When considering river cruises, Italy’s Po River is among the best in Europe. With excursions starting in the incomparable city of Venice and ending in Mantua, and stopping in towns and cities along the coast and river, there are few experiences as enjoyable. Regional history is combined with stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes, and fine cuisine. For keen golfers, cruising along the Venetian coast and Po River is also an opportunity to tee off at some of the country’s best golf courses, including Golf Cub Albarella and Frassanelle Golf Club.

Venice

The wonderful city of Venice is the place to start or end river cruises. Italy’s legendary canal city is a dream of water, rooted buildings and boats sailing between them – and the reality of the city is equally poetic. Whether you walk in St. Mark’s Square or stroll along the canals, past the high moorings and colorful facades of the houses, a visit to Venice will not soon be forgotten. From Venice, golfers can head to their first tee at the Cuc Golf Ferrara golf course. After the wonders of Venice, any golf game is sure to be inspiring and distinctive, and exemplifies the reasons for combining golf with river cruises. Italian Lido and Alberoni await after the match, as well as a delicious Italian dinner.

Chioggia

The ancient city of Chioggia – first mentioned in written history by Pliny – is a delightful stop along the Italian coast on the way to the Po River. The fresh fish market is a lively window into the Italian food industry, while the cathedral and Piazzetta Vigo are beautiful works of architecture. Chioggia also represents another opportunity for golf, with the move to Golf Cub Albarella. Designed by renowned golf course designer John Deering Harris, this is a world-class course and a pleasure to cycle around.

Adria

Another ancient settlement, this time with Etruscan roots in meters of soil below the modern city, Adria is a picturesque stop near the mouth of the Po River. It reveals a vital side of the country that can be seen on river cruises – Italy’s ancient past. The city’s Archaeological Museum houses a selection of finds that shed some light on that era. Then it’s time for a game of golf at Frassanelle Golf Club, a 19th-century park set against the backdrop of the Euganean Hills.

Mantua

For the fourth and final golf course on Po River cruises, the Italian Golf Club Verona is a great place to be. It matches Mantua, which is where cruises generally end up. While touring the 14th-century Ducal Palace, taking in the city’s architectural flair, and enjoying Lombard food and shopping, visitors will find that Mantua is one of the jewels of the Po River.