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Monza, Italy
The race: The hordes of Italians that have been flocking to Monza since 1922 are considered the most ardent racing fans in the world. There is reason to be passionate about this race (September 12 to 14), because the track is known for its legendary straightaways, making it one of the fastest and most exciting circuits in F1. Details: The Italians’ enthusiasm means that rooms and tickets go quickly, so enlist the help of Formula Tours to snag a hotel in the Lake Como district. Three days of tickets in the Prima Variente No. 8 grandstand alongside the track’s fastest stretch, as well as private transfers—important because Monza is 30 miles away—run $1,499 (888-367-6851 or formulatours.com). Lodging: Seasoned sailors can trade in the horsepower for wind power and rent a boat to take in the lake’s beautiful scenery (sailingdays.it). Celebrities and fans looking to be closer to the action often stay in Milan, which is a mere 10 miles south of the Autodromo Nazionale in Monza. To get a taste of Italy’s architectural heritage, stay at the exclusive Town House Galleria, which is housed in the magnificent 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and offers butler and limousine service (from $1,260 a night; townhousegalleria.it). Sustenance: Though Italy is known for pasta, in Milan the locals eat risotto, and few do the rice dish better than Cracco-Peck, a two-Michelin-star, celebrity-heavy restaurant (011-39-02-87-67-74). Off-track excitement: If the crowds in the city become too much to bear, rent a Ferrari 430 Spyder from Elite Rent ($3,600 per day; eliterent.com) and head south down the A1 motorway to Modena, the home of Ferrari. Though you have to own a Ferrari to tour the factory, for just 20 bucks you can check out Enzo’s first creation—the midcentury 125S—at the company’s Galleria museum (galleriaferrari.com).
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