Sicily to Rome RTS 2501

Arrival and Kick-Off – The Beginning of a Great Adventure All of our tour participants arrived safely and on time at the stylish Grand Hotel Villa Istria – an ideal place to get ready for the upcoming trip. After a warm welcome briefing and the handover of the motorcycles, we enjoyed our first dinner together in a relaxed atmosphere, laughing, sharing stories, and making new friends. It was the perfect start to bonding as a group. With excited anticipation of the first day of riding and the many impressions that lay ahead, everyone retired early that evening. The Italian adventure can begin.

After a peaceful night in the Valley of the Temples, we left Agrigento after a hearty breakfast. The sky was still clear, but darker clouds were already looming on the horizon. Our destination: Cefalù, located on the north coast of Sicily – along one of the island's most beautiful routes, but not without its pitfalls. Along the way, we made a planned stop in the infamous Corleone – a small mountain town with a big, dark name. The history of the Sicilian Mafia is omnipresent here, evident in the street names, murals, and, of course, in the restaurants. Lunch in a simple trattoria in the town center was down-to-earth: pizza and a cold drink to fortify us for the second day's journey. The rest of the route led us through the mountainous interior of Sicily. The sky darkened, fog settled over the hilltops, and soon the first drops of rain fell. The roads – often cracked, with gravel, or deep potholes – demanded utmost concentration. At times, the rear wheel slipped on the wet asphalt. It was a challenging ride, where every kilometer counted. When we finally reached the north coast, the sky cleared. The sun broke through the clouds and bathed the landscape in warm light. The last few kilometers along the coast towards Cefalù were a delight. Despite the changeable weather, the narrow switchbacks, and the treacherous road conditions, we arrived safely at the hotel, where Dominik welcomed us with a "well-deserved" boot beer.

Curves, Culture, and the Scent of Herbs The day began in Cefalù, where we once again enjoyed the view of the shimmering Mediterranean before setting off on our bikes. First, we followed a stretch of the coast eastward – a relaxing start with a sea breeze and pleasant morning light on our skin. But soon the route led us inland, into the wild and romantic mountains of Sicily. The roads became more winding, the landscape more dramatic. We passed the pretty town of Castelbuono, whose old walls nestle charmingly into the hillside. Shortly after, Gangi came into view – a town steeped in history and with a unique real estate policy: Houses were actually being offered here for one euro! Even though we didn't stop, the view of this quaint little town with a view of Mount Etna was impressive. The route continued winding through the mountains, past lush green meadows and slopes in full bloom. Flowers everywhere, as far as the eye could see – a true sea of ​​color. The scent wafting through the air was particularly intense: herbs, wildflowers, and the warm scent of pine trees blended to create a unique aroma. We took a short break at Castello di Sperlinga – a fascinating place carved into the rock, with a touch of the Middle Ages. For lunch, our path continued to Cesaro, where we stumbled upon a genuine local restaurant – rustic, welcoming, and authentic. A real insider tip! Strengthened and happy, we then set off on the final leg of our tour – past more switchbacks, with frequent views of Mount Etna, until we finally reached Taormina, picturesquely nestled on the hillside, high above the sea. A day full of impressions, smells, curves, and stories – Sicily enchanted us once again.