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Contact Us Telephone US toll free: 1 877 761 7070 UK toll free: 0808 234 6830 Email info@passeport-travel.com Post Passeport PO Box 563 Macclesfield England SK10 9GF
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he most important aspect of any business is its people. Our team is made up of a mix of incredibly experienced individuals devoted to travel, adventure and luxury. We have a classical archaeologist, contemporary art expert, photographer, writer and even a talented musician on staff. Together we represent fifteen years of travel expertise and four fluently spoken languages. We pride ourselves in our local knowledge and contacts. We are expert facilitators, and when it comes to your travel arrangements, nothing is too much for us. We have worked on every continent and with groups ranging from ten people to 200 or more. We also represent a carefully selected group of freelance local guides who have been recruited from all manner of institutions and cultural associations. Your trip will always be staffed by one of us and will always be personally arranged from our main office. We become your personal point of reference during the planning stages so that you can always call on us and rely on our promptness and ability.
TRUFFLE HUNTING Piedmont Deep in the hills of Alba, Piedmont, an older man steps out of his Land Rover and adjusts his jacket. A few inches behind him a scruffy dog, no stranger to mud and rainy weather, instinctively sniffs the air and looks at his master. The man is Gino, a 4th generation truffle hunter, owner of this land and one of the best known local Trifolau; his comrades simply refer to him as il maestro – the master. The side-kick is Molly, a lagotto romagnolo, a specialist breed of Italian truffle-hound, a deceptively sophisticated hunting tool that Gino and his family have bred for generations. This rustic scene, under the early-morning sky of Northern Italy, belies the intricacy of what was about to happen. A few short seconds after exchanging pleasantries, we dart
through the undergrowth with spectacular ease (particularly as Gino must be in his mid-70s) in search of an invisible trace. Stepping through the hunting ground he exchanges attentive, knowing glances with his companion, testament to a working relationship that has clearly been fine-tuned over many years. Five minutes or so later, some yelping, ground scratching, a little digging, and there it was: the gold nugget. Gino looks pleased. Molly happily wags her tail and I am still surprised at how easy they made it all look. As the ‘hunt’ closes we walk back towards the car, both looking forward to tasting today’s bounty, and as I look at the ugly find I can’t help but be shocked at its staggering market value – just under €3,000 a kilo! With that in mind, we both agree that Molly has earned her keep for the day.
VENTE DES VINS Beaune, Burgundy The Hospices de Beaune is the result of more than six centuries of history. Founded with the mission of healing the sick and comforting the destitute, the hospital has never ceased to develop, thanks, in large part, to numerous benefactors who have funded their vineyards. In late November, Beaune’s not-so-moderate level of wine intake swells to a spirit-soaked party during a celebration of the Vente. This international event features live music, theatrical performances, competitions and wine tasting booths throughout the town. The culmination of this interminable party is the auction
Experiences... some random travel thoughts
MAORI WELCOME New Zealand Few travel experiences are as intense and exciting as a Maori welcome or pōwhiri. The sight of native warriors in full regalia challenging your every step towards their domain, staring at you with the sort of intensity you never thought a human being capable of, is both awe-inspiring and culturally inimitable. The pōwhiri involves speeches, dancing, singing and hongi – also known as the ‘Maori kiss’. Whilst traditionally used to welcome visitors on to marae – the sacred space or courtyard usually in front of Māori meeting houses – the ceremony is also commonly seen in everyday New Zealand life. You will often see heads of state receiving the same formal welcome and, from time to time, special groups can be welcomed in the same way. Hundreds of years ago, it was not only a ceremonial custom, but it also enabled tribes to understand the intention of their visitors. There is little doubt that the whole process is uniquely special. Firstly, the welcoming party tests the steadfastness of the visitors, whilst demonstrating their fighting techniques, dexterity and agility. This is a time when both groups are essentially checking each other out, or weighing up the opposing forces. As the process develops and the ‘guests’ continue closer to the meeting house, the mood of challenge and aggression gives way to one of welcome and conviviality. The excitement of the whole process is then finally cemented by physical contact through hongi – the pressing of noses to share a common breath. The Maori Kiss. From that moment you are no longer a stranger but a much loved guest, and there is little doubt that Maori hospitality is truly second to none.
event, currently operated by Christie’s. The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction is an opportunity to come together as a family or between friends, to discover the rich variety of the 44 wine Cuvées offered by the Hospices. Those in the know can attend barrel tastings, special events and even bid on barrels from the Hospices collection. The event attracts some of the most important people in France – there’s a chance you could end up walking alongside the likes of Gerard Depardieu, Luc Besson or Monica Bellucci. The funds collected at the Hospices de Beaune wine auctions are destined entirely for the institution’s charities.
Galapag
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he Galapagos Islands are extremely remote; they are tricky to get to and, in many ways, physically taxing. Endless hours spent on planes, days in constant motion, and crossing a whole array of time-zones means that reaching these small spots of land in the ocean is not going to be for everyone. The name of the islands alone evokes stories of whalers, explorers, sailors and one of the most famous naturalists of all time, Charles Darwin. Their appearance is like nothing else on earth, a jumble of volcanic geology, sharp black rocks and white sandy beaches with areas so lush they could easily be mistaken for the rainforests of South America. Yet none of the above attractions are even close to the most common reason people come. They come here to see the animals. The Galapagos are home to one of the most incredible examples of natural diversity known to man, widely regarded as the ultimate living laboratory. Hundreds of species coexist, carrying no preconception, and therefore no fear, of humans, allowing for some incredibly close contact with specimens that appear too docile to be described as wild animals. A trip to the Galapagos is a ‘once in a lifetime’ affair, or at least this is what it should be. The national park has imposed limits to incoming visitors and immigration is strictly controlled, ensuring that humans do not destroy the islands. Official figures put visitor numbers at 180,000 in 2009, which is a huge increase when compared to the 5000 or so people who visited in the 1970s. Of course, the income produced by visitors is put back into the local economy and park conservation efforts, keeping the ecosystem in balance along with the help of an array of strict park rules imposed by officials. In some respects this is a great place to see tourism and conservation working together positively. Despite the fact that there is a lot more that could still be done to ensure the protection of these special islands, there are strong underpinnings to make it work. Indeed, for some, these islands and their are a parable for our entire planet and our administration of it. The conservation efforts have done wonders for the wildlife. Nowhere else on earth can you sit quietly on the beach and enjoy the playful dance of sea lions, the majestic flight of huge colonies of sea birds, and then stroll inland to see some of the most incredible creatures that live here: the giant tortoises. It’s the closest you will ever come to being in a National Geographic documentary. All trips here have to be part of an organised cruise. Each boat is different in size and style, but the smaller ones are preferable for environmental, as well as qualitative reasons
passeport - smaller vessels, such as sailing boats, are a good choice as they can navigate into places that larger ones cannot reach. Once you are on a cruise the captain will have a detailed plan, imposed by the park rangers; each boat is told exactly where to go and when. This system is devised to avoid island crowding and to utilise the strengths of each vessel. Each day is filled with organised land excursions led by expert local
naturalists, with some time to visit the beach to snorkel and swim with anything from sharks and manta rays, to penguins and sea lions. The time in-between can easily be spent on a beautiful beach, walking deep in thought or marvelling at the stunning natural beauty of the place. The meals back on-board give you a chance to chat about the day’s events with your fellow adventurers, and to compare photos – which will inevitably feature hundreds of sea lions and blue-footed
boobies. As the trip of a lifetime it really ticks all the boxes: incredible scenery, wonderful local culture, unforgettable wildlife, and a general feeling of seclusion that only islands this far away from civilisation can give. Our advice is to always ensure that your trip is making the smallest possible environmental impact: no other destination on Earth is so capable of feeling it.
Hiking in Umbria The Green Heart of Italy
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t the heart of things, hiking holidays have to be just about the most pleasant holidays in the world.
Let me explain why. There is simply no other format out there that allows you to see so much of the countryside in such a gentle and thought-provoking way. Furthermore, it gives you time to enjoy the company of your fellow travellers, exercise semi-effortlessly, and understand the ‘soul’ of your destination in a way few other travel options would allow. Had I been asked my opinion on this subject a few years ago, I would have instinctively thought of hiking holidays as the choice pursuit for the retired. Yet around the hills
of Italy there are people of all ages and walks of life (pun possibly intended!), with a genuine interest in nature and local history. Umbria was not an accidental choice; it is most definitely one of the last bastions of unspoilt Italian countryside, and every view of the slightly wild, unkempt landscape is charmingly beautiful. People refer to this area as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’ and a few days walking around here will show you why that is; here, you’re neither in the middle of the rugged Alpine mountains, nor in the midst of manicured Tuscan hills. The level of difficulty is somewhere between the two, leaning
passeport much more towards the latter, of course. There are regularly maintained tracks and, in some cases, you can follow ancient paths to towns and special sites. In the hills around Assisi, several of the paths intercept the pilgrim’s route to the sanctuary on Mount Subasio. Local history has it that St. Francis lived in a cave in these very forests, and the atmosphere is both beautifully natural and deeply spiritual. The odd rustling bush, or wild boar print on the ground, adds to the excitement of the route. Some of the must-visit towns include beautiful Spello and chic Perugia, both of which will open your eyes to the charm of this region. The food is spectacular and the hilly hikes will make you feel like you deserve those long leisurely lunches. A visit to Assisi would not be complete without a trip to La Stalla. This is an interesting and completely different dining experience: simple, tasty and so much fun. In the winter you eat in the former stable, in front of a huge fire where everything is cooked. It’s rustic and the atmosphere is incredible. In conclusion, Umbria is a region with plenty to discover, not to mention great food, great wine, and fabulous views – definitely worth a little mud on the boots.
The top 10 best restaurants in the world
1. NOMA DENMARK Noma is best known for its fanatical approach to foraging but there is much more to this ground-breaking restaurant than the mere picking of Mother Nature’s pocket. It’s the entire package, from its ingredient ingenuity to flawless execution, that makes it a beacon of excellence and which leads to an emotive, intense, liberating way of eating, unlike any other. Many have copied chef Rene Redzepi’s approach, most have failed. Web Site: www.noma.dk 2. El Celler de Can Roca SPAIN El Celler de Can Roca is possibly the least well-known restaurant to have ever held the much-vaunted number-two spot on the list, a quirk which, far from being a hindrance, has allowed the three brothers Roca to get on with what they do best. Their ‘emotional cuisine’ with different ingredients and combinations can trigger childhood memories or take you back to a specific place in your past. Web Site: www.cellercanroca.com 3. Mugaritz SPAIN Mugaritz has two dégustation menus that change daily according to what chef Andoni Luis Aduriz can get his hands on at the street markets and
what’s growing in the restaurant’s herb garden.
Web Site: www. thefatduck. co.uk
Whatever happens, you can expect to sample the team’s intricate dishes that seek to reconnect diners with nature. His self-dubbed ‘techno-emotional’ approach sees the appliance of science and a rigorous understanding of ingredients jostle with produce-driven cuisine.
6. Alinea USA
Web Site: www.mugaritz.com 4. Osteria Francescana ITALY Much of the food at Osteria Francescana takes its inspiration from the art world, but this is only half the story. The unrivalled culinary heritage of the Emilia-Romagna region is chef Massimo Bottura’s other great muse, and the kitchen offers a menu of traditional food alongside more left-field creations. The cooking is exciting and gratifying, the overall experience progressive and relaxed. Web Site: www.osteriafrancescana.it 5. The Fat Duck ENGLAND Heston Blumenthal’s worldfamous, but still tiny restaurant in Bray, has blazed a trail for experimental cooking in this country, but one of its enduring features is also that it is brilliant fun. Sure, guests’ sensory perceptions are challenged, their notion of possibility expanded, but never in a po-faced way. Instead, gourmand pilgrims can be witnessed smiling and laughing their way through a foodie marathon.
Alinea represents one of the most radical re-imaginings of fine food by any chef in American history and has propelled Grant Achatz to chef superstardom. Everything about his restaurant is unique, from the deconstructed food, unfamiliar flavour combinations and theatre to the tableware, with dishes served in and on all manner of implements: test tubes, cylinders, multi-layered bowls that come apart. It’s boundary-shifting stuff. Web Site: www.alinea-restaurant.com 7. D.O.M BRAZIL D.O.M has become a priority destination for all globe-hopping gastronomes, not that chef Alex Atala is resting on his laurels. Instead he scours the Amazon to pepper his with indigenous ingredients, from the staple manioc tuber and its tupuci juice to Amazonian herbs and the huge whitefleshed pirarucu fish to ensure his restaurant is unlike any other on the list. Web Site: www.domrestaurante.com.br 8. Arzak SPAIN If you like your food pretty, this is the place. Father-anddaughter team Juan Mari Arzak and Elena Arzak Espina’s plates look fantastic: striking, colourful and imaginative, yet for the most part unfussy.
The pair run the kitchen as equals and are a major presence in the dining room. Like the food, it pulls off the neat trick of balancing tradition and innovation, with warm, familiar service. Web Site: www.arzak.es 9. Le Chateaubriand FRANCE It’s hard not to be excited by Le Chateaubriand. It is effortlessly cool, understated yet accomplished, democratic, affordable and, perhaps most importantly, fun. Its lack of airs and graces – hard chairs and bare tables, the take-it-or-leave-it five-course fixed-price menu and the championing of natural wines – is not to everyone’s tastes, but Le Chateaubriand doesn’t really care. Web Site: www.lechateaubriand.fr 10. Per Se USA Per Se, Thomas Keller’s “urban interpretation” of his French Laundry in California, has changed its menu every day of its nearly eight years – that’s something like 30,000 different dishes, some re-introduced from prior seasons but continuously refined. With three Michelin stars it has succeeded as much by consistency as by creativity and remains one of the US’s true destination restaurants. Web Site: www.perseny.com
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usk is setting over an enchanting and typically chaotic Roman street. Just around the corner, behind the impenetrable walls of Vatican City, a small group makes its way through a labyrinth of museum corridors leading to increasingly impressive and opulent rooms adorned with some of the most important objets d’arts the world has ever seen. I am standing towards the back of the group, listening intently to a knowledgeable art historian leading us through the highlights of the collection, bringing each piece to life. Each is breathtaking, but most breathtaking of all is the fact that there is nobody else here: there are only ten of us in the entire Vatican Museum. The whole building is at our disposal and there is no pushing, no shoving, no queuing and no sharing. This unique private visit is the result of a carefully crafted itinerary made in association with a well-known American museum to treat their toplevel patrons to the most incredible cultural experiences. Together we have enjoyed private palaces, the studios of local artists, and dinners with the cultural leaders of the city, including the director of the French Academy in Rome. The concept of cultural tourism as part of a package for high-level patrons is part of a wider trend. American museums
have had a long and unfortunate history of inadequate state funding and, as a result, many have become very business-like in their approach to fundraising. They run efficient membership services, treasure-trove gift shops, popular cafés and a whole array of special events to raise awareness in their local community, as well as capital for new acquisitions. Organised tours have become integral to these efforts – a new way for directors to raise money, make new international contacts and keep their patrons happy. Museum curators, special events committees, directors and even donors themselves collaborate with the handful of specialist travel firms operating in this niche to create exclusive tailor-made itineraries – sometimes for key donors, supporters and patrons, and occasionally for members in general. These tours are priced to include donations for
the museum, as well as free travel for the accompanying curator or museum representative. They always include some unique experiences, such as dinner with royalty or after-hours visits. The concept of cultural tourism as a benefit of membership is a ‘win win’ for all involved. A museum has something to add to its list of member benefits, which could even attract new patrons; it receives a sizeable donation; and it has the opportunity to visit other collections and make contact with other directors and curators. Patrons, meanwhile, get to travel in the utmost comfort to places that are seldom, or sometimes never, open to the public at large; they feel more connected to the institutions they represent; they extend their knowledge, learning from experts; and they broaden their artistic horizons. Whilst the US is an established hub for these kinds of activities, the UK will be the next frontier. The latest round of government cuts will force clever directors to look at new and interesting ways to raise money. Travel and cultural tourism, should be high on their agenda.
Arts & Travel
High-level patrons travel in style
VINDOLANDA FORT Northumberland A £6.3 million revamp to the fascinating Vindolanda fort in Northumberland has created a modern museum where visitors gain unprecedented access to the Roman psyche. Nowhere else can one feel so close to the personal lives of the men and women at the Romans’ furthest northern frontier. The remains of the fort are impressive, and the experimental reconstruction leaves nothing to the imagination. However, the real adventure begins in the museum building – aided by a multitude of personal objects, from the camp commandant’s wife’s shoes, to remains of the soldiers’ leather tents, the lives of Vindolanda’s ancient inhabitants are told in the most lucid, personal way. The museum’s crowning glory is the incredible Vindolanda Tablets display; a selection of precious letters unearthed on-site and only recently returned here, having been on loan to the British Museum in London. This sophisticated gallery opens with a well-edited video showing
the way they were unearthed (1,800 of them have been found since 1973), studied and interpreted. The journey continues to a vault-like, environmentally controlled room where a selection of 9 tablets is shown along with their translation and a full interpretation of their contents. These range from a letter written by the camp commandant, inviting someone in for a probable census, to a seemingly banal shopping list, showing the array of products available to Roman soldiers at Vindolanda. These tablets are the oldest surviving handwritten tablets in Britain and show the official and private correspondence of the men and women who lived at Vindolanda nearly 2,000 years ago. They all date to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, roughly contemporary with Hadrian’s Wall, and form the earliest archive of written material in British history. This is a breathtaking and utterly irreplaceable account of Roman Britain, shown in the most approachable manner, and should not be missed.
THE NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Naples The Naples National Archaeological Museum, located in Naples, Southern Italy, contains a large collection of Roman artefacts from a host of archaeological sites in and around the region of Campania – notably Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. Though Pompeii has its charms, to see its real gems, including wonderful sculptures and frescoes, you must visit the National Archaeological Museum. The items on display give a privileged insight into the everyday life of the many local ancient cities. For those of you who are particularly fond of more ancient artefacts, the museum also holds the third largest collection of Egyptian artefacts in Italy, after the Vatican Museum and the Museo Egizio in Turin. The works are primarily made up of two private collections, assembled by Cardinal Borgia and Picchianti in the late 18th and early 19th centuries; both provide an important record of Egyptian civilisation from the Old Kingdom up to the Ptolemaic-Roman era.
Arts & Travel
Great Museums
THE MAXXI MUSEUM Rome The MAXXI museum designed by Iraqi born architect Zaha Hadid is the latest and most ambitious project to refresh the Italian capital’s image as a decadent city obsessed with its glorious past. MAXXI, officially the National Museum of the XXI Century Arts, houses not only important works by Anish Kapoor, Sol Lewitt and Andy Warhol, but also an auditorium, libraries, workshops, and spaces for live events and commercial activities. The €150 million ($223 million) MAXXI comprises of white curving cement walls, intricate black stairways that connect halls and pathways, and floor-to-ceiling windows that give the museum natural light, also allowing visitors a view over the neighbourhood. From the outside, the museum looks like a wide structure that expands horizontally rather than vertically. Built on the grounds of a former military barracks, some of which is still recognisable, MAXXI is located in a residential neighbourhood outside Rome’s historic centre.
Officials unveiling the opening exhibit stressed the link between old and new; their belief is that a city and nation that has been focused on the ‘avant garde’ of art and architecture for centuries should be promoting contemporary art and artists. For Hadid, who became the first ever woman to win the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, the challenge was to work with the ‘layers’ of Rome’s artistic past and bring a new space for art into the city. She recalled visiting Rome in the 1960s and posing in front of the Trevi Fountain, a masterpiece of Baroque art. “Rome has fantastic light,” Hadid said. “The idea of this project is about layering and bringing in light to the space so that you have a naturally lit space – and to give the curators tremendous freedom in the way they can organise exhibits.” Rome is visited by some 12 million people each year, mostly attracted to the artistic glories of its past – the ancient ruins, the Colosseum, the fountains designed by Bernini, or Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. In recent years, officials have tried to
expand Rome’s cultural offerings with cutting-edge works, but these efforts have met mixed responses. Romans have been hostile to some new buildings, apparently unconvinced that modern structures can successfully stand beside the marvels of the past. As for the MAXXI, the jury is still out.
Ferrari Tours
Italy by Ferrari S
upercars are a thing of beauty. They can represent the epitome of design, workmanship and engineering. But in some respects they are pieces of art, no different to a well-proportioned sculpture or an evocative oil painting. Just as this concept begins to float through my mind, I am presented with my very own work of art, the Ferrari F430. Mine, but only for three days.
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was about to embark on a journey that would take my wife and me from the serene waters of the Venice lagoon to the rustic chicness of Chianti. The trip was designed and arranged by Ferrari Tours – everything from the boat transfers out of Venice to the hotels we would be staying at along the way. Our Italian leather welcome bag came filled with maps and suggestions, including our personalised ‘roadbook’, which
would become our bible over the next few days. I should mention that the trip was an anniversary present, one that I had been looking forward to for some time. The beauty of the countless romantic settings, the freedom of having our own supercar, and the flexibility of making our own timetable is what attracted us to this concept and what made it so unique. It was a Ferrari adventure for both of us. We spent the first night at the rather brilliant Villa Franceschi, a stunningly noble villa on the Brenta canal. This was an intriguing location, so close to Venice but so different. For a period, the homes along the canal were favoured haunts of the Venetian elite. The parties hosted at these mansions were quite legendary; Casanova and
Byron were just two of the esteemed guests known to frequent the area. Today, however, Villa Franceschi is a romantic, family-owned hotel, filled with period furniture and renowned for its superb chef. We enjoyed a candlelit dinner then retired to dream about the days ahead. The next morning our shiny new toy had arrived. After an informal handover we began getting used to the car, set up our GPS (provided with all our destinations pre-loaded) and got to grips with our route. In a matter of minutes we bid farewell to the hotel. Our bags would be transported separately to our destinations, after all, the F430 is not really known for its luggage space! Driving in Italy is about as exciting as driving can get: every minute is filled with a mixture of fun, anxiety and awe. No other place on earth is so suitable for these cars. Along the route we encountered an unexpected mixture of wonderfully maintained country roads and busy industrial centres, our
views changing continuously from flat farmlands to forested hamlets, then bigger towns and cities. We spent the night in Bologna at one of the best hotels of the region, the Majestic. Our night in the city was incredible; the exhilarating drive now behind us, we relaxed and took a walk through the centre. Our exploration was punctuated by stops at various bars, until we sat for a simple yet extraordinary dinner under the city’s famous porticoes. The scenery changed once again as we set off the next day. Any hint of industrial ugliness completely disappeared to make way for some of the most captivating views the world could ever produce. We twisted and turned along the tremendous local roads, snaking through forests and meadows and eventually coming to our destination: the luxury spa hotel, Castello del Nero. On arrival we knew immediately that our stay was going to be perfect. The
rooms are breathtakingly chic, the restaurant fantastically delicious, and the setting quite unique. After a restful afternoon enjoying the hotel facilities, we ventured out to discover some local sights. We eventually dined in San Gimignano, where the cobbled streets,
‘No other place on earth is so suitable for these cars’ the medieval towers and the gallant atmosphere provide the perfect backdrop to a dreamy dinner. Next morning, we were up early with the excitement of the day ahead. We jumped into our car and made our way to one of the lesser-known treasures of the region, the hilltop town of Volpaia. Here we met with its owner, Countess Giovannella, the lady behind one of the
most successful winemaking stories of recent years. She transformed this hamlet, a wedding gift from her father, from a dilapidated medieval township into one of the most renowned winemaking villages of Italy. We spent the morning cooking with her, breaking to enjoy a picture-perfect lunch in her private garden. After an hour or so more in Volpaia, we continued our adventure through some of the villages of Chianti; Radda, Gaiole and Greve are all relatively close to each other, and each one is as remarkable as the next. For our final night in Chianti we decided to celebrate our adventure at the excellent Osteria di Passignano, a Michelin-starred revelation in a secluded position, just a few minutes from the hotel. Here, we toasted our journey’s end and enjoyed reliving some of the wonderful new memories created in one of the most beautiful and exciting regions in Europe, at the wheel of one of the most beautiful and exciting cars ever built.
Ferrari Tours
The Ferrari Factory First of all, bad news: the official factory tour is only open to Ferrari owners. If you are one of the lucky few, then all you have to do is contact your local dealer and start the ball rolling. On the other hand, if you’re not part of this elite club, then all is not lost! Maranello is not a bad place to visit, especially if you’re a motoring enthusiast, and there are plenty of Ferrari-themed activities to take part in.
The major attraction is the Galleria Ferrari, a purpose-built space where Ferraris old and new are shown in an informative and very attractive format. The professional guides on site can be booked ahead of time for convenience, and their wealth of knowledge on the Scuderia is quite impressive. There is also a pleasant café for lunch and a fully stocked gift shop. For me, the highlight is always the possibility of seeing the first ever model of Ferrari beside the latest to be released – always shown at the same time when the latter are unveiled at their launch shows. The Galleria is a little on the small side: a tour will take no longer than an hour and a half for the keenest fans. Just a short walk away you can continue the theme with a meal at the Cavallino, Enzo Ferrari’s preferred lunch stop, which is now a chic-rustic eatery with a great menu and equal service. The clientele here is delightfully mixed. You’re just as likely to sit next to a group of tourists as you are beside the marketing manager of Ferrari. However, if you’re staying in Bologna, and you had your heart set on touring a supercar factory, then you’re in luck. The Lamborghini factory is a little more relaxed when it comes to visitors, and this can make for an enjoyable morning excursion.