Taking a Ferrari to Italian Riviera
Discussion
Hello,
I see that this topic has been done before from searching the forums. Still, I was hoping to get some more up to date views/advice and ask a couple of specific questions.
In August I will be taking my Portofino on holiday - I'm driving down for a week in the Alps and then a further week in the Italian Riviera (Vernazza). My wife and daughters are doing the plane/train route but I have a pass to take the car.
A few random questions:
- is it worth visiting Modena/Ferrari factory? I'm an owner and bought from a dealer so have heard that it is worth registering this in advance. Has anyone done this? does it make any difference?
- Some say Italian drivers are a bit crazy on passing etc. But living in UK and driving country roads I'm wondering how much worse they can be?! any tips on driving there?
- I've got secure parking in the alps, but in Vernazza its car free so I'll be leaving mine for several days in a "secure parking". Has anyone used "Vernassoa parking" in Vernazza? reviews are OK but there was some hint of them wanting to keep keys (a hard 'no') though ChatGPT insists that this isn't required... we're in a private rental accommodation so I'm not sure what other parking options there might be
- Has anyone had problems with car crime when cars are parked in Italy? I hear sometimes there's a reverence for some marques but I'm guessing your average "pinch to order" operator is not terribly sentimental... any practical advice? Is it worth taking a cover to throw over the car and keep it from prying eyes?
- Any hot tips for one-day interesting routes from Alps (Morzine area) to Cinque Terre?
thanks in advance! Look forward to reading about others' experiences too!
John
I see that this topic has been done before from searching the forums. Still, I was hoping to get some more up to date views/advice and ask a couple of specific questions.
In August I will be taking my Portofino on holiday - I'm driving down for a week in the Alps and then a further week in the Italian Riviera (Vernazza). My wife and daughters are doing the plane/train route but I have a pass to take the car.
A few random questions:
- is it worth visiting Modena/Ferrari factory? I'm an owner and bought from a dealer so have heard that it is worth registering this in advance. Has anyone done this? does it make any difference?
- Some say Italian drivers are a bit crazy on passing etc. But living in UK and driving country roads I'm wondering how much worse they can be?! any tips on driving there?
- I've got secure parking in the alps, but in Vernazza its car free so I'll be leaving mine for several days in a "secure parking". Has anyone used "Vernassoa parking" in Vernazza? reviews are OK but there was some hint of them wanting to keep keys (a hard 'no') though ChatGPT insists that this isn't required... we're in a private rental accommodation so I'm not sure what other parking options there might be
- Has anyone had problems with car crime when cars are parked in Italy? I hear sometimes there's a reverence for some marques but I'm guessing your average "pinch to order" operator is not terribly sentimental... any practical advice? Is it worth taking a cover to throw over the car and keep it from prying eyes?
- Any hot tips for one-day interesting routes from Alps (Morzine area) to Cinque Terre?
thanks in advance! Look forward to reading about others' experiences too!
John
I did both the Ferrari things, but they are a bit similar and I think it's only worth doing one.
I think I booked through the factory but be careful of dates - when I initially tried to book, I couldn't because they were closed for a month! Maybe August - can't remember (it was 8.5 years ago).
I had a fantastic trip but.... I don't like Italian drivers. They are a bit mad - they treat the kph speed limits as mph and even if you do the same, most of them will be 1" from your rear bumper.
Maybe it's because I was in a Ferrari? But I don't know - it wasn't that much fun though.
I mostly parked in hotel car parks but was in a public car park a couple of times and had no concern about the car.
I think I booked through the factory but be careful of dates - when I initially tried to book, I couldn't because they were closed for a month! Maybe August - can't remember (it was 8.5 years ago).
I had a fantastic trip but.... I don't like Italian drivers. They are a bit mad - they treat the kph speed limits as mph and even if you do the same, most of them will be 1" from your rear bumper.
Maybe it's because I was in a Ferrari? But I don't know - it wasn't that much fun though.
I mostly parked in hotel car parks but was in a public car park a couple of times and had no concern about the car.
Thanks Davek - I had similar concerns that the factory might be closed in August! (got to admire la dolce vita!) Minded to enquire via the dealer here and see...
I think you're right it might be a "ferrari thing" - I'm in southeast and barely a journey goes by without some clown in a (usually) german brand car deciding to try and "race" me and then when I wun't be druv feels the need to show me how fast their car can go in a straight line...
For the car, I'm thinking of upgrading my tracker/immobiliser...!
I think you're right it might be a "ferrari thing" - I'm in southeast and barely a journey goes by without some clown in a (usually) german brand car deciding to try and "race" me and then when I wun't be druv feels the need to show me how fast their car can go in a straight line...
For the car, I'm thinking of upgrading my tracker/immobiliser...!
Sounds like a great trip, we are planning northern Spain / northern portugual in our Portofino in September.
Trying to organise now for an early summer trip to a similar area to that where you are heading.
After a huge search finally found a pair of 40x54x25 expanding cases which fit the boot with the roof down to perfection! Seems that zipped they are just ok for hand luggage, unzipped they fit the full space under the boot separator.
https://www.wardow.com/uk/wenger-legacy-hs-spinner...
Trying to organise now for an early summer trip to a similar area to that where you are heading.
After a huge search finally found a pair of 40x54x25 expanding cases which fit the boot with the roof down to perfection! Seems that zipped they are just ok for hand luggage, unzipped they fit the full space under the boot separator.
https://www.wardow.com/uk/wenger-legacy-hs-spinner...
Edited by bennno on Sunday 26th January 12:02
Amazing! thanks for the tip! I was going to shoehorn everything in some squishy bags and hope for the best... given I have wife and three daughters travelling by plane separately that suggest room for a toothbrush and a spare pair of tighty-whities for me and the rest of the luggage for them! I have the back seat too I guess, but may want to keep that clear for taking a bit of grape juice home...
Sounds like a great trip. To answer your questions;
Yes, it’s worth visiting the factory and your dealer should book it for you. However, the factory is almost certainly closed in August.
Italian drivers are not particularly bad but they do keep less distance than British drivers. However, there is a reverence for Ferrari which means that they clear the way for you. In the UK, everyone thinks you’re a prick if you drive a Ferrari. In Italy, everyone thinks you’re a God if you drive a Ferrari.
Car crime in Italy is more about valuables theft than car theft so remove all valuables from display and you should be fine.
No experience of your proposed car parking - sorry.
For the route from Morzine to Italy, I don’t think you’ll have time to take in any interesting roads. The fastest route is already 6h and c.500km. The moment you try to drive an interesting pass, your travel time goes up immensely even if your distance doesn’t. I’ve done organised trips in the alps where a 300km day can take seven hours - and it’s exhausting.
Yes, it’s worth visiting the factory and your dealer should book it for you. However, the factory is almost certainly closed in August.
Italian drivers are not particularly bad but they do keep less distance than British drivers. However, there is a reverence for Ferrari which means that they clear the way for you. In the UK, everyone thinks you’re a prick if you drive a Ferrari. In Italy, everyone thinks you’re a God if you drive a Ferrari.
Car crime in Italy is more about valuables theft than car theft so remove all valuables from display and you should be fine.
No experience of your proposed car parking - sorry.
For the route from Morzine to Italy, I don’t think you’ll have time to take in any interesting roads. The fastest route is already 6h and c.500km. The moment you try to drive an interesting pass, your travel time goes up immensely even if your distance doesn’t. I’ve done organised trips in the alps where a 300km day can take seven hours - and it’s exhausting.
cradock said:
Amazing! thanks for the tip! I was going to shoehorn everything in some squishy bags and hope for the best... given I have wife and three daughters travelling by plane separately that suggest room for a toothbrush and a spare pair of tighty-whities for me and the rest of the luggage for them! I have the back seat too I guess, but may want to keep that clear for taking a bit of grape juice home...
No problem, two fit perfectly side by side in the boot, we then plan a couple of soft bags for the rear seats…. i wouldn't go all that way without booking a visit to some of these too...
https://www.visitmodena.it/en/discover-modena/moto...
https://www.visitmodena.it/en/discover-modena/moto...
Check out the route des grande alpes, which takes in 17 passes between lake Geneva and Monaco. You can break off as needed to trim the total journey to cinque terre.
Otherwise avoid the mont bland tunnel, head over to GSB to Aosta, lunch at the trattoria le bourg in fenis, then tank it to the riviera.
And I do mean tank it. Posted limit is the start point for the left lane. 180-200 cruise is fine. You can make good progress in the autostrada so maybe some interesting roads at the start and end of the day with a couple hours covering ground would do it.
Otherwise avoid the mont bland tunnel, head over to GSB to Aosta, lunch at the trattoria le bourg in fenis, then tank it to the riviera.
And I do mean tank it. Posted limit is the start point for the left lane. 180-200 cruise is fine. You can make good progress in the autostrada so maybe some interesting roads at the start and end of the day with a couple hours covering ground would do it.
France & Italy rule no 1: they are closed in August.
Italy rule no 2…rule no 1 any time outside of Aug…it is the land of 2nd gear and the law of your right foot.
Italy rule no 3…they are no speed limits for Ferraris outside of Rome.
Italy rule no 4…an awful lot of their roads are in worse condition than the UK ones. This almost applies even more for their main roads & autostradas. And as I recall around Modena and Maranello many of them are downright f
king appalling for potholes.
I love driving in Italy, it truely is a place and law unto itself. You are in a Ferrari, you will be worshipped on the roads.
Italy rule no 2…rule no 1 any time outside of Aug…it is the land of 2nd gear and the law of your right foot.
Italy rule no 3…they are no speed limits for Ferraris outside of Rome.
Italy rule no 4…an awful lot of their roads are in worse condition than the UK ones. This almost applies even more for their main roads & autostradas. And as I recall around Modena and Maranello many of them are downright f
king appalling for potholes.I love driving in Italy, it truely is a place and law unto itself. You are in a Ferrari, you will be worshipped on the roads.
NB the Italians are concerned about the safety of their Autostrada bridges and viaducts after the 2018 collapse of the Ponte Morandi in Genoa. In my recent experience most bridges and viaducts in the region are still coned up to reduce traffic lanes and therefore bridge load which cause traffic back ups and reduced fun. In some areas of the Alps and Dolomites there seem to be more bridges and viaducts on the Autostrada network than regular road. In late October I drove from near Monaco to Lake Como using the Italian autostrada network and vowed I would not do that again simply because of the bridge issue.
Remember also your 'bip and go' or equivalent auto-pay for the tolls. In a narrow toll lane flying solo in a RHD car with a high centre tunnel paying tolls the old fashioned way can be a real pain.
Remember also your 'bip and go' or equivalent auto-pay for the tolls. In a narrow toll lane flying solo in a RHD car with a high centre tunnel paying tolls the old fashioned way can be a real pain.
I have taken various Ferraris on Italian trips loads of times and completely agree with all the points Dee and ANO have made. Don’t be concerned about it - it’s the best place in the world to take a Ferrari. Don’t leave valuables (or bags etc) on display in the car but otherwise the chances of your car being damaged when it’s parked are slim as the Italians revere them.
Italian police will often encourage you to go faster (but the same can’t be said for France or Switzerland sadly). You should make a pilgrimage to Maranello at least once in your life but August is not a great month for it. Above all, enjoy!
Italian police will often encourage you to go faster (but the same can’t be said for France or Switzerland sadly). You should make a pilgrimage to Maranello at least once in your life but August is not a great month for it. Above all, enjoy!
As above, Grand St Bernard is your best bet from Morzine-way, down to Aosta.
Come back over St Gotthard if going home through Switzerland (can do Furka too then) or over the Dolomites if going via Germany.
Italian motorways have very clearly signposted speed cameras, on gantries over the whole road, so if you manage to get caught by them you deserve it.
Speed cameras on local roads are trickier, but usually marked on Google Maps and you'll get the hang of spotting them - they look like blue or orange postboxes.
The finance police will almost certainly stop you at the border if you're in a Ferrari, they're perfectly pleasant. The local police will stop you at some point too probably. Just have your passport ready (they don't usually care about a V5 or insurance) and smile.
Get a motorway toll tag from someone like bip&go, especially if you have a RHD car.
Go to Maranello (stay at Ca Prandini, it's much nicer than any of the hotels there and has secure parking, not that it matters in Maranello), eat at the Montana and/or the Cavallino. Maranello is boring, but worth a visit if you haven't been before. And you can get the classic photo outside the old factory gate.
Super unleaded gets a bit harder to come by south of Bologna if you're going any further down so if you (or your car) are fussy about it, take some octane booster stuff. I even struggled to get any in Maranello this summer, despite it being easily available every other time I've been there. The man at the petrol station I finally found just outside the town said he was the only place around that did 100RON now...
Come back over St Gotthard if going home through Switzerland (can do Furka too then) or over the Dolomites if going via Germany.
Italian motorways have very clearly signposted speed cameras, on gantries over the whole road, so if you manage to get caught by them you deserve it.
Speed cameras on local roads are trickier, but usually marked on Google Maps and you'll get the hang of spotting them - they look like blue or orange postboxes.The finance police will almost certainly stop you at the border if you're in a Ferrari, they're perfectly pleasant. The local police will stop you at some point too probably. Just have your passport ready (they don't usually care about a V5 or insurance) and smile.
Get a motorway toll tag from someone like bip&go, especially if you have a RHD car.
Go to Maranello (stay at Ca Prandini, it's much nicer than any of the hotels there and has secure parking, not that it matters in Maranello), eat at the Montana and/or the Cavallino. Maranello is boring, but worth a visit if you haven't been before. And you can get the classic photo outside the old factory gate.
Super unleaded gets a bit harder to come by south of Bologna if you're going any further down so if you (or your car) are fussy about it, take some octane booster stuff. I even struggled to get any in Maranello this summer, despite it being easily available every other time I've been there. The man at the petrol station I finally found just outside the town said he was the only place around that did 100RON now...
Edited by tomtom on Tuesday 28th January 16:03
I live in Italy. In August all major inner cities are pretty much deserted. It’s also too hot - so don’t plan any stay in Milan, Florence or Bologna. The Ferrari museum in Modena is ok but the city is very nice to spend a morning in. In general all factories in the “car valley” will be closed in August. Speed limits are more “suggestions” than limits but the camera systems around the major cities (Systeme Tutor) work very well and you will receive a letter in the post in your selected language if you go too fast under the arches (average speed). As others have said, a toll chip is very useful, especially is you are alone in a RHD car and you can save considerable time especially during the summer when many tourist queue up in front of the toll booths. You can get it on the website of Telepass. That also works as parking payment in most inner cities and airports. Yes - Italiens are a bit more erratic in their driving, but they drive well in general so I don’t have any special considerations when driving around. However, don’t get too upset if somebody undertakes or tailgates you. Just relax and smile (and adapt). Q8 is the only petrol brand that regularly carries 98 or higher octane so try to go for those and in general fuel on the Autostrada as the quality of the fuel is guaranteed (and you can enjoy a good coffee and a sandwich at Autogrill). Most public car parks are pretty narrow (especially the one in Portofino), but I would not have any other special reservations about parking in Italy than I would have in London. Leaving the key with the attendant is quite normal. Motoring in Italy, especially in a nice car is still very rewarding so enjoy your trip.
One thing I forgot to add; often when you’re stopped (at traffic lights etc) in a town or village groups of lads will ask you to rev it, either by saying so or with the universal twirl of the hand “rev it” signal. Up to you if you do or don’t but if you do they will be very pleased but make sure the car is in “N”!
You've had some great advice already, so all I can add is just relax, you'll have a fab time. Italy is the same as other continental destinations in that other drivers can smell your fear! I just drive assertively and have had no problems with that. You'll also be a bit of a celebrity, driving a Ferrari in Italy, but there's no need to milk it.. The Italians are rightly proud of their supercar industry, and the easiest way to make friends is park it up in a town square and show people around it. My wife has a Portofino and it's a mega car to have over there. Just open/close the roof and you'll have a crowd in no time. It's also really, really good in the twisties. I never knew it was so capable until my wife handed me the keys in Italy. It's a genuinely impressive machine. Tutto bene e divertiti
I'm not a Ferrari owner, but a member of Scuderia Ferrari Club, we got a private factory tour in November, pretty sure owners can do this as well?
Maranello and Modena museums are worth a visit if you have time, so are a lot of the shops/restaurants in Maranello. A lot of history on display in them.
Maranello and Modena museums are worth a visit if you have time, so are a lot of the shops/restaurants in Maranello. A lot of history on display in them.
I live in Morzine during the summer and agree with the route mentioned (grand st bernard), or you can do the little st bernard which is to the south of the mt blanc tunnel and goes up past la thuile. a better road in my opinion with a bit less traffic, but the grand ST B i maybe more 'spectacular' although both are stunning. Your other option is do the route de grand alpes from Evian down to Monaco (I've done it in one 12hr day, but 2-3 days is going to be much better with a family if you have time). the col du turini should be on every petrol head's bucket list. col de bonette is also spectacular at 2700m.
I've driven my F430 spider all over Europe even left it street parked in Romania and never had any real concerns or issues and certainly no issues in Italy. as everyone says, they absolutely adore Ferraris in Italy.
as far as the driving goes:
- watch your speed in France (max of limit +30kph) and Switzerland (max of limit +0kph!)
- there is no speed limit for a Ferrari in Italy.
- the outside lane will always clear a path for you (they will usually cut in behind and 'chase' and take pictures)
- Italians will sometimes go mad for the car and chase you through traffic to get a closer look / picture / hear it.
- the police tend to encourage you to crack on (had a panda car with two police wind down their windows and gesture me to 'put my foot down' in a tunnel and have been asked to nail it away from toll booths
- allow time for people to take pictures, sit in the car, rev it etc at petrol stations or village squares - had an elderly restaurant owner actually cry after we let him rev the car
The official owners factory tour is very good, but expensive, I think it's something like £200 per person, but you might be able to talk your dealer into a discount, I've done it for 'free' once and had to pay once. As mentioned, in august its likely the factory is closed and no tour
I've stayed a few times at the Maranello Village Hotel & Residence. great for families as you stay in self-contained flats basically. it's a really interesting place to stay because a lot of international Ferrari employees stay there when coming to the factory for training etc. I had a great conversation in the carpark with a young guy who was designing the interior for the 488. it's not the most plush place, but it lives and breathes Ferrari (has a dashboard from a 550 in the lobby and an engine from an F430 in the restaurant!)
Regarding fuel, I've done maybe 50,000km touring europe and a lot of those places do not have high octane fuel (like corsica for example) it's not a problem on a modern ferrari which will retard the ignition. I run all my petrol cars on higher octane when I can, but 95 is fine for touring.
Driving a Ferrari in italy is one of the all-time great automotive experiences - you'll love it!
PS parking in Portofino is a NIGHTMARE... go very early, there is a multi-story carpark at the end of the road which is a little tight, but if that is full you will have to drive all the way back up the coast and walk or bus...
Little St Bernard
Grand St Bernard
Portofino
I've driven my F430 spider all over Europe even left it street parked in Romania and never had any real concerns or issues and certainly no issues in Italy. as everyone says, they absolutely adore Ferraris in Italy.
as far as the driving goes:
- watch your speed in France (max of limit +30kph) and Switzerland (max of limit +0kph!)
- there is no speed limit for a Ferrari in Italy.
- the outside lane will always clear a path for you (they will usually cut in behind and 'chase' and take pictures)
- Italians will sometimes go mad for the car and chase you through traffic to get a closer look / picture / hear it.
- the police tend to encourage you to crack on (had a panda car with two police wind down their windows and gesture me to 'put my foot down' in a tunnel and have been asked to nail it away from toll booths
- allow time for people to take pictures, sit in the car, rev it etc at petrol stations or village squares - had an elderly restaurant owner actually cry after we let him rev the car
The official owners factory tour is very good, but expensive, I think it's something like £200 per person, but you might be able to talk your dealer into a discount, I've done it for 'free' once and had to pay once. As mentioned, in august its likely the factory is closed and no tour
I've stayed a few times at the Maranello Village Hotel & Residence. great for families as you stay in self-contained flats basically. it's a really interesting place to stay because a lot of international Ferrari employees stay there when coming to the factory for training etc. I had a great conversation in the carpark with a young guy who was designing the interior for the 488. it's not the most plush place, but it lives and breathes Ferrari (has a dashboard from a 550 in the lobby and an engine from an F430 in the restaurant!)
Regarding fuel, I've done maybe 50,000km touring europe and a lot of those places do not have high octane fuel (like corsica for example) it's not a problem on a modern ferrari which will retard the ignition. I run all my petrol cars on higher octane when I can, but 95 is fine for touring.
Driving a Ferrari in italy is one of the all-time great automotive experiences - you'll love it!
PS parking in Portofino is a NIGHTMARE... go very early, there is a multi-story carpark at the end of the road which is a little tight, but if that is full you will have to drive all the way back up the coast and walk or bus...
Little St Bernard
Grand St Bernard
Portofino
Edited by paulmnz on Friday 31st January 18:16
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