Famed for its glorious gastronomy, the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna also happens to have the highest concentration of two and four-wheel luxury brands on the planet. 

The birthplace of Enzo Ferrari, it counts Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Dallara, Pagani and Ducati production facilities and welcomed back F1 racing back to the iconic Imola circuit this year – It rightly deserves its title of 'Motor Valley'.

This week it opens up the third edition of the Motor Valley Fest based in Modena to celebrate its motoring heritage. Last year the event went virtual, of course, and this time the celebrations will be a hybrid of 'In real life' while allowing enthusiasts to join in the schedule of conferences, virtual tours and e-sports online.

For the first time, all of the regional race tracks in Emilia-Romagna are on board for this year's event...

The 2021 edition of the Motor Valley Fest has a programme dedicated to sessions and activities focused on sustainability and the world of electric mobility, featuring some renowned international automotive brands. Also, for the first time all of the regional racetracks in Emilia Romagna are on board for this year's event.

From the Riccardo Paletti in Varan and Modena racetrack to the Enzo and Dino Ferrari racetrack in Imola and Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli - each one will be part of a series of dynamic events dedicated to the Motor Valley's car makers. 

As Enzo Ferrari said: "You can't describe the passion, you can only experience it". So, to truly experience it, the Motor Valley Fest offers visitors a series of unforgettable things to do in the most symbolic locations of the land of motors. Some highlights across the four-day event include racing demonstrations, track tests (both classic and motorsports), supercar and hypercar displays, E-Sports and the Electric Village, where there'll be the opportunity to experience the latest in electric motors. 

In the heart of Modena, piazzas will become stages for various events and showcases and on Saturday July 3, the Storchi Theatre in Modena will host a TEDx conference on the theme 'Visions that have changed or are changing the world'.

One of the major highlights includes the Cavallino Classic from the July 2-4, held outside the US for the first time where Ferraris, new and old, participate. Aside from the motoring displays there's so much culture to immerse yourself into as well as culinary delights which we were lucky enough to enjoy at the first event back in 2019. 

Things to do in Emilia-Romagna

Even when the Fest isn't on, this region offers much to visitors.

You can visit the international motor tracks and 15 specialised museums along with 16 private collections all year round – From the  Ferrari Museum in Maranello to the Casa Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena to the Ducati Museum in Bologna.

Take time to visit one of the impressive Parmigiano-Reggiano factories, the Parma 2064 facility offers a factory tour and tasting (yes with local wines). Take a trip to a traditional Balsamic production facility to understand this 'vinegar' and its complexities is a must - Villa San Donnino should be on everyone's planner.

Flights from the UK to Rimini resume in July or take a flight to Bologna and rent a car, a Ferrari if you're feeling flush.