Tours from Siena / Ferrari experience in Bologna

Posted by Kristin (Atlanta, Georgia) on 03/19/14 01:12 AM

I am headed to Italy in mid-May. I have been to the major cities on a prior trip, but will be traveling with 3 companions who have never been to Italy before. After time in Venice and Florence, we plan to spend two nights in Siena before heading to Rome. I would like to spend one day exploring Siena and one day getting a taste of the Tuscan countryside. What is the best way to do that given that we are only looking at one day? Should we rent a car, hire a private vehicle and driver, or take a day tour?

Also, does anyone have any advice / recommendations on the Ferrari test drives in Bologna? The current plan is to send the guys to Bologna and let them join a tour of the factories and a test drive while we stay in Florence. Are we missing out by not going with them and checking out Bologna? Any of the tours you would recommend?

Posted by Devon

Ballwin

03/19/14 02:57 AM

833 posts

On the Ferrari part of your question: Just as a note - you can't tour the Ferrari factory unless you own a Ferrari/have connections. You can tour the Lamborghini factory, however. I don't have experience with the test drives - those are done through different companies than the actual factories of Ferrari/Lamborghini. Although my husband is the car person, I did really enjoy the Lamborghini factory. It was neat to see the process and watch them test-drive some unreleased (at that time) cars - so you may enjoy it, but you may not. Also to note, the Lamborghini factory is not in Bologna - it's a bit outside. Public transportation is possible, though we had a bit of trouble with it, so they may want to rent a car or hire a taxi. You could always go enjoy Bologna while they head out to the factory/test drive places, but if you feel there's more you want to see in Florence then do that instead.

Posted by David

Huntsville, AL, USA

03/19/14 03:43 AM

8371 posts

Getting to Siena is best via bus from Florence if you're staying in the city center. The buses line up out the side door of the Florence train station around the corner to the right of McDonalds.

You can rent a car to tour the Tuscan hillside in Siena, and I recommend visiting San Gimignano and Volterra as a great day trip. Keep the car to go up to Bologna/Modena if you want to do the auto museum/factory experience. It can be turned in at Florence or the city you're leaving from.

I would suggest making reservations for the Lamborghini factory tour. If time allows, they should go through the Ferrari Experience, but don't expect to see any assembly line. Lamborghini is out in the country--west of Bologna and east of Modena.

Much of the modern world don't have any idea how high quality these companies' vehicles are. The motorcycle factories in the area are much the same way--spotless operations of the highest technology with vehicles being assembled by men in white lab coats.

It's about a 2 hour drive from Siena to the factories. The drive between Florence and Siena is controlled access, but it's heavily traveled by heavy trucks. And it's uphill and a little hectic. Should be no problem getting there by auto, however. Anyone would find this day trip interesting.

Posted by Emma

Oregon

03/19/14 10:56 PM

111 posts

You can reserve ahead for a Ferrari "Track Tour" at http://museo.ferrari.com/factory-and-fiorano-track-tour-2/. My parents and I enjoyed the tour last fall, but be aware that you do stay inside a bus, viewing the outside of the engineering buildings, and driving in the bus onto the test track when it is lunchtime for the test drivers. Photos are not allowed on the track tour (but are allowed in the museums.) If you don't have your rental car, you can take a museum shuttle bus between Modena train station and the main Museo/track complex in Maranello and/or the Casa Ferrari musuem on the other side of town; these don't run as frequently as you might hope.

A trip to Ferrari is not a trip to Bologna, and I would skip Bologna, given your limited time. It has an interesting old town and university, but just not as much bang for your buck/time as other towns highlighted in Rick's books and shows.

Posted by RnR

The Hague, NL (AMS)

03/20/14 03:14 AM

2207 posts

There are many local on-sites who can get you INTO a Ferrari! For example, you can get a private, guided tour of the museum and then head to the track for a twenty minute "test ride" with a professional driver. The Ferrari test drive currently takes place in a Ferrari California and you have to be over 18 to drive --- Do bring some €€!

I often work with a company called Absolute Italy for these tours... Their website reads:
Did you know that your favorite race cars are viewable at the Ferrari and Lamborghini Galleries outside of Modena? Visit during your transfer through this area or during a special day tour and see the historic Ferrari’s and special exhibits contained in the interactive Gallery, and then proceed to the Lamborghini Factory for a guided tour of the Museum and Factory that can also include the VIP Option of lunch at the factory followed by a Lamborghini Test Drive.
- 13€ adults, 9€ youths 6-10 yrs.
- Family ticket is 9€ per person.
- Private guides available upon request.
- Ferrari Gallery is open every day except Jan 1 and Dec 31.
- Lamborghini Museum and Factory are closed on weekends, Feb 5, April 5, June 2, and most of August

And there are many other companies who work in conjunction with Ferrari and Lamborghini for the car enthusiast!
My goal some day is to do The Ferrari Tour of Italy by Red Travel... but that tour is probably a long way off for me!