What is Italy's Motor Valley?

Motor Valley is the stretch of Emilia-Romagna around Bologna and Modena that gave birth to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, Pagani and De Tomaso. Their museums, factories and test tracks sit within easy reach of Bologna, making it the world's densest cluster of legendary car and motorcycle brands.

Can you visit the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums from Bologna?

Yes. Guided day tours from Bologna combine the Museo Ferrari in Maranello, the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena and the Lamborghini museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese, with transport and skip-the-line entry included. Combo tickets are also available if you prefer to travel independently by train.

Can I test drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini near Bologna?

Yes. In Maranello you can book a guided test drive in a Ferrari or Lamborghini on public roads or a private circuit, usually with an instructor and onboard video. Sessions are short and popular, so book ahead, especially in spring and summer.

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Motor Valley · Bologna itinerary

Bologna Motor Valley: Ferrari, Lamborghini & Maserati Itinerary

The plains around Bologna are the Motor Valley, birthplace of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati and Pagani. From Maranello to Modena and Sant'Agata Bolognese, this itinerary strings together the museums, factory visits, test drives and F1 simulators that make it a pilgrimage for petrolheads, with the best-rated tours from Bologna to book for each.

At a glance

1Ferrari & Lamborghini museums
2Ferrari test drive in Maranello
3Ducati & Maserati museums
4F1 simulator & Fiorano track

The great museums: Ferrari, Lamborghini & Pagani

Base your day on the marque museums, the beating heart of any Motor Valley visit. Maranello's Museo Ferrari and the sculptural Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena trace the Prancing Horse from Enzo's first cars to modern Formula 1, while the Lamborghini museum in Sant'Agata Bolognese and the Pagani atelier round out the story with raging bulls and hypercars. Guided day tours from Bologna handle the driving and skip-the-line entry between sites spread right across the plain.

Get behind the wheel in Maranello

Museums are only half the thrill, because the Motor Valley lets you drive the legend rather than just look at it. In Maranello you can book a test drive in a Ferrari Portofino, 488 or California, either on the open roads around the factory or a private circuit, with a professional instructor beside you and onboard video of the whole run. Slots last only a handful of minutes but they are unforgettable, and they sell out fast in summer, so reserve well ahead.

Two wheels, simulators and the Fiorano track

Bologna itself is Ducati country: the museum at Borgo Panigale walks you through decades of World Superbike and MotoGP glory beside the working factory, and just up the road Modena adds the beautiful Maserati Panini collection of vintage cars. Cap the day with a professional F1 simulator or a Fiorano test-track tour, gripping the wheel to feel the g-force and split-second reflexes that separate an ordinary road car from a genuine race car.