Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Tour

The history and future of automotive engineering in the Motor Valley: Italy

Next trip

6 days from October 2027

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.
Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Booking information

Contact an expert to discuss this tour

October 2027 – 6 days

Register your interest for 2027 and we will contact you when confirmed details including finalised dates and prices are available.


Explore the fascinating history and future of high-performance automotives throughout the Motor Valley. Discover the factories, workshops and museums of some of the world's most lauded brands including Maserati, Ferarri, Lamborghini and Ducati, as well as cutting-edge creators like Pagani. From conception to delivery, go behind the scenes as you explore how material science, aerodynamics, robotics, propulsion and artificial intelligence are utilised in the creation of these premium automotives.

Based in Modena, you will visit the factory lines, engine labs, paint shops and museums of these automobile manufacturers. From cars and motorcycles to Formula 1 and hypercars, this tour will show you just how far humanity is pushing the boundaries of speed and engineering. You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the best collections of autmotives on visits to the Umberto Panini Collection of vintage cars and the Stanguellini Museum. Throughout the Emilia-Romagna region, you'll not only experience the best of autmobiles but also the fantastic cuisine, like parmesan and prosciutio di Parma, this area has to offer.

Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by an expert on engineering who will deliver a series of evening talks and walking seminars showing you the science behind this multi-billion dollar industry and where the future of this sector is headed.

This tour is perfect for anyone with an interest in engineering, material science, aerodynamics, robotics and automation (and any petrolhead!), as well as anyone with a curious mind who wishes to discover the amazing Motor Valley region in a different way.

In partnership with Kirker Holidays.

Day 1: Arrival in Bologna and transfer to Modena

Welcome to Italy! On arrival at Bologna airport, transfer to Modena and check in to your hotel, the Hotel Canalgrande, for the duration of the tour.

In the evening meet your fellow guests, Tour Manager and Tour Expert for a welcome meeting to go over plan for the next few days exploring the Motor Valley, followed by a welcome dinner together as a group at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Maserati and Ferrari

This morning is dedicated to Maserati, starting at the showroom and factory in Modena, where you will have a tour of the facility including the new engine lab and the innovative robotic paint shop.

After the tour, continue to the spectacular new Enzo Ferrari Museum nearby. Then head out of Modena to the Museo Ferrari in nearby Maranello where the cars are still produced and tested. Where Alfredo, Enzo Ferrari’s father, had his workshop at the beginning of the 20th century, is an exhibition devoted to different Ferrari engines: classic 12-cylinder engines, 8-cylinders and, Formula 1 power units. 

Day 3: Lamborghini

Today begin at Lamborghini headquarters in the small town of Sant’Agata Bolognese, where we see the MUDETEC museum and visit the factory and production line where these iconic cars are assembled.  In the afternoon continue to the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum: redesigned by Tonino Lamborghini, son of Ferruccio, the Museum houses a historical collection of the brand’s most important mechanical creations: from just supercars, Lamborghini produce tractors, boat engines, Formula 1 cars, and even the prototype for a helicopter.

Day 4: Umberto Panini Collection and Stanguellini Museum

Today you will visit two important private car collections. Starting with the magnificent Maserati collection at the Umberto Panini Collection. Sample some of the other famous exports of the Emilia region next door – parmesan and prosciutto di Parma – before returning to Modena in the afternoon. The final visit of the day will be to the exquisite Stanguellini Museum, with its remarkable collection of historic racing cars. 

Day 5: Pagani and Ducati

While the history of Maserati, Ferrari and Lamborghini is long and storied, this tour's final carmaker is a new arrival. Argentinian Horacio Pagani, a former chief engineer at Lamborghini and champion of superlight composite materials, founded his own marque in 1992. Pagani specialises in high performance ‘hypercars’ focused on advanced carbon fibre materials. After visiting the Pagani Museum and factory, you will continue to Ducati, just outside Bologna, where you will have a factory tour of this world-famous motorcycle producer. Return to Modena for a final dinner at an excellent local restaurant. 

Day 6: Departure

After breafkast, transfer to Bologna airport for your onward travels.

Booking information

Contact an expert to discuss this tour

Highlights

  • Go behind the scenes of the engine lab and robotic pain shop of Maserati
  • Learn more about the physical properties of the materials used in automotives
  • Visit Lamborghini headquarters to see how these iconic cars are assembled
  • Explore the historical collection of Lamborghini's most important mechanical creations
  • See two of the most impressive private car collections at the Umberto Panini Collection and Stanguellini Museum
  • See up close how automation, artificial intelligence and robotics are modernising automotive industry
  • Discover 'hypercars' and the future of high-speed automobiles at the innovative Pagani museum and factory
  • Take a guided tour of the Ducati factory, the world-famous motorcycle producer
  • Enjoy the cuisine and stunning landscapes of the Emilia-Romagna region
  • Maximum group size - 22 guests

Meet the expert

To be confirmed


Tour Manager

In addition to the science expert you will be accompanied throughout by an English-speaking tour manager provided by our partner for this tour, Kirker Holidays. All of Kirker's Tour Managers are carefully-selected for their experience, organisational skills and conviviality - their role is to make sure all members of the group get the most out of the trip. The Tour Manager will travel with you throughout the itinerary and is there to help with any questions that might arise about travel, accommodation and logistics.


What's included

  • Four nights’ accommodation in a twin/double room
  • All breakfasts and two dinners
  • Evening talks and walking seminars from accompanying expert
  • English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip
  • Full touring itinerary as detailed
  • Entry to all sites and attractions
  • Transport throughout in a comfortable air-conditioned coach
  • Group transfers to/from airport

What's not included

  • Flights/train travel to/from Bologna
  • Meals other than those stated
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature, such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
  • Porterage and gratuities
  • Visa/ETA (if applicable)
  • Single supplement

Booking administration 

This tour is operated by our trusted tour operator partner Kirker Holidays on behalf of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Discovery Tours. To ensure a seamless experience, Kirker Holidays has a dedicated, specially trained team who are experts on all Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Discovery Tours. From the moment you book until you return home, this specialist team will be your primary point of contact, managing all aspects of your reservation, including processing your deposit and balance payments, issuing travel documentation and providing pre-departure information. They will also be on hand to assist with any questions about the tour, your booking or your travel arrangements.

How to get there

This tour begins and ends in Bologna, Italy. Please speak to Kirker Holidays, who can offer flight advice and book flights for those travelling from the UK. 

Pace and physicality

A lot of the itinerary requires walking at factories and musems and you may encounter stairs in some locations. As such, a moderate level of fitness is required, along with the ability to walk for a total of about 3 hours each day unaided.

Accommodation

To be confirmed

Please note: If required for reasons beyond our control, we reserve the right to substitute alternative accommodation of equal or higher quality or adapt the itinerary if required.

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