Welcome Riders!
If, due the Covid 19, we are forced to cancel the tour you will be fully reimbursed!
Final dates will be published at the end of 2020, when Dorna will announce the 2021 calendar.
Arrive in Rome, pick-up your Ducati, BMW or Moto Guzzi motorcycle and then spend 6 fantastic days riding the twisty roads in the heart of Italy, and 2 days at the Autodromo del Mugello circuit to watch Vale and his MotoGP competitors put on a stunning show of speed, talent and craziness to make this tour the ultimate Italian experience for the serious motorcycle enthusiast!
Yes, this is Italy, a motorcycle riders paradise! The endless curves, the historic small towns, the high mountain passes, the quaint little hotels, the food & wine, and watching MotoGP action at Mugello. Top it off with a visit to the Ducati Museum and Factory makes this the ultimate trip for motorcycle touring for MotoGP fans.
The passion of Italy is what makes this tour sexy. The food, the cars, the motorcycles, the people are all made with a passion for life. Enrico Grassi, founder of Hear the Road Tours and Cat MacLeod, owner of Leod Escapes in the USA work together to make this tour unforgettable. Like, so many great Italian things, the tour is authentic, curvy, exciting, and delicious.
The tour starts and ends in Rome, which allows easy planning to extend your visit to this fabulous city should you want to.
Highlights
Roads
5 / 5
Landscape
4 / 5
Art & History
5 / 5
Food / Wine
5 / 5
Where We Ride – What We See – What We Hear
-
A private car will take you from the airport to your hotel where Enrico, host of Hear The Road, will be awaiting for a friendly Italian welcome.
Arrival in the late morning/early afternoon is recommended.
Freshen up and settle into your room before gathering in the bar of the hotel for a “Meet and Greet” to get to know your tour colleagues. We are now ready to pick up the bikes and return them to the hotel garage.
Back in the hotel Enrico will brief you on the tour and answer all your questions.
It’s finally time to go out and enjoy our “Welcome Dinner”, where you’ll have the chance to learn more about the stimulating next 10 days.
OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME.Highlights:
Meet your motorcycle, meet your guides, meet your fellow riders and enjoy a welcome dinner.
-
We start by heading north towards Tuscia, the land of the ancient Etruscans. Here we have one of Italy’s biggest hazelnut-growing areas, the tasty nut that Ferrero transforms into the world-famous Nutella spread.
On the road, we will stop shortly in Civita Castellana for a cup of good Italian coffee, and then, back on the bikes, we’ll ride the lovely lakeshore roads around Lake Vico and Lake Bolsena, and continue through the scenic backroads of Val D’Orcia – one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Arriving in Radicofani we will stop for lunch. Radicofani is a small, stunning town that has been awarded an Orange Flag (the Orange Flag is the Italian Touring Club award for less-known, well-kept tourist sites, promoted since 1998). The town perches on top of a small hill, just below a majestic fortress dated 973 AD.
On the way to Siena we stop to visit Pienza, considered to be the incarnation of a Renaissance utopia and an ideal city. Today it continues to show off to the world its refined and sophisticated Renaissance urban plan: its spaces and perspective onto its 15th-Century “piazza and palazzo” are organized according to the era’s ideals of rationality and humanism.
Back on the bikes we ride the sweeping roads that cross the Crete Senesi, famous for its stunning moonscape.
The delicious arrival dinner in Siena is home-cooked by Mrs. Letizia, proprietor of a lovely 16th century Inn. You will be truly spoilt in celebration of your first ride in the heart of Italy.
OVERNIGHT IS IN SIENA (The hotel has a swimming pool).Highlights:
Tuscia Viterbese, Civita Castellana, Val D’Orcia, Radicofani, Pienza, Crete Senesi, Homemade Dinner.
-
Are you ready to be amazed by the stunning Tuscan roads ? Marvelous landscapes, historic art, delicious food and great wine! The first part of the morning will be spent riding south on roads that are a real ecstasy for motorcyclists: sweeping bends, scenic stretches of tar, beautiful landscapes, miles and miles of vineyards, and lots of historic stately villas.
The first stop is going to be in San Galgano where we will be seeing the stunning, roof-less Abbey, and the tiny church of Montesiepi, birthplace to our own “sword in the rock”.
Once back on the bikes we will head towards the lovely hill-town of San Gimignano, also known as “la Città delle Torri” (City of Towers), surrounded by its 13th-Century walls, where we will immerse ourselves in Medieval atmospheres.
San Gimignano is 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. These are just some of the reasons that made San Gimignano earn its place in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.From here we will cruise the less-known roads of the Chianti Region, going north to Greve in Chianti, where Giovanni da Verrazzano was born: the famed Italian explorer who first arrived into what today is New York Bay.
Back on our saddles we will head South to Siena, riding more fantastic miles along the sweeping Chianti roads.
We’ll spend the night strolling around the narrow streets of the beautiful town of Siena. With the perfect restaurant we’ll celebrate another day that you’ll will remember fondly when you are back home!
OVERNIGHT IS IN SIENA.Highlights:
San Galgano, San Gimignano, Chianti, Greve in Chianti.
-
We start the day riding the Strada Statale Chiantigiana and then we ride the winding roads that will take us through the mountains between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.
We stop to visit Vinci birthplace of Leonardo the Italian polymath of the Renaissance.
As we pass Pistoia we’ll give our right hands a workout for tackle the twisty road of the Tosco-Emiliano Pennine.As the sun begins to set, we will reach Borgo Panigale: the city of the speed…the city of Ducati!
OVERNIGHT IS IN BORGO PANIGALE.Highlights:
San Casciano Val di Pesa, Vinci, Porretta Terme.
-
In the morning we will visit the Ducati Factory and Museum, to see where passion on two wheels is built. Ducati has always represented the unique motorcycle philosophy that fuses Italian genius to contemporary and avant-garde technology. They make a damn sexy bike!
With our eyes and heart full of beauty, we twist the throttle to challenge the endless curves of the Tosco-Emiliano Pennine. With adrenaline pumping, we take on the Raticosa Pass and Futa Pass, two of Italy’s most famous motorcycling venues! When a new Ducati is being tested, this is where it goes.
In the afternoon we fall in love with Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Yes, today is a really amazing day when we witness the future of passion and speed in the morning and the modern birthplace of art and science in the afternoon!
OVERNIGHT IS IN FLORENCE.Highlights:
Ducati Factory and Museum, The Raticosa Pass, The Futa Pass, Florence.
-
It’s time to unleash our passion for motorcycle sport!
Before to arrive at Mugello we tackle the Gioco Pass and Sambuca Pass, other two famous Italian motorcycling venues!
A short break in Palazzolo Sul Sieno, then finally we get to Mugello World MotoGP Circuit to attend the MotoGP qualifying.
OVERNIGHT IS IN FLORENCE.Highlights:
The Giogo Pass, The Sambuca Pass, Qualifying at the Mugello.
-
Today you learn why a hundred thousand fans are here at Mugello. Nothing compares to watching the drama live, especially in Italy!
Set in the rolling farmland hills outside Florence, this is THE race that defines Italy. This battleground track with elevation changes and sweeping turns makes it a favorite with riders and spectators. These are the ultimate bikes, the ultimate circuit and the ultimate crowd.
There’s not language barrier today. The cheers and jeers of your fellow fans are clearly understood and you will find yourself screaming along with them. The environment is infectiously passionate.
With your adrenaline surging, join the wild party as the track officials open the circuit at the end of the racing. Walk, run and take your photos on the way to watch the podium award ceremony. Maybe you’ll get close enough to get sprayed with champagne.
This is why MotoGP fans from all over travel here to watch and be a part of the spectacle. This is a day you will never forget!
OVERNIGHT IS IN FLORENCE.Highlights:
Moto 3, Moto 2 and Moto GP races at Mugello.
-
We leave Florence heading towards Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi which, with its sweeping and twisty roads, will be another proof how Italy is sexy for riders!
A short break in Stia and then we get back on the bikes and we reach Anghiari where we will have lunch. Anghiari is a small medieval jewel enclosed in massive 13th century walls that preserve the ancient and original atmosphere of small medieval towns.
And the day is not over yet! On the way to Orvieto we stop at a bar faced on the beautiful Lake Trasimeno. Dad and son, owners of the bar, are two enthusiast riders, so they will be happy to make the best coffee of Umbria for you!
Then we join the scenic SS71, plunging towards Orvieto.
OVERNIGHT IS IN ORVIETO.Highlights:
Consuma Pass, Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Anghiari, Lake Trasimeno, SS71.
-
Today we’re going to finish in style. We’ll be leaving Orvieto going east on the fantastic “Strada Provinciale 79”, named by the locals ‘La Strada delle Mille Curve’ (the Road of 1000 Curves). Although it is true that the world is too large to ride the same roads twice, we will be making an exception for ‘La Strada delle Mille Curve’: we’ll be riding uphill from Orvieto to Colonetta di Prodo, and then coming down again from Colonetta to Orvieto… back and forth over 20 km of pure adrenaline!
On the way back to Rome we will stop to take a photo of Civita di Bagnoregio, a spell-binding town, suspended as if by magic on a tuff rock.
Our last lunch on the road together will be a picnic on the shores of Lake Vico, nestled under the Cimini Mountains, where we will feast on panini stuffed with cheese and local prosciutto!
It will then be time to mount up once again and head for the motorway that will take us to Rome, where we’ll return our bikes. A refreshing shower, and then off to dinner to celebrate your wonderful Italian experience.
OVERNIGHT IS IN ROME.Highlights:
‘La Strada delle Mille Curve’ (the road of 1000 curves), Civita di Bagnoregio, Picnic at Lake Vico, Farewell Dinner, Rome.
-
And now it’s time to say “Arrivederci” to your tour friends, pack souvenirs and cameras into your bags. After breakfast, all guests will be taken to the airport.
Highlights:
Transfer to the airport.
Prices
- BMW F800 R
- BMW F750 GS
- Moto Guzzi V7 III Stone
- Ducati Scrambler 800
- Ducati Monster 797
- BMW F800 GT
- BMW F850 GS
- BMW F900 R
- BMW F900 XR
- Ducati Hypermotard
- Ducati Supersport
- Ducati Multistrada 950
- Moto Guzzi V85 TT
- BMW R1250 GS
- BMW R1250 R
- BMW R1250 RS
- BMW R NINE T
- Ducati Scrambler 1100
- BMW R1250 GS ADV
- BMW R1250 RT
- BMW S1000 XR
- BMW S1000 R
- Ducati Multistrada 1260
- Ducati Monster 1200
- BMW K1600 GTL
- Ducati Diavel
Included, excluded & terms
-
- motorcycle rental with side cases, top case, tank bag, 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.
welcome and farewell dinners in Rome. - accomodation: 2 nights including breakfast in 4-star hotel in Rome, and 7 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.
- entrance ticket to Ducati Factory and Museum in Borgo Panigale.
- entrance tickets to Mugello Circuit to attend the qualifying and the races (Grandstand on Saturday and Sunday).
- 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, tank bag, 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).
-
- fuel for your motorcycle.
- tolls on motorways.
- entrance fees to museums or other sites, except for Ducati factory and Museum in Borgo Panigale).
- gratuities and tips.
- all meals and beverages, except for the welcome and farewell dinners in Rome.
- 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.
If, due the Covid 19, we are forced to cancel the tour you will be fully reimbursed!
Testimonials
Gallery
Video
Creation of the tour: Associazione Culturale Hear The Road.
Organization and marketing: Hear The Road srl.