If you love the sound of a roaring engine as much as the taste of handmade pasta, there’s no place like Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley. This legendary stretch of Northern Italy is home to the world’s most iconic car and motorcycle brands: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Maserati, and more - all nestled in a region celebrated for its food, culture, and welcoming charm.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a history lover, or a food explorer, the Motor Valley offers something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this destination so irresistible.

Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley isn’t just a place, it’s a thrilling experience. This region alone brings together the greatest names in car and motorcycle history, inviting visitors to step inside the world of speed, design, and Italian craftsmanship. Whether you're a motorhead or just curious, these museums and factories are full of stories that impress, surprise, and inspire.

Start your journey in Maranello at the Museo Ferrari, where the legacy of the Prancing Horse comes to life. This isn’t your average museum. It’s a deep dive into Ferrari’s racing heritage, complete with real Formula 1 cars, state-of-the-art simulators, and a replica pit lane.

Don't miss the shuttle tour to the Fiorano Test Track, where Ferrari’s latest models still get pushed to their limits. It’s an unforgettable glimpse into the world of elite motorsport.

Just a short drive away, Modena hosts the Casa Enzo Ferrari Museum: a modern glass gallery built around Enzo Ferrari’s childhood home. Here, the focus is personal. Vintage models shine under the dramatic architecture, while immersive exhibits walk you through Enzo’s journey from small-town mechanic to automotive icon.

This museum offers a quieter, more emotional experience. It’s about the man behind the brand, his passion, and the bold decisions that shaped a global legacy.

In Sant’Agata Bolognese, the Lamborghini Museum invites you into a world of pure automotive drama. From the pioneering Miura to today’s V12 beasts, the exhibits are jaw-dropping. Every curve, every engine growl, speaks of innovation and fearlessness.

If you book in advance (and we can surely help you with that), the factory tour is a highlight. Watch skilled technicians hand-assemble supercars with the precision of watchmakers, each car a unique work of art.

Back in the Modena area, the Umberto Panini Collection is a true hidden gem. Inside a beautifully restored barn, you’ll find a treasure trove of vintage Maseratis, motorcycles, and classic vehicles.

But this museum comes with a delicious twist: it's housed on the Hombre Organic Farm, where traditional Parmigiano-Reggiano is still made. Yes, here you can marvel at a rare Maserati and then taste cheese that’s been aged with the same attention to detail!

For fans of motorcycles, the Ducati Museum in Bologna is a must. Located in Borgo Panigale, it traces Ducati’s rise through racing, engineering, and iconic design. From vintage bikes to modern Scramblers, every model on display tells a chapter of Italy’s two-wheeled legacy.

A factory tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how these bikes are crafted with passion and precision - just like their four-wheeled cousins.

All this sounds interesting to you? Then you’re in luck. 

You can do this and more in our curated Motor Valley tour - check it out!

Amid the roar of engines and sleek lines of supercars, Emilia-Romagna also invites you to slow down. The cities of Bologna and Modena offer the perfect cultural counterpoint to the speed of Motor Valley.

Bologna is a city that rewards curiosity. Nicknamed La Dotta, La Grassa, La Rossa (The Learned, The Fat, The Red), it’s known for its university, the oldest in Europe, its rich cuisine and its elegant portici, the iconic covered walkways that now hold UNESCO World Heritage status.

Start in Piazza Maggiore, the grand heart of the city. This wide, open square is framed by medieval buildings and always buzzing with locals. Just steps away, the Two Towers, especially the taller Asinelli Tower, offer a climb of nearly 500 steps and the reward of breathtaking views over the city.

As you wander through Bologna’s porticos, you’ll walk over 60 kilometers of covered walkways - perfect for every weather and full of charming cafés and shops. This is a walking city, and every corner reveals a surprise: a tucked-away church, a hidden courtyard, a trattoria filled with locals.

And of course, there’s the food. Bologna is the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù, the real version of what the world calls … “Bolognese sauce”. Be sure to stop at a traditional trattoria and pair your pasta with a glass of local Lambrusco or Pignoletto wine. We really recommend our Bologna Short-Break Tour to really savour the city!

Just a 30-minute drive from Bologna, Modena offers a smaller, more intimate experience - with every bit as much charm. Known for its Romanesque architecture, musical heritage, and culinary prestige, Modena is both elegant and inviting.

Visit the Modena Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the Ghirlandina Tower stands tall, once used to spot invaders and now offering sweeping views of the city.
For a more local experience, stroll through the Mercato Albinelli, a vibrant indoor market where Modenese shop for fresh produce, cheese, meats, and pastries. This is the perfect place to pick up a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano or a jar of traditional balsamic vinegar.

Speaking of vinegar, Modena is world-famous for it. Book a tour of a traditional acetaia, where the sweet, rich balsamic vinegar is aged in wooden barrels for up to 25 years. You’ll learn the difference between real Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena and the supermarket stuff, and yes, there will be tastings (and try pairing it with some gelato fior di latte - save this local tip!).

We can help you navigate easily between the Motor Valley and the beautiful cities of Emilia Romagna - just ask us to craft your itinerary, we’re here to help you.

You can't talk about Emilia-Romagna without talking about food. After all, this region is proudly known as Italy’s Food Valley, and for good reason. In between test drives and museum tours, make sure you carve out time for meals that are just as thrilling as the supercars.

Start in Bologna, the culinary capital of the region, with a plate of tagliatelle al ragù (yes, we already said it but we can’t stress it enough!). Unlike the heavy tomato sauces found elsewhere, this dish is rich, slow-cooked, and deeply satisfying.

Next, try tortellini in brodo, tiny stuffed pasta served in a warm, clear broth - a comforting favorite, especially in cooler months. And don’t skip the traditional Italian lasagna, which also has its birthplace in Bologna.

Head to Modena, and you enter a whole new world of flavor. Here, food becomes almost artistic. Sample aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, silky slices of Prosciutto di Parma, and, of course, the famous Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena - a syrupy vinegar aged for up to 25 years in wooden barrels. A few drops of the real thing can transform even the simplest dish.

For more ideas on what to eat while here and - more in general - just food tips on Italy, read our ultimate food guide!

Exploring the Motor Valley can be as leisurely or as fast-paced as you like. Whether you're a car lover, a culture buff, or a foodie, there's a perfect way to experience it all.

You can base yourself in Bologna or Modena, both well-connected cities with easy access to the region’s key attractions. From there, day trips to nearby museums, factories, and towns can be planned easily. With our private transfer service, it’s even easier!

If you’re interested in visiting Italy and its Motor Valley Region - or just Italy in general - we’re here to help you plan the perfect itinerary. Write us at hello@playitaly.com and start the conversation, it’s that easy.

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