City of Vicenza

Vicenza is one of the main cities in the region of the Veneto in the northeast of Italy.

You will find Vicenza along the main transportation line between Venice and Verona. The city is an easy train ride or bike ride away from a number of the largest and most famous Italian cities like Verona, Padua, and Venice. Vicenza is also about an hour away from Lago di Garda – Italy’s largest lake.

Great place to stop over during a bike tour or day trip from another location.  September and October are good bike riding months.  

For more information check out our site at https://www.italiaoutdoors.com/

Some of Italy's Top Golf Courses

Royal Golf and Country Club

The current host to the Italian Open is located near Turin in Piedmont. Designed in 1971 by Robert Trent Jones Sr, it is set neatly into the undulating landscape of La Mandria National Park. The course itself presents a strategic challenge with its innovative use of bunkers and water hazards. Piedmont offers some of the best cuisine in all of Italy and the home of Slow Food and Braollo can offer you a culinary experience to rival anything you experience on the course.
Stay at the Romantik Hotel Fumo
For more info go to the Royal Golf and Country Club website.

 

Biella

Known locally as ‘Le Betulle’ the John Morrison-designed course at Valcarozza was built in the 50′s and is set in the slopes of the Sera Moraine. A 73 par course at altitude along the Biellese Alps it is a stunning backdrop to one of the more testing rounds in Italy. Not only will you have the cuisine of Liguria to distract you but the area is renowned for its history and culture. Picture Medieval monasteries set in bleak wintery landscapes, stunning architecture and Unesco sites abound. Play in Autumn to coincide with the season of truffles and mushrooms.
Stay at the club.
For more info visit the club’s website.

 

Villa d’Este
A very challenging par 69 course designed by Peter Gannon. The setting is stunning, set amongst the Como hills with panoramic views of lake Montorfano. Clean Alpine air and lush greenery provide respite from the intense summer heat. A prestigious club in the heart of one of Italy’s most historically prosperous regions.
Stay at Villa d’Este and relive a bygone era of Northern Italian opulence.
For more info, visit the club’s website.

 

Is Arenas 

A beautiful combination of sand, forest and water provide almost the perfect golfing experience. Situated on the West coast of the beautiful island of Sardinia you will avoid the visiting hordes even in peak season. Designed by golf course architects Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril it is well integrated into a landscape that is as yet still untouched and undiscovered. A serene vacation on the Mediterranean with perfect links golf could be paradise on earth.

Stay at the Golf Hotel Is Arenas
For more info visit the club’s website. 

 

Pevero

Commissioned by the Aga Kahn the course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr and opened in 1972. It has been one of Italy’s best-kept golf secrets for over 40 years where Italy’s jet-set anchored their yachts and enjoyed La Bella Vita. The Mistral – the northern wind which shaped the rocks of the area adds another dimension to play on the Par 72 course.

Stay at the Pevero club hotel.
For more info visit the club’s website.

 

Milano Golf Club

Milan’s most prestigious golf club and one with quite a bit of history to boast about the Milano Golf Club for many is the rightful home of golf in Italy. The course is a bit flat but very pleasantly wooded it is the perfect place to do business just outside Italy’s centre of commerce and industry.
Stay in the city at the Hotel Principe di Savoia
For more info, visit the club’s website.

 

Is Molas
Another of Sardinia’s hidden gems the microclimate means it is perfect for golf the whole year round. The largest and oldest course on the island it is somewhat American in style, but the surrounding countryside and the history and food of the Sardinian island are anything but.
Stay at the Is Molas Resort Hotel
For more info, visit the club’s website.

 

Terme di Saturnia

Set in the exquisite environs of Tuscany, close to the sea the site ha a long history and association with the Romans who believed it to be the birthplace of Saturn. The whole area is dotted with natural hot springs so after wearing yourself out on the course relax in the splendour of the natural spas as the Romans did. Relaxing, that is, not golfing. More than a golfing experience, a vacation to really rest and replenish.
Stay on site in the resort.
For more info, visit the club’s website.

 

Lido di Venezia

The exclusivity of Italian golf is physical here as you need to take a boat to the Lido di Venezia to play the 18 hole golf course. A sandbar situated within site of the city of Venice was supposed to have been constructed in the 1930′s at the request of Henry Ford who wanted to play golf while visiting Venice. One of the most incredible cities in the world also hosts an excellent course within touching distance.
Stay at the Hotel Danieli.
For more info, visit the club’s website. 

Hiking the Italian Dolomites: 10 Tips or Things to Consider

1. Invest in some trekking poles.

If you haven’t used trekking poles before, have no fear. You’ll figure out how to use them right away. The Dolomites Alta Via 1 is a difficult trail with varying terrain and steep ascents and descents. Trekking poles will help you power up hill, keep your balance when you slip in mud, and reduce the strain on your knees and feet with every step you take. I had good luck with Leki poles, but any poles will be better than none.

2. Pack light.

Scrutinize every item you bring and bring only the essentials. Remember, you’ll be carrying whatever you pack for around 90 miles and for 6 – 12 hours each day through the challenging Dolomites.

3. Bring sandals.

Most the rifugios require you to remove your boots before entering the main areas of the hut. Also, you’ll want them for showering to avoid getting athlete’s foot. Plus, they are great for taking your shoes off on longer breaks or when you find a nice cold stream to soak them in.

4. Quick drying clothes.

Since carrying a full wardrobe would make your pack unnecessarily heavy, bring clothes that are quick drying so you can wash them at the rifugios at the end of each day’s hike. Ex Officio make some great clothes that will be comfortable and designed for adventure travelers. Don’t forget your quick drying towel either.

5. Don’t skimp on socks.

Be sure to bring multiple pairs of hiking socks. I recommend swapping them out for a fresh pair at lunch – I promise that your feet will thank you. Hang your old ones off the back of your pack so they will air out and dry. It’s amazing the difference that a pair of new socks can make for your comfort.

NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR ITALIAN ADVENTURE CHECK OUT ITALIAOUTDOOORS FOR TRIP PLANNING, TRAVEL GUIDES, AND TRIP REPORTS.

6. Get a pack that fits comfortably. 

A quality hiking pack that properly fits can make or break the comfort of your trip. You’ll most likely be carrying around 25-35 lbs for 90 miles, so get a pack that fits you. Gregory and Osprey both make some quality packs that are priced well. Go to a store and check them out by filling them up with gear and walking around for a few minutes to see if they are comfortable.

7. Prevent chaffing and blisters.

This a topic that most don’t want to talk about, but let’s face it, after hiking 90 miles there will be some parts of you that rub a bit. Whether it’s blisters on your feet or chaffing in your thighs, some preventive maintenance with products like chaffing creams and body rubs can prevent a miserable experience before it starts. Body Glide andGold Bond both make anti-chafe products that apply like a deodorant and work great.

8. Trail runners vs. hiking boots.

Personally I recommend some comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners. Boots tend to be heavy, trap heat in, and after a long day in them you’re going to have some lazy feet (as I call it) and start stumbling on the trail. A pair of quality trail runners will be lightweight, comfortable, and give you great grip. I had great luck with my Vasque trail-running shoes but footwear really comes down to personal fit. Just make sure you choose something that fits well and give it a test hike prior to your trip. My last footwear tip is to ensure you trim your toenails prior to the hike. The steep downhills on Dolomites Alta Via 1 trails can put a pounding on your toes and even cause you to loose toenails over the course of the trip if they aren’t trimmed.

9. Get an early start.

Afternoon storms are the norm in the Dolomites and the northern areas in Italy, so start your hike early in the day. That leaves you a safety cushion should you get delayed during the hike and also leaves you more time to relax in the wonderful atmosphere at the Refugio's.

10. Enjoy the food.

Refugio's make some great food that will certainly satisfy your appetite on the trail. If you normally eat a big meal, consider the half-board option. It usually comes with a pasta as a starter then a hearty meat course like goulash stew or local sausage. Plus, it comes with a dessert. If you don’t want to pack lunches for the whole trip, just plan your route to stop at a rifugio for lunch as well. They make some great sandwiches take along in your pack to enjoy on a peak or vista..

10 Things that are not 'Italian' in Italy

1. Caesar Salad. This is American, not Italian. Asking for Parmesan and croutons on a salad would get you quizzical looks in most places. Some tourist trap restaurants will serve it. 

2. Rolling Spaghetti with a Spoon. Italians do not do this. You use a fork, that’s it.

3. Salad as Appetizer. Salads are a side dish with the second course. Having a salad as an appetizer is not common, Italians rather use it as a palate cleanser after eating the majority of their meal

4. Meat and Pasta on the same Plate. Italians do not put 2 courses on the same plate. Pasta is one thing - meat, chicken, meatballs are another: you will not see them mixed. Also, a good pasta dish doesn’t need to be drowned in sauce. Pasta is supposed to be colored by the sauce but not immersed in it.

5. Cappuccino after a Meal. Cappuccino is for breakfast. Past noon, Italians don’t drink cappuccino. So if you order it after a full meal, be prepared to get weird looks. Italians rather have a strong shot of espresso after a meal.

6. Oil and Butter with Bread in a Restaurant. Olive oil and butter are common ingredients in Italian dishes, but it’s not customary to eat them with bread during a meal. Restaurants will not put butter or olive oil on the table to dip bread in. Buttered or oil-drizzled bread might be afternoon snacks - requesting them at a restaurant would be weird.

7. Italians eat Pasta every day. Pasta is popular, but many Italians prefer rice or soup. The Italian diet is rich in vegetables, meat, and fish, which are present on the table every day. Pasta is more of a 2-3 times a week affair for many.

8. Italians eat big Dinners. In most cases, Italians eat more at lunch than at dinner.

9. Couples sitting side by side. Eating is a social event, so people prefer to be seated face to face. On a group outing or a double date a couple would rarely sit next to one another, allowing for more mingling.

10. Italians have large Families. Families with 4-8 children are a thing of the past. Italians not only get married later, they now also have one of the lowest birth rates in the world. As a result, the population is shrinking. Divorce is on the rise, and people often don’t start families until they’re well into their 30s. 

Indoor Climbing Gyms in Italy, A Starter List

During the winter season you may be traveling in Italy and want to visit a indoor climbing gym.  Here is a starter list of gyms throughout Italy.  To find more Indoor Gyms Italy.

A1 Climbing Reggio Emilia, Italy Address:  Via Candelù 3 42123 Reggio Emilia Italy Phone: 0039328702236 Email: andrea@a1climbing.com Url: http://www.a1climbing.com One of the more modern bouldering and climbing gyms in Italy. asd GEKO modena, Italy Address:  Via Monsignor della Valle 41100 modena Italy Phone: Email: info@gekoclimb.com Url: http://www.gekoclimb.com l Mondo Vertigine Imperia, Italy Address:  Via De Marchi 50 18100 Imperia Italy Phone: 0039 3476068401 Email: mattia.novaro@gmail.com Url: http://www.mondovertigine.com Cubo Jesi, Italy Address:  Strada statale della Val d'Esino / Svincolo Jesi Centro 60035 Jesi Italy Phone: +393282652387 Email: Url: http://www.facebook.com/ilcubo a.s.d. VERTICAL PARK ROMA, Italy Address:  VIA SASSONEGRO 88 00169 ROMA Italy Phone: 3394282167 Email: ROMAVERTICALPARK@GMAIL.COM Url: http://www.verticalpark.it/ Le Vele CHIUSA DI PESIO (CN), Italy Address:  Via Paschero Sottano 54 12013 CHIUSA DI PESIO (CN) Italy Phone: Email: lucamac81@gmail.com Url: http://www.inoutclimbing.com/ The climbing gym is open monday to friday 18.00-23.00. Very low prices. Asd Climb Project Foggia, Italy Address:  Via Napoli 109 71122 Foggia Italy Phone: Email: segreteria@climbproject.it Url: http://www.facebook.com/Climbp Tacche e Svasi Perugia, Italy Address:  Via armando Diaz 06100 Perugia Italy Phone: Email: Url: http://www.taccheesvasi.it/sit passaggio obbligato milano, Italy Address:  via degli imbriani 17 20158 milano Italy Phone: 02-39325079 mobile: 338-2126648 Email: passaggiobbligato@passaggiobbligato.it Url: http://www.passaggiobbligato.it Passaggio Obbligato is the first climbing gym in Milan. With 300 square meters of climbing walls and more than 2500 holds, a shop with the leading brands and a super cool and exciting atmosphere Passaggio Obbligato is the place to be for climbing in Milan. Camping and Sport Centre Pradasc Lanzada, Italy Address:  Via Ganda 1 23020 Lanzada Italy Phone: +39 3474687105 Email: ivanpeg@gmail.com Url: http://www.pradasc.com X-DOME Climbing Park L'Aquila, Italy Address:  Via Mausonia 60 67100 L'Aquila Italy Phone: 3479256946 Email: xdomeweb@gmail.com Url: http://www.x-dome.it Gravità Zero Trieste, Italy Address:  Via alle Cave 55 34128 Trieste Italy Phone: +39040571200 Email: Url: http://www.gravitazerotrieste. King Rock Verona Palazzina - Verona, Italy Address:  Via CA' di MAZZE' 21 37134 Palazzina - Verona Italy Phone: +39045582569 Email: info@kingrock.it Url: http://www.kingrock.it/ Arterisko climbing factory Macerata, Italy Address:  C.da Fontezucca, 30 62100 Macerata Italy Phone: +39 335 366384 Email: info@arterisko.com Url: http://www.arterisko.com Nordic Arena Dobbiaco, Italy Address:  Via Lago 39034 Dobbiaco Italy Phone: +39 0474 976303 Email: info@nordicarena-dobbiaco.it Url: http://www.nordicarena-toblach Sportler Climbing Center Silea - TV, Italy Address:  Via Combattenti Alleati, 1 31057 Silea - TV Italy Phone: 0422362475 Email: info@sportlerclimbingcenter.com Url: http://www.sportlerclimbingcen Palestra della Comunità Montana del Lario Orientale Lecco, Italy Address:  Via Carlo Mauri 23900 Lecco Italy Phone: Email: info@ragnilecco.com Url: http://www.ragnilecco.com/page Palestra Gamma/Uoei Lecco, Italy Address:  Corso Promessi Sposi 23/n 23900 Lecco Italy Phone: 0341 494772 Email: info@gamma-lecco.eu Url: http://www.gamma-lecco.eu/tutt Tuscia Verticale - Gymnica Climb Viterbo, Italy Address:  Via Genova 23 01100 Viterbo Italy Phone: 0761 - 342761 Email: info@tusciaverticale.it Url: http://www.tusciaverticale.it Dimensione Verticale La Spezia, Italy Address:  Via della pianta 19100 La Spezia Italy Phone: Email: emanuele.stefanemoz1@alice.it Url: http://www.scuoladiarrampicata Boulderhalle Olang Olang BZ, Italy Address:  Bahnhofstraße 39030 Olang BZ Italy Phone: Email: Url: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v K2indoor Putignano, Italy Address:  via Mummolo Z.ind 70100 Putignano Italy Phone: 0802377097 Email: info@k2indoor.it Url: http://www.k2indoor.it PARETI SPORT CENTER SAN PANCRAZIO -PARMA, Italy Address:  VIA MAGANI 14 43016 SAN PANCRAZIO -PARMA Italy Phone: 0521647136 Email: pareti@pareti.it Url: http://www.pareti.it The first big climbing sport center of the whole country. 15 mtrs high, leading, top roping, toppas available from 3 to 8b range. More than 1000m square of climbing, with a huge bouldering area (5 mtrs high). Courses for all ages and level. Pan Gullich, campus boards, gym machines included. The center is open 365 days-a-year, all day long (10-22.30), (10-19 saturday and sunday). A.s.d. el cap L'Aquila, Italy Address:  Località Centi Colella 67100 L'Aquila Italy Phone: 3403882922 Email: info@elcapaq.it Url: http://www.elcapaq.it Equilibri Precari Pisa, Italy Address:  via Battisti 51/633 56100 Pisa Italy Phone: Email: info@equilibriprecari.it Url: http://www.equilibriprecari.it Torta 33 Piacenza, Italy Address:  via Torta 33 29100 Piacenza Italy Phone: 349-3285447 Email: info@macaco.tv Url: http://www.macaco.tv Via Baldovinetti 1a Firenze, Italy Address:  Via Baldovinetti 1a 50143 Firenze Italy Phone: 3287367273 Email: info@stonemonkey.it Url: http://www.stonemonkey.it Enrico da Monza 6 Monza, Italy Address:  Milano 20052 Monza Italy Phone: 3477344378 Email: info@climbernei.it Url: http://www.climbernei.it/ Vertigoclimb.com Pollenzo, Bra (Cuneo), Italy Address:  Str. Crociera Burdina, 5C 12060 Pollenzo, Bra (Cuneo) Italy Phone: 328 5825311 Email: info@vertigoclimb.com Url: http://www.vertigoclimb.com SASP torino torino, Italy Address:  corso tazzoli 78 10100 torino Italy Phone: Email: webmaster@arrampicata.com Url: http://www.arrampicata.com Roma Center Climb Rome, Italy Address:  Via Edoardo Maragliano 5 00152 Rome Italy Phone: +39 06 77207246 Email: nask0@libero.it Url: http://www.romacenterclimb.it Fantasyclimbing Milan, Italy Address:  Via Luchino del Maino 7, Milano, 20146 Milan Italy Phone: +39 348 8701626 Email: roberto@fantasyclimbing.com Url: http://www.fantasyclimbing.com