An Italian Adventure

Starting in Venice might seem slightly counterintuitive for a driving tour, given that paved roads are somewhat of a myth amongst the labyrinth of canals that make up this incredible city. That being said, when given the opportunity to launch our drive from the incredible JW Marriott Hotel on its own private island, we couldn’t resist. Flying into Venice Airport, our clients then made their way across the Venetian Lagoon in private boats before arriving at the floating lobby of our accommodation for the night. Once all guests had arrived, we began our welcome reception. With authentic Italian food and drinks in a quaint private courtyard, it was the perfect atmosphere to meet some great friends, both old and new, and to build excitement for the week ahead.

Our private river transfer to JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

An early morning walk in Venice

After a wonderful evening, we made the journey over to EDC HQ, where the amazing team had kindly taken delivery of our customers’ cars prior to their arrival. The ever-helpful EM Rogers was in charge of making sure that everyone’s pride and joy arrived in Italy in perfect condition, with as few additional miles as possible. With everyone now reunited with their cars and the Audi S3 support car loaded up with luggage and camera equipment, we were ready to hit the roads, but not before a fuel stop, of course.

Everyone’s cars safely stowed away before the fun begins

The compulsory first petrol station shut down

From Montebelluna, we made our way into the Dolomites for the first overnight stay of the road trip at the My Arbor Hotel, close to the Italian border with Austria. Built into the trees, this stunning hotel provided us not only with amazing views of the Dolomites but also some incredible driving roads right on our doorstep. It was from here that the first Dawn Raid of the Italy 2025 tour took place. Leaving as quietly as possible, we set out at 6:00 AM in search of clear roads to really enjoy our respective vehicles from a 360 Challenge Stradale to a Huracan Performante; this trip had it all. The only thing that could top the selection of cars was the breathtaking scenery and the amazing roads we were blessed with thanks to our early start!

Early morning mist over this Stealthy Huracan Performante

The 360 Challenge Stradale enjoying its home country

After another day enjoying the spa facilities, eating fantastic food, and taking in the vistas of the Dolomites, we rose for another early start this time, not for a dawn raid but for a surprise we couldn’t wait to share with our wonderful clients. Making our way from the Dolomites over to Lake Iseo had everyone wondering what the surprise might be. Everyone but one! Rob (Toddy) knew exactly what we were up to, as it had been a lifelong dream to do what we were about to do, only he never thought he’d get the chance. Traversing the tight and twisty roads through lakeside villages, we arrived at our destination: the Riva Yacht Factory, kindly opened on a Saturday exclusively for our group.

The whole team in awe of the craftsmanship that goes into making a Riva

Robert (Toddy) taking it all on a day that he described as “A dream come true”

We cannot thank the team at Riva enough for their unwavering hospitality, as well as for providing us with a full factory tour of both their boatyard and their restoration facilities. In addition, we were given the experience of a lifetime: a boat ride around Lake Iseo in two different Riva boats, one of which was the last Riva Aquarama ever made. As previously mentioned, a certain member of the group was in awe of the whole experience and at one point informed us that it was one of the best days of his life, a dream come true. Feedback we can only dream of replicating in the future! With some sea (lake) legs among us, we made the leisurely drive to that evening’s hotel: the QC Termegarda Spa & Golf Resort, a beautiful property situated only a stone’s throw from Lake Garda.

The second group enjoying their ride across Lake Iseo on the very last Riva Aquarama to be made

The following day was somewhat of a transfer day, with the whole group heading toward the next day’s surprise. One constant throughout this trip was the unbelievable food, phenomenal scenery, and fantastic company. This theme remained true even on our travel day, when we were treated to an evening meal at Nonna Idelfa, a hillside restaurant located at a family home where guests had to walk past Nonna herself watching television to reach the bathroom. A truly authentic experience and a highlight of the trip for many.

Smiles all round during our evening meal at Nonna Idelfa

The stunning view from the courtyard at Nonna Idelfa

The following day was the big one! We had the pleasure of attending the La Canniccia Motor Club, a private, invitation-only club created by the owner of one of the largest dessert companies in Italy. This place is a sanctuary for all things automotive, with a purpose-built handling circuit, automotive art, a private car collection, and an on-site restaurant serving the most delicious food and drinks. It was here that our second surprise was hosted: a full morning to ourselves, with unrestricted access to the entire facility. This allowed our clients the opportunity to truly see what their cars could do without worrying about oncoming traffic or road laws.

This experience is something many of our customers will cherish for a long time, especially those for whom it was their first time on a racetrack in their cars and what a way to experience it for the first time!

Does it get more Italian than this?

Phil enjoying his Rosso Fuoco F12 Berlinetta that he purchased from ourselves just days before the trip

We even got the chance to have our own fun on track in the JQ 718 GT4RS

Reluctantly leaving the La Canniccia Motor Club, we made our way to the final hotel of the trip: Hotel La Fontanelle in Tuscany. Driving to this hotel was just as much a privilege as staying there, with open winding roads and scenery that could rival any laptop screensaver. Our clients and our team at JQ had more than a few “pinch me” moments along the way. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the supremely attentive hotel staff, who guided us to our reserved underground parking spaces. Once checked in, it was time to relax by the pool and take in the views from this hotel nestled in the heart of the Tuscan hills, surrounded by rolling vineyards and some of the best roads on the planet.

We had quite the array of cars on this years trip, what will next year bring?

It was these roads that we would drive the following morning in our final Dawn Raid. The cold start of a 458 Speciale really does obliterate the silence of the countryside at 5:30 AM. After a swift (and quiet) departure from the hotel, we found ourselves back on roads like those we had arrived on, hugging the hills, undulating over bumps, and carving through ancient farmland. This dawn raid felt like something out of a dream. Ambling back up the hotel driveway, the main thing on everyone’s mind wasn’t just the breakfast waiting for us at the top of the hill, but also a bit of rest before the busy travel day back to the UK.

Paddy hunting down our camera man on an early dawn raid in Tuscany

We had the privilege of having a CS, Scuderia and a Speciale on our trip, which is the one for you

At Joseph Quinn Ltd, we don’t just focus on the driving aspect of these trips. We aim to ensure they also provide a level of class and relaxation, giving our customers the chance to switch off their brains and phones from their busy work schedules and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that surrounds us.

We would like to sincerely thank everybody for joining us on this trip and for their ongoing support. We’re already deep into the planning stages of next year’s tour, with plans in place to ensure it’s the best one yet!

Grazie mille, ci vediamo l’anno prossimo in Italia!

Peace out from Captain Huw, we can’t wait to do it all again next year