For the Love of Italian Cars – A Journey Through Italy's Motoring Heritage
From Ferrari and Lamborghini to Maserati and Ducati, discover the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic motoring legends on a five-night Italian fly-drive holiday.
Italy has given the world many wonderful things: extraordinary food, beautiful architecture, magnificent wines and, of course, some of the most desirable cars ever built.
For anyone with even a passing interest in motoring, names such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Fiat conjure up images of Italian craftsmanship, innovation, beautiful design and, perhaps most importantly, a genuine passion for the automobile.
And what better way to explore that passion than by visiting the very places where these legendary marques were born?
Here at DG Travel, we've come across a rather interesting five-night touring holiday offered by Expressions Holidays, a specialist tour operator with whom we can arrange tailor-made holidays throughout Italy.
This particular itinerary combines the fascinating history of Italian motoring with two of northern Italy's most interesting cities, Turin and Modena, and the wonderful food and wine for which the region is renowned.
Turin – Where Italian Motoring Began
Your journey begins in Turin, a city perhaps better known for its elegant architecture, grand piazzas and magnificent Alpine backdrop, but also one that played an enormously important role in the development of the Italian motor industry.
Turin is, of course, the birthplace of Fiat, founded in 1899, and has long been associated with some of the country's most influential automotive designers and manufacturers.
One of the highlights here is the National Automobile Museum, home to a remarkable collection tracing the history and development of the motor car.
You'll also discover the influence of Pininfarina, the celebrated Italian design house responsible for styling some of the most beautiful cars ever produced.
With two nights in Turin, there's also time to explore the city itself, enjoy its excellent restaurants and perhaps indulge in a little Piedmontese wine.
Modena – The Heart of Italy's Motor Valley
From Turin, your journey continues towards Modena, in the Emilia-Romagna region, an area affectionately known as Italy's Motor Valley.
For motoring enthusiasts, this really is something of a pilgrimage.
Within a relatively small geographical area, you'll find the extraordinary heritage of Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Ducati, alongside specialist museums, collections and opportunities to discover the engineering and design behind these legendary names.
The Ferrari museums in Modena and Maranello are obvious highlights, celebrating the remarkable life of Enzo Ferrari and the evolution of one of the world's most recognisable automotive brands.
Lamborghini's home at Sant'Agata Bolognese is another fascinating stop, while Ducati's headquarters near Bologna offers a different perspective on Italy's passion for speed and engineering.
And, of course, there's Maserati, another historic name with deep roots in Modena.
The itinerary allows three nights in Modena, giving you time to explore the region without feeling that you're constantly packing your bags and moving on.
Individual museum visits and factory tours may require advance reservations and are subject to availability.
It's Not All About Cars!
One of the things I particularly like about this holiday is that it combines motoring heritage with some of the finest food and wine in Italy.
Emilia-Romagna is widely regarded as one of Italy's great gastronomic regions.
This is the home of traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham and, of course, some exceptional pasta dishes.
Bologna, the final destination on the itinerary, is a wonderful city in its own right, with beautiful medieval streets, historic porticoes and an extraordinary food culture.
Personally, I would seriously consider adding another night or two in Bologna at the end of the tour. It seems a shame to travel all that way and not spend a little more time enjoying everything this part of Italy has to offer.
What's Included?
This five-night fly-drive holiday with Expressions Holidays includes:
Return economy flights from London, flying into Turin and returning from Bologna.
Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Grand Hotel Sitea in Turin, in a Classic double or twin room.
Three nights' bed and breakfast at Hotel Rechigi in Modena, in a Classic double or twin room.
Group C hire car for the duration of the holiday.
Expressions Holidays concierge service and regional travel information.
Prices from £2,250 per person
Prices are indicative, subject to availability and dependent upon travel dates, flight arrangements and accommodation availability. Museum admissions and specialist experiences should not be assumed to be included unless confirmed.
Why Book This Holiday Through DG Travel?
After nearly 40 years working in the travel industry, one of the things I still enjoy most is finding holidays that offer something a little different.
Not everyone wants to spend a week beside a swimming pool, and some of the most memorable holidays I've arranged over the years have been those built around a particular interest or passion.
Whether that's music, history, architecture, food, wine or, in this case, Italian motor cars, there's something rather special about travelling to a destination with a real purpose.
Expressions Holidays provides the specialist itinerary and local knowledge, while here at DG Travel we can help tailor the arrangements to suit you.
Perhaps you'd prefer a longer stay in Turin, a couple of extra nights in Bologna, upgraded hotels or additional experiences along the way.
We can also look at alternative flights, room categories and the practical details that make a touring holiday run smoothly.
And, of course, you have the reassurance of dealing with an established independent travel agency, rather than having to coordinate all the different elements yourself.
An Italian Road Trip Worth Taking
You don't necessarily have to be a committed petrolhead to enjoy this holiday.
The combination of beautiful Italian cities, fascinating industrial history, exceptional food and wine, and the opportunity to discover some of the world's most famous automotive brands makes this a genuinely interesting short break.
But if you've ever dreamed of owning a Ferrari, admired the design of a classic Maserati or simply enjoy the romance of Italian motoring, this could be just the holiday for you.
Five nights, two fascinating regions and more automotive history than you could possibly fit into your garage!
For further information or to discuss adapting this itinerary to your own interests, contact DG Travel Centre of Henley.
Holiday operated by Expressions Holidays. Tailor-made arrangements available through DG Travel.
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