Fact Sheets & Video - Italy

Rev all you wildest dreams to life in Ferrari Land!

We all know that Italy is famous for a number of famous luxury brands, from Gucci to Prada and Dolce & Gabbanna, but for something with a bit more grunt, there's also Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati.

And for true enthusiasts of vehicles that burn around the track, and engines that purrrrr, there is one place on earth that's the mecca, the holy grail, and the home of the planet's finest automobiles.

The masters of these cars are all based around Modena in Italy's north, in an area nicknamed "Super Car Valley".

Maranello, near Modena in Italy's north, is the birthplace of "the prancing horse" - the cavallino rampante, which is how most Italians refer to Ferrari.

Even though the Ferrari factory is only open to Ferrari-owners, the Ferrari-fixated little town of Maranello is still a great place to visit.

It is home to the Galleria Ferrari museum which houses the world's biggest collection of Ferrari's. It is here that you can see some of the older Ferrari models as well as a line up of their F1 track cars. It's a great interactive museum that also shows the company's contribution to the world of F1 racing and car technology.

Maserati doesn't have an official museum but the biggest collection of Maserati vehicles can be seen at the Panini family's private collection (by appointment only). The great collection of vehicles is actually kept on the family's farm which also produces one of Italy's finest parmesan cheese brands. Photos at the cheese factory show that this was Pope John Paul II's favourite!

To further your food experience in this area of Italy, you'll want to visit the Cavallino Ristorante in the heart of Maranello: this is where Enzo Ferrari ate lunch practically every day and it's packed with memorabilia and photos.

Down the road from the Fiorano test track in Maranello is the Ristorante Montana. Dubbed the unofficial staff canteen, this restaurant has race suits, helmets and an interesting display of autographed serviettes!

And if you just so happen to be one of the lucky people who already drive a Ferrari, you can have a tour of the Ferrari S.P.A. factory - you just need to speak to you local dealer who will make the arrangements for you in Maranello.

Further Information:

Modena, ITALY

Thai Airways International fly return to Milan

From - $1827 west coast

- $1994 east coast

Valid 04/10/08 to 11-/11/08 and 17/01/09 to 24/02/09

1300 651 960

www.thaiairways.com.au

Prices correct at 3/04/08 and include fees and taxes. Conditions apply.

CIT Holidays - Planet Hotel

Rooms from $139 a person a night twinshare

Includes entry to Galleria Ferrari

1300 361 500

Conditions, surcharges and block out dates may apply.

www.citholidays.com.au

Ferrari

www.ferrariworld.com

Galleria Ferrari

www.galleriaferrari.com

Ristorante Cavallino

www.ristorante-cavallino.it

Ristorante Montana

www.www.ristorantemontana.it

Italian Government Tourist Office

www.enit.it