After Prague-Venice (2009), “L’Impérial - Rallye d’Exception” returned to Europe with an exciting journey through Northern Portugal and the Douro Valley where participants revelled in an authentic experience and great company under Portugal’s radiant skies.
Roads made for driving
The tour’s 1,228-kilometre loop took participants along winding roads through some of Portugal’s most beautiful nature reserves – with plenty of scenic overlooks and spectacular views to boot! Driving enthusiasts enjoyed a unique opportunity to have the region’s roads virtually to themselves, free from the constraints of speed limits. There is simply no better time of year to discover the Douro Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – than in the autumn, bathed in golden sunshine and stunning colours.
Hospitality and the very best in luxury accommodation
The 2011 adventure kicked off not on the road but in the air, with a helicopter ride over the Douro Valley and the river’s glittering waters. The air tour lifted off from the terrace of the Yeatman Hotel following a sumptuous buffet. The tour began the next day from Monte de Santa Tecla, where a priest gave a traditional blessing for the cars and crew. At each stop along the route participants were welcomed with the friendly hospitality characteristic of the Portuguese people. After reaching Monção in the northern tip of the country, the tour turned eastwards to wind through a series of charming, authentic villages along the Spanish border: Montalegre, Gerês, and Bragança – home to some of Portugal’s most beautiful castles. The tour then headed south for a stop at Marialva, an entire medieval village converted into a luxury hotel, before moving on through Miranda do Douro and Régua, also known as the Garden of Portugal. The 2011 “L’Impérial - Rallye d’Exception” also included a special treat: two cruises along the Douro River to visit the region’s famous UNESCO-listed vineyards. Participants enjoyed a delightful barbecue at the appropriately-named Quinta dos Sonhos (Villa of Dreams) on the Douro river in Romaneira – a bucolic scene right out of an Impressionist painting! The tour drew to a close with a festive private dinner including, of course, plenty of fine Porto wine at the Rozès wine cellars.
The 2011 tour took participants on an exciting discovery of one of Europe’s most beautiful regions, combining an unforgettable driving experience with spectacular scenery (from land, river, and air!), great company, and the prestigious dining and accommodations that are the hallmark of “L’Impérial - Rallye d’Exception”..
Download the full record of the rally
La galerie photos est en cours de maintenance, ouverture prochainement.
This is the opportunity to reflect on a very unusual journey.
L’Impérial Classic is the only French company to offer vintage car rallies worldwide, combining not only speed but also the art of living and passion for cars.
These rallies, each centred on an exceptional destination, offer splendour, sophistication and true French style and elegance. These watchwords go hand in hand with the quality and originality of the hospitality on offer.
L’Impérial Classic could be nothing other than top of the range, and is today a major player in the vintage rally world. It combines receptions and private visits, fascinating spectacles in unique sites with tailor-made organisation, providing travel through sumptuous countries to explore culture and hitherto undiscovered sights.
L’Impérial Classic retains its fundamental principles, the guarantee of its success and its trademark : unique routes, precise preparation and « haute couture » style, trips which offer each participating team the chance to live their dream.
As a new decade dawns for l’Impérial Classic two outstanding new projects have been announced (the South Africa in 2016 and the end of the world : New Zealand in 2017).