GOLF HOLIDAYS IN BOLOGNA
Golf, Hotel, Travel & Sightseeing information for Bologna golfbreaks.

Bologna golf courses

Bologna sits in the centre of the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, an elongated lozenge of land that stretches from Piacenza (near Milan) diagonaly southeast to Rimini on the Adriatic coast. Golf courses in this area of Italy are quite spread out so this particular Italian region is not so good for playing several courses from one convenient base.  However, the best concentration of courses just happens to be around the lovely city of Bologna.  Here, there are three golf courses in reasonable proximity to each other: Bologna, Le Fonti and Modena.  This means the historic and gastronomic delights of the city of Bologna can be combined with some gentle competition and exercise in the Emilia Romagna countryside - che fortuna!

The closest to Bologna is, unsurprisingly, Bologna Golf Club itself, a traditional Club and layout just to the Southeast of the city.  The next nearest is Le Fonti further to the East and a highly entertaining, more modern course in peaceful surroundings.  The best of the triumvirate is over at Modena, a superb course both in terms of layout, Clubhouse and maintenance.  A little way to drive but a 'must play' for any golfers in the Bologna region, we would say.

There is another golf course to the South of Bologna, where the Tuscan hills start but it's  really not worth the drive (in our opinion).

Bologna hotels

For sightseeing and access to the multitudinous dining options in Bologna one needs to stay in the centre of town.  We have three hotels in the very centre: Commercianti, Novecento and the Orologio all within striking distance of the Duomo and central piazzas. These hotels are all owned by a proud Bolognese family but are very much city-centre hotels in characterful historic buildings so lacking outdoor space for gardens and swimming pools et cetera.  Should you wish to stay in a more spacious hotel a little bit out from the centre please let us know as there are several on the outskirts of town that we know of (and we know a good taxi company too).

Getting to Bologna

There are many flights every week into Bologna with EasyJet and Ryanair.  The city's position in the centre af Emilia Romagna means that it's a popular route for holidaymakers heading for Florence or the Adriatic coast at Rimini and consequently well served by the airlines.

Getting around in Bologna

The centre of the city is really quite compact and easily walkable to the main sites so a car in town is unecessary for most visitors; however it is required to get out to the golf courses to play. If you would rather drive yourself then we can arrange a hire-car for you - all of our hotels have car-parks so that you can tuck your car away overnight. Alternatively, we can organise our local transfer company to meet you at the airport and drive you around as and when required. The choice is entirely yours!

Bologna sightseeing

The main sights of Bologna are neatly concentrated in the centre of town and easily walked around in a day, it is not a big city.  The Duomo, with its big piazza is the hub and the famous twin towers are just a stroll away under the arches of the quintessential arcaded streets of Bologna (past some rather fine boutiques and delicatessens we might add). The quiet little square of San Stefano with its incredibly ancient church is a less frequented corner of Bologna but one that is well worth searching out.

Ferrari factory at Modena

If you associate Italy with fast cars and in particular Ferraris, then a visit to the Ferrari factory museum at Modena is a must.  It's quite close to Modena Golf Club so a day of golf and sports cars can easily be arranged for you.  You could even have dinner there!  Screech over to the Ferrari website for more information.

Bolognese cuisine

Just about every region of Italy claims to be the 'gastronomic capital', but in Bologna's case they just might be right...  The city is filled with warm and cosy Osterie within which you can tuck yoursef away in the Winter or spread yourself outside in the Summer.  Food is all homemade and absolutely delicious.  By the way, Bologna has its own method of pasta-making: 100g of flour per egg, nothing else (we are reliably informed) which is more al dente than elsewhere in Italy. The dish that is irrevocably associated with Bologna is of course Spaghetti Bolognese, (aka spag-bol).  In truth, this has little to do with the real cuisine of Bologna (for a start the pasta is much more likely to be tagliatelle, fettucine or the local gramagna).    Then there are all the intricate ravioli (tortellini, agnelotti et al) stuffed wth ricotta and herbs, prosciutto or octopus salads dressed with balsamic vinegar from nearby Modena of course, or tucking in to a juicy coteletta alla Bolognese.

Accompany these with any of the local wines - sparkling Ferrara, red Gutturnio, even Lambrusco (even you can overcome the psychological barrier!).  Finish your dinner with the classic Zuppa Inglese and you will end your day more than replete: reinforced and ready for the next day's golfing test.

Every street in Bologna is crammed with Ristorante, Trattorie and Osterie; there are plenty of Enoteche too - providing both a sensual and a literal feast.  After a few days strolling the city, you may well wonder what everybody does in Bologna - apart from eating and drinking!?!