Thursday, May 12, 2011

Ferrari Factory Tours



First of all the bad news, the official factory tour is only open to Ferrari owners. If you are one of the lucky few, then all you have to do is contact your local dealer and start the ball rolling. On the other hand, if you’re not part of this elite club then all is not lost... Maranello is not a bad place to visit (if you are a motoring enthusiast) and there are plenty of Ferrari-themed activities to take part in.

The major attraction is the ‘Galleria Ferrari’, a purpose-built space where Ferraris old and new are shown in a very attractive and informative format. The professional guides on site can be booked ahead of time and their wealth of knowledge on the Scuderia is quite impressive. On site there is also a nice cafe and gift shop. For me the highlight is always the possibility of seeing the first production Ferrari close to the latest model to be released (always shown here at the same time as they are unveiled at whichever car show). The Galleria is a little on the small side and a tour will take no longer than an hour and a half for the keenest fans.

Just a short walk away you can continue the theme with a meal at the ‘Cavallino’, Enzo’s preferred lunch stop and now a rustic-chic eatery with a great menu and equal service. The clientele here is completely mixed and you are just as likely to sit next to a group of tourist as you are to sit beside the marketing manager of Ferrari.

For more ideas, including details of Ferrari test-drives (a great way to round the day in Maranello off) then visit this page: www.ferraritours.com/onedayevents

Don’t forget that, if a supercar factory tour really is your thing, then the Lamborghini factory is a little more relaxed when it comes to visitors and, if you’re staying in Bologna, can make for a nice morning out.