Ferrari and Balsamic in Modena Italy
Balsamic
The city of Modena is the place where the best balsamic vinegar in the world is produced. The real balsamic is aged in special wooden barrels for 10, 25, 50 years and even longer. Every drop of this thick black liquid costs almost like gold...
In the city and its surrounding area, dozens of families have been producing balsamic for many generations. The Italians take their balsamic very seriously, and it bears no resemblance to the watery liquid sold in supermarkets.
To understand the differences between the various types of balsamic, the industrial and the traditional DOP whose production secret is passed down from generation to generation among grower families, it is highly recommended to visit the cellars of the Acetaia Malpighi company and take a guided tour that includes tastings of their wide range of products.
Acetaia Malpighi began producing its high-quality balsamic back in 1850, and its products are now sold all over the world.
During the tour, you will learn about the barrels in which the black liquid is aged, smell the balsamic at various stages, and appreciate the immense time and dedication invested in producing this sauce that is so popular in Italy.
♦ Book a guided balsamic tour at the oldest production company in Modena from Viator:
Cavedoni Balsamic Vinegar Tour: The Oldest in Modena
The tour lasts two hours and includes tastings of aged balsamic vinegar from different eras and an admission ticket.
Explanations and tastings of a selection of balsamic varieties:
At the end of the tour, you will taste a variety of products, ranging from balsamic aged for decades, through semi-industrial sauces, sauces based on balsamic combined with other flavors such as mint or orange, balsamic jams, and even a dessert wine made with balsamic.
Naturally, you won't leave empty-handed after such a delicious and educational tour, and you will likely purchase a variety of delicacies to take home at an attractive price. Address: Acetaia Malpighi, Via Vignolese n. 1487 – 41126 San Donnino.
Barrels in which the balsamic vinegar is aged:
Ferrari Factory
However, Modena's main fame comes from the automotive world: in the nearby town of Maranello lies the Ferrari factory, and adjacent to it is the Ferrari Museum (Museo Ferrari), a massive museum featuring Ferrari models of all types and kinds.
♦ Book a driving experience from Viator:
Starting with vintage cars, through racing models, to the newest and most luxurious designs. The museum also screens films about the company and its cars, showcases the trophy collection won by the company's racing cars throughout its history, and tells the stories of its legendary racing drivers. For an extra fee, you can have your photo taken inside one of the cars or enter a simulator that replicates driving on a racetrack. Of course, the museum also features a large shop dedicated entirely to souvenirs bearing the Ferrari logo. Museum address: Via Dino Ferrari 43 – 41053 Maranello MO
Adjacent to the museum are several private companies offering test drives in various Ferrari models for a substantial fee... Driving enthusiasts who cannot afford to purchase such a luxury car can at least experience the thrill of driving one.
Guided tours of the Ferrari factory depart from the museum entrance. Due to high demand, these tours must be booked well in advance (preferably several weeks prior to your visit).
The tour takes place on a minibus that travels between the company's offices, manufacturing buildings, and test track. Visitors do not step off the minibus or view the active assembly line in person, but rather receive commentary on the history of the company, its leadership, technical data about the cars, pricing, custom client tailoring, and entertaining anecdotes about the dream machine. This tour is ideally suited for Ferrari fans.
The city of Modena is located approximately 120 km (a 1 hour and 15-minute drive) south of popular Lake Garda, making it a wonderful day trip for those staying in one of the towns along the lake shore. It is also situated on the main route from Tuscany to Lake Garda and can serve as an enjoyable stopover for travelers visiting both regions.
Recommended Accommodations in the Lake Garda Region
In the Sirmione Area:
Villa Cortine Palace Hotel
A 54-room, 5-star hotel located about 5 minutes from Sirmione's historic center. The hotel features landscaped gardens with statues and fountains, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a private pier.
Tenuta La Borghetta
A farmhouse about a 15-minute drive from Sirmione. It offers 23 apartments in various sizes designed for 2–6 guests. The bright and spacious apartments offer vineyard views and include air conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen. The property features a swimming pool and free private parking.
Hotel Du Lac
A 35-room 3-star hotel on the shoreline overlooking Lake Garda. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, balconies in most rooms, and lake views from several of them. The hotel is situated one kilometer from Sirmione's center.
A holiday resort in Sirmione, the most beautiful and picturesque town on the lake.
In Peschiera del Garda
Agriturismo da Giovanni
Ten rooms and vacation apartments suitable for 2–4 guests. The units are air-conditioned and include a fully equipped kitchen. The property features an outdoor swimming pool and a large hot tub set within expansive gardens.
Campeggio da Giovanni
A holiday resort offering cabins and a camping site. The cabins are air-conditioned and feature a fully equipped kitchen, a covered and furnished patio with barbecue facilities, 2 bedrooms, and a bathroom. The site boasts 2 outdoor pools, a bar, and a garden with children's play facilities.
Altomincio Family Park
A holiday village with a popular water park located about 15 km south of Peschiera del Garda and the shores of Lake Garda. The holiday village features extensive sports facilities, bike rentals, a kids' club, and organized activities for children and teens aged 0–16. On-site supermarket available.
A quality holiday resort in the town of Peschiera del Garda, just 2 km from the "Gardaland" theme park.
A holiday village featuring vacation apartments and a campsite, with five pools and a wealth of attractions and activities near the town of Peschiera del Garda.
