Driving from Modena to Maranello

we took the bus from modena.

 

If you stay in Modena (like we did), the hotel can call a taxi for you and it is 30 Euros each way. Very easy to do and you can look at the scenary on the way.

We stayed at Hotel Canal Grande who went out of their way to arrange the taxi. When leaving to go back to Modena, you have to go a little into the downtown to find a taxi (or have Planet Hotel call one for you).

I do not think renting a car just for that round trip would be worth it.

 

Rent an Alfa from Europcar (they only rent them North of Rome so you're ok) and do the drive - its quite fun. I recently took a 159 from Venice to Monza for the GP and it was a blast (get a 147 if you can but the 159 is good too). Driving in Italy will rank high on your list of honeymoon experiences ;-).

 

The drive between the two is easy, and boring (a straight, somewhat congested two lane road, IIRC). Maranello is easy to navigate by car, but is also walkable between the factory, the museum, and the many cool stores. However, having a car to tour around the Ferrari factory complex is nice, as well as a good place to store your loot. The advantage of being on foot is catching glimpses inside open garages for treasures within.

Driving in the outskirts of Modena isn't so bad (except at rush hour, as in any bigger city). The downtown is a bit of a zoo (narrow streets, etc.) but doable.

 

Better idea, stay in Bologna- much nicer than Modena. You can take the train into Modena, get a taxi to Maranello. Eat at the Montana, skip Cavallino.

 

I stayed in Bologna and drove to Maranello, which was pretty easy. We didn't actually go into Modena, but I suspect the drive would be no problem. It takes a bit of getting used to, but I found after the first half hour or so I was completely at home.

Once in Maranello, we just parked and walked around.

 

you can almost jog their from Modena

I'd love to ship my Z06 over and carve up some European roads

 

they are close. rent the car and go to lamborghini and pagani while you are at it. I found it helpful to do a flyover in google earth before i went. and get a gps with the rental.

 

If you're hitting a few cities and are comfortable driving in Italy (not bad if you are used to a large US city) consider renting a car. IMO it affords the most flexibilty. Great place to honey moon in any case. Congratulations.
P.S. I found my Garmin 670 with european maps made navigation a breeze.

 

The entire Modena region, which contains the city of Modena, Maranello and several other lovely little towns is very easy to navigate. Maranello is virtually a suburb of Modena and is less than a 20 minute drive from Modena to the factory door.
Lamborghini, Maserati and Pagani all welcome visitors and are all within a half hour drive from Modena.

I'd suggest you get a Tomtom GPS with Euro maps built in (Model 930), plan your route and enter the destinations into the GPS before you leave. That way you won't be fiddling around trying to program destinations on the fly. All of the factory addresses are available online.

The beauty of this area is the food. There is no bad food and you can literally stop at any pizzeria or ristorante sign and get excellent Italian cuisine at low prices.

 

Very easy to drive in Europe - we use a Nuvi with the European card and it works very well. We've stayed in Modena (part of Ferrari Owners pkg for F1 Test Day) but prefer to stay in Maranello. If you are planning on other cities, the best way to see what the country has to offer is via car - much more flexability to stop and see things. Lane discipline is VERY important in Europe and it's advisible to carry and IDP (can get them from AAA offices). There's some great places in Maranello that are off the beaten track for dinner and staying. We never use an agent to do our planning - just our preference. Car rental is high (Avis rents Alfas) and be sure that you take all the insurance. I think that 25 is the magic age where you don't have to pay a surcharge. You might consider a day spent at Monza - walking the banking is incredible as is walking thru the park surrounding the circuit. If you are interested in the history of Enzo and want to see some very nice cars then venture a couple hours south of Maranello to San Marino - the Maranello Rosso Museum is on the left prior to the gate to San Marino. Autostradas are toll roads (German Autobahns are free). I went to Monza by myself for the Finale Mondali several years ago, rented a car at the airport in Milan - not a problem. Renting a car also gives you the ability to go to Lake Como (north of Monza) - beautiful place. Heck if you are going during the summer you might plan around one of the LMS races or FIA-GT races! Driving in Rome is a different story!

Carol

 

WILLIAM H:

How did you ship your Corvette? By air or by boat? Who handled the paperwork?

I did it last year by air. Quite costly. Want to do it again next year preferably by boat.

 

Also, to someone used to the US, it's remarkable how close everything is there.

I used Google Maps to plot some routes. In the end, the directions it gave me were useless, but it was handy to know the time and distances for planning purposes, at least.

One difference from the US is that there are signs everywhere. We didn't have a GPS at all, but had some maps and did fine.

 

I'd suggest GPS while driving there otherwise it'll drive you nuts When in Maranello I wouldn't bother jumping back and forth, just stay there. Lots of places to stay including a Best Western if you don't want to break the bank. Line up an F-tour through a dealer or try to get someone who's an owner to get you in if you're not. Have fun!

 

Try to book the Planet Hotel in Maranello. It's across the main gate of the Ferrari Factory. It's basically THE Ferrari Hotel. IIRC the rooms are around 100 euros a night and they are good + you have view on the factory + Fiorano if you take a top-floor room.

And it's easy to drive in Europe. I was there too when I was around 25/26...no problems at all. And like someone else already said, Modena -> Maranello is close.

 

Thanks guys!!! I'm futureowners' fiancee Thanks for all your help and let us know more input on good places to eat and such!

 

I put a link in the recent 'factory tour' thread to the best overall thread about visiting the area which is hidden away in one of the area sections - ah found it again :

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197408

 

+1

From the Planet hotel, you could easily walk to Ferrari factory, Ferrari Galleria, Cavallino restaurant,....., etc.

Less than an hour drive, the city of Milan is a shopping paradise, your fiancee will love this place.

Driving in Europe is pretty nice & easy, several scenic routes to choose from!!!

Have a great trip there!

 

No, I didnt. I said I'd love to

I did ship a car to Argentina and back though w DAS, cost about $2500 round trip but that was before 2001, now US customs is much harder coming back in

They can rip your car apart if they want and you cant do anything about it

 

William,

Why would you prefer to take your Z06 to Italy?? Take the Slut, the Italians would love it...!!!!

Regards,
Phil.

 

Mmmmm... SO true!