Welcome Riders!
The first part of this trip is a guided tour: a long ride through the South of Italy, enjoying its beauty and great food. There is nothing quite like experiencing the Amalfi Coast on a motorcycle. The view of Matera will be a memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
You will fall in love with the colors and the fragrances of the Costiera Amalfitana; ride the Italian “coast to coast” from Campania to Puglia; get lost on the off-beaten tracks of Basilicata; return to Rome through the dramatic back-roads of the Abruzzese Pennines; visit historical venues such as Pompei and Matera.
And, if all of this is not enough, get ready to enjoy the Italian night-life!
Yes, riding on 2 wheels through the chic Mediterranean towns of Amalfi, Positano & Ravello is unforgettable. The visions of historical Matera and witnessing the devastation of Pompei are without words.
Endless miles of exciting and picturesque coastal roads of Southern Italy’s shoreline make this trip almost surreal. We won’t forget the fabulous food and hospitality…and nor will you!
The second part of the trip is a self guided tour: a great journey into the heart of Italy which includes five days experiencing the scenic curvy backroads of Tuscany and Umbria. But also time to discover beautiful art-filled cities, such Orvieto, Pienza, and Civita di Bagnoregio.
The tour includes 2 nights in the ‘World Heritage” city of Siena, and 2 nights in the Majestic City of Orvieto. Last overnight of the tour is in Rome.
The lovely 16th century Inn in Siena has a spectacular view overlooking the town; nestled into the center of a wonderful winery with 4 stars food, the Wine Resort Hotel in Orvieto has a spa with whirlpool, Turkish bath, and sauna.
Where We Ride – What We See – What We Hear
-
A private car will transfer you from the airport to the hotel where you will find your Hear The Road host Enrico, waiting to give you a warm Italian welcome.
Late morning/early afternoon arrival is recommended.
OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME. -
In early afternoon we go to pick up the bikes and bring them to the hotel garage.
Back to the hotel Enrico gives you a general briefing of the tour and will be very glad to answer to all your questions.
Finally we are ready to go all together to taste the “Welcome Dinner”, where you’ll learn more about what to expect for the next exciting week.
OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME.Highlights:
Meet your motorcycle, Meet your guide, Meet your fellow riders. Welcome Dinner.
-
We’ll be leaving Rome going east towards Subiaco where we will stop to visit the Saint Benedict Abbey.
Back on our bikes we’ll be riding the narrow scenic road towards Jenne (passing through lots of tunnels sculpted into the mountain-sides!), and then on to Guarcino, where we’ll be stopping for our first lunch on-the-road.
Once we’ve re-charged our batteries, we’ll be ready… for the great plunge, heading for the Mediterranean Sea.
We’ll reach Sperlonga at sunset, just in time to watch the sun dip into the sea as we sip our Italian aperitif, celebrating our first fantastic day on the amazing roads of Southern Italy.
OVERNIGHT IS IN SPERLONGA.Highlights:
Abbey of Saint Benedict, Ciocaria, Sperlonga.
-
Leaving Sperlonga we’ll be heading south towards Pompeii, where we’ll be visiting the world-famous archaeological site. In Pompei there is the significant evidence of Roman it is like an open book, providing terrific information about the art, the traditions, the commerce and everyday life before 79 A.D.
Back on our bikes we’ll be heading South again towards the amazing Costiera Amalfitana.
OVERNIGHT IS IN RAVELLO.Highlights:
Visit of Pompei, Amalfi Coast, Ravello.
-
Today we’ll be living a love-story amongst the colors and fragrances of the beautiful Costiera Amalfitana.
A day of pure indulgence: riding along the extraordinary coastline roads; lunching in Marina di Cantone, on a spectacular terrace overlooking the sea; going shopping in the quaint streets of Positano; having an aperitif at the outdoor tables of a local bar, watching the sun to set into the deep blue sea.
But there will also be time to visit the Pasta Factory in Gragnano, where they make pasta in the old traditions… What more?
OVERNIGHT IS IN RAVELLO.Highlights:
Factory of Pasta in Gragnano, Lunch by the sea at Marina di Cantone, Amalfi Coast, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello.
-
We’ll be leaving Ravello today and heading south for our last, incredible ride on the Costiera Amalfitana which will lead us to Vietri sul Mare. There will be time for a coffee and a last photo of the Coast, and then we’ll be ready to challenge the exciting roads of the Cilento National Park.
A special lunch will be waiting for us as we come into the Basilicata region. We’ll be stopping at the Latteria Salvia (Salvia Dairy) for a cheese-tasting experience. This is a really special opportunity… You will taste different kinds of cheese produces by the Salvia family who use old pastoral-tradition production methods.
Back on our bikes, we’ll be riding the spectacular Strada Statale Appia, built in 264 B.C by the Romans to get to the port of Brindisi, from where merchant ships set sail towards Magna Graecia.
But we will be stopping earlier, in Matera, home to the famous “Sassi”, one of the most amazing, integral examples of Troglodyte (cave dweller) settlements in the Mediterranean area, blending in perfectly to its terrain and ecosystem. UNESCO named the “Sassi” a World Heritage Site in 1993.
OVERNIGHT IS IN MATERA.Highlights:
Amalfi Coast, Cilento National Park, Cheese Tasting, Matera.
-
There is lots to see and do in Matera, so on this “Free day”, you’ll be able to visit the town at your own pace. There are some incredible historic buildings worth visiting, and also some great Italian style shopping to do!
If you prefer to be on your bikes, an afternoon ride, led by Enrico, has been organized, departing from and returning to our hotel in time for dinner.
The Town of Matera
Matera is located 400 meters above sea level and is 45 km from the seaside, and has about 55.000 inhabitants. Although the town is best-known for the “Sassi” district, there are also many other charming and beautiful churches and buildings.
The Romanesque Cathedral, built in the 13th century, stands impressive on the Civita hill, and is well-worth visiting, as are the wonderful cisterns under Piazza Vittorio Veneto.The “Sassi”
This is the original heart of the city of Matera.
The “Sassi” district is a town unto itself, carved out of the face of the calcareous rock – known as tufo stone. The ancient town dwellings are cut into the steep slopes of a deep ravine with surprising and unusual features known as the ‘Gravina’.
Here you can see a variety of architecture: elegant, multi-faceted buildings, underground mazes, cave labyrinths: everything forming one single amazing setting….
OVERNIGHT IS IN MATERA.Highlights:
Visit of Matera by your own.
-
We leave Matera and we ride more exciting back roads of Basilicata, then we enter Puglia.
We pass through the village of Castellaneta and Martina Franca to get to Taranto where we stop for lunch.
Back on the bikes we ride the coastal road faced on the Ionian Sea and we reach the walled town of Gallipoli.
OVERNIGHT IS IN GALLIPOLIHighlights:
Castellaneta, Martina Franca, Ionian Coastal Road, Gallipoli
-
There’s no better day to be on the bikes! From Gallipoli we head towards Santa Maria di Leuca, know as il Tacco d’Italia (the heel of Italy), just one bend and we are on the other side of Italy!
We then head north, following the breathtaking coastline road of Salento to the beautiful city of Lecce, a Baroque masterpiece of Southern Italy.
After visiting the city ride towards Gallipoli. A nice glass of wine…maybe two will be waiting for us!
OVERNIGHT IS IN GALLIPOLI.Highlights:
Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, Salento, Lecce.
-
We leave Gallipoli heading north riding along back roads surrounded by century old olive trees that, with their huge and contorted trunks, seem to remember the faces of wise elders.
After a quick break at Ostuni, we reach Alberobello, a town characterized by its famous dry stone huts with conical roofs, called Trulli.
After visiting Alberobello, we ride towards the city of Altamura.
OVERNIGHT IS IN ALTAMURA.Highlights:
Ostuni, Alberobello.
-
Today is going to be our last day along the coastline roads of Southern Italy, and it’s going to be a great day!
Before getting to the coast we will be visiting the amazing Castel del Monte, famous for its octagonal shape; it’s built directly on a rocky bank, in some places cropping out.
We will then be riding the fantastic roads on the Gargano Promontory, seeing its dramatic cliffs plunge into the Adriatic Sea, and passing through the villages of Vieste and Rodi Garganico.
OVERNIGHT IS IN TERMOLI.Highlights:
Castel del Monte, Gargano Promontory, Vieste.
-
Today we will be doing the Italian “Coast to Coast”, from East to West, which will take us through 3 fantastic Italian regions: Molise, Abruzzo and Lazio.
We will be riding along great mountains roads, reaching the Passo Godi, where we will be having our last lunch on the road.
At Anversa Degli Abruzzi we join the highway to Rome.
After returning our bikes, we’ll go back to the hotel to freshen-up before meeting again for our final delicious dinner together, celebrating our amazing Italian motorcycle experience.
OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME.Highlights:
Scanno, Abruzzo National Park, Farewell Dinner.
-
After the great ride in the South Of Italy you need a rest day to charge your batteries before challenging your next adventure on the scenic back roads of Tuscany and Umbria
Highlights:
Sleep well, make laundry and charge your batteries.
-
You head north towards Tuscia, an area once inhabited by the Etruscans. This is also one of Italy’s biggest hazelnut grove areas, the small nut that Ferrero magically transforms into the famous Nutella spread.
After a short break for your first good Italian coffee on the road in Civita Castellana, you get back on the bikes and ride, first the beautiful coastline roads that run along the shores of Lake Vico and Lake Bolsena, and then the scenic backroads of Val D’Orcia – a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You arrive in Radicofani where you stop for lunch. Radicofani is a stunning Orange Flag awarded town (The Orange Flag Award was an idea formed by the Italian Touring Club in 1998 with the aim of promoting tourism in lesser known places in Italy) which surrounds the base of a hill on which the majestic fortress has stood since 973AD.
On the way to Siena you visit the tiny village of Bagno Vignoni, another fantastic little medieval village with its characteristic piazza boasting an enormous 16th-Century thermal bathtub is truly fascinating!
OVERNIGHT IS IN SIENA (The hotel has an infinity pool with a spectacular view of Siena).
Highlights:
Tuscia Viterbese, Civita Castellana, Val D’Orcia, Radicofani, Bagno Vignoni.
-
Are you ready to be blown away by the stunning roads of Tuscany? Spectacular landscapes, art, first-class food and wine! In the first part of the morning we head south riding on roads that are a true paradise for motorcyclists: wide bends, scenic stretches of asphalt, incredible landscapes, miles of vineyards, and dozens of stately villas.
Your first stop is San Galgano where you visit its stunning Abbey without the ceiling, and the little church of Montesiepi home to our very own “sword in the rock.
Back on the bikes you reach the gorgeous hilltown of San Gimignano, a splendorous Medieval atmosphere enwrapped by its 13th-Century wall, also known as “la città delle torri” (the city of towers).
“A masterpiece of creative human genius, it is unique testimony to a past civilization, and as an exceptional exemplar of both architectonic complex and landscape, demonstrates significant passages in human history.” It is for such qualities that San Gimignano earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.Back on the bikes you still cruise less known roads of the Chianti Region heading north to Greve in Chianti, the birthplace of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the famous Italian explorer who first sailed into New York Bay.
Back on the saddle you head South to Siena, for more exciting kilometers along the sweeping roads of Chianti.
Yes, today is a day that you’ll will remember fondly when you are back home!
OVERNIGHT IS IN SIENA.Highlights:
San Gimignano, Chianti Region, Greve in Chianti.
-
“Arrivederci” new friends, it’s time to collect the souvenirs and cameras and pack your bags. After breakfast, all guests will be transferred to the airport.
Highlights:
Transfer to the airport
Prices
- BMW G310 GS
- BMW F750 GS
- BMW F900 R
- Ducati Scrambler 800
- Ducati Monster 797
- Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
- BMW F850 GS
- Moto Guzzi V85 TT
- Ducati Multistrada V2
- Ducati Supersport
- Ducati Scrambler 1100
- BMW R1250 GS
- BMW R1250 R
- BMW R1250 RS
- BMW R NINE T
Included, excluded & terms
-
- motorcycle rental with side cases, top case, locks and alarm. (For rented bikes a deposit for damage, theft, and fire, between € 1.500 and € 2.500 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: 6 nights including breakfast in 4-star hotel in Rome, and 13 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 only for the Guided Tour of the Amalfi Coast and South of Italy.
- courtesy van to pick up and leave the bikes.
- guided tour of the archeological site of Pompei (about 3 hours).
- only for the Guided Tour 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.
- motorcycle rental with side cases, top case, locks and alarm. (For rented bikes a deposit for damage, theft, and fire, between € 1.500 and € 2.500 is requested, depending on the chosen model).
-
- 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.
-
- €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.
- €800 Deposit, to be paid, on reserving a place on the tour.
-
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.
Creation of the tour: Associazione Culturale Hear The Road.
Organization and marketing: Hear The Road srl.
