Sicily and Southern Italy - Rome

Our tour begins with the reception of tour participants at the airport and transfers to the hotel with Aventura Motorcycle Tours staff. The group will get together in the evening for a welcome drink, dinner, and a little first surprise to warm us up for the days ahead: a three-hour night motorcycle ride around Rome!

It is said that all roads lead to Rome, and millions of people come to this vibrant city every year to marvel at its unique charm. Only a few do it by night and ride on two wheels. We leave for this fantastic evening ride right after dinner, and our route will have eight stops in major landmarks designed to tell us about the city's history and appreciate all its beauty from a different point of view.

We'll start our ride through Sicily riding along a northwest inland route from Rome to Civitavecchia. Along the way, we'll pass through picturesque towns such as Cerveteri and Tolfa. In Tolfa, we'll see the Palazzo Dei Priori, a sensational example of medieval architecture.

After lunch, we'll continue our ride to the port town of Civitavecchia, where we'll board the overnight ferry to Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. The ferry ride will allow us to rest and relax, enjoying a pleasant sailing in the Mediterranean.

After arriving in Palermo, we'll head to Agrigento, passing through the town of Corleone for lunch. Corleone is a picturesque town with a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire, and it's a great place to experience the local culture and way of life. It is also famous for being featured in "The Godfather" celebrated movies by Francis Ford Coppola.

We will continue our ride south to Agrigento, a town famous for its Valley of the Temples, an archeological site of ancient Greek temples declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Valley of the Temples is one of the world's most impressive and well-preserved examples of ancient Greek architecture.

Now riding to the east coast of Sicily, our route will take us to Ragusa Ibla. This charming medieval town is located in a valley, surrounded by abrupt cliffs, and is known for its architecture, a mesmerizing blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Modica follows next, yet another quaint town full of charm.

We'll then ride to Marzamemi, a little fishing village on the southernmost point of Sicily. We'll have the opportunity to stroll along the town's narrow streets before calling it a day in our historic hotel nearby, an old villa restored to perfection, and experience an excellent local dinner there.

The day starts with a ride up north to Noto and then northeast towards Syracuse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important cities in the ancient world. We turn north again and head straight to one of the highlights in Sicily, the Etna volcano. Riding along winding mountain roads will be memorable; you can rest assured.

After the mandatory photos on the Etna, we'll press on to Taormina, a gem of a town perched on a hilltop. Views will be magnificent, as Taormina overlooks the Ionian Sea and faces the volcano in all its splendor. Tomorrow we'll have a full day to explore it in full.

There are plenty of things to do in Taormina, from strolling through the ancient streets to relaxing on the beaches, shopping in local boutiques, or sipping a glass of wine in one of its many restaurants. We can also take a cable car ride down to the stunning Isola Bella, a small island just off the coast of Taormina, home to many exotic plants and animals.

After leaving Taormina, we'll follow the coast towards Messina, where we'll take the ferry across the Strait of Messina to Calabria, leaving Sicily behind us. Once in Calabria, we'll drive along the A2 highway towards Palmi and then take secondary roads through the Aspromonte National Park. This protected area is home to many unique plant and animal species.

Continuing along the SS106 now, we'll reach the town of Favaco, where we'll turn north towards beautiful Stilo and its gorgeous views, then Spadola, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Calabrian Apennine Mountains.

The journey from San Marco Argentano to Matera is a veritable feast for the senses! Crossing the Pollino National Park, we'll marvel at its diverse landscape: its rocky peaks and lush forests. The park is a pristine and protected area known for its rare wildlife, such as the elusive wolf, wildcat, and golden eagle. With a bit of luck, we may be able to spot some of them on our way.

Continuing our journey, we'll arrive at the jaw-dropping Rocca Imperiale, the hilltop town that dominates the landscape with its imposing castle and historic center. The castle, built in the 11th century, is another highlight of our trip. Matera is our destination today; there's plenty to see in this fascinating and unique medieval city. We'll have the whole day tomorrow to do it.

Matera is an enigmatic city that has captivated travelers for centuries with its unique blend of history, culture, and architecture. The city is known for its Sassi, a complex system of ancient cave dwellings and rock-cut structures that are believed to be some of the oldest human settlements in Europe.

The local cuisine is a blend of flavors and techniques passed down through generations. Visitors will find many opportunities to sample traditional dishes such as cavatelli pasta with lamb ragu, and the famous Matera bread, made using ancient techniques and local grains. The city's numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants provide a variety of culinary experiences, from casual street food to fine dining.

This day promises breathtaking views at every turn: we will ride through the countryside of the Basilicata territory. Our route will first take us through the enchanting town of Alberobello, known for its iconic trulli houses - whitewashed, conical-roofed structures unique to this region of Italy. We can explore local crafts and produce there, with handmade pottery, olive oil, and wines.

Continuing our ride, we'll arrive in Castelmezzano. This postcard-like mountain town sits in the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites. It is famous for its dramatic cliffside location, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We can explore its narrow alleys and historic buildings or relax and enjoy the area's natural beauty.

It's time to return to the coast, and our journey for today will start with crossing the Cilento e Vallo di Diano Park. As we wind through it, we'll pass through Vallone, a hidden gem of the Cilento region. Time allowing, we can try one of the town's trattorias to sample the delicious local cuisine.

The Cilento is a pristine and unspoiled region; riding it on two wheels is an absolute pleasure. No better way to leave the inland behind and be reunited with serene coastal views! The day ends with our arrival in Santa Maria di Castellabate for a fulfilling seafood meal that is so characteristic of the area.

Pompei is our destination for today, and to get there, we will first ride on a fast highway that will take us to the famous Amalfi Coast. We won't have much time to explore it properly, as it would take a few days to understand this well-visited coastal area and its worldwide appeal fully. We'll see some of its highlights, though, and it will be worth the detour.

Once we reach Pompei, we'll spend what is left of the day exploring the ancient ruins of the city, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. We'll have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the ancient Romans who lived there and then enjoy a local meal after this long and rewarding day on the saddle.

On our final tour day, we'll ride back to Rome, mainly using fast roads, as we must first visit Monte Cassino and its abbey. The imposing hilltop monastery, founded in the 6th century by Benedictines, was the site of a major battle between Allied and Axis forces during World War II. Heavily damaged and subsequently rebuilt in the post-war years, it remains an important cultural and religious site in Italy and attracts many visitors each year.

Rome awaits us, and after a final stint on the highway, it's time to return the bikes, enjoy one last group dinner, and exchange memories from these incredible and insightful days on the road.

Breakfast at the hotel, and time to say goodbye to our new friends. Aventura Motorcycle Tours will transfer you to the airport.