Ferrari Factory Visit - What to expect, Pictures?

We visited in May of 2007 and just before Thanksgiving last year. We stayed in Room 503 of the Planet Hotel both times. It is the top floor room directly above the factory store. It was only 130 Euro per night which was a fantastic bargain and has a wrap around balcony with great views of the factory and the Fiorano test track in the distance. They were testing an F1 engine at the race shop into the night which was music to our ears. We don't have a car yet, so we did not get into the factory. The Galleria is a fantastic collection and there are always cars testing on the track. There are some good views of the back section of the track from the sidestreets near the Galleria (see the photo). There were also several exhibits around town for Enzo's 110th Birthday year (I think). There is also a Bocciodromo next to the Galleria. If you have never seen real Italian Bocci Ball, it is very interesting. It is also a bar so it is great way to enjoy a few beers!

One thing we did in 2007 was hire a tour guide from Motorstars.org. We were a bit afraid of a cheesy tour, but as his only customers of the day it was very private. Francesco worked for Lamborghini and Ferrari and got us a private tour of the Lambo factory and also the Maserati Collection on the Umberto Panini estate. Mr. Panini purchased the entire Maserati museum collection just as it was about to be auctioned in London. I am not sure if you can see it privately or not. He even drove us back to the train station in Bologna. It was very worthwhile to see a lot in a short time.

Hope this helps.
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You mean this guy?
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Yes! Francesco was VERY nice - almost like touring with your brother.

 

Here are pictures from the Galleria Ferrari Museum located in Maranello. It is a must-see for an trip to Maranello.

http://www.sportscardigest.com/archives/6341

 

I've also stayed in room 503. Best location. There are two rooms on the top floor that face the factory(503 is one of them). I believe they are mirror images of one another and balconies are side by side, so either one should suffice. For restaurants, definitely get a reservation for Montana. Great food and the atmosphere is all F1. We also ate at a "local" restaurant that non tourists frequent, sat with many families watching soccer on TV. Very good pastas and pizza and very inexpensive. Wish I could remember the name, but I can tell you it's just down the road from Planet Hotel (go left if looking at Planet from the street), near the flower bed made with the 360 front end. It's in a strip mall area. Ask around and I'm sure someone will be able to give you the name. Have fun!

 

don't forget to go to the Pagani Factory, it's not that far away in a rather unassuming business complex. the "Factory" consists of just two rooms.


While you're at the factory go up towards the track and take a peek in the Zanasi body shop, last time I peeked in they had 3 Enzo's lined in a row. but here's what I found out back covered in a blanket of snow!
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Some of those pieces would look pretty cool on the garage wall

 

Dan,
How did you get hooked up to get in?

 

Thank you for posting those. It is awesome to see the factory from the early 80's. Awesome era.

 

Very good info in these posts guys. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to getting a Ferrari so I can tour the factory.

 

+1 I am going there in November on my honeymoon and have booked room 501 based on recommendations from this site. He has been fantastic to work with, just an absolute pleasure.

 

Going to tour Ferrari factory in September with wife, have reservations at "Maranello Palace" is this the Planet everyone refers to? Looking forward to the tour reason for the whole vacation.

 

Maranello palace?

I think that's Enzo's resting place!

Never heard of it.

 

We stayed at the Planet in May. The room's electrical system was pretty mystifying to an old Luddite like me, but the staff were quite helpful (probably rolling their eyes!). Franco is a gem. Underground parking was no problem. He showed us a great route out of town through the hills, toward Pisa, and, most important, got us a great table at Montana on very short notice.

Jack.

 

He tends to lean towards Pisa.