovered “miracle spa” in 1849, Grotta Giusti is the epitome of relaxation and well-being.

Just three miles from Montecatini and central for the courses and Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca, this is the place to choose if you fancy mixing golf, sightseeing and taking it easy!

The bedrooms are all elegantly furnished and have marble bathrooms. The restaurant is always busy and the Giusti lounge, bar, terrace and gardens are ideal for afternoon tea or drinks.

outdoor pool. The spa grotto comes with stateof-the-art facilities and is complemented by the Oriental Paths “mind and body” centre. A great choice for mixed groups and for those who really need a break.

Courses within 30 minutes ■ ■

Montecatini Cosmopolitan

198 Italy: Tuscany GolfPlanet Holidays

Le Pavoniere

From

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Seven nights’ b/b, golf at Montecatini (twice), Le Pavoniere & £1199 Poggio dei Medici

£1350

Suggested itinerary

Single room supplement per night

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on request

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The now famous spa is fed by mineral-rich and constantly warm waters that also feed the

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Prices are based on Elegant Park View bedrooms Free access to therapeutic pool & gym

Email: info@yourgolfholidays.com GolfPlanet holidays

LUXURY

SPA ££££

Bagni di Pisa **** Pisa 7 At a glance ■ ■

Thermal baths Close to Pisa town

Set amid the gentle, rolling hills of Tuscany and a few miles from Pisa and Lucca.

This glorious 18th-Century mansion has been recently restored to its former glory and now is a luxuriously-appointed hotel and natural spa resort.

You can relax in The Wellness Centre or be totally pampered choosing from a wide range of beauty treatments or health spa day packages.

The hotel’s Dei Lorena restaurant enjoys views of The Tower of Pisa and sets the scene for a romantic dining experience where Chef Luca Ciaffarafa proposes dishes influenced by old, Tuscan recipes. Enjoy a digestif on the terrace before retiring to your very comfy bedroom.

Tel: 01277 824100 GolfPlanet holidays

Courses within 30 minutes ■

Montecatini

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Cosmopolitan

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Five nights’ b/b, golf at Montecatini & Cosmopolitan £895

£945

£42

£42

Suggested itinerary

Single room supplement per night

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Free daily access to pool & Turkish bath Prices based on superior bedrooms

Italy: Tuscany 199 GolfPlanet Holidays