See Italy in Style

A Great New Way to Tour the Old Country

Three classic designs.

Imagine driving a vintage Alfa, Fiat or Lancia along the winding roads of the Italian countryside on a warm afternoon. Ahead of you is a spectacular meal and a night in a luxurious hotel. Behind you is an attentive staff of travel professionals and mechanics, dedicated to making your trip a memorable experience. It's easy to imagine - and thanks to a company called Italy by Vintage Car, it’s easy to make that dream a reality.

The company was formed about a year ago by Italian Tullia Caballero, American Carolyn Sukoff and Belgian Françoise Vandercam, three travel and conference-planning professionals with extensive knowledge of the Italian countryside. The idea started off as something of a lark, but the three quickly realized that providing a hassle-free way to see Italy from behind the wheel of a vintage car could be a great business.

"Initially, it was just for fun," said Caballero. "My other two partners organize meetings and conferences, and part of the activities often involve vintage cars—half-day or full-day trips. The clients always came back saying that it would be so great to do that on holiday instead of just for a half-day. So, we decided to try to organize trips using the cars we were already working with."

Duetto on a dusty road

A weekend test run went well, so the three put their industry knowledge and extensive contacts to use developing six distinctive tours (with more to come) through some of Italy's most spectacular roads and unique destinations. Caballero, whose other business involves planning biking and walking trips, was heavily involved in designing each unique route.

They have access to some pretty fabulous cars, too. The cars are all privately-owned, either by individual collectors or rental companies. Most are '50s through '70s Alfas, Fiats and Lancias, of course, but they also have access to rare "etceterinis" like an Ermini 1100. All are well- maintained to begin with, but are carefully checked over by a team of vintage car specialists before, after and (most importantly) during each tour. Just in case, there's always a spare car that comes along if needed. As any classic car lover knows, there have been huge advances in steering, braking and shifting over the last few decades, so to make life a bit easier on the cars, each group goes through a familiarization session before hitting the open road.

Lancia Flaminia GT Superleggera in Orvieto.

"The reaction of an old car is very different from modern cars," Caballero said. "We go through those things just to remind people that they're like old ladies—they have to be treated gently!"

With that in mind, these trips are designed for style and comfort, not speed. The idea is not to roar along the roads like Fangio or Moss; it's to enjoy the drive, soak up the scenery and visit the villages, wineries, restaurants and local artisans that make Italy so unique.

"It's designed for people who enjoy traveling in a different way," said Caballero, who also plans customized trips in addition to the tours. "You don't have to be a car enthusiast at all; you just have to like the romantic revival type of trip, where you go slowly into the countryside and see the art and attractions in a special way."

For those who are serious car enthusiasts, Caballero says the company is considering a more car- focused trip that will take in some of Italy's legendary coachbuilders, private museums and perhaps include some track time. Caballero, who recently enjoyed a spirited drive in a Mille Miglia-spec Abarth 1000 Coupe, could be as enthusiastic a participant as she is a host.

What a great way to see the countryside!

"I did the roads from Florence to Bologna through the Appennine Mountains, which is a very nice, winding road," she said. "It's a very small car, but when you push down on the accelerator, you really feel it going. I can assure you I was grinning the whole way!"

For more information on Italy by Vintage Car, visit http://www.vintagecartour.com