Italy-Tunisia Vintage Car Rally Continues to Grow in Success
There’s no two without three, and so, after the encouraging and growing success of the first two editions, the third Raid “Rome – Carthage” is also taking shape, reserved for vintage cars. Started as an adventure, this event is gaining a clearer identity and establishing itself with a certain credibility among enthusiasts in Italy and abroad. In the first year, the goal was to bring thirty crews to Tunisian soil; thirty-two arrived. The second year aimed for forty; 42 participated. This year, there is no fixed target, but there is a limit—more than sixty teams cannot participate—and it is already known that many requests will have to be declined.
Great credit for this success goes to the Tunisian authorities, particularly the Ente Nazionale per il Turismo (National Tourism Board), which, in the interest of Tunisia’s growing tourism economy, has consistently supported the event by providing public safety forces for both protection and escort of the cars: it’s worth remembering that in the first year, a train was even stopped to avoid interrupting the convoy.
The hospitality and warmth of the Tunisian people, combined with a special affection for Italy, have supported the authorities in their efforts. Another important strength of this Raid is the ethos instilled by the organizer, Dr. Lakhal Mohamed, owner of the Tour Operator Elem Viaggi, emphasizing the spirit of camaraderie and friendship that has always united the participants—bound by a shared passion for vintage cars—which has left no room for “Prime Women”.
This year’s Raid, after the first two focused on central Tunisia, will unfold in the northeast tip, the greenest part of the country, along the northern coast and its hinterland. The gathering is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, at noon in the port of Genoa, where boarding will take place on the ferry “Le Carthage”, a splendid cruise ship equipped with all comforts.
Arrival in Tunis is expected for noon the following day, where upon disembarkation, participants will be greeted by Tunisian authorities amidst music, flowers, and folkloric dances. After a short transfer, they will reach the event’s headquarters: the “Palace Gammarth” hotel, a true 5-star Palace, where in the afternoon guests will have the opportunity to enjoy all the facilities and amenities, followed by a welcome gala dinner in the evening.
On Monday morning, the convoy of cars will begin moving toward the first destination: Bizerte, a city that, over centuries, has witnessed numerous dominations and civilizations: Punic, Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, Arab, Turkish, and finally French, with tangible remnants and treasures still visible today, coherently connected through recent urban development works that have allowed coexistence between areas such as the old Medina or the ancient fishing port and the new constructions.
From Bizerte, the journey will continue to Utica, where some of the best-preserved Punic ruins in the Mediterranean can be admired. Tuesday will be spent in a landscape almost continental in character, with lakes, rivers, and trees—a surprising scenery for those who associate North Africa with the Sahara. Participants, under the shade of cypress trees, will enjoy a typical Tunisian lunch.
Wednesday involves short trips toward Carthage to explore its ruins, Sidi Bou Said—the quintessential Tunisian village famous for its white houses and blue shutters—and will conclude with the traditional parade along Avenue Bourguiba.
Thursday will be dedicated to regularity races held on the “Les Berges du Lac” circuit, on the Esplanade of Tunis. In the evening, a grand closing gala will take place, during which the awards for the afternoon races will also be presented.
On Friday at noon, participants will return to the port of Tunis for embarkation and the journey back, scheduled for the next day at 12:00 pm Italian time. For more information, call ELEM Viaggi – Tel. 0376 847023, Fax. 0376 818668.