Highlights

• Rome

• Crater lakes south of Rome with popes residence

• Overnight towns of Erice, Cefalu, Taormina, Tropea and Sperlonga

• Loop around and across active Aetna Volcano

• Bay of Policastro

• Amalfi Coast

• Southern Italian Food

More Information

Southern Italy has a lot to offer: active volcanoes, a beautiful coastline with the mountains are never far away. Each of the towns where we will stay has something special about it and is worth exploring. Apart from Rome and Erice they all are situated along the coast, so don’t forget swimming gear. But just sitting there and enjoy the unbeatable views each of the places will be throwing at us will be a highly rewarding activity.

Don’t be fooled by short distances! There is so much to see and stop for along the way that our days will be thrilled with excitement. Most of the roads are very winding as well which keeps us perfectly occupied (for looking at the daily route just copy the link and paste it into you browser). Last but not least – each days destination is worth spending time there (just google them). Overall difficulty will be at 4 out of 5. The tour is well suited for couples. It’s not only about riding, there is a lot of culture and of course great Italian food to be experienced.

If your time allows I would recommend to come a day or two early to Rome. First of all: You will avoid jet lag on the first riding day. Second: Rome is well worth some extra day.

What’s included in the tour

• Your choice of BMW, Ducati or Honda motorcycle


• Support vehicle for additional luggage and limited space for passengers

• Motorcycle insurance


• Accommodations at comfortable family owned middle-class to top hotels

• All breakfasts and dinners


• Fuel during the entire trip


• 2 ferry rides


• All entrance fees and tolls

Not Included in the Tour Price

Not included in the tour price are international or other airfare to/from Rome, Italy, personal items, passport, speeding tickets and other fines, lunches, beverages, personal hotel room charges, laundry and dry cleaning, telephone calls, medical and accident insurance, and transportation to and from the airport.

Accommodations

The hotels are mostly family-owned and -operated and each has wonderful local flavor. They are three- and four-star establishments, and all provide breakfast and dinner. You will feel welcome and at home right away. Some hotels have a pool or sauna, so bring your bathing suit, and all provide hair dryers. If you bring any electronic devices, remember that Europe has different voltage (220V) and electrical outlets, so make sure you have the right converters and plugs and that your electronic devices work on both voltages. Casual clothing to wear in the evenings is fine; there’s no need for formal wear.

Group Size

The group will be between six and 12 riders and will be led by one or two guides.

Roads and Traffic

Though riding about 150 miles a day may seem easy don’t be deceived. But everyday there is so much to see and combined with rather winding roads our program will usually occupy as from morning to around 4 pm.

Rental Bikes

Available motorcycles may be subject to change.

Motorcycles are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, depending upon availability and are not guaranteed.

Keep in mind that smaller bikes handle much better on alpine roads! Great choices for a carefree, leisurely ride are the F 750 GS, F 850 GS, F900XR and the R900R. They handle very easily on the hairpins and still have enough power to keep up with anybody else on the mountain roads. The R1250GS or the R1250RT are good choices for two-up riding. Anything bigger (and heavier) takes away the pleasure of riding in the Alps. You may want to check out these bikes at your local dealer to see which one feels the most comfortable for you.

Luggage

One piece of luggage per person will go on the support van. Tour members will be able to securely store suitcases and any other extra luggage in the first hotel of the trip. The motorcycles we provide for our tours are equipped with a luggage system. Each bike will come with two side cases and a top case.

An electrical socket for GPS is available upon request on most bikes. You will need to bring your own 12 V accessory Powerlet plug that fits the BMW/Euro-style socket.

The rental motorcycles are not equipped with tankbags. If you bring a tankbag, make sure that it uses straps and not magnets, which won’t work on the BMWs’ tanks.

Motorcycle Insurance

The deductible for the motorcycle insurance included in your tour package is approximately $1200. The actual amount may vary due to currency fluctuation. This amount is not charged or held to your card as we use an honor system with our guests. In case of minor damage to your motorcycle, an appraisal of the repair cost is made, based on the dealer’s cost, and billed to you with the understanding that you are responsible for up $1200. In case the cost of any damage to the motorcycle is higher than the deductible, or if the bike is stolen, the full deductible will be due. The insurance company will cover the remainder of the cost.

Trip Insurance

It is highly recommended that you get trip insurance. Also, check with your health insurance provider about your coverage while traveling overseas. For additional information on trip cancellation insurance, visit insuremytrip’s website.

For more information about insuring your trip with us, please refer to our blogpost about that topic.

Minimum Tour Requirement

We reserve the right to cancel any tour if the number of participants booked does not meet the minimum requirement to operate the trip or due to force majeure. In the unlikely event that this should occur, your payment will be refunded minus the non-refundable registration fee. This fee can be applied to another tour of your choice.

Please make your flight reservations after the registration deadline for the tour. We will send you a reminder email to book your flight.

Weather

Temperatures will range between 64 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (between 18 and 28 degree Celsius). The altitude changes during the day’s ride, and the temperature changes accordingly. It can rain and be chilly on the mountain road, yet be warm when you come down into the valley. Dress in several layers so you can easily adjust to the weather conditions and always travel with rain gear! In case of heavy rain or other bad weather, we will choose the shortest route to the next hotel and avoid pass roads wherever possible. A heated vest is good option for the cool temperatures in the mountains at that time of the year.

Payment, Reservation, Cancellation Policy

For our policies with regards to payment, reservation and cancellation, refer to our FAQs