Italy
7 days
Mercedes-Benz
Italy Grand Driving Tour Villa d`Este – Mercedes-Benz
May
From
Tuscany, Italy
17-20 September 2026
Gran Premio Nuvolari 2026
Follow the spirit of Italy’s greatest racing legend
Gran Premio Nuvolari
Italy's Hidden Gem for Classic Car Enthusiasts
The Gran Premio Nuvolari is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets for classic car enthusiasts. While the Mille Miglia attracts global media attention and celebrity participants, the Gran Premio Nuvolari delivers a more authentic vintage motorsport experience through the heart of northern and central Italy.
This 1926 Amilcar CGS brings history to life at the Gran Premio Nuvolari.
Each September, more than 300 historic automobiles gather in Mantua, the hometown of legendary racing driver Tazio Nuvolari. Over three days, competitors navigate approximately 1,000 kilometers of scenic Italian roads through Lombardy, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, and beyond. The rally combines precision driving, regularity tests, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.
For American enthusiasts, the event offers a rare opportunity to experience Italian motoring culture away from the crowds often associated with larger historic rallies. Participants encounter everything from pre-war sports cars and rare coachbuilt grand tourers to iconic European racing machines that are seldom seen outside major concours events.
Whether you want to compete behind the wheel, ride as a navigator, or simply experience the atmosphere as a spectator, the Gran Premio Nuvolari is one of the most rewarding classic car events in Italy.
Event informationen
The Legacy of Tazio Nuvolari
Ready to Experience the Gran Premio Nuvolari for Yourself?
Few drivers in motorsport history are as revered as Tazio Nuvolari. Born near Mantua in 1892, he became famous for his fearless driving style and ability to defeat far more powerful machines in some of the greatest races of the pre-war era.
One of his most legendary victories came at the 1935 Nürburgring Grand Prix, where Nuvolari defeated the dominant German Silver Arrows in front of their home crowd while driving an Alfa Romeo — a result still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in motorsport history.
Stories from the Mille Miglia era helped further cement his myth, including accounts of him continuing flat-out through the night with reduced visibility, overtaking rivals on dark, unlit Italian roads — a driving style that came to define his fearless reputation in endurance racing.
His legend grew across Europe’s great road races, which would later inspire events like the Mille Miglia and the Gran Premio Nuvolari. While the Mille Miglia has become the most famous name in historic Italian motoring, the Gran Premio Nuvolari remains closely tied to Nuvolari himself and is often considered its more authentic, enthusiast-focused counterpart..
Experience the Gran Premio Nuvolari from behind the wheel of a classic Alfa Romeo Spider on an unforgettable journey through Italy. Combining scenic drives, historic towns, exceptional cuisine, and the atmosphere of one of Europe’s most celebrated historic rally events, this tour offers the perfect blend of classic motoring and Italian culture.
Day 1: Arrive in Italy and meet your Alfa Romeo Spider before your first scenic drive through the Tuscan countryside.
Day 2: Explore winding roads through Chianti, medieval hill towns, and some of Tuscany’s most beautiful landscapes.
Day 3: Experience the excitement of the Gran Premio Nuvolari as historic rally cars pass through iconic Italian towns and countryside.
Day 4: Enjoy a final day of classic driving, local gastronomy, and unforgettable views before returning home with memories of Italy’s most authentic motoring adventure.
Pure automotive art on the cobblestones of Mantua.
When is the Gran Premio Nuvolari 2026?
The Gran Premio Nuvolari traditionally takes place on September 17 to 20, 2026. The three-day rally begins and ends in Mantua, Italy, and covers approximately 1,000 kilometers through some of the country’s most beautiful regions.
A rare 1940s Healey Silverstone turning heads at the historic Gran Premio Nuvolari.
Where Does the Gran Premio Nuvolari Take Place?
The rally starts in Mantua (Mantova), located in northern Italy.
From there, competitors travel through:
- Tuscany
- Emilia-Romagna
- Lombardy
- Historic hill towns and medieval villages
- Scenic vineyard regions
- Mountain and countryside roads
Unlike many modern racing events, much of the appeal comes from driving on real public roads alongside fellow enthusiasts. The route through the event showcases the beauty of Italy and its racing history.
Jaguar XK120 Roadster back in Siena.
How Do I Register for the Gran Premio Nuvolari 2026?
Drivers must submit an official entry application and compete in an eligible historic automobile according to event regulations.
Because entries are limited and demand is high, many international participants choose to attend through organized hospitality and driving programs.
Nostalgic offers an all-inclusive Gran Premio Nuvolari experience that includes accommodations, support services, route planning assistance, and access to a carefully prepared classic automobile.
BMW 507 Roadster showing off his curves.
How Can Americans Attend the Gran Premio Nuvolari?
The most convenient airport for international travelers is Milan Malpensa (MXP), with excellent direct connections from the United States. Verona (VRN) is the closest airport to Mantua, the official start and finish location of the Gran Premio Nuvolari.
The easiest way for U.S. visitors to attend the Gran Premio Nuvolari is through a complete travel package.
Traveling independently requires:
- International flights
- Hotel reservations
- Event registration
- Historic vehicle arrangements
- Insurance documentation
- Navigation and logistics planning
Nostalgic handles the complex details so guests can focus on enjoying the roads, cars, and Italian culture.
Many American participants appreciate the convenience of arriving in Italy and stepping directly into a fully prepared classic motoring experience.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL living through the eras.
Why Is the Gran Premio Nuvolari So Famous?
The Gran Premio Nuvolari has earned a reputation as one of the most authentic historic rallies in Europe.
Several factors make it special:
A Tribute to Tazio Nuvolari
The event celebrates the legacy of Tazio Nuvolari, widely regarded as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time.
Exceptional Historic Cars
The rally regularly attracts rare automobiles that are seldom seen in public, including pre-war sports cars, coachbuilt grand tourers, and significant competition vehicles.
Authentic Italian Routes
Competitors experience winding country roads, medieval villages, vineyard landscapes, and historic city centers.
Serious Competition
The rally features approximately 70 precision and regularity tests, rewarding consistency and driving skill rather than outright speed.
Less Crowded Than the Mille Miglia
Many enthusiasts consider the Gran Premio Nuvolari one of Italy’s hidden gems because it offers world-class historic motoring without the intense crowds and media attention associated with larger events.
How Do You "Win" the Gran Premio Nuvolari?
Unlike traditional racing, victory is determined through precision.
Competitors complete approximately 70 regularity tests during the event.
Rather than rewarding the fastest driver, the rally rewards teams that most accurately maintain the required pace and timing throughout the course.
This format places equal emphasis on:
Driver skill & Navigator accuracy
Teamwork & Consistency
Strategic decision-making
1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 ready for everything with a few spare tires in the boot.
Iconic Cars Seen at the Gran Premio Nuvolari
The event regularly features some of the most fascinating automobiles in historic motorsport:
Jaguar XK120
One of Britain’s most celebrated sports cars, renowned for its speed and elegance.
BMW 507
An exceptionally rare roadster considered one of the most beautiful automobiles ever built.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
The legendary Gullwing and Roadster models are frequent crowd favorites.
Healey Silverstone
A lightweight British sports car rarely seen outside prestigious historic events.
SIATA Sports Cars
Unique Italian performance cars that remain highly sought after by collectors.
Lagonda
Historic British grand touring automobiles with deep racing heritage.
Amilcar
Rare French sports cars from the golden age of motoring.
Gran premio nuvolari 2026
FAQs
Do Participants Actually Race?
The event is a regularity rally rather than a traditional race. Drivers compete in timed precision tests on public roads. You will be riding alongside the event on the same roads without the contraints of partici
What car do we drive on the tour?
Guests drive vintage Alfa Romeo Spiders from the 1960s that are perfectly suited to Sicily’s legendary roads.
Do we drive in the official event?
No, we are not official competitors. Instead, we drive alongside the action as spectators with VIP access that gets you up close to the rally route, with carefully planned scenic drives and thrilling moments of our own.
Can two people share the same car?
Yes! Driver swaps are encouraged, and one guest can ride as a passenger while the other drives.
How fast do we drive?
The pace is relaxed and scenic. Expect everyday speeds as we wind through hairpin turns and coastlines. This tour is more about precision, scenery, and fun than flat-out racing.
How difficult is navigation with the roadbook?
Navigation is simple. You’ll follow clear daily symbols, and our guides provide full briefings each morning to keep you on track.
Can I join if I’m new to classic driving?
Absolutely. These tours are beginner-friendly, and our support team is there to help at every step.
What if there is a mechanical issue with my car?
We’ve got you covered. We also have a back-up car on hand for any unexpected issues that might arise with our vehicles.
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