The Italian Idyll 

Italian Idyll Overview

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 six: Tuscany, the Marche, Umbria, Lazio, Molise, 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, Rome 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, on a guided walking tour, we will see first hand that 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. Ending with our first group dinner in a lovely restaurant down a quaint stone street, your first day will leave your mind and your belly full.

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 and Umbria 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 the 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!

Ride the Gran Sasso Range

A dip into Abruzzo takes us, once again, almost to the east coast of Italy. Abruzzo is sited in the highest and wildest portion of the Apennines. Three mighty mountain chains contain the highest peaks in the 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 here 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

All Roads Lead to Rome

It is more than a cliché—every road sign really does point to Rome! There is no escaping history on the way to the city. One route visits Villa Adriana, Hadrian's residence in Tivoli. Here the emperor built a personal city that truly gives us an idea of the lavishness and enormous power of Ancient Rome. Another route passes Monte Cassino, where Allied armies in WWII, after 4 assaults resulting in 55,000 Allied casualties, finally breached the Nazi's Gustav line and were able to continue their march to Rome. Our two days in Rome are rewarding, with enough time to see this magnificent city and taste some of the history, but not so much to be overwhelming. A private city tour is included as part of the Italian Idyll, and when it is complete you will have had an intimate view of the millennia of history here.

To the Tyrrhenian Coast

Italian culture is very much about the sea. An overnight on a magnificent property on the west coast will help you understand why. At the foot of the impressive Monte Argentario, Porto Santo Stefano is a working man's port with fishing boats vying for moorings among the jet-setter's yachts.

On the way there pass through active thermal areas where the earth's heat is used to produce power with sustainable resources.

Rooms with a view, Porto Santo Stefano

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!

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 crazy, majestic Rome, artistic and beautiful Florence, and elegant Siena. Stroll on the Ponte Vecchio, visit the Roman Forum, and enjoy a glass of Chianti in Piazza del Campo. 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!