THE CHALLENGE The Italian Job
April 2012
Seven Days. 3000 miles. Four countries. One
car vs the rest with no map and a fixed
budget. Join us as we set off from Leicester on
an exhilarating journey through some of
Europe’s most enchanting and exciting cities.
With limited navigation tools and a fixed
budget you’ll be racing through mainland
Europe across the Alps, down to Southern Italy
along the coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea
through central Italy to the Tyrrhenian Sea and
up again.
Each day you will be presented with the finest
views along with challenges that will give you
a true insight into Italian culture and cuisine.
THE ADVENTURE
The Italian Job
April 2012
01. Things to take note of
The challenge lasts for 7 days and 6 nights
Minimal resources will be provided in terms of
navigation during the trip
02. How much will it cost?
£1,850* per person will cover your
accommodation, the ferry, the car,
insurance and all other costs such as fuel,
food and tolls which will be provided in your
daily budget.
03. You will need
A valid 10 year passport is required for all
nationalities to enter France and re-enter the
UK. The passport date must be 6 months later
than the event finish date. There is no visa
requirement for UK citizens. If you hold a non-
British passport, please consult the relevant
consulates for advice.
A valid driving licence for the UK and EU. All
Drivers must fully comply with the European
Highway Code
06. How to Register
Simply visit http://opendreams.org.uk/ or register your
interest by emailing [email protected].
DAY 1
Leicester to Basel
700 Miles
The Italian Job April 2012
Early morning, we unveil the cars. The plan: a
700 mile race down to Basel without a map or
sat-nav and with a fixed budget. The challenge:
be the first to get there by spending the least
amount of money.
The race begins as you bolt it downwards to the
south of England, waving bye to the white cliffs
of Dover (and English road signs).
After a few death-defying wrong turns on
European roundabouts you’ll find yourself
coasting through the French countryside.
The Italian Job April 2012
Brushing past the breathtaking views of Black
Forest in Germany the race will intensify as you
problem solve your way to the destination in Basel.
The evening is yours to relax and unwind.
DAY 2
Basel to Bologna
350 Miles
The Italian Job April 2012
The real fun begins on Day 2. Cutting through
Switzerland won’t be easy. Switzerland’s many
languages and many more dialects will definitely
put your Pictionary skills to the test.
(Like the economy), downwards is the trend!
That’s until the foothills of the Alps emerge to
dominate the horizon.
The Italian Job April 2012
Meandering up and over the Alps pass, the
towering heights of the mountains will be and
experience to remember (along with the
occasional snowball fight). You’ll notice the
culture and landmarks change as you enter the
Italian border.
Thereafter, your ability to charm people who
can’t understand you will be crucial in being the
first team to find the destination in Bologna.
The evening will be relaxed and light as we share
our tales of the day over dinner.
DAY 3
Bologna to Bari
450 Miles
The Italian Job April 2012
The landscape on day 3 will be starkly contrasted
against the Alps from day 2. As you drive
alongside the sparkling luminous blue waters of
the Adriatic Sea on the eastern coast of Italy
you’ll be diverted into some of Italy’s finest rural
villages.
In your teams, you’ll be tested in your creativity as
you solve through the succession of challenges
hopping from one rural village to another.
The Italian Job April 2012
Interacting with the locals will give you a firsthand
flavour of the real Italian culture.
The competition will become fierce as the teams
get closer to the end destination. Your driving
skills will be tested as you manoeuvre through the
narrow streets into the historical city of Bari, the
famous economic hub of Southern Italy.
DAY 4
Bari to Rome (via Naples)
350 Miles
The Italian Job April 2012
The ultimate contest: day 4 will be the most
intense! As the convoy moves out from Bari the
first part of the challenge will to be the first team
to blitz across mainland Italy to Naples.
Here’s the tricky part- Naples lies between two
volcanic regions, Mount Vesuvius which is
regarded as one of the most dangerous
volcanoes in the world, and the Phlegraean
Fields, a national park lying mostly underwater
consisting of 24 craters and volcanic edifices.
The Italian Job April 2012
Dodging the danger, the second part of the
challenge will be to orienteer your way up into
Italy’s capital city to finally enjoy the glistening
lights of Rome in the evening.
DAY 5
Rome to Como (via Florence)
400 Miles
The Italian Job April 2012
Imagine waking up in a city built two-and-a-half
thousand years ago! Beats Sunderland, doesn’t
it?
After zipping around capturing some of the iconic
monuments of Rome the race moves to Florence,
culturally one of the most important cities in
Europe and ranked by Forbes as one of the most
beautiful cities in the world.
The Italian Job April 2012
After which, you’ll race through rural part of
Tuscany to figure your way through Milan.
Basking in lovely sights of northern Italy bordering
the footsteps of the Alps we’ll be staying lakeside
in Como. Drinks on the last team there!
DAY 6
Como to Metz
400 Miles
The Italian Job April 2012
Day 6, the penultimate rally of the trip! You’ll be
racing through three countries in one day. The
competition begins before the Alps, making it
ever more intense (especially if you’re racing an
avalanche).
Descending into Switzerland, you’ll pass through
some of the most beautiful sights of the skyline
behind you.
Overtaking one another alongside some of
Switzerland’s crystal clear glacier water lakes you
must resist the temptation of skinny dipping.
The Italian Job April 2012
Into the land of cheese, wines and frog legs,
you’ll be burning rubber across the country
towards Metz.
While entering Metz you’ll witness its millennium
heritage of different cultures that have coloured
European history. We’ll have the evening to
unwind and enjoy France’s finest delicacy
(snails).
DAY 7
Metz to Leicester
550 Miles
The Italian Job April 2012
The final day! Here’s where it all counts - the last
stretch back to glorious land of Leicester.
It’s a 550 mile race back home, that’s if you don’t
get lost on the way.
The Italian Job April 2012
If you successfully navigate between the
notorious roundabouts in Paris and the boredom
of Belgium you’ll find yourself on the ferry
nostalgically looking back at the whole Eurotrip
of the memories and miles you’ve collected!
You came, you saw, you tried to conquer 3,000
miles - but your car broke down on the M25.
THE OPEN DREAMS FOUNDATION A bit about who you’re helping
Open Dreams is a registered charity which is
committed to positive social change through
the advancement of the Arts and learning for
young people in Leicester and Leicestershire.
We involve people from all parts of the
community by organising adventures inspired
by your dreams.
The money you raise by taking part in the Italian
Job will help the foundation help others.
We involve people from all parts of the
community, by organising adventures
inspired by your dreams. We raise funds
and resources in order to provide
children the opportunity to improve
their lives.
Our philosophy is simple:
‘Go on and do something
We raise funds and resources in order to provide
children the opportunity to improve their lives.
Our philosophy is simple: ‘Go on and do
something you’ve always wanted to do in life,
bring a few friends and help others along the
way!’
For more information please visit
www.opendreams.org.uk
REGISTER NOW Register for the Italian Job 2012
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.opendreams.org.uk
* Please note costs and information are subject to change with seasonal prices and any other
unforeseen circumstances. We will notify all registered participants of any changes immediately
once we become aware of them.