Luxury Test Drives, Museum Tours & the Ultimate Italian Day Trip
Venice is known for its gondolas, romance, and timeless beauty — but what if we told you that just a couple of hours away, you can trade the gentle lapping of canals for the roar of a V12 engine?
Welcome to one of Italy’s most exciting day trips: Venice to the Motor Valley, where you can visit the legendary Ferrari and Lamborghini factories, tour their iconic museums, and even get behind the wheel of a supercar yourself.
Whether you’re a diehard car enthusiast or just someone looking to add some horsepower to your Venetian holiday, this is your complete guide to combining Venice elegance with Emilia-Romagna adrenaline.
🗺️ Where Is the Motor Valley?
Italy’s Motor Valley is located in Emilia-Romagna, near the towns of Maranello (Ferrari) and Sant’Agata Bolognese (Lamborghini). This region is home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands in the world, including:
-
Ferrari
-
Lamborghini
-
Pagani
-
Maserati
-
Ducati
From Venice, you can reach it in approximately:
-
🚗 2–2.5 hours by car
-
🚅 1.5–2 hours by high-speed train (with private car pickup on arrival)
🏁 What Can You Do There?
Here’s what’s waiting for you in the heart of Italy’s car kingdom:
🏎️ 1. Ferrari Museum & Factory Tour – Maranello
📍 Location: Maranello, near Modena
The Ferrari Museum is a must for any car lover — showcasing:
-
Legendary F1 cars
-
Enzo Ferrari’s legacy
-
Historic models like the 250 GTO and LaFerrari
-
Interactive simulators and race experiences
Optional upgrades:
-
Guided shuttle tour of the Fiorano test track and Ferrari factory
-
Private tours with Ferrari historians or engineers
Don’t miss:
The “Driving Experience” desk outside the museum, where you can book a real test drive on the roads of Maranello.
🚗 2. Test Drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini
Yes — you can actually drive one of these incredible machines.
🏁 What to expect:
-
Choose from models like the Ferrari California, 458 Italia, or F8 Spider
-
Lamborghini options include the Huracán and Aventador
-
You’ll be accompanied by a co-pilot/instructor
-
Drive through scenic hills, towns, or on-track experiences
🕒 Drive durations:
-
10 minutes: Quick taste (~€100–150)
-
30+ minutes: Scenic drive (~€300–500)
-
Track sessions: Prices vary by circuit and car
Feeling brave? Book the Autostrada Experience — test a Ferrari or Lambo on Italy’s highway and hear that engine scream.
🚙 3. Lamborghini Museum & Factory Tour – Sant’Agata Bolognese
📍 Location: Between Bologna and Modena
The Lamborghini Museum (MUDETEC) is sleek, modern, and full of adrenaline.
Exhibits include:
-
Early prototypes
-
Countach, Diablo, Murciélago, Aventador
-
One-off concept cars and future tech
⚙️ Factory Tour:
-
Watch real V10 and V12 engines being assembled
-
Walk the line of the actual production floor
-
See Huracáns and Aventadors being handcrafted by specialists
Tours are guided, small-group, and incredibly detailed. Book in advance — slots sell out quickly!
🏍️ Bonus: Pagani & Ducati Experiences
Got more time or a passion for precision?
-
Pagani Factory (San Cesario) – Hypercar heaven, home of the Zonda and Huayra
-
Ducati Museum (Bologna) – For lovers of two wheels, with race bikes and factory insights
🍝 What About Lunch? (It’s Italy, After All)
Driving Ferraris is thrilling, but you’ve gotta eat like a Modenese.
🍷 Best Lunch Stops:
-
Ristorante Cavallino (Maranello)
Designed by Massimo Bottura, Ferrari-themed fine dining -
Trattoria da Amerigo (near Sant’Agata)
Michelin-starred and rustic — a favorite among Lamborghini execs -
Osteria Francescana (Modena)
One of the world’s best restaurants (book months in advance)
Local tip: Try tortellini in brodo, Parmigiano Reggiano, and traditional balsamic vinegar — all born in this region.
🧭 Day Trip Itinerary: Ferrari + Lamborghini from Venice
🚀 Full-Day Private Tour (with Tour Leader Venice)
7:30 AM – Private transfer from Venice
10:00 AM – Ferrari Museum & Test Drive in Maranello
12:30 PM – Gourmet lunch near Modena
2:30 PM – Lamborghini Museum + Factory Tour
5:30 PM – Return to Venice (or stop in Bologna for a stroll)
Optional add-ons:
-
Pagani factory stop
-
Modena city center walk
-
Maserati showroom visit
💼 Booking Tips
-
Weekdays are best — factory floors are active and open
-
Book factory tours in advance (especially Lamborghini)
-
Bring your driver’s license (passport + international license recommended for test drives)
-
Dress smart casual — you’re entering car heaven, not the beach
🚁 Want to Arrive in Style?
Feeling extra? You can also book a private helicopter transfer from Venice to the Motor Valley — arriving in under 45 minutes with panoramic views of the lagoon, Apennines, and Modena vineyards.
Ask Tour Leader Venice for pricing and availability.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Why This Day Trip Works So Well
Venice is dreamy. But for one glorious day, swap the gondola for a Gallardo, the calm for a little chaos, and experience a different side of Italian beauty: speed, power, and precision.
It’s the perfect gift for your partner, a bucket-list experience for car lovers, and a totally unforgettable day that shows Italy’s wild, fast-beating heart — just a few hours from the calm canals of La Serenissima.
🏁 Ready to plan your Ferrari and Lamborghini adventure from Venice?
Tour Leader Venice arranges door-to-door private tours, test drives, museum tickets, and lunches with a view — all customizable, luxurious, and 100% stress-free.
Let us handle the logistics. You handle the gas pedal.
