The Italian Dream motorcycle tour

Welcome Riders!

Book now to get one free night to use before or at the end of the tour !

This tour is a long-awaited experience, designed by Enrico Grassi – the founder of “Hear the Road” – and Cat MacLeod – founder of “Leod Escapes”. It caters to track riders who want the best curvy roads and the most authentic of experiences.

It’s an 11-day / 10-night tour which includes a one-day track event at the Mugello World MotoGP Circuit, where you can join Ducati Riding Experience to improve your track experience under the expert guidance of Ducati instructors.

Arrive in Rome and get your touring motorcycle. Warm up your tires and heart in the hills and valleys of Tuscany; jump on a ferry and challenge the dramatic roads of Corsica between the mountains and the sea; ferry again to Sardinia and ride the beautiful twisties high above the sea; ferry back to Italy arriving in Livorno, and twist through Tuscan wine-country to Mugello; join the Ducati Riding Experience for a one-day track event where instructors help you get the most out of a Panigale V2 or V4S!

WOW!!! This tour takes your breath away. It’s pure adrenaline for enthusiastic riders with a big heart and a smooth right hand.

Authentic 3 and 4 star hotels, amazing food, and local expertise complete the tour.

This fabulous tour starts and ends in the beautiful city of Rome.

Highlights

Where We Ride – What We See – What We Hear

• Day 01

  Day1 - Welcome to Rome

  You will be taken to the hotel from the airport by private car. Here you will find Enrico and Cat, waiting for you to give you a warm Italian welcome.

  After you’ve left your baggage in your room and had an energizing shower, we’ll be waiting for you in the hotel bar so you can “Meet and Greet” your tour colleagues. It’s now time to collect the bikes and drive them back to the hotel garage.

  On returning to the hotel Enrico will be giving a general brief of the tour, and will be glad to answer any queries.

  It’s time to head out all together to enjoy the “Welcome Dinner”, during which you’ll find out what to expect over the sensational next days.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME, ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Meet your motorcycle, meet your guides, meet your fellow riders, Welcome Dinner.

• Day 02

  Day2 - Rome to Livorno

  358 Km / 223 miles

  This is quite a long day, but it’s a good one: full of wide bends, stretches of great scenery, small villages perched on the hill-tops of this fabulous part of Italy: a true paradise for motorcyclists!

  We ride like Italians, so we must stop late in the morning for a bracing Espresso coffee in Trevignano Romano; then we are ready to challenge the sweeping road towards the Maremma, an area once inhabited by the Etruscans.

  After our first lunch on the road, we get back onto our saddles and ride another beautiful road – flanked by vineyards and olive-groves – which leads us to Grosseto.

  As we approach our afternoon stop in Bolgheri, we’ll ride along a 5km stretch of road lined with iconic ancient cypress trees.

  Back on the bikes we head towards Livorno for our overnight stay.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN THE COASTAL TOWN OF LIVORNO, ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Trevignano Romano, Lake Bracciano, Maremma, Scansano, Bolgheri.

• Day 03

  Day3 - Ferry Livorno to Bastia > Bastia to Ferayola

  206 Km / 129 miles

  Early in the morning we board the ferry to enjoy a the 4-hour crossing, with fantastic views, heading for to Bastia, on the north east coast of Corsica.

  Once off the ferry we’re ready to truly acknowledge the beauty of the French island roads:we start on the D80, the route that goes to the “finger”, which has impeccable tarmac and breathtaking scenery with the sea on your right; adrenalin pumps through your veins, and your right hand has a mind of its own!

  After a short stop in Macinaggio we stay on the D80, heading south to Nonza, famous for its unsettling black sand; on to Saint Florent, and then straight through the Désert des Agriates till you reach route N197.

  The road finally opens up, and the scenery is just as beautiful.

  After Calvi the road gets narrower once again, the sun sinks into the sea projecting the shadow of your motorbike on the rough tarmac; the scenery alternates between stunning views of the sea and valleys filled with vineyards.
  Your hotel is in the middle of nowhere, but you’ll sleep wonderfully and – above all – you’ll get to taste the best wild boar in the whole of Corsica.
  OVERNIGHT IS OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN FERAYOLA, CORSICA – FRANCE.

  Highlights:

  Dramatic coastline roads, Nonza, Desert des Agriates.

• Day 04

  Day4 - Ferayola to Bonifacio > Ferry Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura

  258 Km / 161 miles

  Here’s where things start getting surreal as the scenes that meet your eyes are too idyllic.
  Google Maps will tell you that it takes an hour to reach Les Calanche di Piana from Ferayola: don’t you believe it!! The road is narrow and windy, and the scenery is distracting in its beauty, with majestic red cliffs that tumble into the turquoise water.
  It’s really worth slowing down every now and then.

  Stopping to take a photo of the Calanche, another UNESCO site, is mandatory. This incredible place, far above the sea, has views that are close to surreal. Some of the rocks have distinctive shapes: the head of a dog, a heart, a bishop.

  Back on the bikes the road gets wider and better, right down to the coast and Sagone, where we stop for lunch.

  Back on the bikes we continue heading South. Along the road an enormous, majestic sitting lion watches the motorbikes speed by. A quick stop to salute him, take a picture, and you’re back on your saddle, all the way to Bonifacio with its high white cliffs, where you take the ferry to Santa Teresa di Gallura and Sardinia.
  OVERNIGHT IN SANTA TERESA DI GALLURA, SARDINIA – ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Dramatic coastline roads, Les Calanche, Bonifacio.

• Day 05

  Day5 - Santa Teresa di Gallura to Tresnuraghes

  295 Km / 184 miles

  We leave Santa Teresa heading south to the challenging beautiful roads of the Gallura.

  After a coffee break, we’re off to Tempio Pausania, at the foot of Monte Limbara; a charming town famous for its cork products and granite.

  More twists and vistas bring us to the Roccia dell’Elefante, “The Elephant Rock”. This striking dark trachyte rock has been sculpted by the wind. After a good lunch with the Elephant, we ride towards Alghero. This ancient Catalan walled city has become a lovely little resort town.

  After a short visit, we are ride the stunning road that joins Alghero to Bosa, and from here climb up towards Tresnuraghes.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN TRESNURAGHES, SARDINIA – ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Tempio Pausania, Charamonti, Elephant Rock, Alghero, coastline road from Alghero to Bosa.

• Day 06

  Day6 - Tresnuraghes to Cala Gonone

  262 Km / 163 miles

  We head south-east towards the rugged scenic roads of the Monti del Gennargentu, a vast wild area, crossed with deep gorges and canyons. This land that is totally unspoiled and is home to rare species of wildlife.
  After the lunch in Fonni we ride south to the Gulf of Orosei, completing our “coast to coast” ride of the entire island.
  It’s time for a break, and Baunei is the perfect place: “a village that clings onto a steep drop, on the chalk cliffs of Monte Santo, isolated in the isolated Ogliastra”, as the historian Vittorio Angius wrote.

  Back on the bikes we ride along the beautiful 45 kms on the SS125 right up to the lavish entrance of a tunnel which, on exiting, reveals the beauty of the Orosei Gulf, where, nestled at it’s end, is Cala Gonone where you’ll spend your last night on the island.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN CALA GONONE, SARDINIA – ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Boreneddu, Fonni, Gennargentu National Park, Baunei, SS 125, Gulf of Orosei.

• Day 07

  Day7 - Cala Gonone to Olbia > Overnight ferry to Livorno

  235 Km / 147 miles

  Today the code-word is: lose yourselves!!! We’ve got the time, so we can take it easy and enjoy our last kilometers of green and blue scenery: pines, mastic trees, vineyards, ancient oaks, and the sea and the mountains that kiss on the horizon.

  Once we’ve left Cala Gonone, we head inland at once. Passing through Oliena and then on to Orgosolo, where a coffee-stop is mandatory. We are in the land of canto a Tenore, yet another UNESCO site, and also home to the murales, the beautiful paintings that tell the stories of Sardinia’s life, culture and political trials.

  From here we pass through the small towns of Mamoiada, holders of ancient traditions, tales of bandits and a timeless culture.

  We pass round Nuoro, get onto route SS 389 and we are on the beautiful road, flanked by cork-oaks and pastures, that leads to Bitti.

  After lunch we reach Olbia on the coastal road.

  THE FERRY LEAVES OLBIA AT 10PM AND REACHES LIVORNO THE NEXT DAY AT 6:30 AM.

  OVERNIGHT IS IN ON THE FERRY FROM OLBIA TO LIVORNO.

  Highlights:

  Orgosolo, Bitti, Coastal Road to Olbia.

• Day 08

  Day8 - Livorno to Mugello

  236 Km / 147 miles

  We’ll probably still be a little sleepy when we get off the ferry… but it’s time to start the day!

  And – besides the usual great Italian espresso coffee – the fantastic scenic road that takes us to Volterra will truly wake us up. Volterra is a charming town is Etruscan, older than Rome, and the epitome of what a Tuscan hill-town should be.

  Back on our saddles we’ll cut through the Chianti region amongst vineyards and ancient olive-groves, reaching our hotel in time for a good night’s rest, waiting for the big day: tomorrow we’ll ride a Ducati on the Mugello MotoGP Circuit!
  OVERNIGHT IS IN MUGELLO, ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Volterra, Chianti Region.

• Day 09

  Day9 - Day Track at the Mugello MotoGP Circuit

  34 Km / 22 miles

  Welcome to Mugello! The Italian icon of the MotoGP. Today we park the street bikes and ride this famous circuit on Ducati sport bikes.

  Ducati has specially prepared a group of 959 Panigale and Panigale V4 so enthusiasts like you can get a real taste of riding a MotoGP course. Your experienced instructors are local racing stars and can not only help you find the right lines but improve your riding skills as well.

  Now names like Savelli, Scarperia, Arrabiata 1 and Arrabiata 2 will no longer be just names on a map, they’ll be curves you’ve ridden.

  Compare stories and celebrate tonight as we stay again in Scarperia.
  OVERNIGHT IS IN MUGELLO, ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Ducati Riding Experience on Panigale V2 or Panigale V4.

• Day 10

  Day10 - Mugello to Rome

  344 Km / 214 miles

  Right! Because we are bikers right up to our very last breath, we’re back on the road, killing the last kilometers of this fantastic trip!

  We exit Mugello, heading toward Fiesole, also known as ‘La Collina di Firenze” (Florence’s Hill).

  Leaving Florence behind us, we dive into our next lap: the fantastic scenic Chiantigiana State Route.

  From Siena we get onto the Cassia which will take us back to the Eternal City… and yes, it’s true: all roads lead to Rome!!

  We hand back our bikes (needless to say the tires might be a little worn.. ho ho ho!), and then we head on to the hotel to relax and prepare for our last dinner together.

  We hope you have a late flight out tomorrow, because we plan to celebrate our wonderful Italian adventure late into the evening… with lots of limoncello!
  OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME, ITALY.

  Highlights:

  Fiesole, Chianti, Radicofani, Farewell Dinner.

• Day 11

  Day11 - Departure day

  Time to say “Goodbye”, shop for any last minute souvenirs, and pack your bags. Transport is scheduled to get you to the airport on time. Please let us know your departure flight information so arrangements can be made.

  Highlights:

  Transfer to the airport

Included, excluded & terms

• What is included?

  • only for those who have decided to rent their bike through us: motorcycle rental with side cases, top case, locks and alarm. (For rented bikes a deposit for damage theft and fire, between 1.250 and 3.000 euros is required 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.
  • ferry ticket: Livorno to Bastia, Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura, Cagliari to Civitavecchia.
  • Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) at MUGELLO WORLD MOTOGP CIRCUIT.
  • accomodation: 2 nights including breakfast in 3-star hotels in Florence, 8 nights including breakfast in 3/4-star hotels in
    the towns where we will stop during the tour, and 1 night on the ferry from Cagliari to Civitavecchia
  • welcome and farewell dinners in Florence.
  • transfer from and to the airport.
  • Italian and American tour leader.
  • courtesy van to pick up and leave the bikes.
  • 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.
  • gratuities and tips.
  • all meals and beverages, except for the welcome and farewell dinners in Florence.
  • flights to and from Florence.

• Terms of payment

  • €1.500 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

Tom C.

recommended Hear the Road

If Ernest Hemingway were alive today, he'd be All IN for the Italian Motorcycle Dream with Hear The Road and Leod Escapes. Anyone can get on a plane and be walking through Rome, Bologna or Sienna the next day, but to truly experience Italy, you must embrace the 'possibilities!' Traveling with Enrico and Cat you will motor though small Italian villages with pit stops for delicious espressos and grand vistas. You will re-create your own version of the famous Italian race the Millie Miglia, cresting famous mountain passes with names such as Futa, Raticossa and Muraglione. Enrico sharing unique stories about your current location, farm to table dinners with paired wines and downtime to explore the area at your own pace. Finally, a dedicated day at truly one of the most spectacular racing venues in all of motorports, Autodromo Mugello. You will drive your track-prepped Ducati faster than you have ever gone,video-taped and critiqued by Ducati's own racers and end the day celebrating your success with your fellow travelers over thick cuts of steak and red wine. Just like Ernest would have."

Gavin & Janet B.

recommended Hear the Road

The Italian Dream Tour was spectacular in every way. This trip was perfect for motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy riding on twisty roads with a wide variety of gorgeous scenery. Every day was filled with a generous amount of riding combined with stops at amazing locations. The food and carefully selected accommodations at off the beaten path locations made for a true Italian experience. Spending a day riding at Mugello circuit was the ultimate way to turn a fantastic trip into a once in a lifetime memorable event. Janet and I appreciate the fact that this was a well planned and well coordinated event, yet accommodated individual preferences and desires so that it never felt regimented or rigid. his trip is a must for anyone wanting an authentic Italian vacation that reaches into places that are best be appreciated on a motorcycle."

Brad K.

recommended Hear the Road

The Italian Motorcycle Dream Tour was truly a dream come true for us! Great food, great roads, amazing scenery and history, and a track day to boot! Enrico, Cat, and Nancy do an excellent job of putting together the itinerary, even arranging a surprise stop at a small bar in the middle of the twisties where they seemed to expect us. After friendly greetings and introductions, we had lunch and watched MotoGP live, complete with screaming fans/patrons and a win by local favorite Valentino Rossi! The selection of accommodations was diverse and all of them good, with the highlights for us being the B&B close to Siena and the incredible Altarocca Winery Estate. The list of enjoyable experiences goes on and on…A day in Rome, castle hunting, (including the astounding fortress of Radicofani), the Ducati factory tour, Misano World Circuit and the Ducati Rider Experience, Valentino Rossi’s Club, exploring the extraordinary city of Orvieto, the truly magical “lost city” of Bagnoregio, or the medieval city of Todi. The camaraderie of the group was really enjoyable, and riding together, at a brisk but safe pace, was a blast. Great food, remarkable roads, incredible scenery, friendly people, marvelous history, amazing experience! There are a lot of motorcycle tour companies out there, this is the one that attaches a track experience. It is grand….. Bravi!!!

Justin L.

recommended Hear the Road

From start to finish the communication, planning and logistics were absolutely perfect! I hardly had to think the entire trip because everything was planned out for me. All I had to do was enjoy the trip of a lifetime. We got to ride roads, eat in restaurants and stay in places only someone with local knowledge could find. Italy is a gorgeous country with a lot to offer and we got the best of it. The track day at Misano exceeded my expectations. You got one on one coaching from world champion racers on the nicest track I've ever ridden. Enrico wanted to make sure the trip was perfect and he delivered. The execution was flawless and I can't wait to do another country with them next year. Enrico could give you a tour of a morgue and you'd have fun. He's the kind of guy you want to be around and share wine with. You'll hang on his every word and laugh all day long. His passion for motorcycles is only matched by his passion for his country. You'll learn from him, laugh with him, and be better for it. Don't hesitate, sign up and ride with him you'll be happy you did.

Greg D.

recommended Hear the Road

Why should you tour Italy on a motorcycle? Italy will spoil you with its maze of sinuous roads, impress you with ancient ruins, and indulge you with its cuisine... Last June, six other riders and I went on Hear The Road inaugural “Mugello & Italian Backroads” tour, a 6-day moto-romp through central Italy that included the Ducati Riding Experience, a full day of track riding and instruction on 899 Panigale sportbikes at Autodromo del Mugello, the 3.26-mile, 15-turn circuit nestled in the hills of Tuscany…Tour groups are small, guides are locals and hotels and restaurants are hidden gems. Although the track day at Mugello set the hook for this tour, it was just one of six full days of riding. By the time we returned to Rome, we had covered nearly 1,000 miles on mostly small, twisty, out-of-the-way roads, and each day brought new highlights and unique experiences. Paul Jones Full impression in all things Italian – incredible “locals only” back roads, small Italian villages, unbelievable scenery, and of course the food. Then when you’re fully intoxicated by desmos and expresso’s, you get to ride the Pantheon of race tracks – Mugello. Riding a Ducati at Mugello with professional instruction from World champions is simply an incredible experience. Just twist your wrist and enjoy – Enrico has thought of everything else for you.

Paul J.

recommended Hear the Road

Full impression in all things Italian – incredible “locals only” back roads, small Italian villages, unbelievable scenery, and of course the food. Then when you’re fully intoxicated by desmos and expresso’s, you get to ride the Pantheon of race tracks – Mugello. Riding a Ducati at Mugello with professional instruction from World champions is simply an incredible experience. Just twist your wrist and enjoy – Hear The Road and Leod Escapes have thought of everything else for you.

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