Maserati Grecale GT; the lake Garda Grand Tour
A journey on the majestic northern shores of Lake Garda amidst Palladian inspired villas and aristocratic palaces with the new Maserati sporty SUV.
If a few centuries ago the northern shores of Lake Garda were often crossed by Russian’s Czar on their way to southern France, this particular ecosystem of utmost harmony will enchant even the more experienced traveler. Just driving through this northern Mediterranean garden scenery - dotted by jagged cliffs plunging into blue waters rippled by the wind – is an event; the same can be said of tunnels carved into rock that sharpens the sound of horsepower while revealing sinuous roads often bordered by slender cypress trees. The area is also famous for its noble residences with fairytale architecture and an elegance of being, which also belongs to the new Grecale GT. We picked-up the Suv in Modena’s Maserati headquarters and with its unmistakably Italian design, the Grecale GT proved to be an excellent travel companion, as well as a refined interpreter of Italian bon vivre.
The Maserati Show
From culinary delights to engines, Modena is a town that always strived for excellence and this culture finds an ideal manifested in the Maserati showroom designed by Ron Harad. Embracing the brand’s unique history as well as current affairs, the showroom exhibits milestones (engines, cars, vintage finds) from the origins and the latest models built by the Italian manufacturer, founded in 1914. Some cars on display are tuned and painted by the Maserati Fuoriserie personalization program and the Grecale GT used in our journey benefits from the elitist treatment. Another fascinating aspect of the visit is the proximity with the very same factory where Maserati has built all its models, as well as contemporary masterpieces such as MC20 and MC20 Cielo.
From Modena to Desenzano
Culture is always useful and the lessons learnt during the Maserati’s showroom visit, provided a better appreciation of the Grecale GT heritage and performances. Style is of course another key feature of Maserati which in some ways, greatly improves the onboard feeling. Aesthetically pleased by the crisp and cool Maserati models, we leave Modena towards Desenzano and the first kilometers on the A22 motorway, highlight the strong character of the 2.0L 300bhp petrol mild hybrid engine. Immediately noticeable is also the well-calibrated combination between technical and stylistic qualities of the Grecale GT. As we drive north, the motorway carriageways runs parallel to Pianura Padana and after about two hours (consuming less than 10lt/100km) we arrive on the lake southern shores, where clear skies reveal sharp alpine profiles emerging from the horizon.
Belle Epoque in Gardone Riviera
Lovers of aesthetics will surely enjoy the stay at Grand Hotel Fasano; composed by a central body, private villas, towers and gardens in bloom, the property is caressed by the perpetual motion of the lake tides and is part of Les Collectionneurs. The park is adorned with willows, fountains and statues providing dreamlike suggestions that will be enchanting in every season. The historic hotel is on the Lombardia shore of Lake Garda and can be considered an optimal starting point to discover the most spectacular stretch of road of lake Garda. Proximity to Michelin star restaurant Lido 84 is another bonus.
Spec Garda
Starting from Gardone Riviera, the route north guarantees pleasing visuals but it is very important to avoid weekends due to excessive traffic spoiling fun and views. With the Grecale GT in sport mode, we brush precise lines in the endless twists and turns nestled between cypress trees and water. Often, the road literally "enters" the mountain via narrow tunnels carved in rock which in some occasion, are similar to that of the F1 race in Monte Carlo. Cyclists and slow moving vehicles can be an issue and it is advisable, to proceed at low speeds. After Limone and Torbole, the lake has a natural U-turn leading south again towards Bardolino.
Towards Bardolino
Compared to the north-western side of Lake Garda, the road on the eastern shores is not as elevated with the bonus of running parallel to the water. Views are perhaps less spectacular but the whole driving session is rewarding, scenic and when approaching Bardolino, characterized by naturist ecosystems devoted to wine production. The area of Valpolicella and Amarone (progenitor of Veneto red wines) is famous also for its olive oil.
Off-road with style
Despite being very well suited for grand touring, the Grecale GT will happily tackle off-road venues as the Modena sports utility has four-wheel drive, different heights and a specific driving program for muds, snow, gravel. We put it to the test in the open countryside of lake Garda between rows of sloping vines and grassy hills. With the off-road maps, Maserati Suv managed to easily overcome rocky paths and uneven terrain, always guaranteeing power on demand, solidity and comfort.
The glorious Venetian villas
From famous Villa Malcontenta designed by Andrea Palladio to mansions built in the mid-eighteenth century, the Venetian aristocracy has almost always commissioned its countryside retreats to the best existing architects of their time, often inspired palladian aesthetic philosophy. Today, many villas built in the Riviera del Brenta and in Cavaion Veronese, retain much of their original splendor, as well as the architectural style characterized by distinctive classical elements and presence of at least one “barchessa” (garage for the boats). One of the most evocative venues is surely Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais. The wonderful property transformed into a luxurious hotel and part of Relais & Chateaux, is embraced by monumental cypresses and precious vineyards. Guests of the property can also enjoy a lush park, swimming pool and Michelin-star restaurant.
Travelling the Italian way
As it happens with fashion, design and gastronomy (just to mention a few of the most famous assets), Italian motorworks have always merged style, personality, elegance, creativity. The Maserati Grecale GT is not only no exception, but it also manages to convey a sense of special occasion in short trips as well as during long journeys. Habitable, bright and with a cool and crip "vibe", the Grecale GT brightens the time spent aboard. Amenities include soft upholstery, plenty of space for all occupants, numerous divertissements (the retro-style digital clock is very chic), hi-tech infotainment. Above all, the Maserati Grecale GT seduces with a refined combination of sporty performance and visual harmony making every movement, an event.
To follow the footsteps of our writers, book one of our cars or request be-spoke travel experience in Italy, please write an email to info@thedriversclub.it
Matteo Morichini
My childhood memories are of arts, literature and visits of far away lands and now, I love writing about tourism, travel&motoring experiences as well as gastronomic cultures. Following the Degree in History & Politics and the Masters in International Relations at London School of Economics, I start my journalist career in 2004. Since then, I made it a point to visit all of the seven continents, while daily enhancing my passion and curiosity towards cuisine, charming hospitality and millenial traditions from the beautiful Italian territory
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