Hello,<BR>My husband and I are planning to take out first overseas family vacation with our college-aged son. He would like to go to Italy and tour the Ferrari factory, if such a thing is possible. My husband and I have been to London and South Africa on business recently and have 4 tickets on British Airways due to a promotion they were having, and we must fly mid August.<BR>We have seven days including travel.<BR>Can any one suggest a route for us to drive with places to stay- or a tour? And, can we truly get by with only speaking English? Also, anyone have any info on touring the Ferrari factory? Also, in London we likes the big bus tour with the open top for a tour, is there such a thing in Italy?<BR>I am absolutely not a seasoned traveler and would appreciate any help you would kindly offer. I should note that I have a slight heart condition and can't do much hiking/biking/climbing.

The Ferrari factory is in Maranello, southwest of Modena. I don´t think you are allowed into the factory, but they have a museum called Galleria Ferrari (closed for lunch and Monday). Tel. 0536 94 32 04.

You do mean August of THIS year, right? I think that your chances of touring the Ferrari factory are slim and none. But if you have any chance at all, you would likely get that from your Ferrari dealer or your local chapter of www.ferrariclubofamerica.org - - remember that there are over 4800 members and they would probably all offer their first-born to get to tour the factory.<BR><BR>Still, it would be great to hear about what luck you have - - maybe you're very connected, and have some inside chance. If you own many Ferraris, or buy often, it could happpen I suppose. But then, if that were true, you would probably already be active in FCA, and know who to ask without coming to this forum for information.<BR><BR>Don't get me wrong. I am NOT a Ferrari owner, an FCA member or connected to the "insider's" world of Ferrari owners in any way.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

If you buy a Ferrari they will give you a tour of the factory. Go for it.

Right.<BR><BR>You just keep telling yourself that.<BR>

My husband were in Italy in May. We went to the Ferrari museum, which was very nice. By the way, 1) if you own a Ferrari you can get a tour of the factory (at least that is what they told us when we inquired about touring the factory), 2) the museum does not close for lunch (at least it didn't when we visited)

Don't know about Ferraris, but I do know that you will be fine with English. They appreciate it when you do try to speak a little Italian, though. In smaller towns, you may find it a bit harder to be understood, but major tourist centers is not a problem.