Europe has the world's great circuits and the companies that built the cars. The best driving experience depends on what you want from it: a private circuit, a factory course, a legend to tick off, or ice.
In short: For a Grand Prix circuit to yourself, with a supercar, private coaching and the whole trip handled, choose Stratos. For a structured factory course, choose Porsche. For Ferrari owners, Corso Pilota. For the legend, the Nürburgring Nordschleife. For winter, ice driving in Lapland.
Key facts
- Stratos: 2 full days on a privately hired Grand Prix circuit, 15 drivers max, from €32,500 with car, coaching, hotel and meals.
- Porsche Track Experience: two-day Master from €3,999; hotel and travel not included.
- Ferrari Corso Pilota: reserved for Ferrari clients.
- Nürburgring Nordschleife: about 20.8 km and more than 70 corners; best for experienced drivers.
- Spa-Francorchamps open pit lane days: about €690 to €1,199 in your own car.
The best, by what you want
Best private circuit experience: Stratos
- What it is: two full days on a privately hired Grand Prix circuit, for 15 drivers max.
- Cars: available cars, which may include a Porsche 911 GT3 or GT3 RS, a Ferrari F8 Tributo or a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. We keep a supercar fleet on hand, and you can also request other cars.
- Included: private coaching with professional race drivers, 3 nights luxury accommodation, every meal, transfers, photo and video.
- Experience needed: none.
- Price: from €32,500, VAT included.
Best factory course: Porsche Track Experience
- What it is: a ladder of courses from first laps to a GT3 RS, on shared dates at Grand Prix circuits.
- Price: two-day Master from €3,999; Master GT3 RS €6,299 plus €10,400 to rent the car.
- Best for: learning one brand step by step, at the lowest price per hour.
- Know before you go: hotel and travel are yours to arrange, and the fastest cars need earlier courses.
Best for Ferrari owners: Corso Pilota
- What it is: Ferrari's two-day driving school, in three levels.
- Price: €14,640, VAT included, for Sport at Fiorano.
- Know before you go: it is reserved for Ferrari clients.
Best for beginners in a supercar: Stratos
No prerequisites, a coach beside you from the first lap, and a circuit with no traffic. Most programs keep their fastest cars for returning drivers. Stratos puts a GT3 RS, a Ferrari or a Lamborghini in your hands on day one.
Best for the legend: Nürburgring Nordschleife
- What it is: 20.8 km and more than 70 corners through the Eifel forest, open to the public on tourist days and for organizer track days.
- Best for: experienced drivers. It is long, fast and unforgiving, and not the place to learn.
- Price: tourist laps are sold singly, from about €30 a lap; full track days cost more.
Best open track day: Spa-Francorchamps
- What it is: an open pit lane day on one of the great circuits, in your own car.
- Price: €690 to €1,199 a day.
- Know before you go: you share the circuit with up to 70 cars, and the car, tires, insurance and hotel are on you.
Best in winter: ice driving in Lapland
Porsche and McLaren run ice programs on frozen lakes in Finnish Lapland, and Lamborghini runs one in Livigno, Italy. Porsche's start at €7,990.
Best all-included trip: Stratos
Flights are the only thing you book. The circuit, the car, the coach, the hotel, the dinners and the transfers are done. You just show up.
How they compare
| Stratos | Porsche Track Experience | Open track day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| On track with you | 15 drivers max | Course groups | Up to 70 cars |
| Car | Supplied, three brands | Porsche | Your own |
| Coaching | Private | Group | Extra |
| Hotel and meals | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Experience needed | None | None at entry | Varies |
| Price | From €32,500 | From €3,999 | €690 to €1,199 plus your car |
How much track days cost · Private vs open track days · See upcoming events
FAQ
What is the best driving experience in Europe?
For a private Grand Prix circuit with a supercar, coaching and the trip included, Stratos. For a factory course, the Porsche Track Experience.
What is the best driving experience for a beginner?
One with no traffic and a coach in the car. Stratos needs no experience and privately hires the whole circuit.
Can I drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini on a Grand Prix circuit in Europe?
Yes. Available cars may include the Ferrari F8 Tributo and the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.
Which European circuits can I drive?
Any Grand Prix circuit in Europe, subject to availability.
How much does a luxury driving experience in Europe cost?
From about €4,000 for a two-day factory course to €32,500 and up for a private, all-included event.
What is the most exclusive driving experience in Europe?
A privately hired Grand Prix circuit. Stratos reserves the entire circuit for 15 drivers max, by invitation.
Where can I drive a Porsche GT3 RS in Europe?
With Porsche, on its Master GT3 RS course after earlier courses, or with Stratos, with no prerequisites.
Can I drive on Formula 1 circuits in Europe?
Yes. Stratos can reserve any Grand Prix circuit in Europe, subject to availability.
What is the best driving trip in Europe for Americans?
One where everything after the flight is handled. Stratos includes transfers, 3 nights, meals, the car and coaching.
About Stratos
Stratos runs exclusive driving experiences at Europe's greatest Grand Prix circuits, for founders and leaders. Each event privately hires the entire circuit for 15 drivers max, with a supercar fleet, private coaching with professional race drivers, 3 nights of luxury accommodation and 2 full track days. Stratos is invitation-only.