All new itinerary for 2024! Details to follow…
Day 1 – Bologna to Radda in Chianti
With everyone having arrived the previous afternoon in Bolognawe are ready to hit the road south for the Chianti region. Departing Bologna, we pass the Ducati factory, avoid the motorways and follow the SR/SP65 road south to Florence.
Along the way we will traverse the, ever popular amongst motorcyclists, Raticosa and Futa passes. Used during the glory days of the Mille Miglia, the Futa and Raticosa passes in Italy offer some of the most stunning driving roads in Italy. We also have the opportunity for a quick visit to the Mugello circuit along the way.
Visiting the center of Florence (capital of the Tuscany region) for lunch we take a couple of hours to explore its beauty. Florence’s museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.
Departing Florence, we follow the ‘Chianti Road’, regarded by many as Tuscany’s finest driving route, south through one of Italy’s most prized regions – renowned worldwide for its vineyards. Along the way we pass through some beautiful villages such as Greve in Chianti – an old town with a Franciscan Monastery and annual wine festival!
Our destination, Radda in Chianti, is a beautiful medieval town enclosed in large defensive walls. Located up on a hill between the valleys of Arbia and Pesa – it has ancient origins. Its stone facadesadd to the medieval look characterized by narrow streets and tower buildings.
It is no wonder that Radda served as the capital of Chianti; its prime position served as a point of coordination between its neighbors Gaiole and Castellina. The picturesque panorama, the small town feel, a calendar rich with cultural events and the natural flavors of the land make Raddaa destination that should always be part of an itinerary in Chianti.
Day 2 & 3 – Chianti & Tuscany
Based in Radda for 2 nights allows us ample opportunity to explore the town and region in great detail. There’s lots to see and do both on and off the bikes whether it’s a short visit to one of the neighbouring villages, the town of Siena, or a vineyard tour!
optional ride out, heading south east, incorporates some of the most picturesque rolling countryside, that Tuscany is famed for, intertwined with great roads and lots of coffee stops along the route. With wine tasting planned for the afternoon.
With careful research we have selected the family owned Cantalici Winery. Founded by the Cantalici brothers Carlo and Daniele in the mid-nineties who, until then, had worked in forestry with their father Loris, tending the woods that alternate with vineyards on the sweetly sloping Tuscan hills. In 1995 when Carlo and Daniele decided to specialize in wine growing techniques.Their service company was quickly to become a reference point for wine-growers in the area. Today, it continues to grow, and cater to an ever-growing number of clients who request their skills in creating olive groves and vineyards, with services ranging from vine spacing and exposure to actual planting. The growing consensus encouraged Carlo and Daniele to set up their own winery, putting their years of experience in the field to work for themselves. They saw it as a chance to create a product that would reflect all their love and talent for winemaking.
These were the beginnings of the Cantalici Winery, a dynamic new company that planted its first vines in 1999 and is already a member of the Chianti Classico Consortium.ques.
Their service company was quickly to become a reference point for wine-growers in the area. Today, it continues to grow, and cater to an ever growing number of clients who request their skills in creating olive groves and vineyards, with services ranging from vine spacing and exposure to actual planting.
The growing consensus encouraged Carlo and Daniele to set up their own winery, putting their years of experience in the field to work for themselves. They saw it as a chance to create a product that would reflect all their love and talent for winemaking.
These were the beginnings of the Cantalici Winery, a dynamic new company that planted its first vines in 1999 and is already a member of the Chianti Classico Consortium.
Their service company was quickly to become a reference point for wine-growers in the area. Today, it continues to grow, and cater to an ever growing number of clients who request their skills in creating olive groves and vineyards, with services ranging from vine spacing and exposure to actual planting.
The growing consensus encouraged Carlo and Daniele to set up their own winery, putting their years of experience in the field to work for themselves. They saw it as a chance to create a product that would reflect all their love and talent for winemaking.
These were the beginnings of the Cantalici Winery, a dynamic new company that planted its first vines in 1999 and is already a member of the Chianti Classico Consortium.
Day 4 – Chianti to Livorno
Departing the Chianti region, we turn west in search of the coast and our gateway to the Island of Corsica. Meandering cross country we travel through more spectacular countryside with coffee and lunch stops in San Gimignano and Volterra before arriving at the port city of Livorno.
San Gimignanois famous for its fascinating medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all the other buildings offering an impressive view of thesurrounding valley. At the height of its glory, San Gimignano’s patrician families had built around 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano still retains its feudal atmosphere and appearance. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, San Gimignano offers visitors the chance to step back in time while enjoying its local products including saffron and its white wine, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano
Our next stop along the route is the charming town of Volterra with an unmistakable Medieval character, where the atmosphere of an ancient village can still be felt and whose authenticity is protected by the relative isolation that has limited the development of the city center in the industrial era, safeguarding the city from urban speculation.
Livorno is one of the most important cities in Italy and is the capital of the Province of Livorno. Its main source of economy is its huge port and Livorno indeed has the third largest port in the country. Furthermore, its port plays host to a variety of cruise ships that dock and offer their guests a chance to see mainland Italy. Although many people pass through Livorno to get to Pisa, it is a fantastic destination in its own right and has a great deal of historical sites and beautiful coastline that are waiting to be explored.
Day 5 – Livorno to Calvi
With an early start we catch the ferry to Bastia on the French Island of Corsica. The ferry crossing takes four hours and we arrive on the Island hungry for good roads and spectacular coastal scenery. Turning right out of Bastia we head north to explore the many picturesque fishing villages along the Cape Corse peninsula with stunning coastlinebefore meandering our way across the top of the island to our destination at Calvi.
Located on the northwest coast of Corsica Calvi is known for its beaches and crescent-shaped bay. A medieval citadel overlooks the marina from the bay’s western end, and is home to Baroque St-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and cobbled streets. Restaurants line the harbour on the Quai Landry esplanade. Perched on a high hill a short distance inland, the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Serra has panoramic views of the area.
Day 6 – Calvi to Porto.
With an option for a late departure we have lots of route options on offer today as we traverse what we consider the most beautiful part of the Island along stunning coastal roads, over mountains and through gorges. It’s worth taking the time to enjoy and really soak it all up.
Day 7 – Porto to Bonifacio.
An excellent days biking is in store with a mix of everything as we continue our journey south to the southernmost point of Corsica at the town of Bonifacio. The first part of the day starts off with very scenic coastline which reduces our average speed but then opens up in the afternoon to fast flowing pristine roads.
Bonifacio is known for its lively marina and medieval cliff top citadel. The 13th-century Bastion de l’Etendard houses a small museum with exhibits on the town’s history. L’Escalier du Roi d’Aragon is 187 ancient steps carved into the cliff face. To the southeast, the uninhabited Lavezzi Islands nature reserve boasts granite boulders and sandy beaches.
Day 8 – Rest Day in Bonifacio
A perfect location for a rest day – there is lots to see and do in Bonifacio and the surrounding area. For anyone keen on biking there is the option of a quick visit to neighbouring Sardinia located only 11km (1 hour) away by ferry.
“The marina, citadel, old town and the views across the harbour and surrounding cliffs are the individual highlights of Bonifacio – but it is the atmosphere and Mediterranean ambiance that will stay longest in your memory…
Day 9 – Bonifacio to Corte
Leaving Bonifacio behind we travel north along the eastern coast of Corsica a short distance to the town of Porto Vecchio before turning inland to climb into the rural mountains for a cross country route north to our destination in the Gorges de la Restonica located just to the south of Corte. Along the way we will share the road with the infamous wild pigs that roam the countryside and keep us focused on the road ahead.
Day 10 – Corte to Pisa
With two routes on offer we can head direct to Bastia for our midday ferry back to Italy or take a longer more scenic route via Saint Florent.
Arriving in Livorno it’s a short distance to our hotel in Pisa where we have the evening to explore the town and to check if the tower is still standing…
Day 11 – Pisa to Bologna
As it’s our last day it’s a leisurely run to Bologna with an option for a late departure. Of course, there are longer routes on offer providing excellent biking for those who simply can’t get enough!
Day 12 – Bologna
An opportunity to relax or explore Bologna before the evening flight back to Ireland. Our hotel is trategically located near the Ducati Factory & Museum for those with a taste for exotic Italian motorcycles.
Please note this is an outline route and may be subject to change. We will be providing a detailed itinerary pre-departure to include all hotel info and points of interest.
