Usually, there’s only one way to get inside the private test track at Ferrari’s factory in Maranello, Italy — and that’s buy a Ferrari. But if a $250,000 car is a bit out of budget, Smithsonian Journeys’ $6,000 Auto Tour of Italy, starting May 10, is a more palatable pass behind the scenes. Despite its Fort-Knox reputation, Ferrari will welcome Smithsonian guests for a front-row view of Formula One racecars and commercial prototypes as they’re pushed to the limit on the tarmac.

But don’t dally long: You’ve also got appointments at the famous Pininfarina design studio (which counts Ferrari and Alfa Romeo among its clientele); Fiat’s historic rooftop test track; Lamborghini’s factory museum and an exclusive viewing of a private Maserati collection. During this nine-day auto-orgy, you’ll be hopping from Turin to Milan to Modena, where you’ll have prime positions for watching the Mille Miglia, Italy’s iconic open-road rally. You’ll catch the pre-1957 speedsters as they streak toward the finish line on the last leg of the three-day pseudo-race (they have to obey speed limits these days). By then, of course, you’ll be able to sound off on every make and model that rattles down the cobblestone roads.