Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tour include airfare?
NO. You may, if you wish, contact Ray Meisgeier, our travel agent here on Mercer Island. His email is ray@continentaltvl.com You can also call him at 206-232-9000. Mention the Car Guy Tour and talk to him about air fare rates and the use of any air miles you may have.
What's included in the Tour?
The price of the tour includes excellent well positioned four-star Hotels in the historic center with "first class" breakfast each day. (other meals are extra), Deluxe Bus, tour jacket, hat and name tag.
The tour includes visits to Como and Milan, including Zagato, Zagato Restorations, Alfa Romeo Museum, Borrani Wire Wheels, Pininfarina Centro Stile, Lancia Museum, Bertone Centro Stile, Ferrari Galleria, Maserati, Lamborghini, Edonis, Pagani, Ristorantes, Pizzerias, Go shopping, Balsamic Vinegar, Private Collections, Modena, Torino, Autostradas, Autogrills, Go shopping, 4-star hotels, Purchase parts, See the amazing Autosport restoration shop, Ferraris, Ferrari Restorations, Enjoy Lambrusco, Taste the Worlds best Parmesan cheese, Visit the Maserati Collection, Go shopping, "meet me at the bar", pasta, meet friendly Italians, shopping, photographs, Get totally blown away "I can't believe what I just saw!" "out of drool and out of film."
What are the dates of the car guy tour?
Italy: September, 2010 and Argentina: November, 2010. Exact dates to be announced after the holidays.
Where do I fly into and out of?
Book your flight to fly into and out of Milan (Malpensa Airport).
Malpensa is about a 40 minute cab ride to the Lake Como Hotel.
Or you can take a bus or train which takes longer but cost 50% less.
I always take a cab because I am jet lagged out and just want the trip to end. The Tour ends in Modena so you might want to think about going onto Florence or Rome.
Who is the tour guide and what is his experience?
Frank Mandarano is the tour guide. Frank is the founder in 1976 of the Maserati Club International/MIE Corp. and the Concorso Italiano in 1986.
Frank has been going to Italy and visiting the places on the tour each year for over 35 years. Frank is a true Italian car guy super enthusiast. Frank has owned and driven literally every Maserati GT car and currently owns a Maserati Quattroporte, Ferrari 360 Spider, and a 34 Ford high boy "rat rod" with a Dave Tatom tuned Flat head, 39 ford trans and banjo rear end.
In addition to the cars you'll find a 2003 Harley Softtail Heritage and a Vespa 200 GT.
Will my wife or girl friend enjoy the tour?
YES! Women have traditionally enjoyed the tour as much as the guys, as there are always plenty to do and see. Typically there are 5 to 8 ladies on the tour. We are happy to give you the names of some ladies that have gone on the tour for you to get their perspective.
What should I bring?
Travel light, 1 roller suitcase and one roller carry on bag. One sport coat if you are inclined. Dress for mild weather. A complete check list will be sent to you prior to departure. The tour includes a logo jacket, hat and name tag.
I do not speak Italian, how will I get along?
Most of the Italians we come in contact with speak English. You also learn to communicate with hands and numbers.
Do I need an international driver license?
No.
What are the speed limits?
The Tour provides a deluxe Bus during the Tour. Some of you may be renting a car prior to and or after the Tour. Speed limits are posted but rarely enforced. In my 27+ years I have (knock on wood) never been stopped for speeding. Driving in Italy is "the best." Traffic flows and you go with the flow.
Is security an issue?
Tourism is Italy's biggest industry, and therefore taken very seriously. Most importantly Modena and Turin are not so much of a tourist destination as say Florence, Venice or Rome so you don't have that element of society that preys on tourist. We are in Como for 1 or 2 days but it is very calm with a lot to see. Travel in small groups and use common sense. In short, don't worry about it.
What day will we be visiting Maranello and Ferrari?
We usually dedicate one full day to Maranello and to all things Ferrari, including Tubi style meeting for lunch at the famous Cavallino Ristorante, the Ferrari Galleria museum, Ferrari Shopping Super store, Warm Up and Formula 1 Shopping. Ferrari owners and their guest usually tour the factory with prearranged confirmation from their local dealer.