By Igor Dorić
Countries: Italy
Duration: 10 days / 7 riding days
Length: 1 850 km (1 150 mi)
Price: 6 490 EUR pax (double room, BMW F750GS), pillion 4 990, single room supplement 1 350 EUR
Road conditions: 100% asphalt
Highlights: Venice, Florence, Siena, Val’d Orcia, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Ferrari Museum, Chianti wine
Accommodation: 4* cozy & charming hotels, countryside villas where available
Tour starts: Venice (Mestre), Italy
Fly in: Venice International Airport (VCE)
Tour ends: Venice (Mestre), Italy
Fly out: Venice International Airport (VCE)
General description:
Imagine yourself cruising through the timeless landscapes of Tuscany, where every twist of the throttle brings you closer to Italy’s rich cultural tapestry. The Essence of Italy motorcycle tour is not just a ride—it’s a hand-crafted journey through the soul of Tuscany designed to immerse you in the art, history, and beauty that have inspired travelers for centuries. Starting in Venice, the City of Canals, this 10-day odyssey invites you to experience the ultimate blend of thrilling motorcycle routes, indulgent luxury, and Italy’s most iconic destinations.
Your journey begins in Mestre Venice, where the charm of ancient streets and Venetian architecture set the stage for what lies ahead. As you hit the road, feel the thrill of navigating the scenic roads that wind through Tuscany’s rolling hills, surrounded by vast vineyards, olive groves, and medieval hilltop towns.
This isn’t just a motorcycle tour – it’s an immersion into the art of living. Feel your pulse quicken as you approach the hallowed grounds of Ferrari’s Museum in Maranello, where Italy’s racing legacy comes alive. Lose yourself in the Renaissance splendor of Florence, where every piazza holds centuries of artistic genius. Let the charm of Lucca’s preserved walls and hidden gardens restore your spirit during a perfectly timed rest day.
Your journey takes you to places that define the essence of Italian beauty: the dramatic coastal villages of Cinque Terre, the gothic magnificence of Siena, and the enigmatic Etruscan mysteries of Volterra. Each destination has been selected not just for its beauty, but for the stories it will add to your personal legacy of adventure.
As twilight approaches each day, retire to our handpicked collection of boutique hotels and authentic countryside villas, where historic charm meets modern luxury. These intimate accommodations, each chosen for their distinct character and premium comfort, become your private sanctuary after a day of exploration. Every evening brings a new culinary adventure as you savor included gourmet dinners featuring regional specialties, paired with local wines and shared among new friends.
This tour is crafted for those who crave unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The intimate size of our groups ensures personalized attention and the flexibility to embrace spontaneous moments of discovery.
Join us for an adventure that goes beyond the ordinary – let the Essence of Italy awaken your senses and take you on the motorcycle journey you’ve always dreamed of.
Why Choose the Essence of Italy Tour?
Ultimate Italian Excellence – From boutique Tuscan villas to gourmet regional dining, experience Italy’s finest accommodations and cuisine across an expertly curated journey
Legendary Roads & Destinations – Perfect blend of thrilling rides through Chianti hills and Apennine passes, connecting Italy’s most iconic locations from Venice to Florence, Ferrari to Cinque Terre
Culture Meets Adventure – Immerse yourself in UNESCO sites, medieval towns, and Renaissance cities while enjoying the perfect balance of exhilarating riding and relaxed exploration
Premium Experience – Limited group sizes, latest-model motorcycles, and hand-picked stops ensure an exclusive adventure worthy of both riders and companions
Couple-Friendly Adventure – Designed to delight both riders and companions with a perfect blend of excitement, culture, and luxury
Photographic Paradise – Capture timeless moments from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic coastlines of Cinque Terre, creating memories that will last a lifetime
Don’t just dream about the Italian adventure – secure your place on this exclusive journey where legendary roads, Renaissance splendor, and luxury combine to create the motorcycle tour of a lifetime. Limited spaces available for this season’s most coveted Italian escape.
Your perfect Italian chapter awaits – will you be one of the few to write it?
Day by Day:
-
Day 1, Mestre, Venice – arrival day
Your Italian adventure begins in Venice, where you’ll meet the crew and your fellow riders. After checking in, the day is all about getting familiar with your motorcycles and going over important tour details. We’ll take care of rental paperwork and ensure everything is ready for the journey ahead. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you can relax, savor local cuisine, and connect with the group. Tomorrow, the ride begins!
-
Day 2, Mestre – Florence
Your Italian adventure begins as you leave the enchanting canals of Venice behind, heading south towards motorsport’s spiritual home. The morning ride takes you through the scenic Veneto region, where the landscape slowly shifts from coastal plains to rolling hills. In Emilia-Romagna, the legendary “Motor Valley,” your pilgrimage leads to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello. This exclusive stop offers a thrilling dive into Ferrari’s legacy, showcasing its most iconic models and the passion that fuels this legendary brand.
From Maranello, the route winds through the breathtaking Apennine Mountains, where sweeping curves and panoramic views create the ultimate rider’s playground. As you descend into Tuscany, the hills soften, leading you toward Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Arriving in the late afternoon, the sight of the magnificent Duomo towering over the Renaissance city will leave you in awe. Tonight, savor your first taste of authentic Tuscan cuisine as you dine with fellow riders, sharing stories from an exhilarating first day on Italy’s roads.
Distance: 330 km / 205 mi
Road Character: A mixture of sweeping fast roads, concluding with scenic Tuscan country roads
Highlights:
- Ferrari Museum visit in Maranello
- Apennine Mountain crossing
- Arrival in UNESCO World Heritage city of Florence
-
Day 3, Florence – Siena, (3 nights)
Today’s journey captures the very soul of Tuscany as you wind through the celebrated Chianti region. Leaving Florence behind, you’ll soon find yourself on the famous Chiantigiana wine road (SR222), where perfectly banked curves carry you past ancient estates, vineyards, and cypress-lined hillsides.
Your mid-morning stop in enchanting Cortona offers spectacular views across the Val di Chiana to Lake Trasimeno. After exploring its charming medieval streets, continue through some of Tuscany’s most engaging roads to the magnificent city of Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the famous Piazza del Campo and soaring Torre del Mangia await your discovery.
Approaching Siena, you’ll understand why this landscape has captivated travelers for centuries – the perfect harmony of nature and human cultivation, with olive groves, vineyards, and cypress trees painting the hills in distinctive Tuscan hues. As day gently fades into evening, ride the final stretch to your authentic Tuscan retreat near Siena.
Distance: 250 km / 155 mi
Road Character: Continuous curves through rolling hills, well-maintained country roads with excellent grip
Highlights:
- Chianti region and the famous Chiantigiana wine road
- Historic hill town of Cortona
- Medieval splendor of Siena
- Authentic Tuscan accommodation
-
Day 4, Siena – loop ride
Today’s circular route showcases Tuscany’s remarkable diversity, from hilltop wine towns to the untamed Maremma coast. Beginning with a thrilling ride to Montepulciano, you’ll climb the winding roads to this Renaissance jewel, famous for its Vino Nobile wines and sweeping Val d’Orcia views.
The route then leads you through the pristine forests surrounding Monte Amiata to Castel del Piano, where Mediterranean mountain life unfolds in authentic charm. Descending toward the coast, the landscape transforms dramatically as you approach Grosseto, gateway to the Maremma region where Tuscany reveals its wild side of pine forests, olive groves, and glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Each twist and turn today reveals Tuscany at its most unspoiled—gentle hills, cypress-lined roads, and endless vineyards. Return to your Siena retreat in time for another relaxing evening, where the day’s highlights become memories shared over a fine Tuscan dinner.
Distance: 280 km / 170 mi
Road Character: Mix of mountain twisties, coastal sweepers, and countryside curves
Highlights:
- Renaissance splendor of Montepulciano
- Monte Amiata mountain roads
- Maremma coastal region
-
Day 5, Siena – loop ride
Today’s route strings together some of Tuscany’s most spectacular hill towns, beginning with the perfect circular walls of Monteriggioni, a fortress town that appears virtually unchanged since its mention in Dante’s Divine Comedy. The morning roads wind their way to San Gimignano, where medieval towers pierce the sky – a stunning testament to centuries of rivalry and wealth.
Your journey continues to mysterious Volterra, perched high above ancient alabaster mines, before descending to the stunning Gulf of Baratti, where Etruscan tombs meet crystalline waters. The return loop through Montecerboli reveals a different side of Tuscany, where geothermal activity creates an otherworldly landscape of steam vents and mineral-painted earth.
End your day of time travel with a final golden-hour ride back to your villa, where the evening’s dinner provides the perfect setting to reflect on a day of extraordinary discoveries.
Distance: 280 km / 170 mi
Road Character: Twisting hill roads, coastal curves, and panoramic countryside routes
Highlights:
- Perfectly preserved Monteriggioni fortress
- San Gimignano’s medieval towers
- Etruscan Volterra and coastal Baratti
- Geothermal wonders of Montecerboli
-
Day 6, Siena – La Spezia
Bid farewell to your Tuscan villa as today’s route carries you northward through some of Italy’s most celebrated cities. Your first stop is Pisa, where the famous Leaning Tower and pristine Campo dei Miracoli provide a perfect morning pause. Continue to the enchanting city of Lucca, where perfectly preserved Renaissance walls encircle a living museum of architectural splendors.
The afternoon brings a dramatic change of scenery as you climb into the Garfagnana region through Castelnuovo, a hidden gem nestled in the Apuan Alps. Here, marble-topped mountains and deep valleys create a motorcycling paradise of switchbacks and sweeping curves, before descending to the Gulf of La Spezia, where the Mediterranean’s azure waters signal the day’s end.
Check into your seaside accommodation, where the fresh scent of the Mediterranean and stunning coastal views set the stage for tomorrow’s Cinque Terre adventure.
Distance: 280 km / 170 mi
Road Character: Mix of countryside roads, mountain passes
Highlights:
- Iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Renaissance walls of Lucca
- Garfagnana mountain region
-
Day 7, La Spezia
Trade your motorcycle for a guided exploration of the stunning Cinque Terre, where five ancient villages cling dramatically to the cliffs above the Mediterranean. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a perfect rest day immersed in the Italian way of life at its most enchanting.
Your guided tour weaves through the famous villages each offering its own unique character and charm. Wander through narrow caruggi (alleyways), discover hidden beaches, and savor the region’s renowned seafood and white wines. This day provides a refreshing break from the saddle while delivering some of Italy’s most photographed vistas. Return to your La Spezia accommodation refreshed and rejuvenated, ready for tomorrow’s riding adventures.
Distance: 0
Highlights:
- Guided tour of Cinque Terre villages
- Spectacular coastal photography spots
- Traditional Ligurian dinner
-
Day 8, La Spezia – Lago di Garda
Leave the Mediterranean coast behind as today’s route carries you through Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s celebrated food valley. Your journey takes you to Reggio Emilia and Parma, birthplaces of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma, where a carefully planned lunch stop lets you savor these world-renowned delicacies in their hometown.
The afternoon ride brings you to the jewel of Lake Garda – the peninsula town of Sirmione, where Roman ruins and medieval castles rise from crystal-clear waters. Thread your way along the castle moat into this fairytale setting before continuing to your lakeside accommodation, where Alpine vistas meet Mediterranean flora.
Distance: 250 km / 155 mi
Road Character: Apenine Mountain twisties followed by fast-flowing country roads through Po Valley
Highlights:
- Gastronomic treasures of Emilia-Romagna
- Medieval charm of Sirmione
- Etruscan Volterra and coastal Baratti
- Lago di Garda (Lake Garda), the largest lake in Italy
-
Day 9, Lago di Garda – Mestre Venice
Your final day of riding begins along Lake Garda’s eastern shore, where morning light plays on the water as you wind your way toward Verona. Stop in the city of Romeo and Juliet, where the Roman Arena and medieval piazzas provide a perfect backdrop for your morning coffee and reflection on the journey’s memories.
The route to Venice takes you through the prosperous Veneto region, where the landscape gradually transforms from rolling hills to the coastal plains of the Venetian lagoon. As the familiar curves give way to the final straight roads, each mile brings you closer to the magical conclusion of your Italian adventure.
Arrive in Mestre where your trusty motorcycle completes its service, before transferring to the floating city itself. Venice provides an unforgettable stage for your farewell dinner, where fine cuisine, flowing wine, and shared stories celebrate the boundless memories created over eight days of riding through Italy’s most captivating regions.
Distance: 180 km / 110 mi
Road Character: Countryside sweepers, ending with coastal plains
Highlights:
- Historic center of Verona
- Grand farewell dinner in Venice
-
Day 10, Mestre Venice – departure day
As the morning light illuminates Venice’s timeless canals, your Essence of Italy journey comes to a close. Depart at your leisure with a heart full of memories – from Tuscany’s rolling hills to Ferrari’s roaring engines, from medieval towers to coastal villages, each mile has added to your collection of extraordinary experiences. As you bid farewell to Italy, know that the roads of this magnificent country will be waiting to welcome you back.
Departure transfers can be arranged to Venice Marco Polo Airport or other locations upon request.
Included in the price:
- Airport transfers upon your arrival and departure (only on arrival and departure days)
An experienced tour leader on a motorcycle
BMW F750 motorcycle or similar, with 3 hard/lockable cases including a Third-party liability insurance - Fuel for your bike during the tour
- Support vehicle for your luggage and support necessities, it can accommodate two passengers (for guided tours with a minimum of 7 participants). If less participants, can be supplied for a supplement.
Accommodation during the tour (9 nights) in high-rated (4*) hotels or countryside villas, boutique where available
Breakfasts (9) during the tour
Lunches (7) light lunch during riding days in authentic local restaurants and eateries whenever possible - Dinners (8) (except on rest/departure days) in authentic local restaurants whenever possible
Still and sparkling water at dinners - Guided tour of Cinque Terre with a local tour guide and a train ticket
Tolls and parking fees
Welcome package
Not included in the price:
- airline tickets,
- deposit for bike damage
- travel and medical insurance
- lunches,
- additional drinks at dinners,
- personal spending,
- optional trips,
- speeding and traffic violation penalty tickets,
- tips at restaurants,
- tips for tour staff,
- anything not listed under “Included in the price”