Day 5 was supposed to be a relatively easy day, cruise down the autobahn, through Switzerland and into Sirmione on the shores of Lake Garda. Then we had the idea that we could do a little detour. So after a few hours blasting down the unrestricted autobahn and making the most of the lack of a speed limit we turned off just before the Gotthard Tunnel and went over the top. So for the next few hours we climbed the Susstain, Grimsell, Furka and Gotthard Passes. All are over 2000 metres and all are stunning beautiful and draped with some of the best driving roads anywhere. We even took the pld cobblestone road over the Gotthard just to add to the excitement.
When we finally rejoined the modern world we took the autostrada to Sirmione an amazing walled city on a spit jutting into Lake Garda. The history and beauty of this place is amazing, once a popular Roman resort with a 13th century fort, cobblestone lanes and great weather. We had a great night here.
Day 6, Italy and the weather is Bellissimo!! Breakfast this morning was on the deck of our hotel with the waters of Lake Garda lapping at our feet. There was time for a stroll through this amazing town before loading the cars and hitting the Autostrada to Modena and the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari. A very impressive building with a great run down of the early life of Enzo Ferrari and this year the main building featured a great display of F1 cars detailing the progress of F1 design over the years.
We then drove the 20Km to Maranello and after booking into the Planet Hotel (Opposite the gate of Ferrari) we all took time for a mass car wash before taking in the Ferrari Museum. I must admit that these guys have lifted their game in the past 12 months and had a great display of cars representing the history of Ferrari. There was even a large wall poster of the Gothard Pass that we drove the other day detailing how tough their test routes are.
Dinner last night was at the Cavallino Restaurant where Enzo had lunch every day and Ferrari still maintain a private dining room so that Lucca and Pierro can have lunches away from prying eyes.
This morning we were woken by the sounds of workers arriving at the site of the huge new competition building construction next door and as I write this I can hear cars being tested on the Fiorana test track, which I can see from my room.
Maranello is Ferrari.
Day 7 and life just keeps getting better! This morning we left Maranello taking the old Ferrari test toute through the ski resort of Abetone where we had a peaceful morning coffee. Well it would have been except for the motorcycle endure that had their pits in the centre of Abetone. Full bore 2 strokes and relaxing conversation don’t really mix. So it was back on the road for an amazing drive into Tuscany and my favourite hotel in the world Borgo Scopeto. This place is amazing, set amongst vineyards it id beautiful, the staff are friendly and treat you like royalty and everyone we bring here mentions the wow factor.
Tomorrow is a rest day, there is talk of visits to Siena and other sight seeing spots. Me? I think I will be by the pool. Ciao.
Happiness is a Porsche on a road like this
The Old Gotthard Pass, Cobblestones and all. Brilliant
Photo opportunity on the Cobbles
Moon rise over the old fort Sirmione
Late night Gellatti
Main Street Sirmione – Beautiful
Our fleet lined up outside the hotel for the morning getaway
Ian on Windscreen duties
Complicated – Enzo Ferrari Museum Modena
Love how clean this looks
Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari – Appropriately Stylish
250SWB still my favourite
Ferrari Museum Maranello
Championship Winners
Great to see Gilles remembered
The party team