GTO Engineering Tour: Croatia to Tuscany, May 13-18
GTO Engineering invites all marques of classic and modern sports and supercars (up to 15) to take part in their upcoming Croatia to Tuscany driving tour, this coming May 13-18. Download the brochure here, and read on to see images from the recent test-run and for a preview of the daily itinerary.
Arrival Day – Monday 13th May
The fun starts at the D-Resort on the shores of the historic city of Šibenik, a few miles north of Split. This fabulous hotel will make the perfect venue for the first night’s party, with spectacular sea views on three sides of the ultra-modern property and every room. The cars will be delivered to the hotel shortly before you arrive, in plenty of time for ‘the off’ the following morning.
Tour Day 1 – Tue 14th May
The route heads first inland on some wide and gently twisting roads north through the hills before returning to the coast shortly before lunch. We have taken over a beach bar for lunch, a relaxed and informal buffet in the sunshine (we have even arranged a DJ to help set the scene). The rest of the day will be spent meandering up the coastal road with glorious views out to sea and to the islands beyond. The evening's hotel is a unique experience; the vista and its proximity to the sea along with the contemporary art and furniture give the hotel the vibe of a mega yacht.
Tour Day 2 – Wed 15th May
In the morning we say farewell to Croatia as we make our way into Slovenia. Initially, we had intended this simply to be a necessary route to Italy, until we discovered some amazing roads off the beaten track and up into the lower reaches of the Dolomites that Slovenia offers. Wide and smooth tarmac, twisting through the forest laden hills, it is an absolute treat for any sports car, classic or modern. After lunch we arrive in Italy, heading west just north of Venice before we arrive at a superb Venetian villa hotel. Cocktails will be served in the tranquil gardens before a gourmet dinner in the ‘Scuderia’ restaurant.
Tour Day 3 – Thur 16th May
We head up into the Dolomites for a day of sublime driving. The scenery here is spectacular and we have lunch at a ski restaurant on a mountain pass. In the afternoon we head down to Verona and the Byblos Art Hotel, owned by a leading collector of modern art. Much of his collection is on display at the hotel; the lobby has two pieces by Damian Hirst, and there is an Andy Warhol in reception! Cocktails and dinner will be in the beautiful formal gardens.
Tour Day 4 – Fri 17th May
Although passing Maranello, there is no time to stop at the Ferrari factory. We have, however, arranged a visit to the Panini Museum, home to the Maserati heritage collection, purchased by the Panini family from De Tomaso when Maserati was sold to the Fiat group. It is home to some of the most prestigious Maserati ever built, including a number of 6C, 250F, Birdcage and a 420/M/58 ‘Eldorado’. From there we head south into Tuscany and lunch in the gardens of the superb Limonaia restaurant in Prato, just north of Florence. It is then a gentle drive through the magical Tuscan hills to the magnificent Castel Monastero, a tranquil 5-star castle where will have the final party and dinner.
Final Day – Sat 18th May
There will be a final lunch in the castle courtyard and there is the option to stay and enjoy the weekend relaxing with another night or two at Castel Monastero. The cars will be collected in the morning and whisked back to the UK on the fully enclosed transporters.
