Sardinia&Tuscany SPT26015

03 May 2026

/Henning Sewöster

/Gerald Mari

Friendships on Two Wheels: The Continuation of a Story… This group's adventure began on the "Best of Greece" tour – fueled by their shared passion for motorcycling. There, in 2025, the foundation was laid, and now the group continues their journey in Sardinia with the same Edelweiss spirit, as the friendships within the group deepen. From Sardinia to Tuscany – this tour is more than just a spontaneous ride. It's another exciting voyage of discovery on two wheels. Sardinia welcomes the group with a wild, unspoiled beauty: endless curves along rugged coastlines, turquoise seas sparkling in the sun, and the rugged hinterland with its secluded mountain roads. The scent of maquis shrubland fills the air, while small, sleepy villages beckon you to linger. Here, every stage is an interplay of freedom, nature, and adventure – perfect for those who want to experience motorcycling in its purest form. Further north, Tuscany will follow and unfolds its own unique charm: rolling hills that meander harmoniously across the landscape, fringed by cypress trees and vineyards. Golden light accompanies the drive through picturesque villages where history and culinary delights are at home. Winding country roads lead past olive groves and medieval towns – a region that is not just driven, but experienced. Here, the joy of driving blends with the Italian way of life, and every break becomes a moment of pure pleasure. Thus, this journey becomes a perfect symbiosis of adventure and relaxation, of speed and tranquility – and above all, another chapter in a friendship that continues to grow on two wheels.

Today's rest day was dedicated to culture, history, and culinary delights. The morning offered ample time to explore Florence's impressive old town at a relaxed pace. The famous Ponte Vecchio, the city's oldest bridge, was particularly striking. With its characteristic small shops, now primarily home to goldsmiths and jewelers, it is one of Italy's most iconic landmarks. Originally, butcher shops occupied the bridge; it wasn't until the 16th century that the Medici family transformed it into a prestigious venue. Afterward, the walk led to the imposing Florence Cathedral with its world-famous dome by Filippo Brunelleschi. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore dominates Florence's skyline like few other buildings and is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. The enormous dome was a technological marvel at the time of its construction and remains one of the largest masonry domes in the world. In the afternoon, an excursion to the rolling hills of the Chianti region—one of Italy's most renowned wine regions—was on the agenda. The destination was the historic Castello di Verrazzano, followed by a wine tasting. The winery is picturesquely situated among olive groves and vineyards and boasts a centuries-old history. The connection between the name Verrazzano and New York is particularly interesting: Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian navigator from Florence, was the first European to explore the shores of what is now New York Harbor in 1524. The famous Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which connects Staten Island to Brooklyn, was later named in his honor. The Chianti region itself is known worldwide for its high-quality red wines, predominantly made from the Sangiovese grape variety. These wines are characterized by their fruity aromas, subtle spiciness, and harmonious balance of acidity and tannins. The hilly landscape between Florence and Siena offers ideal conditions for viticulture: warm days, cool nights, and calcareous soils contribute to elegant and expressive wines. Chianti bottles used to often bear the symbol of the black rooster ("Gallo Nero"), which is still the hallmark of Chianti Classico today. The day concluded perfectly with a shared dinner at Affè di Bacco. In a typical Tuscan atmosphere, regional specialties and the day's culinary experiences were savored once more – a relaxed and enjoyable end to a varied and relaxing day in Tuscany.

Today began in a relaxed manner with a stroll through the historic heart of Siena. Even in the early morning, a special atmosphere pervaded the city: narrow medieval streets, warm stone facades, and the lively bustle of the small squares quickly made it clear why Siena is still considered one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. Our first stop was the famous Piazza del Campo. This shell-shaped square, where the traditional Palio di Siena horse race is held twice a year, has been the social center of the city since the Middle Ages. Enjoying a coffee in one of the small cafés, we soaked up the unique ambiance and let our gaze wander across the square as it slowly came to life. From there, the winding streets led us to the impressive Siena Cathedral. The cathedral is one of the most important Gothic churches in Italy. The black and white marble bands of the facade and the intricate floor mosaics inside, created over centuries by various artists, are particularly captivating. During the tour, you can feel the former wealth and pride of the medieval Republic of Siena, which flourished in competition with Florence. Back on the motorcycles, the real reason for the trip resumed: riding through the rolling hills of Tuscany. The winding roads led past cypress-lined avenues, vineyards, and golden fields. Sweeping views of the landscape opened up again and again, while the warm breeze and the hum of the engines made every stretch an experience. It is precisely this combination of freedom, nature, and movement that makes motorcycling here so special. Another destination for the day was the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. Secluded in the heart of the Crete Senesi, this Benedictine abbey was founded in the 14th century and continues to impress with its tranquil setting and atmosphere. The monastery is particularly famous for its fresco cycles depicting the life of Saint Beth. In the late afternoon, the route finally took us to Bagno Vignoni. This small town has been known for its hot thermal springs since Roman times. The village's central square is particularly unusual, as it's not paved with cobblestones but rather features a large thermal pool. Even medieval pilgrims and travelers stopped here to relax in the healing springs. Finally, the last leg of our journey took us to Pienza, our destination for the day. This small Renaissance town is considered the "ideal city" of its time and was redesigned in the 15th century by Pope Pius II according to humanist principles. Perched high above the Val d'Orcia, the city walls offer breathtaking views across the vast Tuscan landscape. Thus, this day impressively combined history, culture, and the unparalleled pleasure of motorcycling through the Tuscan countryside – a day full of memorable experiences that will linger in our memories for a long time to come.