Via Hellenica Pre-War
The rally of the Gods
This rally is the first part of a two-part series, with the Via Flaminia rally immediately following and continuing up to Florence.
Embark on a journey of unparalleled experiences with the Via Hellenica Pre-War. Having organized three successful rallies in Greece, I can confidently say they were among the best. The warmth of Greek hospitality, the exquisite cuisine, and the liberating feeling of cruising through the breathtaking landscapes nestled between mountains and the sea—it’s an experience like no other.
This time, we’re venturing out in the spring, a season that evokes memories of the fragrant herbs from my childhood travels with my parents many years ago. The roads, nearly deserted, wind through stunning scenery, creating a backdrop that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Throughout this edition of the Via Hellenica Pre-War, prepare to indulge in some of the most remarkable locations, stay in excellent hotels, explore main archaeological sites, and, of course, revel in the joy of exceptional driving. It’s not just a rally; it’s a sun-drenched vacation, a celebration of culture, history, and the joy of the open road.
Those wishing so can have their car transported to Bologna Airport. From there, it’s a short drive to the ferry that will bring you from Ancona to Igoumenitsa. Your vacation truly begins towards Igoumenitsa, with a scenic 50 km drive along the coast leading to our first luxurious hotel. You have all the time to enjoy the swimming pool overlooking the azure sea and acclimate to the ever-shining sun.
The official rally kicks off the next day, but, in true Via Flaminia style, it’s more about the experience than the competition. Honestly, for the initial days, it’s hard to go wrong—just keep the sea to your right. Our ultimate destination is the Oracle of Delphi, a must-visit in Greece. Skipping the bustling city of Athens, we cross the Corinth Canal into the Peloponnese, a region steeped in ancient Greek history. Expect visits to some of the most spectacular historical sites, coupled with scenic drives through picturesque mountains. The warm welcomes in these areas and the charming ambiance of the local bars create unforgettable moments.
At the southern tip of the Peloponnese, our journey takes us through enchanting little towns, and our accommodations boast breathtaking views of the crystal-clear sea. Following ten days filled with remarkable experiences, the crowning moment awaits at the prize awarding ceremony in Olympia—how fitting! The subsequent day entails a brief drive to the ferry, ushering us back to Bari.
Once in Bari, you’re cordially invited to join the Via Flaminia rally, commencing on the same day. Alternatively, for those ready to conclude their adventure, arrangements can be made to have your cherished classic car safely shipped back home.
If you choose the Smile Class, you’ll receive an app with the route for your smartphone, making navigation easy and stress-free.
Alternatively, you can opt for light competition in the Shine Class, where you’ll receive a road book and navigate using maps, noting down controls along the way. There’s no time pressure, so you can enjoy a relaxed cup of coffee or take pictures at your leisure.
There are 28 places available for cars up to 1940.
We will commence our journey by boarding the ferry in Ancona, it is a pleasant sailing trip to Greece. Please note that at the time of writing (August 2024), the boarding time is scheduled for 13:30, with an arrival at 08:00 the following day. These times are subject to change.
If you wish so, we will transport your classic car from the Netherlands to Bologna Airport on Monday. With 24 hours at your disposal, savor the scenic 230 km drive to Ancona; enjoy Italy! Stop over in historic Ravenna or have a stay at the coast.
Our first day sets the tone for a leisurely start. A scenic drive of approximately 40 km leads us to our inaugural destination, a luxurious 5-star resort offering a stunning view of the Ionian Sea with Corfu in sight. Along the route, we traverse the picturesque coastline, passing through stretches adorned with olive trees and arid shrubbery. The glistening sea sparkles in emerald hues.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll have ample time to acclimate to the splendid Greek weather. Relax by the pool, taking in the serene surroundings, and use this opportunity to acquaint yourself with fellow participants before our welcome dinner.
Today marks the beginning of our official rally journey, and it’s a day of pure relaxation. As we navigate along the elevated road, the panoramic views of the emerald blue sea accompany us throughout the journey. The radiant sun illuminates our path, and the air is filled with the delightful fragrance of Mediterranean herbs.
For lunch, we find ourselves in a charming village, offering our first taste of genuine Greek hospitality—truly the initiation of a vacation state of mind.
Water seems to be the recurring theme of this rally: if we’re not driving along the sea, we’re staying by a tranquil lake in the Greek interior.
We drive through the heart of mainland Greece, passing some of the most hospitable people you could possibly imagine, before eventually reaching the Gulf of Corinth.
Our route leads us to a charming fishing port, where a small restaurant awaits our arrival. Having experienced its charm on a previous occasion, we anticipate another delightful meal—simple yet exquisite, featuring the freshest catch amidst the lively ambiance of this typical fishing village.
Post-lunch, a short drive brings us to the renowned Oracle of Delphi. For those feeling mischievous and inclined to bend the rally rules, the oracle might just provide some unexpected assistance. Who knows, a touch of fortune may favor the creatively curious.
Our day concludes in the welcoming embrace of a superb family-owned hotel in the neighboring town, promising a cozy retreat after a day filled with coastal wonders and intriguing stops.
Continuing our exploration through the Greek mainland, the landscape unfolds with gentle hills to the north and the serene expanse of the limpid sea to the south. This creates an ideal and leisurely driving experience. Our midday stop is in a quaint, seemingly dormant village where we become the week’s attraction, bringing joy to the local children.
We navigate the less-traveled roads hugging the coast, appearing to materialize from nowhere and winding towards destinations unknown. Our journey concludes at a luxurious resort perched above the Corinth Strait, a well-deserved haven after a day’s worth of driving.
We depart from our cosy resort to cross the Corinth Canal, choosing the submersible pontoon bridge over the highway bridge for a more atmospheric view of the waterway. Our journey then continues into the upper Peloponnese for a visit to the spectacular theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its remarkable acoustics and serene setting.
Later, we arrive in Nafplio, one of Greece’s most charming towns, with its neoclassical architecture, lively waterfront and historic fortresses. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring in our vintage cars.
We do stay in two excellent hotels in the center of town.
A visit to this region wouldn’t be complete without exploring one of the numerous wineries renowned for producing exceptional Greek wines.
Continuing our journey towards the heart of the Peloponnese, we pass through diverse landscapes, including an unexpected ski resort. Our route takes us to the charming town of Vitina, a favorite summer retreat for Greeks seeking relief from the heat. With its friendly atmosphere, our hotel in Vitina promises a warm and welcoming stay.
Pack your sunglasses as we descend the mountains of central Peloponnese. Initially traversing dense forests, the landscape gradually transforms into arid and sparse vegetation. Reaching the coast, we embark on a scenic coastal drive for most of the day, with panoramic views of the emerald blue sea reflecting the spring sun. The driving is amazing, undulating roads, no traffic. The scenery behind every turn is breathtaking, creating an amazing backdrop for an unparalleled driving adventure.
Our journey includes a delightful stop at a small restaurant for another one of those excellent Greek lunches, surrounded by warm Greek hospitality.
Our route leads us to Nomenvasia, the Greek equivalent of Mont Saint-Michel. With just a mere 10 km remaining, we have the chance to enjoy a few drinks in this charming destination before our final stretch to the comfortable resort hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea.
You may choose to enjoy the luxury of this exceptional hotel, complete with beautiful gardens and swimming pools, or take the opportunity to visit the ancient town of Monemvasia.
Monemvasia is a stunning medieval fortress town carved into a cliffside on a small island, linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Its cobbled streets, Byzantine churches and sea views make it one of Greece’s hidden gems.
Today, we embark on what undoubtedly stands out as one of the most breathtaking routes we’ve ever encountered in the history of our rallies—a scenic coastal road that rivals the most spectacular ones we’ve traversed. This particular drive takes us to the southernmost point of the Peloponnese, leading us to the once-isolated region of Mani. Here, houses were equipped with their own fortified towers, reminiscent of the architectural marvels we witnessed in Georgia’s Svaneti region. Our accommodation for the night is a charming village, meticulously refurbished to cater to discerning visitors. The alluring sea beckons, tempting us to indulge in a refreshing swim.
We depart from our village in Mani and head north.
Initially, our route follows the coastline, but before long, we venture inland, traversing the mountains and the rustic landscapes of the Peloponnese.
Today is a relatively short day, and by lunchtime, we reach our resort. You have the option to unwind, perhaps by the swimming pool, or explore Mystras—an exceptionally preserved Byzantine city that, at its zenith, rivaled only Constantinople in significance.
Although it’s the final day, it promises to be a fulfilling one, packed with exploration of two lesser-known archaeological sites.
Our first destination is Messini, a city dating back to 371 BC, built according to remarkably modern social principles. The route then winds through the mountains, offering an exhilarating drive with breathtaking views. Unexpectedly, we stumble upon the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, high in the mountains, one of the most imposing temples of Greek antiquity.
As our journey unfolds, we reach our cozy hotel, where you can take a refreshing swim. The evening culminates in our final dinner together, setting the stage for the prize awarding ceremony.
Enjoy a leisurely day as it is just 110 km to the embarkation point in Patras.
As of the current date (August 2024), boarding is scheduled for 17:30, ensuring a relaxed journey with an anticipated arrival in Bari at 9:00 the following day. In Bari you are welcome to join the Via Flaminia towards Florence or you can have your car shipped back to Holland.
No visit to Greece is complete without exploring ancient Olympia. We have all the time to immerse ourselves in the fascinating history of how society was built and appreciate the integral role the Olympic Games played in unifying Greece.
Andrew Mitchell (UK)
Sue Mitchell (UK)
Luc Hanegreefs (B)
Nele Beeckman (B)
Robert Frankcom (UK)
Julia Frankcom (UK)
Bob Janssen (NL)
M. Janssen-van der Hek (NL)
Rob van den Nieuwboer (NL)
Leony van den Nieuwboer (NL)
John Shellard (AUS)
Zhao Hang Chen (AUS)
Michel Vock (CH)
Corinna Vock Rigassi (CH)
Daniel Sauter (CH)
Magdalena Baer (CH)
Luc Slijpen (NL)
Sjo Kohlen (NL)
Donald Law (USA)
Jim Jensen (USA)
Kai Matthies (D)
Sigi Matthies (D)
Henk Post (B)
Karin van Sprundel (B)
Rainer Bastuck (D)
Donate Bastuck (D)
Herman Verhoeven (NL)
Sjan Verhoeven (NL)
Petr Rysavy (CZ)
Tania Rysava (CZ)
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Etienne Veen (NL)
Lidy Veen (NL)
Gerald Davies (BW)
Frances Fuzzey (BW)
Wim Peters (B)
Nel Peters (B)
Chris Kallis (UK)
Elli Kallis (UK)
Thomas Gebing (D)
Hans Rabe (SA)
Terkel Ovesen (DK)
Birgitte Ovesen (DK)
Per Mogensen (DK)
Helle Roen Mogensen (DK)
Hatebur Roland (CH)
Patrizia Nägeli (CH)
David Feakes (UK)
Christine Feakes (UK)
Rally Details
Start: Monday May 11, 2026
(Ferry Sunday May 10 from Ancona)
Elix Hotel
Parga,
Greece
Finish: Friday May 22
(Ferry arrival in Bari Saturday May 23)
Olympion Asty Hotel
Archaia Olympia
Greece
Included
- A maximum of 25 teams
- Eleven nights in excellent hotels
- Eleven driving days
- Nine dinners.
- Eight lunches.
- Technical assistance.
- Lugage transport at surplus
- Raidillon Watch for the winners
- Commemorative large picture book
- Via Flaminia clothing.
- Road books, rally shields etc
Entree fee
Registration € 7.950, – for a crew of two. Down payment of € 1.500, – at moment of registration. Rest in by January 31, 2026.
Upgrade: € 750, -. for the better rooms in the hotels.
Luggage transport (max 18kg) from hotel lobby to hotel lobby (at own risk): € 200, – a piece.
How to get there
We will provide trailer facilities to bring your car to Bologna Airport (Saturday May 9) and back from Bari Airport (Saturday May 23). Alternatively you can join the Via Flaminia which commences the same day and join us up to Florence.
We are working together with Anek Superfast ferries. They provide a 30% reduction on the fare from Ancona to Igoumenitsa (Sunday May 10 to 11) and on the ferry Patras to Bari (Friday May 22 to 23).
In due time we will let you know the prices. We ask you to book yourself the cabin of your choice.
Total kilometers
Total rally kilometers: ca. 1700 km
MAIN SPONSORS
PARTICIPATing sponsors
Launching sponsors
