If you could go to ONE place in Italy...

So my family's taking our "last" vacation as a family, as my little sister is going off to college and we won't have time anymore. (Yeah, because I have all kinds of free time in mid-August...) We're going to visit some friends that live in Italy, at Aviano AB (in northern Italy).

I think I'm allowed to put one item on our agenda. If you were in Italy and could only go to ONE racing-oriented place, what would it be? Modena is only three hours away. I know it's cliched, but I've heard the Ferrari factory tour is mindblowing.

Well dang it. I would look at all of Europe. Nurburgring, BMW or Porsche factory. I think I need to create a vacation that goes to all the old tracks of europe as well as as many manufacturers and car related things. I can see a GRM/Perillo tour LOL.

Monza should be relatively close....but Modena is the automotive Mecca.

Was thinking Monza or Modena. If you can get to Bologna, there's the Lamborghini museum. I thought the Corvette factory tour was pretty cool, the Ferrari factory would have to be outta sight.

Been to Modena, but at that time (2003), when I went, factory tours were only available to owners on an appointment basis. There was a decent museum and the typical gift shop, but not as cool as a real factory tour.

On the same trip, I toured the Ducati factory outside Bologna. THAT was worth seeing. Good museum, absolutely great tour. I ended up mixed in with a group of American Ducati owners, so the crowd was into it, which made it more interesting. Highly recommended.

If you can get confirmation of a Ferrari factory tour, I'd say go for it, but I wouldn't go to Modena without checking...

Sardinia.

http://www.initaly.com/regions/sardinia/sardinia.htm

Alfa Romeo museum. Plus, it's close to Monza, so easy to make into a twofer.

Ferrari factory tours are tough to arrange; the museum -- not factory affiliated, I think -- is nice, but not outstanding.

Honestly, if I could go to one place, it'd be Assisi, but it has nothing to do with racing.

If you don't need anything car related, I vote Sorrento. The most beautiful city I'll ever see.

Ducati, for our 2 wheeled brethren

they'll usually run the historic mille miglia in May. Not sure the exact route but it usually goes through Toscana. I'm sure you can find it on the web.

You didn't say when you were going. Too bad there is no more San Marino GP.

Buona fortuna.... a dopo

Great dolomite road, then spend the rest of your time in Venice. I know its touristy, but it truly is spectacular.

Venice is and overpriced, floating joke. Sorry. You can do better in Italy. The novelty wears thin quickly.

Appleseed wrote: If you don't need anything car related, I vote Sorrento. The most beautiful city I'll ever see.

+100 outstanding area. The entire Amalfi Coast is drop dead gorgeous. If you need to stay north, I'd go to the Cinque Terre.

Maranello, obviously. Nice tour of the Ferrari factory and lunch across the street at Cavallino. Never miss it when we are in Italy.