TOUR DU PÉLOPONNÈSE
Classic cars, ancient history and some competition against the clock come together in Greece’s southern tip
A week of Hellenic heaven
A REGULARITY RALLY couldn’t have a more glamorous setting than this. The Tour du Péloponnèse, despite the Francification of its name, takes place in the sunniest, most southerly part of Greece – the Peloponnese peninsula. It covers 1250km and 20 regularity stages, including one at night, over eight days from 30 September to 7 October.
But it’s not just about competitive timing strategies. During those days the drivers and navigators of the 35 cars will visit ancient sites of archaeological intrigue, stay in grand hotels and enjoy much fine food and wine.
A new development for this year’s event is to give a competitive advantage to older cars, with the newest category (1982 to 1988) handicapped by two points in each leg of the event. What’s more, cars with engines under a litre will be able to disregard their worst score of the event. Fiat 500s, Panhards, Imps and early Minis, this is your chance…
It starts in Olympia, at the ancient stadium where the games began, ending the first day at Mystras, near ancient Sparta. Such history sets the stage for several days of temples, submerged caves, fortified villages, picturesque ports hidden in bays and even, on the fifth day, the volcanic island of Methana (and its distinctive smell), followed by the ancient Epidaurus theatre with its remarkable acoustics.
This is the last competitive day, celebrated with a gala dinner and prizegiving in the evening. The following day, the tour crosses to the Greek mainland to visit Athens and the Hellenic Motor Museum. A final dinner will be held on a spectacular roof garden opposite the Acropolis, the ancient site being visited the next day before the participants depart for Patras port.
Sounds marvellous to us – and there’s still plenty of time to find yourself a nice FiatAbarth 850 Coupé. tourdupeloponnese.com triskelion.gr