Italian Idyll Overview
- Enjoy a free day walking tour in famous, historic Florence
- Discover a remarkable way of life with overnight stays in a medieval village
- See the Gran Sasso mountains, Europe's highest outside the Alpine range
- Enjoy a free day in Siena
- Dip a toe in the Mediterranean & Adriatic Seas
- Visit a mine inside a marble mountain
- Spend your riding time on roads with more curves than you can imagine!
One could run through the alphabet and find phrases and descriptions—beginning with each of the 26 letters—that personify the wonderful country that is Italy. In an effort to bring this specialness to the fore, we have a delightful itinerary that is wholly Italian. The Regioni of Italy are comparable to the states in the U.S.A., and on the Italian Idyll we explore five: Tuscany, the Marche, Umbria, Lazio, and Abruzzo.
As with all Beach destinations, these offer tremendous terrain; scenery that truly does take the breath away; and riding opportunities incomparable elsewhere. To take maximum advantage of all that central Italy offers, this itinerary features many double overnights. These allow in-depth exploration, or riding each and every road that strikes your fancy.
The majority of the Italian Idyll takes place in magical little towns far from the normal “tourist circuit.” Here life moves at a farmer’s pace, and seasons rather than hours or days dictate activity. The ancients left a special legacy, and our visits to Florence and Siena are the opportunity to appreciate the culture and beauty they created.
Walk the streets of Florence
We begin with the heart of Italy—Tuscany. All of Italy is beautiful, but this region surpasses all others in natural beauty. It is one of the most verdant areas with beech and fir woods, majestic and elegant cypress trees, and one hundred nature preserves. The rare scenic beauty is accompanied by a clear and unpolluted sea.
The Etruscans were among the earliest inhabitants of Europe. Tuscany has been the beneficiary of both Etruscan and Italian architecture, art, history, and civilization. Tuscany was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and as such, is home to the amazing villages, towns, and cities that provided the linkage between medieval man and modern man.
Nowhere is that link more apparent than in Florence where art, architecture, and history abound. Stroll on the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest surviving bridge across the Arno, and shop for antiques, jewelry, crafts, and leather goods.
A tranquil scene in the Tuscan countryside
Olive groves & vineyards
As modern men and women, we have the opportunity to ride, and ride we shall! Traffic in the cities and main roads is heavy and wearing. But away from the main valleys dynamite little roads await. These tiny roads take time and reward you, the explorer, with a glimpse of Italy that is unforgettable in its timelessness.
These roads of Tuscany take you through olive groves, spectacular mountains, medieval villages, and quiet countryside—and oh, the vineyards. The character of Italy is as complex and ingenious as the products of the grape. As if the incomparable Verdicchios, Valpolicellas, and Chianti Classicos weren’t enough, consider how the Italians transform what’s left of the grape into Balsamic vinegar. Decades of time and a little magic produce a substance sweet enough to be a dessert topping and prized enough to sell for more than $60 an ounce.
Incessant curves on wonderful roads
We touch the Marche more than once, with good reason. Seemingly a more 3-D version of Tuscany, the hills of the Marche are higher and the views are more expansive. We travel south at right angles to a majority of the valleys. Crest a range of hills and be treated to a wonderful view, again and again throughout the day! The economy of this peaceful area relies on service, agriculture, and artisans. Another delight for riders is the total lack of heavy industry, meaning that inland roads have not been bloated and straightened to handle the burden of large vehicles. Rather, Marche's roads faithfully follow the contours of the land.
The roads of Marche, Italy have little to no traffic. Perfect motorcycling!
To the Coast
The ride to the east coast requires two International border crossings, as it crosses the entire width of San Marino—all 15 kilometers of it! Our overnight in this curious Republic adds another pin on your map, and another tale to tell.
Our eastern-most overnight stop is on the Adriatic in the shadow of Monte Conero. Striking white cliffs descend to a rocky beach that runs for miles north. On a clear day it is possible to see Croatia from the hilltops. The summer crowds haven't yet arrived, and we have the area to ourselves.
In the footsteps of the Ancients
Turning inland, our next destination is Monte Subassio. We pass through areas that were well established settlements for 2 or 3 centuries before the Romans arrived! Spello was one of the most important Umbrian cities in Roman times. Today it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy!
Our double-overnight here allows time for either on or off the bike activities. Curvey roads are a given, but shopping in Foligno, paragliding from the mountain, hiking in the forest, or simply enjoying the magic of Umbrian sky and air might conspire to keep you off the bike.
Ride the Gran Sasso Range
A dip into Abruzzo takes us from sea level to the highest and wildest portion of the Apennines. Three mighty mountain chains contain the highest peaks in the Italian peninsula. Villages seem to cling to the cliffs for dear life. Farming is possible only in the valleys and in the hills brown bear, chamois, wolf, and the golden eagle are still to be found.
Our double overnight has been arranged specifically to benefit the riders, for roads in the Gran Sasso offer some of the best riding in the entire country! Snow capped mountains are not what one would expect in Italy, yet here they are, towering over your truly unique accommodation in a Medieval village. The Gran Sasso is one more place certain to leave a lasting memory.
The Gran Sasso National Park
To the center of Italy
The fascinating city of Rieti is not only the geographical center of the Italian peninsula, but is also one of the oldest cities in the country. A tour of the subterranian sections of the city, built by the Romans around 300 B.C. gives us a glimpse of how an eon of Italy's history is literally hidden from sight.
Our next overnight (after a bit more romping around on mountain roads) is on the shore of Europe's largest volcanic lake.
Bitter Rivals—Florence & Siena
For centuries the Guelphs of Florence bitterly fought the Ghibellines of Siena. Our last double-overnight, in Siena, gives us a chance to get a sense of the changes brought by the Renaissance. Money, talent, and new ideas flowed into Florence while Siena languished. Their loss is our gain, as Siena is now a more 'genuine' medieval city, unaffected by the changes that swept through Florence. The crowds are absent, the back alleys quieter, the shopping more affordable.
The roads between the two cities are brilliant, meandering over the Tuscan hills, around and through vineyards and ancient settlements. Captivating vistas and little traffic make for a great ride!
Magical, Mythical Stone
Carrara marble is known world-wide for its consistency, workability, and beauty. For 2 millennia the mountains behind Carrara have been quarried and exported. We have arranged a tour to the top of the quarries for an unforgettable view of this enterprise.
Roman and Renaissance cities
As an alternative to dancing with your bike on brilliant roads, Italy’s culture and history come alive in the cities visited on the Italian Idyll. Your free days allow detailed exploration of the tiny dot that is medieval Santo Stefano, artistic and beautiful Florence, and elegant Siena. Cross the Arno on the Ponte Vecchio, enjoy a glass of Chianti in Piazza del Campo or revel in the surf pounding the breakwall near a town square. Take it lightly, or dive in with tourist vigor.
Just another of Italy's delightful villages
Riders have excellent options on free days if these impressive cities don’t strike your fancy. Each day on the Italian Idyll has been thoughtfully planned to offer a variety of routes of various distances. Enjoy the cities, revel on the country roads—it is your choice.
As you will find, from the sun-drenched coasts to the snow-clad peaks, central Italy is a paradise for motorcyclists. There is magic to be found in the antiquities: the magnificent museums, the art treasures, the architecture, the parks, gardens and streets, and food and wine that is nothing short of irresistible. And the people! Yes! In short, the entire Italian Idyll is magical!
