3 nights with breakfast at Palace Hotel Desenzano, one green fees per person (Chervò Golf San Vigilio Golf Club) 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.