This is an email received at work, the event sounds wonderful if you have a spare £5,000!!!

Wow...what an experience....maybe time to get that dust cover off of the Ferrari !!!! LOL




The (2011) Italian Job

12th - 16th September

A European Rally for Vintage, Exotic and interesting

5 days of endless winding roads, breathtaking scenery, fine cuisine and some of the most luxurious accommodation Europe has to offer. There are places for just 30 teams of vintage, super and interesting cars to take part. You will set off on a tour travelling from Kent to Italy across 3 countries culminating in a last night gala dinner in the unique setting of the Ferrari Gallery in Maranello.

The route will take you through some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring sights in Europe, including Chantilly, Vonnas, Lake Maggiore and Modena, staying at some of the best small luxurious establishments that Europe has to offer, before arriving in Maranello. Setting off each day with a route map in hand, there is plenty of scope to delay your appearance at the next destination, perhaps for some browsing in Paris, or exploring some of the vineyards in Burgundy. Or you may just wish to arrive in good time at the next stay - over in order to enjoy their spa facilities or simply relax around the pool. Dinner each evening will be enhanced by swopping stories of the day's experiences between teams and there will also be first class entertainment on hand to add to the enjoyment! On the last day the teams arrive in Maranello, where that evening you will enjoy a gala dinner at the Galleria Ferrari - which must be one of the Holy Grails for car enthusiasts - a truly unforgettable experience.

There are spaces for just 30 teams on this unique drive of a lifetime, for the inclusive price is £4,990 per team

The cost is per team based on two passengers sharing twin or double occupancy at each destination. Included in the price are Channel Tunnel crossings, event literature, four nights of four and five star accommodation, breakfast and a splendid dinner at each destination

Itinerary
Day1 - Lenham to Chantilly
The day will commence at the beautiful 'Chilston Park Hotel' near Lenham in Kent, where you will be met by our event team. Once the formalities have been completed the Union Jack will be dropped and we'll be off. It is just a short drive to the Channel Tunnel for the crossing to France and upon arrival you will be making your way to Chantilly, where you'll spend your first night at the beautiful 18th Century Chateau Mont Royal, which is situated within the Forest of Chantilly. Your first gourmet dinner of the week will be served in a splendid period room within the chateau.

Day 2 - Chantilly to Vonnas
After a leisurely breakfast at the Chateau, your journey will continue on to Burgundy. Upon arriving in Burgundy, you will have the choice of staying on the Autoroute and arriving in Vonnas mid afternoon and taking advantage of the fabulous spa at the hotel; or leaving the main road and driving through many of the pretty villages that make up this part of Burgundy, you will have the opportunity of buying wines direct from the vineyards. The second night stop will be in the village of Vonnas at the five star Georges Blanc Parc & Spa which is within the exclusive Relais & Chateaux group. Dinner will be served at L'Ancienne Auberge, a wonderful country style restaurant just two minutes walk from the hotel.

Day3 - Vonnas to Lake Maggiore
Up for an early start for this sector as this is the longest day's drive but probably the most rewarding for sites and scenery. During the afternoon the drive continues through the Alps and into Italy, by - passing Milan and finally arriving at Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where we shall be spending two nights at the beautiful 5 star Villa Palazzo Amnita. This romantic hotel in the style of a Venetian Villa has wonderful views over the lake and to the mountains beyond. Dinner and Cabaret is included in the hotel on your first night, with the second night free for you to explore some of the other restaurants and bars in this beautiful area on the Italian lakes.

Day 4 - Lake Maggiore
During your free day at Lake Maggiore your day can be enjoyed by using the wonderful spa in the hotel, having a cruise on the lake or just relaxing, perhaps by the pool overlooking the lake or taking in the sights of this pretty Italian town. Alternatively you may like to take a leisurely drive around the lake, driving into Switzerland before returning to the hotel later.

Day5 - Lake Maggiore to Maranello
The final sector of this fabulous drive continues through the Italian Lakes on to Milan and then down the Autostrada to Modena and to Maranello. The elegant Maranello Palace hotel will be our base for the final night, a modern four star hotel set in the heart of 'Ferrari Country' and near to all of the attractions of the area - useful for those staying on. There will be a chance to relax and freshen up before we leave for the Galleria Ferrari, where you will see some of these exquisite road cars along with a selection of racing cars from the world's most famous team, 'Scuderia Ferrari'. Drinks and canapés will be served within the Galleria, followed by our Lavoro Italiano Awards Dinner. . Private dining there is a privilege indeed.

Optional Extra Visit
On route you can join us for an optional 'money usually can't buy' visit to Monza where you will have the opportunity to drive 6 laps of this famous F1 circuit behind a safety car in your own car! We shall have our own section of the paddock to use prior to driving through the pits and onto the circuit. After the drive there will be a 'backstage show round' of the circuit, taking in the race control room, press room and a chance to stand on the winner's podium. The extra cost for this optional diversion is just £250 per car.

Optional Extra Day
Now a chance for the privileged few to be taken inside the factory at Maserati! You will not need your cars today as we will take over the driving and you will be taken by coach from the hotel direct to the factory for a showround of the production and an insight into the secrets of this fabulous Italian marque. After leaving the factory you will enjoy a light buffet lunch at the Caffe Concerto in Modena's Piazza Grande. Following lunch and accompanied by our Italian guides we will drive through the Italian countryside to a farm producing some of the finest organic parmesan cheese and local wines. A reception of these local delicacies will be served and you will have a chance to buy some direct from the producer, a real taste of Italy to take home. NB. This option is only open to twenty couples. Price for above package £125 per person. Extra Night at The Maranello Palace Hotel £200 per room.


If anyone is interested I do have the company details to obtain further info /book. I am sure there will be a rush for the limited spaces