As one of the undisputed wonders of the world, a visit to Venice is a must on any tourist's list of things to do in Italy.

Millions of visitors flock to the Veneto region every year to indulge in the history, culture and gastronomy that has made the area so famous.

But did you also know that Veneto boasts 40 golf courses - including one on the Venice Lido itself - and, together with the neighbouring Friuli-Venezia Giulia province, offers some of the finest and relaxing golf to be found anywhere in the country?

From Verona - home of Italian teenage golfing sensation Matteo Manassero - Padua and Vicenza to the Italian Dolomites, Treviso and Trieste, the north-east of Italy offers something for every golf enthusiast.

Valerio Scoyni, director of ENIT, Italy's National State Tourist Board, said: "The quality of golf and the lifestyle in the two regions is among some of the best to be found in the country.

"Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers a wide variety of different golfing landscapes to be explored which, when combined with their fine food, wine, history and culture, makes the perfect golfing break."

Whether your preference is for beaches, spa, the mountains or exploring its many historic and beautiful cities, Veneto has a range of golf courses nearby to suit all tastes.

Venice Golf Club, founded in 1930 and host to numerous professional tournaments over the years, is one of Italy's few true links courses having been constructed on sand and, as legend goes, was created on the suggestion of keen golfer Henry Ford - founder of the Ford motor company and a regular visitor to Venice.

Designed by Arnold Palmer, Ca'Della Nave features large American-style bunkers, numerous water hazards and fast greens while Asolo Golf Club, set in the foothills around Treviso, offers three testing nine-hole loops with three spacious residential complexes on site.

The courses at Frassanelle and Montecchia, located near Padua, bring a touch of English charm to the Venetian countryside as they meander through naturally rolling countryside while Asiago Golf Club is considered one of the most beautiful mountain courses in Europe.

Set in the north-east, Friuli-Venezia Giulia should be overlooked at your peril and features nine courses that will accommodate all golfing levels.

Home of the 1993 Italian Ladies' Open, the golf course at Lignano has many trees, lakes and bunkers which need to be avoided if you're to record a good score.

Trieste Golf Club sits atop the Carso plateau which rises above the seaport town of the same name while Tarvisio Golf and Country Club is located on the Austrian and Slovenian borders with terrific views of the Alps.

And with services flying into Venice, Treviso and Trieste airports from a wide variety of locations across the UK, visiting Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia has never been easier.

Scoyni added: "We have a golfing product throughout Italy that rivals any markets in Europe. As far as attracting the UK market to sample our product, we are in our infancy compared to Spain and Portugal, but we believe that we can offer a product that will satisfy any UK club golfer in their travels."

For further information on golf in Italy or to enquire about a golf break, please phone 020 7399 3550/7 or visit www.italiantouristboard.co.uk .

Information for media: Issued by Andrew Tremlett Associates. For more details, please contact Andy Tremlett on 07775 842716 or Pete Simm on 07747 012539, or e-mail ajtrem@aol.com or simm_6@msn.com