Via Flaminia Classic

The Dolomites are a beautiful Italian mountain range that is ideal for a unique rally: the Via Flaminia in 2024. If you like well-maintained roads (usually) and driving through forests and between high mountains, then this is the rally for you.

We depart from the Italian wine region 'Veneto', an hour's drive from Venice. From here the route heads north towards the Southern Alps where we can view the impressive mountains up close. A route through a valley-like national nature reserve.

We stay for two nights in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the center of the Dolomites. We drive a beautiful loop through the eastern area. Around the Marmolada Mountains, also called the 'King of the Dolomites', thanks to its highest peak (Monte Antelao 3263 meters) and around the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites with Monte Cristallo (3221 m), characterized by its pyramid-shaped mountain peaks that go high into the air.

Driving through the Dolomites is not complete without the Sella Ronda with the Passo Sella, Passo Compologno and the Passo Pordoi. But first we drive to what is my favorite, the Passo Giau at 2236 meters. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, from here you can see the highest peak of the Dolomites, the Marmolada.

We park our cars in front of our hotel, in Piazza Walther, the main square of Bolzano. Thanks to the local Veteran Car Team. In the evening we are free to discover this ancient city at the crossroads of many civilizations.

Leaving what we know as the Dolomites behind, we continue west and take one of the many passes that had their own hill climb a century ago. The Passo Gavia (2621 m) really stands out from anything we have done so far. Most of the way up is a single track road. It's the tenth highest paved road in the Alps, but don't assume it's just the tenth most challenging. The views are breathtaking. It is quite a change from the wider and busier roads in the Dolomites.

In Sondrio we stay in a typical Via Flaminia hotel, the Grand Hotel della Posta, full of character, full of history and in the middle of the city.

After the highlights of the week, the drive back to our last comfortable hotel in Verona is just a leisurely one.

During the rally we mainly take the 'smaller' roads where you can drive at a stable pace. The mountain passes can be challenging, but should be manageable for your classic car. During the day there is plenty of time for some cultural exploration, a coffee stop and a photo.