The Targa Florio Classic Tour pays tribute to one of the world’s oldest road races, winding through the scenic, challenging roads of Sicily. Unlike the polished Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio is raw, authentic motorsport history that has been celebrated by enthusiasts since the 1990s. Nostalgic's english speaking guides will give exclusive access for a fair price. you’ll Get ready to drive a vintage Alfa Romeo alongside fellow classic car lovers. This is more than a tour, it’s an unforgettable Italian driving experience through the iconic Targa Florio route.
The 2025 edition of the Targa Florio Classic will take place from October 16–19, continuing the beloved tradition of celebrating automotive heritage on Sicily’s legendary mountain roads. This isn’t the high-speed Rally Targa Florio held each spring, but the autumn counterpart, the Targa Florio Classic.
Helmut Marko putting on a show for the crowds in this Alfa Romeo Tipo33 in 1975.
While official entry slots are limited and tend to fill fast, Nostalgic offers a unique chance to participate without the pressure of competition. Whether you're a lifelong enthusiast or new to classic motoring, this is your opportunity to drive the same roads as the greats.
The Targa Florio Classic is a regularity rally that honors the path of the original race, with routes that begin and end near the coastal city of Palermo and wind through the dramatic Madonie Mountains full olive groves, medieval hill towns, and coastal vistas.
Rolling relics on the streets is what you can expect at the Targa Florio Classic.
Expect to drive through:
Cerda: The spiritual heart of the Targa Florio, where the mountain challenges begin.
Castelbuono and Campofelice – charming towns with tight corners and elevated views.
Floriopoli: The historic pits and grandstands, still standing as monuments to motorsport’s golden age.
Coastal stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering wide curves and wind-in-your-hair moments.
With Nostalgic, every route is curated to echo the original Targa spirit, while ensuring modern comfort, authentic Sicilian culture, and unforgettable drives in a classic Alfa Romeo Spider.
The Targa Florio’s history reaches back to the beginning of the 20th century.
The Targa Florio began in 1906 as one of the world’s most demanding and dangerous races. Founded by Sicilian entrepreneur Vincenzo Florio, the original event saw fearless drivers in raw, unfiltered machines battling steep mountain passes and narrow public roads. For over 70 years, it defined motorsport grit, drawing icons like Nuvolari, Fangio, and Moss in pursuit of glory.
Vaccarella winning in 1965 driving his Ferrari.
But as speeds increased and technology outpaced infrastructure, the risks grew unsustainable. By 1977, after decades of spectacular and sometimes tragic moments, the original high-speed race was discontinued. The roads remained. So did the legend. Sicily wasn’t ready to let the Targa Florio fade into history.
And so, a new chapter began. In the 1990s, the Targa Florio was reborn as a regularity rally for historic vehicles, now known as the Targa Florio Classic or Targa Florio Classica. Still organized by the Automobile Club Palermo and run under ACI Storico, the event preserves the soul of the original, the same roads, villages, and Sicilian warmth, but trades speed for precision, danger for celebration. Drivers in classic cars now retrace the legendary course, measured not by how fast they go, but by how precisely they arrive.
With Nostalgic, you’re not just spectating, you are driving along the same mountain curves of the event. You’ll feel the thrill of history without the risk. The Targa Florio Classic is more than a rally. It’s a time machine, and you’re at the wheel!
Official participation in the Targa Florio Classic costs approximately €4,000 per team, though total expenses often rise well beyond this due to additional logistics, vehicle prep, and support fees. The exact cost may vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of the event. It is recommended to contact the Palermo Automobile Club for more information on the participation fee and requirements.
For 2,800 euros the Nostalgic experience keeps you close to the race with wind in your face and a driving voyage that is more leisurely yet challenging that can entertain the most experienced driver and new drivers while watching how the pros do it.
Attending the Targa Florio from the United States is easier than you might think, especially with Nostalgic taking care of the logistics. Your Targa Florio adventure begins with arrival in Palermo, Sicily’s vibrant capital and a city steeped in history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.
A legendary Austin Healey 3000 spotted at the Targa Florio Classic.
1. Flights to Palermo (PMO):
Most major U.S. cities offer connecting flights to Palermo via European hubs like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), or Frankfurt (FRA).
Total flight time usually ranges from 11–14 hours, depending on your departure city.
2. Airport Transfers:
Once you arrive at Palermo Airport, our team will be waiting to greet you. Private transfers are included in your package, ensuring a smooth ride to your four-star hotel.
3. Welcome & Orientation:
Settle into your hotel and join your group for a Sicilian welcome dinner where you’ll meet your guides, fellow guests, and receive a full orientation on the days ahead.
Why This Experience Is Ideal for U.S. Visitors:
All logistics handled: From hotels to transport, we’ve designed the entire trip for ease and comfort.
English-speaking guide: Our team is fluent in English and experienced in hosting American travelers.
Cultural immersion: You won’t just see the Targa Florio. You’ll also explore Sicily through guided village drives, winery visits, and regional cuisine.
Insider access: We take you right to the heart of the event. No guesswork, no hassle.
This immersive Alfa Romeo Spider tour through Sicily’s Madonie Mountains. Enjoy curated driving routes, cultural landmarks, and insider access to the Targa Florio start.
The convoy of Alfa Romeo Spiders exploring the ever winding open roads of Sicily.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cefalù
Pickup from Palermo Airport
Introductory drive in your classic Alfa Romeo Spider
Dinner in the medieval old town of Cefalù
Day 2 – Gran Circuito delle Madonie
Drive the historic mountain roads of the original Targa Florio
Visit the Targa Florio museum in Collesano
Return via scenic routes for dinner and relaxation
Day 3 – Floriopoli & the Backroads
Pass by Floriopoli's iconic grandstands
Cross Sicily’s scenic inland villages
Lunch in Roccapalumba, return to Cefalù
Day 4 – Palermo & Baroque Sicily
Coastal drive to Santo Stefano di Camastra
Afternoon arrival in Palermo
Guided city tour & dinner in the historic center
Day 5 – The Targa Florio Start Experience
VIP access to the Targa Florio start zone
Meet teams, view legendary vehicles, and enjoy free time in Palermo
Afternoon transfer to the airport
What’s Included:
Classic Alfa Romeo Spider for the full tour
4-star hotels in Cefalù and Palermo
3 traditional Sicilian dinners + breakfast daily
Roadbook, support vehicle, and English-speaking guide
Entry to museums & the Targa Florio start area
Airport transfers from Palermo
From €3,150 per person (based on double occupancy)
Listen to some of the reactions of our previous clients that enjoyed experiencing the Targa Florio with us.
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What kind of license do I need for this Targa Florio Tour?
You’ll need a valid U.S. driver’s license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for driving in Italy.
What car do we drive on the tour?
Guests drive vintage Alfa Romeo Spiders from the 1960s that are perfectly suited to Sicily’s legendary roads.
Do we drive in the official event?
No, we are not official competitors. Instead, we drive alongside the action as spectators with VIP access that gets you up close to the rally route, with carefully planned scenic drives and thrilling moments of our own.
Can two people share the same car?
Yes! Driver swaps are encouraged, and one guest can ride as a passenger while the other drives.
How fast do we drive?
The pace is relaxed and scenic. Expect everyday speeds as we wind through hairpin turns and coastlines. This tour is more about precision, scenery, and fun than flat-out racing.
How difficult is navigation with the roadbook?
Navigation is simple. You’ll follow clear daily symbols, and our guides provide full briefings each morning to keep you on track.
Can I join if I’m new to classic driving?
Absolutely. These tours are beginner-friendly, and our support team is there to help at every step.
What if I need mechanical help?
We’ve got you covered. We also have a back-up car on hand for any unexpected issues that might arise with our vehicles.
Are passenger-only spots available?
No, fully passenger-only bookings are not available. At least one person in each booking must be able and prepared to drive. While the second guest may choose not to drive, solo participants must be capable of driving the car themselves.
Do I need to know how to drive a manual for the tour?
Yes, the vintage Alfa Romeos are manual. However, if you prefer an automatic, we can arrange an alternative vehicle on request.
The Targa Florio is no longer just a race, it's a precision rally where strategy, teamwork, and timing make the difference. If you're one of the lucky few officially accepted into the competition, you’ll need to study the rally’s official rulebook thoroughly.
Vaccarella was the local hero that won the Targa Florio in 1965.
In many ways, the Targa Florio Tribute operates like other classic car rallies, but with a unique Sicilian twist. Here’s what competitors can expect:
Staggered Starts – Each morning, teams begin in Palermo, launching in sequence by vehicle age (the oldest cars start first).
Navigation by Roadbook – Drivers and co-drivers rely on the official "Chinese character" route instructions (stylized symbols used in many historic rallies) to follow the multi-day route across Sicily.
Regularity Tests – These aren’t speed trials. The key is consistency: hitting exact times at precise locations using average speeds determined by the course’s specifications.
Timed Controls & Secret Checkpoints – Throughout the drive, you’ll encounter timing zones, stamping stations, and hidden measuring points. Arriving too early or too late results in penalties.
Precision Over Pace – The team with the fewest penalty points wins—not the one that finishes first. It’s about mastery, not velocity.
So yes, the winner is not the fastest but the most accurate.
To understand the allure of the Targa Florio, you must understand its legends. This is an odyssey through one of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes in Europe, laced with stories of bravery, brilliance, and sometimes heartbreak.
A Race That Predates Formula 1
The early years demanded not just speed but mechanical endurance and unshakable courage. The roads were wild, and so were the cars. Crashes were common. Triumph, when it came, was hard-won but unforgettable.
Cerda/Pica overtaking Larrousse in style in 1974.
Over the decades, the Targa Florio helped forge the legends of some of racing’s most iconic figures:
Tazio Nuvolari, known as the “Flying Mantuan,” dazzled fans with his fearless driving in the 1930s.
Stirling Moss, British racing royalty, battled Sicily’s demanding roads in the 1950s behind the wheel of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.
Jo Siffert and Vic Elford, Porsche heroes of the 1960s and ’70s, brought the marque glory on these treacherous routes, pushing the limits of engineering and skill.
For Italians, Nino Vaccarella is a name spoken with reverence. A native of Palermo, he won the Targa three times and was known as the “Teacher with the Fast Hands.” His local knowledge and passion for the race made him a symbol of Sicilian pride.
The Targa Florio also became a proving ground for the great marques of European racing:
The crowds gathered around every turn at the Targa Florio in the 1970’s.
Alfa Romeo, which holds a record 11 victories, solidified its sporting reputation on the Madonie circuit.
Porsche, the king of 1960s endurance racing, won the Targa eleven times, demonstrating precision and innovation in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable.
Ferrari, Bugatti, and Maserati all battled for dominance here, with prototype cars that today fetch millions at auction—and still turn heads at classic events.
By the 1970s, the combination of faster cars and narrow village streets became too dangerous. The final Targa Florio as a true open-road race was held in 1977, after which it transitioned into a rally-style format. The passion, however, never faded. What remains today is the cars, drivers, and the same roads through Sicily’s mind-blowing landscape. Every village you pass, every local waving a flag from a balcony, every twist of the mountain roads all echo with the memories of motorsport’s golden age.
Today’s Targa Florio Classic drives on. This event isn’t about who gets to the finish line first. It’s about participating in history and keeping the legend alive.
And with Nostalgic, you're experiencing the same roads, the same sea breezes, and the same sun-drenched mountain passes that have inspired drivers for over a century while witnessing some of the same iconic models roll by right in front of you.
