Discover These 3 Ideal Destinations for Golf-Loving Couples

The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence is one of many memorable attractions in Italy made readily available on a PerryGolf Escorted Tour, catering to couples.

From the banks of Venice to the shores of Sydney, whether observing the flightless Kiwi or simply gazing out upon the beautiful water of Lake Como, PerryGolf offers myriad destinations for couples who seek to combine their passions of travel and golf.

Enrich your mind and replenish your soul while pursuing those pesky pars, making lasting friendships along the way with similar minded folks who walk alongside on a unforgettable journey. Each of PerryGolf’s Cruises, Custom Tours and Escorted Tours provides not only a host of activities, sightseeing, dining and, of course world class golf on amazing courses, but also ample time for relaxing, recharging and enjoying a vacation certain to create indelible memories.

(Also, keep in mind that if you book a PerryGolf cruise by March 31st, your better half saves HALF, and you will also receive free internet while on board select Azamara cruises).

While PerryGolf can take you from the British Isles to South Africa and many points in between, learn more about these three destinations which are ideal for golfing couples:

Italy

If ever there was a country suited for traveling couples, it’s this European destination which is famously shaped like a boot.

Milan. Venice. Rome.

Shopping. History. Food & Wine.

Whatever you prefer – or why not a taste of each? – Italy caters to couples, allowing ample opportunity to indulge and inhale each scene and delight. Inquire about PerryGolf’s Best of Italy Escorted 2018, which begins Aug. 25 and spans two weeks, traveling from bustling city streets to quiet countryside. Admire Michelangelo’s amazing painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, feel in awe while gazing deep into Da Vinci’s Last Supper and you never know which A-List celebrity you may bump shoulders with while strolling about Lake Como.

The golf is stellar. Marco Simone will be the site of the 2022 Ryder Cup and is certain to present a daunting challenge to the finest professionals from Europe and the United States. Located 10 miles from the center of Rome and meandering around an 11th century castle, Marco Simone combines a creative mixture of challenge, beauty, risk and reward, designed by noted American architect Jim Fazio. The par-5 16th hole, measuring 550 yards from the championship tees with its green defended by a menacing stream is certain to snare the attention of each man or woman who passes through.

The quaint, beautiful towns of Sorrento and Positano sit perched high upon steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.

A major shipping hub and port in the 18th century, Positano today is a sophisticated resort gazing down over the gorgeous central Amalfi Coast in Italy. Explore along steep flights of steps, if you wish. The town’s origin is traced to the ninth century and its nucleus centered around a Benedictine Abbey.

John Steinbeck, Pablo Picasso and Liz Taylor are among those who have fallen hard for the charm of Positano.

 

New Zealand

Sparse in population, rich in beauty and abundant in local hospitality, New Zealand demands at least one visit from any adventurous traveling couple.

From Taupo to Queenstown and every interesting point in between, PerryGolf delivers a unforgettable experience in New Zealand, offering both an Escorted Tour which begins Nov. 5th and a delightful cruise which departs in January, 2019 in addition to Custom Tours of your preference.

Let’s start with the golf, which in recent years has increased in quantity and quality. The incredible landscapes, rocky cliffs and vistas of sparkling blue water provide the perfect canvas, enabling talented course designers to craft masterpieces worthy of the trip required to experience them.

Along those lines, Cape Kidnappers receives all the headlines – and rightfully so. This Tom Doak masterpiece makes Pebble Beach look mundane, demanding shots over trees to targets in slivers of land nestled 500 feet above the glorious Hawke’s Bay. Equally enjoyable is Royal Wellington – the first in New Zealand to receive the Royal designation – and a regular host of the New Zealand Open – most recently in 2014.

Away from the links, Hawke’s Bay and its world-renowned wineries will make any wine connoisseur feel warm and fuzzy. It’s the nation’s oldest wine producing region in New Zealand is known for its full-bodied red wines and complex Chardonnays.

Lake Taupo is a destination beyond description. Called “Nature’s Ultimate Playground,” the brilliant scenery from Huka Falls to Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings must be explored and PerryGolf provides ample time for just this on the journey.

 

Australia

Dates haven’t been finalized for the Best of Australia Escorted Tour 2019, but expect it to begin in January or February – and expect it to fill up quickly. The array of quality golf, interesting cities and warm people make Down Under a special landing spot. Then again, the warm climate awaiting when most Northern Hemisphere residents battle nip and chill of winter doesn’t hurt Australia’s seasonal popularity, either.

The golf is stunning in this grand sporting nation. We’ll discuss, momentarily, the world renowned layouts and immaculate conditions. But first, consider the wealth of attractions to realize in Sydney, Melbourne and beyond.

When discussing iconic images, the Sydney Opera House takes center stage. Located on the glorious Sydney Harbour and perhaps the most easily recognized structure in all of Australia, it welcomes seven million visitors annually. Take a guided tour or better yet – enjoy one of the 1,500 performances the Opera House holds each year.

For deluxe accommodations, the Langham Melbourne is an exquisite 5-star hotel on the banks of the Yarra River. Calm your body, mind and soul as East meets West in the Chuan Spa, which is considered among Australia’s finest.

Vue de Monde is simply one of many elite dining options available in downtown Melbourne. Be sure to save room for the rest and enjoy the view from 55 stories above the city, gazing across the skyline.

In Queensland be certain to visit one of these restaurants. We can almost taste the Patagonian Toothfish and Sydney Rock Oysters.

There are so many of the world’s best golf courses from which to choose. New South Wales (right) opened in 1928 after the Scottish architect Dr. Alister MacKenzie unveiled his brilliant vision. Abutting the Tasman Sea and Botany Bay, the layout is routinely ranked within the top five in Australia. Over on the northeast coast of Tasmania, the two courses at Barnbougle Dunes – The Dunes and The Lost Farm send scribes scrambling to the online thesaurus seeking other ways to say spectacular.

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Are You a Semifinalist to Win a $10,000 Tour for Two?

We are pleased to announce the 100 semifinalists who have been selected for their chance to win the $10,000 Tour for Two sweepstakes. Those participants whose name appears more than once have additional chances to win.

Patrick Abbey
Sharon Ailts
Steve Back
Kristy Balser
David Bercovich
Sarah Berntson
Ashton Bird
Rich Blakemore
Andrew Boling
Andrea Boyles
Brenda Broome
Shari Bruno
Doug Bugni
Madonna Byrne
Colleen Cahill
Marvin Caparros
Serina Chea
Serina Chea
Norman Clark
Andrew Clauson
Andrew Clauson
Vivian Cocca
John Colon
Maureen Conway
Christian Costa
Lisa Crisp
Jeff Cummings
Audrey Currie
Janice Danielson
John Deal
Tori Dulwick
Chris Eckland
Brent Elliott
Brian Flynn
Sara Gaulin
Mister Gilbert
Ben Goergen
Katherine Gray
Katherine Gray
Katherine Gray
Jeff Griffin
Mikkel Hansen
Kimberly Harrison
Davis Heatwole
Steve Hughes
Bob Humphrey
Ryan Irvine
Barry Kay
Carol Kensiski
Jean Kesner
Matthew Kichman
Jason Kinnin
Jason Kinnin
Jason Kinnin
Terrell Klein
MARY KROSCH
Stephen Leary
Erik Lecomte
Dale Leonard
Alex Lessard
Matt Mancuso
Melinda Markle
Cindy Marshall
Susan Mathews
Susan Mathews
Ed Matthews
Christina McQueen
Todd Moon
James Murphy
Chantale Neron
Jeannie Neyers
Janine OFlaherty
Ken Olmstead
Ken Olmstead
Daniel Overbeck
Albert Peruzzo
Michele Petrucci
John Przybylowski
Spencer Rafferty
Eric Rainbolt
Victor Riche
Mark Roehrig
Kenneth Scholz
Chris Schrape
Phil Schweitzer
Phil Schweitzer
Scott Senior
James Sickels
Tony Solomon
Louis Solorio
Doug Studer
Stephen TenEyck
Philippe Therrien
Patrick Tobin
Kenel Valmeus
Sherri Weeks
Ken Wolfe
Gerald Wright
Paul Wyatt
Dennis Zukiwsky

The final drawing will take place on Friday, March 9, 2018. 
 
Good luck to all!


 
Gordon Dalgleish
President & Co-Founder

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5 Reasons to Visit New Zealand

Milford Sound, known as the ‘8th Wonder of the World,’ is one of many breathtaking sights to enjoy on a trip to enchanting New Zealand.

In addition to its unmistakable beauty, New Zealand enjoys a rich, interesting history and diverse cultural tradition.

Roughly one thousand years ago, the Maori traveled on canoes from Hawaiki to New Zealand, becoming the first visitors. Abel Tasman, a Dutchman, is credited as the first European to see the country and the British explorer Captain James Cook, aboard HMS Endeavour, famously came ashore in Eastland in October, 1769.

The Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement signed in 1840 between the Maori and British Crown, established British Law in New Zealand and is considered the nation’s founding document.

With a population of approximately 4.7 million today, New Zealand is the same size as the Republic of Ireland. Picturesque and unspoiled, the English-speaking nation of New Zealand consists of two main islands and is a coveted destination for travelers from around the globe.

PerryGolf takes you to New Zealand by land or sea, enabling guests to enjoy the bountiful beauty and adventure offered from the mountains to the coast throughout this magnificent location. The Best of New Zealand Escorted Tour is a 13-Night, 7-Round trip in November, 2018 while the New Zealand and Sydney Golf Cruise is a 16-Night voyage offering five or six rounds of golf, setting sail in January, 2019.

There are many, but here are five reasons we suggest you visit New Zealand

Milford Sound

The brilliant English writer Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and one visit makes it easy to understand why the description fits. Carved from glaciers during the Ice Age, the sound features majestic waterfalls, rising a thousand meters above the dark water below. In season, seals, dolphins and penguins dot the water. Spectacular alpine scenery abounds and this body of water is beautiful from above or ground level.

Napier

Located on the eastern coast of the North Island, this town of 63,000 has an Art Deco community on par with Miami Beach. MTG Hawke’s Bay is a wonderful museum which details the massive 1931 earthquake which shook the city and the rebuild in the modern style, with clean, geometric shapes infused with a flair of flamboyance and touch of whimsy. Popular among tourists, the explorer Cook first noticed the beauty around Napier, making note of such during his original voyage and subsequent visit. The climate is ideal in January and February as well – average high of 75 degrees and average low of 58.

Cape Kidnappers

Completed in 2004, this Tom Doak design features 18 unique, challenging and scintillating holes. It’s like Pebble Beach on steroids. Every single hole offers a breathtaking view of the bay, located 400 feet below. We could write more, but here have a look for yourself.

 

Hawke’s Bay Wineries

Featuring an ideal climate with high sunshine, vineyards date back to 1851 in Hawke’s Bay. Whether you prefer a Bordeaux Blend, Chardonnay or a good Syrah, this vibrant region has a wine that will please your palate. It’s the oldest wine region in New Zealand and the second-largest. Altogether, reds account for 88 percent of the wines produced here, however, the Chardonnays shall not be neglected while traversing the Wine Trail, which includes 72 wineries. Visit internationally recognized wineries such as Mission Estate, Trinity Hill, Ashridge, Black Barn, Craggy Range, Elephant Hill, Te Mata Estate on a PerryGolf Escorted Tour and also savor the panoramic views from Te Mata Peak.

Lake Taupo

Anyone wanting to better understand the culture of New Zealand should include a visit to the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on their itinerary. The carvings took place over four years, completed in 1980. It’s one of many attractions available on this beautiful Lake Taupo. On a half-day snapshot tour of Taupo, enjoy a variety of contrasting scenery from wild river rapids to lush national park and steamy geothermal areas, as you visit local favorite attractions such as Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon, Aratiatia Rapids and much more.

 

 

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5 Reasons to Visit Argentina

With a population of roughly 44 million, Argentina is the second-largest Spanish-speaking nation in South America. The beautiful nation on the continent’s southern portion delivers a variety of features and attractions certain to please an array of travelers.

Along those lines, PerryGolf’s Best of Argentina Escorted 2018 is sold out later this month, however don’t fret because space remains on the 11-night, 6-round Escorted Tour in Feb. 2019.

From breathtaking waterfalls to incredible dining to entertaining and educational slices of culture – not to mention world class golf, PerryGolf’s Escorted Tours are the ideal way for the discerning traveler to enjoy this expansive and diverse nation. Whether you enjoy the fast-paced action in the city or peaceful natural beauty in the countryside, Argentina has plenty to offer.

If you enjoy combining your love of the game with a passion for travel, you’ll find a lot to like about this escorted experience for a party of 20-24.  Arrangements are in place for every aspect of this fully managed program including various meals, guided sightseeing, carts/caddies and local transportation.  It is an excellent opportunity for couples and individuals to join a group of like-minded future friends!

Here are five reasons everyone should save space for a trip to Argentina.

The Weather

Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so summer spans from December to February, encompassing the months when PerryGolf will take you there.

The average high temperature in Buenos Aires during these months is roughly 85 degrees and the average low is 69. Visitors can expect approximately nine hours of sunshine per day as they peruse boutique shops in the high-energy cosmopolitan city of nearly three million or wind down the scenic Camino de los 7 Lagos (The Road of the Seven Lakes). Shorts and shirt sleeves will generally suffice on the golf course and you’ll return home tanned, refreshed and eager to return.

The Golf

Buenos Aires Golf Club is a treat. Avoiding the water hazards is top priority at this Robert von Hagge designed which opened in 1994 and held the World Cup of Golf in 2000. Americans Tiger Woods and David Duval teamed to win that event by three shots over the host country.

Olivos Golf Club is considered one of the finest courses in South America, and the best in Argentina. It routinely serves as host for the nation’s most significant championships, including the 2016 Argentina Open.

Llao Llao Golf Club is surrounded by deep-blue lakes, snow-covered mountains and natural forests. The layout crosses the Nahuel Huapi Lake a number of times and its dramatic 18th hole is one of two holes in Argentina which are rated among the best 500 in the world. This is  a challenging and scenic experience that will not soon be forgotten.

 

The Beauty

Iguazu Falls, which is offered as a Pre-Tour Extension and includes a full day tour of the Falls, means great waters in the Guarani language. There are 275 individual drops on this natural wonder, feeding from the Iguazu River, which serves as the border between Brazil and Argentina.

Isla Victoria has varied foliage, including the arctic beech, and some easy hiking trails, and if you spend time wandering, you can find some solitary beaches on which to sit and contemplate the lake. There are cave paintings on the island that mark a distant paste when the island was inhabited by Indians. In the Mapuche language for “Nahuel Huapi”, nahuel means “jaguar” and huapi means “island”.

Fly Fishing on the banks of a Patagonian River is an activity that can be enjoyed by folks of any skill level, providing a enjoyable afternoon in nature – and perhaps dinner for the evening.

The Wine & Food

Eat a hefty steak cut from a pasture-raised and grass-fed cow. A steak dinner at any of the parrillas (beef restaurants) in San Telmo, a trendy barrio with cobblestone streets just six blocks from Plaza de Mayo, promises the most authentic churrasco experience imaginable. 

Enjoy a lovely glass or two of Malbec, the red wine for which Argentina is best known. Dine at the dozens of wonderful restaurants located in the heart of bustling Buenos Aires. This much is certain: guests rarely want for a delicious dining experience on their visits to Argentina. 

Great dining options in Buenos Aires

The Culture

On one enchanting evening in Argentina, enjoy a Tango Show at Gala Tango, which includes a private 30 minute lesson before the dinner. This dance is synonymous with Argentina. Its sensuality has traveled the world in the voices of famous singers. From its origin in the marginal neighborhood of La Boca at the beginning of the twentieth century, Tango has come a long way and today is danced in the finest dance halls in Buenos Aires and the world. 

Buenos Aires is a charming city with a strong influence from many of the main European cities. Beautiful walks, avenues, parks, monumental buildings, cafes, museums and churches gathered in 26 districts, each with its own distinct personality, gives it a truly cosmopolitan air. The northern quarter resembles the most elegant areas of Paris; May Avenue and it’s innumerable cafes houses revives the flavor of Madrid’s Gran Via; the shady Belgrano streets recall the distinguished Londoners suburb; Naples seems to be present in the noisy and colored La Boca quarter.

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5 Sights to See in Melbourne, Australia

The Melbourne Star is one of many attractions and sights to enjoy in this wonderful Australian city.

Last weekend, the 24-year-old pro Cameron Smith defeated Jordan Zunic in a two-hole sudden death playoff to claim the Australian PGA Championship. It was the most significant individual win yet for the young Queenslander, who teamed with Jonas Blixt in April to win the Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour.

The Australian PGA was played on the Gold Coast of Queensland, which is about 1,000 miles north of Melbourne, a featured destination for PerryGolf escorted tours.

https://www.perrygolf.com/destinations/australia-golf-vacations.php

Of course, any PerryGolf trip to Melbourne includes amazing golf at world renowned courses such as Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath and Metropolitan in the Sandbelt region. Chasing pars and birdies on these magnificent layouts is certain to capture your imagination, create indelible memories and is likely to make you crave a return visit.

In addition to golf at the highest level, the cruises and tours provide ample time for savoring the scenes, sounds and flavor of a wonderful city such as Melbourne, with its comfortable summer weather and friendly people.

Here are five sights to see on any trip to the Melbourne area. Each of these can easily be enjoyed in half a day or stretched into a full day if you’re having so much fun you can’t leave!

Queen Victoria Market

Also known as the Queen Vic Markets or the Queen Vic, and locally as ‘”Vic Market,” this is a major landmark in Melbourne, Australia, and at around seven hectares (17 acres) is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The Market is significant to Melbourne’s culture and heritage and has been listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The Queen Victoria Market is the only surviving 19th century market in the Melbourne central business district.

Officially opened on March 20, 1878, the market has a long, rich history and remains a vibrant and functional part of the city today, offering hundreds of stalls where local farmers and merchants sell fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and an array of art, crafts, clothing and jewelry, among other items.

Browse or shop, spend a few hours or make it a day as you absorb an iconic location in Melbourne’s culture.

 

Royal Botanic Gardens

These internationally renowned botanical gardens are located near the centre of Melbourne on the south bank of the Yarra River. Sprawling 94 acres (38 hectares) these well-manicured and landscaped gardens feature a mixture of native and exotic vegetation, numbering more than 10,000 species.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are adjacent to a larger group of parklands directly south-east of the city, between St. Kilda Road and the Yarra River known as the Domain Parklands, which includes Kings Domain, Alexandra Gardens and Queen Victoria Gardens.

The gardens play a significant role in helping to preserve threatened and endangered plants while studying their habitats.

 

Eureka Skydeck 88

Located inside the 297-meter (975 foot) Eureka Tower in the Southbank precinct of Melbourne, the Skydeck is accurately described as “an experience above all else.” The Skydeck is located 12 meters from the top and passengers arrive there in 38 scintillating seconds aboard the Southern Hemisphere’s fastest elevator.

Daring guests can accelerate the experience by stepping out onto “The Edge” – a glass cube that extends from the 88th floor of the Tower and suspends guests more than 900 feet above Melbourne.

Eureka Tower opened in 2006 after a four-year construction process. Any visitors wishing to see Melbourne from a different point of view would be remiss to forego this heightened enlightened vantage point.

 

Melbourne Star

Previously known as the Southern Star, this giant Ferris Wheel is located in the Waterfront City precinct in the Docklands area of Melbourne. The only giant observation wheel in the Southern Hemisphere is 120 meters (394 feet) tall and has seven spokes to reflect the seven-pointed star on the Australian flag.

A ride on the Melbourne Star consists of one complete rotation, which takes 30 minutes and delivers unobstructed views stretching nearly 25 miles (40 kilometers). Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery encompassing the entire Docklands precinct, Melbourne’s central business district, Port Phillip Bay and as far as Mount Macedon, Arthur’s Seat and the Dandenong Ranges.

Melbourne Zoo

Officially called the Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens, the Melbourne Zoo features 320 animal species from Australia and around the world. Located 2.5 miles north of the city centre, the zoo is easily accessible via a short taxi ride or public transportation (Stop 24 or Stop 25).

You may spot something cuter than this baby Asian Elephant during your trip to Melbourne, but we seriously doubt it!

From the Giant Tortoise to the Baw Baw Frog and the Philippines Crocodile, there’s an animal for everyone at this well-routed zoo. Be sure to enter Lion Gorge, where you’ll come face-to-face with a magnificent African Wild Dog Pack and learn plenty about this agile, active hunter. Walk the elevated boardwalk above the orangutans and watch them swing, climb and feed as they would in the wild.

The Wild Zoo is the largest exhibit at the Melbourne Zoo and showcases the natural beauty of Victoria’s coast and ocean. Be prepared to swoon over a seal or fall for a penguin.

 

 

 

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