11 Days Guided Motorcycle Tour in Tuscany and Sardinia, Italy and Corsica, France

Day 1: Welcome to Rome! (late morning / early afternoon arrival is recommended)

A private car will transfer you from the airport to the hotel where you will find Enrico waiting to give you a warm Italian welcome. After you’ve put your luggage in the room and taken a refreshing shower, you will convene in the bar of the hotel for a "meet and greet" with your fellow tour colleagues.

Then you are ready to 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.

Then, you all go for your first taste of true Roman cuisine. One of Enrico’s favorite restaurants is chosen for a fabulous welcome dinner. During your first dinner together, you will learn more about what to expect for the exciting days ahead. Overnight is in Rome.

• Highlights: Meet your motorcycle, meet your guide, meet your fellow riders, welcome dinner.

Day 2: Roma to Siena (278 kilometers / 173 miles)

You leave Roma heading North towards Tuscia, an area once inhabited by the Etruscans. Tuscia is home to Italy’s largest 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 Ronciglione, you ride towards 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 973 AD.

On the way to Siena, you stop to visit Pienza, considered to be the incarnation of a Renaissance utopia and an ideal city. Having obtained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, today it continues to show off to the world its refined and sophisticated Renaissance urban plan: its spaces and perspective onto its 15th century “piazze and palazzo” are organized according to the era’s ideals of rationality and humanism.

Back on the bikes, you ride the sweeping road that cross the Crete Senesi, famous for its stunning moonscape. For your first dinner in Siena, you will be pampered by the delicious dinner that Ms. Letizia, the owner of a lovely 16th century inn, nestled in the quiet of ancient olive trees has prepared for you to celebrate your first riding day in Italy. Overnight is in Siena (the hotel has a swimming pool).

• Highlights: Tuscia Viterbese, Ronciglione, Val D’Orcia, Radicofani, Pienza, Crete Senesi.

Day 3: Siena to Livorno (258 kilometers / 160 miles)

This is a great day, with endless curves, one after the other, on the roads of the Tuscany Academy of the Motorcyclist! In the first part of the morning, you ride the back roads that bring you to the Abbey of San Galgano, home of Italy's very own “sword in the rock”.

Back on the bikes, you challenge the sweeping road towards Volterra before plunging into the scenic roads of the Colline Metallifere, a little-known, but fascinating part of Tuscany. After a short stop in the beautiful hamlet of Bolgheri, you reach the town of Livorno where you spend our second night. Overnight in Livorno.

• Highlights: San Galgano Abbey, Colline Metallifere, Bolgheri.

Day 4: Livorno to Ferayola (198 kilometers / 123 miles)

In early morning, you board the ferry to cross the Mediterranean Sea for a four-hour cross to Bastia on the NE coast of Corsica. So, a big thumbs up! Yes, because from Bastia, traveling on the fabulous roads of this rugged island, you head north following the coast line around the thumb of Corsica before heading south to Ferayoula.

Today’s riding is the most unforgettable motorcycle experience; a perfect mix between coastline roads with their dramatic cliffs, desolate areas like the Desert des Agriates, and twisty mountain roads. Overnight in Ferayola.

• Highlights: Cap Corse, Nonza, Desert des Agriates, Calvi.

Day 5: Ferayola to Santa Teresa di Gallura (288 kilometers / 179 miles)

Yes, everything is surreal: You are in "hell", or if you prefer you are in "paradise!" The coastline road from Ferayola to Cargese is something impossible to describe: narrow, challenging roads, spectacular landscapes with the mountains reflected into the sea. The scenery of Les Calanche is simply stunning!

And, once you get Cargese, the fun continues! Riding the mountain road to Bonifacio is both breath-taking and scenic. You will arrive in Bonifacio with plenty of time to catch the ferry to Santa Teresa di Gallura on the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia, ending another day of fabulous riding! Overnight in Santa Teresa di Gallura.

• Highlights: Col de la Croix, Les Calanche, Bonifacio.

Day 6: Santa Teresa di Gallura - Tresnuraghes (288 kilometers / 179 miles)

You leave Santa Teresa di Gallura heading south challenging the beautiful roads of the Gallura. After a coffee break, you’re off to Tempio Pausania, at the foot of Monte Limbara; a charming town famous for its cork products and the production of granite.

You ride further before reaching the Roccia dell’Elefante, “The Elephant Rock”; a striking dark trachyte rock sculpted by the wind to resemble an elephant. After a good lunch with the "Elephant", you are on the bikes once again towards Alghero, an ancient Catalan town on the Mediterranean Sea.

After a short visit of the town, you are challenged again by the scenic coastline from Alghero to Bosa. Leaving Bosa, you climb up towards Tresnuraghes, your destination for the next two nights. Overnight in Tresnuraghes.

• Highlights: Tempio Pausania, Charamonti, Elephant Rock, Alghero.

Day 7: Free day in Tresnuraghes

Relax, relax, relax! A whole day at the sea to do what the typical Italian does! Spread out on the beach and swim in the warm water! Or, for those who prefer riding today as well, there are many roads to ride returning easily to Bosa. Hear The Road Motorcycle Tours Italy definitely doen’t want you to lose the riding habit! Overnight in Tresnuraghes.

• Highlights: Relax on the beach.

Day 8: Tresnuraghes to Cala Gonone (249 kilometers / 155 miles)

You head south-east towards the rugged yet scenic roads of the Monti del Gennargentu, a vast wild area, crossed by deep gorges and canyons. This land that is totally unspoiled and known to be home to rare species of wildlife.

After the lunch in Fonni, you get back on the bikes and heading North-East we rech the Gulf of Orosei, completing your “coast to coast” ride of the entire island! Overnight is in Cala Gonone.

• Highlights: Boreneddu, Fonni, Gennargentu National Park, Gulf of Orosei.

Day 9: Cala Gonone - Cagliari (241 kilometers / 150 miles)

Today you finish in style riding the dramatic coastal road that run along the west side of Sardinia. For sure you will stop on the way to Cagliari for taking pictures to immortalize your unforgettable ride on this fabulous Italian island.

Viilasimius is your last stop in Sardinia and it will be an unforgettable moment. This morning, please dress up your swimsuit because before lunch on the beach you will swim again in the warm water of the Mediterranean sea!

Back again, you will open the throttle of your motorbikes along the curves of the road that lead you to Caglairi where the ferry to Civitavecchia is waiting for you! Overnight on the Ferry from Cagliari to Civitavecchia.

• Highlights: Bay of Orosei, Villasimius, lunch on the beach, last swim into the Mediterranean sea.

Day 10: Civitavecchia to Rome (236 kilometers / 147 miles)

From Civitavecchia, you ride the fantastic climb towards Tolfa. After short stops in Tolfa, just to give you more chances to sip a good Italian Espresso, you reach the volcanic lake of Bracciano. You stop for lunch at Trevignano Romano before riding the beautiful coastline road around the lake back to Rome.

You will return the bikes before heading to the hotel to relax momentarily; freshen up for your last dinner together to celebrate your wonderful Italian adventure .Overnight in Roma.

• Highlights: Tolfa, Lake Bracciano, Trevignano Romano, farewell dinner.

Day 11: Departure day

Time to say "arrivederci" to your new friends! Pack the bags, collect the souvenirs and cameras in preparation for your trip home. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport per your flight schedule.

Motorcycle rental models

Motorcycle class 2

• BMW F800 GS, BMW F800 GT, DUCATI SCRAMBLER 800, DUCATI MONSTER 797
• 1 rider in a shared room: 4,550 EUR
• 1 rider in a private single room: 5,100 EUR
• Couple in a private double room: 7,470 EUR

Motorcycle class 3

• BMW R1200GS, BMW NINET, BMW R1200R, BMW R1200 RS, DUCATI MULTISTRADA 950, DUCATI SUPERSPORT 939
• 1 rider in a shared room: 4,690 EUR
• 1 rider in a private single room: 5,240 EUR
• Couple in a private double room: 7,610 EUR

Motorcycle class 4

• BMW R1200 GS ADV, BMW R1200 RT
• 1 rider in a shared room: 4,740 EUR
• 1 rider in a private single room: 5,290 EUR
• Couple in a private double room: 7,660 EUR

Motorcycle class 5

• BMW S1000 XR, BMW R1000 R, DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260, DUCATI DIAVEL
• 1 rider in a shared room: 4,940 EUR
• 1 rider in a private single room: 5,490 EUR
• Couple in a private double room: 7,860 EUR

Motorcycle class 6

• BMW K1600 GLT
• 1 rider in a shared room: 5,060 EUR
• 1 rider in a private single room: 5,610 EUR
• Couple in a private double room: 7,980 EUR

Note

For those who have decided to rent their bike through Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours Italy, the equipment includes motorcycle rental with side cases, top case, locks and alarm. The bike rental prices include costs for public-liability insurance and insurance for any road assistance in case of break-down.

For rented bikes, a deposit for damage, theft, and fire between 1,500 EUR and 3,000 EUR is requested, depending on the chosen model. 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.

Support vehicle

The van will be carrying a tool-kit for small repairs. You’ll be able to leave your cases (one suitcase plus one 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!

Skill level(s) required for this tour: advanced

Advanced:

• can ride for 5-6 hours
• extensive riding experience
• assistance on demand (if required)
• experienced with riding a variety of motorcycles
• comfortable with any terrain and weather conditions

This tour will take you to beautiful places in Italy, such as Rome, Montefollonico, Livorno, Ferayola, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Tresnuraghes, Cala Gonone, and more.

• Welcome and farewell dinners in Rome
• 10 nights accommodation with breakfast
• Ferry tickets: Livorno to Bastia, Bonifacio to Santa Teresa di Gallura, Cagliari to Civitavecchia
• Transfer from and to the airport
• Italian tour leader
• Courtesy van to pick up and leave the bikes
• Support van driven by Enrico’s assistant
• A detailed road-book with all the information you’ll need, a map of Italy, the “Wordless Travel Book”
• A courtesy mobile phone with 10 EUR of credit 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

• Fuel for your motorcycle
• Tolls on motorways
• Entrance fees to museums or other sites
• Gratuities and tips
• All meals except for the welcome and farewell dinners
• All beverages
• Flights to and from Rome
• Travel insurance (Hear the Road Motorcycle Tours Italy suggests that anyone traveling abroad for one of their tours consider purchasing travel Insurance. It can take the worry out of the unexpected situations that can arise in any travel plan)

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid 60 days before arrival.