A Gear Head Guide to Italy

It's no surprise that a country famous for well-made luxury items also produces some of the most iconic specialty cars in the world. Italy is known not just for its expensive designer clothing brands, but also for its expensive designer auto brands like Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini. Most of these companies are found in the Emilia-Romagna region, sometimes called Motor Valley, where there are a significant amount of attractions for gear heads to enjoy.

If your heart races with the same beat as a 400-horsepower engine, here are a few activities to seek out on your next trip to Italy:

Motorshow Bologna – Bologna

The International Motorshow Bologna represents the convergence of the many different auto companies in Italy and beyond. The historic main square of the city is flooded with classic cars including Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more. This area is open to all and makes for terrific photo opportunities. The convention center in Fiera houses the second half of the exhibition that features presenters and exhibits from around the world, as well as the premiere of new and unique cars.

Museo Ferrari – Modena

Ferrari was founded in the town of Modena in 1929, and the museum and factory remain there to this day. The Museo Ferrari curates over 80 years of Ferrari history including displays of the most iconic road and track cars from the brand's history. Visitors who book ahead can take an additional tour of the private Ferrari factory and test track. For an extra fee you can also experience a state of the art Formula One driving simulator.

Museo Lamborghini – Sant’Agata Bolognese

Just a short drive from the Ferrari Museum is the original Lamborghini factory and attached museum. The corporate museum is an extensive look at the history and style of the brand, featuring two floors of classic cars. The first floor is dedicated to classic Lamborghini, including the original prototype of the Countach, the first car to top 300/km an hour. The second floor features newer models and concept cars. It is also possible to tour the factory next door, where each car is assembled by hand.

Ducati Museum – Bologna

Ducati is Italy's most famous motorcycle manufacturer, well known for its sporty style. The carefully curated museum presents a collection of the company's most iconic models. Enthusiasts can also follow the path of a Ducati from production line to testing booth to the final product. Visitors are encouraged to book their tour ahead of time on the Ducati website.

Autodromo Nazionale Monza – Monza

Italy's most famous race track, located north of Milan in the town of Monza is famous for one thing: the Formula One Italian Grand Prix, which has been held here since 1921 (for those keeping track, that is before Ferrari even existed). Perched on the edge of a massive park, the racetrack is open to all visitors. When races are not scheduled it's possible for tourists to have a genuine Formula One experience by test-driving a car on the famous track.

The Umberto Panini Museum of Vintage Cars and Motorcycles – Modena

This museum showcases another historic brand started in Modena: Maserati. When the brands entire collection of historic cars was due to be auctioned off in London, the city of Modena protested and a private buyer by the name of Umberto Panini purchased the collection for public display. The collection is only viewable by appointment, but features classic and rare Maserati models in addition to other Italian classic cars and motorcycles.

Which car or motorcycle do you most want to drive?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.