Ducati Factory Visit

[GregP]

Visiting the Ducati Factory and Museum in a few days.  Any suggestions of things to do in Bologna?  Travel books really skip over it so looking for some FHE recommendations.

Yes, I have reservations!

Thanks!

[Turbinepilot2]

Visiting the Ducati Factory and Museum in a few days.  Any suggestions of things to do in Bologna?  Travel books really skip over it so looking for some FHE recommendations.

Yes, I have reservations!

Thanks!

We did it back in May and all I can say is you will have a blast!   We just did the tour then we drove down to Tuscany and spent 2 days there.  Not really sure what to do in Bologna but in Italy you really can't go wrong!   Miss it every day!

[Charlie98]

After the Ducati tour, head over to Maranello to the Ferrari museum...   

We kind of looked around but there really isn't that much to do in Bologna besides the Ducati tour, at least that's what we decided.

[IZ]

I've been to the factory a couple of times.  We only stayed in Bologna one night though.  The last time was 10 years ago so I'm sure a lot has changed.  Other than scoping out the prostitutes lining the street outside the factory and exploring the piazza in the city center, it didn't seem like there was a lot going on in Bologna.  Our friends took us to bar at the top of the big hill in the middle of town where we found an Italian gentleman singing American songs with a perfect English accent.  That was a good time and a fun drive back down the hill after a few drinks.     I'm sure you will enjoy the factory & museum visit though.  I'm not sure if they still have the small store inside the factory near the cafe/breakroom but they had Duc merchandise at clearance prices.  The new store outside..err new in 2006..had a pretty good selection of items IIRC.  Enjoy! 

[Charlie98]

Also... the Ducati Store, just down the street from the factory, on the SE side of the traffic circle, is closed on Monday.  Found that out the hard way.

[faolan01]

If your legs, lungs, and heart are up to the challenge, climb the Asinelli Tower. The view from the top is fantastic

[monsta]

I was a bit disappointed in the museum. Not that it wasn't any good, it's that they wanted to kick us out too soon. I wanted to read every plaque!

And like foalan01 said, climb the tower. Its Italy's second leaning tower and on a clear day you can apparently see the Alps.
was a bit scary as well, you can feel all the old wooden step's flexing under your feet. I didn't step in the middle of the step's! 

[GregP]

Thanks everyone for the info.  The factory was very cool.  Kinda of surprising on how small it was but very cool to see where my scooter was born many years ago.  That tour would never fly in the US with all of our law suites. Sir, please watch out for the forklift about to run you over and kill you! LOL.

The museum was really small too but we didn't get rushed out.  Again, I was surprised that you could touch everything. One guy sat on one of the production bikes in the side rooms. I wasn't that ballsy. Did rub the WSBK Champ bikes and Casey's MotoGP winner too.

My wife and daughter were actually more in to it then I was which was fun.  They enjoyed it so the trip to and from Venice was worth it

It was about 100 degrees when we visited so no stair climbing.  We did see a few hookers which was especially nice for my 16 yo daughter.
They were both pretty spectacular looking girls but not the best thing for a 16yo girl to see..

Thanks again!!

[IZ]

Thanks everyone for the info.  The factory was very cool.  Kinda of surprising on how small it was but very cool to see where my scooter was born many years ago.  That tour would never fly in the US with all of our law suites. Sir, please watch out for the forklift about to run you over and kill you! LOL.

The museum was really small too but we didn't get rushed out.  Again, I was surprised that you could touch everything. One guy sat on one of the production bikes in the side rooms. I wasn't that ballsy. Did rub the WSBK Champ bikes and Casey's MotoGP winner too.

My wife and daughter were actually more in to it then I was which was fun.  They enjoyed it so the trip to and from Venice was worth it

It was about 100 degrees when we visited so no stair climbing.  We did see a few hookers which was especially nice for my 16 yo daughter.
They were both pretty spectacular looking girls but not the best thing for a 16yo girl to see..

Thanks again!!

You haven't taken her to Vegas then yet?

Glad you and the family enjoyed it.  Where are you in SoCal btw?