Golf and wine: in the heart of Florence

Golf and wine: in the heart of Florence offers a rather intriguing combination—playing a few holes of golf in one of Italy’s most iconic cities, then relaxing with a gourmet lunch paired with fine wines. This tour, though not cheap, promises a personalized experience that blends leisure and culinary delight in just half a day. If you’re someone who appreciates good wine, enjoys a bit of sport, and wants to see Florence from a different angle, this could be an interesting choice. But it’s worth noting that not every aspect turns out as perfect as the promotional materials suggest.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines accessible golf with a taste of Tuscany’s culinary excellence. The fact that all golf gear is provided means you can just show up and play without worrying about packing your own equipment. Plus, the private, customizable nature of the tour means it’s tailored to your group—no big crowds or touristy rush. And finishing with a 4-course meal paired with wines led by a sommelier is a fine way to indulge in local flavors.

However, it’s worth mentioning that some reviews, like one from James, have raised concerns about over-promising and under-delivering. The experience might not quite live up to the hype, especially if you’re expecting a flawless day of golf and wine. Some travelers found the overall value not quite matching the cost or felt the day was longer than anticipated due to additional time for transfers and meals.

This tour is most likely to suit travelers who are looking for something a little different—combining sport with gastronomy—rather than pure golf enthusiasts or wine connoisseurs. If you’re okay with a somewhat relaxed pace, and you’re happy to be part of a private group that focuses on enjoying the experience, then it might be just right. If your priority is perfect golf or an extensive wine tour, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Personalized private experience tailored to your group’s preferences
• Golf gear included, making it easy to participate without extra packing
• Luxury transportation ensures comfort and smooth transfers
• Tasting and lunch feature four top-quality wines paired with a gourmet meal
• The tour lasts around 6 hours, packing in golf, lunch, and wine tasting
• Some reviews mention that the experience may over-promise, so manage expectations accordingly

An Honest Look at the “Golf and Wine” Tour in Florence

If you’re dreaming of a day where you can swing a club in the middle of Florence’s vibrant city center, then this experience might catch your eye. It’s not often you get to combine playing nine holes at a top golf course with a leisurely, high-end tasting session and lunch in Italy’s culinary capital. The concept sounds quite appealing—especially if you enjoy the idea of blending sport, culture, and gastronomy in one go.

The Itinerary: What This Tour Offers

The day begins early, with a meet-up at the Stazione Leopolda, a central Florence hub. From there, a luxury van whisks you to the Parco di Firenze golf course, just a short drive away. Here, you’re given access to a nine-hole course, with all gear supplied—golf bag, gloves, shoes, and balls. Plus, you have the option to warm up or practice on the driving range before teeing off, which is a nice touch for those wanting a bit more prep.

During your game, your guide is on hand to assist, making sure your experience is comfortable and tailored to your skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, this personal touch can make a difference. The course is set in a scenic environment, and while it’s not a long or challenging layout, it provides a fun way to get some fresh air and enjoy the city’s surroundings from a different perspective.

After finishing your game, the tour continues with a transfer to what the host describes as their favorite restaurant in Florence. Here, Caterina, a master sommelier, leads a 4-course lunch paired with four organic and natural wines from Tuscany. The wine tasting is designed to be both educational and sensory, allowing you to appreciate the local terroir and craftsmanship.

What We Love About the Experience

The personalized nature of this tour really stands out. It’s designed exclusively for your group, which means you won’t be part of a crowded tour bus. The all-in-one package—golf gear, transportation, lunch, and wine—adds convenience and a sense of luxury. The wine pairing, led by a knowledgeable sommelier, elevates the meal beyond typical tourist fare, offering a genuine taste of Tuscany’s best organic wines.

Also, the short duration of around six hours makes it ideal for a morning or early afternoon outing, especially if you’ve got a packed itinerary or just want a relaxing yet engaging day. The inclusion of all amenities, plus bottled water, coffee, or tea, makes it feel well thought-out.

The Downsides and Considerations

While the promise is attractive, some reviews temper expectations. One reviewer, James, pointed out that the experience was “over-promised and under-delivered,” feeling it was a waste of time and money. It’s possible that the actual golf game or lunch may not match the promotional hype—some may find it a bit “meh” if they were expecting more robust golf or a more extensive wine experience.

Another thing to keep in mind is the cost—$322.67 per person. For that price, you’re paying for a very curated experience, but it’s worth weighing whether the combination of activities justifies the expense, especially considering the mixed reviews on the value aspect. Some travelers might find the experience good but not extraordinary, especially if they’re looking for a dedicated golf holiday or a full-day wine tour.

Plus, participants need to bring their own golf gloves and shoes if they want to maximize comfort, as these are not included. For some, that’s a minor inconvenience, for others, a potential deterrent.

The Experience on the Ground

Expect to start at the fairly central Stazione Leopolda, which is convenient for most travelers staying in or around Florence. The transportation is air-conditioned, ensuring a comfortable ride to and from the golf course and restaurant.

The golf itself is pretty straightforward—nine holes with assistance available. It’s not a full 18-hole challenge, so if you’re a serious golfer, this might feel a bit light. But for a fun, relaxed round and some friendly competition, it works well.

The lunch at the restaurant is where most of the genuine delight lies: a four-course meal complemented by the sommelier’s wine pairing. The emphasis on organic and natural products adds a local, authentic touch—something Tuscany is increasingly known for.

The Reviews: What Travelers Say

The majority of reviews give a moderate rating of 3.9 out of 5, which suggests that while some guests enjoyed the tour, others were less impressed. The critical review from James indicates that expectations might need to be tempered, and that the experience might not be as seamless or as high-end as promotional materials imply.

Some travelers have praised the quality of the wines and the delicious food, especially noting the value of the wine tasting, which is led by a sommelier. They highlight that the lunch is a real highlight, with organic and natural products making the meal memorable.

Others, however, mention that the golf experience was less fulfilling than hoped and that the overall day felt longer or less engaging than anticipated. It’s a reminder that while the concept is appealing, execution can vary depending on personal expectations and weather conditions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who appreciates a luxurious, curated experience blending sport and cuisine, and you’re happy to spend around four hours on a relaxed but engaging day, this tour might suit you. It’s particularly geared toward travelers who enjoy wine and good food and want a taste of Tuscany in the midst of Florence.

It’s not designed for serious golfers or wine connoisseurs seeking an in-depth experience, but rather for those wanting a fun, laid-back outing with some sport, food, and wine thrown in. If you’re traveling with someone who isn’t keen on long days or extensive walking, this compact experience offers a nice balance.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is primarily geared toward adults, especially since it involves wine tasting and golf. Children might enjoy the scenic drive and food but should be aware of the wine and golf activities involved.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, golf gear, access to the golf course, a nine-hole game, a four-course lunch, bottled water, coffee or tea, and four wines for tasting, led by a sommelier.

Do I need to bring my own golf equipment?
No, all golf equipment—including bags, irons, trolley, and golf balls—is provided. However, you should bring your own golf gloves and shoes if preferred.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 8:30 am, including golf, lunch, and wine tasting, with transportation included.

What if the weather is bad?
If the weather is poor, the experience can be canceled or rescheduled. You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if canceled due to weather conditions.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, this is a private experience, so only your group will participate, which allows for a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 46 days in advance, indicating it’s popular enough to need some planning.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, side-of-the-beaten-path experience in Florence that combines a bit of golf with excellent food and wine, this tour can be quite charming. It’s best suited for those who value personalized service and want to savor Tuscany’s flavors without dedicating a full day to a wine estate or golf course far from the city.

While it might not satisfy the most dedicated golf enthusiasts or wine connoisseurs looking for a deeply immersive experience, it offers a memorable way to enjoy Florence’s scenery, cuisine, and a touch of sport—all in a well-organized, private setting.

For travelers with a taste for good wine and a relaxed approach to golf, this tour provides a unique mix that can make for a delightful half-day adventure in Florence. Just keep your expectations reasonable and be prepared for a day of enjoyment rather than perfection.