Going to Bologna!

[STProcks]

Alright, so it's finally happening.  I just bought the tickets last night.  I couldn't wait for the riding season to start in NY so I am going to Bologna.  Some of you guys may think I'm bragging (me in the Dolomites ---->  [moto]), but seriously, I would love to get some advice from those of you who have gone before.

So, that's it.  Clue me in! 

BTW, there is a great company that is starting to do Ducati-sponsored tours around the country.  The name is JPBari.  I'd love to go back with some members and try them out.  PM me if interested...

[needtorque]

I can't wait til I am done with school so I can afford to do these types of things.  A trip across Europe would be incredible to me.

[Raux]

i'm in germany. plan on running through italy too.
what's your plan?

[desmoworks]

I went in January - word of advice... don't bring your cell phone! I had a $1400 bill. Mostly from data charges (email and navigation).

[ptam]

If you want to do the factory tour and museum, contact them now to set up the appointment.  I think Italy is one of the few countries that "require" the international driver's permit.

I went in January - word of advice... don't bring your cell phone! I had a $1400 bill. Mostly from data charges (email and navigation).

Hmmm... I didn't check my bill, but I know that Google Maps did pull down an awful lot of data while I was there. 

[STProcks]

i'm in germany. plan on running through italy too.
what's your plan?

Sweet man, I hope you're having some fun testing out a good L-Twin! 

I'm going mainly to check out the University of Bologna for grad school but I want to mix in some fun too.  I arrive in Milan on the 27th, very early in the morning, but that saturday I am looking to rent a bike with my friend who lives in the city.  I am trying to work out some details of where to go, but I really want to hit up the Dolomites.  Do you think that would be a feasible one day trip?

Otherwise, I just got word that I am booked up for the evening Ducati Factory tour on 4/1.  I am going to try to get into the Ferrari factory but I don't think that will be possible seeing as how my girlfriend will be with me and she's not so seriously that kind of a motorhead.

Anyway, let me know if you're interested in coming over the weekend of the 27th and maybe we can work something out!

I went in January - word of advice... don't bring your cell phone! I had a $1400 bill. Mostly from data charges (email and navigation).

Whoa, I'm guessing you have an iPhone?  I have one too and I thought all you have to do is turn off roaming.  Is that not the case? 

[ptam]

You should try and see if you can swing by the Lamborghini factory, I think it's about 20 minutes or so from the Ducati factory.

[Raux]

Sweet man, I hope you're having some fun testing out a good L-Twin! 

I'm going mainly to check out the University of Bologna for grad school but I want to mix in some fun too.  I arrive in Milan on the 27th, very early in the morning, but that saturday I am looking to rent a bike with my friend who lives in the city.  I am trying to work out some details of where to go, but I really want to hit up the Dolomites.  Do you think that would be a feasible one day trip?

Otherwise, I just got word that I am booked up for the evening Ducati Factory tour on 4/1.  I am going to try to get into the Ferrari factory but I don't think that will be possible seeing as how my girlfriend will be with me and she's not so seriously that kind of a motorhead.

Anyway, let me know if you're interested in coming over the weekend of the 27th and maybe we can work something out!

Whoa, I'm guessing you have an iPhone?  I have one too and I thought all you have to do is turn off roaming.  Is that not the case? 

bad time frame for me. plus i got an open house i'm heading to at the local Ducati/MV shop.
you definitely have to hit Lambo factory. i did it about 15 years ago. got to see the last LM002 on the line plus an early Miura being brought in for complete frame up restoration.

[bluemoco]

I'm going to take the family to Bologna next week.  We have some friends who moved to IT for a year, and they're living just outside of Bologna.  I won't be doing any riding ( ), but it'll be neat to tour the countryside around this part of Italy.

I've submitted a request to get a tour of the Ducati factory.  [did this online at ducati.com]  Currently waiting to receive confirmation that we're in a tour group.  It won't be my first motorcycle factory tour, but I'm stoked to see where Ducatis are made!  I'll take as many pics as possible and report back for anyone who's interested.

On a related note - has anyone visited the Ferrari or Lamborghini facilities?  I understand that the only people who can tour the Ferrari factory are Ferrari owners.  [I'm out...    ]  There's supposedly a great Ferrari museum that's open to the public, though.  Lamborghini also has a visitor center / museum that's open to the public. 

Anyone with FHE on touring around Bologna - please post your best travel tips / advice!   

[Raux]

I'm going to take the family to Bologna next week.  We have some friends who moved to IT for a year, and they're living just outside of Bologna.  I won't be doing any riding ( ), but it'll be neat to tour the countryside around this part of Italy.

I've submitted a request to get a tour of the Ducati factory.  [did this online at ducati.com]  Currently waiting to receive confirmation that we're in a tour group.  It won't be my first motorcycle factory tour, but I'm stoked to see where Ducatis are made!  I'll take as many pics as possible and report back for anyone who's interested.

On a related note - has anyone visited the Ferrari or Lamborghini facilities?  I understand that the only people who can tour the Ferrari factory are Ferrari owners.  [I'm out...    ]  There's supposedly a great Ferrari museum that's open to the public, though.  Lamborghini also has a visitor center / museum that's open to the public. 

Anyone with FHE on touring around Bologna - please post your best travel tips / advice!   

I've been to the Lambo factory. amazing stuff. i've read no pics at Ducati factory only in the museum.

[bluemoco]

I've been to the Lambo factory. amazing stuff. i've read no pics at Ducati factory only in the museum.

Did you get a tour of the Lambo factory?  Or just visit the reception center/museum?  I'd love to get into the factory, but I'll certainly 'settle' for a visit of the museum.

The Ferrari complex has a very nice visitors' center (so I'm told).  It's called Galleria Ferrari, and it's located adjacent to the factory.  A Ferrari factory tour is not in the cards for us, but I'll definitely pay a visit if anyone knows that it's worthwhile.

[Raux]

went through the whole place. not sure if i mentioned this but got to see the last LM002 being built.

[bluemoco]

I just got my confirmation email from Ducati!  We're on for a factory + museum tour on the morning of Wednesday the 18th.  

We might try to do a visit to either Lamborghini or Ferrari, too.  Isn't the Imola racetrack nearby, too?  I understand there's a memorial to Ayrton Senna there.   Will have to see what our schedule permits.  

went through the whole place. not sure if i mentioned this but got to see the last LM002 being built.

Those LM002's are so cool.      I sent an inquiry to Lamborghini - waiting to hear whether we can get a factory tour or will have to 'settle' for a visit to the museum/visitors' center.  

[STProcks]

I just got my confirmation email from Ducati!  We're on for a factory + museum tour on the morning of Wednesday the 18th.  

We might try to do a visit to either Lamborghini or Ferrari, too.  Isn't the Imola racetrack nearby, too?  I understand there's a memorial to Ayrton Senna there.   Will have to see what our schedule permits.  

Those LM002's are so cool.      I sent an inquiry to Lamborghini - waiting to hear whether we can get a factory tour or will have to 'settle' for a visit to the museum/visitors' center.  

Hey Blue, I'll be there a week after your tour of the factory - will you still be around?

[bluemoco]

Hey Blue, I'll be there a week after your tour of the factory - will you still be around?

We're returning home on the 22nd, so I won't be able to cross paths with you.       Your trip sounds like fun, and I am jealous that you're going to rent a bike and tour the Italian countryside.      

Regardless, I'll be happy to answer questions and offer up some travel advice when I'm back home.   I'll post lots of pics, too.