THE IMPERIAL CAR RALLY 2020

Postponed to June 2 to July 1, 2021 – Due to COVID-19 

TOURING

June 8 to July 7, 2020

IMPERIAL RALLY 2020 – FROM ROMANOFFS TO ROMANS

A truly unique tour that takes in the Russian home of the Romanoffs and finishes in Italy, the home of the Romans.

Norway, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy. A unique event that explores some of Europe’s most extraordinary and seldom visited places.

No-one has ever travelled Europe in this way as we take the Hurtigruten ferry north from Bergen, driving by day and sleeping on board by night, before entering Russia from its most northerly border with Norway. Taking unspoiled and seldom driven roads we drive south via Murmansk, the home of the Russian fleet, to St Petersburg. Then through the Baltic States into Poland before making our way to Vicenza and finishing in Portofino on the Ligurian coast.

So, what is so special about the Imperial Rally 2020?
Among the unique aspects of The Imperial Rally are entering Russia from its most northerly border in Europe, driving upwards through Norway and using the Hurtigruten ferry as our floating hotel, visiting Murmansk, the home of the Russian Arctic fleet, spending three nights in St Petersburg to enjoy this most exotic and cultured city. We will include visits to the to the Hermitage, the ballet and historic centre of the town.

We then head into the Baltic states visiting Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before visiting Bialystok, Warsaw and Kracow in Poland. Beautiful cities, historic buildings and superb scenery abound.

Budapest in Hungary, one of Europe’s unspoiled cities follows. We have a day off here to check out the highlights including the vast Buda museum, the amazing parliament building, the thermal spa, Heroes Square and a number of amazing churches, all bordered by the Danube river.

Our next drive is to one of the great hidden gems of Europe, Slovenia. So many things to do here including riding a train through ancient caves, Lake Bled and extraordinary roads in the mountains.

Our final country is fabulous Italy where we go to Portofino via Vicenza. Portofino is one of those places that everyone has to visit at least once,  set on an idyllic cove.

Norway  – The Land of Fjords
Following the ferry north is one of the best ways to see this great country. By night we are on the ship and by day we are out exploring the wonderful fjords, stunning scenery and the midnight sun.

Russia – A unique entry point
No rally has done this before – enter from the North and then travel down to St Petersburg. After Murmansk we stop in Kem, Petrozavodska and Sortavala – do you know anyone else who has done that? In St Petersburg we make the most of our visit arriving on the Red Sails and White Nights weekend!

Hurtigruten Ferry
We include an outside Arctic Superior cabin, all onboard meals, passage for your car and packed lunches. There are upgrade options to suites. This is the most luxurious way to travel along the coast of Norway as your hotel meets you each evening.

Incredible Italy
We visit magnificent Italy via Vicenza and our port of destination, the sublime Portofino.

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs exists to uphold the freedom to use historic vehicles on the road representing over 250,000 members. We are proud to be a member of this fantastic federation.

Bespoke Handling have over 30 years’ experience in vintage, classic and racing car transportation and shipping. Whether it is for a rally, an auction or an exhibition they have the expertise to ensure that your valuable car arrives in perfect condition on the agreed day.

William Medcalf Ltd is a restoration and rally preparation specialist, passionate about preserving vintage Bentleys.