Italian Motorcycle Odyssey

On arrival at Milan’s Malpensa Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative who will hand over your motorcycle (BMW 1250 GS or similar) after the paperwork is completed. Once you have familiarised yourself with the vehicle – it’s time to hit the road.  Head into Milan where you can explore the city and check out some of the highlights including: Castello Sforzesco; Milan Cathedral; or spend some time enjoying the designer shops or the elegant cafe bars. Milan is a great place to ease into the Italian lifestyle 

Overnight in Milan: NH Milano Macchiavelli or similar

After breakfast, head out of the city for the city of Parma. There are plenty of options for a stop depending on the route you take: Pavia with its Renaissance monastery – Certosa di Pavia; or the ancient city of Piacenza with its splendid central Piazza Cavelli and Gothic Palace; or  Cremona, home to a Stradivarius collection at the Violin Museum, a city rich in Violin-making heritage. On arrival in Parma, check-in to your hotel and explore on foot, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine accompanied by the famous Parma Ham or the

renowned Reggiano Parmesan.

Overnight in Parma: NH Parma or similar

We’d suggest an early start today as the journey to Florence offers plenty of opportunities for stops enroute. Take a stop at Modena – the home of the supercar where Ferrari and Lamborghini originate; or Bologna, with its rich political and culinary history. The highlight of teh day will be your arrival into Florence, a city which oozes elegance, romance and culture from every pore. A ride up to Piazzale Michelangelo from where you can view the city from above is not to be missed! 

Overnight in Florence: NH Firenze or similar

Take some time after breakfast to explore Florence before you head south for the gem that is Siena. Enroute, meander through country lanes, lined by tall Cypress trees and emerald fields; past ancient hill-top towns and vineyards and take some time to explore the Sienese hills, and taste the wonderful produce of the area, such as pecorino di Pienza, Chianina meat, and many other delicacies.

Overnight in Siena: NH Siena or similar 

Siena is renowned for its magnificent mediaeval architecture and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo. Enjoy a morning exploring the intricate alleys and magnificent piazzas of Siena. This afternoon we’d recommend exploring the Chianti area before returning to Siena. 

Overnight in Siena: NH Siena or similar

After breakfast, continue southeast into Perugia and take some time to explore the beautiful lake-side towns that line the shores of Lake Trasimeno, the fourth largest lake in Italy. A small diversion will take you to the city or Perugia or Assisi where the Basilica of San Francesco D’Assisi is well worth a visit. Continue to the ancient town of San Martino in Campo.

Overnight: San Martino in Campo: Posta Donini Historic Hotel 1579.

After breakfast, head southwest to the Eternal City, Rome! As you arrive into the city, head for Monte Pincio, which offers panoramic views over the city, and the Gianicolo Gardens, before riding through the wonderful streets of Rome, the set of countless films, from “La Dolce Vita” to “La Grande Bellezza”. 

Overnight in Rome: NH Roma Villa Carpegna or similar

The day is free to explore the Eternal City with its ancient monuments, palaces and churches and an endless array of piazzas and fountains. 

Overnight in Rome:  NH Roma Villa Carpegna or similar

Today you head south towards the beautiful resort town of Sabaudia on the Coast of Ulysses. With nature reserves and long stretches of sandy beaches you can take a deep breath away from city lights for the night.  Enjoy a climb up Mount Circeo, or visit the splendid Terracina, there are plenty of options along this coastline. 

Overnight in Sabaudia: Oasi di Kufra

Continue your journey south as you head for the bustling port city of Naples. Take a stop enroute at the historic Montecassino with its abbey – which was restored after allied bombing in WWII – and nearby war cemetaries. As you ride into the Naples area, visit Vomero for some great views over the city and the bay. Spend some time exploring Naples, with its passionate people and vibrant food.

Overnight in Naples: NH Napoli Panorama or similar

An early start will afford you the opportunity of riding past Mt. Vesuvius, and around the Sorrento and Amalfi coastline with their colourful houses clinging to plunging cliffs. Continue southwest through rural countryside to the ancient town of Matera, renowned for its old cave dwellings, also known as the ‘stones of Matera’. Ride through the ancient streets reliving the landscapes that have provided an evocative backdrop to many a great film or book. 

Overnight in Matera: Locanda di San Martino or similar

Explore the town this morning before heading east towards Bari. Ride along roads lined by olive groves and orchards, through quiet villages as you head for the breezes of the Adriatic Coastline. Explore the busy port city of Bari, and discover local cuisine such as focaccia and pasticciotti!

Overnight in Bari: iH Hotels Bari Oriente or similar

Enjoy a day exploring the wonderful Apulian coast and check out the photogenic Trulli houses, a style of construction specific to the Itria Valley in the region of Puglia.

Overnight in Bari: iH Hotels Bari Oriente or similar

Time to say arrivederci as you head to Bari Airport to drop off your motorcycle.