Booking a trip to Italy...advice pls

[athorby]

Hi all,

Hope you're well.

Myself and my gf are planning on booking a summer break, credit crunch permitting...
Anyway, after much deliberation I think we have settled on Italy however exactly where hasn't been decided.
I sold the idea of a trip to Italy to my gf by reminding her of the fine food and glorious weather, however I have a hidden motive! I have always wanted to go for a tour of the Lambo factory and Ferrari/Pagani if poss, however I am not sure what the score is with Pagani in particular. Life's just too short and a recent health scare has kicked me up the bum and it's about time I made my dreams a reality!

Anyone have any tips or advice? Where to stay? How to get there?
Do you need to book at the lambo factory/museum?

Any advice from those of you that have been/planning a trip would be excellent... I am just not sure where to start..

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Edited by athorby on Thursday 5th March 12:32

[DIW35]

Once upon a time you used to be able visit the museum at Lambo for nothing. These days there is an entry fee, also for the tour of the factory. You can book in advance by phoning them.

Tours of the Pagani factory are now handled by a third party, which definitely have to booked in advance. If you call the Pagani factory, they will give you the number of the people who now handle their tours.

[athorby]

DIW35 said:

Once upon a time you used to be able visit the museum at Lambo for nothing. These days there is an entry fee, also for the tour of the factory. You can book in advance by phoning them.

Tours of the Pagani factory are now handled by a third party, which definitely have to booked in advance. If you call the Pagani factory, they will give you the number of the people who now handle their tours.

Thank you kindly

[iandc]

I have done similar trips for last 2 years. Great driving down through Germany and Switzerland then northern Italy with some great roads. Despite owning a Ferrari at the time I got into the Lambo and Pagini factories easily but NOT Ferrari who were very stuck up. Sounds from previous post that both are now a lot more formal as I had fantastic trips around both factories, met Horatio Pagini and the lady in charge of the Lambo museum (Christina) even closed up the museum to show us around the factory.
Try the Sussenpass on the way down as worth the detour for great road, spectacular views and little traffic.

[chevronb37]

I've been to Maranello a couple of times for the pilgrimage - watched 430GTs on Fiorano, paid my respects to the GV statue, saw Luca Badoer walking around, visited the Galleria, etc. If I can help with that aspect, please drop me a PM.

Other wise, while we were in Maranello, there were minibuses which appeared to be offering guided tours of all the Modenese manufacturers. Perhaps that might be worth considering. I'm afraid I don't have a contact though.

[here]

I have been to the Zonda factory twice now. Just email them or ring them and let them know when you are in town. They are very accommodating and will work things out with you. I would say to tour Zonda is far more easier to organise than organising one of Lamborghini or Ferrari Factory. It can be done at short notice, just ring them or email.

[ettore]

The region now markets itself as some form of motoring mecca. The local tourist authority have loads of information about what you can do including factories, museums, tracks and even private collections.

If you do go and stay for a few days Bologna is the nicest place to be - a great city!

[Rich S]

Did these last summer.

In order of preference
1) Pagani was awesome , you get to chat with the guys building the cars , the man himself was there , and the whole place feels more like an art studio.

2)Lamborghini, a great tour of the factory , seeing all the £ that VW has poured in , get to see the Reventon in the flesh , and the museum was good , with a very informative tour.

3)Ferrari, the most anticipated and most disappointing for me , the museum really is an exorcise in selling merchandise. If I went again , I would just be sure to book into the restaurant opposite the factory gates , just to soak up the atmosphere of where the man used to take all his drivers !

[chevronb37]

I'm actually out there in June. Supposed to be watching some national racing at Magione circuit in Umbria, but might try to trek to Monza for the Intereurope Cup for historics. Post up some photos of whatever you end up seeing.

[Basher]

Can't comment on the Lambo factory as never went there but did go to Ferrari. Have friends in Modena so it was easy.

However if you want to combine some sea and sand with the trip i can suggest driving on down to Cervia after your factory trip. Milano Marritima is a fnatastic kicking place with lots of hotels and bars right on the beach , but unlike Benidorm this place is really quite classy (after all Italians dress to impress not to show off a belly ring in a size 18 stomach)

Plenty of palces to stay there adn a mass expanse of beautiful clean beach.

Enjoy...my dream is to take the Lambo abroad to Italy / Ibiza soon .... when the wife lets me ;-)

[Louis.]

chevronb37 said:

I'm actually out there in June. Supposed to be watching some national racing at Magione circuit in Umbria, but might try to trek to Monza for the Intereurope Cup for historics. Post up some photos of whatever you end up seeing.

You are near enough on my doorstep (magione racetrack)....well ok 20 mins away...Cortona ring a bell ?

I have not been to the track for a couple of years....last time i was there some bloke was trying out his enzo and f40 on the racetrack...

[countachman]

(my dream is to take the Lambo abroad to Italy)

That's one of mine also and I fancy a trip similar to the one being talked about on here, keep the information coming please.

[athorby]

Thanks for all your replies it's much appreciated! It really helps to find out from ppl who have been there.. Lots to look forward to by the sound of it! The Pagani factory would be an awesome experience, I've always loved the Zonda and the chance to visit the birth place of such an icon is spine tingling! I definitely plan to visit the Lambo factory/museum and too see a Reventon in the flesh would surreal... As for Ferrari I may take a rain check on the tour but can the public access Fiorano? I would love to hear some of the cars at their favourite stomping ground!!
Over the weekend I will send some pm's to those of you in the know if that's ok?
Thanks again
Adam

[DIW35]

Should have added, if you want to drive the Alps, unless you have already been swayed by the reputation of the Stelvio pass, I can heartily recommend the Grimsel, Furka and St Gottard passes. Sustenpass is also great driving, but would be difficult to do at the same time as the others, unless you don't mind going round in circles.

We did the first three on our outward journey, and repeated the St Gottard on the way back, before taking a different route to take in the Sustenpass.

All these roads are supercar friendly, with good surfaces and turns that aren't so tight that you risk grounding out.

[athorby]

DIW35 said:

Should have added, if you want to drive the Alps, unless you have already been swayed by the reputation of the Stelvio pass, I can heartily recommend the Grimsel, Furka and St Gottard passes. Sustenpass is also great driving, but would be difficult to do at the same time as the others, unless you don't mind going round in circles.

We did the first three on our outward journey, and repeated the St Gottard on the way back, before taking a different route to take in the Sustenpass.

All these roads are supercar friendly, with good surfaces and turns that aren't so tight that you risk grounding out.

Thanks for your reply. There is no need for me to worry about grounding out as I don't own a supercar...yet! But I would love to drive those roads, I can't imagine what it would be like in Diablo GT though
I am sorry if I gave the impression that I own a supercar as I don't, but I will be getting a hire car and I will get to the Pagani factory if it kills me! Thanks again

[chevronb37]

athorby said:

Thanks for all your replies it's much appreciated! It really helps to find out from ppl who have been there.. Lots to look forward to by the sound of it! The Pagani factory would be an awesome experience, I've always loved the Zonda and the chance to visit the birth place of such an icon is spine tingling! I definitely plan to visit the Lambo factory/museum and too see a Reventon in the flesh would surreal... As for Ferrari I may take a rain check on the tour but can the public access Fiorano? I would love to hear some of the cars at their favourite stomping ground!!
Over the weekend I will send some pm's to those of you in the know if that's ok?
Thanks again
Adam

Fiorano is easily seen from the road as you enter Maranello - folk just stand there and watch the cars. They were testing 430GTs the day we were there which was surreal. There's loads of places to buy merch and the Galleria is well worth a look with a constantly rotating stock.

[Mattymouse33]

athorby said:

Hi all,

Hope you're well.

Myself and my gf are planning on booking a summer break, credit crunch permitting...
Anyway, after much deliberation I think we have settled on Italy however exactly where hasn't been decided.
I sold the idea of a trip to Italy to my gf by reminding her of the fine food and glorious weather, however I have a hidden motive! I have always wanted to go for a tour of the Lambo factory and Ferrari/Pagani if poss, however I am not sure what the score is with Pagani in particular. Life's just too short and a recent health scare has kicked me up the bum and it's about time I made my dreams a reality!

Anyone have any tips or advice? Where to stay? How to get there?
Do you need to book at the lambo factory/museum?

Any advice from those of you that have been/planning a trip would be excellent... I am just not sure where to start..

Thanks in advance,
Adam

Edited by athorby on Thursday 5th March 12:32

Adam, The girlfriend and I went last Sept and had a wonderful holiday. We had pre-booked the museum tour and factory walk-trough which was great. Speak to Christina Guizzardi (sp) and she will sort you out.

I would recommend going to San Marino. We arrived spur of the moment and searched a few hotels up high in the old town for a room with a view and boy did we get it. Think it was £90, the manager's daughter was at a Glasgow university which was helpful cos we got chatting. Anyway, I would recommend booking the exact room we had.

[F355GTS]

Adam

Up until recently the only real opportunities for Ferrari tours were if you'd bought from a main dealer or went with the Owners Club. It seems for 2009 the rules have changed and to go you have to book on a pre scheduled tour through dealer at a cost of €60 per head. Knowing that they are likely to struggle to fill all the places I'd get in touch with some UK dealers and see if they will book you a place, the dates are not flexible so you'll need to check these fit in with your plans. The Tour is interesting if a little rushed.

[here]

If you are going to San Marino. Which is a little country ( a few miles wide)within Italy its self believe it or not. You really and positively need to visit here http://www.maranellorosso.com/ Its a Ferrari museum thats arguably better that the Galleria in Maranello. Its about one hour forty five away from Modena.

[chevronb37]

here said:

If you are going to San Marino. Which is a little country ( a few miles wide)within Italy its self believe it or not. You really and positively need to visit here http://www.maranellorosso.com/ Its a Ferrari museum thats arguably better that the Galleria in Maranello. Its about one hour forty five away from Modena.

We were talking about heading to Imola in June to have a look about if possible. This place looks awesome, thanks so much for mentioning it.