Amalfi Coast and Southern Italy motorcycle tour

Welcome Riders!

The Amalfi Coast and Southern Italy tour includes 6 riding days and one free day in Matera.

Riding on 2 wheels through the chic Mediterranean towns of Amalfi, Positano & Ravello is unforgettable.
The visions of historical Matera and the witnessing the devastation of Pompei are without words.
The exciting and picturesque coastal road of the Gargano Promontory in Puglia makes this trip almost surreal.
Ride the Italian “coast to coast” through the dramatic back-roads of the Abruzzese Pennines is one of the gem of the trip!

And once the sun has set, pulling off your boots and relaxing in a four star hotel, eating great food, enjoying superb wine, and exploring what the local night-life has to offer.

Enrico Grassi, Tour Leader and Founder of Hear the Road has spent many hours discovering the riding routes and the extraordinary hospitality to leave you with a holiday adventure you will always remember with a smile.

The tour starts and ends in Rome, which allows easy planning to extend your visit to this fabulous city should you want to.

Highlights

Where We Ride – What We See – What We Hear

• Day 01

  Day1 - Welcome to Rome

  From the airport you will be transferred by private car to your hotel. Here you will find Enrico, your Hear The Road host, ready to warmly welcome you to Italy.

  Late morning or early afternoon arrival is recommended.

  After settling in your room and freshening up, we will be waiting for you in the hotel bar for a “Meet and Greet” amongst tour colleagues. We’ll then go and pick up the bikes and bring them back to the hotel garage.

  Once back at the hotel Enrico will give a general briefing of the tour, and will be happy to answer any questions.

  We are now ready to go out for our “Welcome Dinner” during which you’ll learn more about what to expect in the exciting upcoming week.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME.

  Highlights:

  Meet your motorcycle, Meet your guide, Meet your fellow riders. Welcome Dinner.

• Day 02

  Day2 - Rome to Sperlonga

  249 Km / 155 miles

  We leave Rome heading east towards Subiaco where we stop to visit the Abbey of Saint Benedict.

  Back on the bikes we ride the narrow scenic road that brings us to Jenne (passing through many natural tunnels dug into the mountain!), and then to Guarcino, where we stop for our first lunch on the road.

  Then, with our batteries re-charged, we are ready… for a great plunge towards the Mediterranean Sea.
  We reach Sperlonga just in time to admire the sun setting in the sea while we drink our Italian aperitif to celebrate our first great day on the challenging roads of Southern Italy.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN SPERLONGA.

  Highlights:

  Abbey of Saint Benedict, Ciociaria Region, Sperlonga.

• Day 03

  Day3 - Sperlonga to Ravello

  167 Km / 104 miles

  We leave Sperlonga heading South towards Pompei where we stop to visit this famous archaeological site. Pompei is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization, and, like an open book, provides outstanding information on the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past.

  Back on the bikes we head South again to reach the Costiera Amalfitana.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN RAVELLO.

  Highlights:

  Visit of Pompei, Amalfi Coast, Ravello.

• Day 04

  Day4 - Amalfi Coast Loop

  122 Km / 76 miles

  Today we fall in love with the colors and the fragrances of the Costiera Amalfitana.

  A day of pure pleasure: riding on the dramatic coastline roads; having lunch on a beautiful terrace facing the sea at Marina di Cantone; shopping in beautiful city of Positano; drinking an aperitif while sitting at the table of a characteristic bar, waiting for the sun to set into the sea.

  But there is also time to visit the Factory of the Pasta in Gragnano, where they still make Pasta following old traditions… What else?
  OVERNIGHT IS IN RAVELLO.

  Highlights:

  Factory of Pasta in Gragnano, Lunch by the sea at Marina di Cantone, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello.

• Day 05

  Day5 - Ravello to Matera

  272 Km / 170 miles

  We leave Ravello heading south for the last unforgettable ride on the Costiera Amalfitana that take us to Vietri sul Mare. Time for a coffee and for the last picture of the Coast, and then we are ready to challenge the winding roads of the Parco Nazionale del Cilento.

  We enter Basilicata and a special lunch is waiting for us. We stop at Latteria Salvia (Diary Salvia) for a “cheese tasting”. This is a really an uncommon food experience… You will eat all kinds of cheese that the Salvia family continues to produce using production methods of the old pastoral tradition.

  Back on the motorcycles we join the spectacular Strada Statale Appia, which was built by the Romans to get to Brindisi, the port from where merchant ships departed to reach Magna Grecia.

  Finally we arrive in Matera, home of the most outstanding, intact example of a Troglodyte (cave dweller) settlement in the Mediterranean region, perfectly adapted to its terrain and ecosystem.

  OVERNIGHT IS IN MATERA.

  Highlights:

  Amalfi Coast, Cilento National Park, Cheese Tasting, Matera.

• Day 06

  Day6 - Free day in Matera

  There is so much to see and do in Matera, so we chose this as our ‘Free’ day, where you can visit the town on your own. There are lots of historic buildings to visit as well as some wonderful shopping, Italian style!

  For those who prefer to ride, we’ve organized an afternoon ride led by Enrico that leaves from and returns to our hotel.

  The Town of Matera
  Matera counts about 55.000 inhabitants, is located 400 metres above sea level and is 45 km from the seaside. Much appreciated and renowned for its Sassi districts, the town also boasts other charming and beautiful buildings.
  You can visit the Dome, built in the 13th century, in Romanesque style, standing impressive on the Civita hill.
  The Sassi
  The Sassi district is the ancient heart of the city of Matera.
  The Sassi surround the Civita and constitute a city unto itself, completely carved out of the face of the calcareous rock -what is known as tufo stone. The Sassi district is a system made of dwellings carved out of the steep slopes of a deep valley with surprising and unusual features called the ‘Gravina’.
  Elegant and multi-faceted buildings are interspersed with underground mazes and cave labyrinths, forming one single stunning landscape….
  OVERNIGHT IS IN MATERA.

  Highlights:

  Visit of Matera by your own.

• Day 07

  Day7 - Matera to Termoli

  373 Km / 232 miles

  Today is the last day on the coastline roads of Southern Italy, so it has to be a great day!
  Before reaching the coast we visit the magnificent Castel del Monte, that was built directly on a rocky bank, in some places cropping out, and is famous for its octagonal shape.

  Finally, we ride the stunning roads of the Gargano Promontory, with its dramatic cliffs that plunge into the Adriatic Sea. On the way, we pass through the villages of Vieste and Rodi Garganico.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN TERMOLI.

  Highlights:

  Castel del Monte, Gargano Promontory, Vieste.

• Day 08

  Day8 - Termoli to Rome

  369 Km / 230 miles

  Today we ride the “Italian coast to coast” from East to West, that take us through 3 spectacular regions: Molise, Abruzzo and Lazio.

  Highlight of the day is the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, a triumph of challenging roads, small villages clinging to the mountain, snow-capped mountain peaks.

  Our last lunch on the road is at Passo Godi. Back of the bikes we ride the Gole del Sagittario, then we join the highway to Rome.

  After returning the bikes, we arrive back at the hotel in time to freshen up before our final fabulous dinner together celebrating this wonderful Italian motorcycle experience.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME.

  Highlights:

  Passo Godi, Scanno, Abruzzo National Park, Farewell Dinner.

• Day 09

  Day9 - Departure Day

  The time has come to say, “Arrivederci” to your new pals, gather your souvenirs and cameras, and pack your bags. Once breakfast is over, you will be transferred to the airport.

  Highlights:

  We hope to see you again!

Included, excluded & terms

• What is included?

  • motorcycle rental with side cases, top case, locks and alarm. (For rented bikes a deposit for damage, theft, and fire, between € 1.500 and € 3.000 is requested, depending on the chosen model).
    WHAT IS THE DAMAGE SECURITY DEPOSIT? Each motorcycle has a damage deposit. This amount will be frozen on your credit card, but not cashed. The deposit is your maximum liability for theft or damage to the vehicle. Please ensure that you have enough funds to cover the damage deposit on your cards.
  • the bike rental prices include costs for public-liability insurance and insurance for any road assistance in case of break-down.
  • welcome and farewell dinners in Rome.
  • accomodation: 2 nights including breakfast in 4-star hotel in Rome, and 6 nights including breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels in the towns where we will stop during the tour.
  • transfer from and to the airport.
  • Italian tour leader.
  • courtesy van to pick up and leave the bikes.
  • guided tour of the archeological site of Pompei. (about 3 hours)
  • support van driven by Enrico’s assistant. The van will be carrying a tool-kit for small repairs. You’ll be able to leave your cases (1 suitcase + 1 handbag per person) in the van, as well as any souvenirs you pick up along the way. The van also has a couple of seats that passengers might like to use if they feel they need a little rest from the bikes!
  • a detailed Road-book with all the information you’ll need; a map with the route well marked; the “Wordless Travel Book”, and a Hear the Road T-shirt.
  • Insurance covering most any medical issue during the trip including, doctors, ambulance, hospital and any appropriate family travel.

• What is not included?

  • fuel for your motorcycle.
  • tolls on motorways.
  • entrance fees to museums or other sites (except for Pompei).
  • gratuities and tips.
  • all meals except for the welcome and farewell dinners in Rome.
  • all beverages.
  • flights to and from Rome.

  We also suggest that anyone traveling abroad for one of our Tours consider purchasing a “Travel Insurance”. It can take the worry out of the unexpected situations that can arise in any travel plan.

• Terms of payment

  • €800 Deposit, to be paid, on reserving a place on the tour.
    (The deposit is totally refundable in case we don’t reach the minimum number of participants).
  • Balance, to be paid, 60 days before the starting date when you get confirmation from HEAR THE ROAD.

• In case of cancellation

  If you decide to cancel the tour for whatever reason that does not depend on HEAR THE ROAD, these are the penalties that will incur:

  • up to 60 days prior to the starting date, HTR holds the deposit, that you can use for another tour in the same or in the following year.
  • between 59 and 10 days prior to the starting date you lose the deposit. HTR holds the balance that you can use for another tour in the same or in the following year.
  • from 9 days prior to the starting date you lose 50% of the total amount. HTR holds the remaining 50% that you can use for another tour in the same or in the following year.

Testimonials

Janine A. & Robert B.

recommended Hear the Road

It was lovely to wake up in the beautiful city of Matera with the rain falling outside. It’s the first time we have seen rain so far and it gives the ancient city a different look altogether. I can’t help but recap last night as we enjoyed yet another incredible feast and I could feel a real sense of pride in our first night in the south, particularly for showing us the best in local and traditional food. I loved the banter between Enrico and our waiter, especially the examples of dialect they were exchanging. This meal was a favourite of mine, with the variety of local vegetables to share amongst us and of course there was the pasta! Incredible. The trattoria was buzzing and Jim even managed to befriend some locals on the table next to us, sampling some strange and exotic cuts of meat. Another slow walk home with Enrico sharing stories, correcting my Italian along the way. I am beginning to love more and more, this slow pace of conversation and strolling each evening.

Daniel S.

recommended Hear the Road

Enrico, I can't thank you enough for the amazing trip and riding, it has been truly amazing. I am glad you have followed your passion and can enliven people to share your beautiful country on two wheels and the breeze blowing through their soul. I definitely heard the road and will be back for more of you amazing hospitality and great humour. A truly amazing and memorable experience Thank you isn't enough, but thank you greatly.

Jeffrey F.

recommended Hear the Road

If you are looking to ride through Italy, look no further than Hear-The-Road. Personally having never traveled to Italy in my life, I thought what better way to see it than on two-wheels. I was not disappointed. Motoring through some of the most stunning countryside, stopping at quaint villages and towns, Enrico knows the country in a way that maximized the Italian experience. Be ready to be immersed in all things, Italian. The scenery, the wonderful food, the accommodations are all top notch. One of my fondest memories were the frequent stops off-the-beaten path for espresso and biscotto. Enrico is calm, approachable, has a wonderful sense of humor and can answer just about every question imaginable, believe me I tried. Having been on a few motorcycle tours, I would put Hear-The-Road at the top.

Joyce Mc H.

recommended Hear the Road

This was a FABulous experience for me. Un. For. Gettable. Thirteen of us on ten bikes saw some ah-MAY-zing scenery (a gazillion Amalfi switchbacks, wonderful coastal views), ate delicious local foods, enjoyed wonderful side tours (Pompei, Capri, pasta factory, cheese maker) and stayed in some absolutely jaw-dropping boutique hotels.

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Creation of the tour: Associazione Culturale Hear The Road.
Organization and marketing: Hear The Road srl.