They say all roads lead to Rome…
ROME – TUSCANY – PORTOFINO – MONACO GRAND PRIX
THE RUN TO MONACO 19-25 MAY 2020
By Harlen Troost
I can’t wait for this adventure next year! Cool cars, awesome people, incredibly delicious food and wine. Not sure what I’ll be driving… probably the Jaguar roadster. Haven’t decided yet, but with the roof down and the sun beaming, I can’t imagine a better time to spend next may on the road in the Jag to Monaco! And as you can guess, my companion will be Tulip Magnolia Blossom Troost in the passenger seat. She likes the wind in her face as much as I do. Of course, she’ll have her stash of doggie treats in the boot.
With the most stunning classical architecture as a backdrop and streets steeped in thousands of years of history, could there be a better place to gather forty of the world’s most beautiful supercars for the start of the world’s greatest driving adventure?
Italians have a deep love for cars and so any trip in Italy is special. This year the route heads through Tuscany and to the charming seaside village of Portofino before finishing in St. Jean Cap Ferrat for a weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix. Along the way there will be unique events and parties in some spectacular locations, great food and wine, and a whole series of performers, artistes, and musicians for entertaining.
There is an experienced, friendly and professional team dedicated to taking care of the details so that all guests can enjoy the adventure. From literally parachuting family members in to replacing lost jewellery the organizers will always endeavor to do their best.
ROME: HOTEL EDEN
“Hotel Eden is in a wonderful location offering intoxicating views, a strong sense of place and a very Italian charm.”
The Hotel Eden sits perfectly at the top of the Spanish steps with the verdant and airy Borghese gardens just behind. The rooftop bar is an unparalleled spot to soak up the charm and romance of the old city. This is an elegant hotel, recently opened after an eighteen month refit, which now sets the bar for luxury in Rome.
The first night of The Run To is traditionally when guests are welcomed from around the world to this historic jewel with an aperitivo – an Aperol Spritz perhaps? As dusk falls, the opening night party, possibly in one of Rome’s famous old landmarks, with performers from across the continent.
TUSCANY: CASTELLO DI RESCHIO
The second morning of the adventure dawns with the cars laid out freshly polished and valeted on our start grid, always in a special location. In previous years there have been rock bands, flames, banners, and even grid cows to create an exceptional atmosphere as entrants prepare for the off.
The route is absolutely brilliant, East and North through Umbria and in particular Tuscany with some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Rolling hills, cypress trees, and vineyards will flash by as we enjoy the best driving roads on a journey that has been thoroughly researched in the field.
This evening we’ll be stopping at Castello di Reschio, a sprawling private estate which sits on the Tuscan border. Set among acres of olive groves, vineyards and chestnut woods the original 10th Century castle is a new hotel with simply stunning Italian interiors. We will be the first lucky guests to pass through it’s ancient wooden doors. With the faint sound of bells ringing from the chapel, settle back and relax on the candlelit terrace to enjoy duck stuffed tortelli and deep red wine from the surrounding vines as the sun drops behind the mountains.
PORTOFINO: Hotel Splendido
Morning in Tuscany and miles of wonderful driving through la bella Italia lie ahead with friends old and new. We head north through the valley of the river Elsa, perhaps the most
gorgeous part of this charmed landscape and past the ancient cities of Florence and Pisa, staying on the back-roads of course.
As we move into Liguria we will keep on North and into the Apennine mountains for some more dramatic roads before swinging south towards the coastline, and the iconic village of Portofino. This small seaside village has been a magnet for travel cognoscenti over the years, with the likes of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor making it a home from home – there’s not much here, but it’s achingly beautiful.
We will be staying at The Hotel Splendido, a former monastery set up on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio and with flowers, palm trees and greenery cascading down the building and the grounds to the coastline.
MONACO: The Hotel Royal Riviera
Day four of our adventure is the final days drive before arriving in St. Jean Cap Ferrat for a
weekend at the world’s most glamorous race, the Monaco Grand Prix. We head north from the coastline into Piemonte which is a region famous for it’s food and wine.
Arriving in St Jean Cap Ferrat, our home for the weekend is The Hotel Royal Riviera, which is a relaxed and stylish palace by the sea with it’s own private sandy beach. Over the weekend we have fast and sleek thirty eight foot Wajer Osprey tenders to zip you the short journey round this iconic coastline to Port Hercules in Monaco.
There in the port is The Run To Monaco super yacht, berthed next to the track, and
providing perhaps the most fun and chic place to watch a sporting event from, period. Lobsters and other delicious food comes from our live grill staffed by Michelin starred chefs from Mauritius and cocktails and champagne available from bars on each deck.
MONACO
On Saturday most will come on board to watch the Formula One qualifying to see the drivers wrestle every last ounce of performance out of their cars close up. Position on the grid is key in here. That night our boat is transformed and we throw the best party in the
port which has in the past included live bands
made up of Formula one drivers, animals,
break dancers, and liquid nitrogen!
On Sunday its time for the 91st Grand Prix de Monte Carlo, where these brave and skillful drivers will tackle the tight corners, tunnels, and elevation changes of this famous street circuit. It’s a place steeped in history, where all the greats of the sport have flourished – Fangio, Senna, Schumacher were all supremely comfortable here on what is a
dangerous and demanding track.
After the race our super-fast tenders are available to take you back along the coast to Cap Ferrat. Sunday night is a time to choose what to do, be it a quiet dinner by the sea or a night out at the hottest parties in town. The team will be on hand to look after us and our cars will be transported home, leaving us free to relax and enjoy the time. On Monday morning our adventure draws to a close and entrants return home and back to reality.
Drop me a line and I can give to the details on how you can join us for this adventure!
Later…
Your Spencer Connoisseur
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