Archive for April, 2010

The town of Maranello may not ring any bells for most people. For serious car fans, though… it’s a mecca.

Maranello, a small town near Modena, Italy (about midway between Florence and Pisa) is nestled in beautiful, winding, mountain roads. The air has a different quality, fresh and clean and the views are breathtaking. The views, however, are not what makes Maranello a specialty tourist attraction.

This is. Ferrari’s main factory and test track is located here. While you can’t get into the factory unless you’re someone like Jay Kay or Michael Schumacher (this picture was the closest we got when visiting), the Ferrari fan can get their fix at the Museo Galleria Ferrari – A museum for all things Ferrari. While I’ll admit that we took the trip primarily for my husband’s sake, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. It’s almost impossible for even the least automotively-inclined not to appreciate the beauty of a Ferrari.

Exhibits include displays of over 40 cars (including some exceedingly rare models) and glimpses at the Ferrari F1 design process over the years. The museum is open Monday through Sunday (except major holidays). Being a specialty destination, Driver in Italy can prepare a custom quote if you’d like to experience this town. It makes a great add if you’re going to Pisa.

Bonus Tip: For the Ferrari Fanatics, the test track is kept pretty well hidden, but there are a few small bridges where you can get some decent (but obstructed) views. If you’re lucky, you might even see a car on the track. You didn’t hear that from us, though.

Images: Creative Commons Attribution No-Derivative-Works (2.0) images from 59546886@N00’s photostream

When traveling in foreign countries, it’s good to brush up on your local history. Sometimes, it can lead you to fun and interesting discoveries off the beaten path. Other times, it can keep you from getting stuck in a city that’s shut down for a local festival or event.

Image: Festa della Liberazione, a Creative Commons Attribution (2.0) image from liquene’s photostream

In Italy, April 25th marks Liberazione, or Liberation Day. Liberazione is celebrated yearly on the anniversary of the liberation of Italy during WWII by the Allied Troops (April 25, 1945). While the holiday primarily celebrates the members of the Italian Resistance who helped in the liberation, it also commemorates all Italian fallen soldiers. It’s comparable to a combination of the US Independence Day and Memorial Day.

Liberazione is celebrated with festivals, parades, concerts and rallies in cities, towns and villages throughout Italy. If you’ll be vacationing in Italy on April 25th, you’ll be sure to experience a truly Italian festival wherever you are, but make sure not to make any other big plans: Liberazione is a National Holiday, so many museums, restaurants and public transportation may be closed or on limited schedules. There’ll be no shortage of activities to take their place, though, and booking a Driver In Italy will ensure you get to all the festival parties in style.

Bonus Tip: April 25th is also the Feast Day of Venice’s Patron Saint Mark. Head to the Piazza San Marco for an extra big festival! Mark your calendars for six days later, too, for the May Day Celebrations on May 1st. Italians know how to celebrate and Spring is a great time to visit.